5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week and all the latest app news – Android Apps Weekly

After taking a break for the holidays, Android Apps Weekly is back with its 515th edition. Let’s start by jumping right into the news:

• This week Google has finally settled its Chromebook incognito mode class-action lawsuit. For those that don’t know, a class action lawsuit was previously filed against Google in 2020 for the way it handles its incognito mode, with the plaintiffs alleging Google isn’t clear enough about what its incognito mode does and doesn’t track. While we don’t know the terms of the agreement, Google will not have to admit fault or make any major changes that will affect users. 
• An APK teardown hints that Driving Mode may be getting the ax, and it’s very possible Google wants people to use Google Assistant voice commands instead for calls, messages, and playing media while driving.
• A new version of Google Play Services suggests Nearby Share may soon be rebranded to Quick Share. This is interesting as currently Nearby Share and Quick Share largely do the same thing, but one is available on all Android devices, while the other is a Samsung exclusive.
• Beeper Mini is back again, though it’s been further reduced in functionality in the process. After weeks of attempting to patch Apple’s block on its Beeper Mini app, Beeper has rolled out a new update that requires access to a Mac or an older jailbroken iPhone to work. The company says this is the last fix it will attempt. In other words, if Apple manages to break the app again, the company is throwing in the towel on this particular project.
• The Samsung Health app is rolling out a new medication tracking feature in the US. Not only will it track meds, but it will also give you tips and relevant information about the drugs you are taking. The feature is expected to roll out this week, though it’s unclear when it will reach other countries.
• Whatsapp is working on a feature that will let users share music audio during video calls and it’s rolling out now to the company’s latest beta app for iOS and Android users.
• TikTok’s latest update finally improves the experience for foldable and tablet owners, with layouts designed to make better use of the extra screen real estate. Some of the changes include a refined video feed, streamlined nav bar, and support for both landscape and portrait modes.
• Google’s Podcast app is getting closer and closer to retirement and so as promised, Google has finally released a tool that will allow you to export subscriptions to YouTube Music and other platforms. For now, this method is only available for those in the US. 

Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games, and so you might have missed

Looking for some new Android apps and Android games to keep you occupied? The last two weeks were a bit slow on that front, so we’re doing things a bit differently. There are only three new apps worth showcasing in this edition, two games and one AI tool. I’ve also included one other game and one other app, both of which were released earlier this year but worth showcasing again in case you missed them. The point of these additions isn’t to showcase some big app or game you already likely know, but instead, I want to shine a light on well-rated and useful ones that flew a little bit more under the radar.