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No one can buy Google's latest Android TV reference device
Google is developing Android TV 14 on custom hardware it won't share
Developing apps for Android can be a challenge, but Google has traditionally done what it can to make life easier for creators, giving them access to resources like the Android Studio development environment. In addition to Studio's software emulator, devs working on Android TV have even had access to dedicated testing hardware: the ADT series. Google is currently working on Android TV 14 with the help of the new ADT-4 box, but this time it won't similarly be making that hardware available to external developers.
Google creates developer helpline to solve problems ... caused by Google
Maybe this will reduce wrongful takedowns on the Play Store
You can install apps from any source on Android, but most of us still turn to the Play Store to find new software. Google's security policies help make it the safest, most straightforward way to use apps on your phone, but the reliance on algorithms to help issue automatic takedown notices can leave developers high and dry. After countless false removals, Google is finally testing a new help desk solution for devs to use with any questions and concerns.
Facebook bullies third-party apps Swipe and Simple Social into oblivion
Cease and desist letters fly, developer personal accounts have been deleted, and apps are disappearing from the Play Store
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Facebook's Android apps are rarely the best way to actually use Facebook on smartphones. That's why various third-party options have sprung up over the years, giving users better interfaces, smaller and faster apps, and just generally improving the experience. But it looks like Facebook is tired of being shown up: two popular "wrappers" for the site, Swipe and Simple Social, have disappeared from the Play Store.