“Google is constantly optimizing and tweaking its apps through various A/B tests, and the latest one for the Play Store has us scratching our heads quite a bit. We’ve noticed that the familiar and handy install button is disappearing for some in the Play Store’s search results, which means that you actually have to tap through to the full app listing to install an app. This behavior isn’t in place for all results and apps, though, making the tweak feel arbitrary and random…”

  • otacon239@feddit.de
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    23
    ·
    1 year ago

    For about a month, my Google Hone app swapped between a new interface and the old one about once every couple days. I was never sure what I was going to get.

    • Kichae@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      12
      ·
      1 year ago

      Of all companies out there, I’d expect Google to be able to run an a/b test right. You don’t learn anything of value by constantly pulling the rug out from underneath people.

      • ares35@kbin.social
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        1 year ago

        they probably are doing it ‘right’, at least by their own definition. a/b testing for a company like google is more about what generates the most revenue, not what pleases the product… err, users… most.

        • Kichae@kbin.social
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          1 year ago

          Even still, without a consistent experience over a reasonable amount of time, all you’re really monitoring is novelty or discombobulation. You’re not learning which interface generates more money.

          This only makes sense if discombobulation makes the most money.

        • ijeff@lemdro.idOPM
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 year ago

          I personally dislike that the notifications icon in the Play Store app shows me ads instead of app updates.