The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout is officially available on the Play Store

Team 17 has officially released its latest strategy game The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout on the Play Store. Two weeks ago we learned that the prison escape sequel would be landing on Android on the 31st, and Team 17 has indeed delivered. You can pick up The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout for $6.99, and there are no advertisements or in-app purchases included with the release.

The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout brings a lot of new elements to the brand's familiar prison escape gameplay.

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The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout is officially available on the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Roomba's outdoor cousin, the iRobot Terra, will mow the lawn for you

Thanks to iRobot's Roomba and Braava automated cleaners, floor caring is effortless and can be initiated by telling Alexa or Google Assistant to vacuum or mop. The same privilege is coming to the outdoors with the Terra, iRobot's new autonomous lawnmower, which will make grass trimming as painstaking as speaking to a smart speaker or pressing a button.

The Terra follows in its cousins' footsteps and uses the same navigation and mapping systems. It mows without human intervention, maps the area it has covered, and returns to its base automatically.

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Roomba's outdoor cousin, the iRobot Terra, will mow the lawn for you was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google Voice is the latest app to get a Material makeover [APK Download]

A ton of Google apps have already gotten Material redesigns, and Voice is the latest to join the party. Following yesterday's Gmail redesign, several readers have tipped us off on a new and improved UI in Voice. And yes, we have the APK for you guys to download.

 

left: Old. right: New.

Arguably the most noticeable change is the whitening of the status and navigation bars. I'm not really sure why Google left the bars dark for so long, but that update alone makes a big difference.

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Google Voice is the latest app to get a Material makeover [APK Download] was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

[Update: Samsung Galaxy J5, J5 Pro] Google formally welcomes OnePlus 6T, Xperia XZ3, and more to the ARCore club

  • So, remember how we scratching our heads about that Nokia 8.1 entry in the ARCore list? Well, Google just removed it.
  • It's been a few months since we last checked in with Google's list of ARCore-supporting phones. Recent changes had been on the functionality side (like listing those problems with

Covering a topic as massive as Android, and trying to do a comprehensive job of that, often requires tracking down information from multiple sources and doing a heck of a lot of cross-checking.

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[Update: Samsung Galaxy J5, J5 Pro] Google formally welcomes OnePlus 6T, Xperia XZ3, and more to the ARCore club was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google Arts & Culture app gets a 'Camera' tab with all its experimental features

The Google Arts & Culture app started as little more than a web wrapper, but Google has added new features and given it a UI overhaul since then. There have been some fun camera-based tools like the artistic doppelganger ID and color matcher. Now, there's a new camera tab that puts them all in one place.

Just grab the latest version of the Arts & Culture app, and tap on the camera icon at the bottom.

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Google Arts & Culture app gets a 'Camera' tab with all its experimental features was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google+ reveals shutdown timeline for consumers — and it's coming fast

Google announced its plans to sunset its Google+ social media network for consumers on a sour note in October. The platform, which has a small but dedicated user-base, would shut down following Google's acknowledgement of a data exposure that affected up to 500,000 Google+ profiles. Shortly after, in December, the shutdown timeline was expedited due to another, larger bug that had the potential to reveal private user information and impacted approximately 52.5 million users.

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Google+ reveals shutdown timeline for consumers — and it's coming fast was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

YouTube Kids expands to six new countries (including the return of Croatia)

The YouTube Kids logo is displayed against a grey background

When it comes to watching YouTube Kids you'll need to be in one of the countries officially supported by the app. That's because if you download while in an unsupported nation, the app will disable itself and keep you from watching. Today there's good news for six new countries in Europe who don't have to worry about that anymore, as YouTube Kids has expanded again, bringing the total number of countries covered up to 53.

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YouTube Kids expands to six new countries (including the return of Croatia) was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

[Bonus Round] RUNA, School Alone, Snow Kids, Nano Golf: Hole in One, Another Eden, and Car Legends Tycoon

bonusroundWelcome to the latest entry in our Bonus Round series, wherein we tell you all about the new Android games of the day that we couldn't get to during our regular news rounds. Consider this a quick update for the dedicated gamers who can't wait for our weekly roundups, and don't want to wade through a whole day's worth of news just to get their pixelated fix. Today we've got a calming puzzle game, a survival horror game that places heavy emphasis on sound, a delightful 2D platformer, the sequel to the quality mini-golf title Nano Golf, a free-to-play JRPG from notable developers, and a car tycoon game from Gameloft.

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[Bonus Round] RUNA, School Alone, Snow Kids, Nano Golf: Hole in One, Another Eden, and Car Legends Tycoon was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

26 temporarily free and 27 on-sale apps and games to finish January

The end of January is nigh upon us, but that also means it's time for another round of app sales. Today's list is much shorter than Monday's; better yet, it still has a couple things worth noting.

Free

Apps

  1. All Language-Camera Translator PRO $1.49 -> Free; 1 day
  2. Applock - Fingerprint Pro $4.49 -> Free; 4 days
  3. Binary Calculator Pro $0.99 -> Free; 5 days
  4. Business Calculator Pro $1.49 -> Free; 5 days
  5. Photo Editor Pro – Filters, Sticker, Collage Maker $4.99 -> Free; 6 days
  6. Salesforce Scanner $3.99 -> Free; 6 days

Games

  1. Fractal Space HD $2.49 -> Free; 1 day
  2. PUSH $0.99 -> Free; 1 day
  3. Cubes $0.99 -> Free; 2 days
  4. LASERBREAK Escape $1.99 -> Free; 2 days
  5. GeoMaze $0.99 -> Free; 4 days
  6. HEXASMASH 2 • Ball Shooter Physics Puzzle $1.99 -> Free; 4 days
  7. GORB $1.49 -> Free; 5 days
  8. Stone Of Souls 2: Stone Parts $0.99 -> Free; 5 days
  9. Stone Of Souls HD $0.99 -> Free; 5 days
  10. TD: Goblin Defenders - Towers Rush PRO $0.99 -> Free; 5 days
  11. Fit Toon - Series 2 $0.99 -> Free; 6 days
  12. Hockey Manager $4.99 -> Free; 6 days
  13. The Ball Reach $1.50 -> Free; 7 days
  14. World War 3 - Global Conflict (Tower Defence) $0.99 -> Free; 6 days
  15. Gravity - One tap hardest game ever $0.99 -> Free; 7 days
  16. Sudden Warrior Plus (Tap RPG) $0.99 -> Free; 7 days
  17. Word Rush Pro: Find Words $0.99 -> Free; 7 days

Icon packs & customization

  1. Art Alive: Night 3D Pro lwp $0.99 -> Free; 3 days
  2. Ksana Sweep Watch Face for Android Wear OS $0.99 -> Free; 5 days
  3. Text watchface like pebble $0.99 -> Free; 6 days

Sale

Apps

  1. Wedding Budget Planner $1.99 -> $0.99; 2 days
  2. Learn Spanish Language: Listen, Speak, Read Pro $3.99 -> $0.99; 4 days
  3. Learn Thai Language: Listen, Speak, Read Pro $5.99 -> $2.99; 4 days
  4. Learn Vietnamese - Language Learning Pro $5.99 -> $2.99; 4 days
  5. Camera Mute for Life $2.99 -> $0.99; 5 days
  6. Abi for Twitter $2.99 -> $0.99; 6 days
  7. Call Notes Pro - Notes in Hand $3.99 -> $0.99; 6 days
  8. Graphing Calculator $3.99 -> $1.49; 6 days
  9. PDF Reader, Viewer 2019 Pro $1.99 -> $0.99; 6 days
  10. RemindCall - Call Reminder, Call Notes $3.99 -> $0.99; 6 days
  11. Fenix 2 for Twitter $3.99 -> $1.99; 7 days
  12. Ray Watermark - Watermark with QR, Logo, Text $1.99 -> $0.99; 7 days
  13. Systems of linear equations $3.99 -> $0.99; 7 days
  14. World History $3.49 -> $1.99; 7 days

Games

  1. Meteorfall: Journeys $3.99 -> $1.99; 7 hours
  2. White Night $4.99 -> $0.99; 1 day
  3. Chess Repertoire Trainer Pro $4.99 -> $2.99; 2 days
  4. Sir Questionnaire $2.49 -> $0.99; 2 days
  5. OTTTD : Over The Top TD $6.99 -> $0.99; 5 days
  6. Space Battle $1.49 -> $0.99; 5 days
  7. Arkanoid Defense HD $1.99 -> $0.99; 7 days
  8. BattleTimeOS - Real Time Strategy Offline Game $1.99 -> $0.99; 7 days
  9. Dungeon Adventure: Heroic Ed.
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26 temporarily free and 27 on-sale apps and games to finish January was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Sky's Now TV app for Android introduces offline viewing

Now TV is one of the UK's most popular streaming services, particularly because it's owned by Sky, the UK's biggest pay-TV provider. The latest update to the Android app introduces a long-awaited feature — offline viewing. It was promised before Christmas but is now finally rolling out.

The service allows you to watch some of Sky's best offerings — including True Detective, Westworld, and Alan Partridge's Mid Morning Matters — without going all in on a Sky TV box and the expensive contract that goes with it.

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Sky's Now TV app for Android introduces offline viewing was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

[Update: Out now] Trese Brothers' Star Traders: Frontiers is coming to Android on January 30th

Trese Brothers is a well-known developer made up of two brothers, Cory and Andrew Trese. Their studio tends to focus its efforts on developing mobile strategy games, and over the years the company has built a well-deserved following. Last August Trese Brothers released a new entry in its popular Star Traders series on PC instead of mobile, and many fans were left wondering if the title would ever make its way to Android.

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[Update: Out now] Trese Brothers' Star Traders: Frontiers is coming to Android on January 30th was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Commuters in Melbourne can now add their Myki card to Google Pay

Google Pay is aiming at becoming a true virtual wallet by gathering payment and loyalty cards in a single application. Since last year, commuters in Las Vegas, Portland, and the West Midlands have also been able to save their transit tickets in their phones, allowing them to leave their wallets at home. Melburnians, and more generally Victorians, can also now use their handsets as their transportation pass, as Google Pay just added support for Myki, the region's transit card — not the password manager we reviewed.

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Commuters in Melbourne can now add their Myki card to Google Pay was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Tez, aka Google Pay for India, reaches 100 million installs on the Play Store

Gather 'round folks, Tez celebration time! Google's mobile payment solution for India, formerly known as Tez and later rebranded to Pay, has reached an important milestone in its software life: 100 million installs on the Play Store. This is usually when developers bring out the big cake and everyone wishes them zero bugs and 100% positive reviews for the months to come.

While the number may seem like no easy feat, especially for a service that's barely older than a year, this isn't the first time an app aimed at the developing market quickly garnered mass installs.

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Tez, aka Google Pay for India, reaches 100 million installs on the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Chrome 72 adds tab history screen, drops support for old TLS versions, and more [APK Download]

It has been nearly two months since Chrome 71 was released, and per Google's usual six-week schedule, Chrome 72 is now available on desktop and mobile platforms. This release doesn't have many user-facing changes, but there are plenty of security improvements and new features for developers.

Tab history on back button

If you need to jump back a few pages, Chrome 72 has a new feature on Android that makes the process much easier.

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Chrome 72 adds tab history screen, drops support for old TLS versions, and more [APK Download] was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Firefox 66 blocks auto-playing sound by default

Few things are more annoying when browsing the internet than media that plays automatically, particularly if it makes noise. Mozilla is hip to this, and beginning in version 66, its Firefox browser will block automatically-playing audio by default.

Websites won't be able to play audio without user interaction. On desktop, a notification pops up asking whether you want the website to play media automatically, while on mobile, media will play silently until you interact with the player.

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Firefox 66 blocks auto-playing sound by default was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Blindingly bright Google Material theme starts rolling out to Gmail app today

Google gave the web version of Gmail a complete makeover in 2018, but the mobile app has remained mostly unchanged for years. We've been expecting a matching app update, and today is the big day. Google's new Material theme is hitting Gmail starting now. It looks like Google's other recently redesigned apps. Which is to say, it's bright.

The first thing you'll notice is Gmail's signature red top bar is gone.

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Blindingly bright Google Material theme starts rolling out to Gmail app today was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google releases source code of Santa Tracker for Android 2018

Posted by Chris Banes, Chief Elf of Android Engineering

Today, we pushed the source code for Google's Santa Tracker 2018 Android app at google/santa-tracker-android, including its 17 mini-games, Santa tracking feature, Wear app and more!

Visually the app looks much the same this year, but underneath the hood the app has gone on a massive size reduction exercise to make the download from Google Play as small as possible. When a user downloads the app the initial download is now just 9.2MB, compared to last year's app which was 60MB. That's a 85% reduction! 🗜️

Android App Bundle

We achieved that reduction by migrating the app over to using an Android App Bundle. The main benefit is that Google Play can now serve dynamically optimized APKs to users' devices. Moreover, we were also able to separate out all of the games into their own dynamic feature modules, downloaded on demand. This is why you might have seen a progress bar when you first opened a game, we are actually downloading the game from Google Play before starting the game:

The progress bar shown while a game is fetched from Google Play

You can read more about our journey migrating over to App Bundle in a small blog series, starting with our 'Moving to Android App Bundle' post.

Gboard stickers

One of the new features we added this year was a Gboard sticker pack, allowing users to share stickers to their friends. You might even notice some of the characters from the games in the stickers!

'Santa Dunk' is one of the 20 available stickers

We use Firebase App Indexing to publish our stickers to the local index on the device, where the Gboard keyboard app picks them up, allowing the user to share them in apps. You can see the source code here.

The sticker pack being used in a very important conversation

Lots of code improvements

Aside from the things mentioned above, we've also completed a number of code health improvements. We have increased the minimum SDK version to Lollipop (21), migrated from the Support Library to AndroidX, reduced the file size of our game assets by switching to modern formats, and lots of other small improvements! Phew 😅.

Go explore the code

If you're interested go checkout the code and let us know what you think. If you have any questions or issues, please let us know via the issue tracker.


Android Match

Fortnite 7.30 update adds controller support for Android

Before today one of the playerbase's most wanted features for the mobile version of Fortnite was controller support. Well, it looks like the developers have been listening to the fans as the 7.30 update released today finally adds in support for bluetooth controllers, such as the Steelseries Stratus XL, Gamevice, Xbox One, Razer Raiju, and Moto Gamepad. And if the inclusion of this controller support isn't enough to float your boat, maybe the addition of 60Hz support for select Android models will pique your interest.

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Fortnite 7.30 update adds controller support for Android was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

It's now a lot easier to find public transit near any location in Google Maps

I often use Google Maps and public transport to get around while traveling. During my trips, there's this one missing feature that keeps on puzzling me: why is there no easy way to see public transport stops near me? Or why is there no section in any listing on Maps that shows stations near it? Instead, I have to zoom in and out on the map, trying to figure out what the closest option is.

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It's now a lot easier to find public transit near any location in Google Maps was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Hulu now lets you adjust Chromecast playback volume using your phone

Imagine: you've plopped down on the couch and fired up Hulu on your phone, ready to watch your stories on the big screen using a Chromecast. But as the show starts, you're struck with a deafening wall of sound — you left the volume on blast the last time you were watching TV. Where's the remote? You have no idea.

Well, don't panic, because now, the Hulu app lets you adjust Chromecast playback volume right from your phone.

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Hulu now lets you adjust Chromecast playback volume using your phone was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google emphasizes Apps and Games in latest Play Store layout, hides media tabs

It was only a few weeks ago that we spotted a small change in the Play Store's tab layout that would completely separate apps and games. The modification we are seeing today takes a page out of that book, but feels more like a regression than an improvement.

Instead of the multiple tabs on the Play Store, only two are left: Apps and Games. The others — namely, Movies & TV, Books, and Music — are still accessible from the side menu, but don't have their dedicated tabs anymore.

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Google emphasizes Apps and Games in latest Play Store layout, hides media tabs was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

[Update: Official] YouTube is testing video download recommendations in select markets

  • Google has updated its offline video watching support doc to add a section for Recommended downloads. The documentation explains that these videos won't consume any data unless you choose to download

It's been five years since YouTube started rolling out offline video downloads. At the latest count, users in 154 of the world's 195 countries can download videos for offline playback; some countries require having a YouTube Premium subscription to do so, while others don't.

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[Update: Official] YouTube is testing video download recommendations in select markets was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

[Update: Rollout starts today] Roku Channel adds paid subscriptions for Showtime, Starz, and more

The Roku Channel, currently a library of free ad-supported movies and TV shows, will soon grow to include paid subscription services including, most notably, Showtime and Starz. The savvy business move will draw in more channel viewers and likely boost ad revenue, as well as allow the company to play a more active role in the content that runs on its devices. From a user perspective, there are two main benefits: easier, consolidated content searching in one channel, and the ability to pay for multiple subscriptions through one monthly bill.

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[Update: Rollout starts today] Roku Channel adds paid subscriptions for Showtime, Starz, and more was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

46 temporarily free and 52 on-sale apps and games for Monday, including some Forever Entertainment titles

Monday has rolled around again and January is just about over. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are ready for some more app sales — today's list is quite long. Amongst the selection, you'll find a few bolded games of note, including some of Forever Entertainment's titles and the the Majesty games. Have fun and be sure to pop by for January's last roundup.

Free

Apps

  1. Doctorify: Doctor's voice Assistant $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 1 day
  2. Digits $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  3. Quadratic Equation Solver PRO $1.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  4. VR Zoo & Farm $1.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  5. Body Massage Vibration Pro $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 3 days
  6. Lifehacker smart voice recorder - Snipback PRO HD $2.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 3 days

Games

  1. Up Left Out $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 8 hours
  2. Dragon slayer Vip - i.o Rpg game $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 1 day
  3. Archery club 3d - 2019 $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  4. Explore Craft Survival Simulator 2019 - Pro $1.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  5. Sandbox Craft Winter SURVIVAL - PRO $1.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  6. Sandbox Exploration 3D Pro $1.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  7. Super Hero Shooting VR $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  8. Pepoland: TSW - Gansta Life Simulator [Premium] $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 3 days
  9. Real Farming Simulator 2018 Pro $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 3 days
  10. Swingman star $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 3 days
  11. Puzzle Words PRO $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 4 days
  12. Sudoku : Cartoon $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 4 days
  13. Angel Fish: VIP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  14. Devil Twins: VIP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  15. Cartoon Craft $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  16. ExtremeJobs Knight’s Assistant VIP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  17. Message Quest — the amazing adventures of Feste $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  18. Stickman Legends: Shadow War - Ninja Warriors $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  19. Word Master PRO $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  20. Buff Knight - Idle RPG Runner $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  21. CashKnight ( Gem Event Version ) $9.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  22. Candy Sky: Rolling 3D $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  23. Coin Princess VIP: Retro RPG Quest $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  24. Everybody's RPG $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  25. Pocket World VIP: Island of Adventure $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  26. Short Circuit (Beta) $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  27. Tap Town Premium (idle RPG) - Magic $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days

Icon packs & customization

  1. Rome 3D Live Wallpaper $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 8 hours
  2. Network Mapping Live Wallpaper $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 8 hours
  3. Atlantis 3D Pro Live Wallpaper $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 1 day
  4. Real Space 3D Pro lwp $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  5. Oreo KWGT $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  6. Oreo Zooper $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  7. Snow - Zooper & KWGT $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  8. Vibrant Zooper $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  9. Zebra Zooper $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  10. Zed KWGT $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  11. Zed Zooper $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days
  12. HD Wallpapers + Pro $3.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  13. Pixelwave Wallpapers PRO (NO ADS) $2.99 -> $1.49; Sale ends in 6 days

Sale

Apps

  1. Drum School $6.99 -> $3.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  2. Incoquito $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  3. PM guide for field Vets (Premium) $1.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 3 days
  4. Home Workouts Gym Pro (No ad) $2.59 -> Free; Sale ends in 4 days
  5. Compass Pro HD $3.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  6. Retro GBC Pro - GBC Emulator $2.99 -> $1.49; Sale ends in 5 days
  7. InternetGuard Data Saver Firewall Pro $4.99 -> $2.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  8. Relaxing Music Pro $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  9. 3D Human Brain + $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  10. Brain Boosting Foods + $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  11. HDBrain Optical Illusions Plus $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  12. IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY PLUS $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  13. Nikola Tesla Inventions Plus $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  14. NoteLynX Pro Outliner Mindmap Wiki $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  15. Ottoman Empire History Plus $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  16. Smoke FREE - quit smoking Plus $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days
  17. SVR PRO, Record video in Background, Hidden $8.99 -> $5.49; Sale ends in 7 days
  18. World Map - Atlas Plus $2.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 7 days

Games

  1. Farm Frenzy: Time management game $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  2. King of Dragon Pass: Text Adventure RPG $9.99 -> $4.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  3. Majesty: Fantasy Kingdom Sim $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  4. Majesty: Northern Expansion $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  5. Tempest: Pirate Action RPG Premium $7.99 -> $3.99; Sale ends in 8 hours
  6. The Tiny Bang Story Premium $2.99 -> $1.49; Sale ends in 8 hours
  7. Marble Monster $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 3 days
  8. Noch mal!
Read More

46 temporarily free and 52 on-sale apps and games for Monday, including some Forever Entertainment titles was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google Maps continues its Material makeover with new search interface

Google Maps' Material transformation is an ongoing process. Over the past couple of months, we've seen one aspect after the other of the app change from the previous Material aesthetic to the new one — colloquially known as Material Design 2.0 or Material Theme. The most recent part of the UI to make the jump is the search interface.

In what seems to be a server-side test (some of us have it, others don't), the Maps app is shedding its previous search UI for a new one.

Read More

Google Maps continues its Material makeover with new search interface was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

WhatsApp Web adds picture-in-picture video playback for YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook

A year ago, WhatsApp added picture-in-picture video playback in its iOS app. It wasn't until October that the feature made its way to Android in beta, then a few weeks ago, it rolled out to the stable version of the app. Now, it's making the switch from mobile to desktop, as PIP videos have appeared on WhatsApp Web.

You need v0.3.2041 of the web app to get PIP videos working.

Read More

WhatsApp Web adds picture-in-picture video playback for YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Chrome testing search-friendly omnibox with faster URL copy and share actions

Part of the changes introduced with Chrome's Duet interface (previously known as Duplex) is a new search button in the bottom bar that lets you jump to the address bar and perform a Google search. But until now, it wasn't clear that you could start typing a new query immediately, as the URL was still there and highlighted. A new Chrome flag has been added to clarify things, plus make it easier to share or copy the current page's URL. 

Currently available on Chrome Dev and Canary, the chrome://flags/#enable-search-ready-omnibox flag (copy this address and go to it) is behind these changes.

Read More

Chrome testing search-friendly omnibox with faster URL copy and share actions was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

YouTube reorders video resolution options so it's easier to pick the highest quality first

One feature I wish YouTube had is an option to select a default resolution for video playback. My internet situation is so bad (WiFi is rather slow, 4G has a silly cap) that I always resort to 360p or 480p to avoid buffering or eating through my plan, so for now, I have to open the quality picker each time and choose the one I want. Those of you who are luckier than me had to do the same, only you'd be picking the highest quality instead.

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YouTube reorders video resolution options so it's easier to pick the highest quality first was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

23 best new Android games released this week including Beat Cop, Alien: Blackout, and Angry Birds Dream Blast

Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android games that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous week or so. This week I have a fantastic adventure game where you get to play as a cop in NY in the '80s, an Alien game that picks up where Alien: Isolation left off, and a brand-new Angry Birds release that's all about popping bubbles. So without further ado, here are the most notable games released this week.

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23 best new Android games released this week including Beat Cop, Alien: Blackout, and Angry Birds Dream Blast was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Google app v9.10 beta update reveals Face Match for Assistant-enabled devices with multi-user support [APK Teardown]

At this point, it's no mystery that Google is digging deeper into facial recognition technology. Earlier today, XDA posted details found in a leaked Android Q build that contains code related to facial recognition, and now a beta update to the Google app adds its own details to the story. It's safe to say that Google will not only support per-device recognition, but will also support it across Assistant-enabled devices with the proper hardware and even allow detection for multiple users where appropriate.

Read More

Google app v9.10 beta update reveals Face Match for Assistant-enabled devices with multi-user support [APK Teardown] was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Duo app rumored to expand with upcoming web client

According to a report today from 9to5Google, a web client for Duo will be launched "in the coming weeks." When it happens, Duo will join desktop-compatible ranks of Android Messages and dearly departed Allo, expanding the reach of the service away from phones and Smart Displays.

Functionality at launch remains a question. 9to5Google speculates that the app's trademark features like "knock knock" (which provides a live feed of the caller before you answer) and sending/leaving video messages are likely to be included.

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Duo app rumored to expand with upcoming web client was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Skype update adds SMS messaging, app shortcuts, and more

Microsoft is rolling out a new Skype update today. Technically, it started earlier this week, but it as only now released a changelog. If you grab the latest build, you'll get a few goodies like SMS messaging and a revamped contacts panel.

Here's the full changelog as of v8.37.0.98.

  • Receive SMS messages: You can now receive SMS messags in Skype if you have a Skype Number with Caller ID set up. Learn more.
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Skype update adds SMS messaging, app shortcuts, and more was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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29 temporarily free and 43 on-sale apps and games to start the weekend

Friday is here and the last full week of January is almost over. As you head into the weekend, be sure to take a few minutes to browse through the app sales I have for you today — there's even a notable game, Zenge, in the free list.

Free

Apps

  1. HD Camera Pro : Best Camera HD Professional $4.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  2. TODO New Missions :Gamy TODO list Professional App $2.49 -> Free; Sale ends in 4 days
  3. Quedo - Todo-List $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days

Games

  1. Zenge $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 hours
  2. AFTERLIFE A.U.S $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  3. Chess 3D Animation : Real Battle Chess 3D Online $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  4. Dragon Warriors : VIP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 2 days
  5. Fit Tile $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 3 days
  6. Tower of Infinity VIP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 4 days
  7. Amazing Taxi Simulator V2 2019 $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  8. Dinoboom Puzzles $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  9. Dungeon999 $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  10. Farm and Click - Idle Farming Clicker PRO $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  11. Freebloks VIP $2.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  12. HEROES OF MAGIC-CARD BATTLE PRO $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  13. Mental Hospital IV $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  14. Mental Hospital V $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  15. ORBB $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  16. Tap tap cartoonist - Cartoon999 (VIP) $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 days
  17. 13 Puzzle Rooms: Escape game $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  18. Duck Warfare $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  19. I Monster Pro:Dark Dungeon Roguelike RPG Legends $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  20. Little Stars 2.0 - Sci-fi Strategy Game $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  21. Mine World :VIP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  22. Sudoku : Cartoon [ VIP ] $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days
  23. The House $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 7 days

Icon packs & customization

  1. Vikings 3D LWP $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 6 hours
  2. Futuristic City 3D Pro lwp $0.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 1 day
  3. OneUI Dark- Icon Pack $1.99 -> Free; Sale ends in 5 days

Sale

Apps

  1. Handy GPS $5.49 -> $3.49; Sale ends in 6 hours
  2. Coordinate Master $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 3 days
  3. Custom Formulas $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 3 days
  4. U-Count Professional | Traffic Loads $7.49 -> $3.49; Sale ends in 3 days
  5. AnatomyMapp $14.99 -> $9.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  6. App Backup & Restore Pro $19.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  7. Filter Calculator PRO (RC, RL, LC, RLC) $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  8. LiquidPlayer Pro - music,equalizer,mp3,radio,3D $2.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  9. World Military Map Pro $1.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  10. World Map PRO $1.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 5 days
  11. Before After Cam Pro $2.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  12. HDR Mood Pro $1.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  13. NetX Network Tools PRO $2.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  14. Portrait Sketch Ad-Free $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  15. Water Reflection Ad-Free $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  16. AlmostTI - TI Calc Emulator $4.99 -> $2.99; Sale ends in 7 days

Games

  1. Invaders from Androidia $2.49 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 4 days
  2. Arithmagic - Math Game $2.99 -> $1.49; Sale ends in 6 days
  3. Candleman:find yourself $4.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  4. Heroes of Steel RPG Elite $3.99 -> $1.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  5. Mars Power Industries - Space Colony Puzzle $1.99 -> $0.99; Sale ends in 6 days
  6. Peace, Death!
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29 temporarily free and 43 on-sale apps and games to start the weekend was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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