Welcome to the 529th 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:
- Android 15 is expected to bring several improvements, including a completely redesigned desktop mode. While Android has had a desktop mode since 2010, the new and improved version will have better window functionality and other improvements.
- Google is suing two scammers who are threatening the integrity of the Play Store, according to a new report. Two individuals uploaded 87 fake cryptocurrency applications, affecting more than 100,000 people worldwide.
- Google’s new Find My Device solution is finally coming, at least according to a newly discovered Find My Device web page in the Google Play services beta. The updated system, announced about a year ago, is designed to improve accuracy and make other improvements to make the service even better. Even though the new system isn’t live yet, this is good news because it means we’re getting closer.
- After a successful test in Canada, Disney+ has announced plans to begin expanding its password sharing restrictions to other countries, including the United States. The crackdown is expected to expand in June and become fully operational in September. While it’s disappointing to see more streaming services roll out such measures, it’s not particularly surprising in our current economy.
- Google Messages may soon have full satellite messaging support. While we’ve previously spotted lines in the app’s code hinting at this change, a new APK teardown sheds further light on how the service works, including a hint that it might not just be for SOS: “You can send messages to anyone. Messages, including emergency services”.
- Google Search is one of the company’s most important products, and with recent AI changes, it’s getting better and better. Unfortunately, a new report also claims that Google may soon start charging for its improvements that leverage Gemini Advanced and Google One technologies. It’s unclear how much the company will charge or how the service will work.
- Despite previous security concerns surrounding Nothing’s iMessage solution, Sunbird is back with a new app that’s rolling out in “small phases” starting today. The new app reportedly replaces the old system with a more secure implementation that focuses on privacy. Personally, we’d be wary of this, but you can always give it a try at your own risk.
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.
lost potatoes
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Astra: Vedic Knight
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Astra is a gacha RPG with a very interesting premise: you die, but you still exist. The game kicks off with a major battle and gets into hack-and-slash action. Soon, the soldiers around you begin to reanimate like zombies. You too eventually die, but are brought back by a powerful goddess and sent on a mission to save the world. If you like these types of games but want to play something a little darker, this might be a perfect choice.
Horse Racing Hero: Horse Riding Game
- price: Free with in-app purchases
If you’re looking to play something like Rival Stars Horse Riding, this game has a similar premise, but while the previous game felt more like a traditional video game, this one has a more “mobile” feel. It’s basically horse training, but with an arcade, almost slot machine-like approach. You don’t have direct control over the horses, other than tapping the acceleration button, although you can choose which horses to use, among other things. While it’s not the best horse racing game I’ve ever played on a mobile phone, it was still a fun game that kept my son playing for about an hour.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Ghost Trick, a puzzle-mystery game from the same creators as the great Ace Attorney series, is back in a new high-definition remaster. The game has been out on Steam for a while, but its Android port faithfully embodies the experience. At $30 it’s also very expensive for a mobile game, but that’s the point. Despite being played on a mobile phone, this feels like a complete game and will definitely keep you busy for hours to come.
The mystery of Eigengrau
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Another puzzle game, this atmospheric horror game is all about escaping a room filled with nightmares and trying to solve a huge mystery, hoping you survive the whole process! With solid graphics and decent gameplay, this is a great dark, mature game for those looking for something a little less casual to play on their mobile phones.