Google Play Store

Ahead of the release of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has updated the Play Store app to version 5.9 with a handful of new features and hints at future features and capabilities. First off, apps are now beginning to display popups that ask for permissions the first time they are opened after being downloaded.

Report: Google planning to reenter China w/ special Play Store, Android Wear support, more

Stephen Hall Sep 4 2015 - 10:29 am PT

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According to a new report out this morning from The Information, Google is planning a re-entry into China which could come as early as this fall. Among other initiatives, the report says that Google is planning to launch a special version of its Google Play Store app marketplace made specifically for the Chinese market, as well as bringing support for its Android Wear mobile operating system to the country…
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Google OnHub companion app hits the Play Store, boasts innovative setup and simple UI

Cam Bunton Aug 31 2015 - 6:02 am PT

To coincide with the launch of its brand new OnHub wireless router, Google has released the companion app on the Play Store. The app is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it reveals some of the setup details and secondly, the router management options look so ridiculously simple, they almost seem too good to be true.
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Lara Croft GO hits Android with puzzle-based gameplay

Trevor Daugherty Aug 27 2015 - 6:01 am PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

After being announced back at E3, Lara Croft GO has officially been released on iOS and Android. The turn-based puzzle game will offer a new look into the world of Tomb Raider with its animation based design. Square Enix leans heavily on the success of Hitman GO, melding its board game style navigation with the world of Tomb Raider. The gameplay is based around simple puzzles with beautiful graphics.

While Rise of the Tomb Raider is still a few months away for console gamers, with some pretty sweet bundles available, Lara Croft fans can get their fix on the small screen for now. Lara Croft GO is available on iOS as a Universal app and on Android for $4.99. Late to the party? iOS users can grab all three previous releases with the Tomb Raider Pack featuring Lara Croft for $4.99.

Be sure to check out our daily apps/games roundup for the best deals.

Description

Lara Croft GO is a turn based puzzle-adventure set in a long-forgotten world. Explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, discover well-kept secrets and face deadly challenges as you uncover the myth of the Queen of Venom.

• Experience lush visuals and a captivating soundtrack
• Navigate using simple swipe-to-move controls
• Fight menacing enemies, overcome dangerous obstacles and escape deadly traps
• Solve more than 75 puzzles split into 5 chapters
• Collect ancient relics and unlock new outfits for Lara

Following the award-winning Hitman GO, Square Enix Montréal brings yet another beloved franchise to mobile with this unique take on the iconic heroine’s adventures.

Please note:
Lara Croft GO is not compatible with the iPhone 4.

SmartWatch 3 watch face app from Sony now on the Play Store

Stephen Hall Aug 25 2015 - 1:59 pm PT

The SmartWatch 3 is one of a few first-gen Android Wear devices that’s still sold on the Google Store, and now Sony has published an app on the Play Store that lets you customize all of your device’s default watch faces (via Android Police).

With the app, you can customize watch face backgrounds, hands, time markers, accent colors, and more features. Additionally, you can choose “from a range of widgets” that bring information like the current date and your step count to the front of your device.

There are three basic watch faces that are new thanks to the app: Classic, Watercolor, and Sony. The first is a traditional analog face, the second sports — as you might have guessed — some colorful designs, and Sony is a very basic digital face.

To use this app, Sony says that you have to have the Android Wear companion app installed on your device, and it’s probably a good idea to make sure that you have the latest version of Android Wear installed on your device as well.

You can grab the Sony SmartWatch 3 accessory app on the Play Store for free. If you’re like me, you probably think this means a bunch of awesome new watch faces to try on other Android Wear devices. I’ll save you the time in trying; this is for the SmartWatch 3 only.

Fallout Shelter for Android now available on the Play Store

Cam Bunton Aug 13 2015 - 4:54 am PT

After what seems like an age waiting with anticipation, Fallout Shelter has finally been released for Android. The popular title landed on the Play Store this morning and is available to download for free.

Fallout Shelter’s basic concept is to build yourself a subterranean paradise in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. When I say paradise, I mean a vault where your responsibility is to build, repopulate and defend your world from attacks. Not exactly as glamorous as The SIMs, but perhaps more enjoyable for that very reason. As per the Play Store description:

BUILD THE PERFECT VAULT
Create a brighter future…underground! Select from a variety of modern-day rooms to turn an excavation beneath 2,000 feet of bedrock into the very picture of Vault Life.

OVERSEE A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Get to know your Dwellers and lead them to happiness. Find their ideal jobs and watch them flourish. Provide them with outfits, weapons, and training to improve their abilities.

PROSPER
A well-run Vault requires a variety of Dwellers with a mix of skills. Build a Radio Room to attract new Dwellers. Or, take an active role in their personal lives; play matchmaker and watch the sparks fly!

EXPLORE THE WASTELAND
Send Dwellers above ground to explore the blasted surface left behind and seek adventure, handy survival loot, or unspeakable death. Find new armor and weapons, gain experience, and earn Caps. But don’t let them die!

PROTECT YOUR VAULT
From time to time, idyllic Vault life may be disrupted by the dangers of post-nuclear life. Prepare your Dwellers to protect against threats from the outside…and within.

Vault-Tec has provided the tools, but the rest is up to you. What are you waiting for? Get started building your Vault today for FREE.

If you want to try it out, be sure you’re running at least Android 4.1 or later and then head on over to the Play Store. It’s free, and supported by in-app purchases ranging from $1-$20.

Testing Android apps is now easier with new ‘open beta’ option

Tom Maxwell Jul 30 2015 - 9:52 am PT

Up until today, testing out an Android app that’s in beta has required going through a non-intuitive process that includes joining a group on Google+ (or Google Groups) and then clicking a special Play Store link which typically doesn’t even work until a few minutes after you join the associated group (which can lead people to thinking that something isn’t working). It’s weird and inelegant, so Google has just announced two new (easier) ways through which developers can grant users access to their betas.

Xbox Music’s ‘Groove’ name-change hits Android in redesigned app

Cam Bunton Jul 29 2015 - 1:37 pm PT

Xbox Music changed its name to Groove at the beginning of this month, and today, the rebranding has made its way to the music app on Android’s Play Store. It’s free to download, and is available right now.

Along with the new look and name, the app has had a couple of new features added. More devices can now download tracks for offline listening thanks to newly added compatibility. Music stored in your OneDrive folders will automatically show as music in the new Groove app. What’s more, you won’t need a paid subscription to make use of the app, although you will need one to access the entire streaming catalogue ad-free.

As per the Play Store listing:
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Popular apps like Monument Valley & Hitman GO discounted in huge Google Play sale

Chance Miller Jul 23 2015 - 4:34 pm PT

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On the same day that Apple launched a massive iOS app sale, Google has also joined the fun. The company has discounted a plethora of apps on the Play Store to celebrate summer. The discounted apps aren’t unpopular by any stretch of the imagination and include a variety of popular games.

Google Play Store carrier billing added in Denmark, Saudi Arabia, & 2 more countries

Tom Maxwell Jul 23 2015 - 12:55 pm PT

Carrier billing, also known as direct billing, is a way through which customers of Google Play can pay for premium downloads without ever manually inputting a credit, debit or gift card – by having new charges billed directly to the carrier service plan they pay monthly. Now it’s available for Play Store customers on a few more select carriers in several countries – only on select carriers, though. The change was initially spotted by Android Police.

Here are the carriers and countries where Play Store carrier billing is now available:

3 in Denmark
Sun in Philippines
Mobily in Saudi Arabia
Avea in Turkey
du in UAE

Typing on mobile devices can be a frustrating, mistake-prone experience that takes longer than typing on a full-sized desktop keyboard, so it’s no surprise to see app developers quickly bringing to fruition changes that reduce the amount of finger-pecking necessary to take action – making password input a fallback to fingerprint scanning being one example. The full list of carriers and countries that have support for Play Store carrier billing is available on Google’s support site.

Free Google Play apps and games are now available in Sudan

Stephen Hall Jul 17 2015 - 1:58 pm PT

Google announced today that, for the first time, free apps and games are available in Google Play Store for those located in Sudan.

As part of a commitment to helping more people around the globe use technology to communicate, find and create information, we’re announcing the availability of free apps and games on +Google Play in Sudan for the first time!

It’s worth noting that Google specified free apps, meaning there’s no way for those in Sudan to yet purchase apps and games. For the full list of countries that can access Google Play, head over to Google’s support site.

PSA: Microsoft’s ‘Hyperlapse Mobile’ is now out of beta

Stephen Hall Jul 17 2015 - 1:47 pm PT

We told you in May about a new app from Microsoft called “Hyperlapse Mobile” (not to be confused with Instagram’s Hyperlapse), but it was at the time only available to an exclusive set of beta testers. Now, the app is publicly available to any and all that might want to give it a try, and — aside from its horrendous icon — I’m decently impressed.

Not much has changed since it was first introduced, and it’s still a little on the buggy side according to reviews, but overall users — myself included, briefly — are satisfied with the app’s resulting video footage. You can import existing video into the app, choose between multiple speeds, create selfie hyperlapses, and more.

You can get Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile right now on the Play Store for free.

Google’s default Clock app gets new ‘more neutral’ color scheme

Stephen Hall Jul 15 2015 - 11:17 am PT

: Old

: New

It wasn’t that long ago that Google opened up its Clock app to be downloaded on just about any Android device, and now a very minor update released today has refreshed the app’s color scheme. While the previous version sported a pink-and-blue look that was reminiscent of cotton candy, the app now looks a lot more like a patriotic red, white, and blue.

Those who weren’t avid users of the previous version might not notice the difference, because in the grand scheme of things it’s definitely not a huge change. But if you were a fan of the light-hearted and unique colors of the app, you might be disappointed that Google has now gone with something more “neutral” in version 4.0.2. The update also packs a few bug fixes.

You can get the latest version of the Clock app over at APKMirror right now, or you should see it rolling out via the Play Store any minute now.

Kindle for Android receives ability to share book quotes & previews with friends

Tom Maxwell Jun 25 2015 - 1:40 pm PT

Amazon announced today new sharing functionality for its Kindle app that’s exclusive to the Android version until later this year. The new functionality provides the ability to share quotes, highlights, and book recommendations with friends over a host of different messaging services, and instant book previews for those who are on the receiving end of these shares.

Play Store dev guidelines updated w/ sensitive events policy, in-app currency provision, more

Stephen Hall Jun 24 2015 - 1:56 pm PT

Google has today pushed some minor — although notable — updates to the Play Store Developer Program Policies, including some brand new policies and provisions and clarified wording for others.

Most notable (possibly added due to recent events) is a new “Sensitive Events” policy. According to the new guidelines, Google doesn’t “allow content which may be deemed as capitalizing on or lacking reasonable sensitivity towards a natural disaster, atrocity, conflict, death, or other tragic event.” Somewhat related, the new policies also clarify wording in the deceptive behavior section to more clearly lay out the expectations for apps being unique and, well, not deceptive.

The Mountain View company has also made some changes to payments policies. Language has been clarified in the payment section, and Google has also added a new provision which states that “in-app virtual currencies must only be used within the app where they were first purchased.” Among other minor changes, Google has also specified that apps should not go messing with or improperly access developer APIs.

To read the new Developer Program policies, head over to Google’s website.

Quick user feedback surveys appearing inside Google Play Store

Tom Maxwell Jun 12 2015 - 7:13 pm PT

Google already has an application where it collects responses to survey questions from its large community of users called Google Reward Opinions – and it even rewards users of the app for their responses in the form of Play Store credit in small denominations ranging from $0.10-$0.80 – but it seems to want feedback from users closer to the time of their Play Store experiences.

Google Play ‘Free App of the Week’ showing up in Family section

Tom Maxwell Jun 12 2015 - 10:40 am PT

Google’s policies around pricing in the Google Play store make it impossible to offer an app for free for a limited time and then change it back to a paid app later. Once the developer makes an app free, their only option to make it paid again is to pull the app and re-publish to the store. Thanks to the keen eye of one Redditor, though, it seems that Google may now be offering a promotion similar to that from Apple’s App Store in which one paid app each week is made available for free.

Google Play Books passes the 1 billion install mark on the Play Store

Stephen Hall Jun 9 2015 - 10:09 am PT

Update: Facebook’s Messenger has also now passed 1 billion.

Google Play Books, an app that comes pre-installed with stock Android, has now become the ninth app to pass the 1 billion install mark. It’s not exactly an amazing achievement considering it ships with most Android phones, but it’s a huge number nonetheless.

Notably, only two non-Google apps, Facebook and WhatsApp, have ever passed this milestone. As you might expect, some of the more popular Google-made apps like Google Maps and Gmail passed 1 billion at various times over the last couple of years.

Google’s family-friendly app section launches on the Play Store

Stephen Hall Jun 9 2015 - 9:40 am PT

We first heard about Google’s “Designed for Families” Play Store program in mid-May, and Google officially announced that it would be adding new family-focused features to the Play Store at Google I/O 2015. Now, a new section labeled as “New Family Fun” is popping up on the Play Store, featuring the friendly star mascot, iconic character categories, and more…
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Sony briefly releases companion Android app for SmartBand 2, confirms heart rate monitor

Chance Miller Jun 4 2015 - 7:18 pm PT

While Sony has yet to officially announce a second generation SmartBand fitness tracker, it briefly released a companion Android app this evening for the device before quickly taking it down. The app, no longer available in the Play Store, was simply titled SmartBand 2 and gave a handful of features we can expect to find in Sony’s upcoming wearable (via Xperia Blog).

Google Opinion Rewards question suggests the future launch of a “Google monthly movie pass”

Chance Miller Jun 3 2015 - 8:01 pm PT

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Google’s Opinion Rewards surveys are home to a variety of different types of questions, but Google+ user Hugo Seijas today received a question that was a bit puzzling. The question reads, “Do you have a Google monthly movie pass?,” even though Google offers no such thing as a monthly movie pass.

Google Keyboard v4.1 syncs your custom dictionary across devices, removes some features

Tom Maxwell Jun 3 2015 - 5:29 pm PT

Google today released a new version of the official Google Keyboard to the Play Store, most notably bringing along with it dictionary syncing to Google accounts (Apps for Business accounts excluded, it seems) and the ability to access emoji from physical Bluetooth keyboards.

Google Play Store now displaying age-based ratings

Tom Maxwell May 29 2015 - 11:00 pm PT

We reported back in May that Google was adding age-based ratings to all apps in the Play Store as determined by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), and now it seems those ratings are starting to appear like in the example above.

Some apps display “Unrated” where the rating should be, which either means the developer didn’t complete the surveys Google asked them to by the beginning of May, or the IARC hasn’t finished rating all apps in the store yet. Google warned in the announcement of age-based that by not completing these simple surveys about their apps by May, developers would risk having their apps blocked in some territories.

The IARC ratings will vary by region, as different territories like the EU and United States have their own participating bodies in the IARC who set their own standards – the ESRB in the US, for example –but they shouldn’t vary too widely. Below are the ratings for the United States.

E: Suitable for all ages but “May contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.”
E10: Suitable for everyone age 10 and up.
T: Suitable for teens age 13 and up, may include crude humor and minimal blood, simulated gambling and the possibility of strong language.
M: For age 17 and up, may include intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language.
AO: Adults only, ages 18 and up. Intense violence, graphic sex and gambling with real money.

Google says age-based ratings “will give developers an easy way to communicate familiar and locally relevant content ratings to their users and help improve app discovery and engagement by letting people choose content that is right for them.“

Google highlights best-in-class app designs with Material Design Showcase & Awards

Zac Hall May 29 2015 - 9:40 am PT