5 Android apps you can’t miss this week and all the latest app news

Welcome to the 527th edition of Android Apps Weekly, where we discuss the latest mobile news and take a closer look at some of the coolest new apps and games. Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the biggest highlights from the past week:

• We finally got our first look at Gemini Assistant in Messenger. The upcoming feature hasn’t officially rolled out yet, but that hasn’t stopped the folks at TheSpAndroid from getting Gemini working on a beta version of Messenger. The new assistant will be able to help you by recommending locations, generating code, creating images and much more.
• Epic Games Store isn’t just heading to iOS in the near future, Epic has confirmed that it will be bringing the same Epic Games Store experience to Android as well. While there was already a third-party Epic app for downloading games like Fortnite, this new version will be better unified with the desktop and iOS iteration. There are no firm dates for the launch yet.
• While we already knew the feature was in the works, Google is finally rolling out its new app highlights. In short, this feature uses AI to generate summaries highlighting key aspects of each app in the Play Store. The idea behind this change is that it will be easier to understand what an app has to offer, by eliminating unnecessary descriptions and other superfluities.
• WhatsApp was in the news several times last week. First, Whatsapp is testing a new feature that allows users to post videos longer than 60 seconds in status updates. Beyond that, a recent APK teardown also revealed that the app might soon allow Android users to transcribe voice messages, a feature that was previously limited to the iOS app.
• A new teardown of the Google Messages app APK reveals several references to Android satellite messaging, indicating a system that will work similarly to Apple’s Emergency SOS. Additionally, this change is expected to roll out with Android 15.
• Google is rolling out a new change to the Contacts app, adding a new Contact Ringtones option that lets you quickly add, change, or remove a contact’s unique ringtone from one place. Although this is a small change, it is still welcome as it is a bit simpler than the current system.
• Not a fan of the new taskbar that debuted with Android 12L for the Pixel tablet and later devices like the Pixel Fold? The latest Android 15 preview lets you do something, giving you the option to return to the classic persistent taskbar. While this probably isn’t a big deal for most of you, I’m glad to see that Google still takes personalization seriously.

Android Apps Weekly: new apps and games

Looking for new Android apps and games to keep you busy? This week we didn’t see any major new apps, but there are plenty of games worth highlighting.

Kiss in Hell: Fantasy Otome

• Price: Free with in-app purchases

If you like shows like Demon Slayer or Hazbin Hotel and are also a dating sim fan, you’ll probably want to check out StoryTaco’s latest, Kiss in Hell: Fantasy Otome. In this unique dating sim, you can choose from four Demon Lords and you have thirty days to do so. Although the game is free, be aware that there are many ads, but you can pay extra to get rid of them. There are also plenty of other in-app purchases such as special date episodes, meaning it’s very likely that you’ll end up spending at least a little on this title if you want to get the most out of the game.

Oh my Anne

• Price: Free with in-app purchases

While most match 3 games aren’t exactly story-heavy, Oh My Anne is definitely an exception. This new match-3 puzzle game was developed by Neowiz-owned studio ROUND8 and is essentially a reinterpretation of the Canadian novel “Anne of Green Gables”. The game puts you in the role of Annie as she meets new friends, renovates Green Gables and more, all while completing simple match-3 puzzles. The game is free to play, although there are in-app purchases and advertisements are present.

RPG Boomerang

Hundreds of years ago, the Dude World was destroyed by a band of demons who appeared out of nowhere. Like a legendary hero, a brilliant baby named Dude is born with extraordinary boomerang powers. Yes, that’s definitely the story. The game‘s graphics and minimal story are quirky and fun, but I found the game a bit buggy as it came crashing down on me twice in just twenty minutes. If you’re looking for something fun and different, it’s worth a try, but just be aware that the game isn’t the most stable at the moment. Hopefully this one improves with future updates.

Guardian War: Ultimate Edition

• Price: Free basic experience with ads, $0.99 premium version

Guardian War is one of the best games ZITGA has ever made and now it gets even better with the new Ultimate Edition. This new edition includes an exclusive new hero class, the ability to change the in-game weather, new worlds to explore and much more. Although the game is free to play, we recommend unlocking the premium experience for just $0.99.

CookieRun: Witch’s Castle

• Price: Free with in-app purchases

Witch’s Castle is the latest addition to the CookieRun series of puzzle games, offering the same charming graphics and style you’ve come to expect from other titles in the series. Overall, the game is quite fun but I feel like the level progression happens a little too quickly and the Gatcha system is far from great. As for stability, luckily I didn’t encounter any bugs.