Android Market, changed name to Google Play

Internet search leader Google has just announced it will rename its growing Android Market to the more company-centered Google Play.

Internet giant Google has announced it will change the name of its digital marketplace from the Android Market to the Google-centric, Google Play.

For those that may have been living under a rock, the Android Market has long served as the center of Google’s digital marketplace, offering mobile applications, movies, and eBooks. Recently, the company added its music service to the mix – all of which will be incorporated into the renamed Google Play Store.

According to Google – and along with the name change – the Google Play Store has been tweaked and designed to ensure an easier way for customers to manage their digital content and provide an overall streamlined user experience. If, for example, your immediate concern is for the well being of all your Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young albums – or any of your other digital downloads – you need not worry. The change of name from the Android Market to Google Play Store will have no effect on any of the content you may have already purchased and stored on your password-protected accounts.

Why the name change you may ask? Well, it would appear in an effort to expand Google’s revenue from online advertising, which it derives an overwhelming 96-percent from, the internet search giant is seeking to position its online store as a dominant and streamlined center for both mobile device shoppers and those simply browsing from their desktops.

With the switch to Google Play, no doubt Google is hoping to provide a central hub much like Apple did when it expanded beyond its initial offering of music for iPod customers through its iTune’s store. With the addition of content, Google will surely hope it can lure customers — who may have simply shopped on the old Android Market for mobile apps – into buying other content that is on offer.

It’s not often Google finds itself the underdog, but latest figures suggest that while over 13 billion apps have been downloaded from the Android Market, it pales in comparison to Apple’s recent milestone of 25 billion apps downloaded since it opened in July 2008.

Of course one of the advantages customers will enjoy through the Google Play store is the ability to purchase content without it being tied down to an Apple device – giving consumers more mobility with their digital content than generally afforded Apple users.

Android users can expect mobile updates for the new Google Play store to be sent out automatically for their devices soon.