Andrew Grush / Android Authority
Welcome to the 528th edition of Android Apps Weekly, where we discuss the latest mobile news and take a closer look at some of the hottest new apps and games. Let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the biggest events from the past week:
- Have too many old and forgotten tabs open on mobile Chrome? A string of code in Chromium suggests that Google may soon address this issue with a new Tab Declutter feature. In short, the feature will automatically clean up older and inactive cards that haven’t been used in a while. As someone who often has 40+ tabs open, this could be useful, but I sincerely hope they introduce a way to mark special tabs that you want to keep permanently active.
- Google is upgrading Search with new generative AI features designed for summer travel. The new features will affect Google Shopping and Google Maps, with additions like the ability to use artificial intelligence to summarize key insights for searched locations and more.
- A new Google Search APK teardown reveals that Gemini could be coming to tablets soon. Although the function is already there, the wires are currently deactivated. 9to5Google was able to activate the feature on a Pixel tablet and found that it can even work with Google Assistant, unlike a phone.
- Telegram is giving Telegram Premium access to some users, as part of its new Peer-to-Peer sign-up program. Basically, you agree to Telegram using your number to send up to 150 one-time pins to other users via SMS and give you additional benefits for free. This sounds fine at first, but keep in mind that these other users will have access to your phone number and you will be responsible for any carrier fees associated with SMS.
- Google Messages Beta introduces several new changes including improvements that make it easier to attach multiple images to a conversation. Furthermore, Google Messages is now finally getting Gemini for some beta users.
Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games
Looking for new Android apps and Android games to keep you busy? There weren’t any big new apps this week, but there were plenty of games worth highlighting.
AFK trip
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Imagine inheriting a plant business without any knowledge of plants. Despite this lack of knowledge, you have customers with their own specific needs and you need to find out which plants are right for them! Basically, this is a puzzle where the goal is to identify the correct plants and make your customers happy.
If this sounds at all familiar, it’s been available on Steam and consoles for a while now, although this version costs about half as much. I haven’t personally played the Android version, but I can vouch for the Steam game, and it seems to be the same general experience, just ported over.
Covert management of covert tasks
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
The Dark Time Management series continues with a new chapter in this series of cooking/time management games. This time, Vera Moon must reconcile with her sister and ultimately save her. If you haven’t played either of these games before, it’s almost like two games in one. During the day, you help run the business, delivering food and drinks wherever needed. At night? The game offers a completely different experience as Vera explores the city around her and hopes to uncover many of its dark secrets before it’s too late.
Ball sorting quiz
- Price: Free basic experience with ads, $0.99 premium version
Looking for something a little more relaxed? Ball Sort Quiz could certainly fit the bill. The game is very simple: there are a bunch of tubes with different balls. Tap one tube to move the ball into another tube. The goal is to sort them and organize them in the right places. Sound super familiar? This is no accident, as it is basically a copy of Ball Sort Puzzle. There are a few minor changes, like the ability to add unique skins to the balls, turn them into other objects like donuts, etc. Yes, this is cash, but at least it’s trying to be a little different.
Amazon One
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Amazon One is a new way to pay for goods in the store using only the palm of your hand. No need to take out your wallet, cards or even your phone. As you’d expect, this will only work with stores, like Amazon-owned Whole Foods, that are equipped with palm-sensing-capable devices, though as with any technology, it’s likely to expand to more locations over time. Amazon One isn’t just for shopping, as it could also be built into business security doors and more. I like the concept, although it will probably be a while before it really takes off.