Google Play was released for Android earlier this month as the rebranded Marketplace. It appeared yesterday as a new option on the Google navigation bar when logged into any Google account (Gmail, Google+, etc.).

Google Play replaces the Android Marketplace that Android users were formally familiar with for finding Apps. Users can now buy or download free apps, find books and rent movies, and many other things from the Google Play for phones or on the Web. 

The Android rebranding won't be consistent on a worldwide basis, however. For example, in Canada and the U.K., Google said it will offer movies, books and Android apps; in Australia, books and apps; and in Japan, movies and apps. Everywhere else, Google Play will be the new home for just Android apps, the company said.

Play was released for many people yesterday on the Google navigation bar, and the interface looks very similar to the Android phone's interface. This is likely because the two are intended to be a "Ëœone-stop-shop' for users.  You can access your content, such as stored music, on the Web or on your phone.  Google is also considering adding movie sales to their repertoire (it currently only offers rentals).

The Google Play feature is also being promoted on the Google homepage. (Why not? They don't need to compete for ranking.)