An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.
Android 16 introduced Live Updates, a feature that prioritizes important notifications like transit directions and Uber progress, making them easily accessible without needing to open the app. Live Updates display information in a bubble or chip in the status bar, allowing users to glance at their screens for essential updates. This feature is particularly useful for public transport users and drivers, as it integrates seamlessly into the Android interface, appearing in the notification drop-down, on the lock screen, and on the always-on display. However, the adoption of Live Updates among developers has been low, with only a few apps like Uber, byAir, and Flud utilizing it effectively. Many Google applications, such as the Clock app and the Google app, have not integrated Live Updates, raising concerns about the feature's future viability.
Once Human is a free-to-play sci-fi survival game that has introduced a new update featuring three new adversaries: the Devourer, the Hoarder, and the Sonivore. The Devourer is a 45-meter-long creature that resembles a subway train and consumes Stardust-enriched ores. It can be interacted with by feeding it minerals, but if players fail to satisfy it, it may burrow underground with valuable materials. The Hoarder is a creature that resembles a shopping cart on legs, collecting items and leading players to its nest, which can be raided at a risk. The Sonivore is a gel-like entity that targets sound and high-value supplies, requiring players to use distractions to escape. The update also includes two new weapons, the EBR-14 rifle and the TEC-9, along with a new gear set and the Deviant Sprout upgrade path. The update is set to launch on January 21.
Subway Surfers City is a full sequel to the original game, featuring a new setting called Subway City with four districts. The game will have upgraded art style and new gameplay mechanics like speed pads and a bouncy shield. It will offer three modes: Classic Endless, City Tour, and Events.
Subway Surfers City is set to launch on February 26th for iOS and Android, bringing players to the modern multicultural metropolis of Subway City. The game will feature four distinct districts, new mechanics, and three modes for players to enjoy.
8BitDo has introduced the FlipPad, a portrait mode clip-on controller for mobile gamers who prefer minimal accessories. The controller has 12 face buttons and a D-Pad, making it suitable for portrait games that do not require shoulder trigger buttons. It is designed to overlay over on-screen keyboards for ergonomic comfort and is compatible with third-party applications and emulators. The controller plugs directly into smartphones via USB-C and does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
- Red Dead Redemption is a popular open-world action game set in the Wild West that can now be played on smartphones.
- The Android release includes the full game and the Undead Nightmare expansion, and is available for free with a Netflix subscription.
- Candy Crush Saga is a popular casual Android game that combines strategy with chance.
- Roblox and Minecraft are digital playgrounds where players can create and explore unique worlds.
- Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror game that has gained popularity for its simple mechanics and tense gameplay.
- Garena's Free Fire is a popular battle royale game on Android with over a billion downloads.
- There are many other great Android games for short gaming sessions that cater to different preferences and needs.
