Despite not being the best Android smartphones available, Pixel devices are nonetheless good. Most of the time, hardware limitations of Pixels are overcome by their superior software, which Google delivers together with cutting-edge features that are exclusive to its products. While feature drops and upgrades are regular and often bring exciting improvements, they can occasionally also lead to unanticipated issues. This appears to be the case with the June update, as several customers report that their Pixel devices are depleting their batteries faster than usual.
Many users have commented on Reddit about the June update’s poor battery life, which was picked up by the staff at 9to5Google. Some users report noticing only a slight change, while others report that they now need to charge their cellphones at least twice daily. Others have reported connectivity problems, including short-lived batteries and erratic mobile data signals.
It appears that a variety of Pixel devices are included in the list of affected ones, however upon fast reading through the thread, it is clear that many Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series smartphones are affected. Even while there are reports of the phones heating up much more than before, which is rather frightening, increasing battery consumption is still a major problem.
While those who are impacted by this are in a lot of suffering, there are some remedies. Some people claim that the issue is resolved by deleting the most recent update for Android System Intelligence in the Reddit thread. Some assert that restarting the device also resolves the problem. Even if some of these fixes might be effective, Google will probably need to release an update. We’ve been in touch with Google in an effort to clarify these matters. We anticipate that the business is aware of the issue and will include a fix in the upcoming version.
Now that another busy week in both work and general life has come to a conclusion, it’s time to move on. In fact, it is difficult to comprehend how quickly a half year will fly by. Why not unwind while playing some of the free games and applications available on the Google Play and Apple App Stores?
Normally, these applications would cost money, but for a brief period of time, you can get them for free on iPhone and Android. Please be aware that this list is released twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Let’s be honest, these are not entirely free apps. On Google Play and the Apple App Store, these are often paid applications that you must purchase if you wish to use them. However, occasionally, developers show their generosity by giving away their apps to the general public. We go through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store twice a week to find the greatest deals for you.
Although the programs on this list are currently free, these offers occasionally stop without prior notice according to the whims and fancy of the creator. On these platforms, the advertising time for apps might be erratic and abruptly cease.
Android apps available for free for a limited time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
Test Bluetooth Headset[4.5-stars / $2.99]: Find out just how much juice your Bluetooth headset has, complete with a discharge graph!
Camera 4K Pro[3.9-stars / $0.99]: Sick and tired of your stock camera app? Perhaps this one might provide more manual controls to capture better photos.
All TV Screen Mirroring Pro[4.1-stars / $4.99]: Want to display content on your smartphone but on a big screen TV? This app gets the job done with aplomb.
Android games
Rusty: Island Survival Games[4.0-stars / $0.99]: Remember Tom Hanks in Cast Away? How well would you fare as a sole survivor on an island?
Rogue Hearts[4.3-stars / $0.99]: A turn-based tactical RPG with amazing graphics where you lead your party through different quests.
Dungeon Shooter: Dark Temple[4.2-stars / $1.99]: A FPS where you explore a temple and look for riches, but wait, there are monsters to get rid of!
SPHAZE: Sci-fi puzzle[4.5-stars / $0.99]: A puzzle game that is set in a sci-fi environment complete with amazing graphics to kill time intelligently.
Demon Warrior Premium[4.4-stars / $0.99]: You are an all-powerful warrior who dishes out plenty of damage while taking them like a champ. Will you be able to eradicate all the evil that you come across?
iOS apps available for free for a limited time
iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
Unit Converter: Converter4U[4.7-stars / $0.99]: Remove all guesswork and get the exact information when switching between different measurement units.
Positive Thinking Meditation[4.5-stars / $3.99]: You know you’re already off to a good start when you get free positive thinking pointers for free in this app.
World Clock Time Travel Pro[4.7-stars / $0.99]: Do you do a lot of traveling? Adjusting to the new time zone is always a challenge, but at least get the local time right with this app.
Safety Note+ Pro[4.8-stars / $3.99]: Write your thoughts down digitally with this app, and secure it so that the contents remain safe from prying eyes.
DailyBill—Expense Tracker[4.9-stars / $0.39]: How has your resolution of keeping track of your expenses been in 2023? If you have fallen off the wagon numerous times and need an app to keep you accountable, how about trying this out?
iOS games
DobbyxEscape: Adventure Story[4.4-stars / $1.99]: A pirate adventure that is full of thrills and spills as you square up against the legendary Blackbeard himself!
Rogue Hearts[4.3-stars / $0.99]: A rogue-like dungeon crawler with a modern twist, featuring fantastic graphics and a story that will get you hooked from the very beginning!
Drop Flop![4.7-stars / $2.99]: The mechanics of this game are elementary—tap the screen to drop a ball, and you need to time yourself well to catch it as well.
Airplane Flight Simulator Game[4.0-stars / $9.99]: You do not need a powerful rig to take to the skies as this flight simulator also offers you the chance to do so with breathtaking views and close-to-life controls.
Age of Zombies[4.3-stars / $0.99]: A top-down isometric third-person shooter that sees you run from two dangers—zombies and dinosaurs! Both of them are trying to get a piece of you, what will you do to survive?
That’s it for now with today’s version of our free apps! We certainly hope you will be able to find something worth picking up whether it can be used right away or installed at a later date. What do you think of the apps which we have listed this week? For those who are looking for some online games to keep your adrenaline pumping without having to have an Internet connection, check out our linked story below.
Because to early investments in computational photography, Google Pixels have earned a reputation for being top-notch camera phones. The hardware of subsequent Pixel generations plateaued after Google continued to use the same primary camera sensor for four years in a row, but this was a great decision that kept them competitive. Even the Pixel 6a from a year ago, which used the same Sony IMX363 image sensor, was praised by us and other experts in the field of cameras.
After the Pixel 3, Google’s first significant camera hardware advancements debuted in the Pixel 6 series. The entire camera system was improved, but most notably the old primary sensor was changed for a Samsung ISOCELL GN1. The Google Pixel 7 series added a few more small upgrades to this setup, such as a new selfie camera, an improved telephoto lens, and macro capability on the Pro model. We have a lot of information on the camera specifications and features of the upcoming Google Pixel 8 series thanks to a source inside Google. So let’s get into the specifics.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro camera specs – a big upgrade
Both Pixel 8 versions will receive the ISOCELL GN2 sensor as the primary update to the camera hardware this year, replacing the Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor. The sensor is bigger and should capture roughly 35% more light than its predecessor for brighter low-light shots and faster shutter speeds to lessen blur. These are the first enhancements.
The Tensor G3 CPU and the sensor both support the capture of 8K/30fps video. This might not reach users, though, as the Pixel 8’s GCam does not presently enable it, and older Pixel models already run quite warm at 4K/60 frames per second. The final improvement is the previously revealed Staggered HDR support. This shortens the time between HDR capture frames, which lessens ghosting and expedites the capture process. The innovation might enable quicker, more dependable photos by enhancing Google’s HDR+ capabilities.
The ultrawide camera on the Google Pixel 8 Pro is also getting a much-needed boost. The 64MP Sony IMX787, which is the same sensor as the main camera featured on the Pixel 7a, has replaced the outdated 12MP Sony IMX386. The sensor is almost two times larger, which is a significant improvement for the ultrawide camera. The lens has also been slightly widened by Google. The field of vision (FoV) has been increased from a 0.56x zoom ratio to 0.49x, but I am unsure of the precise value. Unexpectedly, there’s a possibility that the macro mode introduced with the Pixel 7 series won’t be present this year. At now, the Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t have the capability enabled. Afterwards, the feature might be activated again.
The vanilla Google Pixel 8’s ultrawide camera is also upgraded, although more modestly. While the camera sensor is the same Sony IMX386 found in the Pixel 6 series, Google has made it slightly wider this year. Pixel 7 had a 0.67x zoom ratio, which is now 0.55x in the Pixel 8.
The telephoto camera on Pixel 8 Pro appears to remain the same 5x module as the Pixel 7 Pro. The same goes for the 11MP selfie camera from the Pixel 7 series. Here’s the full rundown:
Pixel 7
Pixel 8
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 8 Pro
Wide
Samsung GN1 (50 MP)
Samsung GN2 (50 MP)
Samsung GN2 (50 MP)
Samsung GN1 (50 MP)
Ultrawide
Sony IMX386 (12MP) – 0.67x zoom ratio
Sony IMX386 (12MP) – 0.55x zoom ratio
Sony IMX787 (64 MP) – 0.49x zoom ratio
Sony IMX386 (12MP) – 0.56x zoom ratio
Telephoto
–
–
Samsung GM5 (48 MP) – 5x zoom ratio
Samsung GM5 (48 MP) – 5x zoom ratio
Selfie
Samsung 3J1 (11 MP)
Samsung 3J1 (11 MP)
Samsung 3J1 (11 MP)
Samsung 3J1 (11 MP)
It’s intriguing to see Google further distinguish between the normal Pixels and their Pro counterparts. Although each generation’s previous Pixels had distinct distinctions (such as the addition of telephoto cameras on the Pro versions), it never felt as though the standard devices were a significant downgrade; rather, they just featured less features. This is altering with this generation. Now, purchasing the normal Pixel 8 over the Pixel 8 Pro will result in a lower-quality ultrawide experience and a lesser zoom.
Improved time-of-flight is coming to the Pixel 8
The STMicroelectronics VL53L1 single-point time-of-flight (ToF) sensor has been used in all Pixel phones since the Pixel 6 (apart from the Pixel A series), which is a little-known fact. This sensor helps the autofocus. It is depicted in the picture up top.
Finally, the Pixel 8 Pro get something more practical. It has a brand-new 88 ToF VL53L8 sensor. The new sensor in the Pixel 8 Pro is still a huge improvement, and it should, at the very least, make the autofocus much more dependable. Having a true LiDAR camera sensor, like the 0.3MP IMX590 in the iPhone 14 Pro, is obviously far more adaptable.
The ToF sensor upgrade isn’t coming to the regular Pixel 8; it retains the old VL53L1.
The Pixel 8 thermometer is just a thermometer
An FIR temperature sensor is yet another Pixel 8 Pro feature that has already surfaced online. Let me set the record straight: it is not a full thermal camera that can also be used for photography as some have suggested.
It is a Melexis MLX90632 sensor, which is primarily suggested for highly accurate non-contact temperature measurements, such as measuring body temperature. It is just capable of sensing temperature; it is neither a camera nor anything else. Simply said, and not for the first time, Google decided to incorporate a very pricey gimmick in its product (hello, Motion Sense).
Software updates for the Pixel 8 camera are coming
While the camera software on Pixel 8 is obviously in fairly early stages of development and mainly focuses on making the new hardware work, we have spotted some new low-level feature enhancements.
“Adaptive torch” is a new feature that dynamically adjusts the flash intensity based on the scene and other inputs (e.g. which capture mode is used). This should prevent overexposed shots and make low-light photography even better if you use the flash.
“Segmentation AWB” is another new feature. As the name implies, the scene will be divided into many segments using AI, and then certain portions of the image will be processed differently. This idea is not new; Qualcomm previously unveiled a feature of a similar nature for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. How Google integrates this into its current processing processes will be interesting to observe.
Google might also add a video bokeh blur level selection for the phone’s cinematic mode, which was first introduced on the Google Pixel 7 series.
We’ve learned a lot about the incoming successor to the Nothing Phone 1, which is likely to be the most unusual phone of 2022, over the previous few months. We still didn’t know when we would actually see the phone land, though. Happily, we now are aware.
The official launch date for the appropriately called Nothing Phone 2 is July 11, 2023. On that day, at 11:00 ET, Nothing will broadcast the announcement live on YouTube through its website. See the authorized teaser image down below.
The Nothing Phone 2 launch date is now set in stone.
As with all of its other goods, Nothing uses an animal in its advertising for the Nothing Phone 2. You may recall that the Nothing Phone 1 featured a parrot, the Nothing Ear 2 a rhinoceros beetle, and the Nothing Ear 1 a ladybug. The octopus appears to be the symbol for the Nothing Phone 2 launch date and related marketing materials.
It’s interesting to note that this advertisement features The Glyph, the phone’s backlight, in its revised form. These exactly match the rumored Phone 2 renders that we saw a few weeks back and that Carl Pei dubbed “f a k e.” That render appears to be more accurate than Pei would have us believe.
In either case, on the day of debut, we should learn everything there is to know about the Nothing Phone 2. We already know that it will have a 4,700mAh battery and a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 CPU. Also, we already know that it will undoubtedly visit the United States. When the Nothing advertising machine ramps up, keep checking back for more verified information that will likely be released daily.
The Zenfone 10’s official launch date was recently disclosed by Asus. Together with the release date, the Taiwanese company also confirmed a few important details about the little device, including as a 5.9-inch display, a new generation of hybrid stabilization for its camera, and the introduction of wireless charging.
After the Zenfone 9 broke cover at the end of July in 2022, this year’s flagship Android phone from Asus will be unveiled sooner than anticipated. On the current event page, Asus announced that the Zenfone 10 would launch on June 29 at precisely 10:00 PM in Taiwan (3:00 PM in Berlin) and 9:00 AM in New York. Users can sign up to receive updates and watch the event live online.
The business has begun to advertise a few of the Zenfone 10’s features as well. According to reports, the little phone would have a 5.9-inch screen with a punch hole in the upper left corner for the selfie camera, similar to the Zenfone 9 that we’ve reviewed. A second-generation 6-axis hybrid stabilization is also connected to the purportedly updated 200 MP primary camera.
In addition, Asus will debut new hues with the product, such as the pale olive green shown in the illustration below. Shots of the red moon and the night sky were used to obliquely show the other colors, so possibly we are viewing a space-related subject or something similar.
Wireless charging with Zenfone 10
The way the Zenfone 10 will accept wireless charging is intriguing. In contrast, its predecessor glaringly lacked this functionality. What the speed rating is and whether reverse wireless charging will be available are still unknown.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is a noticeable improvement over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in terms of efficiency and performance, will be in charge of the device’s chipset selection. With this, it is expected that the Zenfone 10 will experience an increase in battery life.
ADB is a command-line tool that makes it easier for your Android smartphone and a PC to communicate. The tool has many more applications besides only rooting and updating Android ROMs (more on this later).
The traditional method for using ADB entails connecting your Android device to the Desktop through USB. But there is an alternative. Let’s examine at some wireless ADB usage options.
Set up ADB
You can skip this step if ADB has previously been configured on your Android and PC. If you haven’t, remember that everything is new to you!
You must first download and unzip the Android SDK Platform Tools from the Android developer website before you can use ADB on your machine.
By executing the command: brew install homebrew/cask/android-platform-tools, Mac users can use Homebrew to install ADB.
Before you may connect your Android smartphone using ADB, you must first enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
Go to Settings > About phone then tap on the Build number several times. Once again, go to Settings > Developer options, then toggle on USB debugging.
Once that is finished, use a USB cord to connect the Android device to your Desktop. You must utilize a cable initially even though we’re going to set up a wireless connection. The USB debugging prompt that will display on your Android device should always be accepted.
Open the command line or Terminal and navigate to the Platform Tools folder.
If you’re on Windows, you can head to the downloaded Platform Tools folder and open the PowerShell window by pressing Shift and right-clicking anywhere in the folder, and selecting Open PowerShell Window here. On a Mac, open the Platform Tools folder and go to Finder > Services > New Terminal at Folder.
If you’re using Windows, use the command adb devices into the command prompt. All instructions should be prefixed by a dot-slash on Linux and Mac, so it would be./adb devices.
You should be able to find your device’s serial number in the list of attached devices if everything functions as it should.
How to use Android wireless ADB
The main topic at hand right now is how to connect your Android smartphone wirelessly to an ADB server. To use ADB wirelessly after configuring it and connecting your Android device to your PC, follow the instructions below.
Type adb tcpip 5555 in the command line or Terminal and press Enter.
Find your phone’s IP address in Settings > About Phone > Status > IP Address.
Back in the command line or Terminal, type adb connect [your Android device’s IP address].
Finally, press Enter again.
The Android device should now be connected to ADB over a wireless connection. You can safely remove the USB cable.
Is wireless ADB not working?
Try installing Minimal ADB and Fastboot from the XDA Forums if your Android device won’t connect to Windows using ADB (you are getting errors in the command line). The required Android drivers are installed by this package, which may also assist you in fixing any command line issues.
You can also utilize WebADB, which transfers all of ADB’s capabilities to your web browser. You can use the online tool to use ADB via Wi-Fi. In other words, you can completely forego installing ADB.
What is ADB used for?
The idea that Android ADB is solely helpful when rooting Android is a common one. It, however, is merely one of the several uses for the Android Debug Bridge.
For example, you can use an ADB command to delete pre-installed apps from your Android device that is not rooted. Unwanted apps may be tough to remove from some Android cellphones, but ADB can assist.
Without needing to root your device, you may also mirror your Android screen to a Desktop using the command line utility. This can be done using the free program Scrcpy. The tool’s wireless ADB connection results in extremely fantastic performance.
Is safe to use?
Using the utility won’t be a problem if you are familiar with ADB commands. There are risks involved with using ADB, especially if you are new to this field. If you are trying to root your device, using the incorrect commands could result in problems or, at worse, brick your phone.
Although your Android smartphone won’t have any problems once you set up wireless ADB, you should always keep a backup of your data in the cloud or on an external storage device as a safety measure.
No cables anymore
Although though you first require a USB cord to set up ADB, the ability to utilize it wirelessly is incredibly useful. It allows you to walk around more freely while you work, allows you to simultaneously charge your phone at full speed, and is just much more practical in general. It’s definitely worth a go if you use ADB.
Bloatware is an awful phenomenon that millions of consumers encounter in the broad world of Android smartphones. The term “Android bloatware” describes the pre-installed applications that come with a new device and take up important storage space and system resources.
This article discusses the idea of “bloatware,” considers its ramifications, and investigates solutions to lessen its negative effects on the Android experience.
What is bloatware?
Bloatware is a term used to describe a variety of unwanted apps that customers may find redundant or superfluous and is frequently installed by device manufacturers or carriers. These apps could include demo versions of purchased software, carrier brand apps, and utilities tailored to particular manufacturers.
While some of the pre-installed apps may be beneficial, a large number are rarely used, clutter the device, and suck up resources. Bloatware installation is frequently motivated primarily by financial gain because app developers may pay device makers and carriers to include their programs.
Implications and Challenges
Bloatware’s presence can affect Android users in a variety of ways. First of all, it limits the amount of storage space that is available on a device, making it harder for users to install and save their favourite media and programs. Second, these undesirable programs might operate in the background, using up system resources, drained battery life, and possibly impairing device performance. Bloatware can also compromise user security and privacy since some pre-installed apps may gather private information or have security flaws that could be used by hackers. Last but not least, bloatware frequently can’t be removed, which frustrates consumers and prevents them from taking back control of their devices.
Bloatware impact
While completely eradicating bloatware without rooting the device is difficult (doing so can violate warranties and present security issues), there are a few tactics that can be used to lessen its negative effects. The first option is for users to disable or conceal unneeded apps in their device settings. This operation saves system resources by preventing the programs from running in the background and clogging up the app drawer. Second, using third-party app managers or cleaners can help with bloatware identification and removal, but caution must be used to prevent mistakenly uninstalling crucial system components.
Consider buying unlocked gadgets straight from manufacturers as an alternative strategy. These gadgets frequently have a cleaner Android experience and are devoid of carrier-specific software. Additionally, bloatware-free experiences can be had with custom ROMs and alternative firmware, like LineageOS, but these options call for technical know-how and may not be acceptable for all users.
Android debloater
he main goal is to improve battery performance and privacy by removing unnecessary and obscure system apps. This can also contribute to improve security by reducing the attack surface.
Packages are as well documented as possible in order to provide a better understanding of what you can delete or not. The worst thing which could happen is removing an essential system package needed during boot causing then an unfortunate bootloop. After about 5 failed system boots, the phone will automatically reboot in recovery mode and you’ll have to perform a FACTORY RESET. So make a backup first!
In any case, you can NOT brick your device with this script ! That’s the main thing, right ?
Features
Uninstall/Disable and Restore/Enable system packages
Multi-user support (e.g apps in work profiles)
Export/Import your selection in uad_exported_selection.txt
Multi-device support: you can connect multiple phones at the same time
All your actions are logged so you never forget what you’ve done
NB : System apps cannot really be uninstalled without root (see the FAQ)
Universal debloat lists
GFAM (Google/Facebook/Amazon/Microsoft)
AOSP
Manufacturers (OEM)
Mobile carriers
Qualcomm / Mediatek / Miscellaneous
Manufacturers debloat lists
Asus
LG
Google
Fairphone
Huawei
Motorola
Nokia
OnePlus
Oppo
Samsung
Sony
Xiaomi
Mobile carriers debloat lists
French carriers: SFR / Orange / Free / Bouygues
US carriers: T-mobile / Verizon / AT&T / Sprint
German carriers: Telekom
UK: EE
How to use
Enable Developer Options on your smartphone.
Turn on USB Debugging from the developer panel.
From the settings, disconnect from any OEM accounts (when you delete an OEM account package it could lock you on the lockscreen because the phone can’t associate your identity anymore)
Download the latest release of UAD GUI for your Operating System here. Take the opengl version only if the default version (with a Vulkan backend) doesn’t launch.
NOTE: Chinese phones users may need to use the AOSP list for removing some stock apps because those Chinese manufacturers (especially Xiaomi and Huawei) have been using the name of AOSP packages for their own (modified & closed-source) apps.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You will have to run this software whenever your OEM pushes an update to your phone as some uninstalled system apps could be reinstalled.
Ordinarily, purchased apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store will cost you money, but occasionally, some creators may opt to spread the love by making their apps freely available to everyone. We do this twice a week by searching the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for the greatest deals. Download them now on your iPhone or Android before they become paid content.
Do take note that while they’re free as of publishing, these deals tend to expire without any due warning based on the developer’s whims and fancy. The promotional period for apps on these platforms can be both unpredictable and can end suddenly.
Therefore, we recommend that you exercise caution and conduct your own research before downloading any of these apps, as some may contain in-app purchases or hidden costs.
Android apps available for free for a limited time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
Save PDF Viewer Pro[4.4-stars / $1.49]: Are you ready to try an alternative app to read PDF files? This gets the job done with minimal fuss.
Simple Text Widget[4.9-stars / $1.49]: Keep yourself motivated every single day with this widget that adds text to the home screen.
80s Music Radio Pro[3.9-stars / $0.99]: An ad-free app that lets you enjoy all the top hits from the 1980s right on your smartphone.
Electron Config Pro[4.8-stars / $2.49]: Do you have a hard time with chemistry, trying to figure out which element is compatible with another? This app removes all guesswork with its precise answers.
Android games
Demon Warrior Premium[4.4-stars / $0.99]: Take a walk on the wild side and be the strongest demon there is out there.
Kaori After Story[4.9-stars / $4.99]: Immerse yourself in the life of a boyfriend who has been invited to spend Christmas with your girlfriend’s family! Just how will you act? This is a visual adventure novel.
Crazy Owls Puzzle[4.3-stars / $0.99]: Another variant of the “3-of-a-kind” puzzle game, except that owls are in the thick of the action this time around.
Stickman Warriors Super Hero[4.0-stars / $0.49]: Go one-on-one against different opponents as you work to be the ultimate warrior.
WindWings[4.9-stars / $1.99]: A shoot ’em up that requires you to be on your toes all the time to shoot down wave after wave of enemies and remain alive.
iOS apps available for free for a limited time
iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
PDFGenius[4.4-stars / $9.99]: An intuitive tool that lets you manipulate PDF files on your iOS device.
Bear Walking Pal[4.7-stars / $0.99]: They say that the key to staying healthy is to walk 10,000 steps a day. Do so with this cute app!
PiP: Picture in Picture[4.7-stars / $0.99]: Just because Apple says you cannot multitask in iOS, doesn’t mean all apps agree with that. Enjoy Picture-in-Picture capability with this app!
Resize Image[4.9-stars / $0.99]: Is there a photo that you want to resize on your phone? Get it done with this app!
Lock Notes Pro[4.5-stars / $4.99]: Protect your precious notes and keep them private with a password.
iOS games
Astral Shapes[5.0-stars / $0.99]: A matching game that is out of this world, where you look for matching shapes and colors.
Ethereal Enigma[4.9-stars / $9.99]: A pictorial adventure story that can take up to 10 hours for a single playthrough. Just how well is your decision-making process?
Pocket GM 2: Football Sim[4.9-stars / $0.99]: Manage your own American Football franchise and see whether you have the chops to take your team to the very top!
Adventurer Legends[4.3-stars / $0.99]: A Diablo-like game that sees your party grow even more powerful as you progress.
Red Rocket[5.0-stars / $0.69]: Go against the traffic in your car, avoiding obstacles to remain on the road.
Perhaps it’s time to relax on your phone with the following free apps from the Google Play and Apple App Stores as you close out yet another work week. These apps are generally paid, but they are currently available for free, although for a brief period of time. In other words, if you want to buy some of the books that catch your attention, you will be able to pinch a few pennies here and there. Before they disappear, take advantage of these offers on your Android or iPhone.
Be aware that these apps are described as being free at the time of publication, and as it is up to the developers to decide when deals expire, it is impossible to predict when they will. Buyer beware: by the time you finish reading this post or attempt to download them, they might have changed to a paid status. This is problematic because there is no predetermined duration for app promotions on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and such offers may end without prior notice in the same amount of time they were added.
While we do look through this list of free apps and do not include anything with low ratings, we also want you to know that we did not install any of them, unlike with our Top 5 Apps of the Week. As a result, we advise you to use caution and do your own research before downloading any of these apps because some of them might have hidden fees or in-app sales.
Android apps available for free for a limited time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
SkanApp[4.3-stars / $19.99]: You have a paper document that needs to be sent in digital format but you are nowhere near a scanner, what do you do? Thankfully, there is the SkanApp app that doubles up as a PDF scanner to help you out in such situations.
SUI File Explorer Pro[3.9-stars / $1.99]: If you are sick and tired of your phone’s stock file explorer app, perhaps trying this one will breathe a breath of fresh air.
Android games
WeaponWar![4.1-stars / $0.99]: An intense clash of weapons, where you need to win more battles to earn additional upgrades which in turn, make you more powerful.
Shadow Slayer: Ninja Warrior[4.4-stars / $4.99]: This epic side-scroller sees you plow through enemy after enemy in the fast-paced action.
King of Defense Premium[4.7-stars / $1.49]: A tower defense title that is full of excitement as you hold off hordes of monsters at bay from your castle.
Neo Monsters[4.4-stars / $0.99]: You capture monsters, train them, and send them out to battle. Repeat ad nauseam, except that some of the trainers have interesting clothing choices.
The Lonely Hacker[4.3-stars / $2.49]: A realistic hacking simulator created by security experts that puts you in the shoes of a bona fide hacker, sans the legal repercussions.
Brick Breaker Pro[4.2-stars / $0.99]: Arkanoid on steroids, ’nuff said. There, you probably know my age based on my Arkanoid reference.
Truth or Dare Pro[4.2-stars / $0.99]: This is one fun game to play, even more so when booze is involved. Socialites will love it!
Timing Hero PV[4.1-stars / $2.99]: 8-bit graphics that remind you of the Game Boy era, this RPG will see you begin in a hero battle that will set you off on an adventure where you battle numerous monsters and level up.
iOS apps available for free for a limited time
iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
Olympia – Your Fitness Trainer[4.5-stars / $5.99]: Sweat it out at home with this unique app, where you get to stay fit without having to go out.
PropFun Pro[4.2-stars / $0.99]: Want to take some really nifty portrait photos? This app spices up your portraits with unique props.
Orange Weather[5.0-stars / $0.99]: A weather app that claims not to infringe on your privacy? I suppose the forecast would be for flying pigs tomorrow.
Safety Note+ Pro[4.8-stars / $3.99]: Keep your personal notes private with this app, where there are added layers of security before one can access them.
iOS games
Talking Typer[3.9-stars / $4.99]: Want to improve your typing skills? This game ensures you improve over time with faster and more challenging words thrown your way.
Zombie Survival Shooter Game[4.3-stars / $9.99]: Just about everyone near and dear to you is dead, or more likely, the walking dead. It is up to you to kill all of them in your quest to survive.
Tigers & Goats[5.0-stars / $0.99]: Yet another ancient game that has been digitized, where you play as a goat will try to trap the tigers, while the tiger attempts to eat all the goats on board.
Card Hog[4.6-stars / $1.99]: Got to love the punny name of this app. You move around the board and try to outwit others, gaining new weapons and items along the way to help you.
Wedgie Go[3.8-stars / $39.99]: Underwear can be a funny thing, you just purchased a brand new pair and indulge in some running, only to find that wedgies get in the way. A totally hilarious endless runner.
Block Brain Game[4.8-stars / $2.99]: This is a brain teaser that will certainly cause you to carefully think just where all these blocks go.
The following free apps are available from Google Play Store to start a brand-new week. These apps are usually paid, but right now they are available for free for a certain period of time. In other words, installing these won’t cost you a single penny! Before they disappear, take advantage of these offers on your device.
Be aware that although these apps are currently advertised as being free, there is no way of knowing when these offers will stop. As a result, by the time you finish reading this page or attempt to download them, they may have changed to a paid status. This is problematic because there is no predetermined duration for app promotions on the Google Play Store and such offers may end without prior notice in the same amount of time they were added.
Here’s a tip: If you come across an app or game on our list that piques your interest but you don’t need it right now, why not install it first before deleting it from your device? Doing so will save that app to your app library, which you can install it later in the future when you need it. It’s a great way to take full advantage of short-lived promotions.
Android apps available for free for a limited time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
Identify Dog Breed Pro[3.8-stars / $0.99]: Ever wondered what breed that dog is at the park? Perhaps this app can help you out.
GPS Speed Pro[3.5-stars / $2.99]: An app that keeps track of you wherever you go, while showing your mileage and speed.
Android games
WeaponWar![4.1-stars / $0.99]: An intense clash of weapons, where you need to win more battles to earn additional upgrades which in turn, make you more powerful.
Infinity Dungeon 2[4.1-stars / $0.99]: Cute little characters make up your party of rag-tag warriors who need to defeat other enemies you encounter.
Coin Princess[4.5-stars / $0.99]: A horizontal RPG that requires you to explore castles and dungeons while attempting to remain alive.
Cartoonite Multiplayer Builds[4.1-stars / $0.99]: An innovative sandbox racing game that brings racing to a whole new level.
Evertale[4.6-stars / $0.99]: A monster-catching RPG where you need to train candidates from your bestiary to become the best in town.
Heroes Legend – Epic Fantasy[4.4-stars / $0.99]: What kind of team can you assemble to defeat everybody else that crosses your path?
Backrooms[4.5-stars / $0.99]: A first-person puzzler, try to escape from what looks like a crazy maze.
Everybody’s RPG[4.3-stars / $0.99]: A pixelated RPG game that brings back memories of old-school gaming, right on your smartphone.
