Google has reserved more space on its services to display Google Ads ads. The April 2023 Android services update brought useful improvements such as improved privacy and more stability, but also the arrival of more advertising to the Play Store.
The app store already had some advertisements scattered around, but now it also has advertisements in the search history. This means the area can display suggestions for limited events or sponsored apps or games.
“Sponsored suggestions” are not explicitly labeled as an ad, but it is clear that this is a paid area as it is positioned above the previous data. Both types disappear once you start typing your search.
The behavior is expected just by tapping the Search Bar, without having to type anything, as explained on the company’s support page. It’s yet another attempt by the company to meet advertisers’ desires to increase downloads or sell more products and services via the app — and, obviously, make a little more profit.
Ads on Play Store search
On the bright side, most banners disappear after being shown, without a second view. But there is no denying the discomfort of many people with this, after all, you can accidentally touch the place and be directed by mistake.
The update is being pushed out to all Google Play Store users and will be present in version 35 or higher. As this improvement affects Android services, the update is mandatory and there is no way to skip the installation.
Last week, users complained about another Google ad practice. The company started showing advertisements amid the email listing in Gmail, which irritated many people on social networks.
Recently, the Search Giant also announced the use of artificial intelligence to create more optimized ads. The idea is that Google’s generative AI, which also powers Bard, will be able to create campaigns like a marketing agency.
