Google Play Store tests the "Collections" widget hub for app discovery

Google tests a new component hub called  "Collections ", which will be integrated into the Play Store to help users detect new applications. This feature was previously known as  "Cube, " has been developed for some time and it seems to be released soon. The latest beta version of the Google Play Store (41.6.26) gives a glimpse of what collections might look like. By long pressing the Play Store icon, users can access the context menu where the collections are located. When you open the gadget, you'll be presented with familiar Play Store categories like Watch, Read, Listen, Store, and Social, each leading to a selection of apps in that category.

What makes the collections unique is its curated approach. Google's partnership with individual apps in these categories can address a common user problem: app discovery fatigue. Scrolling through the endless list of apps in the Play Store can be overwhelming, and it's often difficult to know which apps are worth downloading. By displaying a curated selection of high-quality apps, collections simplify the process and make it easier for users to find apps that really fit their needs and interests.

However, access to the collection may be limited initially. The feature appears to be geographically limited, and the app's code suggests that it may launch only in the US initially, with plans to announce expansion to other countries at a later date, but there's no official timeline yet. This limited release could be a strategic move by Google to gather user feedback and iron out any issues before the collection is made available to a wider audience. At this stage, the collection is still confidential and not yet widely available. The screenshots show it's a work in progress and an official launch date hasn't been confirmed yet, but hopefully it's not too far away.