Samsung updates Game Launcher and turns it into a Gaming Hub

Samsung has transformed the Game Launcher app on Galaxy smartphones into Gaming Hub. This brings it closer to the Gaming Hub branding used on Samsung TVs. Samsung is also emphasising the Instant Plays game streaming service, although the feature has been around for a few years now.

Here's What We Know

The Game Launcher has long existed in the One UI on Galaxy smartphones, serving as the central place where you can access all the games on your phone. It was a bit redundant in function, as you could also launch games via their own icons in the app menu.

Game Launcher had already included Instant Plays game streaming for a few years, but Samsung has started talking more about the feature at gaming conferences these days. The app has now been renamed Gaming Hub for mobile devices, bringing the branding in line with Samsung's Gaming Hub branding, which are available on Samsung TVs, monitors and projectors.

Samsung states that the Gaming Hub for mobile devices is currently in beta with a limited number of games and continues to contain Game Launcher features. However, as mentioned, Game Launcher already supported Instant Plays at least two years ago, so it's not clear what's new yet, other than the renaming.

As part of the announcement, Samsung is emphasising its approach to game streaming. Instant Plays allows users to play games without having to install them. The feature is in limited beta in the US and Canada. Samsung's cloud-based platform supports native Android APKs and has many in-game monetisation tools and models for game developers, making the platform attractive for their attention.

Source: Samsung, Android Authority