Does Google Play Store promote apps in its search results?

[cattynip]

There are two apps listed on my search bar which I did not search for. It's weird since it's the first time I'm seeing this. Playstore Version: 35.0.15-21if it matters

 

[lockhrt999]

It's a 5G feature.

Joking aside. I don't see any apps when I click search.

 

[nRiTeCh]

Is that playstore search bar or launcher?
If launcher then you can turn off the suggestion settings in its settings.

 

[cattynip]

Is that playstore search bar or launcher?
If launcher then you can turn off the suggestion settings in its settings.

Yes, it's the playstore search bar

Google Play Store tests showing apps in search over history [U: Not paid ads]

Advertising in app stores is the norm now, but Google is now testing surfacing apps directly in Play Store search...

9to5google.com

 

[nRiTeCh]

Strange as in my playstore it shows my last 4 searches. Is someone using your phone in your absence?

 

[kiran6680]

Strange as in my playstore it shows my last 4 searches. Is someone using your phone in your absence?

Yes, but those apps come with the left-up facing arrow, like in the case of OP showing apps like cpu z etc. Apps coming with full icon without that arrow is a new one, afaik.