The Play Store has been around for ten years now and to celebrate the milestone Google has given the logo a refresh which will bring it into line with the logos of its other apps such as Gmail and Maps. More than just a place to download apps, the Google Play Store also serves as a game, book, and movie outlet. To further celebrate the Play Store's 10th birthday, Google is also offering a 10x multiplier on Google Play Points, which will give users 10 points per $1 spent on the Play Store instead of the usual $1. You'll need to activate the 10x bonus offer in the Play Store so join us after the break to find out how to do that and also learn about 10 notable features and milestones from the past decade.
Notable milestones and features
- New ways to enjoy apps and games: Products and features like Google Play Pass and Google Play Instant introduced new ways to discover and experience apps and games. We also launched Google Play Points so you can earn points and rewards for the ways you already use Google Play. As of today, more than 100 million people have joined the program.
- Gameplay on more devices: We set a goal to make our products and services work better together. Last year, we announced the beta of Google Play Games on PC in Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan — allowing for easy gameplay across your Android phone, tablet, Chromebook and Windows PC.
- A celebration of your favorite apps and games: Our annual Best Of Awards celebrate the top apps, games and other content on Google Play. Over the years, we’ve expanded it to 19 countries and added new categories like “Best Hidden Gems” and “Best Apps for Good.” We also introduced the Users’ Choice Award so you can vote for your favorite titles and recognize the developers that make the apps and games you love.
- A safe and trusted space: Google Play Protect, our built-in malware protection for Android, now scans and verifies over 100 billion apps every day to help keep your device, data and apps safe.
- Help for developers of all sizes: Every step of the way, we’ve invested in helping our developer community grow their businesses — including providing business and technical consulting and supporting small studios through efforts like our Indie Games programs.
- Support for nonprofits: You can make charitable donations through Google Play and even use your Play Points to support great causes, with 100% of your contributions going directly to nonprofits.
- Stronger representation in gaming: Through research, youth engagement and partnerships, Google Play’s Change The Game initiative celebrates and empowers women as players and creators. We’ve been particularly inspired by the creativity and talent of Design Challenge participants over the years.
- Resources for parents: The Kids tab in Google Play helps parents easily find and pick teacher-approved apps, while Google Kids Space — a kids mode on select Android tablets — features apps, books and videos for your kids to explore. Family Link also gives parents the tools they need to stay involved and help manage their children's online experiences.
- Investment in local economies: Partnering with our developer community has helped bring better apps and games to people around the world, created new jobs and supported local economies.
- A fresh look: The Play Store gets a fresh new logo.
How to activate the 10x Play Points bonus:
You'll need to open up the Play Store app, click on your Profile image, and then tap on Play Points in order to activate the 10x bonus. It's only valid for 24 hours and has to be activated today, the 26th of July. Play Points can be used to buy digital content such as movies, TV shows, and books as well as games and the In-App-Purchases within.
