Modern communication has evolved far beyond the written word, and the software we use to help us keep in touch has been racing to keep up. Last month we checked out the latest SwiftKey beta release, updating the keyboard software with not only a new toolbar-based interface that makes spicing up text with your favorite emoji and GIFs easier than before, but also introduces a new customizable Stickers system. After that beta whet our appetite, the new features are finally ready to go wide, with today's release of SwiftKey 7.0.
Read MoreSwiftKey 7.0 arrives with sleek Toolbar interface, custom Stickers to jazz things up [APK Download]
Samsung Internet Beta v7.2 watches for dangerous sites, delivers performance and interface tweaks [APK Download]
With the Galaxy S9 getting ready to populate carrier shelves, a new generation of users are about to be exposed to Samsung's suite of Android apps. Fear and loathing may be our go-to emotions when encountering most pre-installed bloat, but Samsung's collection of software is actually not that objectionable, as we noted when reviewing the Galaxy S9. Maybe the crown jewel there is the Samsung Internet browser, and today we're learning about the newest safety and performance features to hit the development branch of this app, with the release of Samsung Internet 7.2 Beta.
Read MoreSamsung releases Experience demo app for Galaxy S9/S9+ [APK Download]
For anyone tempted by the Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ who wants to learn more about what it can do, there's an app for that. The Experience app for Galaxy S9/S9+ does exactly what the name suggests. It can be downloaded on most Android phones (Marshmallow 6.0 and up) and it gives you a sense of what it would be like to own Samsung's latest flagship.
Read MoreSwiftKey Beta update includes ‘Toolbar’ for quick access to features, customizable stickers
The latest SwiftKey Beta fixed an annoying bug that made typing in comment forms like Disqus in Chrome a headache. Well, it turns out that the update brought a few new features, including an expandable toolbar that sits atop the prediction bar and stickers. If you're the creative type, you'll be happy to know that you can even make your own stickers within the keyboard.
Read MoreSwiftKey Beta v6.7.8 appears to fix annoying bug when typing in comment forms like Disqus in Chrome
SwiftKey remains the keyboard of choice for many Android users, myself included. While the app is undoubtedly bloated, its autocorrect and next-word prediction are tops. Sadly, those strengths have gone to crap lately when using SwiftKey to type in comment forms like Disqus in Chrome. The latest SwiftKey Beta appears to fix the issue.
Read MoreBBC America launches new catch up app for Android TV [APK Download]
Here in the UK, you get used to the convenience of catching up on any BBC show using the fantastic iPlayer app. It hasn't been so easy for Stateside users, even though the BBC iPlayer Radio app is available outside the UK. BBC America has just released its very own app, so US viewers can get some of the same benefits as we do this side of the Atlantic.
Read MoreMicrosoft Launcher Beta gets Cortana integration in version 4.6 [APK Download]
Since the demise of its own Windows Phone platform, Microsoft has been putting a lot of effort into creating a compelling suite of Android apps instead. Microsoft Launcher started life as the experimental Arrow Launcher but morphed into its current form late last year. It features a control center panel unlike any other Android home app and is unsurprisingly linked with Bing rather than Google for search.
A new beta update has just been released which integrates Microsoft's digital assistant, Cortana. It seems to work much as it does in the Cortana app (which doesn't need to be installed), but as an overlay on top of the launcher.
Read MoreIntuit releases Turbo credit score checking app for Android [APK Download]
There are plenty of apps on the Play Store if you want to check your credit score, but how many of them would you trust? Intuit is a company people have come to depend on for financial services, with popular apps like QuickBooks and TurboTax. So while we might not normally highlight an app of this kind, Turbo is probably worth a mention.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Latest Logi Circle update includes snapshots in activity alerts, even on the free plan [APK Download]
Logitech has released an update to the Logi Circle app that goes with its Circle security cameras, and for the first time, users will now see an image preview in a notification warning you of detected activity while you're not at home. This functionality is available to every Circle user, even on the free plan, bringing it in line with similar services from Nest and Netamo.
Arlo also offers images in notifications, but only for paying subscribers. Nest snapshots can even be GIFs, which is probably the best implementation of the bunch. It's good to see Logitech catch up with its rivals, though, and action buttons to go directly to the live feed or view the event are a nice touch.
Read MoreSamsung Internet Beta v6.4 offers enhanced download management [APK Download]
OEM apps are pretty hit and miss – with emphasis on the miss – and web browsers often seem like a wasted effort given the competition out there, not least from Google's own Chrome browser. Samsung Internet succeeds where many others fail, however, and offers a compelling experience whether you own a Samsung device or not. It's fast and stable, and the devs have been on a roll adding useful new features since it was launched.
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