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Search engine giant Google has deleted many apps from its play store for security reasons. These apps have been found being used for fraud by hackers. These apps not only harm the phone's battery but steals private data as well. Full List Here SoAs.IN

Google notes in one of its blog posts that the company is lenient in its ways which makes Android malware target. Latest Info Fun2Ind.com

It has been said that some bad apps and malicious developers do attempt to evade detection and enter the Play Store to put people and their devices in the harm's way. As per the reports of the tech giant, the global reach of Google Play makes the platform an easy target for the malware attacks. MobAsk.com

To make Play Store a safer place, Google is adopting new machine learning models and techniques that will identify harmful apps and prevent developers on the app store. Reportedly, in 2017, Google removed more than 700,000 apps for violating the Google Play policies. This time hundreds of malware apps were brought to the notice of Google in the year 2019.

This week, Epic Games made the decision to pull all of its Infinity Blade games from Apple’s App Store. For fans of the franchise, it was a huge bummer. An even bigger bummer: if you had temporarily removed the app from your phone, now you can’t get it back from the App Store.

While on the surface it might look like all is lost, as long as you’ve downloaded an app before, you can download it again.

The only way this one works is if you’ve downloaded an app in the past and you’re signed in under the same account you originally downloaded it under on the device. So, if you missed out on downloading something before it was pulled from the store, or you were using it on your friend’s phone, you’re out of luck.

To find your missing apps, go to the App Store and then select Updates followed by Purchased (on an iPad this is behind your profile icon at the top right).

You should see a list here of every app you’ve ever purchased using that user ID. You can tap “Not on this iPad” or “Not on this iPhone” to see everything you’ve ever downloaded that’s not currently on your device. Or you can use the search button to just jump straight to what you’re looking for.

When you find the app you want. Tap the cloud icon beside the app to download it.

My own quick perusal on my App Store account found what appears to be the first app I ever downloaded: AIM on July 11, 2008.

Keep in mind that if an app has been removed from the store, like my precious AIM, then it’s likely no longer being supported by the developer as well. That means your user experience might not be what it once was, or very pleasant at all.

With future versions of iOS, that app also might eventually become incompatible with your device.

Sadly for me, that AIM app downloads, but I can’t actually sign in and hear that iconic door opening sound once again.

India has over 300 million smartphone users,  mostly using Android system. The Android Play Store, which is the official source for app downloads, is flooded with apps. But many of these are not just harmful but malicious as well. Recently, a company, which is popular for utility apps like Clean Master and Battery Doctor—and one of its subsidiary Kika Tech, has allegedly been caught up in an Android ad fraud scheme that duped advertisers of millions of dollars.

As many as 7 Android apps developed by Cheetah Mobile and one from Kika Tech with a total 2 billion downloads on Google Play Store have been accused of falsely claiming the credits for driving the installation of new apps in order to claim a fee or bounty.

Prabesh Choudhary, director at Cryptus Cyber Security, said that these apps have not only fooled advertisers but may have been selling users data as well.

"It has not happened for the first time. There was a large number of apps still on the play store which does the same. These apps steal the user information and sell in the market for a big amount. To know which advertisement recommended the app and should get the credit, the newly installed app does a 'lookback" immediately after it is opened for the first time to see from where the last click was originated and attribute the installation accordingly," said Choudhary.

If your personal details fall in unsafe hands, they might use it for siphoning off money from your accounts. Here's the list of seven Cheetah Mobile apps and one Kika app, which received an investment from Cheetah Mobile in 2016, caught participating in the fraudulent ad scheme:

* Clean Master (with 1 billion users)

* Security Master (with 540 million users)

* CM Launcher 3D (with 225 million users)

* Battery Doctor (with 200 million users)

* Cheetah Keyboard (with 105 million users)

* CM Locker (with 105 million users)

* CM File Manager (with 65 million users)

* Kika Keyboard (with 205 million users)

Armaan Army AppARMAAN is an umbrella application of Indian Army covering various facets of information & services concerning all ranks of Indian Army. This app can be used only by serving Indian Army personnels. Army Mobile Aadhaar App Network

ARMAAN APP Indian Army Information, Price: Free, Developer: Indian Army, Email-Id: armaan-mgr(at)gov(dot)in

Armaan App: Government of India has previously Launched Hamraaz Army app for Army to serveing Army Jawans. Now Indian Government has launched New Army App namely, Armaan Mobile App. Armaan App has covered various facts of information & services concerning of Indian Army. So Scroll down & Download Arman Army App For Android, ios, Windows, PC.

ARMAAN ARMY APP LATEST VERSION DOWNLOAD: This app is not available on playstore, so you can download ARMAAN App from here. Whether, this app is not available for PC, Windows, Apple Iphone iOS. We will update here once the version is available for All the OS.

If you are facing any ARMAAN app related queries, you can simply contact ARMAAN app Helpline number on 011 23015644. Or you can mail them on armaan-mgr(at)gov(dot)in.

Apple has been resisting for a long time now. Earlier, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had requested Apple to include the Trai DND – Do Not Disturb app in App store. But unlike Google, Apple rejected the request. Apple said that they would not include the DND app by Trai into the App store, the reason being some privacy concerns. This means iPad and iPhone users in India will now be able to user Trai’s Do Not Disturb app on their respective devices. The iPhone and iPad users will be able to download and install the TRAI-DND app in their devices for free from the iOS App Store. It is important to note that to download the application, the iPhone and the iPad users will need to upgrade their device to iOS 12.1 or later software version.

The TRAI DND app is already available on Google Play store. And now, the app is available for iPhone and iPad users as well. To recollect, both Apple and Trai faced numerous struggles to come to a mutual agreement for the inclusion of the TRAI DND app in the App store. But Apple has finally approved to include the app in the App store after the Indian Government threatened to ban iPhone in the country for not having the app onboard. In July this year, Trai issued a directive to the Indian telecom companies stating that all phones that did not support TRAI-DND app will be barred from the telecom networks in India.

In the directive, Trai had mentioned, “Every Access Provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smartphone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for the functioning of such Apps as prescribed in the regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d),” Trai noted. “Provided that where such devices do not permit functioning of such Apps as prescribed in regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d), Access Providers shall, on the order or direction of the Authority, derecognise such devices from their telecom networks.”

The TRAI DND app basically helps users report unwanted calls and messages which have increased in India by a massive number in the last one year. On an average, according to some reports, Indians receive up to ten unwanted calls or messages in a day. Apple took some time to include the app in the App store because of some privacy concerns. According to some sources within Apple, the TRAI DND app deemed a privacy risk. As of now, it is not clear if Trai has modified the DND app for meeting the privacy requirements from Apple or if Apple has just approved after the company was threatened of banning iPhone in the country.

The petrol and diesel prices in India have stabilised lately after some days of constant increase. Wish if there is a way to save some bucks on your fuel bill? Well, surely you can with the apps and services listed below. These apps and services show prices of petrol and diesel realtime. If you wondering how this will help? These may help you know where exactly fuel is relatively cheaper. For example, the prices of diesel and petrol are currently lower in NCR areas such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Meerut, Gurgaon and Faridabad than in Delhi. Also, prices of diesel and petrol now vary from fuel station to fuel station. So, here are the apps to help you decide where you can get your vehicle's tank filled next.

This is Indian Oil's app to check fuel prices in your city 'live'. The app is available on both Apple's app store and Google's Play Store for Android smartphone users. Consumers will need to create an account to access the features of the app. The 'Locate Us' tab in the app leads users to a map that shows petrol pumps around. Users can click on the map and check that day's rates. 

This is BPCL's app to check daily fuel prices in your city. Other than information on daily fuel prices, the app also offers several other features such as location of the nearest fuel station, facilities available at the fuel pumps and more. There's also an 'offer zone' which is linked to the company's Petro smartcards.

This app provides information on daily petrol and diesel prices in different cities. You can search your city followed by the areas where the prices are higher or lower. It also tells you the fuel price fluctuation over the last seven days. 

This app, unlike others, is a crowdsourced app wherein the end users give information on the petrol and diesel prices. Alongside petrol and diesel prices, the app also gives information on the CNG fuel a well. It covers fuel stations from IndianOil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Reliance Petroleum, Essar Petroleum & Shell India. 

In addition to giving the regular prices for fuel, this app also shows live fuel prices across several cities India. Furthermore, it keeps a track of other cities where you have been traveling. 

Like any other app, this too gives you the up to date prices of petrol and diesel at different fuel stations across India. It also has an inbuilt calculator to determine how much more or less you are paying. In addition, you can see the price rise graphs to keep a better track. You can also add a quick widget on the home screen of your Android phone to access the app. 

Consumers can also visit the Indian Oil's website (iocl.com) for prices. The website has 'Check fuel prices' banner running right on the home page, a click on it takes users to the page that shows city-wise rates. It also shows previous rates for comparison.

The other big oil companies Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) too have similar links on their websites -- https://www.bharatpetroleum.in/index.aspx and https://www.bharatpetroleum.com/index.aspx.

Consumers can also check the prices applicable in their city by sending an SMS, 'RSP DEALER CODE' to 92249-92249. For Bharat Petroleum, consumers can send the SMS (in the same pattern) to 9223112222.

For Hindustan Petroleum, consumers need to send SMS on the number 9222201122. The SMS should follow HPPRICEDEALERCODE pattern. All petrol pump dealers have been asked to display their numbers prominently for users' convenience. 

It is possible to get up to Rs 7,500 cashback on petrol payments using PayTM. As mentioned in the dedicated page, users will get different cash back offers every time a transaction takes place. However, for each cashback, they would have to use a promo code so that Paytm could recognise the fuel transaction, tally it with the particular petrol pump station and provide cashback offers.

Google has introduced their cash rewards program for using one of their apps in India. Indians can earn Rs 9000 just by installing Google Duo app, and referring their friends to use it. However, there are some terms and conditions attached as well. Keep reading to find out more!

Initially launched in Philippines, Google’s cash reward program for using Google Duo has now been extended to India as well.

 Google Duo was launched in 2016, positioned as a threat to Skype and Facetime from Apple. But due to several reasons, the app couldn’t pick steam. Hopefully, this cash reward program will trigger new wave of usage.

You can install Google Duo right here.

Will you install Google Duo to win Rs 9000 award or to actually make video calls? Do let us know by commenting right here!

Fake Banking apps are making a comeback. As we already covered, there are fake apps of ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, Axis and even HDFC Bank on the play store.

These fake banking apps may have compromised banking data of more than 160,000 people in the country recently.

The fake banking apps have are now targeting account holders from as many as seven Indian banks: SBI, ICICI, IOB, Axis, BOB, Yes Bank and Citibank. Digital banking in the country has lately ended up in more online frauds.

While the banks and government both are working hard to build a secure digital financial system in the country, these fake apps continue to lure customers with fraudulent offers. The fake bank apps are a close copy of the real banking apps confusing new internet users.

According to the experts, these fake app developers lure account holders by promising huge rewards like free cash, mobile data and zero-interest loans once they down the app.

Fake bank apps will continue to lure around customers. It’s you who can keep yourself safe from such fraudsters. Here are some tips to stay alert against such fake banking apps:

The developer’s name is always there in the app. Banks will not have any individual, so see if the developer is an organization or not. Also, see if there’s any website mentioned. Banks generally have their official website mentioned with details.

Bank apps are quite popular on the play store. Check the number of downloads. Fake apps will not have much of the downloads. If you see only a few downloads, there are high chances that this app is fake. If its a newly launched, Google and go the bank’s site and follow the official link. 

Go through the app description. Fake apps do not have well-explained descriptions. You can easily identify the right from the wrong information given. Also genuine apps properly explain the details, features and the uses of the application.

Go through a few reviews. If you found something fishy, do not install. Chances are that you will find reviews from users who have used the app and found it to be fake. If there are only a few reviews, and all of them just have 5-star ratings without anything in specific, probably the reviews are fake.

The best way to figure out whether a banking app is fake or not, is to check the bank’s website, and then click on the link to download the app. Besides, you can also call their customer care or visit the branch to verify.

Even if you have downloaded a fake bank app and quickly found out that it’s a fake, immediately uninstall. If you may have logged in or granted access to files and details, get rid of the residual files. Also, to be extra safe, change your banking passwords.

In case you already made a transaction on the app, immediately rush to your branch, or any branch of your respective bank. If you are able to move, call your bank and inform that they should block your account.

As you know its a fake app, do report it. You will find ‘Flag as Inappropriate’ down below. Choose a reason why you are reporting and click submit. Google has the report, so the reviewers will re-check the app to put it down from the play store.

If you have any other tip to check fake banking apps, do share them right here.

Apple this year will release up to four new iPhones, three of which are expected to arrive this fall, at Apple’s usual September event. Reports say Apple is bringing to market three iPhone X successors later this year, including two devices with OLED screens and one handset with an LCD panel. The fourth, of course, is the rumored iPhone SE second generation.
All three iPhones are expected to offer users the same type of performance, therefore almost the same set of specs. And Apple’s 2018 iPhones will have no rival when it comes to one key feature. The A12 chip that will power these devices is already in mass production, Bloomberg has learned. TSMC, just like last year, is the sole manufacturer of the processor, which is hardly surprising. But the A12 will also be the first 7nm chip to be used in a smartphone, this year, as Apple’s still leading the market when it comes to processor development.
The processor should be even faster and more energy efficient than the A11 Bionic found inside the iPhone X and iPhone 8. That chip is the world’s fastest mobile chip on paper, and no rival comes close. On the other hand, in real-life speed tests, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 that powers iPhone rivals including the Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 6, outperformed the iPhone.
Qualcomm and Samsung are both expected to come up with their own 7nm designs in response to Apple’s A12 chip. Samsung confirmed earlier this week that 7nm chips are coming next year. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855, due next year, will surely power an array of Android flagships. Samsung meanwhile is expected to introduce new Android handsets in early 2019, including the Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy X foldable phone, but it’s still unclear whether they’ll pack 7nm or 10nm chips. Apple, meanwhile, will reveal more details about the 2018 iPhones only in September. Next up is Apple’s early June WWDC conference, which will bring us software news and, perhaps, the brand new iPhone SE.

Google has rolled out a new feature through which apps shared on peer-to-peer file sharing platforms like Shareit will be verified by Google Play. As users tend to share apps (especially games) over Shareit and other platforms to escape low mobile internet speeds, the possibility of installing fake apps is high. For, there is no way to check the authenticity of the installed app. Google’s new feature will verify the authenticity of the shared apps and let users know whether the app has been sourced from the official Google Play store or not.

Interestingly, Google has also extended this feature to offline installation as well. This means when you install an app which is shared on Shareit and your device is offline, even then Google Play will verify the app source.

This feature will also roll to Google’s own file sharing app -- Files Go and Xender.

“This also benefits you as a developer as it provides a Play-authorized offline distribution channel and, since the peer-to-peer shared app is added to your user's Play library, your app will now be eligible for app updates from Play,” wrote James Bender, Product Manager, Google Play in the official developer blog.

Recently, around 145 apps on the Google Play Store were spotted with malicious Microsoft Windows executable files. While these apps remained harmless to Android devices, the moment these apps come in contact with a Windows PC (while file sharing), these could potentially harm the system. Google had latter taken down these apps. So, with this new Google Play feature, if such apps are being shared through Shareit or Files Go or Xender, then it will be flagged as unsafe, thus alerting the user.

In another move to keep Android smartphone users safe, Google recently launched a new cybersecurity tool called Intra. This tool is create to protect users from DNS manipulation attacks. This app also claims to protect users from malware and phishing attempts without slowing down the internet connection of the device when it is running.

This "swadeshi messaging platform" Kimbho comes after Patanjali launched swadeshi samriddhi sim cards. Yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali has launched a messaging application, "Kimbho", pitching it as a challenge to popular messaging app WhatsApp, which has over 1 billion downloads from Google Play Store. This "swadeshi messaging platform" comes after Patanjali launched Swadeshi Samriddhi sim cards. Patanjali's spokesperson SK Tijarawala tweeted, "Now Bharat will speak. After launching sim cards, Ramdev has launched a new messaging application called Kimbho. Now WhatsApp will be given a competition. Our own #SwadeshiMessagingplatform. Download it directly from Google Play store." Kimbho is a Sanskrit word, which is used to ask, "How are you? What's new?" explained Mr Tijawarawala.
Just like WhatsApp, one can either send direct messages to the person or create new groups to send out messages. Apart from this, one can form broadcast lists, follow celebrities and also doodle using Kimbho app. Google Play Store describes Kimbho as a real time messaging app. "Kimbho empowers private group chat with free phone and video calling. It has dozens of amazing features to share text audio, photos, videos, stickers, quickies, location, GIF, Doodle and more," the description reads. Earlier Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved tied up with state-run telecom company BSNL or Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and launched Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards on May 27. After its full launch, people will be given a discount of 10 per cent on Patanjali products with the SIM card. The vast Patanjali Ayurved empire, which began by selling homegrown herbal remedies wildly popular in large parts of India, now offers products ranging from food, cosmetics, home care and personal care products to apparel. Patanjali Ayurved had formally launched its e-commerce operations with website Patanjaliayurved.net earlier this year. It has nearly 5,000 retail outlets across India. Patanjali has also branched out into private security, offering army-like training for recruits.
Patanjali's Baba Ramdev launches Kimbho messaging app to take on WhatsApp After tying up with BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) to offer its own SIM cards, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev’s company Patanjali has now launched a messaging app. Called “Kimbho”, the app bears similar features to WhatsApp, and is available free of cost on both the Google Play Store, and Apple’s App store. Patanjali’s spokesperson K Tijarawala tweeted on Wednesday saying, “Now Bharat will speak. After launching sim cards, baba Ramdev has launched a new messaging application called Kimbho. Now WhatsApp will be given a competition. Our own #SwadeshiMessagingplatform. Download it directly from Google Play store.” Kimbho supports both private and group chats, and features voice and video calling as well.
The app can also be used to share photos, videos, music files, gifs, location, doodles and stickers, pretty much everything that is supported on WhatsApp. It also carries some customization features and according to the company is 100 percent secure thanks to its AES encryption. The launch of its messaging application comes right after the company took its first step in the telecom industry on Sunday. Thanks to its partnership with BSNL, the company launched Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards, which offer 2GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS benefits in a day for Rs 144. At the moment, the SIM card is only available for employees and office bearers of Patanjali. After its official rollout, the company will be offering a 10 percent discount to customers on Patanjali products. Not just that, the SIM card will also be coming with medical insurance of Rs 250,000, and life insurance cover of Rs 500,000.

Wonder which are the best Android apps? Google has released its annual Google Play Award list, which names the top Android apps and games as chosen by the company's employees. The winners come from nine different categories with all of them boasting of apps that are claimed to offer users unique experience. These apps, according to the search giant, also excel in terms of quality, design and technical performance. Here's over to 2018 Google Play award winners ...
1. Flipkart : The app from India's online shopping giant Flipkart has been named the winner in 'Standout Build for Billions Experience' category. These are apps or games with optimized performance, localization and culturalization for emerging markets.
2. Simple Habit : The app from Simple Habit Inc wins the title of best 'standout well-being' app. This category, according to Google, includes apps that empower people to live the best version of their lives, while demonstrating responsible design and engagement strategies.
3. Be My Eyes : This app from Be My Eyes gets the top honours for offering best accessibility experience. The apps/games in this category enable device interaction that serves people with disabilities or special needs.
4. Khan Academy : This app by Khan Academy has been named as the app with best social impact. According to Google, the apps or games in this category create a positive impact in communities around the world (focused on health, education, crisis response, refugees, financial health and fundraising functions).
5. Old Man's Journey : Old Man's Journey has been named as the best Standout Indie app. The category has games from indie developers that focus on artistic design, gameplay mechanics and overall polish.
6. Episode : This app by Pocket Gems is the winner in 'Best Community Building Game' category. This category has games built to connect gamers, encouraging social interaction and community building.
7. BBC Earth: Life in VR : This app by BBC Worldwide (Ltd) gets top honours among apps or games that offer highly-engaging and immersive experiences with optimal use of ARCore or Daydream UI.
8. Canva : This app by Canva has been named as the best 'Standout Startup' app. This category has apps from new developers that offer a unique experience while achieving strong organic install growth.
9. Empires & Puzzles : Empires & Puzzles by Small Giant Games has been named 'Best Breakthrough Hit' of the year 2018. This category includes new apps or games with excellent overall design, user experience, engagement and retention, and strong organic install growth.

Xiaomi has launched Mi Video and Mi Music in India, a free video and music streaming app respectively that leverage its content partnerships. The company says the new Mi Music app is available from today, while the revamped Mi Video app will be available from next week. Both apps are not exactly new, but rather refreshed versions of the existing local media players. Mi Video brings together a bunch of streaming services under one umbrella, including SonyLIV, Hungama Play, Voot, AltBalaji, Zee5, Viu, and TVF, among others.
Xiaomi claims a library worth over 500,000 hours, 80 percent of which is free. Mi Music, on the other hand, has a tie-up with Hungama Music, which gives it 10 million freemium songs across 13 languages. If you want to download songs for offline listening, you'll need to pay Rs. 899 a year for Hungama Pro. While Xiaomi is taking a fast-to-market approach with both apps, which are launching barebones, Mi Music does have an interesting feature at launch: Dynamic Lyrics. It works exactly like LiveLyrics on SoundHound, in that the app will highlight the lyrics that's currently being sung. Xiaomi said it's meant to offer a karaoke-like experience. Moreover, if you scroll within the lyrics, the app will skip to that part of the song.
As for Mi Video, it'll have a one-tap cast function so you can quickly switch from watching on your phone to a smart TV, with support for DLNA and Miracast. The app also supports more local formats than before, including AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, MKA, MPEG, and M2TS, in addition to support for multilingual subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and private folders. Over time, Xiaomi said it'll add personalised recommendations to both apps, in addition to picture in picture (PiP), and languages and genre filter for Mi Video, and music videos, and themes for Mi Music. In keeping with its image, Xiaomi said it'll listen to fans to decide on other new features.

China's Alibaba-owned UCWeb has released UC Share - file transfer app for mobile users. The app, which is initially available for Android devices, leverages an in-house technology that is touted to take as little as 0.2 seconds to transfer an image, one second to transfer a song, and up to 22 seconds to transfer a complete movie. It is also claimed to come with an average file transfer speed of 5MB per second.
The UC Share app is available for free download via Google Play and is compatible with devices running Android 4.0 and above. Similar to other file transfer apps, including the widely used SHAREit that has over 1.2 billion users worldwide, the UC Share app allows you to share not just music, video, or image files but also apps and other files.
The app doesn't require a high-speed data connection to transfer files and includes a Bluetooth sharing option to provide file transfer support for a wide range of devices. It also has an option to generate a QR code to offer an easy sharing between two devices. Alongside transfer of content, the UC Share app doubles as a file manager where you can view and manage files exist on your device. You can also view the previously transferred files by going to the History section. Furthermore, the app saves previous senders and receivers as icons to help build a faster connection with previous contacts. The UC Share app package is around 1MB in size, though the app consumes nearly 20MB when

After bouncing between Symbian and BlackBerry for years back in the early 2000s, I became an iPhone user the day the original model was released more than a decade ago. Apple’s first-generation iPhone was nowhere near as capable as Nokia’s Symbian smartphones, and it wasn’t suited as well to productivity as BlackBerry phones. From a user experience standpoint, however, it was blatantly apparent from the moment you picked it up that the iPhone was miles ahead of the competition. Market leaders at the time like Nokia and BlackBerry failed to see what was quite obvious to Apple and to end users, and now those companies no longer have smartphone businesses to speak of.
Things finally got interesting again nearly two years after the first iPhone launched, when the first Android-powered smartphone was released. It was called the HTC Dream, or T-Mobile G1 in the United States, and it sort of combined key elements from the iPhone user experience with key elements from the BlackBerry and Symbian user experiences. Android was far more versatile and flexible than iOS (or iPhone OS, as it was originally called) even back then, but it was also nowhere near as refined and fluid. Much has evolved over the years with both mobile platforms, but those initial advantages remain unchanged. Android is still much more versatile, while iOS is still far more streamlined and refined. I’m still an iPhone user after all these years as well, but there are two key advantages Android has over the iOS platform that continue to leave me envious. The first big advantage Android has over iOS in my eyes is obvious: choice.
Apple sells more iPhone models now than it ever has before, and the number should be at least as high this year. There are currently eight different iPhone models available for purchase from Apple: iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, and iPhone SE. Four current models are set to be retired this year (iPhone X, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone SE), but four new models are also expected to debut, including an upgraded version of the iPhone X, an “iPhone X Plus,” a similar-looking iPhone with an LCD display, and an “iPhone SE 2.” That seems like a lot of iPhones, but there really isn’t much variety to speak of. Four of the eight available iPhones are previous-generation models, and the iPhone SE is a low-end iPhone. Then there’s the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, which feature modern specs crammed into a design that dates back to 2014. Finally we have the new iPhone X, which is the iPhone I currently use.
On the other side of the fence, there are dozens upon dozens of different Android phones out there. And we’re not just talking about a few new options and a slew of previous-generation models. Google allows other hardware makers to license Android for free, as we all know, so there’s a ton of variety available to Android users. The other big advantage Android has over iOS in my view is actually the impetus for this post. A nifty little Android app came to my attention courtesy of a thread on Reddit, and it reminded me of how aggravating some of Apple’s restrictions are on third-party app developers. Flutter is the new Android app in question, and it’s a simple but useful utility that’s available for free in the Google Play store.
It’s actually more of an extension than an app, and it serves one purpose: it adds an overlay on Netflix pages that display Open Movie Database ratings. This way, when you tap on a show or movie in Netflix, you can get a good idea of audience response before you bother watching it. It’s so simple, and yet it’s a painful reminder of how limited iOS app developers are in some regards. As a whole, Apple’s restrictions result in an overall user experience that is far smoother, more consistent, and more refined than Android. But certain restrictions, such as the limitations on interactions between third-party apps, are a bit overbearing. Being able to see audience scores as you browse Netflix is so simple and so useful, and it’s just one of a million examples of how developers can enhance app experiences on Android. Despite its simplicity and utility, Flutter could never exist on an iPhone.

The SwiftKey keyboard app has been updated with support for Urdu (English) and a bunch of other languages, including Alsatian, Fongbe, Norman, and Warlpiri. The new language support is limited to Android devices. Microsoft has also added some bug fixes to deliver an improved typing experience through its keyboard app. Last month, the SwiftKey keyboard app for Android and iOS was updated with a toolbar that brings quick access to GIFs, emoji characters, and copied text. With the latest move, the SwiftKey app for Android now supports over 200 languages.
The app was already supporting widely used languages such as English (US, UK, AU, CA), Spanish (ES, LA, US), Portuguese (PT, BR), German, Turkish, French, Arabic, Russian, Italian, and Polish among various others. Apart from new languages, the updated SwiftKey app has some bug fixes. the punctuation slider on the virtual keyboard will no longer trigger the period when sliding finger on it. Further, the keyboard won't lock up when you try to tag someone in Instagram comments. The app has also received a layout fix that comes when using Dvorak + Split + Undock settings. You can visit Google Play to download the latest SwiftKey version on Android device. There isn't any word on an identical version for iOS devices. However, that could also debut in the coming days to match the experience with its Android counterpart.
Microsoft last month brought the SwiftKey 7.0 as the "biggest update" since its acquisition in 2016. That update brought a "Collections" feature as a toolbar to offer quick access to GIFs, emoji characters, and copied text. The toolbar can be used to store emoji, stickers, and GIFs. Also, the last update expanded the location sharing feature for eight new hybrid languages, including Assamese (English), Bengali (English), Kannada (English), Malayalam (English), Marathi (English), Nepali (English), Odia (English), and Telugu (English). Users can shift between these languages seamlessly.

Google is back with its list of top Android apps. Termed Android Excellence apps, the curated list has Android apps and games that Google claims set the bar for high quality, great user experience, and strong technical performance. Android users, here's over to the list of 24 apps that Google wants you to download ...
1. ​ Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC (Photography and editing app) : Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC is a free app. It allows users to capture, edit and share photos. The app also lets users capture images in RAW format, giving them more creative control. There's also an HDR mode which automatically expand the range of exposure, allowing users to capture images in both darkest and brightest tones. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom comes with editing tools using which users can change the colour, exposure, contrast and tone.
2. ​ Dashlane (Password Manager app) : The Android app allows users to keep their passwords safe and encrypted on their smartphones. Users can store their various passwords in the app and lock them with one master password. The app uses AES-256 security encryption to secure the user data. Dashlane also has a digital wallet.
3. Hostelworld (Travel app) : If you love to travel, then Google has a must-have app for you. Hostelworld can search and compare 35,000 hostels, hotels in more than 170 countries around the world. Users can select from private rooms to shared dorms and can also catch up with like-minded travellers using the app. In case a user is unable to find his/her booking, then the app promises to refund the entire booking amount along with additional $50 for future bookings.
4. iCook (Cooking app) : iCook app helps users to hone their cooking skills. The app offers over 150,000 recipes along with cooking tips, videos and photo steps. Users can also upgrade to the premium version and use features like 'view recipes by popularity', get info on calorie count of various recipes, search recipes they have saved before, view exclusive recipes, meal plans and more.
5. ​ Keeper Password Manager (Password manager app) : The Keeper Password Manager app offers digital vault which protects passwords. The app comes with a secure and encrypted vault and offers support for fingerprint and facial recognition. The app also has an Emergency Access feature that enables users to select up to 5 people who can access the app in case of an emergency.
6. ​ Keepsafe Photo Vault (stores photographs and videos) : Keepsafe Photo Vault app allows users to store their photos and videos and then secures it with a PIN or fingerprint authentication. The app developer claims that the app offers military grade encryption. You can select the photos you wish to keep in the app and once imported you can delete those from the smartphone's gallery. In case anyone tries to break into the app, it will take his or her picture for your reference.
7. MobiSystems OfficeSuite (Office and PDF editor app) : MobiSystems OfficeSuite app allows users to edit, view and create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents and do various advanced PDF functionalities. The app offers support for 68 different languages.
8. ​ PhotoGrid (Photo editing app) : PhotoGrid is a free video collage and photo editing app. It offers features like GIF maker, video collage, pic collage, scrapbook, camera effects, crop, AR face filters, stickers, blur, retouch and others. Once the user is through with the editing, he/she can share the photo on various social networks as well.
9. Runtastic Results (Fitness app) : Runtastic Results is a fitness app that claims to transform your body in 12 weeks with its home fitness bodyweight training programme. The customized 12-week bodyweight training plan is said to be customized as per the user's fitness level. There are 180+ home exercises in the work-out app.
10. Seven - 7 Minute Workout Training Challenge (Fitness app) : Here's another fitness app lin the list. The 7 Minute Workout Training Challenge app offers personalised exercise plans of seven minutes each which help the users to get back in shape. You just have to set a goal and fitness level and the the app will create a workout for you. The app has about 200 different types of exercises.
11. ​ SoloLearn (Education app) : SoloLearn offers collection of free code learning content, from beginner to advanced level. Users can choose from thousands of programming topics, and can also get in contact with the other coders. The app allows users to write, run and share real code right from their smartphones without any additional setup or installation required.
12. Tube Map (Route planner) : Tube Map is a navigation app that allows users to travel around London underground with ease. If required, the app can also work offline.
13. WPS Office (Microsoft Office app) : At 35MB in size, WPS Office is claimed to be lightest Office app. The app offers supports Microsoft Office's all programmes like Word, PDF, Presentation, Spreadsheet, Memo and Docs Scanner. WPS Office allows users to create, view, edit and share Word documents.
14. Angry Birds 2 (Game) : Angry Birds is among the most popular Android games. In the game, the players use slingshots to fling birds at the piggies’ towers and bring them crashing down to save the precious eggs. It is a multi-level game and users can choose their birds. The game also offers daily challenges.
15. ​ Azure Lane (Shooting game) : Azure Lane is a shooting game which revolves around a girl who is globetrotting on a ship.
16. CodyCross (Crossword Puzzles) : CodyCross is a word game. Users can join CodyCross, a friendly alien that has crash-landed on Earth and counts on their help to learn about the planet. Users travel across space and time as they unveil "planet's history and humanity’s accomplishments" through themed puzzles.
17. Into the Dead 2: Zombie Shooter (Action game) : This is the sequel to the famous Zombie action game, 'Into the Dead'. The game is a journey through zombie apocalypse to save his family. Players need to arm themselves with an arsenal of weapons to fight and survive.
18. ​ Little Panda Restaurant (Cooking game) : Little Panda Restaurant game takes players inside a kitchen where they can choose the recipe they want to make. Players have to make the dish, sell it and then use the 'money' they earn to make more dishes.
19. ​ Sling Kong : Sling Kong allows players to bounce and swing the Kong, but they need to watch out for deadly tarps in the way.
20. Sky Dancer Run (Action game) Sky Dancer Run requires players to Run and Jump across hazardous cliffs from one flying island to another, while evading large boulders.
21. Rooms of Doom (Minion game) : Rooms of Doom app offers a collection of mini games. The story revolves around a scientist called Dr Doom who is creating a perfect minion to take over the world. Players are required to help him discover the most powerful minion combination.
22. ​ Orbital 1 (Skill-based game) : Orbital 1 is a skill-based, real-time multiplayer game that offers beautiful 3D graphics. The game allows players to collect and upgrade fighters and weapons to build their squad for quick battles and new daily quests.
23. MARVEL Contest of Champions (Action game) : The game allows players to play with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villians at iconic locations from Marvel Universe.
24. ​ Soul Knight (Shooting game) : Soul Knight is a shooting game. The game with dungeons allows players to collect crazy weapons, dodge bullets and shoot.

Like a lot of you might have heard that Facebook was planning to launch its own internet service, this news confirms that the strategy of the company is finally live and into play, as they introduce their Express Wi-Fi service which will allow mobile phone users in developing country to buy cheap data.
Facebook launched the latest ‘Express Wi-Fi’ app recently which is going to enable users to establish a web connection via Wi-Fi by carrier provided connectivity in an affordable manner rather than buying data at expensive rates from telecom companies. The app is presently available in Kenya and Indonesia only.
The prospects for the app above looks good in India as it’s promised to be available across 700 Wi-Fi hotspots in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Meghalaya. Even though the Facebook Express Wi-Fi service has existed for quite some time now but to connect to the service, the user was required to open their web browser or download an app from their respective telco. However, this single app by Facebook eliminates the need to do either of the above things and eases things for the user by enabling them to buy data packs and also by helping them discover Wi-Fi hotspots nearby.
TechCrunch received the update of the app rollout first-hand by a Facebook spokesperson who said: “Facebook is releasing the Express Wi-Fi app in the Google Play store to give people another simple and secure way to access fast, affordable internet through their local Express Wi-Fi hotspots.”. The release of a single app instead of the requirement of multiple telco specific app is now expected to speed things up for the Express Wi-Fi program. This app is going to provide a much stable, secure and fast way to connect to the internet, buy data and discover hotspots nearby.
Like we said Express Wi-Fi is an appreciable step by Facebook to connect the deepest part of the developing countries to the internet. Things look to be going smoothly for Facebook, unlike last time when they were slammed by the Trai for launching FreeBasics, which violated the terms of net neutrality. Now it is to be seen how Facebook plans to expand their network in India and in other developing countries.