Google Play Archives

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Google has allowed gaming on Android Auto – but there is an important restriction

Google has officially opened the games category for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS to the public. Games can only be played when the car is parked, with sound automatically muted when the car starts moving. Games are launched directly on the car screen and can be controlled via touch display or gamepads. Devices running Android 15 or later are required to play games on Android Auto, and games must be adapted to the car format and pass Google's review. Developers are encouraged to adapt games for different car displays.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Google Makes Android Auto Games Available to Everyone

Google has officially announced that games for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS are now out of beta and available to all users. The games category on Android Auto features popular titles like Beach Buggy Racing and Angry Birds 2. Gaming on Android Auto is only available when the car is parked to ensure safety. Developers must ensure their games are compatible with various car displays and can add controller support. Devices must be running Android 15 or higher to access the Games category on Android Auto.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Google’s classic ‘Text’ app is now an Android app for Googlebook on the Play Store

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has introduced a new "Text" editor app for Googlebook OS, available on the Google Play Store, which features broad syntax highlighting, a multi-file tabbed interface, large-screen desktop navigation, and standard code tools. This app is designed to be a lightweight, distraction-free text editor optimized for various screen sizes, including foldable and smartphone formats, and may eventually be extended to the broader Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Easy Delivery Co, Kingdom Rush 5, Cyberlords, more

Today on Google Play, notable app and game deals include: - Easy Delivery Co. - A simulation game. - Human Fall Flat - A physics-based puzzle platformer. - FrogBoy - An adventure game. - Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD - A tower defense game. - Kingdom Rush Vengeance TD Game - Another tower defense game in the Kingdom Rush series. - MAYATCH - A puzzle game. - Cyberlords – Arcology PREMIUM - An RPG set in a futuristic world. - Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG - A pixel art RPG. Additionally, TCL NXTPAPER Android phones are available at discounts of up to 30%.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

HSBC decides Samsung Secure Folder and Android’s Private Space are no place for a banking app

HSBC has restricted its Android app from functioning within Samsung's Secure Folder and Android's Private Space, causing many customers to lose access to online banking services. The bank described this as a "proportionate security control" to mitigate risks, stating that customers must use the app outside these environments. Feedback from users has been largely negative, with complaints about abrupt access loss and inadequate communication regarding the changes. Customers are unable to utilize web banking due to the app's requirement for multifactor authentication, and some have raised concerns about HSBC's compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority's Consumer Duty. HSBC has advised customers to access the app outside of protected spaces and mentioned the option of using a Physical Secure Key for desktop banking.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Android Auto rolls out game support, no longer in beta

Google has officially announced the graduation of game support on Android Auto from a limited beta to broad availability.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Android Auto games are no longer in beta as Google opens publishing

Android Auto games are now generally available for parked use, allowing developers to publish games through Google Play without limited approval processes. These games are specifically designed for stationary moments in the vehicle and are not playable while driving. Developers must declare game category and car support in the app manifest, and support for one platform does not automatically mean support for the other.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Android Auto Becomes a Gaming Platform

- Game content only runs while the vehicle is parked for safety reasons - Games run directly through the car's infotainment screen without the need for a smartphone - Developers must adapt their interfaces to accommodate various screen sizes and aspect ratios for automotive displays - Progress saving is mandatory for users to resume the game from where they left off

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Aniimo Launches On Mobile For IOS And Android

Pawprint Studio releases free-to-play creature-catching open-world RPG Aniimo for mobile platforms, featuring cross-platform and cross-progression capabilities. Players can collect and merge over 200 Aniimo, explore the world of Idyll, and customize their own slice of the world. Multiplayer features include the ability to call for help, invite others to locations, and follow other players.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Dwarves, Hitman GO, Hitman Sniper, more

Today's Google Play deals include: - Dwarves: Glory, Death and Loot - Hitman GO - Hitman Sniper - Deus Ex GO - Metal Soldiers 4 Pro - Tower Defense: Epic Turret Pro Additionally, the following tech products are on sale: - Nothing CMF Buds Neo with Active Noise Cancellation - Nothing CMF Clip Pro at all-time low pricing - Galaxy Z Fold 8 with discounts of up to 0