Chrome Web Store is the online store for Google's Chrome web browser, and it's nothing like Google Play Store.
When the latter is colorful and clearly attractive, the former is kind of dull and boring. This is why Google, which made the store curiously outdated for years, is finally giving it a redesign. The change was initially previewed back in September, before Google is making it live for everyone.
The most notable change, is how Google redesigned the store to be in tune with its Material You design language.
Everything looks cleaner, and easier to use.
In all, the revamped store features a minimalist design with a prominent slider, a navigation bar, and a simplified sidebar.
On top, there are menus where users can visit the "Discover" home page for the store.
There, they can select between different categories, editors' picks, choices based on their previous downloads, and currently hot categories such as AI-powered extensions and dark mode-related add-ons.
Users can also filter the various categories by choosing only the ones featured by Google, or those created by established publishers.
Then, there is the "Themes' section, where users can browser and download themes to adorn their Chrome web browser.
There is also the "Extension" section, where users can download extension to increase the web browser's functionality.
Users can sort the extensions based on the most relevant Extensions, or the highest rated.
The refreshed store also features "Collections," which bundle up extensions or themes that Google handpicked to fit specific needs users may have.
And not to mention, there is a search box in the top right.
From the rounded rectangles all over the place, the plenty of white space, the redesign introduces a more sleek and fresh Material You design, which makes the store a lot similar to Google Play Store.
Google has been kind of slow in maintaining the Chrome Web Store, thus making it kind of outdated.
While the change is not too big, and that certain parts remain largely unchanged, the refresh does give a new vibe, which should make the store more align to Google's more current design.
The more friendly design should entice users into browsing the store, rather than just searching for something, install whatever they want, and leave to never return.