Cable network Epix launched an on-demand streaming service, Epix Now, in February. It launched on Android and iOS, with the promise of Roku and Fire TV apps to follow. Epix never mentioned Android TV by name, but it did say the app would come to "other platforms" as well — and now it has. Epix Now...
Samsung Internet Browser Beta can stop autoplaying videos, QR code reader also added [APK Download]
Samsung updated the beta version of its Internet Browser app earlier this month, adding a notification manager and home screen shortcut renaming. A couple of extra items have been snuck onto the same changelog, one of which is sure to be very popular — there's a new feature that can prevent videos...
Choose which days of the week you want Digital Wellbeing to wind down your phone [APK Download]
One of the pillar features of Digital Wellbeing is the ability to "wind down" your device. That means switching the display to grayscale to make time-sink apps like social media ones less visually appealing, and turning on Do Not Disturb to stop notifications from waking you up or grabbing your attention....
[Update: Now for Pixel 3a and 3a XL] Google Lookout uses AI to help visually-impaired people navigate the world
Update 1: 2019/05/08 4:18am PDT
Spreads to Samsung and LG
Update 2: 2019/05/31 3:47am PDT
Now on the Pixel 3a and 3a XL
I can't imagine having to navigate today's world while visually impaired. From streets to people to items, and even trivial things like preparing a sandwich or knowing...
Google rolls out new Material Play Store interface with bottom navigation bar [APK Download]
Last month we reported the Play Store was about to get a design overhaul, including a new navigation bar that moved to the bottom of the screen. Although this could only be activated by fiddling with feature flags when we published our initial post, Google is now widely rolling out the new interface...
[Update: Officially available] Google Maps helps you choose popular dishes when checking out a restaurant
Update 1: 2019/05/30 2:59pm PDT
It's been a few weeks — nearly a month — since we first started getting reports of popular-dish recommendations coming to Maps, but as we noted at the time, availability
For months now, Google Maps has asked users who upload photos of food and drinks at restaurants...
YouTube is working on AR-powered makeup samples for beauty shoppers [APK Teardown]
YouTube is undeniably one of the most influential platforms in the world; and when it comes to product marketing, there's no place better. Google recognizes this and is preparing to integrate Google Shopping into YouTube in the near future. While there are plenty of implications, we're going to focus...
Netflix officially certifies 23 more phones and tablets, brings HDR to OnePlus 7/7 Pro
Due to the Netflix app's use of DRM and other restrictive technologies, not every Android phone or tablet can automatically watch movies and shows in HD. In most cases, Netflix has to certify each device for HD playback, and run additional tests to make sure HDR works. The company has now certified...
[Update: Complete list] Google Maps speed camera alerts and speed limit indication expand to more countries
Update 1: 2019/05/30 1:11pm PDT
We've been updating this post pretty regularly as you in the comments helpfully chimed in with reports of more and more nations where Google's made this feature available. And while
When Google bought Waze in 2013, a lot of people expected some of the application's...
[Update: Officially available] Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is coming to Android on May 30, and you can pre-register right now
Update 1: 2019/05/30 7:55am PDT
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is officially available on the Play Store
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a remake of the 1989 Master System platformer Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap. The developer Lizardcube has announced that the title will be coming to...
[Update: Out now] Warhammer: Chaos & Conquest is available for pre-registration
Update 1: 2019/05/30 6:40am PDT
Warhammer: Chaos & Conquest is officially available on the Play Store
The real-time massively-multiplayer strategy game Warhammer: Chaos & Conquest was published as a soft-launch beta title in the Philippines this past November. Now that a few months...
Google Duo users around the world are receiving ads for the Indian cricket team
Despite facing fierce competition, Duo managed to make a name for itself and even passed more than one billion downloads on the Play Store. A nice touch that makes the app fun to use is the special video effects it features during holidays such as Valentine's Day or Holi. Continuing with the tradition,...
Google still plans to kill Chrome's existing adblock APIs
Earlier this year, Google got the internet riled up when it tentatively planned to remove the APIs that content blocking extensions — including ad blockers — use. The proposed replacement API wouldn't be as powerful or flexible, so both users and developers forwarded their complaints to Google. However,...
Microsoft's Your Phone app testing new accessibility features, GIF and emoji buttons in messaging
Microsoft is bolstering its PC-to-phone bridging app, Your Phone, with the release of the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview — in fact, it's the bulk of the changes touted in this preview version. For build 18908 (20H1), fast ring insiders will be able to try out new accessibility tools and messaging...
Sex, loot boxes, and hate speech: Google tightening up Play Store policies all over
Google has made major updates to its Play Store policies in a bid to make Android's app ecosystem just a little bit more friendly to children. In so doing, it has introduced expanded definitions of prohibited content, including sexually explicit characteristics and hate speech.
We've already covered...
[Update: Going live] Google Lens revamp rolling out, comes with new Dining and Shopping modes
Update 1: 2019/05/29 10:45am PDT
We've recently been hearing reports of significantly expanded availability, but have been waiting for Google to make some formal announcement regarding the spread of these new Lens features. Sure enough,
Earlier this month, Google announced new "filters" would...
[Bonus Round] KIDS, Zombie Night Terror, Beyond Our Lives, Purple Diver, Ritual: Sorcerer Angel, and MU ORIGIN2
Welcome 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...
Google strengthens kids apps safeguards with new Play Store policies
Google has plenty of digital minefields for children and parents to navigate through — inappropriate videos on YouTube labeled for children are just one of them — but Android apps have also been a tricky place. Today, the company has announced sweeping changes to its Play Store policies, including...
No chill: Google just banned marijuana delivery apps from the Play Store
So much for being the chiller of the two mobile platforms: Google just changed its content policy for the Google Play Store such that all apps selling or facilitating the sale of marijuana are banned. Presumably, apps that merely promote the use of marijuana are still A-OK in Google's book,...
Building a safer Google Play for kids
Posted by Kanika Sachdeva, Product Manager, Google Play
At Google Play, we’re committed to providing a positive, safe environment for children and families. Over the last few years, we’ve helped parents find family-friendly content through the Designed for Families program and empowered them to set...
Pokémon Home will let you share your Pokémon across multiple devices and games
Pokémon has been an international phenomenon ever since it populated the early Game Boys. By now, the franchise has become considerably more cross-platform, with Pokémon GO available on Android and iOS and Pokémon Let's Go on the Nintendo Switch. At a press conference on Tuesday, the company behind...
Google confirms turning off Digital Wellbeing does not speed up your Pixel, but other fixes on the way
For a couple of weeks now, a rumor has been making its rounds on Reddit. A user posted a thread on r/Android where he explained how turning off Digital Wellbeing made his Pixel 3 blazing fast – to use his own words: "Holy Sh** my Pixel 3 is finally a flagship phone." Many commenters chimed in, claiming...
[Update: In stable] WhatsApp beta rolls out continuous voice note playback and message forwarding count
Update 1: 2019/05/29 1:33am PDT
Continuous voice note playback has rolled out to the stable version of WhatsApp. You should have it now on version 2.19.150, which is available on the Play Store or
Step by step, WhatsApp has been implementing features to combat the uncontrollable spread of...
[Update: Wider rollout] Google Keep rolling out dark mode for some users [APK Download]
Update 1: 2019/05/17 2:24am PDT
We've received a screenshot of dark mode note colors. They are indeed toned down pastels that are easier on the eyes in a gray environment. Thanks, Hupro!
Update 2: 2019/05/17 9:10am PDT
Here are more screenshots of this dark interface in Keep, courtesy of...
Happy fourth birthday, Google Photos
When Google launched photos back in 2015, it probably didn't expect it would become one of people's most favorite apps around. All of us at Android Police really enjoy using it because it makes storing, finding, and sharing pictures so much easier.
First and foremost, Photos is a Google app, which...
Marvel Super War brings MOBA action to Android and iOS in its first closed beta
Marvel Super War is a newly-announced MOBA from NetEase and Marvel Entertainment that's coming to Android and iOS, and it just entered into its first closed beta. The title will feature everyone's favorite heroes and villains from the Marvel universe, and each character will offer a variety of powers...
Google Maps adds helpful route preview to commute notifications
When you're getting ready to leave for work/school in the morning or drive back home in the afternoon, Google Maps can be quite helpful. It usually pops up, telling you how long it'll take to get to your destination, letting you prepare for a peaceful drive or a long one with lots of traffic. Maps...
Chrome tests larger bottom bar for Duet with labels, but you can disable it
Duet, aka Duplex, is the alternative Chrome interface that puts the toolbar at the bottom, making it easier to access your homepage, search, share the current site, switch tabs, and open the overflow menu. Duet has seen many changes ever since its inception in 2016 as Chrome Home, but it's been...
[Update: Rolling out] Google Maps to improve the Local Guides contribution process
Update 1: 2019/05/28 3:24am PDT
This new contribution process appears to be rolling out for more Local Guides. Both our tipster, Samarth Verma, and I have it, and we're level 6 and 7 guides, respectively.
If you're an avid Google Maps Local Guide, or even a beginner, you've probably noticed...
Google Maps speed camera alerts and speed limit indication expand to more countries
When Google bought Waze in 2013, a lot of people expected some of the application's key features would make their way into Maps. Although the company stated both development teams would remain separate, we started seeing some integration a few months later, as the Israeli company's traffic and incident...
Google Photos reminds you to add related pictures to an existing album
Being a Google app, Photos comes with a powerful search feature that doesn't even require you to sort your pictures. Indeed, you just need to type the location and people you're looking for, and the engine will bring up corresponding items in a breeze. Nevertheless, if you're still an organization-freak...
Android Q desktop mode up and running through experimental third-party launcher
Android has always been open to desktop modes, but so far, this has only come to fruition in the form of manufacturer customizations like Samsung DeX, custom ROMs such as Remix Singularity, and other individual solutions. In Q Beta, the OS is finally adding standardized, native support for this option....
[Update: Further improvements] Chrome tab groups are live on Android
Update 1: 2019/03/28 4:33am PDT
Improved
Update 2: 2019/05/17 3:08am PDT
Now in Stable
Update 3: 2019/05/27 2:46am PDT
A new flag has popped up in Chrome (currently on both Dev v76 and Canary v76, but not on Beta v75 or Stable v74) for tab group UI improvements. You
We've known...
[Update: 8 icons in a row] Google Maps to speed up discovery of nearby hotels, parks, and other places
Update 1: 2019/05/27 12:48am PDT
Maps appears to be testing another variant of these eight icons, this time showing them on one row. The UI looks very cramped though, with the round icons being cut
Anytime you open Google Maps, you land on a nice overview of where you are and an Explore tab...
21 best new Android games released this week including Pokémon Rumble Rush, The Eyes of Ara, and Daggerhood
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. Today I have the global release of the latest mobile Pokémon game, a drop-dead gorgeous point-and-click adventure game, and a fantastic 2D platformer with pixel-based...
Google Files offers up to ₹1000 in India for sharing files offline
Google released its smart file manager back in 2017 with the purpose of helping people remove junk and clean up their device easily. In addition, the software also has a built-in sharing feature to send files across devices without the need for an Internet connection. The app passed more than...
13 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers from the last three weeks including Adobe Premiere Rush, Abstruct, and Tor Browser (5/4/19 - 5/25/19)
Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous three weeks or so. Today I have a video editor from Adobe, a gorgeous wallpaper app, and the stable release of the Tor Browser. So without further ado,...
Spotify does the unthinkable and adds a sleep timer on Android
There are times when applications add a new groundbreaking feature that surprises us, flabbergasts us, elates us, and makes us go "wooooow, that's really cool!" This is not such a time. Instead, we're here to talk about Spotify adding the basic of most basic features of any music or audio playing...
Google shutting down YouTube Gaming app on May 30
Late last year, Google announced that it was shutting down the standalone YouTube Gaming app as it migrated the features to the main application. We had a shutdown date of March of this year, but that Google seems to have missed that mark. Now, the company is saying the app will shut down on May 30,...
YouTube gets smarter voice search and starts playing videos immediately after your query
To me, the whole idea of using voice search when I can just as easily type the exact query I want isn't appealing, but perhaps I should start changing my perception. Google's voice recognition algorithms are getting better and smarter, and one of the areas where you can notice this improvement is...
