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Google Adds Review‑Search to Play Store, Boosting App Transparency

Engadget •
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Google has rolled out a new search function that lets users sift through an app’s reviews on the Play Store. The feature appears after tapping ‘See all reviews’ and accepts exact matches of at least two words. By highlighting the search phrase, it mirrors Amazon’s review‑search tool and gives shoppers a sharper lens on what an app actually does.

Android Authority first spotted the tweak, and Google says it will populate a list of popular search terms beside the input box. The move comes as the company tightens its grip on fraudulent apps, sparking debate over user‑driven scrutiny. By letting consumers search reviews, Google adds a new layer of transparency for apps that slip past policy checks.

For casual shoppers, the ability to filter reviews by keyword means developers will need to address specific complaints more quickly. Existing Play Store tools only let users sort by rating or date, leaving hidden insights in plain text. With this addition, the platform edges closer to a fully searchable ecosystem, tightening the feedback loop between users and developers.

The feature rolls out gradually, starting in the U.S. and slated for global expansion later this year. Developers can preview the new search bar in the Play Console, allowing them to tailor their responses to the most common user queries.