Mobile Tech Updates: Apps and Games on the Rise
In the dynamic world of mobile applications, the past week has been particularly eventful with several noteworthy developments. One of the most intriguing pieces of news is the potential change in accessibility for Google’s Magic Eraser. An APK teardown suggests that the feature, currently exclusive to Google One subscribers or Pixel phone owners, might soon be available for free with limited monthly usage.
Android enthusiasts have something to celebrate with the arrival of Android 15 Beta, which introduces the option to select a default wallet app other than Google Wallet. This development aligns with recent legislative changes in the EU, and while details are still forthcoming, it signals a more open ecosystem for third-party digital wallets.
Google Wallet itself is expanding its digital footprint with a new website that allows users to manage their passes and IDs online. Meanwhile, Google Messenger has rolled out an update enhancing image quality and increasing file size limits, along with a QR code feature for adding contacts—a nod to functionality long present in WhatsApp.
For TikTok aficionados, the platform is reportedly experimenting with a Rewards feature in Europe, incentivizing users with monetary rewards for engagement activities. The potential expansion of this feature to other markets remains a topic of speculation.
In the messaging app arena, Beeper’s quest to integrate iMessage into its service for Android users has hit a wall, leading to its acquisition by Automattic, the parent company of WordPress. Additionally, Google has announced the sunset of its VPN by Google One service, though Pixel users will retain access to Google’s VPN software.
Spotlight on New Android Games
While the week may have been quiet on the new apps front, the gaming sector buzzed with several new titles worth a glance.
Mythic Samkok
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Embark on a journey through the Three Kingdoms in Mythic Samkok, an action-adventure game that, despite its conventional narrative and gameplay, offers stable performance and challenges interspersed with automated elements.
Ikemen Villians Otome Game
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Step into a darker shade of romance with Ikemen Villians, a Japanese dating sim that weaves a tale of cursed individuals with powers serving the Queen. Its engaging storyline and free-to-play model make it an intriguing choice for fans of the genre.
Happy Dessert Cafe
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Manage your own virtual cafe in Happy Dessert Cafe, a game that stands out with its charming graphics and engaging gameplay, despite the presence of aggressive microtransactions and ads.
Fortias Saga
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Delve into a fantasy world with Fortias Saga, where you’ll navigate a land at war, battling dark forces and seeking balance. The game promises an action-packed experience with a more developed storyline, once you get past the initial tutorial hurdles.
Wild Frost
- Price: Free demo, .99
Experience the chill of Wildfrost as it makes its transition to Android. This roguelite card game set in a frostbitten world offers a demo for a taste of its strategic depth, with the full game available for a reasonable one-time purchase.
