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- Google is finally addressing Google Drive spam. It lets you block users who spam you with Google Drive content and also removes everything the spammer shared. The fix should roll out to people over the next few months. This seems like a silly problem that should’ve had a solution a long time ago. At least it’s finally happening.
- Telegram CEO Pavel Durov took some shots at Apple users this week. He said iPhone owners are digital slaves to Apple and compared Apple’s walled garden to China’s totalitarian regime. Of course, Telegram offers direct downloads for its app for Apple customers to bypass App Store restrictions so he had the motive to say such things. Hit the link to learn more.
- Google Photos had a massive week this week thanks to Google I/O. An update earlier in the week added search filters. There is also a lesser feature that shows you a bunch of cups of coffee from your library. At actual Google I/O, Google announced new features for Google Photos that revolves around memories, including a neat Little Patterns feature. There is also an upcoming locked folder feature along with a potential fix for unwanted screenshot backups. Hit all the links to learn more.
- PUBG: New State is chugging along toward its official launch. The game went into a closed alpha earlier this week. People can go to the proper site, fill out a form, and then you may find a spot. There isn’t much else to report so hit the link if you’re interested.
- Google I/O 2021 had a lot of announcements for app and game fans and it was all good news. Google’s camera algorithms are being redone to take better photos of people of color. Android 12 also has a hidden game mode as seen in the new beta release this week. Plus, Android 12 will make third party app stores easier to use. You can find out more details about Android 12 changes here.
Pokadota
Price: Free / Varies
Pokadota is an interesting camera app. It tries to bridge the gap between the days when you took photos and couldn’t see the results in print. Basically, you purchase a roll of virtual film. As you take pictures, the app sends them out and deletes them off of your phone. From there, the company prints them and sends them to you. Thus, you recreate the experience of taking pictures with a disposable camera. It’s a neat concept, albeit a bit niche. The app should work well with photography fans.
Tender: Creature Comforts
Price: $3.99
Tender: Creature Comforts is a narrative dating sim. It explores the theme of rejection in our swipe culture in regards to apps like Tinder. Players sign up for a virtual dating app, go through profiles, and try to find themselves a date. You can schedule dates, explore a bunch of branching storylines, and more. It’s something a little bit different in the dating sim lineup and it’s definitely memorable for it. Plus, we like that it’s a premium game with no in-app purchases to ruin things.
BFG OnTrail
Price: $35.99 per year
BFG OnTrail is a trail map app from BFGoodrich. The app has public trail information along with trails added by the app’s community. Between the maps and the social elements, it’s something quite nice for the offroad hiking community. Some other features include weather conditions, a built-in inclinometer with real-time pitch and roll, and you can add photos and videos to the app to view later. It’s definitely for the adventurous type. Our only problem with the app is that you basically have to pay for the yearly subscription to try out any of the features. We would’ve appreciated a trial or something first.
King’s Choice
Price: Free to play
King’s Choice is a simulation game mixed with a dating sim. You play the role of a king (or queen) while you handle the government, go on dates, raise your heirs, and do a bunch of other things. There is a light combat element along with an online PvP for a bit of variety. However, by and large, the game is about building yourself a little harem and ruling your kingdom. Those who enjoy dating sims and also regular sims may enjoy this one. However, those who don’t enjoy dating sims may find those elements too heavy.
SecureMe
Price: Free
SecureMe is a security app and pseudo permission manage. The app works as a basic launcher of sorts. You open it, select the app you wan to use, and then use it. The app enables all permissions for the app at the time you open it and then disables all of the permissions when you’re done. It’s a nice way to manage your apps to make sure they don’t have permissions running in the background. Android 12’s privacy dashboard covers this same use case nicely, but until then, an app like this is helpful.
If we missed any big Android apps or games news or releases, tell us about them at contact@androidauthority.com.
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