Google Trials AI-Driven 'Ask Play About This App' Feature on Play Store

Google is quietly testing a new AI-driven feature in the Play Store aimed at improving user interaction and app discovery. The feature, titled “Ask Play about this app,” uses Google’s Gemini AI to provide conversational responses to user questions about specific apps.

Gemini AI Integration on Play Store App Pages

The new section, labeled “Ask Play about this app,” has begun appearing for a small number of users on the app listing pages of select applications. This section is part of a limited test and has not yet been officially announced by Google. However, early visibility suggests that a broader rollout could be on the horizon if the test proves successful.

How the 'Ask Play' Feature Works

This AI-powered feature offers a text input field accompanied by several preloaded sample queries tailored to the app currently being viewed. Examples of such prompts include:

• “What do people like most about this app?”

• “How do I change my username?”

Users can either type in custom questions or tap on one of the suggested queries to receive instant responses. These responses are generated by Google’s Gemini AI and are designed to help users understand the app more thoroughly without scrolling through long descriptions or multiple reviews.

Conversational UI for App Insights

What sets this feature apart is its dynamic conversational interface. As users engage with the tool, the sample questions update in real-time based on previous interactions. This simulates a more natural conversation flow and enhances user engagement.

The answers appear just below the input field, allowing for quick reference. This setup not only saves time but also makes the decision-making process easier for users looking to install a new app or learn more about one they already use.

Gemini AI Behind the Scenes

The presence of the Gemini star icon in the new section confirms that the responses are generated by Google’s Gemini AI models. Gemini is Google’s family of advanced AI models designed to power natural language conversations, similar to how ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot operate.

This inclusion reinforces Google's commitment to integrating AI into everyday user experiences across its ecosystem, particularly within the Android and Play Store environments.

Limited Availability for Now

As of now, the “Ask Play about this app” feature is only available to a limited number of users. In a test conducted by Business Standard, the feature was visible on just one out of three Android devices. Additionally, the feature only appears for select popular apps such as:

• WhatsApp

• Spotify

• X (formerly Twitter)

• Uber

This selective rollout hints at a cautious testing phase, likely focused on gathering initial user feedback before a wider release.

What This Means for Android Users

If rolled out more broadly, this feature could transform how users research and evaluate apps on the Play Store. Instead of navigating lengthy reviews or scanning through FAQs, users could simply ask specific questions and get AI-generated answers instantly.

It’s also a step forward in Google's push toward more intelligent and interactive app ecosystems, where AI enhances discoverability and user experience.

Conclusion

Google’s “Ask Play about this app” feature is a promising innovation that brings conversational AI directly into the Play Store experience. Though still in limited testing, its potential to simplify app discovery and support is significant. With Gemini AI at its core, this feature may soon become a staple tool for Android users around the globe.