GoKawiil
Tech News
Google has begun accepting enrollment applications from third-party Android app stores for its Registered App Stores program, with a streamlined installation flow set to launch December 1. The program, available outside the US on Android 17 QPR2 and later, is optional for developers, and stores that don't enroll will see no change to their current installation process.
Google has begun accepting applications from third-party app stores for its Registered App Stores program, which excludes the United States. Approved stores will gain one-click app installation and silent background updates similar to Google Play, with the new install experience rolling out to Android devices later this year.
Google rolled out Play Store version 53.8 with a new Sidekick feature called Playbacks that lets users retroactively save the last 30 seconds of gameplay locally on their device. The update also adds video citations with timestamps to Ask Play answers and lets users share Play Shorts clips via links viewable on Android, iOS, and the web. Separately, Play Services is gaining support for connecting Android XR glasses to phones.
Code within Find Hub version 3.1.787-04 shows Google is building 'Left-Behind' separation reminders that work across item tags, headsets, and other supported accessories. The code also points to trusted exclusion zones that can silence alerts at chosen locations, and the ability to move notification and reverse-ringing settings between devices without unpairing them.
Android Auto users can install games from Google Play's Android Auto category or a curated collection, then access them via the dashboard launcher when connected by USB or wirelessly. Titles confirmed to work include Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Soda Saga, My Talking Tom Friends, BB Racing 2, and the built-in GameSnacks service. Games are meant to be played only while the car is parked.
Android Authority surveyed over 1,400 readers on what matters most when choosing an Android tablet, with options including Google Play Store access, hardware quality, software support and price. Google Play Store access came out on top with 28.1% of votes, while hardware and display quality tied for second place alongside another option.
Android Authority reports that despite Google tightening sideloading rules this year—requiring a device restart and a 24-hour wait before enabling it—the platform still cannot natively install APK Bundle (.APKM) files. Users wanting to sideload these split-file app packages, a format introduced in 2018, must rely on third-party apps to do so.
The Boox Palma 2 Pro is a $400 smartphone-sized E Ink reader running Android with Google Play access, letting users install apps like Kindle, Kobo, Libby and audiobook apps. A reviewer tested it for two months, praising its adjustable warm/cool front light, low-brightness dimming for nighttime use, and its 175-gram weight, which made it lighter and more comfortable than a phone.
Users have reported that the Google Play system update field on their Android devices displays a date set in the future rather than the actual update date. The issue appears concentrated on Samsung phones, with some OnePlus and Motorola users also reporting the same glitch.
microG GmsCore is a free, open-source reimplementation of Google's proprietary Play Services, letting apps that rely on Google APIs run on AOSP-based ROMs such as LineageOS without the non-free Google software. It provides core functions like network-based location, works on real devices and emulators, and is licensed under Apache 2.0, though it requires a ROM supporting signature spoofing and a separate Play Store replacement app.
Android phones let users check which apps consume the most storage via Settings > Device Care > Storage > Apps, where apps can be uninstalled or archived. Archiving removes an app's core files and temporary data while keeping login credentials and personal settings intact for easy reinstallation. Android also offers an 'auto-archive' feature that automatically archives rarely used apps when storage runs low, which Google says can free up nearly 60 percent of an app's storage space without deleting its data.
A Reddit user flagged a counterfeit WhatsApp listing appearing in a sponsored slot ahead of the genuine app on Google's Play Store, as first reported by Android Authority. The fake app, from an unknown developer called 'Agment Assets sallu,' has over 500,000 downloads and copies WhatsApp's icon, screenshots and description text. Google has not responded to a request for comment, and the listing remained live at the time of reporting.