Google released the December Play Services update a few days ago. In this update, Google Play Store introduces a new feature that will allow users to remotely uninstall apps from their connected devices.
The feature is not currently active, but was discovered through reverse engineering
In a new blog post, the popular leaker who goes by the pseudonym ‘Assemble Debug’ has reverse-engineered the process of removing apps remotely via the Play Store. They can access this feature in version 38.8 of the Play Store.
Just as you can remotely install applications on your currently logged in Android devices, you will also be able to remove them from any connected device of your choice. However, the removal process is a little more complicated than the installation feature, let’s explain.
Once widely available, here’s what you need to do to uninstall apps from your Play Store-connected devices:
- Tap your profile picture in Play Store and open “Manage apps and device”
- Scroll to “Manage” section
- When you tap on the name of your current device, a list with all connected devices will appear.
- Select the device from which you want to remove apps
- Choose from the list of apps that appear for this device
- Tap the delete icon in the upper right corner to remove the selected app(s)
The leaker states that you can sort the apps to be removed by their name and size. This will be a feature that makes it easier to identify and delete heavier apps that take up more space on your device.
Good news for Android users! Hiding apps is now possible
Google, one of the important names in the technology world, is introducing a Private Area feature that will hide applications for Android users.
There also appears to be a bug currently affecting the feature. It does not list all apps currently installed on a device. However, Google will definitely solve this problem when it makes this feature of the Play Store more widely available.
According to Google’s patch notes, the app removal feature will be available on PC, smartphones, smart televisions and Wear OS. What are you thinking? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.