Google is restoring changelogs and ‘last updated’ dates in the Play Store
Google is constantly working to streamline the Play Store, and usually,its changes help make for a better experience. That said, not every move is for the best. Back in November,Google removed the “last updated” section from app listingsfor some users, preventing users from seeing whether or not specific software is still actively in development. Despite initially backing off from its efforts, the company has brought back these changes — along with some even more drastic moves. Luckily, the changes have since been rolled back for many people.
Several reportsonReddit, along with tips from our readers, found that the “last updated” date once again disappeared on the Play Store over the last few days, leaving Android users in the dark on the development history of services they don’t already have installed on their phones. It’s a significant step back for Google, which had seemingly stopped testing this change following last fall’s backlash on social media platforms.
Simultaneously, the What’s New section for each app — which shows a changelog provided by the developer — was also gone for some users, leaving a generic “No information” message in its place. It seems like these changes went hand-in-hand, so if you noticed you’re missing information on when an app was last updated, your What’s New section was likely blank.
Luckily, both the changelog and the last updated details are now making a return for many people. It almost looks like the changes are being made via a server-side update, as many people report that the changelogs are returning as they switch between the Play Store and another app and then back.
It’s possible this change was unintended on Google’s part, with some speculating a bug with the disappearing patch notes was responsible for the missing “last updated” date. Still, with these tweaks having been tested previously, it’s likely this is part of a broader change on the Play Store that were rolled back due to user backlash.
We’ve reached out to Google for comment and will update this story when we hear back.
UPDATE: 2022/03/04 09:09 EST BY MANUEL VONAU
Play Store changelogs are coming back
While not everyone can see the changelogs again just yet, it’s widely reported that they’re returning for many users. It’s unclear whether or not this was a bug or if Google is really looking to further de-emphasize APK updates over server-side changes to apps, which have increasingly become the norm for how apps are updated and working.
Thanks:Ryan Astley
Thanks: Paul, David, kwest12
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