Andrew Grush / Android Authority
Welcome to the latest 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:
- Google’s Magic Eraser may soon be available for free, at least according to a recent APK teardown by Android Authority. At the moment, Magic Eraser is exclusive to Google One subscribers or those with Pixel phones, but a string of codes suggests that could change in the near future. The only catch is that the use of Magic Eraser would be limited, with only a few changes per month.
- Android 15 Beta is finally here and it brings several new changes and features, including the ability to change the default wallet app to something other than Google Wallet. This change isn’t too surprising with all the recent EU law changes, although there aren’t many details yet on which third-party wallets will be fully supported.
- Speaking of Google Wallet changes, Google also unveiled a new website for its digital payments service. The site will allow you to access passes and ID cards directly from the website.
- Google Messenger received a major update this week that includes several new features, most of which are related to images and photos. For one thing, there is now significantly improved image quality support. Second, file size limits have been increased from 25MB to 100MB. Additionally, there is a new feature that allows users to add contacts using a QR code. Although this feature has been present in WhatsApp for years, it’s nice to see Google catching up.
- Paying to watch TikTok could soon become a reality, according to a new report. In a bid to increase engagement in Europe, the company plans to introduce a new rewards feature to its app, offering cash incentives for watching videos, inviting friends to sign up and more. However, there is no word yet on if and when this feature will also be available in additional markets like the US.
- Beeper gained a lot of notoriety for its attempts to bring iMessage to Android, but ultimately the attempt failed due to Apple’s measures to keep access restricted on Android devices. The app became a more general messaging service after losing support for iMessage, but even that isn’t enough to keep the company going on its own. Beeper has announced the acquisition of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.
- Google One VPN seems to be on its way out, as announced by Google itself. While there’s no exact timeline for when the service will disappear, the company has revealed plans to shut it down later this year. However, Pixel users will still have access to the Google VPN software.
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.
Mythical Samkok
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Ikemen Villians Otome game
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Ikeman Villians is a Japanese dating simulator and adventure game that deals with a secret organization consisting of cursed members with unique powers who are supposed to serve Her Majesty the Queen, but these so-called gifts have a hidden dark side. Dating sims have become more common in recent years, and while this one isn’t all that different from some of the others that have come across my desk in the past year, at least it has a slightly darker vibe to it. During my limited time playing the game, I found that there was enough story and dialogue to keep me engaged, and the fact that it’s free to play means you have very little risk.
Happy Dessert Cafe
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Cafe management games are a dime a dozen in the mobile world, but not all experiences are created equal and many feel like simple cash grabs. The good news is that Happy Dessert Cafe might be familiar to you, but it’s a well-crafted game with cute graphics and plenty to keep you busy. On the other hand, the microtransactions here can be a bit aggressive and if you don’t want to pay extra to remove video ads, you’ll have to deal with short ads as well.
Fortias Saga
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
It is the year 730 in the Eradel calendar and a war has broken out between humans and the dark forces of the land. You must travel the land on foot and sometimes by flying ship, fighting enemies and restoring balance to the world. If you’re looking for a fun action adventure game with a story that’s actually at least fleshed out for a change, you’ll love this one. Just be aware that the initial guide isn’t very well done, but if you can get past it, you’ll find a pretty decent experience below.
The popular card game Wildfrost is moving into the digital realm with an Android roguelite experience. Set in a world forever shrouded in winter, you are among the inhabitants of Snowdell, one of the few remaining strongholds against the eternal cold. It’s worth noting that while the game is free to try, you’ll only get a limited taste. To access the full game, you’ll need to pay $6.99, which is reasonable considering this is a full game and not just a short mobile experience.