Andrew Grush / Android Authority
After taking a break for the vacations, Android Apps Weekly is again with its 515th version. Let’s begin by leaping proper into the information:
- This week Google has lastly settled its Chromebook incognito mode class-action lawsuit. For people who don’t know, a category motion lawsuit was beforehand filed towards Google in 2020 for the way in which it handles its incognito mode, with the plaintiffs alleging Google isn’t clear sufficient about what its incognito mode does and doesn’t monitor. Whereas we don’t know the phrases of the settlement, Google is not going to must admit fault or make any main adjustments that may have an effect on customers.
- An APK teardown hints that Driving Mode could also be getting the ax, and it’s very potential Google desires folks to make use of Google Assistant voice instructions as a substitute for calls, messages, and taking part in media whereas driving.
- A brand new model of Google Play Companies suggests Close by Share could quickly be rebranded to Fast Share. That is attention-grabbing as at the moment Close by Share and Fast Share largely do the identical factor, however one is accessible on all Android gadgets, whereas the opposite is a Samsung unique.
- Beeper Mini is again once more, although it’s been additional decreased in performance within the course of. After weeks of trying to patch Apple’s block on its Beeper Mini app, Beeper has rolled out a brand new replace that requires entry to a Mac or an older jailbroken iPhone to work. The corporate says that is the final repair it’s going to try. In different phrases, if Apple manages to interrupt the app once more, the corporate is dropping out on this specific undertaking.
- The Samsung Well being app is rolling out a brand new medicine monitoring characteristic within the US. Not solely will it monitor meds, however it’s going to additionally offer you ideas and related details about the medicine you take. The characteristic is anticipated to roll out this week, although it’s unclear when it’s going to attain different nations.
- Whatsapp is engaged on a characteristic that may let customers share music audio throughout video calls and it’s rolling out now to the corporate’s newest beta app for iOS and Android customers.
- TikTok’s newest replace lastly improves the expertise for foldable and pill homeowners, with layouts designed to make higher use of the additional display actual property. A number of the adjustments embrace a refined video feed, streamlined nav bar, and assist for each panorama and portrait modes.
- Google’s Podcast app is getting nearer and nearer to retirement and in order promised, Google has lastly launched a device that may can help you export subscriptions to YouTube Music and different platforms. For now, this methodology is barely accessible for these within the US.
Android Apps Weekly: New apps and video games, and so that you may need missed
On the lookout for some new Android apps and Android video games to maintain you occupied? The final two weeks had been a bit sluggish on that entrance, so we’re doing issues a bit otherwise. There are solely three new apps value showcasing on this version, two video games and one AI device. I’ve additionally included one different recreation and one different app, each of which had been launched earlier this 12 months however value showcasing once more in case you missed them. The purpose of those additions isn’t to showcase some large app or recreation you already doubtless know, however as a substitute, I wish to shine a lightweight on well-rated and helpful ones that flew a bit of bit extra underneath the radar.
It’s a Small RomanTick World (New)
- Value: Free with in-app purchases
Small RomanTick World is a time-traveling romance journey recreation the place you’re looking for your misplaced mother and father throughout a wide range of timelines and areas, together with visits to historic Egypt, historic Korea, Medieval Europe, and extra. Alongside the way in which, you’ll discover loads of distractions, together with a large forged of male companions you possibly can romance. Whereas this isn’t my cup of tea immediately, it’s a well-built recreation with distinctive gameplay and a narrative that’s excellent for many who take pleasure in courting sims and journey video games alike.
A mixture of settlement builder and monster taming, the sport facilities on a bunch marooned on an odd island stuffed with monsters. By constructing and taming beasts, you slowly begin to settle the island and switch it into your personal paradise. If this recreation sounds acquainted, that’s as a result of this can be a deluxe version of the unique title by the identical identify, dropping its freemium mannequin in favor of a totally unlocked expertise that retails for $6.49. For those who like Kairosoft’s different titles or all the time wished to play the unique with out in-app purchases, that is definitely worth the obtain.
Microsoft just lately launched an Android model of its CoPilot chatbot, based mostly on GPT 4. The brand new gives the identical basic expertise as you’d get from the net app, permitting you to ask questions, create pictures utilizing simply phrases, compose written content material in seconds, and far more. For those who’ve but to make use of CoPilot I extremely suggest giving it a attempt, because it really outperforms the free (GPT 3.5-based) model of ChatGPT in a number of methods.
Roto Pressure (July 18, 2023)
- Value: Free with in-app buy
Roto Pressure is an unique arcade recreation launched on PC and cell concurrently, which is fairly uncommon. Usually Android video games are ported a 12 months or extra after they arrive on Steam and different platforms. The sport is a frantic-paced expertise because it has you taking pictures and dodging round a spinning room. Regardless of its easy design, this old-school recreation is addicting and may be fairly difficult. Take into account that you solely get a demo expertise totally free, as unlocking the total recreation will price you $5.
Niji Journey (August 3, 2023)
- Value: Free with subscription
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Whereas there’s nonetheless no official Midjourney cell app, now you can entry its energy by way of Niji Journey, with a notable exception: this app isn’t about basic artwork. Inbuilt partnership with Midjourney, Niji Journey helps you create anime characters and scenes that you should use nevertheless you deem match. You will get 20 pictures generated totally free, however you’ll want a Midjourney subscription for full entry.
