Author: Robert Haba

Temporarly free premium apps and games for both Android and iOS
Here, things operate differently because we carefully choose the programs. We chose these programs because they are temporarily free, rather than because we checked and tested everything. Regretfully, neither the Google Play Store nor the Apple App Store provide us with a summary of how long the deals are valid. It’s worthwhile to give them a try right away, but read the warnings about in-app purchases, advertising, and other subscription pitfalls.

Even if you don’t require an app right away, install it if it piques your curiosity. It will be added to your app library and marked as “bought” as a result. When you need it, you can easily reinstall the app for free after removing it straight from your phone.

Android apps and games

Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
- PhotoApp: AI Photo Editor, Art: One of the many photo apps that let you modify your pictures. For example, you can integrate your face into other photos.
- Simple App Locker: Do you want to protect certain apps or games from being accessed by others? Then this app offers you the option of securing desired applications with a PIN code or fingerprint.
- Touch Lock: This app does exactly what the name promises – you can temporarily deactivate the touchscreen. This can be useful if, for example, you are listening to music or watching videos and don’t want to tap the screen accidentally.
- PowerAudio: Do you want to give an appealing-looking music player with a good rating (4.4 stars) another chance? Then please – go for it!
- Smart Navigation Bar – navbar: This alternative navigation bar is rated rather average with 3.4 stars, but hey, this way you can at least give the bar a new look on a trial basis and for free.
Android games
- Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD: I’ve often recommended this game to tower defense fans. And I’m always happy to do so when it’s free again. Really great graphics and tough at times!
- Cooking Quest: Do you have what it takes to make people happy with your street food cart? Then prove it in this game!
- Sudoku Master Premium: I don’t have to explain Sudoku to anyone here, do I? In any case, this is a very nice implementation for puzzle fans.
- Crossword Quest Premium: Fancy putting your gray matter to the test again? Then here’s something else for crossword puzzle fans.
- WindWings: Fancy another spin-off of the Atari classic Galaxian? This one makes a really good impression and has a great rating. Have fun shooting!
iOS apps and games

Free iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
- Water Drinking Reminder: To be honest, this app, which reminds me to drink regularly, would be too expensive for six euros. But “for free,” you can get it without hesitation.
- Scrap Paper: A very highly rated and intuitive note-taking app that wants to capture your ideas and thoughts without taking you out of your workflow.
- Atten: Screen Time App Blocker: Do you often lose concentration and look at your phone more often than you should? Then this app will help you reduce your screen time.
- abCursive: Do you still know how to write by hand? It’s almost a bit ironic that a cell phone app, of all things, wants to teach you how to write beautiful handwriting, isn’t it?
- Pocketbooth Photo Booth: A photo tool that is modeled on the good old photo booth. I can imagine it being great fun for in-between times. And you?
Free iPhone games
- Solitaire: The game, the design, and even the title of the game are sensationally simple. Anyone who enjoys playing solitaire will find a simple and ad-free version here, completely without frills.
- Blindfold Chess: An exciting idea for a chess game – you have to play virtually blind. In this way, you learn to visualize the board in your brain and thus develop a different understanding and therefore a different skill for playing chess.
- Rotaeno: For this music game, you need a sense of rhythm and a solid basic trust in your iPhone’s gyroscope. You have to hit notes by rotating your cell phone accordingly.
- Spider Solitaire: If you like playing solitaire, you’ll find a simple and ad-free version here, without any frills. Oops, I’ve just written that sentence before. So be it – you can tell us which of the two versions you like better.
- Ninja Boy Adventures – Bomberman edition: Do you still remember the classic Bomberman game? Fans of Bomberman games will quickly feel at home here.
I hope you’ve all found something appropriate. That’s all I have for today. If not, Saturday will be the next day to take advantage of app deals.
June 7, 2025
4 more devices are ready to receive Global HyperOS 2.2
Following last week’s successful launch in China, Xiaomi is continuing its aggressive worldwide rollout strategy for HyperOS 2.2, with four major products now ready for immediate release. The server-side preparations indicate an immediate deployment timeframe for the planned updates, which include builds for the Xiaomi 14T, Xiaomi 14 CIVI, Xiaomi 13T, and Redmi Note 14S.

Xiaomi’s dedication to providing cutting-edge software experiences in multiple international regions at the same time is demonstrated by their well-coordinated worldwide expansion. An important turning point in Xiaomi’s software development has been reached with the HyperOS 2.2 update, which brings cutting-edge features and improved performance improvements that were previously only available in China. Users across the world can anticipate that these updates will start to trickle out a few days after server verification is finished, in keeping with the custom of China-first releases.

Prepared Device Updates

In order to guarantee thorough worldwide coverage for the HyperOS 2.2 experience, Xiaomi has finished developing four essential device variations for several regional markets. The ready-made builds show how Xiaomi deploys software globally in a logical manner.

Updates that are ready for:
- Xiaomi 14T: OS2.0.201.0.VNEEUXM (EEA region)
- Xiaomi 14 CIVI: OS2.0.201.0.VNJINXM (India)
- Xiaomi 13T: OS2.0.201.0.VMFMIXM (Global)
- Redmi Note 14S: OS2.0.202.0.VFOMIXM (Global)
Better camera functionalities

Building on versions 2.0 and 2.1, HyperOS 2.2 offers enhanced camera functionality, AI, and system performance. One of the most notable features is the Xiaomi Camera 6.0, which revolutionizes photography with its entirely new interface and smooth animations.

The Camera 6.0 upgrade improves workflows for both novice and professional photographers by introducing contemporary user interface features with simple controls and seamless switching between shooting modes.

HyperOS 2.2 will deliver more performance

Better navigation, enhanced customisation, and smoother animations are all features of the upgrade. A more responsive user interface that feels elegant and high-end throughout all device interactions is produced by these improvements.

In order to ensure optimal performance across various hardware configurations, system-level optimizations concentrate on lowering resource usage while preserving advanced functionality.

The MemeOS Enhancer software, which offers screen-based update management, system app updates, and access to secret Xiaomi features, may be downloaded from the Play Store to improve users’ HyperOS 2.2 experience.

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.
June 7, 2025
Samsung offers great deals today.
Is a Samsung watch required during their Discover sale? They are giving you a discount on all of their remaining Galaxy Watch models, whether or not you have a trade-in. While the Galaxy Watch Ultra is up to 50% off, even the previous Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which features a rotating bezel, is up to $225 off.

Great deals for all Galaxy watches

Samsung didn’t go all out for this Discover week, but they still have good offers on almost everything, including the Galaxy Watch. With the right trade-in, a Galaxy Watch Ultra is almost 50% off, making it $325—a fantastic deal. However, you may just simply cut $200 off without making any trades. The Galaxy Watch 7 is also discounted by $175 with trades or $100 without. I was unaware that Samsung was still offering the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, but it’s available for as little as $279 if you don’t trade in anything.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: $200 off with no trades, $325 off with | Buy
- Galaxy Watch 7: $100 off with no trades, $175 off with | Buy
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: $120 off with no trades, $225 off with | Buy
- Galaxy Watch FE: $50 off with no trades, $50 off with | Buy
With incredible discounts on their 75-inch Neo QLED 4K TV (nearly $2,000 off), their Bespoke Jet Bot Combo Robot Mop (here) for $550 off, and their incredibly cool Odyssey OLED G9 curved monitor (here) for $900 off, Samsung’s Discover sale is still going strong.

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.
June 7, 2025
#dealalert – Pixel Watch 3 gets a nice discount from Amazon

This is the ideal moment to purchase a brand-new Pixel Watch 3 if you’ve been searching for one. You can choose the model of Google’s flagship watch that best suits your needs, preferences, and price range thanks to Amazon’s ongoing excellent discounts.

As of this writing, for example, all Wi-Fi models are on sale for $50 off, making them as cheap as $350. Additionally, you can choose the paint job that you like most because all color selections are priced the same.

Google Pixel Watch 3 – Wi-FI
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
~~$349.99~~$299.99Amazon

Feel free to purchase one of the LTE variants if you would prefer to be able to make calls while leaving your Pixel phone at home. All cellular-powered models of the watch are delightfully discounted and on sale for $70 off, much like the Wi-Fi versions.

It’s important to note that Amazon frequently offers similar price reductions for the Pixel Watch 3. They show up, stay for a few weeks, then fade away for a bit before resurfacing. However, should this deter you from buying one of the top smartwatches available?

Even though the $50 and $70 discounts are sporadic, they nevertheless allow you to upgrade your smartwatch game by obtaining the best Pixel Watch at a lower cost. And simply have a peek! It looks stunning with its dome-like form and may work well with both a pricey suit and casual wear.

Naturally, as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Series 10 and Galaxy Watch 7, its many features complement its attractive appearance. In fact, it has a temperature sensor and all the other health-tracking capabilities that a smartwatch of this kind should have. Additionally, the readings are accurate because Fitbit’s tracking powers it.

Numerous apps will also be available to you. You can download apps straight to your wearable as the watch, which runs Wear OS, supports Google’s Play Store. Additionally, the battery has a good lifespan, easily lasting a full day between charges. Just bear in mind that, as is quite typical with this kind of smartwatch, you’ll probably need to recharge it every night.

Google Pixel Watch 3 – LTE
Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery.
~~$449.99~~$379.99Amazon

June 5, 2025
Amazfit Balance 2 XT – Amazfit to launch a titanium smartwatch

The Amazfit Balance 2 XT, which was recently leaked, is reportedly a titanium version of the Balance 2 smartwatch, which was released in May 2025. Some information regarding this future watch, model number A2430, is revealed by a recent article and FCC filings. Additionally, it has been proposed that an NFC feature might exist.

There are rumors that the Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch will soon be available in titanium. This appears to be the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch that was leaked and was just discovered on a Zepp Health website. In May 2025, the ordinary Balance 2 wearable—a replacement for the original Balance watch—was introduced in China.

More information about the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch, model number A2430, appears to have been revealed by an AndroidTR report. It is anticipated that titanium components will take the place of the conventional Balance 2 wearable’s aluminum and fiber-reinforced polymer housing. It’s unknown if the Sapphire crystal glass cover and 1.5-inch AMOLED display will be available.

Amazfit Balance 2 XT – the big brother

According to FCC filings, the model A2430 is 49 x 49 x 13 mm (~1.92 x 1.92 x 0.51 inches) larger than the standard Balance 2, which is 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.3 mm (~1.87 x 1.87 x 0.48 inches). Additionally, it shows that the watch will have two bands, just like the Amazfit Active 2 Premium wristwatch (which retails for $129.99 on Amazon) and the normal Balance 2. The two bands’ composition and color are yet unknown, though.
Rephrase

Like its predecessor, the Balance 2 XT or Balance 2 Titanium is probably going to run Zepp OS 5.0. We don’t yet know if it will have any other features. Although the source of this rumor is unknown, AndroidTR claims that a version of this watch with an NFC contactless payment feature may exist.

Uncertainty surrounds the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch’s release date. According to a recent leak, it might show out in June 2025. Pricing-wise, it is probably going to cost more than the Balance 2 smartwatch, which sells for CNY 1,999 (about $277) in China.

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.

June 5, 2025
Google starts rolling out Material 3 Expressive to Messages app

Google Messages is starting to implement a Material 3 Expressive overhaul of just the conversation interface, following Gmail for certain users and Photos.

Placing the message thread in a container with rounded corners at the top makes the app bar its own (darker) layer, which is the primary alteration to the conversation screen.

The Gallery, GIFs, Stickers, and other items are arranged in pill-shaped containers rather than circles in the “plus” menu, which is a distinct container. The wallpaper it uses is identical to that of the app bar. Additionally, Google eliminated the vibrant symbols and reduced the grid’s density.

The linked button group used to transition between Emoji, GIFs, Stickers, and Photomoji (which was the first item in the current design) is visible when you access the emoji menu. The current tab you are reading is a pill, and the entire thing is a circular container. Moving the search bar down one line eliminates back-to-back text fields, which is a welcome modification.

As of right now, we have one report of this going live with Google Messages beta version 20250528_00_RC00, namely the Samsung version. We examined other devices today, and we don’t notice it.

The home page, search, settings, and other areas of the app have not been changed today. It appears like Material 3 Expressive in Google Messages will be implemented gradually. In the meantime, the software usually takes a long time to go from beta or initial release to general release.

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.

June 4, 2025
Lists of supported devices and countries eligible for One UI 8 beta testing
Owners of the Galaxy S25 series had already been testing the initial beta build in a few chosen regions when Samsung shocked its Galaxy audience by launching the most recent One UI 8 beta program. At the moment, the beta is accessible in four nations, with additional countries to follow afterwards.

Regarding previous deployments, Samsung has set aside seven nations—China, the US, the UK, South Korea, Germany, India, and Poland—to test the most recent One UI beta version for years.

Samsung eventually separated the beta distribution into two stages with One UI 7. The first batch of One UI beta was released in four regions—South Korea, Germany, the US, and the UK—with the exception of China. The two remaining regions—India and Poland—will be saved for the second phase of the One UI beta deployment.

Samsung is following the same approach for the One UI 8 beta rollout.
- Phase 1: Initial beta release is limited to:
  - Devices:
    
    Galaxy S25
    
    Galaxy S25+
    
    Galaxy S25 Ultra
  - Countries:
    
    South Korea
    
    Germany
    
    The United States (US)
    
    The United Kingdom (UK)
- Phase 1 is exclusively reserved for the listed countries.
- Only owners of the Galaxy S25 series in these regions currently qualify.
Interested Galaxy S25 owners can now register and test the most recent beta release thanks to Samsung’s recent improvements to the One UI 8 beta enrollment and participation process. The beta program is now available for the S25 family, but it will eventually expand to include more qualified devices.

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.
June 4, 2025
Gmail is already getting Material 3 Expressive design

One of the main topics of discussion with Android 16 is the release of Material 3 Expressive, which not only improves the user experience of the system but also guarantees that Google apps use the same design language, improving consistency. Later in the year, those system-level design modifications are anticipated, but it appears Google is eager to begin implementing Android 16’s app designs.

Over the past few weeks, the Mountain View tech behemoth has been seen previewing Material 3 Expressive in the Phone app and, more lately, in Calendar, Photos, Files, and Meet. If Gmail is your main email app on your Android phone, it’s time to see if you have the Material 3 Expressive design upgrade installed. However, there is no information regarding when Android 16’s design will be available for these apps.

How Material 3 Expressive design is changing Gmail?

The Gmail app version 2025.05.11 is implementing Android 16’s design language, which was initially noticed by SparkRadar on Telegram. This brings significant modifications to the program’s general look (via Android Authority). The new card-based user interface for the email list is the first significant change you’ll notice when you launch the app.

Emails and the landing page’s search box were previously shown in a single-sheet format. With the Material 3 Expressive redesign, the email screens also had the same card-based user interface as the landing page.

On the landing page, the “Compose” FAB is still located on the right, but now has a thicker typeface and a solid-filled pencil image. The search bar has seen a minor alteration as well. The profile symbol in the search bar is no longer present in the updated user interface. As an alternative, the search bar’s size has been lowered to create space for the profile symbol next to it.

Additionally, we can see that the Meet and Email symbols have grown in size, and the bottom bar has slightly expanded. Additionally, Gmail now has a pill-shaped button animation for its swipe motions, which gives the interface a lively personality.

Although the Material 3 Expressive design update is visually appealing, not all Gmail users can currently access it. The reason for this is that a server-side update is being used to roll it out. Additionally, it may take a few more days to make this adjustment available to everyone, as Gmail is one of the Google apps with over 10 billion installations on the Google Play Store.

June 3, 2025
Wear OS 6 will allow AOD controls

Due to limits in its actual “always-on” functioning, the always-on display (AOD) mode on Android smartwatches hasn’t always been the smoothest feature. This seems to be fixed in Wear OS 6, which would allow for more usage even when the watch’s display is off.

Wear OS’s always-on display mode hasn’t changed much. At the moment, the majority of apps only show the clock; only Spotify and Maps completely adjust to the mode. This is a major reduction in productivity, particularly when you want to control or modify something on your watch without waking the screen completely.

Control more from directly from AOD in Wear OS 6

In Wear OS 5.1, Google is already developing a feature dubbed “Force Global AOD” that, as the name implies, attempts to compel active app displays to switch to an always-on display state. Although it is presently undergoing developer testing, the firm has started to share updates regarding the feature, so we can now anticipate its arrival with Wear OS 6.

Google claims to be offering a complete solution with seamless cross-device integration of this capability as part of Wear OS 6. Google gave an example of the existing music control interface, which will change to a black-and-white user interface in AOD mode when utilizing the Material 3 Expressive design. Importantly, the rich and whimsical shapes of many elements, including text and navigational buttons, will be preserved in this AOD version.

How this will seem in other apps that eventually make use of Google’s Material 3 Expressive’s “glanceable UI” is yet unknown. For apps that don’t support always-on display natively, there might be a default screen.

Google Pixel Watches and Samsung Galaxy Watches stand to gain the most from this improved always-on display, which will significantly improve Wear OS user experience. With this enhancement, Wear OS smartwatches may even surpass Apple’s watchOS, which does not yet have a real always-on display mode.

Later this year, Wear OS 6 is anticipated to be made available to compatible Android smartwatches. Improved battery life and performance are two of the improvements in the upcoming main Android wristwatch OS, in addition to the actual AOD. In keeping with Google’s long-term strategy, Gemini will also become more deeply integrated into the system.

Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
~~$349.99~~$299.99Amazon

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.

June 3, 2025
How the EU is transforming the mobile industry for the benefit of consumers
The European Union has instructed smartphone makers to alter their product lines in a number of ways over the past few years in order to better serve customers. Making USB-C the industry standard connector for a variety of consumer goods, such as laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras, is part of this. It even compelled Apple to allow sideloading of programs and third-party App Stores. Later this month, the EU will implement a new guideline under the Energy Labelling and Ecodesign Regulation that will increase the lifespan of smartphones and tablets as a whole.

The following design specifications (provided by the European Commission) must be met by smartphones and tablets marketed in the EU as of June 20, 2025:
- Resistance to accidental drops or scratches and protection from dust and water
- Sufficiently durable batteries which can withstand at least 800 charge and discharge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their initial capacity
- Rules on disassembly and repair, including obligations for producers to make critical spare parts available within 5-10 working days, and for 7 years after the end of sales of the product model on the EU market
- Availability of operating system upgrades for longer periods (at least 5 years from the date of the end of placement on the market of the last unit of a product model)
- Non-discriminatory access for professional repairers to any software or firmware needed for the replacement
These days, practically every mid-range and high-end phone has an IP rating, making it simple for them to comply with the EU’s new design guidelines. For a maximum of seven years following the discontinuation of a device’s sale, the European Union will now mandate that companies supply essential spare parts within ten working days. This modification should greatly increase a phone or tablet’s lifespan and facilitate user repairs.

Additionally, according to Heise Online, the Ecodesign Regulation mandates that software updates be provided for a minimum of five years following the product’s last day of retail sale. For their flagship phones, Google and Samsung offer seven years of OS updates; however, their chronology starts on the day of the device’s debut.

These businesses might have to either stop selling older flagship models after two years or provide substantially more software support under the new EU regulations. Since Xiaomi and Honor presently only provide upgrades for a maximum of five years after the device’s launch date, the new guideline will have a big influence on both brands.

Existing smartphones and tablets will not be affected by these changes; they will only be applicable to new models that go on sale on or after June 20, 2025.

In the EU, smartphones and tablets will have an energy label.

The EU’s Energy Labelling regulations also take effect on June 20 of this month. It requires manufacturers to include an energy label on their tablets and smartphones that includes information about repairability, battery longevity, dust and water ingress protection, and energy efficiency.

A scale from A to G will be used to rate energy efficiency, with A representing the highest efficiency and G representing the lowest. Similarly, battery endurance in hours and minutes per full battery charge cycle must be stated by manufacturers.

According to the European Union, by 2030, phones and tablets that comply with its new energy requirements will contribute to an annual savings of around 14 terawatt-hours.

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.
June 3, 2025