Welcome to the 356th edition of Android Apps Weekly. Here are the big headlines from the past week:
- There is a security gap with Go SMS. The vulnerability is very simple. With Go SMS, users can share files using web links. You can open the web links without the app. Researchers found that the app creates links in sequential order. So you only need one link to know basically all of the other links. The researchers said Go SMS, but the app couldn't fix the problem. Click the link to learn more.
- Google launched a new app in Kenya and India. The new Task Mate app pays users small sums of money to perform basic smartphone actions. You will be asked to do things like ten sentences or take pictures of shop windows. The app pays out in real money instead of Play Store credits. It does require a reference code, however, so it's a little tricky to dig into.
- AliExpress was banned in India this week. It is the latest Chinese app to be banned in the country amid the political unrest between the two countries. It will become part of a large and growing list of Chinese apps that were banned during 2020. Click the link for the full list and, if concerned, click the think link for alternatives.
- Microsoft may bring Android apps to Windows 10. Initially, Microsoft is adding direct Android app support to the platform to bypass emulators. Then developers could publish their apps in the Microsoft Store with just a few code changes. This isn't the first time Microsoft has tried this, but hopefully it will be the last. This would greatly improve app support on Microsoft Windows.
- Google Messages is expanding its app to include end-to-end encryption. This only works via RCS and only if both participants use Google Messages with the chat function activated. The beta version will be available to everyone over the next few weeks once the beta test ends. Click the link for more details.
Burial toad
Price: $ 3.99
Tomb Toad is a retro style puzzle adventure game. The game contains over 100 levels with various obstacles, a level editor for creating your own dungeons and simple controls. You move the character by rotating the map and avoiding obstacles with intelligent movements. The unique gameplay mixed with the retro graphics gives this game a charming feel. It costs $ 3.99 with no in-app purchases or ads.
Mangamo
Price: Free / $ 4.99 per month
Mangamo is a new manga reader with a ton of manga. The service has a collection of over 1,000 manga, including some very popular ones. The app also has no read restrictions, original series, new daily releases and a few other features. There's only a 30-day trial followed by a subscription for $ 4.99 per month. It got a number of 1-star reviews from people wanting free manga. However, the app is solid with only minor complaints about the user interface.
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Shine beyond
Price: Play for free
Shining Beyond is an idle role-playing game. It relies a little more on the RPG elements. Just like any normal idle game, players can earn resources and treasures offline. However, you can also play online with other players, customize your hero, play in-game events and there is also a campaign mode. There are a few bugs and the controls could use some tweaking. It is a good little waste of time with a ton of gameplay otherwise.
Apple TV
Price: Free Trial / $ 4.99 per month
Apple TV recently released an official app for Android TVs. The service is a video streaming service with a range of original content. You can also buy movies and TV shows, some in 4K with HDR. The app is a first version for Android TV devices. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, it is only available on some Sony Bravia TVs. We expect that availability will improve over time.
Bridge Builder: The Walking Dead
Price: $ 1.99
The popular Bridge Constructor series has released a new game. This takes place in the universe of The Walking Dead. The players build bridges and traps with the help of cult characters from the series. The goal is to ensure a safe passage while killing a lot of zombies. The game has different levels and an actual storyline that you can follow. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive, with no in-app purchases or ads. This is a good puzzle game for fans of the genre.
Thank you for reading! Try these out too:If we've missed any major Android app or game releases, let us know in the comments!
