Finding the right app on the Google Play Store can be a bit of a gamble. While user ratings and download numbers offer some guidance, they don’t always paint a complete picture. 

A popular app with stellar reviews might be outdated and incompatible with your device. Conversely, a lesser-known app could be a hidden gem. To address this, Google is rolling out a new app quality warnings feature.

These warnings which are now appearing for some users provide additional context about an app’s performance and usage, helping users make more informed decisions. The warnings aren’t meant to flag apps as dangerous or unusable, but rather to offer a more nuanced perspective beyond simple star ratings.

Google Play Store rolls App Quality Warning

Currently, there seem to be three types of warnings. One warning notifies about apps that are frequently uninstalled compared to others on the Play Store. This could suggest that users find the app doesn’t meet their needs or that there are better alternatives available. 

Another warning indicates that users engage with the app less frequently than with comparable apps. The third warning informs users that the app has a smaller user base compared to others in its category.

It’s important to understand that these warnings are not a scarlet letter. An app with a “low engagement” warning, for example, might still be a perfectly good app for its intended purpose. 

These new quality warnings are a welcome addition to the Play Store. They offer a more complete picture of an app’s performance and popularity to help users make better choices. 

The feature has been spotted in version 44.7.24 of the Google Play Store, and it’s expected to become available to all users soon. While the initial set of warnings is helpful, Google may introduce more warning types in the future to further enhance the app discovery process.

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Google is introducing a “Verified” badge on the Play Store to help users identify safe and reliable VPN apps. This badge, displayed as a shield with a checkmark and the word “Verified,” indicates that the VPN meets strict security and privacy standards, ensuring users can trust apps that genuinely protect their data.

How VPNs Can Earn Google’s Verified Badge

To earn the badge, VPN apps must pass Google’s Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 and comply with Play Store guidelines. Developers must meet specific criteria, including having at least 10,000 installs, 250 reviews, and 90 days of availability on the Play Store. They must also operate under an organization developer account and submit a declaration in the Data Safety section, detailing how user data is handled and confirming independent security audits.

This initiative addresses growing concerns about malicious VPN apps that pose as security tools while harvesting data or spreading malware. Earlier this month, Google warned about legitimate-looking VPNs being used as backdoors for cyberattacks. With VPN usage rising due to privacy concerns and online restrictions, the need for clear verification is critical.

Leading VPN providers like NordVPN, Hide.me, and Aloha Browser have already received the badge, highlighting their commitment to user security. Verified apps may also gain increased visibility on the Play Store, encouraging developers to adhere to these standards.

This move is part of Google’s broader efforts to enhance Play Store transparency and security, following updates like privacy labels and independent security review banners. Last year, Google also introduced a verification badge for government-made apps, helping users identify legitimate applications from official sources.

As cyber threats evolve, the “Verified” badge is a crucial step in helping users make informed choices in a crowded VPN market, ensuring safer and more reliable app experiences.

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Google is gearing up to expand the reach of its Play Store to include extended reality (XR) headsets, according to recent discoveries in the app store’s code. This move suggests that Google is preparing for a significant expansion into the XR market, potentially with its own hardware or through partnerships with other manufacturers.

Play Store Expands to XR

The latest version of the Play Store app includes a new icon depicting an XR headset and references to “XR headset” in the app listings. This indicates that Google is working on a dedicated section for XR apps, similar to the existing categories for smartphones, tablets, and wearables.

While Google has previously experimented with XR through initiatives like Cardboard and Daydream, these efforts were primarily focused on mobile VR experiences. The upcoming XR headset support signals a more serious commitment to the technology and a desire to compete with other major players in the market.

The timing of this development coincides with Google’s ongoing collaborations with Samsung and Qualcomm on a new XR headset. This joint effort aims to create a high-end XR device powered by Android and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. By integrating XR support into the Play Store, Google can ensure a robust ecosystem of apps and content for its upcoming headset.

While the specific details of Google’s XR plans remain unclear, the discovery of these code changes suggests that we may see a significant announcement in the near future. This could involve the launch of Google’s own XR headset, partnerships with other manufacturers, or simply an expansion of the Play Store to support existing XR devices.

Regardless of the exact path forward, Google’s move to embrace XR is a positive sign for the future of the technology. With the support of a major player like Google, XR has the potential to become a mainstream platform for gaming, entertainment, and productivity.

(Source)

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Google has finally introduced a long-awaited feature to the Play Store: the ability to download and update multiple Android apps simultaneously. This significant improvement will save users considerable time, especially when setting up new devices or restoring from backups.

Previously, the Play Store could only handle one app installation or update at a time. This often resulted in frustrating delays, particularly when dealing with a large number of pending updates. With the new feature, users can now experience significantly faster app installations and updates.

While the exact number of simultaneous downloads and updates may vary depending on factors like network speed and device performance, users who have got it have confirmed that at least three apps can be processed concurrently. This is a significant step forward compared to the single-app limitation that has been in place for many years.

How does it work?

When you attempt to update all your apps, the Play Store will prioritize three of them for immediate download and installation. The remaining apps will be placed in a “Pending” state and will be processed as soon as the initial three are complete.

Is it available on all devices?

The simultaneous app download feature is currently being rolled out gradually to Android users worldwide. While not everyone will have access to it immediately, it is expected to become available to a wider audience in the coming weeks.

What does this mean for Android users?

The ability to download and update multiple apps simultaneously is a welcome addition to the Play Store. It significantly improves the overall user experience and makes it easier to manage your app library. Whether you’re setting up a new device or simply keeping your apps up-to-date, this feature will save you time and effort. Apple has long offered similar support for installing up to three iOS apps at once.

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Ever worried about whether that government-affiliated app you downloaded is the real deal or just a data-stealing scam? Google is aiming to alleviate those concerns with the rollout of a new “Government” badge system on the Play Store.

The badge, essentially a tiny building icon, is now prominently displayed on government app listings, search results, and even the main Play Store feed.

When you tap on the badge, you’ll see a message confirming that the app is indeed affiliated with a government entity. It reads “Official government — Play verified this app is affiliated with a government entity.” It’s a pretty simple and effective way to know you’re dealing with a genuine government agency.

And this isn’t just for the US – Google will roll out the badge system globally. But it is currently active in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

According to a report from news outlet 9to5Google, the feature has been in the works for some time now. But getting that coveted government badge isn’t a walk in the park. 

Government agencies must follow some rules like they must use official email addresses when creating developer accounts. And apps handling even more sensitive matters, like voting, will undergo additional verification before the app goes live on the Play Store. So far, over 3000 apps have earned the badge, but it’s just the beginning.

While Google is doing its part, it’s still wise to exercise caution when downloading apps – even if they don’t have the badge. For instance, you can check reviews and developer information to reduce the risk of downloading anything malicious or spammy.

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Google is enforcing its Play Store payment policy against several Indian app developers, potentially raising tensions with local tech companies. This could mean non-compliant apps, including popular ones like Shaadi.com and Quack Quack, being removed from the platform.

Some developers have started complying, while others haven’t yet

These companies previously challenged Google’s policy in court but weren’t granted temporary protection. Some have since begun complying, while others haven’t. For instance, Info Edge’s founder confirmed compliance, but Matrimony.com expressed concerns about the impact on their industry.

Google emphasizes the need for fair treatment, highlighting that most Indian developers already comply. They remain committed to supporting those who do.

If delisted, developers have options:

• Integrate with Google Play‘s billing system (standard approach).
• Use an alternate billing system alongside Google Play’s (pay a reduced fee but less control).
• Operate as consumption-only (no fees but limited features).

This action highlighted the importance of adhering to Play Store policies. Developers should assess their compliance and choose an option to keep their apps available to users. The consequences for some of these are quite serious, considering app developers may have to restructure their policies around revised regulations. Let’s see how devs respond to the policy enforcement.

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Google has recently released an updated version of the Google Play Store, marked as version 39.5.18, for Android users. This latest update is part of Google’s routine enhancements, although the company has not disclosed specific details regarding the changes or improvements made.

Compatibility and How to Download

This update is designed for Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, ensuring broad compatibility. While the update typically installs automatically, users have the option to manually initiate the download and installation process. It’s worth noting that the download size may vary based on the device.

Play Store Search Feature Overhaul

Google is currently experimenting with a notable modification to the Play Store’s search functionality. This involves introducing a dedicated search page and relocating the search bar to the top of the Search tab, adding an additional step to initiate searches. Although this redesign aims to enhance monetization opportunities through advertising, it has received mixed feedback from users concerned about usability and the potential for more aggressive advertising tactics.

Expanding Real-Money Gambling App Support

In a strategic move, Google plans to broaden the availability of real-money gambling apps in select countries, including India, Mexico, and Brazil, starting June 2024. This decision comes with strict adherence to age and location restrictions to promote safety and legal compliance. This expansion is anticipated to increase competition among app developers while also spotlighting the significance of responsible gaming practices. This follows Google’s 2021 policy adjustments that allowed an increased presence of gambling apps in the US market, tailored to meet region-specific regulations.

Installing the Google Play Store APK

To manually install the Google Play Store APK on your Android device, follow these steps:

• Open your device’s Settings.
• Navigate to Applications or Security, depending on your device.
• Enable the Unknown Sources option to allow app installations from sources other than the Google Play Store.
• Download the Google Play Store APK.
• Locate the downloaded APK file and tap it to start the installation.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
• Once installed, the Google Play Store icon should appear on your home screen or in the app drawer.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your device runs the latest version of the Google Play Store, keeping you up to date with the newest features and improvements.

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The primary avenues for installing games and applications on Android and iOS devices are the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. While Apple currently dominates within its ecosystem, the situation is different for Google. Android’s open platform has allowed competing stores to challenge the Play Store for quite some time. Notably, Activision Blizzard, the developer of popular games like Call of Duty, nearly became one of these competitors.

Activision Blizzard’s Interest in Competing with Google Play Store

Before diving into the details, let’s address a fundamental question: Why would companies like Activision Blizzard want to compete with the Play Store and App Store when uploading an app to these stores seems like a simpler process? The answer typically boils down to one thing: money.

Both Google and Apple take a commission from the revenue generated by every game uploaded to their respective app stores. So, if you make a purchase within a game like Call of Duty Mobile, Activision Blizzard has to pay a portion of that money to the store owner. This commission usually ranges from 5% to 30%. It appears that Activision grew weary of this arrangement and explored the idea of competing with Google in 2019 by creating its own store.

The company initiated a project codenamed “Boston.” The plan involved featuring games like Candy Crush, Call of Duty Mobile, and Diablo Immortal on this platform and removing them from the Play Store. However, these plans never materialized, primarily due to the variable nature of store commissions.

For developers relying solely on this income, paying the requested amount to Google is non-negotiable. Yet, for a gaming giant like Activision Blizzard, negotiations could lead to a special deal. This would enable them to reduce the commission to a level that is acceptable or potentially eliminate it altogether. Google seems determined to maintain its dominance through such strategic maneuvers.

In the case of Apple, currently unrivaled in its position, there are expectations that it will open iOS to new app stores with the iOS 17.2 update, following European Union laws. When this occurs, the company is anticipated to adopt strategies similar to its competitor.

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Google has launched a new version of the Google Play Store, version 37.8.26, for Android devices. As with many of their updates, Google hasn’t provided specific changelog details for this release.

How to Download and Compatibility

The latest update is compatible with Android devices operating on Android 5.0 and above. Though the update will automatically download and install, users have the choice to manually download it. It’s essential to note that the download size might vary depending on the device you’re using.

Exciting New Features

Even though the full details of new features are yet to be unveiled, there’s a buzz about some interesting additions:

Cubes: This feature is designed to assist users in discovering new content across various categories.

Download Buddy: A more interactive way to track download progress, it showcases a movable arrow on the screen.

App Filters & Reminders: Google is incorporating filters to display apps compatible with your device. Additionally, if you haven’t opened an app in some time, the Play Store will send you reminders.

Discover New Apps with “The Play Report”

Another innovative feature Google is integrating is “The Play Report.” It aims to enhance user engagement by showcasing a series of videos on the Play Store homepage. These videos will act as a guide, helping users discover and explore new apps and games.

Storage and Privacy Enhancements

A standout feature that was recently introduced is the ability to archive apps. This allows users to reclaim up to 60% of their storage space without sacrificing any data. Archived apps will display a cloud icon and can be managed directly within the Play Store settings. Addressing concerns of privacy and efficiency, apps that remain unused for extended periods will automatically have their permissions revoked.

Steps to and install the Google Play Store APK on your Android device:

• Go to your device’s “Settings.”
• Scroll down and select “Applications” or “Security” (depending on your device).
• Check the “Unknown Sources” option. This allows you to install apps from sources other than the Play Store.
• Download the Google Play Store APK.
• Locate the downloaded APK file and tap on it to begin the installation process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• After the installation is complete, you should see the Google Play Store icon on your device’s home screen or app drawer.

That’s it.

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Google has given us a new update for the Google Play Store! The latest version is 37.7.22, and it’s rolling out to Android devices. As usual, Google didn’t provide any changelogs for this update.

Download Play Store Apk

This update will work on Android devices that are running Android 5.0 or newer. It will download by itself, but you can also download it manually if you want to. The size of the download might be different depending on what device you have. We have a detailed guide available for manual installation of the Google Play Store if you need assistance.

Google is working on some new features! We don’t know much about these features yet but there’s a feature called “Cubes” that will help you find new content in different categories and “Download Buddy” to make downloading apps better by showing a moveable arrow on the screen to track progress. They’re also adding filters so you can see what apps will work on your device and reminders to open apps you haven’t used in a while.

Google has also recently rolled out an update that will let you archive apps, which means you can save up to 60% of your storage space without losing any data! If an app is archived, you’ll see a cloud icon, and you can manage these apps in the Play Store settings. For better privacy and battery life, apps that you haven’t used in a while will lose their permissions automatically.

Google Play is also introducing “The Play Report” to help users find new apps and games through a series of videos that will be shown on the Play Store homepage.

Google has also gone through some legal issues regarding the Play Store and search engine recently and it is currently settling a lawsuit about its dominant position in the market, supposedly leading to fewer choices and higher app prices for consumers. The settlement details are confidential and are waiting for approval.

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Google’s recent July 2023 System Update for Android brings a range of improvements to the Play Store, including enhanced visibility for game promotions and offers. While these updates typically focus on routine patches and bug fixes, this particular update introduces features that provide Android users with more opportunities to explore and benefit from new events, updates, offers, and content within games.

Improved Visibility for Game Offers

One notable addition is the improved visibility of promotional content on the Play Store’s homepage. Although this feature has been available on the web version of the Play Store, it is now also accessible on mobile devices. While mobile users see swipeable cards at the top of the screen, switching to landscape orientation offers a broader view of the available game deals.

Currently, these promotional cards are exclusively displayed on the Games tab of the Play Store. Each card is labeled as a “Special Event” and showcases popular mobile games like Roblox, Clash of Clans, and Pokémon Go. By navigating to the last card, users can access a hub page containing all available offers and events.

This addition aims to enhance the overall Play Store experience by encouraging users to discover and take advantage of developer-specific discounts. Some offers even provide Play Points, which can be redeemed for exciting products, such as limited-time Android plushies. However, the availability of these redeemable items may vary based on geographical location.

Download Play Store Apk

The update, known as Google Play Store version 36.5, began rolling out to devices, introducing these changes and further enhancing the platform for Android users. With these improvements, Google is providing a more engaging and informative environment for users to explore new game content and discover enticing offers within the Play Store.

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Google has recently rolled out version 36.4.15 of the Google Play Store for Android devices. While no explicit changelogs were provided, visible changes in the update offer valuable insights into the improvements made.

Download Play Store Apk

The new update, compatible with Android devices running Android 5+, is available for download with varying file sizes depending on the device. Although the update will install automatically in the background, users also have the option to manually download it for seamless integration.

One significant visual change in this July update is the introduction of blue accents throughout the Google Play Store, replacing the long-standing green. This shift suggests a potential departure from the partial dynamic color and Material You integration, previously limited to the home screen. The presence of blue accents in a test build from March 2023 indicates Google’s anticipated release of full dynamic color support in the near future.

In the previous June update, Google focused on enhancing three key areas of the Google Play Store. The changes primarily revolved around search results and ad formats, with optimizations tailored to app-specific searches for a more efficient browsing experience. The loading latency of ads on the home page was also reduced, resulting in smoother navigation. Furthermore, user reviews received improvements by highlighting critical information in certain search results, empowering users to make more informed decisions when downloading apps.

Google’s regular updates for the Google Play Store aim to maintain application safety, user-friendliness, and bug elimination. As part of its commitment to user data privacy, Google introduced a feature two months ago that allows users to erase their data from specific apps.

Overall, the latest Google Play Store update introduces visual changes through blue accents, builds upon previous optimizations, and emphasizes user privacy and security. These updates contribute to an enhanced browsing experience for Android users.

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In a recent update, the Google Play Store received a noticeable design alteration, catching the attention of observant users. If you found something amiss but couldn’t quite pinpoint the change, you’re not alone. The Play Store’s appearance has been subtly transformed, specifically in its color scheme.

A Signal for the Long-Awaited Material You Upgrade?

Previously, Google’s app store adhered to Material You Dynamic Color rules, employing green accents for various user interface (UI) elements such as top tabs, the bottom bar, and the search field. However, after a recent server-side update, the Play Store has changed these Dynamic Color rules, completely replacing them with a vibrant shade of blue. This alteration surrounds previously green-accented UI elements, including the “Manage apps & device” update page, the “Install” button, and company names displayed beneath app titles.

It’s important to note that this design change may be temporary, offering a glimmer of hope for fans of Material You’s Dynamic Color system. While only a few UI elements were affected by Dynamic Color before, speculation suggests that Google might be preparing to introduce a more comprehensive Dynamic Color update for the Play Store. This potential update could potentially bring custom colors to a wider range of UI elements.

To facilitate this rumored release, some Android users speculate that Google temporarily disabled the limited Dynamic Color elements present in the Play Store’s UI. However, the reasoning behind the switch from green to blue as the accent color remains uncertain, leaving room for speculation.

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Google has just unveiled its latest update for the Google Play Store, with version 36.3.12 now available for Android devices. Although the app itself doesn’t include explicit changelogs, the recently released June 2023 Google System Updates provide valuable insights into the changes implemented.

Download Google Play Store Apk

The file size for the new update stands at 21.81 MB, making it readily accessible for all Android devices running Android 10+. While this update will install automatically in the background, users can choose to download it manually, ensuring seamless integration.

The Google Play Store’s June 2023 changelogs reveal three key areas of improvement. First, there are updates to search results and ad formats specifically tailored for app-based search queries. This will offer users more streamlined results, providing them with a more intuitive and efficient browsing experience.

Secondly, Google has improved the loading latency of ads on the Home Page. Long load times can be an inconvenience, causing users to potentially miss out on app recommendations. This tweak will reduce the waiting time, providing users with a smoother, more seamless browsing experience.

The third improvement targets a key area of user interaction – reviews. Select search results now highlight crucial information from user reviews. This feature enables users to glean key insights about apps and games directly from the reviews of other users. This helps users make more informed decisions about which apps to download and try.

As always, Google continues to prioritize the safety and stability of its applications. Regularly released updates not only introduce new features but also keep Google Play Store secure, bug-free, and more user-friendly.

Google launched a new feature two months back that empowers users to erase their data from specific apps. This new addition is a clear reflection of Google’s ongoing commitment to upholding user data privacy, offering users an easy and efficient way to manage their personal information across various apps.

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CYFIRMA, a cybersecurity firm, has recently uncovered suspicious Android apps on the Google Play Store under the account name “SecurITY Industry.” Upon conducting technical analysis, they found that these apps contained malware characteristics and were associated with the notorious Advanced Persistent Threat Group known as “DoNot,” which had previously targeted individuals in the Kashmir region. Surprisingly, the threat actor has now shifted its focus to individuals in Pakistan, although the motive behind these cyberattacks in the South Asian region remains unknown.

Newer strategies involve texting the victim via Telegram and Whatsapp

The analysis revealed that the attackers aimed to gather information through a stager payload in the initial stage of the attack. This information would then be utilized for a second-stage attack, employing more dangerous malware. CYFIRMA identified three Android apps hosted by the “SecurITY Industry” account on the Google Play Store: Device Basic Plus, nSure Chat, and iKHfaa VPN. Of these, nSure Chat and iKHfaa VPN exhibited malicious characteristics. The threat actor cleverly disguised these apps, using innocent Android libraries to extract contacts and the location of compromised victims. iKHfaa VPN even copied its code from a legitimate VPN service provider and added additional libraries to carry out malicious activities.

Further code analysis conducted by CYFIRMA revealed that the threat actor used AES/CBC/PKCS5PADDING encryption and Proguard obfuscation techniques to conceal the malicious nature of the apps. These findings led to the conclusion that the Google Play store account hosting these apps is connected to the APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group DoNot. The encryption methods and the use of similar file names as previous Android malware samples linked these apps to DoNot.

The specific victims targeted by this Android malware in Pakistan remain largely unknown. However, based on the malware’s characteristics and access, it can be inferred that the threat actor’s intention is to gather information for future attacks using more advanced malware. Previous tactics employed by DoNot involved spear phishing attacks using malicious Word documents, but this recent shift indicates a strategy centered around luring victims through messaging platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp, ultimately leading them to install the malicious apps from the Google Play Store.

By leveraging the trust users place in the Play Store, these threat actors can greatly increase the chances of successful compromises. The rigorous examination of permissions during the app uploading process on the Play Store makes it uncommon for such malicious apps to bypass security checks.

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The Google Play Store and App Store provide significant convenience for users and a great platform for developers to earn income. However, these open marketplaces can also present risks. A recent incident highlighted this concern, when a legitimate app on the Google Play Store became malicious, secretly sending microphone recordings every 15 minutes. Here are the details…

Google Play Store App iRecorder Transforms into Malicious Spyware That Records Audio from Users

ESET, a name most of us recognize from antivirus software, recently made a dangerous discovery during their tests. According to the company, an app called iRecorder Screen Recorder, available on Google Play Store, records audio every 15 minutes and sends it to the app developer. This scandalous news once again proves that even applications available in official stores cannot always be trusted.

The iRecorder Screen Recorder app, initially launched on the Google Play Store in September 2021, took a dark turn with an update in August 2022. This update incorporated AhMyth, an open-source Remote Access Trojan (RAT), turning the app into a stealthy espionage tool. The RAT gave the app the ability to remotely record audio, link to an attacker’s server, and upload recorded audio and sensitive files.

This update fundamentally shifted the trajectory of the app, turning all of its users into potential victims. The truly terrifying part lies exactly here. Many users, without realizing, have been using the app in this condition for almost nine months, and their voices have been recorded. After the incident came to light, Google removed the iRecorder Screen Recorder app from the Play Store. However, you are also advised to be careful and take the necessary precautions if you have downloaded this app even once.

Google’s Malware Problem

Despite Google’s best efforts, apps laced with malware have continuously plagued its platform. The technology behemoth usually reacts swiftly in expunging these hazardous apps upon detection. However, their preventive measures to stop these apps from making their way into the Google Play Store in the first place have been less effective. In addition, there has been a perceived lack of transparency about the reasons behind the failure of Google’s own security measures to identify these looming threats.

This most recent case underscores the issue. It involves an application that clandestinely records audio, compromising the privacy of a broad user base. ESET officials suggest that the app, iRecorder, might be part of an active espionage campaign. Yet, without additional evidence to substantiate this claim, it remains just a hypothesis. Google’s role in permitting such a dangerous application to exist on its Play Store, hence, raises questions about culpability and effective digital security measures.

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Google has started rolling out a new update for the Google Play Store with version 35.5.14 for Android devices. This latest update brings general improvements to enhance the stability and usability of the app. Although no new features or changes have been noted, it aims to provide users with a better and bug-free experience.

Download Google Play Store Apk

The update package size is 21.22 MB and it is now available for devices running Android 13 or below. The app will be installed in the background automatically and if you still want to install it manually you can download it from here.

Apart from this, Google released the last April 2023 Play System update batch last week. The new session of the Play Update enables some new tweaks for the Google Play Store. The installation process is now more stable when downloading any third-party app or game over a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the update brings an option to download the app over the mobile network while waiting for Wi-Fi.

The latest update also has new features to help users discover the apps and games they love, optimizations for faster and more reliable downloads and installation, and continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep devices safe. Furthermore, there are various performance optimizations, bug fixes, and improvements to security, stability, and accessibility.

Another notable change that may soon be coming to the Play Store is users’ ability to delete user data inside a specific app. Apps that allow account creation must also allow users to request their accounts to be deleted, and this deletion option must be readily discoverable inside the app and outside. Google has also recently introduced the “Auto Archive” feature, which helps to automatically delete unnecessary data from apps that have not been used for a significant time.

Lastly, there is an improvement made for Google Chrome developers, which will allow them to add Play Store-like app icons. Google continues to enhance the functionality of its stock apps, including the Play Store, by regularly releasing new features and improvements through updates.

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Google Contacts app gets a new update, which includes a “For you” tab to remind users of birthdays, anniversaries, and significant dates of their contacts. This new feature is a useful addition for people who tend to forget important dates of their loved ones. The app displays a profile card of the contact, including a photo, name, birth date, and a countdown to their next birthday. Users can also add other significant dates by editing the contact’s information.

The update also adds a shortcut to call or text the contact, making it easier for users to reach out and wish their loved ones on their special day. The app’s “Highlights” tab displays the contacts you’ve most recently looked up and those that were just added, making it easier to find the contacts you need.

Google has been continuously improving its apps to enhance the user experience, and this update is a testament to that. The company has a great habit of taking its apps and making them as useful as possible, adding little features that make a big difference in the user’s life. Google Maps is a prime example of how the company has improved its apps over the years, making it one of the most popular navigation apps in the world.

Overall, the new update to Google Contacts app is a welcome addition for people who want to keep track of important dates and stay in touch with their loved ones. The app is available on Android devices (version 4.2), and users can install it from the Play Store listing. With this update, the Google Contacts app is set to become an essential app for anyone who wants to stay organized and never forget an important date again.

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After announcing the closed beta back in 2022, Google has now officially released the open beta of its “Google Play Games for PC” desktop application for Windows 10 and Windows 11, promising “bigger, bolder experiences of mobile games on Google’s gaming platform for PC”.

According to the service’s official landing page, “Google Play Games” is a PC application that lets you browse, download, and play select popular mobile games on a Windows desktop or laptop. Besides enjoying your favourite Android games on a PC, you’ll have keyboard and mouse access, seamless sync across devices, and integration with Google Play Points.

Besides the original 3 regions listed in the limited beta (Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan), Google Play Games beta has officially been rolled out to more countries and regions worldwide. The open beta has been expanded to 10 more countries, which are respectively Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Anyone in these regions with an eligible account can download the beta directly from the Google Play Games for PC page. 

Google has outlined several minimum requirements to download Google Play Games on PC, and they are as follows:

• OS: Windows 10 (v2004)
• Storage: Solid state drive (SSD) with 10 GB of available storage space
• Graphics: IntelⓇ UHD Graphics 630 GPU or comparable
• Processor: 4 CPU physical cores
• Memory: 8 GB of RAM
• Windows admin account
• Hardware virtualization must be turned on

Google clarifies that currently, over 100 games are available across the beta regions. The company is adding games to the service on a regular basis, so it encourages users to check back often to see what’s new.

In addition to the gaming hub service, Google Play Games also offers users to earn rewards as they play. As stated, with Google Play Points, you’ll earn points on everything you buy with Google Play Games, including in-app items and subscriptions. You can rack up and redeem Play Points on your PC through the same process you use on your mobile device.

As for an official release, Google has stated that the official release date of the service will vary according to the region, and the company is looking to expand the service to more regions later this year. And for availability on macOS, Google commented that Google Play Games is not yet available for Mac.

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Smartphone and tablet use among children is higher than ever before, as these devices have become an important source of entertainment and education for kids during the pandemic. However, it’s important for parents to be mindful of what their children are doing with technology, as it can have significant consequences not just for their health but also for their finances.

Mom warns parents of in-app purchases risks after son spends $16K on video game

A Connecticut mother has issued a warning to other parents after her six-year-old son charged an astronomical amount in in-app purchases to her PayPal account while playing his favorite game on an iPad. Jessica Johnson, a resident of Wilton and mother of two, noticed the same charge of $106.34 appearing on her bank statement 12 times in a row in July. In a transaction report shared with “Good Morning America,” there were also lesser charges of $53.16 and several more in the $200 to $600 range.

Johnson contacted her bank and Apple, as well as the video game developer Sega, which owns Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega has not yet responded to “Good Morning America’s” request for comment. Johnson said she received a call from Apple on Tuesday and the company agreed to refund her a portion of the money. “They refunded me back $10,553.86,” she said, adding that she does not know the significance of the dollar amount. Apple confirmed to “Good Morning America” that it was able to provide Johnson with a refund for all the charges the company was able to identify.

In a statement, Apple stressed that its products have tools implemented to help customers protect themselves and their families against unauthorized in-app charges. These tools include parental controls, the ability to set up an Apple ID for each family member, family sharing, and “Ask to Buy,” where kids can send a request to their family organizer to approve or decline a purchase or download. Apple also allows customers to require a password for every purchase or every 15 minutes, or to choose how often they would like to enter a password when making purchases from the App Store and iTunes Store.

Johnson, who had a password set on the iPad that she and her children share, but believes her settings allowed for a one-time password entry, said she didn’t realize there was a setting where the child could continue to make purchases without a password after a certain amount of time. She added that she hopes her experience will serve as a cautionary tale for other parents and encourage them to be aware of the various settings available to protect against unauthorized purchases.

As a mother of young children, Johnson said it was important for other parents to be aware of this type of incident. “It’s unfortunate, because we’re all in a pandemic, we’re all working from home. We are working really hard to keep our kids entertained while getting work done. We’re [sometimes] inclined to say, ‘Here, take the iPad.’ I think, clearly, it backfired in my case,” she said.

Apple said its customers are provided with built-in tools to help parents manage their child’s use of devices and protect against unauthorized in-app charges. These resources include the ability to manage in-app purchases and “Ask to Buy,” keep track of family’s app usage, create app limits, only allow kid-safe apps, and set up downtime for specific times of the day.

“For over a decade, the App Store has proved to be the safest and most trusted place to discover and download apps,” Apple said in its statement. “We understand mistakes can still happen and work with customers to investigate, educate them on the tools available for their protection, and, in this case, provided the customer with a refund.”

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Google has announced that it will be stopping its enforcement of a policy, which had mandated app developers to use its in house billing system in India. This means that developers no longer have to pay the 30 percent service fee to the company. Here’s all we know about this matter.

The Search Engine giant has said that it will no longer force app developers to use its proprietary billing system when they are selling digital products. This news arrives following a new ruling by the local government’s antitrust body. For those unaware, the brand had previously set an extended deadline of October 31 to allow developers in India to integrate apps with its Google Play billing system. This system would also charge a commission fee that ranged from 15 percent to 30 percent for each sale.

If this sounds familiar, Apple also employs a similar structure and also had a legal battle with Epic Games regarding this system. And similarly, even Apple started letting app developers skip their billing system to avoid the commission fee. For those unaware, the CCI (Competition Commission of India) ordered Google not to restrict app developers from using third party billing or payment processing services within India last week. Apart from this, the company was also hit with a sizeable 113 million US Dollar fine as well.

A couple of days ago, Google also stated that the requirement to use the billing system is still is still applicable for users outside of this country. Furthermore, it will also be looking into taking legal options in the region. Both Apple and Google have been facing criticism, with allegations of both firms holding a solid monopoly in the app market. Since then, both companies have lowered the service fee but maintain that a charge is set to ensure funds to a safe and secure mobile ecosystem.

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As the Russian Ruble continues to decline in currency exchange markets, and as more piling-upped sanctions are imposed on Russia, more companies and corporations are pulling out of Russia not only because they do not support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but also because they need to comply with the local and international sanctions in tangent with the heavy devaluation of the Russian Ruble which leads to lesser profits for the multinational corporations. 

In late February, Google had earlier announced that it will be cutting down on advertisements and media from the Russian Federation as a response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. However, this week, the company has taken further action on the ongoing situation as the company has paused the Google Play Store’s billing system for Android users in Russia.

In the official statement from Google, the company states that due to payment system disruptions, Google Play has paused its billing system for users in Russia as of March 10, 2022. Google clarified that this means users cannot purchase apps and games, make subscription payments or conduct any in-app purchases of digital goods via the Google Play Store in Russia. Free apps will remain available on the Play Store to download and install.

As for existing user subscriptions via the Google Play Store, Google informs that subscriptions will unfortunately not be able to be renewed and will be cancelled. However, the existing subscription(ie the 1-month or 1-year subscription that the Russian Android user had purchased prior to this announcement) will continue until the end of the then-current billing period. The company also clarifies that it will still honour existing developer subscription billing grace periods and any free trials will continue to work until payments are attempted.

On a closing note, Google also states that the situation is rapidly evolving and that the company encourages users to follow Google for Google’s latest update on the matter if there are changes of action.

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South Korea has approved certain rules that will allow the government to ban app stores by Apple and Google from forcing software developers to use their payments systems.

For those unaware, the Cupertino and Search Engine giant have been facing scrutiny across the globe over their app stores. At the moment, both brands hold a duopoly in the market with most smartphone users using either of the two stores for apps. However, the two companies also charge take a share from any transaction made within apps from developers and did not allow for third party payment methods. Thus, telecom regulators in nations like South Korea have been targeting the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.

South Korea has recently passed a new law, an amendment to the Telecommunication Business Act, which will help remove the dominance held by Apple and Google. Both firms typically charge 30 percent on developers, but the new rules that are called enforcement ordinance will help developers bypass this charge. The new rule will be put into effect starting from March 15 and bars “the act of forcing a specific payment method to a provider of mobile content.”

Han Sang-hyuk, chairman of Korea Communications Commission (KCC) added that “In order to prevent indirect regulatory avoidance, prohibited acts’ types and standards have been established as tightly knit as possible within the scope delegated by the law.” So now, any infractions may reach as high as 2 percent of an average annual revenue from related business practices, as per the new rules.

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Instagram has just removed two of its standalone applications from both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The two new apps that were discontinued include Boomerang and Hyperlapse.

Also missing from Play Store! pic.twitter.com/q6rNmMVdIl

— ㆅ (@WFBrother) March 7, 2022

In other words, both of these apps are no longer available on either iOS or Android devices. Many Twitter users found out that the social media platform had removed both of the apps from the app stores. Recently, the Meta owned brand had also announced that it was discontinuing its standalone app for IGTV as well. This was primarily due to Instagram’s plan on shifting its focus to a single main app rather than a bunch of smaller ones.

Furthermore, the company had already integrated the IGTV platform into the primary app for years now. Similarly, Boomerang and Hyperlapse were always features on the main app. So, it arrives as no surprise that the social media platform quietly discontinued both of the apps. These were originally launched during a time when smartphone had limited performance. Thus, you had a separate app dedicated to just the Boomerang and Hyperlapse feature.

Despite the standalone apps offering a better Boomerang effect or time lapse recording overall, these features have been available in the main app for a while now. On the other hand, Instagram’s Layout application is still available for download. This app helps in making photo collages, but it shouldn’t take too long for the company to take this down as well.

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A few days ago, on 11th November, PUBG: New State was launched for Android and iOS devices as a new battle royale game set in the future. The game has been popular as it has now crossed 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store.

This isn’t surprising as the game had over 55 million pre-registrations prior to its release. It has also claimed the #1 spot in over 165 countries, including South Korea, the United States, Germany, India, and Saudi Arabia, among others.

This new PUBG: New State game has been launched globally in around 200 countries. The game’s publisher Krafton has not yet announced the number of downloads taken place on the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads.

The game had faced some post-launch issues including server crashes and smartphone bricking. However, the developers seem to have addressed and fixed those issues with a couple of updates. Several users had reported on the day of the game’s launch about the unresponsive loading screens, inability to join a match, and more.

Krafton has put in several new features into the game to make it more appealing and exciting for battle royale players. For starters, the storyline is based in the year 2051 and thus the players have access to futuristic weapons and vehicles.

Earlier this year, the company had launched Battlegrounds Mobile India which is available exclusively for Indian users. The game recently crossed 50 million downloads in the country before it was released on iOS.

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PUBG: New State, which was announced a couple of months back, is now finally available to download through the Google Play Store for Android smartphone users in India. While it has been launched for Android, the iOS version is yet to get released.

The PUBG: New State game can now be downloaded through the Google Play Store but on the Apple iOS Store, it is still listed for pre-registration. We expect it to be available for iOS users also sometime later today.

As for the requirements, the Android users will need a device with at least 2GB of RAM and Android version 6 or above. For iOS users, the requirement is an iPhone or iPad running the iOS version 13 or later. For Android devices, the size of the game is around 1.4GB while for Apple devices, it is about 1.5GB.

For those who are unaware, PUBG: New State is a battle royale game developed by PUBG Studios and comes a few months after Battlegrounds Mobile India aka BGMI. While the BGMI game is exclusive to India, PUBG: New State has been released globally.

Similar to PUBG Mobile and BGMI, the game is free to play and features a modern/urban setting for its intense battle royale-style gameplay. It appears that the company is recycling resources from the original PUBG Mobile game but has added a futuristic twist with game elements like futuristic vehicles and weapons.

Krafton has called its creation “one of the most realistic and technologically advanced mobile games to date” and has promised “a strong and consistent pipeline of new content, global service support, and anti-cheat measures” after the game gets launched.

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A few weeks ago, the South Korean government had passed an amendment to the country’s Telecommunications Business Act which now prohibits Google and Apple from forcing their own payment solutions on developers.

Now, to comply with the new law, Google has announced that it will allow developers to add an alternative in-app billing system in South Korea. Along with the developer’s chosen billion systems, the Google Play Store‘s billing system will also be available.

This new change will be applicable for both mobile as well as tablet users in South Korea. Users will be able to choose which payment or billing system to use for the in-app billing during the checkout process.

Google is also warning users that the alternative billing systems may not provide the same protections or features that the company’s own billing system offers. Currently, the tech giant’s billing system offers several payment options, including gift cards and Play Points along with the usual set of options.

The company has said that it will be sharing implementation details for developers in the coming weeks and months. While Google has not provided an exact timeline for this, it’s safe to assume that the alternative in-app billing system will go live next year in Korea.

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Big Tech companies are facing a lot of pressure amid scrutiny of their business practices by the antitrust regulators in various countries. Because of this, companies are making some changes to their business structure.

In line with this, Google is once again changing the way it charges fees to the app developers. The search engine giant has announced that all subscription-based app will be eligible for significantly less fess than the usual 30 percent.

As per the new changes, the company has confirmed that the subscription apps will now pay 15 percent fees instead of 30 percent. Further, the technology giant has announced that apps with services like ebooks and on-demand music streaming will be eligible for a fee as low as 10 percent.

The reason stated by Google behind cheaper fees on ebooks and music streaming apps is that “content costs account for the majority of sales” and that the rates “recognize industry economics of media content verticals.” Unlike its previous revision of fees, this new modification to the fee structure isn’t tied to overall revenue.

Earlier this year, in March, the company had cut its share of revenue on upfront or in-app purchases from 30 percent to 15 percent, but it is applicable only to the first $1 million per year that an app developer earns.

With this development, Google could be hoping to change its public image amid mounting regulatory scrutiny over how the company manages its app store and its relationship with third-party developers.

According to the estimates by analytics firm Sensor Tower, the tech giant collected around $11.6 billion in in-app purchases around the world in 2020 on $38.8 billion in spending on the Google Play store.

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Apex Legends Mobile is now available for Pre Registrations for Android smartphones. The mobile port of one of the most popular battle royale title is finally arriving to smartphones and is now on Google Play Store.

As of right now, Respawn, the studio behind the popular Titanfall and Apex Legends franchise, is testing an early version of the game with a limited number of players. In other words, this build of the battle royale shooter is not the final version and will likely go through several changes and updates before its actual release. So, players that are able to play this early version can expect overhauls or major changes post release, along with the usual bugs and instabilities.

Apex Legends Mobile has already garnered a lot of positive reactions from players that were able to enter the regional bets testing in select countries like Philippines and India. At the moment, the largest difference between the PC version and the mobile port is the game’s shift to a third person perspective by default. Notably, this third person mode was available on PC and consoles for a limited time, but it seems to be the default for smartphones.

Keep in mind that the port is currently only available for Android smartphones and we have no news of when the game is being brought to Apple iOS. So stay tuned for more, as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

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Earlier this week, the Chinese version of the Redmi Note 10 Pro received the MIUI 12.5.5 update. This update had the version number 12.5.5.0.RKPCNXM, which brought support for the GMS (Google Mobile Services) and the Play Store as well.

According to an ITHome report, the new update had a total download size of 3.1GB. Furthermore, the official description showcased that the new update brought support for the Play Store framework and even arrives with optimization for the audio experience of the Redmi Note 10 Pro China Version. Another notable feature of this update is the arrival of the virtual memory expansion technology, which increased the RAM of the device by 2GB.

For those unaware, a number of Chinese smartphone makers have been releasing their own iteration of the memory expansion technology in recent times. This feature allows the device to temporarily convert a small part of its internal storage (ROM) into virtual random access memory (RAM). So, this would have the 8GB RAM variant have its memory expanded to 10GB while the 6GB RAM version would be boosted to 8GB of RAM.

Earlier this month, we did publish a full review of the Redmi Note 10 Pro on our official YouTube channel. Although, the device did not feature this update back then. But now, the company has finally brought the support for GMS and the Google Play Store, which would offer users more options for applications and more. For those interested, the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G China version is currently available on Giztop for a price of 269 US Dollars.

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Almost all Google apps and services are popular among the masses. The primary reason is that they are free to use. But above all, they are also the best in the segment, in addition to not being premium. Hence, Google Translate has been the undefeated translation service since its inception. Now, more than a decade after its introduction, the Google Translate Android app has hit a huge milestone.

The Google Translate Android application was released in January 2010. Over the years, the app was updated with new features and UI like any other popular app that has survived a decade.

Now, 11 years and 3 months after its release, the Google Translate app has reached over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store. These installs come from users and not OEMs as this application is not part of the mandatory GMS (Google Mobile Services) core apps package.

Anyway, it is not surprising since it has been over a decade since the Google Translate Android app was introduced. Most importantly, there aren’t any better applications out there whether free or paid.

As of now, the Google Translated Android application supports 109 languages, transcription, pronunciation, offline translation,  camera translation, dark mode, and more.

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(Via)

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Google has announced that the company is reducing the commission it takes from Android developers that are hosting their applications on the Play Store and offering in-app purchases. The tech giant has lowered the service free on the first $1 million in revenue every year from 30 percent to 15 percent.

The company has clarified that the reduced fee will start from 1st July 2021 and Google adds that “99 percent of developers globally that see digital goods and services with Play will see 50 percent reduction in fees.” It will levy a 30 percent cut on every dollar developers generate through Google Play beyond the first $1 million in a year.

Announcing this, Sameer Samat, Vice President of Android and Google Play, said: “We’ve heard from our partners making $2 million, $5 million, and even $10 million a year that their services are still on a path to self-sustaining orbit. This is why we are making this reduced fee on the first $1 million of total revenue earned each year available to every Play developer that uses the Play billing system, regardless of size. We believe this is a fair approach that aligns with Google’s broader mission to help all developers succeed.”

It has also revealed that about 3 percent of developers globally offer paid apps or IAPs. The change comes months ahead of Google Play requiring Android apps to use its in-app billing system from September this year.

Apple has opted for a bit different route. Last year, Apple said that it would collect a 15 percent cut instead of 30 percent of App Store sales from companies that generate less than $1 million in revenue. This isn’t applicable to iOS apps on the Apple platform that generates more than $1 million in revenue.

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Back in 2017, Google released an app called Google Search Lite. This application was later renamed  Google Go along with other lite apps by Google. Now, almost four years later, this app has crossed 500 million downloads on the Play Store.

Google Go app comes pre-installed on smartphones running Android Go Edition. Additionally, the application can be also installed on regular Android phones from the Google Play Store.

However, not all Android users could be aware of the Google Go app. Because Android smartphones with GMS (Google Mobile Services) already ship with the regular Google app.

Hence, most of the downloads could have come from the Android Go devices. That means Android Go smartphones are quite popular across the world, given the installation figure.

Since now Google mandates OEMs to release 2GB RAM smartphones with Android Go Edition, we can expect the downloads of Google Go to reach even higher in the coming quarters.

That said, if you live in a region with a slower internet connection, the Google Go app is highly recommended for you. It offers almost all the features of the regular Google app but weighs about only 8MB in size.

The app is even faster in loading results and above all, it consumes fewer data. Hence, you don’t need to worry about your data plan and internet speed while using Google Go or any other Go app for that matter.

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• Google Photos hits 5 billion downloads on the Play Store; Google Keep reaches 1 billion
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• Google Phone reaches over 500 million installs on the Play Store

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Google Lens is one of the many free useful tools provided by Google. A standalone app for this service was released on the Play Store in June 2018. Now, over two and a half years later, this application has reached 500+ million installs on Android’s official app store.

For those unaware, Google Lens is an image recognition tool that was first showcased at Google I/O 2017. Later that year, the search giant integrated this service into Google Assistant on Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Then, it became available in Google Photos for both Pixels and other Android devices a few months later in 2018. At around the same time, Google’s partner OEMs began to integrated Google Lens into their smartphones’ camera app.

Only after that, Google Lens debuted as a standalone app on Google Play Store. Despite being an independent app, it depends on Google app for working, just like Google Assistant and Google Podcasts.

Apart from scanning texts and translating them, Google Lens also allows users to copy the scanned text to their computer, search for a particular object, solve maths and science questions, recognize handwritten notes, and more.

That said, it is interesting to note that though Google Lens is available on all Android phones with Google Assistant, users have been downloading the standalone application from the Google Play Store since its debut. As a result, it has hit over 500 million downloads within a short period of time.

UP NEXT: Google Photos hits 5 billion downloads on the Play Store; Google Keep reaches 1 billion

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Google apps are one of the most used applications on any smartphone. Some of these apps come pre-installed on Android devices as part of GMS (Google Mobile Services) package. As a result, Google Photos has managed to hit 5 billion downloads on the Play Store. Similarly, Google Keep reached 1 billion downloads.

Google Photos is arguably the best cloud-based gallery service in the market. Unfortunately, it will no longer be free from June 2021. But that does not make it bad as there’s not a single service as good as it is. 

That said, although the Google Photos Android app reached 5 billion downloads, its user base should be way more less. That’s because the service was reported to have only over a billion active users in July 2019.

The application reached this milestone solely because it comes pre-installed on most Android smartphones and tablets. But since not everyone uses it, active users are way more less compared to downloads.

On the other hand, Google Keep is one of the best free note-taking applications. Unlike the former app, this one does not come pre-installed on any Android. Therefore, hitting 1 billion downloads on the Play Store is a big achievement for this app.

Google Keep managed to double its download count from 500 million within 18 months. This clearly suggests that the pandemic played a key role for its success as people are continuing their education and work from home.

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Chinese authorities have removed Tripadvisor (TRIP) from mobile app stores in the country. In a statement Tuesday, the Cyberspace Administration of China announced the removal of 105 apps that are considered as being “illegal,” including TripAdvisor, the US travel firm.

Most of the platforms shut down belonged to local Chinese firms, and it is yet unclear why Tripadvisor was caught in the crackdown. The Massachusetts-based company has not released any statement yet on the matter.

The industry regulator said (via) the apps that were removed were the first of many that would be taken down in a wide-ranging “clean-up” of online content that started in November 2020.

The campaign is aimed at wiping out content related to illegal activity, like obscenity, pornography, prostitution, violence, fraud or gambling. The regulator said it will continue to strengthen its supervisory and monitoring processes on mobile apps’ information services, promptly clean up and dispose of illegal mobile applications and application stores, and strive to create clear cyberspace.

Chinese internet users have been behind the so-called “Great Firewall” for several years. Facebook and Twitter have long been blocked in the country, while the United States and China have had several skirmishes over technology and commerce from both sides.
Recently, for example, the outgoing US government of Donald Trump had threatened to ban TikTok if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance.

China is known for taking a hard line on the restriction of online content that may be damaging to the populace, even if such content is found in homegrown and popular platforms. In 2018, cyberspace regulators shut Toutiao – a news aggregation app that was ByteDance’s biggest hit at the time, because of obscene and vulgar content on its feeds.
That same year, China also blocked popular hotel group Marriott’s app and website for a week after the company was found to have listed Hong Kong and Macao as individual “countries” on its platforms, at variance with the one-China policy.

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Despite facing issues in a few countries, the short-form social media app TikTok continues to be the most downloaded non-gaming app worldwide for September 2020, according to the new report from Sensor Tower.

In the month of September, TikTok witnessed more than 61.1 million installs, which represents a 2 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Zoom was the second most installed non-gaming app with around 55 million installs, a growth of 21.4 times compared to September 2019. Completing the list of the top five most downloaded apps last month include Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google Meet.

Following the top five apps, other apps that made it to the top 10 most installed applications in the month of September 2020 include Instagram, Snack Video, Messenger, Telegram, and Snapchat.

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As for the countries, it was Brazil which saw the most number of installs in September, representing 11 percent of the total installs worldwide. It was followed by the United States, which captured 9 percent of the total installs.

Do note that the report from Sensor Tower is for non-gaming mobile applications downloaded from 1st September 2020 to 30th September 2020 through Apple App Store and Google Play Store and no third-party app store.

Also, the company has clarified that it does not count Apple’s own applications and pre-installed Google apps. Further, the report includes only unique downloads and combines multiple versions of apps into one. For instance, Messenger and Messenger Lite from Facebook are counted together.

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UPDATE: September 18, 2020 (11:30 AM ET):  Google has now restored the main Paytm payments app on the Play Store. However, the Paytm First Games app is yet to be restored. The original story continues below.

Earlier this year, the Indian government announced a new payment method dubbed Unified Payment Interface (UPI) to provide rapid and safe money transfers. UPI is primarily available for use via smartphone apps and it has received an overwhelming response from the users due to its easy availability and stress-free banking. Among the top three operators are Walmart’s PhonePe, Paytm and Google Pay.

In a recent development, Google has decimated Paytm’s ability to provide payment services for new customer by removing the popular Indian financial services app from the Play Store. The removal is as a result of the violation of Google’s gambling policies.

Google reiterated that the Play Store prohibits online casinos and other unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting in India. But Paytm is deemed to have violated that policy by promoting fantasy sports service within its marquee app. Paytm’s fantasy sports service, called Paytm First Games, was also available as a standalone app and it has been pulled, too, from the Play Store.

Google maintains similar guidelines around gambling in most other markets and have directed that if an app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it will also be deemed in violation of its Play Store policies. This is where Paytm may have violated the Play Store’s policy.

In a recent blog post on this subject matter, Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy stated; “We have these policies to protect users from potential harm. When an app violates these policies, we notify the developer of the violation and remove the app from Google Play until the developer brings the app into compliance.”

“And in the case where there are repeated policy violations, we may take more serious action which may include terminating Google Play Developer accounts. Our policies are applied and enforced on all developers consistently,” she added.

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Google has been hit with a class-action antitrust lawsuit which alleges that the search engine giant is participating in anti-competitive practices, including exclusionary behavior associated with a 30 percent fee on Play Store transactions.

The complaint against the company comes on the heels of lawsuits filed by Epic Games against Apple and Google for removing its online game Fortnite from their respective app marketplaces for violating guidelines.

The new class-action lawsuit against Google talks about “ongoing abuse of its market power, including the exclusion of competition, the stifling of innovation, the inhibition of consumer choice, and Google’s imposition on app developers of a 30% transaction fee.”

It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It states that Google has engaged in rampant antitrust behavior, including anti-competitive contracts, strategic abuses of its dominance in other Android apps. It also lists the exploitation of deficits in consumer knowledge, and the cultivation and exploitation of malware fears to promote its own apps marketplace Play Store.

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It also states that Google has improperly attained and maintained a monopoly in the United States market for Android OS distribution services as well as in-app product payment processing services.

The lawsuit seeks to recoup losses suffered by Android app developers for the monetary injuries they have suffered due to Google’s anti-competitive monopoly in the distribution and payment processing the plaintiff has identified. The suit also seeks treble damages and injunctive relief against Google for its violation of federal antitrust laws.

Both Google and Apple are under the scanner for potential anti-competitive practices. However, Apple has lately been under scrutiny for unfair App Store policies and preferential treatment to select developers and companies.

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Android is the largest fragmented operating system in the world. This made the smartphone makers publish some of their system apps on Google Play Store a few years ago. This way, they can push new features to their devices faster without relying on system updates. OnePlus is one such manufacturer having most of its system apps on the Play Store. Now, the brand’s Game Space also makes its way there with the latest update.

OnePlus Game Space Instant Games

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Almost all Android OEMs bundle a game mode on their software skin. The one by OnePlus in OxygenOS is called Game Space. It comes pre-installed on OnePlus smartphones as a system app.

All the installed games on the device show up in Game Space. It offers optimizations for gameplay such as notifications and auto-brightness settings, display options, Fnatic Mode, and more.

Now, with the latest version of the app, OnePlus has published it to the Google Play Store like its other system apps. Also, the new update brings two new notable features namely Instant Games and Game Statistics.

OnePlus Game Space Game Statistics

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Enabling Instant Games in Game Space will let users play Google Play Instant Games without installing the actual game on their smartphones. All this within the Game Space app itself and thus users don’t need to hunt for instant games on the Play Store.

The second new addition is Game Statistics, which as the name says will provide information such as most played games and battery usage along with a graph as well as a pie chart.

Having said that, OnePlus users will be now able to update Game Space on their smartphones directly from the Google Play Store without waiting for system OTA to bring new features.

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