Google brings back app permissions section to the Play Store

Google is rolling back its decision to remove the app permissions section in the Play Store. The feature shows what permissions an app uses. The company initially opted to replace that with its Data Safety section, similar to Apple's privacy labels. This section is where developers have to declare what they do with users' data and provide info on things like whether users can ask for their data to be deleted or if they're encrypted.

Click to read more ...

Google Play Store's web version tipped to get a redesign

Google might be finally ready to revamp its Play Store on the web to look more like the mobile app. The redesign removes the large sidebar and cards and replaces them with four-button navigation and cleaner-looking listings with auto-playing trailers for games. You can filter apps by device type. And if you want to access your library or redeem a gift card, those are accessible through the account switcher you typically see on Google web apps.

Now, we just have to wait if Google will roll this out to more users. It's been spotted in the Korean and Taiwanese Play Stores.

Source: Android Police | Via: Engadget

Samsung, Google reportedly in talks to replace Bixby with Google Assistant

Embed from Getty Images

If this new Reuters report is accurate, then Samsung might finally be ready to let its Bixby virtual assistant and Galaxy Apps Store take a backseat to Google's offerings. The two tech giants are reportedly discussing a new global revenue-sharing deal where Samsung prioritizes Google Assistant and Play Store apps over its options. It's something Google has been trying to convince Samsung to do for years. But now, the search company is reportedly offering a percentage of its ad revenue from Google apps running on Samsung phones. 

Samsung said it has no plans to drop Bixby or Galaxy Store from its devices. In a statement, it mentioned that the company is "committed to our own services and ecosystem." But this deal is supposedly enticing, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down smartphone sales. Samsung could find a new revenue source through this deal. The exact financial details aren't known, but the terms will reportedly be finalized by Friday. Or at least that is the target day. Samsung's services haven't exactly caught on as much as the company would like it to, and perhaps, it might be time for Samsung to raise the white flag.

Epic Games begrudgingly brings 'Fortnite' to Google Play Store

Image courtesy of Epic Games

Epic Games finally caved and brought Fortnite to the Google Play Store, but they aren't exactly pleased with it. When the game launched on mobile in 2018, the developer notably sidestepped the Play Store and asked users to download the title right from its website to avoid Google's substantial 30% revenue cut from in-app purchases of Play Store downloads. And with Fortnite being a popular free-to-play game when it launched, it would have lost significant income from the game. 

After 18 months of the company's harsh rhetoric when it comes to Google's gatekeeping, Fortnite is on the Play Store, while also still available through fortnite.com. 

Click to read more ...