Welcome to the 514th edition of Android Apps Weekly, where we discuss the latest mobile news and take a closer look at some of the most interesting new apps and games. Let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the biggest highlights from the past week:
- Android 14 QPR beta 2 arrived this week for Pixel phones. The new update irons out a lot of the bugs but there are some cool new features too. This includes the new Private Space feature. This will work similarly to Samsung’s Secure Folder where you can place certain apps and documents for private use that require a password to open.
- Last week, Beeper brought iMessage functionality to Android with the new Beeper Mini app, providing a seamless experience just like the real app. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the app to encounter server errors, with Apple confirming that it had blocked the exploit used by the app in a move it claims is about “protecting its users.” Beeper has pushed back against the idea that its app poses a security risk, going so far as to say that it will give the entire codebase to an independent, third-party researcher to ensure its safety. The company was also able to get the app working again through a workaround, though it didn’t take long for Apple to block things again. While Beeper remains committed to fighting Apple’s ban attempts, it seems clear that Apple is equally committed to stopping the company. It’s unfortunate that this has been the best way to use iMessage on Android so far.
- A new report claims that Google is working on a new AI assistant specifically for Pixel users, dubbed Pixie. This will reportedly have all the functionality of Google Assistant but with enhanced features not possible with the standard Assistant such as the Gemini Nano’s use of on-device AI functions. If the report is accurate, we could see the Pixie debut alongside the Pixel 9 next year.
- Has Google Home stopped working? You’re not alone, as a fairly large number of users reported their devices suddenly stopping working this month. Google has now confirmed that it is investigating the issue.
- Epic has won its lawsuit! Google and Epic have been engaged in a legal battle for years, with Epic claiming that Google has an illegal monopoly on app stores and that its Google Play Store has a lot of illegal practices that hinder competition. Now a US jury has officially agreed, although the judge has not yet issued a formal ruling on what remedies Google should take.
- A new report claims that Google is working on an artificial intelligence experiment called “Project Ellmann,” which will use the power of Gemini to answer questions about your life using phone data like photos and searches. Essentially, it will be a device for telling life stories. It’s certainly possible that this kind of technology could eventually make its way into products like Google Photos as well.
Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games of the week
Are you looking for some new Android apps and games to keep you busy? Below, we take a look at some of our favorite suggestions for the week. For a long time, the vast majority of new apps released were free with ads and/or in-app purchases, but recently we’ve been seeing more and more free app titles. It’s a trend I’m excited to see, as I want more console level games on mobile!
Little Nightmares is a popular, highly rated horror adventure that’s now making the jump to the mobile world. The new port is still a premium title, so you don’t have to worry about ads or in-app purchases. I picked this up myself and found it to be a very faithful port, although the motion controllers can be a bit finicky. The graphics are basically the same as the PC and console versions, as is the general story.
Hello Neighbor: The Nikki Diaries
The latest chapter in the Hello Neighbor series has arrived as a mobile show, Nicky’s Diaries. The great thing about this game is that it looks exactly like the console version, with almost stunning graphics.
What really stands out are the touch controls, which are some of the best I’ve used in a while. Be aware that while you can try the game for free, it only allows access to a small portion of the game unless you’re willing to unlock the full experience for $7. I’d say it’s worth it if you’re a fan of the Hello Neighbor series.
Although I haven’t picked up this port yet, I had the original at NEOGEO the other day. The new version seems to be a real outlet for the experience. Considering how difficult NEOGEO games are and how important precise controls are to the experience, I’m personally concerned about how well the controls translate to mobile. However, if you don’t mind paying a few bucks to find out, this was a great game on the original hardware and should be a fun and nostalgic experience even if it’s not perfect.
Blood strike
- price: Free with in-app purchases
This new FPS game immerses you in a world full of mysterious rifts and the monsters emerging from them. Your goal is to venture into the scene, earn blood crystals, and collect loot, all while tackling the growing threat. The game shares similar graphics and gameplay with Call of Duty Mobile in some aspects, although the story and setting are noticeably different. There is also up to 100 players of Battle Royale gameplay.
What’s most impressive about this shooter is the level of graphics customization available, allowing it to run smoothly on even some of the more modest phones. While the graphics and framerates may not be up to the same quality, it’s still great to see that the developers haven’t left out those with older hardware or a limited budget from the fun.
health
- price: Free with subscription
Andrew Grasch/Android Authority
This product is a bit of a cheat because it hasn’t actually arrived yet, but it is expected to arrive this weekend and in the coming weeks in select regions. Healthify is a revamped version of the HealthifyMe app that includes a completely new user interface and a host of great new features.
The new app can now take a photo of your food and get an estimate of calories and other nutrition details that is said to be 90% accurate. There’s also a new AI coach to help you improve what you eat and even integration with Swiggy to get groceries and order healthy food delivered to your door. The service will initially be offered for free, although a paid subscription will be required after more advanced features are tried out.
In this digital age, Android apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, helping us stay organized, entertained, and connected. With the vast array of options available on the Google Play Store, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to download. To help narrow down the choices, we have curated a list of five must-have Android apps that you shouldn’t miss out on this week. From productivity tools to entertainment, these apps are sure to enhance your smartphone experience and make your week more enjoyable. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who enjoys staying up-to-date with the latest trends.