5 Android Apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly!
Welcome to the 221st edition of Android Apps Weekly! Here are the headlines from this week:
- Google’s hitting the pause button on its accessibility services crack down. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen apps like Greenify, LastPass, and others speak out against the crack down. Thus, Google is re-evaluating its stance. The company is taking 30 days to reconsider its options and then moving forward from there. Developers will have an additional 30 days after that should Google decide to continue cracking down.
- AI Type Keyboard had some problems this week. A security firm found the developer’s unsecured database server with over 570GB of data. That included some potentially sensitive user data. Some of the information includes the IMSI and IMEI numbers, phone number, IP addresses, and ISP. The server had virtually no encryption or privacy protocols in place. Thus, the information was easily available to anyone that found it. That’s not great news.
- Bridge Constructor and Valve are teaming up to make a game. Bridge Constructor Portal is going to be every bit as unique as the name suggests. The screenshots show a 2D puzzle game that incorporates both Portals and bridges. GLaDOS returns as the antagonist. The mobile game should be out on December 20th, just in time for Christmas. Console version are on the way as well. Yeah, believe it or not, mobile got it first this time.
- A new initiative by Google is on its way. The search giant is cracking down on apps that collect data that they don’t need. The goal is transparency. Any app that asks for information that it shouldn’t has to ask the user for permission before collection. Developers and webmasters have 60 days to implement the changes before Google steps in and warns users to uninstall or leave.
- Messenger Kids is a new app from Facebook. It’s basically Facebook Messenger but for kids under 13. It has strict parental controls that the kids don’t have access to. Additionally, the information is only a first and last name along with a small profile picture. Parents have total control over who their kids talk to. The app is out for some Apple devices. An Android version is schedule for release in the coming months.
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Dragon Lapis is the latest JRPG title from Kemco. It features a lot of the same elements as previous games from the developer. That includes retro graphics, a fantasy themed story and world, simple controls, and more. The game has a unique freemium mechanic. It doesn't make you pay for anything egregious, but you can buy your way to the end of the game if you want to. It does have ads, though, and they can be annoying sometimes. Still, it's a good, cheap JRPG for fans of the genre.
Finice is a new budget app. It does the basic stuff that most budget apps do. You input your money, take out your bills, and that helps you budget what you have left. It supports multiple accounts, multiple currencies, and various customization features. It's new and that means there are bugs. Otherwise, it works fairly well. We also like that the app is entirely free. That's a good sign for budget apps. The only real downside is there is no way to pay to remove the advertising. That would've been nice.
The Sun: Origin is a mobile first person shooter. You wander around a mostly open world. The story takes place in a dystopian future ruled by guns, warlords, and the like. The game features decent graphics, good controls, and an actual story. There are some minor complaints about bugs. However, in general, the game is actually pretty fantastic. This may make our best FPS games on Android. It costs $1.99. There are also some optional in-app purchases. However, we wouldn't classify this as a typical freemium game.
Bite is another in a line of cooking apps this season. This one wants to be more social. It includes a bunch of recipes. Users can save them, cook them, and even review them. The review process is basically a multi-choice question. You can quickly see what other people think of recipes without reading a bunch of reviews. It's a fun little premise. However, the app is also fairly new and still needs some work. It's free if you want to try it out.
Reigns: Her Majesty is the follow up to one of the most unique strategy games on mobile. The mechanics use Tinder-style card swiping. Each card has a decision to make. You swipe one way to say no and the other to say yes. Your decisions either continue your reign or bring it to an abrupt end. It keeps the graphics, mechanics, and quirky humor of the first game. This one includes various new cards and scenarios. The game also includes collectible items, challenges, and more. It's also a pay-once game with no in-app purchases.
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If we missed any big Android apps or games news, tell us about it in the comments. Check back next week for more Android apps news!
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