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 those who don’t know, a category motion lawsuit was beforehand filed in opposition to 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 observe. Whereas we don’t know the phrases of the settlement, Google won’t should admit fault or make any main modifications that may have an effect on customers.
- An APK teardown hints that Driving Mode could also be getting the ax, and it’s very doable Google needs individuals to make use of Google Assistant voice instructions as an alternative for calls, messages, and enjoying media whereas driving.
- A brand new model of Google Play Companies suggests Close by Share might quickly be rebranded to Fast Share. That is fascinating as presently Close by Share and Fast Share largely do the identical factor, however one is offered on all Android gadgets, whereas the opposite is a Samsung unique.
- Beeper Mini is again once more, although it’s been additional diminished 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 is going to try. In different phrases, if Apple manages to interrupt the app once more, the corporate is falling by the wayside 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 observe meds, however it is going to additionally provide you with ideas and related details about the medication you take. The characteristic is predicted to roll out this week, although it’s unclear when it is going to attain different international locations.
- 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. Among the modifications embody 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 mean you can export subscriptions to YouTube Music and different platforms. For now, this technique is barely accessible for these within the US.
Android Apps Weekly: New apps and video games, and so that you might need missed
Searching 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 yr 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 possible know, however as an alternative, I need to shine a light-weight on well-rated and helpful ones that flew a bit of bit extra underneath the radar.
It’s a Small RomanTick World (New)
- Worth: Free with in-app purchases
Small RomanTick World is a time-traveling romance journey recreation the place you’re trying to find your misplaced dad and mom throughout a wide range of timelines and areas, together with visits to historical Egypt, historical Korea, Medieval Europe, and extra. Alongside the way in which, you’ll discover loads of distractions, together with a large solid of male companions you may romance. Whereas this isn’t my cup of tea instantly, 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 mix of settlement builder and monster taming, the sport facilities on a bunch marooned on an odd island crammed with monsters. By means of 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 it is a deluxe version of the unique title by the identical identify, dropping its freemium mannequin in favor of a completely unlocked expertise that retails for $6.49. In the event you like Kairosoft’s different titles or at all times needed to play the unique with out in-app purchases, that is well worth the obtain.
Microsoft not too long ago launched an Android model of its CoPilot chatbot, primarily based on GPT 4. The brand new offers the identical normal expertise as you’d get from the net app, permitting you to ask questions, create photographs utilizing simply phrases, compose written content material in seconds, and way more. In the event 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 Power (July 18, 2023)
- Worth: Free with in-app buy
Roto Power is an unique arcade recreation launched on PC and cellular concurrently, which is fairly uncommon. Usually Android video games are ported a yr or extra after they arrive on Steam and different platforms. The sport is a frantic-paced expertise because it has you capturing and dodging round a spinning room. Regardless of its easy design, this old-school recreation is addicting and might be fairly difficult. Understand that you solely get a demo expertise at no cost, as unlocking the total recreation will price you $5.
Niji Journey (August 3, 2023)
- Worth: Free with subscription
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Whereas there’s nonetheless no official Midjourney cellular app, now you can entry its energy by way of Niji Journey, with a notable exception: this app isn’t about normal artwork. In-built partnership with Midjourney, Niji Journey helps you create anime characters and scenes that you should utilize nonetheless you deem match. You will get 20 photographs generated at no cost, however you’ll want a Midjourney subscription for full entry.
