HIGH-TECH TUNEUP: PokerStars Overhauls Mobile App, Ramps Up Home Game Features

The online poker world continues to thrive in the wake of the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Operators continue to ramp up tournament series and product offerings.

PokerStars got in the act this week with the release of its new and improved mobile gaming app. The mobile offering is now available on iOS  and company officials promise a “next generation” experience.

The additions come as the company has also made major improvements to its “Home Games” feature.

[cta id=1286 type=geo]

Adding simplicity to the overall PokerStars mobile experience

A quick scan of the new app and players will find improvements – especially locating games and tournaments. Some of those improved elements include:

  • navigation
  • back-to-lobby functionality
  • tournament text search
  • dynamic filters
  • improved game information

Overall, players will find a simplified and more convenient experience. Bold graphics and color coding various features add significantly to the platform. 

The company plans to roll out the new app even further and encourages player feedback. PokerStars notes it has even incorporated an easy feedback feature in the app’s new design.

“PokerStars’ focus remains on developing an app that is completely user-focused so players can easily find the games and products they want to play and have a smoother, richer and more enjoyable gaming experience,” the site noted in a news release.

The updates combine features used in the app’s earlier launch in the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Pennsylvania in the US. Player feedback also played a major role, the company notes.

The new mobile app is available everywhere on the .COM site, excluding Brazil. Android users will have to wait a bit. The new app isn’t yet available on that platform, but is expected to be later in the year.

PokerStars also unveils major updates to Home Games feature

With so many players at home during the pandemic, many players have shifted their home games online. PokerStars own “Home Games” feature has been a popular way for friends hoping to still battle it out at the tables.

The site has now added to that experience with some updates to the feature this week. Those will soon even include playing with friends on mobile devices.

The new Home Games also now hosts games and formats found throughout the PokerStars platform. Those include:

  • Progressive Knock-Out
  • Total Progressive Knock-Out
  • Five- and Six-Card Omaha
  • 6+ Hold’em
  • Showtime Hold’em
  • Split Hold’em
  • Fusion
  • Swap Hold’em

These games are expected to be added to Home Games cash games within the coming week as well.

PokerStars has also refined the process of creating games and tournaments. Some settings have been grouped to make functionality simpler for Home Game club managers.

Late registration can also now offer a window of up to 90 minutes.

“The changes build on PokerStars’ goal to enable players to better connect with friends, provide them with good value entertainment and a great experience overall,” the company noted in announcing the changes.

Initial Home Games updates are being rolled out for desktop and Android users (self-hosted currently, Google Play to follow shortly). These changes are expected to be available on iOS devices soon.

The updates were part of a planned development strategy, which was recently accelerated in response to player feedback. Playing with friends online remains popular and now players can get in the game even easier.

For a complete PokerStars review including an exclusive PokerStars signup bonus, click here.