I'm trying to use Google Play to discover new apps — one hidden feature made it far easier

Despite being a tech reporter, I've never done a great job at keeping on top of new apps.

It's something I've been trying to change, and the Play Store has buried a feature that could make it easier.

While many of my tech peers have stopped relying on Google Play for apps, I'm trying to get better at discovering new Android games, ultimate productivity apps, and creative tools like photo editors or camera viewfinders.

For ages, I have been frustrated by the lack of one simple feature, which is standard on other software storefronts. Why doesn't the Google Play Store have a wishlisting feature, so I can make a list of apps I'll want to try in the future?

However, after several weeks of keeping a Notes app list of prospective downloads, I discovered that the Play Store has this function. It's just more buried than it should be.

Where the wishlist should be, there's the less useful option to install an app on other devices.

Now I've found how to use the Play Store wishlist properly, there are loads of ways it's boosting my app discovery.

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By  Jay Bonggolto

How to use the Play Store wishlist

Save those apps for later

I imagine there are plenty of people like me who didn't know that the Play Store wishlist feature was available.

To add an app to your wishlist, you have to press the hamburger menu button when you're on the app's Play Store listing. This will add it to the wishlist.

Hiding the option in the menu means the wishlist isn't as obvious as it should be.

Finding your wishlist is harder than it should be. To do so, you'll need to go to the Play Store and press your profile icon in the upper-right corner. From here, scroll down to Library, then select Wishlist.

You'll see a list of everything you've tagged, not just apps but books. However, items from your watchlist on Google TV will be elsewhere.

So, the process is more of a chore than it should be. But now I've discovered it, there are loads of ways I use it that are really handy.

Listing games I want to try later

Get potential downloads ready

My most common use of wishlists is to save mobile games I'll want to buy and install in the future.

I don't see a need to get them straight away, as some of the games I want to play take up loads of storage space, and can cost a pretty penny. And if I'm already playing one game, why buy another?

Every few days, I'll peruse the Play Store for new titles that sound interesting, and drop them onto the list. Then, when I get tired of the game I'm playing, I have a nice big list of ones to consider.

Before I'd discovered the wishlist feature, finding a new game would be a nightmare.

I'd forget all the interesting-looking ones I'd wanted to check out, and would often download a freemium title, which took longer to download than I'd actually play it for.

Preparing for future work

Getting productivity in place

Just like when it comes to mobile games, I don't want to fill up my smartphone with work or creative apps before I need to use them.

There are some expensive and space-consuming creative apps. Directors' viewfinders for testing camera lenses, video editors for throwing together clips on the go, and apps that help you chart the sun, weather, or stars in precise detail.

Finding the right tools for the job can take some research and a lot of time.

But even when I've found them, I don't like to let them clutter my phone before I need them, especially if they require a monthly subscription.

So letting them queue up in my wishlist, waiting for the all-clear from a certain project or fund, lets me prepare without putting my money on the line.

Reminders that an app is on sale

All in one place

While you might really want an app, its standard price might be higher than you'd feel comfortable paying.

That's often true for me when the app has an upfront cost and requires extra purchases for expansions or extras.

When you put an app in your wishlist, it'll be listed alongside its current price. You can skim through your desired downloads to see how much you'll need to pay to get it.

That means you can check if any of them are discounted.

I used to glance at the r/googleplaydeals subreddit for this advice, but it's easier when it's just a list of all my desired apps.

Games included in the Play Pass subscription are also marked by a little icon, so you know how much of your list you'll be able to enjoy if you sign up.

I'm waiting to hit the critical mass of these on my wishlist before I test it.

It's a useful way to save money on apps I don't urgently need, and it is one of those useful Google Play Store features no one tells you about.