Welcome to the 514th edition of Android Apps Weekly. Here we discuss the latest mobile news and take a closer look at some of the most interesting new apps and games. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of last week’s biggest highlights.
- This week, Android 14 QPR Beta 2 was released for Pixel smartphones. The new update eliminates a lot of bugs, but also brings some cool new features. This includes the new Private Spaces feature. It works similarly to Samsung’s Secure Folder, allowing you to keep certain apps and documents private that require a password to unlock.
- Last week, Beeper brought iMessage functionality to Android through its new Beeper Mini app, offering an experience as seamless as the actual app. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the app ran into a server error. Apple acknowledged that it blocked the exploit used by the app to “protect our users.” Beeper has pushed back against the idea that its app is a security risk, going so far as to say it will provide its entire codebase to independent third-party researchers to confirm its safety. The company also managed to get the app working again with a workaround, but it wasn’t long before Apple blocked it again. While Beeper remains dedicated to fighting Apple’s blocking attempts, it’s clear that Apple is equally dedicated to thwarting the company. It’s a shame because this was the best way for him to use his iMessage on Android at the moment.
- According to a new report, Google is working on a new AI assistant exclusively for Pixel users called Pixie. It reportedly has all the features of Google Assistant, but also has enhancements not possible with the standard Assistant, such as using Gemini Nano for on-device AI features. If this report is correct, Pixie could debut alongside the Pixel 9 next year.
- Has your Google Home stopped working? You’re not alone, as a significant number of users have reported their device suddenly stopped working this month. Google confirmed that it is currently investigating the issue.
- Epic won the lawsuit! Google and Epic have been embroiled in a legal battle for years, with Epic alleging that Google has an illegal monopoly on the app store and that its Google Play Store is riddled with anti-competitive illegal practices. This time, a U.S. jury has formally agreed, but a judge has not yet formally ruled on what remedies Google must take.
- According to a new report, Google is working on an AI experience called ‘Project Ellmann’ that will harness the power of Gemini to answer questions about your life using your phone data like photos and searches. Basically, it becomes a storyteller device for your life. It’s certainly possible that this kind of technology could eventually find its way into products such as his Google Photos.
Weekly Android Apps: New apps and games of the week
Looking for a new Android app or game to immerse yourself in? Here are some of our favorite suggestions from this week. For a long time, the majority of new apps released were free with ads and in-app purchases, but these days more and more titles are freemium. I was hoping for more console-level games on mobile, so this is a welcome trend.
Little Nightmares, the famous and acclaimed horror adventure, has now made its way to mobile. The new port is still a premium title, so you don’t have to worry about ads or in-app purchases. When I picked this up myself, I found it to be a pretty faithful port, although the motion controllers can be a bit finicky. The graphics are basically the same as his PC and console versions, and so is the general story.
Hello Neighbor: Nikki’s Diary
The latest chapter in the Hello Neighbor series has arrived in the form of a mobile spin-off, Nicky’s Diaries. The great thing about this game is that it feels exactly like the console version and has nearly the same impressive graphics.
What really stands out is the touch controls, which are some of the best I’ve used in a while. You can try the game for free, but keep in mind that you’ll only have access to a small portion of the game unless you unlock the full experience for $7. I think it’s worth a look if you’re a fan of the Hello Neighbor series.
I haven’t picked up this port yet, but I actually had the original on NEOGEO at the time. The new version appears to be a faithful port of that experience. Given how difficult the NEOGEO games were and how important precise controls are to that experience, I’m personally concerned about how well those controls will translate to mobile. Still, if you don’t mind paying a few bucks to find out, this is a great game on the original hardware, and even if it’s not perfect, it should be a fun and nostalgic experience.
Bloodstrike
- price: Free with in-app purchases
This new FPS immerses you in a world filled with mysterious cracks and monsters that emerge from them. Your objective is to venture into the field, acquire blood crystals, and collect loot while facing growing threats. The game shares similar graphics and gameplay style to Call of Duty Mobile in some respects, but the story and setting are markedly different. There is also a battle royale with up to 100 players.
The most impressive thing about this shooter is the high level of graphical customization that allows it to run smoothly even on the most modest mobile phone. Although the graphics and frames may not reach the same quality, it is worth noting that the developers did not exclude users with older or budget devices from the fun.
make healthy
- price: Free with regular purchase
Andrew Grush / Android Authority
This is a little sneaky as it hasn’t actually been released yet, but it’s expected to be released in some regions this weekend and in the coming weeks. Healthify is a rebranded version of the HealthifyMe app that includes a new UI and a host of impressive new features.
The new app can now take photos of food and get calorie estimates and other nutritional details with 90% accuracy. There’s also a new AI coach to help you eat better, and integration with Swiggy to buy groceries and order healthy food home. The service will initially be free, but more advanced features will require a paid subscription after a trial.