Google makes it easier to find high-quality apps with new curated Play Store bundles

Google has announced that it is bringing more order to the Play Store with a bunch of new human-curated app lists.

As part of an increased focus on its Editor's Choice section, which began last month with 'Android Excellence', which focused on high-quality individual apps, Google will now post "stories" that highlight groups of its favorite programs based on theme.

These so-called editorial pages run the gamut from "Puzzle Games to Test Your Logic" to "Track Your Spending With These 5 Budgeting Apps". The lists are relatively short, with a quick intro and a "last updated" timestamp, indicating that they will be refreshed from time to time.

The move represents the latest in a string of attempts to make the Play Store less of a maze for the average user, where often high-quality apps, especially those by individuals, are hidden in a sea of low-quality offerings, many of which "game" Google's search results. And while Google still puts a lot of emphasis on its algorithmically-generated results, the focus on human curation in its Editor's Choice section puts it on more equal footing with Apple's App Store, which is getting a human-touch redesign with iOS 11.

These lists are launching in Australia, Canada, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., with more countries to be added soon.

See all the Editor's Choice editorial pages at the Play Store

Daniel Bader

Daniel Bader was a former Android Central Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor for iMore and Windows Central.