The Play Store and the App Store are the two most popular app stores in the world. Both are so massive that their economic volumes are worth billions of dollars. But how do Google and Apple profit from this? Well, they make gains through commissions, often reaching up to 15-30%. Every app on these platforms is required to pay a commission to the company based on its earnings. The amount of these commissions sometimes becomes a topic of debate. However, you might have noticed that this issue is particularly prominent on the Apple side. It seems that Google, on the other hand, is providing significant favoritism to its favorites. Here are the details…

Spotify’s juicy Google deal saved it from Play Store fees

A significant deal between Google and Spotify has come to light. According to testimony given by Don Harrison, Google’s executive responsible for international partnerships, during Google’s legal battle with Epic Games, the agreement between Google and Spotify was quite generous. In this deal, Spotify did not pay any commission to Google for users who paid their subscription fees using Spotify’s own payment method. For users making purchases using Google’s payment method, the commission paid was only 4%.

Harrison used a striking expression to explain the reasons behind this agreement. According to a Google official, Spotify had an “unprecedented” level of popularity and needed to work perfectly within the Android ecosystem. Harrison stated that they granted privileges to Spotify because they believed that otherwise, users might consider moving away from Android.

Spotify was known as a company that strongly criticized commission rates, especially in the case involving Apple and Epic Games. In the legal dispute with Epic Games, the company went so far as to accuse Apple of monopolizing the market. In fact, a few months ago, Spotify made a decision to stop accepting payments through the App Store, aiming to avoid paying commissions to Apple.

RELATED:

• Get Redmi K70 Pro for discounted price of $499
• Big Discount: AOOSTAR R1 N100 NAS Mini PC Only For $159
• Lenovo Legion Y700 2023: Save $100 on this 8-inch gaming Android tablet
• OnePlus partners with Pixelworks to Elevate Mobile Gaming Experience on the OnePlus 12

The post Google’s Secret Deal Allowed Spotify to Bypass Play Store Fees appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google continues to improve the Android ecosystem. The latest addition to this upgrade is the introduction of Remote App Uninstallation support in Google Play Store version 38.8. This means that from now on, you will be able to manage applications on devices such as phones, tablets, TVs, or smartwatches connected to the same Google account from a single device. Here are the details…

Google Play Store Enables Remote App Uninstallation

The number of smart devices we own is growing daily. In today’s world, many of us use smart technologies such as watches, tablets, televisions, light bulbs, refrigerators, door locks, and water heaters, alongside indispensable devices like smartphones. However, managing so many devices can pose challenges. Recognizing this situation, Google aims to make managing the Android ecosystem much easier.

Following this strategy, the company took a page from Apple’s playbook and introduced the application synchronization feature a while ago. This means that when you download an app from the Play Store on your Android phone, it automatically installs on your other devices linked to the same Google account. Now, Google has introduced a similar feature that allows you to remotely uninstall applications.

The feature introduced with Google Play Store version 38.8 is now available to all users for the first time. Going forward, Android users will be able to manage applications on different devices from their smartphones. This feature is anticipated to particularly simplify tasks on relatively challenging interfaces such as Android TV and Android Auto.

The new feature in Google Play Store version 38.8 is now accessible to all users. From now on, Android users can handle applications on various devices directly from their smartphones. This feature is expected to make application deletion easier, especially on interfaces that can be a bit tricky, like those on Android TV and Android Auto. To use Remote App Uninstallation from Google Play, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your phone or another device.
2. Tap the “Manage apps & devices” option.
3. Select the “Manage” tab.
4. Tap the checkbox next to “This device” to display a list of all your connected devices.
5. Choose the device from which you want to uninstall apps.
6. You’ll see a list of all the apps installed on that device.
7. Select the apps you want to uninstall and tap the “Uninstall” button.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Special Edition up for sale
• Best Feature Phones with UPI support 2023: Nokia Dominates
• Giztop’s Christmas Holiday Savings: Unwrap Joy with Exclusive Discount
• Best Apple Watch Cases in 2023: Spigen, Otterbox, Casetify & More

(via)

The post Google Play Store Streamlines App Management Across Devices with Remote App Uninstallation appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Download the best GCam APK for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Get $100 Discount on Alldocube iWork GT 12 at Geekwills (Coupon)
• Get the latest Xiaomi 14 smartphone for $599 at Geekwills
• Get $100 OFF on Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Gamin Tablet at Giztop

(via)

The post Project Boston: The Unfulfilled Dream of an Activision Blizzard Android Game Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Google reportedly blocked users from installing benchmark apps on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
• Google renames “Camera App” to “Pixel Camera” on Play Store
• Google Nerfs Tensor G3’s Peak Frequencies, Prioritizing Battery Life Over Performance
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Xiaomi 13T Pro: Specs Comparison
• iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Redmi Note 13 vs Redmi Note 13 Pro: Specs Comparison

The post Google Play Store 37.8.26 Apk now rolling out to Android devices appeared first on Gizmochina.

In a bid to make Play Store free from malware and junk apps, Google keeps scanning potentially dangerous apps and even removes them from the store. The apps that offer fake promises, and distribute malware are always on the radar. But, sometimes genuine apps also have to suffer due to the automated removal mechanism on Google Play Store. In a recent takedown practice, Google has removed several “Cleaner” apps including the popular SD Maid.

Must See: MIUI 13 is coming soon, suggests the latest MIUI Cleaner beta

Play Store Taking down “Cleaner” Apps

The developers of these apps shared their plight on Reddit and informed about the sudden removal and full account termination from the Play Store. Especially for the SD Maid app, the reason for removal is cited as a violation of Google’s “Stalkerware policy.” Considering the developer’s claim, there’s no such feature that enables them to stalk user privacy and data. Even, the SD Maid’s source code is listed on GitHub. Here’s the detailed reason for the removal of the SD Maid app:

Reason for termination: We have identified a pattern of high risk or abuse associated with your Developer Account and are taking this action pursuant to Section 8.3/10.3 of Google Play’s Developer Distribution Agreement.

Well, there are some words in the SD Maid description that could have made it fall under the suspicious category for the automated removal tools. Going through the SD Maid App description, we can spot some keywords that could raise three eyebrows. Here’s a snippet from its description:

• Browse your whole device and manipulate files through a full-fledged file explorer.

• Remove superfluous files from your system.

• Manage installed user and system apps.

• Detect files formerly belonging to uninstalled apps.

• Search for files by name, content or date.

• Obtain a detailed overview of your device’s storage.

• Optimize databases.

• Do actual app cleaning and remove expendable files, which supersedes what others may call ‘cache cleaning’.

• Detect duplicate pictures, music or documents, independent of name or location.

• Run tools automatically on a schedule or via widgets.

Early Warnings

Most of the app developers are saying that Google has cited the same reason behind the suspension of their Cleaner Apps. However, we are not sure what could be the exact reason, but Google has warned this year about the new guidelines related to “Deceptive Behavior” Apps. The apps that don’t explain the exact usage of their respective apps fall under “Deceptive Behaviour”.

Related: Play Store introduces Auto Archive feature to help save storage space

The “Deceptive Behaviour” policy somehow applies to Cleaner Apps that market themselves as speed booster apps. But getting “Stalkerware policy” violations seems difficult to understand as of now. Well, Google knows better which app is violating the Play Store policies in a better way.

(via)

The post Google removing “Cleaner” Apps from the Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Android, despite being the world’s most popular operating system and being used by hundreds of different manufacturers, has quite a few chronic problems. The biggest reason for this is the manufacturers creating devices of different types and features. Unfortunately, this situation makes it difficult for both Google and app developers. However, we also sometimes see issues that could be easily solved but aren’t. Thankfully, Google has taken the first step to solve one of these problems. The company plans to improve how apps work on larger screens like tablets and foldable phones. Here are the details…

Google Warns Users About Apps That Don’t Work Well on Large Screens

Even though Android smartphone users don’t generally face significant issues running applications despite the diversity of models and manufacturers, things change when it comes to tablets and new technologies like foldable phones. Many apps weren’t designed to work well on large screens, leading to a subpar user experience. For instance, an app might fail to utilize the extra screen space or the controls might be too small to use comfortably. This could make it hard for people to use the app, or even stop them from using it at all. Thankfully, all these issues are becoming less of a problem.

In simple terms, Google is saying, “If you make your app great for big screens, we’ll make it easier for people to find your app in our Play Store.” Apps that follow Google’s guidelines for big screens will now show up higher in search results. Starting in August, apps that can adjust their size, fill the whole screen, and work well in both upright and sideways views will be more visible.

Google is also planning to show pictures of what the app looks like on different devices. This way, if you’re considering downloading an app, you’ll know what it’s going to look like on your tablet or foldable phone. The Play Store will also warn you if an app doesn’t work well on big screens. At first, it will warn about apps that crash or don’t run well. But the company is also looking at other ways to let users know if an app isn’t designed well for big screens.

This is great news for people who use devices like the Pixel Fold or recently introduced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. By making these changes, Google is showing that they care about making sure all apps work well on all devices and that they support new technologies.

RELATED:

• Redmi Buds 4 Active vs Redmi Buds 4 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Google Android 12.1 brings improved foldable phone experience ahead of Pixel Fold
• Google Android Head reveals that Pixel 6 will sport an in-display fingerprint sensor
• Google Android One devices reassured to receive guaranteed OS updates for 2 years
• Google Pixel and Pixel Tablet receive July 2023 Android security update

(via)

The post Google Fights Back Against Poor Large Screen Support in Android Apps appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Play Store and App Store are the only places most people go to get new apps for their phones. This is because these two stores come pre-installed on our phones, and also we don’t have any other choice. Both Google and Apple have been trying to prevent people from installing apps from other sources, which would allow them to keep their monopoly on the app market. However, Japan is preparing to change this by allowing other app stores to compete with the Play Store and App Store. Here are the details…

Japan to open up Apple and Google app stores to competition

The free market is a powerful force that drives innovation and competition. It gives consumers the freedom to choose the products and services that they want, and it gives businesses the incentive to create better products and services at lower prices. However, the app store market is not exactly free. Compaines like Google, Apple, and Huawei have all created closed ecosystems that limit the choices that developers and users have. However, this is changing soon.

Japan’s government has announced plans to open up the smartphone app stores of Apple and Google to competition. The move is aimed at spurring competition and leading to lower app prices. The new regulations would allow users to download apps from other app stores, as long as those stores meet certain security and privacy standards. The regulations would also allow users to pay for apps using third-party payment platforms.

In addition, the regulations would require Apple and Google to allow users to delete pre-installed apps and to stop giving preferential treatment to their own services in their search engines. The government says the new regulations will help to create a more level playing field for app developers and consumers. It is also expected to lead to lower app prices. The regulations are still in the draft stage, but the government plans to submit them to parliament for approval later this year.

RELATED:

• Vivo S17 vs Vivo S17 Pro vs Vivo S17t: Specs Comparison
• App Store Economy Grows to $1.1 Trillion in 2022, Outpacing 52 Countries
• Apple’s App Store Transparency Report Reveals 1.6 Million App Rejections Last Year
• Google Play Store App Deals: Apps and Games on Sale this Week
• Google Play Store Is Not Safe: Popular App Secretly Recorded Users’ Voices for almost…

(via)

The post The End of the App Store and Play Store Monopoly: Japan Plans to Open Up the Market to Competition appeared first on Gizmochina.

At the annual I/O developer conference, Google unveiled its latest offerings for Play Store developers, aimed at streamlining the process of creating and optimizing app listings. Among the new features announced are generative AI tools and an AI-powered review summary feature. These additions demonstrate Google’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance user experiences within its Android app store.

Transforming App Listings with AI: Google’s New Tools for Play Store

The generative AI tool, presented as an experimental feature, simplifies the creation of app listings. Developers can now open the AI helper, input audience and key theme prompts, and generate an initial draft that can be further customized, discarded, or used as is. While Google suggests using this tool in collaboration with human copywriters and editors, there is a concern that it may lead to an influx of low-quality text. Nevertheless, this advancement aims to make the listing process more efficient and accessible for developers.

In addition to aiding listing creation, generative AI will also be employed in conjunction with user reviews. By analyzing and summarizing hundreds or even thousands of app reviews, Google’s AI technology will provide potential users with a concise overview of the general consensus surrounding a particular app. While initially available only in English, Google has plans to expand this feature to support other languages later this year. Furthermore, this development suggests the potential for similar generative AI applications across Google’s various services, including Google Maps.

Alongside the AI-related updates, Google is introducing several other features to assist Play Store developers in listing and promoting their apps. For instance, a Google Translate-powered feature will enable developers to produce listings in ten different languages more efficiently. Additionally, a streamlined process for designing dynamic listings that adapt their content based on the viewer’s profile is being introduced. Lastly, new surfaces for showcasing Play Store apps will provide developers with increased visibility and promotional opportunities.

By leveraging generative AI, Google aims to streamline the listing process, enhance discoverability, and facilitate informed decision-making for users seeking new apps. With these tools and features, developers can focus on creating exceptional applications while leveraging Google’s powerful AI capabilities to reach a wider audience in a more efficient manner. Google has also unveiled its first foldable smartphone Pixel Fold, the much-awaited Pixel 7a, and Pixel Tablet at the event.

RELATED:

• Google is Working to Fix one of Android’s Biggest Issues with Android 14
• Google experiments with ad placement on Gmail including the middle of email lists
• Google Unveils Chrome 113: Boosting Video Calls and Web Graphics Performance
• Download OnePlus 11R Genshin Impact Edition Wallpapers, Ringtones, and AOD

(Via)

The post Google introduces AI tools for Play Store developers to enhance app listings appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Google Shields Pixel Users from Noise Pollution with Loud Sound Alerts
• Google TV is reducing app sizes and speeding up their performance
• Google Photos Search Bar now supports Complex Queries
• Best ChatGPT Prompts for Web Developers

The post Google Play Store 35.5.14 now rolling out to Android devices appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Chrome is set to enhance the installation experience of web apps with a new design that resembles the familiar Play Store cards used to install Android apps. This development is a significant improvement from the current rudimentary installation process that shows a small app icon and an option to add to the home screen.

Richer UI install card now available for Chrome Web App

The new “Richer Install UI” is a card that slides up from the bottom of the screen, featuring an icon preview, app description, and screenshots. This way, users can easily understand the capabilities of the web app before installing it. The new prompt is available for desktop and mobile versions of Chrome, with the desktop prompt docked to the address bar.

Web apps offer a more flexible interface than Android apps and take up less space in device storage, making them a viable alternative for new and emerging form factors like foldables. Services like Twitter and Instagram have web apps that are better suited to larger screens, providing a more seamless user experience than their native counterparts.

This development is expected to encourage more developers to work on web apps that are more compatible with big screens, making them more mainstream. The new installation prompt is compatible with Chrome 94 and above on mobile and Chrome 108 and above on desktop, giving users with older versions of Chrome access to the improved installation process.

Google Chrome’s efforts to enhance the installation process of web apps will undoubtedly make them more accessible to users and encourage the development of more compatible and flexible web apps. Google also has implemented a new Instance Switcher feature for Google Chrome on Android that allows for seamless multitasking between different tabs and instances, making mobile browsing more efficient than ever.

RELATED:

• Google Pixel 8 Pro tipped to feature Samsung’s biggest camera sensor
• Google Pixel Tablet real-life video spotted at Milan Design Week 2023
• Google Pixel Fold full specifications, price, availability details leaked before May 10 launch
• Pixel Fold leaked video gives a sneak peek of Google’s highly anticipated foldable phone
• Google Pixel Tablet Storage And Color Options, Pricing Tipped Ahead Of Launch

(Via)

The post Google Chrome Web App gets Play Store-like installation design appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has recently banned 36 malicious Android apps from the Google Play Store that were capable of performing harmful functions without the user’s consent. The apps were discovered by McAfee, who found a software library called Goldoson that could collect information from the user’s phone, such as lists of installed applications, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device information, and GPS locations. Moreover, the library could also perform ad fraud by clicking on ads in the background without the user’s knowledge.

McAfee discovered more than 60 apps with this malicious library, which had been downloaded more than 100 million times in the Google Play Store alone. Following this discovery, Google took action and removed 36 apps from the Play Store while the remaining apps were updated by their developers. You can check the list of all the banned apps here.

Users are advised to update their apps to the latest version or remove them if they have been identified as a threat to Android phone users. In addition, users should take precautions before downloading any app from the Play Store or any other third-party service. It is recommended to check the name of the developer, the number of downloads, the comments section, how many known apps the developer has created, and the preview section of the app to ensure the images are genuine and not fake.

This incident serves as a reminder for both users and developers to be vigilant and proactive in preventing malicious apps from entering the market. As such, users are encouraged to keep their phones updated with the latest security patches and to use anti-malware software. Developers, on the other hand, are urged to follow best practices for app development and security, such as using secure coding practices, scanning their apps for vulnerabilities, and thoroughly testing their apps before release.

RELATED:

• Google reportedly working on a new AI-powered search engine
• Android 14 brings control over full-screen notifications
• Google Unveils First Public Beta of Android 14, Offering New UI Updates and More
• Google Pixel 8 series case images emerge, corroborate previous leaks
• Google Pixel 8 smartphone to reportedly come with a smaller display
• Google working on a way to deal with spam calls with AI
• Play Store introduces Auto Archive feature to help save storage space

The post Google removes 36 malicious android apps from Play Store with over 100 million downloads appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google will soon roll out a new feature for the Play Store which will allow users to get more space for installing applications on their smartphones. The “Auto-archive” feature, which Google has been working on for some time now, will automatically delete unnecessary data from apps that have not been used for a significant period of time, resulting in more storage space. This feature is going to be useful for many users who install numerous apps on their devices but don’t use them normally.

When a user’s smartphone storage is full, the only way to free up some space is by uninstalling apps or deleting other data or files. However, with the introduction of the “auto-archive” feature, users can benefit greatly in this scenario.

As per 9to5Google, this feature allows for the bulk of an app’s code and resources to be deleted, thereby saving space, and then automatically downloading them again from the Play Store when needed. This feature can reportedly reduce an app’s size by almost 60% without fully removing it from the phone. Moreover, all personal data and settings are kept intact, and the app’s icon will still be visible in the launcher.

To use the application after it has been auto-archived, simply tap on the app’s icon, and the necessary files will be downloaded, allowing you to use the app without any loss of data. It is important to note, however, that not every app will be eligible for the auto-archive feature. Only apps whose developers use the App Bundle format, which ensures that only necessary resources are downloaded to the user’s phone when installing an app, will be able to participate in this program.

Furthermore, to make this process even smoother, this feature will automatically select unused Android apps that need to be archived. While installing new apps, you will see a pop-up asking you to enable the option. The Play Store will then promptly reduce the number of redundant apps to make room for what you want to install. This functionality will save users time and effort by eliminating the need to manually pick apps to archive, resulting in a more seamless experience.

What do you think about this? Are you excited to try out this on your smartphone? Do let us know by dropping a comment in your words down below.

RELATED

• Google ARCore expands device compatibility list with 14 new smartphones in April
• Google to Enhance Transparency in Google Flights, Hotels, Play Store To Abide by EU Regulations
• Baidu files lawsuit against Apple for fake Ernie Bot applications found on the App Store
• Xiaomi App Store to Phase Out 32-Bit Support, Switching to 64-Bit Only Apps from July
• Google improves Night Sight on Pixel 6 series with new Update

The post Play Store introduces Auto Archive feature to help save storage space appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Android 15’s Dessert-themed Codename Is Apparently ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’
• Google to Release Pixel Buds Series in New Sky Blue Color to Match Pixel 7a
• Mystery Google Pixel Phone spotted at FCC, Could be Pixel 7a
• Google’s New eSIM Transfer Feature To Ease Android Device Upgrades
• Google Cloud Announces Industry-Changing Telecom Network Automation Powered by AI

(Via)

The post Google Contacts App Adds “For You” Tab To Remind You of Birthdays appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Intel and AMD halt all shipments to Russia and Belarus over Ukraine invasion
• Russia smartphone market declines in 2021, will likely sink further over Ukraine invasion
• Twitter Ads Suspended in Ukraine, Russia to Ensure Public Safety in the Region
• Redmi K50 Gaming Edition Review: A Regular Phone with a Focus on Gaming

(Source)

The post Google Suspends Google Play Store Purchases and Subscriptions for Android users in Russia appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nvidia GeForce Now game streaming service, which is already available for web users, is now making its debut on the App Store. And with this, the Fortnite game, owned by Epic Games, will be available for iOS devices.

A closed beta version will be available next week to test server capacity, graphics delivery, and touch controls. The company has already started taking registrations and beta access will be granted to the users in batches over the next few weeks.

Making the announcement, Nvidia said: “While PC games in the GeForce Now library are best experienced on mobile with a gamepad, the introduction of touch controls built by the GeForce NOW team offers more options for players, starting with Fortnite.” The company further added that it plans to offer more touch-friendly games in the future.

Based on the information available right now, it appears that users won’t need a paid GeForce Now membership for this. Those users who have been granted access will be able to play Fortnite through Safari on iOS and the GeForce Now app on Android. So far, an end date for the beta version hasn’t been revealed.

It’s been more than a year since Epic Games’ Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for violating policy as the game introduced its own payment engine, and since then, the companies have been tangled in a legal battle.

Currently, this appears to be the only way to play Fornite on an iOS device until the game is officially available through the App Store. However, on an Android device, as there’s support for third-party app stores, Fortnite is available to download through third-party stores or can be sideloaded or installed directly.

RELATED: 

• Nvidia GeForce MX550 GPU spotted on Geekbench, outperforms MX450 by 15%: Report
• Fortnite officially exits China, as Beijing tightens restrictions around game makers
• Sony patent 3D Scanner that adds Real-World Items Into games and Virtual Reality
• FTC sues Nvidia to block $40 billion acquisition of ARM
• Valve Steam Deck handheld gaming device to be available by the end of February

The post Nvidia GeForce Now game streaming service brings back Fortnite to iOS devices appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google and Apple are facing scrutiny in South Korea over their in app payment rules. Both companies were criticized by the government in South Korea, which is considering a ban on their payment rules that could also potentially shake up their dominance in the industry.

According to a TechCrunch report, the Cupertino based and search engine giant are facing trouble in South Korea due to their established rules for how third party apps in their app stores charge for services. In the country, parliamentary committee passed a bill earlier this month to prevent both firms from charging software developer’s commissions on in app purchases. As of right now, this bill is the first of its kind in the world.

Furthermore, the final vote for this planned ban on Google and Apple payment rules by all members of the National Assembly, which was expected to be held in a plenary session on the same day, has been delayed at the moment. Media reports stated that the plenary session was postponed to August 30. If the new bill is adopted, South Korea will become the first nation that banned the global tech firms from charging third party developers on in app payments.

The bill has been called the “Anti-Google law” and was approved by the legislation and judiciary committee of the National Assembly to revise the Telecommunication Business Act. In a statement, Apple said that “the proposed Telecommunications Business Act will put users who purchase digital goods from other sources at risk of fraud, undermine their privacy protections, make it difficult to manage their purchases, and features like ‘Ask to Buy’ and Parental Controls will become less effective. We believe user trust in App Store purchases will decrease as a result of this proposal—leading to fewer opportunities for the over 482,000 registered developers in Korea who have earned more than KRW8.55 trillion to date with Apple.”

RELATED:

• Apple iPhone 13 series expected to officially launch on September 14
• Apple iPhone 14 may not be powered by 3nm chipset due to TSMC’s production issues
• Apple to replace defective earpiece speakers on affected iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 Pro for free

The post Apple, Google face scrutiny in South Korea over in-app payment rules appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has partnered with Samsung to develop a new operating system borne from the fusion of Wear OS and Tizen. While we still don’t know the official name of the new wearable operating system, it is expected to make its debut when the Galaxy Watch 4 series launches. Ahead of their arrival, Google has begun rolling out a design update to the Play Store app for smartwatches.

Info about the new interface was first shared by a user on Reddit and reported first by 9to5Google. The Reddit user who goes by Suunto 7 shared screenshots showing the differences between the old and new interface.

Google has ditched the rectangular blocks for a pill-shaped one that looks nicer. The app icons have also been redesigned. Not only are they smaller but they have ditched the squircle shape for a circle. The font size has also been reduced and the search icon has also been changed from green to white. These changes make the UI look more cleaner and suited for small displays.

At the moment, this seems to be the only report of an update. Google is most likely doing a test rollout, and once there are no critical bugs, we should see a wider rollout.

RELATED:

• TicWatch Pro 3 and TicWatch E3 will be updated to the new Wear OS: Report
• Samsung’s new smartwatches will come with One UI Watch
• Samsung Galaxy Watch4, Watch4 Classic, and Buds2 pricing and color variants leaked

The post Play Store for Wear OS gets a design revamp appeared first on Gizmochina.

Android has several advantages compared to iOS when it comes to users having control over the device. One of the biggest benefits of Android is that it allows users to download apps from several different sources, including support for the side-loading of apps.

However, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has spoken out against the side-loading of applications. Answering the question about side-loading apps on iPhone, he said: “That [side-loading – ed] would destroy the security of the iPhone and a lot of the privacy initiatives that we built into the App Store, where we have privacy nutrition labels and app tracking transparency, where it forces people to get permission to track across apps.”

He added that Android has 47 times more malware than iOS but has not cited a source for this data. A report from Nokia in 2019 had claimed that Android was responsible for about 47% of the detected malware compared to 1% for iPhone. But the very next year, malware for Android fell to 26.6% and iPhones rose to 1.7%.

While Tim Cook is criticizing the practice of app side-loading, Apple itself allows this if the user has a developer account. Also, another report from Washington Post claims that almost 2% of App Store’s top 1,000 grossing apps were scams with over 120 million customers downloading those apps.

It’s noteworthy that Android doesn’t allow users to side-load apps or install apps outside of Play Store by default and user needs to give permission before installing an application from somewhere else. Also, Android has over 70 percent of the global mobile operating system market share and malicious actors tend to target the most popular platforms.

RELATED: 

• Battleground Mobile India Beta is now available for download on Android
• Google takes up the issue of Android OEMs killing background apps
• UK starts investigation of Apple and Google’s duopoly in the mobile ecosystem

The post Tim Cook blames app side-loading for Android having more malware than iOS appeared first on Gizmochina.

Battlegrounds Mobile India has been available for pre-registration since last month. Now, Krafton Inc, the studio behind the popular battle royale title, has just made the beta version of the game available for download on Android smartphones.

Keep in mind that this is a closed beta, with the game only being available to those who have registered to be an early access user. Looking at the Google Play Store listing, the India exclusive mobile game has a download size of just over 700 megabytes. Furthermore, the game also requires users to create a new account, which means users of PUBG Mobile cannot access their old accounts.

This also implies that Indian users would have to create new profiles with new usernames since the old PUBG Mobile servers are still live, so it will prompt users that their older gamer tags are already taken. Android users were given the to beta test the early version of the game. But unfortunately, registrations for the game’s beta are not available anymore. For those that did register, they can simply follow this link and click on ‘Download it on Google Play’ below.

Notably, since Battlegrounds Mobile India is in beta, users might face an internal server error. Although, trying to access the game later might resolve the issue. The game also asks the users for permission to access media and files when first launching the game and is only available for those over 18 years of age in India. It even notifies the users that all data for this game is stored in India. Recently, the game has been facing scrutiny from government officials that have asked for the ban of the game before its launch, however, an Indian Ministry has clarified that it can’t ban the game prior to its release.

RELATED:

• Battlegrounds Mobile India can’t be banned before its launch: Indian Ministry
• Battlegrounds Mobile India faces scrutiny from govt officials over security risks
• Battlegrounds Mobile India pre-registrations crosses 20 million in just 2 weeks

The post Battleground Mobile India Beta is now available for download on Android appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Podcasts is one of the many free services offered by Google. It debuted as an Android application in June 2018. Nearly three years after its launch, the app has achieved a huge milestone that other podcast app developers could have ever dreamt of.

Back in November 2020, the Google Podcasts Android app became the first podcasts app to hit 50 million installs on the Play Store. Now, only about five months later, this number has doubled.

As a result, Google Podcasts has become the first-ever podcast app to reach over 100 million downloads on the Play Store. For comparison, most other popular podcast apps are only around 10 million+ to 1 milllion+ mark.  It is worth noting that we are only talking about standalone dedicated podcast apps.

Almost a year after the release of the Google Podcasts Android app, a web version of the service was announced at Google I/O 2019. At the end of that year, the Android application was not only uplifted with the material theme but also got dark mode.

The Google Podcasts now even has an iOS app, which was released in March 2020. In other words, Google’s free-to-use podcast service is available on all the popular platforms.

RELATED:

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

The post Google Podcasts is the first podcast app to reach over 100 million downloads on Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Google Photos hits 5 billion downloads on the Play Store; Google Keep reaches 1 billion
• Google Lens reaches over 500 million downloads on the Play Store
• PUBG Mobile records 1 billion downloads since its launch in 2018
• Google Docs hits 1 billion downloads on the Play Store

(Via)

The post Google Translate hits 1 billion downloads on the Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED: 

• Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) device’s best feature is also a weakness; also doesn’t feature a camera
• Google Go crosses over 500 million installs on the Play Store
• Google Chrome for Android 64-bit requires a minimum of 8GB RAM and Android 10

The post Google drops Play Store commission to 15% on first $1 million in revenue for developers appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

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

The post Google Go crosses over 500 million installs on the Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

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

(Via)

The post Google Lens reaches over 500 million downloads on the Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google is known for more than its search engine. One of the most used services by the internet giant is Google Docs. It is a cloud-based word processor that comes free with every Google account. Now, the Android app for this service has hit 1 billion installs on the Play Store.

The Google Docs Android app was released in 2014. This app is not part of the mandatory GMS package and therefore, it took 6 years to reach 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store. 

The application crossed 500 million downloads in October 2018 after 4 years from its launch, however, it achieved to surpass the next 500 million just within 2 years. As Android Police suggests, this could be mostly because people around the world have been working and continuing their education at home since the beginning of 2020.

As Google Docs is a free-to-use service, it is the most preferred word processor. Mostly because of its cloud-based features. Also, there are numerous institutions and enterprises that use Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) which includes Google Docs.

All of these above-mentioned factors could have made people download this app on your Android smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks.

UP NEXT: Google unveils new alert feature that notifies if your account has been hacked

The post Google Docs hits 1 billion downloads on the Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

EDITOR’S PICK: Here’s the official list of Samsung Galaxy devices eligible for three generations of Android updates

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.

UP NEXT: Android 11 removes camera picker function in favor of the built-in camera app

The post New class-action lawsuit against Google alleges Play Store monopoly for Android app distribution appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apps have become a fundamental part of our daily life. We have apps for almost everything on our smartphones. Due to lockdowns, people around the world are spending more time on their handsets than ever before. This has led to the rise of app downloads. According to a new report, despite stresses from various governments, TikTok was still the most downloaded app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in July 2020.

Sensor Tower is a well-known app analytical research firm. It releases a public report on top app downloads every month. The report for July 2020 is out and it mimics the previous month’s report with some minor changes.

The top 5 overall app downloads still include the same apps from last month and they are TikTok, Facebook, Zoom, Instagram, and WhatsApp respectively. Also, TikTok led the chart on both App Store and Play Store with more than 65.2 million downloads (combined).

Due to the ban of TikTok by the Indian government, its alternatives are on the rise since then but only two of them reached the top 10 chart. The first one is Likee at the ninth position and it has been part of the top 10 before.

The second one is Snatch Video with about 28.8 million downloads securing the eighth position. This app managed to enter the elite list for the very first time. For comparison, it was only downloaded 7.8 million times in June, which is 3.5 times lower than its July count.

Having said that, it is not sure how long TikTok will continue to lead the chart as it is expected to be banned by the US government if no American company buys it.

UP NEXT: TikTok gets a new rival as Instagram officially launches Reels

The post TikTok was the most downloaded app in July despite stresses from governments appeared first on Gizmochina.

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

1 of 4

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

1 of 4

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.

UP NEXT: OnePlus, Realme, Meizu and Black Shark joins P2P File Transfer Alliance

(Via)

The post OnePlus publishes Game Space on Google Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year, in December, Qualcomm had announced the capability of deliviring GPU driver updates via Google Play Store but added that it will be limited to new chipsets only such as Snapdragon 865 and SD765.

However, the company has now announced that some Snapdragon 855 powered smartphones will be the first devices to get support for this new GPU driver update tool through Google Play Store.

Currently, the list of supported devices for this GPU driver update tool include Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy Note 10, and Google Pixel 4 series and Qualcomm further says that more devices will get the same feature later, without specifying any timeline.

This announcement is a part of a partnership of Qualcomm with Google for Android GPU Inspector tool for developers that allows to inspect mobile GPU usage (including Qualcomm’s Adreno GPU) in games to figure out where improvements can be made.

EDITOR’S PICK: Huawei P40 Rumor Roundup: Specs, Features and All we know about the Flagship series

It provides detailed information about a game’s render stages and GPU counter that was previously not available. This can be helpful to improve frame rates as well as lower power usage to ensure longer battery life.

The new method of GPU driver update via Play Store is a welcome move as its much easier than the current solution. At this time, the GPU drivers are packaged with system updates and thus it needs carrier approval before releasing.

While this new solution also requires manufacturers to test the GPU driver updates before releasing them to the Play Store, eliminating carrier testing from the process should result in faster deployment.

UP NEXT: Vivo India delays the launch of V19 and other new phones, Announces Aid amid COVID-19 pandemic

(Source)

The post Google releases GPU driver update tool via Play Store for select Qualcomm Snapdragon phones appeared first on Gizmochina.

It’s been over a year since Google started rolling out Dark Mode support across its various services and products. Most of the Google services now support dark mode. In addition, now Google Play Store also received the Dark Mode on Android smartphones. Google made an announcement about the latest development via Google Play’s official Twitter handle.

Must See: Guide to enable Gmail Dark Mode on old Android versions

The interested users can enable the dark mode by heading over to the Google Play App > Settings > General > Change “Theme” to Light. However, there’s also an option to enable dark mode when the user switches “Battery saver mode” on the smartphone. Google Play Dark Mode setting works along with a global mode switch present in Android 10. The global setting will overlap the in-app settings of the Play Store on an Android smartphone.

The new feature is made available via a server-side switch. It will help to lower the eye fatigue if using the app for longer times. Moreover, the dark mode conserves energy on AMOLED display devices.

The search giant has rolled out the dark mode support for majority of its services including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Discover Feed, Google Chrome, Calendar, Photos, News, Discover, Keep and others. Other major giants like WhatsApp and Instagram has also rolled out the support for the dark theme. Meanwhile, Facebook is still testing it and we expect it to roll out by the end of this year.

Related: Ultimate guide to enable Dark Mode in Google Apps – Google Chrome, Calendar, Photos, News, Discover, Keep and others

(source)

The post Google Play Store gets Dark Mode user interface on Android smartphones appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Play Store is the most popular app store for Android right now. But Chinese smartphone giants like Xiaomi, OPPO, & Vivo want to change this. They have formed an alliance that allows developers outside of China to upload their apps on all of their individual app stores simultaneously. This is a big move aimed at breaking Google’s dominance in the Android app store domain.

Together, OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei made up for a total of 40% of smartphone shipments in Q4 2019. So if they can come up with a unified platform granting access to all of their individual apps stores, they could possibly lure in a lot of new developers. According to Statista, the Google Play Store had nearly 3 million apps here back in December 2019. So the app store is already pretty crowded, making it immensely hard for new apps to stand out.

They are calling it the Global Developer Service Alliance (GDSA). The official description of the alliance according to their website is as follows.

The Global Developer Service Alliance (GDSA) is committed to providing one-stop services including content distribution, development support, marketing operation, brand promotion and traffic monetization to global developers . These services help developers improve their brand awareness, and obtain a large number of high-quality users and traffic monetization. Our services have covered nine countries and regions such as India, Indonesia, Russia, and Malaysia. GDSA is looking forward to working with extraordinary developers to move forward together and achieve win-win cooperation.

 

READ MORE: Xiaomi continued dominance of Indian smartphone market in Q4 2019: Canalys

 

The alliance will act as a support system for global developers across different stages of app development and monetizing. Currently, it covers nine regions such as India, Indonesia, Russia, and Malaysia. Interestingly, the official website only lists Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo as the official alliance members of the GDSA. However, the report from Reuters mentioned Huawei too as a member of the alliance. All four companies are yet to confirm their membership.

Google’s dominance in this market allows it to collect as much as 30% commission on sales made on its app store. So this alliance could lure in developers by offering better incentives and charging less commission. Also, their apps will be available across all the participating member app stores, significantly increasing its exposure across users in the nine regions covered by this service.

While we are yet to confirm Huawei’s membership in the GDSA alliance, we know the company is desperately trying to create an alternative to the Play store. The company lost access to Google Play services and hence access to the app store after the US banned Google from selling its software services to the company. So joining this alliance could be the fastest way to create a viable Play Store alternative for its international users.

It’s also worth mentioning that Huawei is also investing heavily to bring developers on board its app store. The company has offered upwards of $1 billion to global developers to develop and publish apps on its own app store called the Huawei AppGallery.

UP NEXT: Huawei announces new manufacturing bases, promises ‘Made in Europe’ 5G

(Source)

The post Chinese giants like Xiaomi, OPPO, & Vivo form an Alliance to take on Google’s Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this year, Huawei had faced complications with the US Government regarding national data security reasons. Since then, the company had initially faced a ban in the country which had even led to Huawei losing its partners like Google (Android support) and ARM (chipsets). Thus, the company has been looking to become increasingly more independent and less reliant on western corporations.

This leads to now, as Huawei is set to finalize its replacement of Google Services on its Android devices.

Reportedly, Huawei will be moving forward with its own services and replace Google’s services by 2020 for its smartphones. The new replacement is dubbed as Huawei Mobile Services and will be launched by the end of 2019. The Chinese tech giant has been working on the service for a while so the company could be functionally self-sufficient and less reliant.

According to a recent report, the CEO of Huawei and Honor India, Charles Peng, spoke to news outlets regarding the upcoming services’ app ecosystem. In other words, the company is looking to attract developers of the top 150 apps in India to ensure the availability of the same apps in the company’s smartphones as well. This is done since the lack of Google Services means no Play Store. Thus, bringing various developers to its proprietary store is crucial to the Huawei Mobile Services’ success.

Furthermore, India is the second largest smartphone market in the world with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and more being extremely popular. Currently, these apps are still not natively supported or included in the Huawei app store. So, to help in the transition from Google services to its own, Huawei needs to include popular apps and features to its services as well.

Editor’s Pick: Japan eases export restrictions on key industrial components to South Korea

Google’s success in its services lies with its tight-knit ecosystem that includes apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Play Store and more. Huawei needs to find suitable and effective replacements for these few crucial apps to be better welcomed by the large userbase. So far, the company has confirmed alternatives to navigation, payments, gaming, and messages which will debut on its HMS platform by the end of 2019.

It remains to be seen how well the new Huawei Mobile Services is implemented as it stands as the only viable mainstream alternative to Google right now. Historically, the search engine giant has had dominance in this field and has yet to be toppled off its throne.

UP NEXT: Nokia 2720 flip phone and Nokia 800 Tough mobile unveiled in China

(Via)

The post Huawei to launch its Google services replacement by year end appeared first on Gizmochina.

HTC, once a top mobile phone manufacturer has been struggling for years now. The manufacturer hasn’t released any phone this year though it said it will. When it does launch its first phone this year, a number of HTC apps may no longer ship with it.

The Taiwanese company has unpublished a lot of its apps from the Google Play Store which means these apps will no longer be available on its phones. The company’s activity on App Brain shows that it has unpublished 14 of its apps from the Play Store.

These apps include HTC Sense Home Launcher, HTC People, HTC Mail, HTC Speak, HTC Calendar, and HTC Dot View. A number of these apps haven’t received updates in months, so HTC is cleaning house. However, apps like HTC Mail, HTC People, and HTC Calendar are apps that come pre-installed with its phones as alternatives to Google’s own apps.

READ MORE: HTC confirms Android Pie update will begin rolling out in Q2 2019

One plausible reason according to Android Police is that HTC’s future phones might be Android One devices and not run Sense UI, hence there will be no need for a number of these apps anymore. This makes sense as Android One phones usually ship with Google apps with a few manufacturer apps like the camera app.

(Source, Via)

The post HTC removes a bunch of its apps from the Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Careful about that camera beauty and filter app installed on your phone as it could contain malware. A cybersecurity firm named Trend Micro has uncovered a staggering 29 “beauty camera” and camera filter apps in the Google Play Store loaded with malware inside. The apps in question are more popular in Asia and are supposed to enhance selfies and customize photos. Well, turns out that is just a decoy instead, apps with the names of Beauty Camera, Pro Beauty Camera and Horizontal Beauty camera served full-screen ads when users unlocked their phones. In one of the discovered cases, the app downloaded an online porn player that didn’t work even after payment from the user was accepted.

The discovery also unearthed several underground and dubious practices by the developers of these apps. Some of the apps even attempt to utilise phishing techniques in order to get personal information from users. One way this occurred was through a rigged contest that always let the device owner win. To claim the prize, the “winner” will have to provide certain personal information. Other camera filter apps would allow someone to upload a picture to the developer’s server to enhance. But instead of getting a final post-enhancement image, the user would receive a fake update prompt in nine languages. The app collected the photos uploaded, possibly to use on fake social media accounts.

Read Also: Vivo V15 Pro live shot leaks stunning gradient design, triple camera setup

Such apps are usually designed to make it difficult to delete. The icons were hidden making it practically impossible to remove them with a simple drag to uninstall. Thankfully, Google has taken action by removing such apps. Nevertheless, it is apt that users exercise caution when downloading an app from the Store. To avoid falling victim to such fraud, Trend Micro suggests that before you install any app, check the comments from other users. If you see a few warnings, avoid downloading the app.

(source)

The post Google deletes 29 malware filled camera beauty and filter apps from Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google is tightening its security measures in a bid to limit access of user’s data to the app developers. In the latest development, the company has announced that it will be removing applications from the Google Play Store that do not adhere policy for call log and SMS permission.

The announcement comes as part of Project Strobe, which is the search engine giant’s internal initiative which stemmed from the issues which gave rise to the untimely (or timely) demise of its social networking platform Google+.

The company is making it simple — only default clients should be able to access the sensitive user data on the device. Not all the apps that need call log or SMS permission will be removed but many unscrupulous developers who have created apps that require access to user data and then profit from the insight will booted off the platform.

Explaining this move, the company announced:

Our new policy is designed to ensure that apps asking for these permissions need full and ongoing access to the sensitive data in order to accomplish the app’s primary use case and that users will understand why this data would be required for the app to function. Keeping our overall Android ecosystem healthy is very important, and protection of user data is vital to the long term health of all developers.

Google does allow access to such data for genuine use cases. For this, the developers will need to submit a ‘permissions declaration form’ for access to the call log and SMS data. Many developers were emailed several months ago to sort this out and were warned that they had 90 days to get their form in, remove the permissions, or face the consequences.

Now that the 90-days span has expired, Google has announced that it will soon begin removing apps which require call logs and SMS permissions from the Play Store. However, only those apps will be booted off for which the developers are yet to submit a permission declaration form.

Read More: Google’s upcoming Fuchsia OS confirmed to carry support for Android apps

Google has also pointed that it assesses factors such as user benefit of the permissions, availability of more narrow alternatives, risks presented by the app and the sheer importance of the permissions for helping an app accomplish its core objective.

(Source)

The post Google to remove apps from Play Store that require Call Log and SMS permission appeared first on Gizmochina.

Just before the end of 2017, OnePlus added a new app to the Play Store – the OnePlus Switch. The app has only one job – to help move your data from your old phone to your new OnePlus phone.

Phone migration apps are not new and a bunch of major manufacturers have one. Apple’s first app on the Play Store is actually Move to iOS, whose function is to help move your data from an Android phone to an iPhone or iPad.

According to the app description, the OnePlus Switch will help you move your contacts, messages, call logs, calendar, photos, videos, audio files, and apps. OnePlus adds that app data isn’t available at the moment but will be added soon. The app which is 8.64MB in size will work on devices running Android 5.0 lollipop and above.

From the screenshots provided, it is pretty easy to move your data. Once you have the app installed, both phones will connect via Wi-Fi and you can select the data you want to move. The duration for the transfer is shown and you also get a fun animation while the process is on.

READ MORE: Alleged OnePlus 5T Sandstone Version Might Be Unveiled In January 2018

So if you got a new OnePlus phone during the holidays and you have been wondering how to move your data, head to the Play Store and install the OnePlus Switch.

At the moment, there is no mention of an iOS version of the app, but we presume it should already be in the works.

(Source)

The post OnePlus Switch is An App That Makes Moving To A OnePlus Phone Easy appeared first on Gizmochina.

Quite a number of Android phone manufacturers have been putting up their own exclusive phone apps on the Play Store. The earliest I remember is ASUS putting a number of its apps such as its contacts and dialer app and file manager app on the Play Store a few years ago. Xiaomi has joined the league and put up its Mi Calculator on the Play Store.

The Mi Calculator app is one of the best calculator apps I have used personally. Unlike other calculators I have come across which can do no more than basic calculation with a little bit of scientific function, the Mi App does so much more. It has a currency converter, a mortgage calculator, a scientific calculator and even a unit converter. It also has a history where you can view and edit previous calculations.

The currency converter is updated daily, so you don’t have to worry about the rates being outdated. The user interface is also pretty clean and the app is just under 5MB. So if you have been looking for a an app that combines basic and scientific calculation, currency conversion, unit conversion and mortgage calculation in a single app, the Mi Calculator is your best bet.

READ MORE: IDC Research: Xiaomi, Apple Lead the Global Wearables Market in Q2 2017

The app isn’t perfect as it doesn’t have a night mode feature. Only the menu where you select the feature you need is dark.

The Mi Calculator works with devices running Android 4.1 and up.

[envira-gallery id=”147734″]

(Source, via)

The post Xiaomi Mi Calculator Now Available On The Play Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google doesn’t make public the number of phones it has sold. The income from sales is usually bundled under other revenues. Notwithstanding, a Play Store data might have given us a rough estimate of the number of Pixel phones sold.

The number of Pixel units sold was gotten from the number of installs from a Play Store app, in this case the Pixel Launcher. The Pixel Launcher is an exclusive app for the Pixel phones, so an install count provides a rough estimate of devices sold.

There is however a clause with installation number count on play Store. The figures are usually listed as milestones like 100,000 – 500,000 and 1,000,000 – 5,000,000. So how do we know the app install count isn’t closer to 5 million rather than 1 million?

That is because it just crossed into that range, plus AppBrain, a third party tracking site still lists the app install counts as 500,000. So even if it has surpassed the 1 million mark, it is probably only by a couple of thousands or ten thousands.

You might also wonder why we are using the Pixel Launcher since it comes by default with the phones. The app install count also includes apps pre-installed with the phone. So when you check the app install count for a “not-so-useful” app on Play Store and you see a very high figure, that app probably comes pre-loaded on a lot of phones. And the count is only once per device irrespective of the number of times you wipe the phone and reinstall or update the app.

READ MORE: Chip Wars: Google Employs Former Apple CPU Architect To Lead Its Processor Department

What does this mean for Google? 1 million units is a pretty low figure. All though there were times the phones were out of stock, a million units in eight months isn’t a number to be proud of.

One factor that may have played a part is the high cost of the Pixel phones. Unlike the Nexus phones that were competitively priced, the Pixel and Pixel XL had price tags similar to flagships from Samsung, HTC, and Sony.

(Source)

The post Play Store Downloads Reveal Google Pixel Sales As 1 Million Units appeared first on Gizmochina.