Earlier today, Google announced a change. Not a big change, or perhaps I should say, not a huge change. Today effectively marks the end of an era, so to speak, in regards to a name that many people have grown accustomed to over the years. The Android Market is no more, replaced by something that Google is hoping you'll embrace just as easily as you did the Market before it: Play. But, from what I can see spreading across the Internet, it doesn't look like Google's move was the best. 

First and foremost, let's just go ahead and say it: "You don't fix what isn't broken." For all intents and purposes, that's exactly what Google is doing right now. They're "fixing" the Android Market name because they think it is "broken" in comparison to other platform options out there. In addition, it is no secret that Google is now emphasizing the cloud more than ever, and aiming right for Apple's iTunes with this rebranding.

What I find strange in all of this, is the fact that I had never imagined Google wasn't going after every other digital retailer out there. It may not have been as apparent with just having a store that sells applications and games, but it has grown perfectly clear since Google unveiled the ability to download books, movies and music from the same place. They brought it all together in hopes of slapping other companies in the face with a glove.

While there are some initial deals in place for the launch of Google Play, which you can find inside the new Play Store, everything is staying the same. Except names. You won't just find Movies in the Play Store now. No, now it is called Play Movies. And Play Games. So all of this effort to change how people shop is all in a name, and people are taking it just like that. At face value.

Here's what I don't get. This focus on bringing all your favorite things to download into one place is great, but why does Google believe rebranding that place will have any affect on the other digital retailers out there? Specifically, Apple. The iTunes Store and App Store are distinctly separate outlets, even of iTunes is holding them together on the computer. So Google's focus on the Play Store and its rebranding seems like an effort to just "stay modern" or something. Unfortunately that wasn't necessary. Isn't necessary. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the Android Market.

Nothing. 

But things change, and that's just the way things go. Just a product of the times, right? In truth, while Google Play and the Play Store (along with every other little place that Play pops up) aren't going to ruin anything for Google, or even change anything. The general populace will probably only notice the change in passing. Those who do notice will notice at the same time that they can still download their apps, games and music from the same place and that will be the end of it.

But, enough of that. What do you think of Google Play?