Google’s Shift from Shopping Apps to Web
In 2019, Google introduced a revamped Shopping experience, featuring a personalized homepage. This update saw the rebranding of the existing Express app on Android to Google Shopping. However, Google is now discontinuing the mobile app version in favor of focusing on the web platform.
Transition to Web-Based Shopping
Recently, Google confirmed that it will discontinue support for the Google Shopping apps on both Android and iOS. These apps will remain functional until June, as Google continues to integrate shopping functionalities into other platforms like Search, Image Search, and YouTube. The company is also enhancing these experiences with augmented reality technologies.
Official Statement
Google announced, “Within the next few weeks, we’ll no longer be supporting the Shopping app. All of the functionality the app offered users is available on the Shopping tab. We’ll continue building features within the Shopping tab and other Google surfaces, including the Google app, that make it easy for people to discover and shop for the products they love.”
App Transition and User Experience
Version 59 of Google Shopping began rolling out today, displaying a “Something went wrong” message, initially reported by XDA. This message is now visible to users who update the app via the Play Store. Although the app is currently inaccessible, users can continue shopping at shopping.google.com.
The Android and web experiences are nearly identical. The Android app utilizes a bottom bar instead of a navigation drawer. The “Home” feed suggests products based on user interest. Users can view “Saved” items, order updates, promotions under “Notifications,” and start the purchase process through “Cart.” By selecting their profile avatar in the search bar, users can access previous orders and reorder items. The Android app, developed using Flutter, shares feature parity with the web version.
Efficiency and Resource Management
The necessity of a standalone Google Shopping app is questionable, as most users tend to search for products directly in Google Search and filter results using the “Shopping” tab. By consolidating these functions, Google can optimize its engineering resources more effectively.
Communication and User Guidance
Unfortunately, the warning message regarding the deprecation of the Android app lacks clarity. We have reached out to Google for further confirmation and clarification on why users are being directed to the web instead.
Additional Information on Google Shopping
Thanks, Jondan!
