Andrew Grush / Android Authority
After taking a break for the holidays, Android Apps Weekly is again with its 515th version. Let’s begin by leaping proper into the news:
- This week Google has lastly settled its Chromebook incognito mode class-action lawsuit. For those who don’t know, a category motion lawsuit was beforehand filed towards Google in 2020 for the manner it handles its incognito mode, with the plaintiffs alleging Google isn’t clear sufficient about what its incognito mode does and doesn’t monitor. While we don’t know the phrases of the settlement, Google is not going to need to 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 needs folks to make use of Google Assistant voice instructions as a substitute for calls, messages, and enjoying media whereas driving.
- A brand new model of Google Play Services suggests Nearby Share might quickly be rebranded to Quick Share. This is attention-grabbing as presently Nearby Share and Quick Share largely do the similar factor, however one is accessible on all Android gadgets, whereas the different is a Samsung unique.
- Beeper Mini is again once more, although it’s been additional lowered in performance in the course of. After weeks of making an attempt 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 firm says this is the final repair it would try. In different phrases, if Apple manages to interrupt the app once more, the firm is throwing in the towel on this specific undertaking.
- The Samsung Health app is rolling out a brand new medicine monitoring characteristic in the US. Not solely will it monitor meds, however it would additionally give you ideas and related details about the medication you are taking. The characteristic is anticipated to roll out this week, although it’s unclear when it would 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 firm’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 further display screen actual property. Some 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 instrument that may permit you to export subscriptions to YouTube Music and different platforms. For now, this methodology is barely out there for these in the US.
Android Apps Weekly: New apps and video games, and so you may need missed
Looking for some new Android apps and Android video games to maintain you occupied? The final two weeks have been a bit sluggish on that entrance, so we’re doing issues a bit in another way. There are solely three new apps price showcasing in this version, two video games and one AI instrument. I’ve additionally included one different recreation and one different app, each of which have been launched earlier this yr however price showcasing once more in case you missed them. The level of those additions isn’t to showcase some massive app or recreation you already doubtless know, however as a substitute, I need to shine a lightweight on well-rated and helpful ones that flew slightly bit extra beneath the radar.
It’s a Small RomanTick World (New)
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Small RomanTick World is a time-traveling romance journey recreation the place you are trying to find your misplaced dad and mom throughout quite a lot of timelines and areas, together with visits to historic Egypt, historic Korea, Medieval Europe, and extra. Along the manner, you’ll discover loads of distractions, together with a large solid of male companions you can romance. While this isn’t my cup of tea straight, it’s a well-built recreation with distinctive gameplay and a narrative that’s good for individuals who get pleasure from courting sims and journey video games alike.
A mix of settlement builder and monster taming, the recreation facilities on a gaggle marooned on a wierd island full of monsters. Through constructing and taming beasts, you slowly begin to settle the island and flip it into your individual paradise. If this recreation sounds acquainted, that’s as a result of this is a deluxe version of the authentic title by the similar identify, dropping its freemium mannequin in favor of a totally unlocked expertise that retails for $6.49. If you like Kairosoft’s different titles or all the time wished to play the authentic with out in-app purchases, this is price the obtain.
Microsoft not too long ago launched an Android model of its CoPilot chatbot, based mostly on GPT 4. The new supplies the similar 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 rather more. If you’ve but to make use of CoPilot I extremely advocate giving it a attempt, because it truly outperforms the free (GPT 3.5-based) model of ChatGPT in a number of methods.
Roto Force (July 18, 2023)
- Price: Free with in-app buy
Roto Force is an authentic arcade recreation launched on PC and cell concurrently, which is fairly uncommon. Typically Android video games are ported a yr or extra after they arrive on Steam and different platforms. The recreation is a frantic-paced expertise because it has you taking pictures and dodging round a spinning room. Despite its easy design, this old-school recreation is addicting and may be fairly difficult. Keep in thoughts that you solely get a demo expertise without spending a dime, as unlocking the full recreation will price you $5.
Niji Journey (August 3, 2023)
- Price: Free with subscription
Andy Walker / Android Authority
While there’s nonetheless no official Midjourney cell app, you can now entry its energy by way of Niji Journey, with a notable exception: this app isn’t about basic artwork. Built in partnership with Midjourney, Niji Journey helps you create anime characters and scenes that you can use nonetheless you deem match. You can get 20 pictures generated without spending a dime, however you’ll want a Midjourney subscription for full entry.