Google is set to revamp its Google Play store on Android devices to better showcase apps that offer widgets, a move aimed at improving discoverability and user adoption. According to a recent blog post, the tech giant will be introducing a new search filter for widgets, widget badges on app detail pages, and a curated editorial page dedicated to highlighting excellent widgets.

The changes are a direct response to developer feedback, with product manager Yinka Taiwo-Peters acknowledging the historical challenges of investing in widget development due to poor discoverability and user understanding. By providing better ways for users to find and utilize widgets, Google aims to justify the effort required to build and maintain these features.

The new search filter will enable users to easily search for apps that offer widgets, while the badge system will eliminate guesswork and encourage users to explore and utilize these capabilities. The curated editorial page, meanwhile, will showcase collections of excellent widgets, providing users with a one-stop shop for discovering new and innovative widgets.

The updated widget discoverability tools are expected to roll out "soon," although a specific timeline has not been provided. This move is likely to have a significant impact on the Android ecosystem, as it will provide developers with a more prominent platform to showcase their widgets and attract users.

The introduction of these features also highlights Google's ongoing efforts to improve the overall user experience on Android devices. By making it easier for users to discover and utilize widgets, Google is likely to drive increased engagement and adoption of these features, ultimately enhancing the overall value proposition of Android devices.

As the Android ecosystem continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how developers respond to these changes and how users interact with the new features. With Google's renewed focus on widgets, we can expect to see a proliferation of innovative and useful widgets that further enhance the Android user experience.