Google tightens Android app rules for device interference and in-game purchases

Google occasionally updates its Play Store rules to weed out inconsistent or shady behavior in Android apps, and we're witnessing one of its larger clean-ups today. The company's new guidelines more explicitly ban device interference: titles in the Play Store can't modify settings or other apps without permission, and they can't install bookmarks or icons that pitch a third-party service. Google is also adamant that any in-game purchases of virtual goods must go through its billing system. As usual, new apps have to follow these guidelines right away, while developers with existing apps have a 30-day grace period to make any changes. The policies won't necessarily stop rogue code from sneaking into the Play Store, but Google can at least say that it gave fair warning.

Source: ENGADGET

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Among Us is free on the Epic Games Store

Among Us , the multiplayer game that soared in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the latest free title on the Epic Games Store. If you have an account for that storefront, you can download it for free until June 3rd (it normally costs $5). You can then join friends in the game’s newer Airship map , and good news: those friends don’t all need to be playing on PC. The game supports cross-platform multiplayer, so players of the Android, iOS, PC, and Nintendo Switch versions can play together. The PS4 and PS5 versions of the game will support crossplay, too, once it launches later this year. SOURCE

Child-friendly Galaxy Tab 3 Kids listed in Korean brochure

We're no experts in Korean back-to-school literature, but it looks as if one retailer has tipped Samsung's plans a little early. If the documents above are legitimate, then the company will launch a kiddie-focused Galaxy Tab in short order. The Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is said to be an 8.5-inch slate with a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, a 1,024 x 600 WSVGA display, 8GB storage, 1GB RAM and Jelly Bean. The company has also seen fit to include 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, a microSD card slot (no word on capacity) and a 4,000mAh battery. One thing that lends weight to the listing is that the device's model number is SM-T2105, which evleaks tersely described as a "Galaxy Tab for children" a month ago. There's more pictures over at the source, but not a single spec saying that this new device is resistant to jam-smeared fingers. Source: ENGADGET

Sonic Colors is getting remastered as Sega announces a handful of new Sonic games

One of the most beloved Sonic the Hedgehog games is making a return. Sega announced today that a remaster of Sonic Colors — called Sonic Colors: Ultimate — will be coming to the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on September 7th. The platformer originally launched in 2010, garnering a cult following, and Sega says the new version will feature “stunning visuals, additional features, a new mode, and improved gameplay enhancements.” The game will also be getting a two-part animated tie-in called Rise of the Wisps . The first episode will be out later in the summer. The announcement was the headlining piece of a Sonic -focused event, which included the reveal of several other games. Sega also announced that the next flagship Sonic title is in the works from Sonic Team — though no real details are available yet, aside from a 2022 release window — as well as a new collection of classic games called Sonic Origins , which will compile the first three games along with Sonic CD .

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