As previewed in March, the Google Play Store is enhancing the user experience with a new feature called “Slide to Buy.” This gesture is designed to confirm purchases of Android apps, books, movies, and TV shows. The previous payment method featured a blue “1-tap buy” button located at the bottom of the payment sheet, which has now been replaced with a more intuitive “Slide to Buy” pill.
The new “Slide to Buy” button is slightly taller than its predecessor and includes a circular handle adorned with two arrows to assist users in understanding how to use it. To enhance the user experience, there’s an animation that guides users the first time they encounter this feature, along with an additional bounce effect for visual feedback.
According to Google, the implementation of the “Slide to Buy” feature is aimed at preventing accidental purchases. Previously, confirming a purchase required users to tap two buttons located at opposite ends of the screen. With this new feature, users must now both tap and slide, adding a layer of friction that ultimately promotes better decision-making when it comes to purchases.
The “Slide to Buy” feature is being rolled out widely with the release of version 46.5.19-31 of the Google Play Store. This new payment method is now available across all instances of the Google Play payment sheet, including within the Google TV app, ensuring that users have a consistent experience across devices.
The introduction of the “Slide to Buy” feature is a significant enhancement for users of the Google Play Store. By requiring a slide gesture instead of a simple tap, Google aims to reduce the likelihood of accidental purchases, making the digital shopping experience safer and more user-friendly. As this feature continues to roll out, users can expect a smoother and more intuitive purchasing process.
