GoKawiilHadlee Simons / Android Authority
Keeping up with the latest and greatest apps and games is a difficult task, but I’m here to help. Each month, I detail a list of the best new Android apps and games, and this month’s edition is packed with useful apps, including one that brings PC games to Android.
Let’s jump right in. Here are the best new Android apps and games you should try in August 2026.
Messages by OzarksMade Some people can’t let Samsung Messages go — and they don’t have to. Price: Free / $0.99
Free / $0.99 Developer: OzarksMade
Samsung Messages recently bid adieu to Samsung phones and the Android world at large, with the Korean company now forcing its users to use Google Messages if they want an RCS-supported messaging solution. However, since Android is still relatively open, a new pioneering solution to keep the spirit of Samsung Messages alive is in the works.
What will you miss most about Samsung Messages? 558 votes Chat theme customization options. 28 % Chat organization features (folders). 15 % 'Alert when phone picked up' feature support. 14 % The option to automatically delete old texts. 15 % Meaningful competition for Google Messages. 18 % Something else (leave a comment). 10 %
Called Messages by OzarksMade, the new app aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via a nifty background integration with Google Messages. This means you’ll still need to have Google’s app running in the background, but at least you can still enjoy the Samsung experience in the foreground — more or less.
The app isn’t widely available yet and is still in the initial development and testing stages, but adventurous users can enroll in the open beta via Google Groups.
Mango Launcher Android’s latest launcher is packed with color and customizations. Price: Free / Pro version $6.99 annually or $24.99 once off
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