Anonymity has always been a mixed blessing for online interactions, and now thanks to Google it no longer has a place in the Google Play store.
On Tuesday, Google changed the way in which ratings and reviews work on Google Play and now requires users to have a Google+ page in order to leave a rating or review.
Additionally, where reviews previously displayed an arbitrary name chosen by a user, they will now display a link to a user's Google+ profile along with their name and picture.
What's in a name?
Meanwhile, the names from all previous reviews have been removed and replaced by the generic placeholder "A Google User".
This change comes as a result of Googles decision to integrate all of its products and will ostensibly help users find and follow reviews from reviewers that they trust.
One added - and interesting - side effect of this new login requirement is that offensive or overly critical reviews will now be tied directly to a user's Google+ page, and that developers will be able to respond reviewers personally if they choose to.
Nonplussed
Some mobile users are reporting that theyre still able to comment via their devices without logging in via Google+, but this is likely to change by the end of the week.
Currently, AndroidPolice reports that the Google+ login requirement is only live on Nexus 7 phones and browser-based access to the Google Play store, but it is expected to roll out to all other mobile Android devices soon.
News
US Correspondent
Representing the former colonies, Matt keeps the Pocket Gamer news feed updated when sleepy Europeans are sleeping. As a frustrated journalist, diehard gamer and recovering MMO addict, this is pretty much his dream job.
Top Stories
News
12 hours, 37 minutes ago
Week in Views - Squads busted, Apple crushed, War zoned and Snoozin' with the Snorlax…
News
12 hours, 37 minutes ago
Week in Views - Squads busted, Apple crushed, War zoned and Snoozin' with the Snorlax…
Feature
Apr 26th, 2024
Speaker Spotlight: Dubai Future Foundation's Faisal Kazim on leading Dubai's gaming charge
Events
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
Popular Stories
News
Apr 23rd, 2024
Supercell’s Squad Busters soft launches today with over 100,000 Google Play downloads
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024