Andrew Grush/Android Authority
Welcome to the latest 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:
- Google’s Magic Eraser may soon be available for free, at least according to a recent APK teardown by Android Authority. Currently, Magic Eraser is a feature exclusive to Google One subscribers or Pixel phone owners, but a slew of code suggests that may change in the near future. The only problem is that Magic Eraser usage is limited to a few edits per month.
- Android 15 Beta is finally here, and it brings some new changes and features, including the ability to change the default wallet app to one other than Google Wallet. This change doesn’t come as a surprise given all the recent legal changes in the EU, although there aren’t many details yet on which third-party wallets will be fully supported.
- Speaking of changes to Google Wallet, Google has also launched a new website for its digital payments service. The website will allow you to access your pass and ID directly from the website.
- Google Messenger received a major update this week that includes several new features, most of which are related to images and photography. First, image quality support is now significantly improved. Secondly, the file size limit is increased from 25MB to 100MB. Additionally, there is a new feature that allows users to add contacts using QR codes. Even though this feature has been available in WhatsApp for years, it’s nice to see Google catching up.
- Getting paid to watch TikTok may soon become a reality, according to a new report. To boost engagement in Europe, the company plans to introduce new rewards features into its app, offering monetary rewards for watching videos, inviting friends to sign up, and more. However, there’s no word yet on if or when this feature will be rolled out in other markets like the United States.
- Beeper gained notoriety for its attempt to bring iMessage to Android, an effort that ultimately failed due to Apple’s measures to restrict access to Android devices. After losing iMessage support, the app became a more general messaging service, but even that wasn’t enough for the company to continue operating independently. Beeper has announced the acquisition of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.
- As announced by Google itself, Google One’s VPN appears to be on its way out. While there’s no exact timeline for when the service will cease, the company has revealed plans to shut down the service later this year. However, Pixel users can still use Google VPN software.
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.
Myth Samcock
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Ikemen Villians Otome Game
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Ikeman Villians is a Japanese dating simulation and adventure game centered around a secret organization made up of cursed members with unique powers who are supposed to serve Her Majesty the Queen, but these so-called gifts hide a dark side. Dating sims have become more and more common in recent years, and while this game doesn’t look too different from the others that have crossed my desk in the past year or so, at least it has a darker vibe. it. In my limited time with the game, I found it had enough story and dialogue to keep me engaged, and the fact that it’s free means you rarely have to risk anything.
Happy Dessert Cafe
- price: Free with in-app purchases
Cafe management games abound in the mobile world, but not all of these experiences are created equal, with many feeling like simple cash grabs. The good news is that Happy Dessert Cafe may feel familiar, but it’s a meaty game with cute graphics and plenty of content to keep you busy. On the downside, the microtransactions can be a bit aggressive here, and you’ll also have to deal with short ads if you don’t want to pay extra to remove video ads.
The Legend of Photias
- price: Free with in-app purchases
This is the year 730 of the Eladel calendar, and a war breaks out between humans and the dark forces in this land. You must travel across land on foot and sometimes by boat, fighting enemies and bringing balance to the world. If you’re looking for a fun action-adventure game with a storyline that’s actually at least slightly fleshed out, you’ll enjoy this game. Note that the getting started tutorial isn’t very well done, but if you can get through it you’ll find a pretty decent experience underneath.
Popular card game Wildfrost is transitioning to the digital realm, bringing an Android Roguelite experience. The story takes place in a world perpetually shrouded in winter, and you find yourself among the inhabitants of Snowdell, one of the few bastions against the eternal cold. It’s worth noting that while the game is free to try, you’ll only have limited access to it. To access the full game, you’ll need to pay $6.99, which is reasonable considering this is a complete game and not just a brief mobile experience.