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- Google I/O 2021 is happening, but it is only a virtual version of the event this year. It’ll be a free event available to the public. The event also takes place May 18th through May 20th, 2021. Google I/O is a huge event and includes information about Android 12, app and game development, and the occasional hardware release.
- OnePlus Pay may join the contact-less payment game soon. It works like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. A tipster shared a screenshot of its trademark in India. If true, it’s the first time OnePlus Pay will be available outside of China. Hit the link to learn more.
- WhatsApp is working on a chat migration feature for both Android and iOS. The feature lets people on iOS transfer their chats to an Android device in case they decide to switch. The app probably works in reverse too but we haven’t seen evidence of that yet.
- Signal Private Messenger is testing a new cryptocurrency feature along with a Signal Payments feature. You can use MOB currency built on the MobileCoin platform. It’s restricted only to folks in the UK at this time but may see a bigger rollout over time. We polled out readers and people are only about half sure they would use it, but it’s a neat feature. Signal also made the news when Mark Zuckerberg’s personal phone number was found on a Signal user leak.
- Google is cracking down on apps that can see your device’s installed apps. It’s only allowing certain types of apps to see this information. The list includes device searches, antivirus, and some others. The change takes affect if the app targets API level 30 (Android 11). That should cover almost every modern app. Hit the link to learn more.
NBA Ball Stars
Price: Free to play
NBA Ball Stars is an arcade puzzle game with match-three mechanics. Players collect superstars, build teams, and then face off against other players. The match-three style lets you create combos that score points. You win if you have the most points. It’s a unique twist on the Candy Crush style of game play. The game plays well for the most part, but there are some bugs here and there that need fixed.
Wateria
Price: Free
Wateria is a neat app for gardening. It functions as a reminder app so you remember to water your plants. You can keep track of multiple plants separately so you don’t over-water some plants and not water others enough. There are also trackers for things like temperature, how much water to give, and whether or not the plants need fertilizer. The UI is also easy to use and we didn’t have any problems with it. It’s also free with no in-app purchases or ads.
Throne of the Chosen
Price: Free to play
Throne of the Chosen is a simulation game with a few decent elements. You look over a city and manage things like its finances and stuff like that. There is also a dating sim element along with some other stuff. It leans on a Greek mythology theme so you’ll recognize a bunch of the names. There is a combat element but it’s a simple AFK style where you just send troops on quests and collect rewards later. This game is exceedingly easy to play so it’s not great for those looking for a challenge. However, it is quite decent if you just want to chill.
Microsoft Whiteboard
Price: Free
Microsoft Whiteboard is a presentation tool. It’s useful in a variety of scenarios, including meetings, education, and brainstorming. It basically gives you a blank canvas where you can draw and write as you please. This is a very early iteration of the app and it’s only available for work and educational accounts at this time. However, we expect it to improve with updates. Microsoft also says the app is coming out for personal use sooner rather than later.
Slashy Camp
Price: Free / $0.99
Slashy Camp is the latest game from Blue Wizard Digital, developers of the popular Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle and Slayaway Camp games. It uses a runner style of game play mixed with Slayaway Camp’s mechanics. Players basically run around killing stuff until you can’t anymore. The game features a bunch of traps to end your adventure, plenty of people to kill, and an experience points mechanics to level up and get stronger. The free version contains ads that can slow down the game a bit, but everything else is actually pretty solid.
Thank you for reading! Try these out too:
- 10 best basketball games for Android
- 10 best gardening apps for Android
- 15 best simulation games for Android
- 10 best Android learning apps
- 10 best Android horror games
If we missed any great Android apps or game releases, email us at contact@androidauthority.com to tell us about them.
