[Android app] Google Play Store updated (5.0.31) with Material design and new features

With the Android L release drawing closer, Google is continuing to bring the Material Design to many of its own apps and services. Most recently Google has started pushing out an updated version (5.0.31) of its Play Store which highlights the new design and adds several improvements.

The update will be pushed to your device automatically, but you can learn how to install the APK manually and find out what's new after the break.

If you dont want to wait for the automatic update, you can manually download and install the official APK file sign by Google, which will upgrade your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way.

[NOTE] It seems that Google Play Store version 5.0.31 is crashing on the Android L Preview release. So anyone running this release is advised to stay clear of installing this update, unless they are willing to revert back to an older version.

The first thing you will notice is the updated icon, which matches the flattened design style found in many of Google's newer icons. Check out the history of the Play Store icon, which first started off as the Android Market.

Evolution of the Google Play Store by Kirill Grouchnikov

Once you install the update, you will also notice that various enhancements to the overall design of the Play Store, which will feature Material Design elements all throughout its interface.

The What's New section is now highlighted green, and while it's still truncated after 4 lines on the main app screen for installed apps, once you click on it, you no longer have to scroll all the way down, which made no sense in the previous 4.9 update.

The update also introduces a new Play Store widget for your homescreen. This widget will allow you to select which content you want displayed on your homescreen, and is a welcome update to the ICS launcher.

The update also brings a new notification icon, which continues the Material Design trend, with a flattened look.

source - Android Police