Google's play store gets a home screen refresh: individual collection widgets incoming
For years, navigating Google Play’s Collections has been a bit of a roundabout affair. Nestled within the Play Store, this feature groups apps by category—Food, Games, Listen, and more—offering a curated selection. Now, Google is streamlining the experience with a significant update: individual widgets for each Collection category are on their way.
A simpler way to discover apps
Currently, users can add one of two combined Collection widgets to their Android home screens. These widgets offer a glimpse into seven categories, but require an extra tap to drill down and find the specific apps you're after. The new update, spotted in version 52.1.26-31 of the Play Store app, promises to eliminate that extra step. Imagine having a dedicated 'Shop' widget, a 'Travel' widget, and so on, all readily accessible on your home screen.
The move represents a subtle but meaningful improvement to the Android experience. While the combined widgets offer a broad overview, the individual approach caters to users who frequently browse specific categories. It’s a small change, but one that speaks to Google’s commitment to refining the Play Store and making app discovery more intuitive.
Installing the existing Collection widgets is a familiar process: long-press an empty space on your home screen, select 'Widgets' from the menu, scroll to the Google Play Store section, and choose your preferred widget. Adding the new, individual widgets will likely follow the same pattern, once they’re officially released.
The shift to individual widgets isn't just about convenience. It’s a reflection of how we use our phones: less about browsing vast catalogs and more about quick access to the apps we need, when we need them. The current system, reliant on a single widget and multiple taps, feels a little dated. This update brings the Play Store experience closer to the streamlined, widget-driven home screens many Android users prefer.
Of course, the timing of the rollout remains unclear. Google hasn't provided a firm release date, but the discovery within the latest Play Store build suggests it's closer than we might think. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this development and will update you as soon as the eight new widgets become available, allowing you to populate your home screen with a curated selection of your favorite apps—one tap at a time.