A new Google Play Store v3.8.15 apk started rolling out to Android devices today, but upon running through its UI, I was unable to uncover anything different from the versions before that. Yet the apk size gained a few pounds kilobytes, and not knowing what the 300KB of code and resources added was killing me. Not to worry, a few minutes later, I decoded both 3.7.15 and 3.8.15 and compared their contents.
Play Store Gift Cards
What I found inarguably points to Google gearing up to finally release redeemable Play Store gift cards - something we've been anxiously waiting for since the Android Market started supporting paid apps. Earlier this year, Google renewed our hopes by adding the ability to have a Play Store balance for those who purchase a Nexus 7. This put us one step closer to gift cards, but there was still nothing concrete. What I have here today is more than concrete - it's solid evidence.
One additional interesting detail regarding gift cards popped up in the code - the Play Store is now set to intercept links to play.google.com/redeem, which currently returns a "404 page not found" error.
Update #1: Mathias Tillman was able to get a screenshot of the Redeem Activity by compiling a hacked apk.
Update #2: Shen Ye used Mathias' apk to get a few more showing the wishlist and the new menu. Check them all out below.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/08/15/exclusive-google-is-gearing-up-to-finally-introduce-play-store-gift-cards/