Welcome to the 344th edition of Android Apps Weekly. Here are the big headlines from last week:
- Google Assistant made some updates this week. The first includes some improvements to its daily agenda feature. Recommendations now change during the daytime, so you will find items like restaurant suggestions around dinner time. The second is a new shortcut feature similar to Siri on iOS. Hit both links to find out more.
- Google and Apple are improving the exposure API. It is now usable without the app in some cases. People can enable this feature without downloading anything and get notifications even when someone comes in contact with COVID-19. It is still running so Android people still need an app, but it is new so it should be improved over time.
- Russia may force Google and Apple to cut app and game sales slightly in the Play Store. A new piece of legislation in the country may cap the amount that companies can demand from 30% to 20%. This allows developers to keep a greater share of their earnings and the government says it is for developer support.
- Amazon Music has got a new feature this week. It also now includes a Twitch stream of Music Artists, which is part of its library. This is similar to features like Spotify and Apple Music already in YouTube. This is a great idea because so many artists are streaming live instead of touring due to the epidemic. The update is now released for those interested.
- India pulled the trigger in another round of Chinese app and game ban. The ban includes 117 apps and games from China, including PUBG Mobile and most APUS apps. Those apps are 59 already banned, including WeChat, TikTok and others. Hit the link to see the full list.
pulled over
cost: free
PulledOver is a resource for those afraid of being pulled by the police. It contains a lot of desirable features, all in one place so scared that people don't have to switch between different apps. Features include an notify button that informs the person you care about being pulled over. Additionally, there is a video record feature, and if you wish, the video is uploaded for viewing by the Puldarver community. It's clearly in response to the upheaval in the US right now and even if you don't agree with that stuff, it never hurts to make the app work to protect you just in case. .
Trivia cars
cost: free to play
Trivia Cars is a clean spin on the Trivia style. Players shake head to head to answer questions. The correct answer leads players to a finish line in a race while remembering a question that you can finish your car and start over. The game includes a weekly PvP event, various unlockables and over two million questions. Questions are generated by the user so they are not always well worded. Additionally, the game has some connectivity issues and it affects the game's power system in a negative way. Still, it is new so some bugs are expected and the idea is fun.
Take care of yourself
cost: free
Take Care of Yourself is a new app from Philips that focuses a lot on caring for itself. It has a variety of tips and tricks on how to get better sleep, cope with stress, and manage your bad habits, along with articles and other stuff. You select the things you want to work on and the app sends a list-to-do list, reminders and notifications to remind you to do something. This app is a bit boring in terms of design and functionality, but the heart of the app is in the right place.
Zoo patrons
cost: free to play
Zoo Guardians is a simulation game where players build and maintain the zoo. You can build various exhibitions and keep different animals there. The game encourages you to take care of them and make sure that they are at peak welfare at all times. The game is indeed a threat to the origins and exclusion of zoology and is taking care of endangered species. Additionally, it has some augmented reality features to interact with animals. Of course, there are also things like missions and objectives. There are some loading issues in the game, but we expect it to clear up sooner rather than later.
Firefox "Daylight"
cost: free
Firefox released a major revamp of its Android app this week. This is very similar to when Mozilla remade the Firefox desktop browser when they released Quantum last year. This release, called "Daylight", includes a major improvement of the UI, enhanced tracking features, and integrates some of Firefox Focus's more desirable features into Privacy Mode. Some other features include an easy toggle for day and night modes, enhanced picture-in-picture features, and an extended extension experience. You can read about all the new features in the company's official blog post here.
Thanks for reading! See more here:If we missed any major Android app or game news or releases, let us know in the comments below.
