Google launches Ask Play chatbot in Play Store, adds Gemini app recommendations across Android

Google announced at I/O 2026 that it is integrating Gemini across the Play Store ecosystem with two new features: Ask Play, a dedicated chatbot for app discovery, and system-wide app recommendations through Gemini.

Ask Play chatbot

Ask Play is a Gemini-powered overlay within the Play Store designed for "deeper search journeys," according to Google. The chatbot builds on existing Q&A tools in Play that the company claims already answer "95% of user queries."

The feature includes a new "Highlights" function that surfaces summarized information at the top of search results. Google did not disclose when Ask Play will become available to users.

Gemini app recommendations

Starting in the coming weeks, Gemini will surface apps and games to users on web and within the Android experience. Later in 2026, Google plans to expand recommendations to include 450,000 movie and TV show titles, plus live sports streaming information.

The integration represents Google's strategy to use Gemini as a discovery layer across its services, moving app recommendations outside the traditional Play Store interface.

Play Games Sidekick expansion

Google is expanding Play Games Sidekick, an AI-powered in-game overlay that launched in March 2026. The feature delivers "AI-generated Game Tips, rewards, and achievements" according to the company.

New social features will show which friends are playing the same game. Sidekick is receiving a global expansion, though specific markets were not disclosed.

Developer tools

Google announced Gemini-powered tools for app developers, including:

• Automated localization with pre-populated content for different languages
• Auto-application of popular search trends
• Additional discovery and engagement features

What this means

Google is positioning Gemini as the primary interface layer between users and the Play Store's catalog. The shift from traditional search to AI-powered recommendations could significantly change app discovery patterns, particularly for developers without established brand recognition. The 450,000 movie and TV recommendation expansion indicates Google plans to use Play Store infrastructure as a content discovery hub beyond mobile apps, competing directly with streaming platform recommendation engines.