Android store facts for kids
When someone talks about an Android store, they usually mean one of two things. It could be the online place where you download apps and games for your Android phone or tablet, which is called Google Play. Or, it might refer to a special physical shop that used to exist, called Androidland, where you could see and buy Android devices.
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What is Google Play?
Google Play is like a huge online shopping mall just for Android devices. It's owned by Google, and it's the main place where people find and download "apps" (short for applications), games, movies, TV shows, books, and music.
Apps and Games
Most people use Google Play to get new apps and games. There are millions of apps available, from tools that help you with schoolwork to fun games you can play with friends. You can find apps for almost anything you can imagine.
Digital Content
Besides apps, Google Play also offers a lot of other digital entertainment. You can buy or rent movies and TV shows to watch on your device. There's also a huge library of e-books and audiobooks to read or listen to. For music lovers, Google Play used to have a music store, but now it mostly links to other music services.
How Google Play Works
To use Google Play, you need an Android phone or tablet and a Google account. You open the Google Play Store app on your device, search for what you want, and then you can download or buy it. Many apps are free, while others cost money.
History of Google Play
Google Play wasn't always called that. When it first started in 2008, it was known as the Android Market. It was mainly a place for apps. Over time, Google added more types of content like movies and books. In 2012, Google rebranded it as Google Play to show it was more than just an app store.
What was Androidland?
Androidland was a special physical store that opened in Melbourne, Australia, in 2011. It was a unique place designed to showcase Android phones and other Android-related products. It was a partnership between Google and the Australian phone company Telstra.
What You Could Find There
Androidland was not just a regular phone shop. It was an interactive space where visitors could experience Android technology firsthand. You could try out different Android phones and tablets. The store also had fun features like a giant Android robot statue and interactive screens. It was a place to learn about Android and see its features in a fun way.
Why Was It Special?
Androidland was one of the first physical stores dedicated entirely to the Android brand. It helped people understand what Android was all about beyond just the phones. It was a way for Google to connect with users in a real-world setting. However, it was a temporary or concept store and is no longer open today.