Andrew Grush/Android Authority
Welcome to the 528th 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 last week’s biggest highlights:
- Too many old and forgotten tabs open on mobile Chrome? A string of code in Chromium suggests that Google may soon solve this problem with a new Tab Declutter feature. In short, this feature will automatically clean up old and inactive tags that have not been used for a while. This might be useful for people who regularly have 40+ tabs open, but I sincerely hope they introduce a way to mark special tabs that you want to keep active permanently.
- Google is upgrading search with new generative AI features designed for summer travel. The new feature will affect Google Shopping and Google Maps, and adds the ability to use artificial intelligence to summarize key insights about search places.
- A new Google Search APK teardown reveals Gemini may be coming to tablets soon. While the feature already exists, strings are currently deactivated. 9 to 5 google Managed to activate the feature on a Pixel tablet and found that it even works with Google Assistant, unlike on phones.
- Telegram is granting Telegram Premium access to some users as part of a new peer-to-peer login initiative. Basically, you agree to let Telegram use your number to send up to 150 one-time PINs to other users via text message, and it gives you additional perks for free. This sounds great at first, but be aware that these other users will have access to your phone number, and you will be responsible for any carrier charges associated with text messaging.
- Google Messages Beta introduces some new changes, including improvements that make it easier to attach multiple images to conversations. Additionally, Google Messages now finally offers Gemini to some beta users.
Android App Weekly: New Apps and Games
Looking for some new Android apps and Android games to keep you busy? There aren’t any major new apps coming out this week, but there are quite a few games worth highlighting.
AFK journey
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Imagine inheriting a plant store that knows absolutely nothing about plants. Despite the lack of knowledge, your customers have their own specific needs and you have to figure out which plants will work for them! Essentially, it’s a puzzle game where the goal is to identify the correct plant and make your customer happy.
If this sounds familiar, it’s been available on Steam and consoles for a while, though this version is about half the price. I personally haven’t played the Android version, but I can vouch for the Steam game, and it looks like the same experience, just ported.
Undercover secret management
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Dark Time Management Series continues with a new chapter in this cooking/time management game series. This time, Vera Moon must reconcile with her sister and ultimately save her. If you haven’t played either of these games before, it’s almost like two games in one. During the day, you help run the business, serving food and drinks where needed. night? The game offers a completely different experience as Vera explores the city around her and hopes to uncover its many dark secrets before it’s too late.
ball sorting test
- price: Free basic experience (with ads), premium version $0.99
Looking for something a little cooler? The ball sorting quiz certainly fits the bill. The game is very simple: there are a bunch of tubes filled with different balls. Click on a pipe to move the ball to another pipe. The goal is to categorize and organize them into the right place. Sound super familiar? This is no accident as it is basically a copy of Ball Sort Puzzle. There are some subtle changes, such as being able to add unique skins to the balls, turning them into other objects like donuts, and more. Yes, it’s a cash grab, but at least it’s trying to be slightly different.
Amazon One
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Amazon One is a novel way to pay for items in stores using just the palm of your hand. No need to take out your wallet, cards, or even your phone. As you’d expect, this only works in stores equipped with palm detection devices, such as Amazon-owned Whole Foods Markets, although as with any technology, it’s likely to be rolled out to more locations over time. Amazon One isn’t just for shopping, as it can also be integrated into corporate security doors and more. I like the concept, although it may take a while before it really takes off.