Difference between Google Play Store and Google Play Services
Key Difference: Google Play Store is a digital store where one can access, buy, and download, all the apps, and games, as well as movies, books, etc. Google Play Services is actually a proprietary background service which allows the apps and other services to connect and communicate with each other.
The Google Play Store and Google Play Services are two services that are provided by Google. Many were confused as both the services have similar names, and as Google Play Services was not required by them before. However, after its launch many games and other apps asked user to download Google Play Services, which left many flabbergasted as to why they needed to download yet another app when they didn’t need it before.
Nonetheless, both app are actually required to have a streamlined Android functionality, as both of them serve two very different functions.
Google Play Store, at its name suggests, is a digital store where one can access all the apps, and games, as well as movies, books, etc. Once can purchase and download these games and apps from the Play Store into their Android devices.
However, Google Play Services is something different. It is actually a proprietary background service which allows the apps and other services to connect and communicate with each other. Basically, it allows Google to link the apps and services to your Google Account so that it can save data and games, and other information on its server by linking it to the account.
Google Play Services also allows the phone to communicate between different versions of Android and allows the user to get new features and security fixes even if they are not on the latest version of Android. It is also used to update Google apps as well as other apps from Google Play.
Basically, Google Play Services does most of everything that makes Android the Android that people love, and it does all of this in the background without needing any input from the user. Whereas, Google Play Store exists only to service the user as per their needs. Users can use the Play Store to access apps, and other objects and services that they may need or want.
Comparison between Google Play Store and Google Play Services:
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Google Play Store |
Google Play Services |
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Description |
A digital distribution service, including a digital media store |
A proprietary background service and API package for Android devices |
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Launched |
Android Market as on 2008. Re-launched as Google Play in 2012 |
Launched in 2012 |
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Built In |
Typically Built In |
Typically Built In |
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Function |
A digital store to purchase and download other apps, books, movies, etc. |
Service to connect apps and game to the Google Account for saving and data and info. |
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Services |
Allow one access to apps, games, books, movies, etc. |
Allows Google apps to update Allows third party apps to update Allows authentication of Google services Allows synchronized contacts Allows access to all the latest user privacy settings Allows higher quality, lower-powered location based services Enhances your app experience Speeds up offline searches Provides more immersive maps Improves gaming experiences |
Reference: Wikipedia (Store and Services), Play Store, Android Central, Android Pit Image Courtesy: mobipicker.com, androidcommunity.com
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