C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Welcome to the 512th version of Android Apps Weekly, the place we talk about the newest in cellular information and take a better have a look at a number of the most attention-grabbing new apps and video games. This week noticed Google dominating the information with a brand new characteristic drop, in addition to some YouTube advert drama. Let’s bounce proper in and try a number of the greatest highlights from the final week:
- Google has began the rollout of its Android Function Drop for This fall 2023. The brand new replace incorporates a number of modifications, together with the addition of ten new free TV channels to the Google TV app, enhancements to Google Messages that includes a brand new Samsung-style picture clipper, improved sensible residence controls for Put on OS, enhancements to the login course of, the introduction of a new reply-by-text characteristic throughout calls, and several other different vital modifications.
- As we talked about, Google can be within the information for a much less constructive purpose. In November, there have been a number of stories about NSFW grownup adverts showing in YouTube adverts. These adverts resemble regular commercials however have pornographic movies overlaid on prime of them. Google states that these points are attributed to a couple dangerous actors, and it’s actively working to handle this drawback, though they’ve but to totally tackle all of our issues and questions. Hopefully, this case will probably be resolved for good.
- Whatsapp can be within the information cycle this week because it’s rolling out just a few new options. First up, now you can lock delicate Whatsapp chats with a secret code. The brand new characteristic is rolling out now and may hit all units throughout the subsequent month or so. Whatsapp can be working to deliver audio to its screen-sharing characteristic and some different modifications, at the very least in response to a code dive of the newest Whatsapp beta.
- The Meta Threads social community has been massively fashionable to date, with over 100 million customers in lower than per week of its launch. In fact, the app remains to be within the early days and has already proven it would have a troublesome time competing with Twitter (aka X), regardless of the latter’s administration and fame points. In an effort to broaden its attain, Threads is ready to broaden to Europe as early as this month. Customers within the EU might even have the choice to make the most of the platform with out requiring an account.
- A current code evaluation of the Uber app has unveiled a set of code strings indicating a possible new characteristic: the potential to buy eSIM plans instantly throughout the Uber app. This characteristic will seemingly contain collaboration with particular accomplice carriers worldwide with a purpose to facilitate the service. The code additionally hints at a promotional provide, offering customers with 100MB of complimentary knowledge to be used throughout the Uber app upon reaching a brand new journey vacation spot. Whereas the characteristic doesn’t appear to be lively within the app at current, it might very seemingly rollout within the close to future.
- Telegram is getting a brand new voice transcription characteristic for all customers. Whereas this model works equally to the Telegram Premium choice, the latter affords limitless entry. The characteristic is anticipated to rollout steadily.
Android Apps Weekly: New apps and video games of the week
On the lookout for some new Android apps and Android video games to maintain you occupied? Under, we check out a few of our favourite options for the week, most of which occur to be RPGs this time round.
Wombo Me
- Value: Free with in-app purchases
Andrew Grush / Android Authority
Wombo Me is a brand new AI instrument primarily designed for leisure moderately than severe productiveness. In easy phrases, it takes your image and transforms it into numerous AI-generated avatars for on-line and different makes use of. Customers can simply swipe via the choices, choose their favorites, and obtain them to be used on completely different platforms. The app is free to make use of and comes with just a few types for free of charge, however extra artwork types can be found for buy, offering extra flexibility in avatar creation. As you’ll be able to see from my very own examples above, the photographs could be a bit foolish trying, however it’s really loads of enjoyable to fiddle with.
Black Clover M
- Value: Free with in-app purchases
The favored Black Clover collection has ventured into the realm of cellular gaming with the introduction of Black Clover M. In distinction to another video games on the record, this one seems to offer a extra console-level expertise because of the usage of UE4 and the sport’s top quality 3D fashions. Sadly, appearances could be deceiving. Regardless of its interesting visuals, I encountered quite a few connection and community errors throughout my time with the sport. As soon as I did get it to work, it gave the impression to be satisfying sufficient however I solely performed for a brief time frame. It’s important to mood expectations, as this one received’t come near the expertise supplied on consoles or PCs. Nonetheless, for followers of Black Clover, it’s seemingly value exploring.
Merge Mind: 2248
- Value: Free with in-app purchases
Whereas Merge Mind: 2248 is only one of many 2248 video games obtainable on the Play STore, the builders have carried out a commendable job, notably by way of the soundtrack and results. The gameplay includes tapping related numbers to mix them on this puzzle recreation. For those who take pleasure in this style, Merge Mind: 2248 is value downloading. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that the sport could be a bit heavy on commercials, though to not the extent that it renders the sport unusable.
Blood Knight: Idle 3D RPG
- Value: Free with in-app purchases
Blood Knight is your typical idle RPG, the place the gameplay includes defeating quite a few hordes of enemies whereas partaking in upgrades and different enhancements. Though these RPGs aren’t notably difficult, they function an excellent time waster. From its muddy graphical model to a couple painful bugs, Blood Knight is presently a bit tough however it has some potential and can hopefully enhance with updates. As for the story, characters, and different parts? Serviceable, but additionally very generic.
Darkish Slayer: AFK RPG
- Value: Free with in-app purchases
Darkish Slayer is one more RPG that may be performed infinitely, however this one is actually far more spectacular. The 2D artwork model and results are fairly good and it’s actually far more visually pleasing than Blood Knight. The story and visuals are additionally fairly generic, however with a way more entertaining anime aesthetic at the very least. I’ll say that this recreation requires loads of load occasions between screens, which is probably going all the way down to extra optimization.
Professional Tip of the Week
In our Professional Tip of the Week we share suggestions or options that we expect may benefit our readers. This might embody app suggestions for obscure apps that aren’t new, how-to guides for rising points, or any recommendation we expect will allow you to out.
Are you seeing adverts on YouTube Premium? Right here’s how one can repair it
YouTube not too long ago blocked adverts from its free tier, which led extra of us to maneuver on to the Premium model. Sadly, some customers are nonetheless being tormented by adverts. Whereas we now have a full information that goes deeper into how one can cease the adverts from exhibiting in YouTube Premium, right here’s a fast TL;DR on what you need to test to doubtlessly repair the issue:
- Examine your membership isn’t expired. It’s a easy factor however you by no means know.
- Ensure you’re not in incognito. This could trigger issues with adverts.
- Examine to see if you happen to’ve blocked YouTube cookies by going to Menu > Settings in Chrome. Beneath the “Privateness and Safety” part, choose Website Settings. Subsequent go to “Permissions,” choose Cookies and Website Knowledge. Beneath “Websites that may at all times use cookies,” click on Add. Create an exception for “[*.]youtube.com.”
- Signal out of YouTube Premium and return in, typically that’s all it takes.