If you have been using Android since the beginning, you would know that the present Google Play Store was not always there. Initially, the “app store” on Android phones was known as the Android Market, which was launched in 2008.
In the first 4 years of Android Market, Google launched multiple stores to download content. There was Android Market for apps and games, Google eBookstore for books and Google Music for music.
In 2012, Google launched one complete store, known as the present day Google Play Store, for all the content (apps, music, books etc.). However, Google Play Store worked on devices having Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above. Meaning, devices running on Android 2.1 (Éclair) and lower still used Android Market.
Also read: Google Assistant Tips and Tricks.
And, up to this day, Google supported Android Market. However, that is about to change, as Google has announced that it is ending support for Android Market on devices running Android 2.1 and below.
From June 30, 2017, users having Android 2.1 and below will no longer be able to access or install apps from the Android Market. Further, if you own one such device, you won’t be notified about this change through push notification or another medium, due to technical restrictions in the original Android Market app.
For devices running on Android 2.2 and above, you have your Play Store, so no need to worry.
Meanwhile, if you love to keep track of the Google Play Store update, we have made it easy for you to download the APK and find out new features. Bookmark this link to stay updated with Google Play Store updates.
Source: Google
