Google Play: March update with new Android features
With the March update, Google is rolling out new Android features via the Play Store and Play Services. Among other things, it brings cross-device Wi-Fi sync.
Android smartphone receives an update.
(Image: Andri wahyudi / Shutterstock.com)
Every month, Google delivers updates via Play Services and the Play Store. In addition to optimizations, the updates also contain new features for smartphones and other products in the Google ecosystem such as tablets, watches, smart TVs, Android Auto, and Chromebooks. No Android update is required from device manufacturers for the new features – Google distributes the update itself to all devices with Play Services.
Wi-Fi Sync
The March update for Play system services is quite manageable, but the new features sound quite practical. Above all, the update of Google Play Services in version 26.10 from 03/16/2026 brings cross-device Wi-Fi synchronization for smartphones, tablets, and PCs (i.e., Chromebooks, future Aluminium OS). With this feature, users can “share and sync known, trusted Wi-Fi networks across all their personal devices,” the company explains.
This means, among other things, that on all Android and ChromeOS devices connected to your Google account, you will find all created Wi-Fi connections without having to enter them manually, allowing you to establish a connection quickly and easily.
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Test premium games before buying
Also new is the ability to “test selected premium games for a limited time before purchasing.” Google is delivering this feature with Play Store version 50.6 and it is part of the Play Store innovations that Google announced as part of GDC (Game Developers Conference). On a Pixel 10 Pro in our editorial office, Play Store version 50.5.19 was still displayed as current. So it could take a while until the new version is offered to all users.
With Play Store version 50.5, released in early March, users can also try and play mobile games on a PC, according to Google. Also new is the option to buy games once in the Play Store and play them on PC and mobile device. Furthermore, Google is revising the wishlist in the Play Store: users can save their favorite games and receive notifications when the price changes.
Google has also thought a little about Wear OS device users. Smartwatches are getting a small visual update: when browsing the Play Store, animated placeholders are now displayed while pages are loading. The innovations are likely to be rolled out to Android devices in the coming days or weeks.
(afl)
