Play Store Developers Can No Longer Use Customer Reviews in Their App Descriptions

In a move that has been made official by Google, Play Store developers can no longer use customer reviews in their app descriptions. This change has been reported on the news a couple of weeks ago, but it's now clear that it's here to stay. The rules have been updated under the keyword spam section, and overall, the changes are aimed at making app descriptions cleaner and more concise.

The reason behind this change is likely to reduce spammy keywords and overly promotional language in app descriptions. Some developers were known to use customer reviews as a way to game the system, listing phrases like "95% positive" or "5 stars only" to artificially inflate their rating. This was often accompanied by absurd lists of keywords that had little to do with the actual content of the app.

With this change, app descriptions are going to get a whole lot cleaner. Developers can no longer use customer reviews as a way to pad out their description with fake praise. Instead, they'll have to focus on highlighting the actual features and benefits of their app. It's about time, too – who needs to see a list of 20 or 30 glowing reviews when you can read a brief summary of what the app does?

The impact of this change will likely be felt across the Play Store, with many apps already affected by the new rules. Some developers may struggle to adapt to the new guidelines, but it's an opportunity for them to rethink their approach and focus on providing real value to users.

Amazon App Store Gives Away $110 Worth of Free Applications

To celebrate the New Year, Amazon has announced that it will be giving away $110 worth of free applications. The promotion is available in many countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan. Users can download a selection of popular apps, including Build Cal Jetfit Pro, Mini Piano, Republic: Kingdom Rush Frontiers, Riptide GP2, and more.

The giveaway is only temporary, so users should act fast to snag these free apps. The promotion starts on January 1st and ends at midnight on January 31st, 2023. Users can grab the apps from the Amazon Appstore on their mobile devices.

This is a great opportunity for users to try out new apps without spending a dime. With so many high-quality titles available, it's an exciting time to be a mobile gamer or app enthusiast. Be sure to check out the video description below for more information on which apps are included in this giveaway and how to claim your free downloads.

Google Releases List of 127 Must-Have Android Applications

In a recent announcement, Google has released a list of 127 must-have Android applications that every user should consider installing on their device. The list includes both popular and lesser-known titles, covering everything from social media and productivity tools to games and entertainment apps.

The list is a great resource for users who are new to Android or looking to discover some hidden gems on the Play Store. With so many amazing apps available, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the choices. This list provides a concise overview of the most essential titles that every user should consider installing.

From social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, to productivity tools like Evernote and Todoist, this list covers all the bases. There are also some fantastic games included, such as Republic: Kingdom Rush Frontiers and Riptide GP2. For those looking for something a bit more unique, there are also apps like Zillow, Cookpad Recipes, and N Coach.

The full list of 127 must-have Android applications can be found on the Google Play Store website. Users can browse through the titles and download them directly to their device.

Looney Tunes Dash by Zinga: A Runner Game for Kids

First up this week is Looney Tunes Dash by Zinga, a runner game similar to Temple Run but with a twist. Players take on the role of their favorite Looney Tunes characters as they complete goals and unlock new levels. The game boasts a fun and colorful graphics style that's sure to appeal to kids and adults alike.

One thing to note is that Looney Tunes Dash is still an early release, which means it may contain some bugs. Users are advised to be patient and report any issues to the developers. Despite this, the game has already generated a lot of buzz among fans of the Looney Tunes franchise.

Sky Gamblers: An Air Combat Game with a Star Fox Twist

Next up is Sky Gamblers, an air combat game that's similar in style to the classic Star Fox games. The game boasts a long campaign mode and several online multiplayer modes for users to enjoy.

The graphics are pretty good, with crisp textures and smooth animations. However, as with any early release title, there may be some bugs or glitches that need to be ironed out. Users can expect these issues to be addressed in future updates.

Overall, Sky Gamblers looks like a great option for fans of air combat games and Star Fox enthusiasts alike. It's worth checking out if you're looking for something new to play on your mobile device.

Mini Piano: A Simple yet Addictive Music Game

Next is Mini Piano, a simple yet addictive music game that's perfect for users of all ages. The app features a variety of fun and catchy tunes to play along with, as well as a built-in metronome for users who want to improve their timing.

The graphics are minimalist but stylish, with a clean and modern design. The gameplay is easy to pick up but challenging to master, making it perfect for users who enjoy music games.

Mini Piano is free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Republic: Kingdom Rush Frontiers - A Tower Defense Game

Last but not least is Republic: Kingdom Rush Frontiers, a tower defense game that's part of the popular Kingdom Rush series. Players take on the role of an archon tasked with defending their kingdom from hordes of enemies.

The gameplay is addictive and challenging, with a variety of towers to use against enemy forces. The graphics are beautiful and colorful, with a unique art style that sets it apart from other tower defense games.

Republic: Kingdom Rush Frontiers is free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Riptide GP2 - A High-Speed Racing Game

Last but not least is Riptide GP2, a high-speed racing game that's part of the popular Riptide GP series. Players take on the role of a professional water skier as they compete in high-speed races and stunt challenges.

The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with beautiful graphics and smooth animations. The soundtrack is also fantastic, featuring a range of energetic and catchy tunes to keep users pumped up throughout their gaming sessions.

Riptide GP2 is free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Zillow: A Real Estate App for Homebuyers

Another great app on the list is Zillow, a real estate app that provides users with access to property listings and information. The app allows users to search for homes by location, price range, and features, as well as view photos and videos of properties.

The app also includes features like virtual tours and property maps, making it easy for users to visualize their dream home before making an offer. Zillow is a must-have app for anyone in the market for a new home or just interested in real estate.

Cookpad Recipes: A Social Cooking App

Next up is Cookpad Recipes, a social cooking app that allows users to discover and share recipes with friends and family. The app features a vast library of recipes from around the world, as well as user-generated content and reviews.

The app also includes features like meal planning, grocery shopping lists, and recipe saving, making it easy for users to manage their cooking needs. Cookpad Recipes is free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

N Coach: A Health and Fitness App

Last but not least is N Coach, a health and fitness app that provides users with access to personalized coaching and training plans. The app includes features like workout routines, nutrition planning, and progress tracking, making it easy for users to achieve their fitness goals.

The app also includes social sharing features, allowing users to track their progress and connect with friends and family. N Coach is free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Evernote: A Productivity App for Note-Taking

Another must-have app on the list is Evernote, a productivity app that allows users to take notes and organize their thoughts using digital notebooks and tags. The app includes features like photo and audio recording, document scanning, and search functionality.

Evernote is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their note-taking skills. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Todoist: A Task Management App

Next up is Todoist, a task management app that allows users to create and manage to-do lists using digital tasks and deadlines. The app includes features like project management, calendar integration, and collaboration tools.

Todoist is perfect for anyone looking to stay organized and on top of their tasks. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Instagram: A Social Media App

Last but not least is Instagram, a social media app that allows users to share photos and videos with friends and followers. The app includes features like hashtags, comments, and filters, making it easy for users to create and share content.

Instagram is perfect for anyone looking to stay connected with friends and family or follow their favorite celebrities and brands. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Facebook: A Social Media App

Another must-have app on the list is Facebook, a social media app that allows users to create profiles, connect with friends, and share updates using news feed posts and comments. The app includes features like groups, events, and messaging, making it easy for users to stay connected with others.

Facebook is perfect for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on their favorite topics or reconnect with old friends. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Twitter: A Social Media App

Last but not least is Twitter, a social media app that allows users to share short messages using hashtags and @mentions. The app includes features like trending topics, live streaming, and direct messaging, making it easy for users to stay connected with others.

Twitter is perfect for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on current events or connect with influencers in their industry. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

YouTube: A Video Sharing App

Another must-have app on the list is YouTube, a video sharing app that allows users to upload, share, and view videos using comments and likes. The app includes features like playlists, live streaming, and suggested content, making it easy for users to find their favorite videos.

YouTube is perfect for anyone looking to relax with music or watch educational content. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Reddit: A News and Discussion App

Last but not least is Reddit, a news and discussion app that allows users to share content using comments and upvotes. The app includes features like subreddits, AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and live streaming, making it easy for users to stay connected with others on specific topics.

Reddit is perfect for anyone looking to discuss their favorite topics or find new content. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Amazon: A Shopping App

Another must-have app on the list is Amazon, a shopping app that allows users to browse and purchase products using reviews and product recommendations. The app includes features like wish lists, deals, and shipping tracking, making it easy for users to shop from home.

Amazon is perfect for anyone looking to stay connected with their favorite brands or find new products. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Walmart: A Shopping App

Next up is Walmart, a shopping app that allows users to browse and purchase products using reviews and product recommendations. The app includes features like sales and promotions, cart management, and shipping tracking, making it easy for users to shop from home.

Walmart is perfect for anyone looking to save money on their favorite brands or find new products. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Target: A Shopping App

Another must-have app on the list is Target, a shopping app that allows users to browse and purchase products using reviews and product recommendations. The app includes features like sales and promotions, cart management, and shipping tracking, making it easy for users to shop from home.

Target is perfect for anyone looking to find new products or save money on their favorite brands. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

eBay: A Shopping App

Last but not least is eBay, a shopping app that allows users to browse and purchase products using reviews and product recommendations. The app includes features like auctions, fixed prices, and shipping tracking, making it easy for users to shop from home.

eBay is perfect for anyone looking to find rare or unique items or save money on their favorite brands. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Google Maps: A Navigation App

Another must-have app on the list is Google Maps, a navigation app that allows users to find directions and view maps using real-time traffic data. The app includes features like street view, public transit, and places to visit, making it easy for users to navigate their surroundings.

Google Maps is perfect for anyone looking to get around town or plan a road trip. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Google Drive: A Cloud Storage App

Next up is Google Drive, a cloud storage app that allows users to store and share files using real-time collaboration features. The app includes features like automatic backup, version history, and file sharing, making it easy for users to stay organized.

Google Drive is perfect for anyone looking to access their files from anywhere or work with others in real-time. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Office Suite: A Productivity App

Another must-have app on the list is Office Suite, a productivity app that allows users to create and edit documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The app includes features like templates, collaboration tools, and mobile support, making it easy for users to work from anywhere.

Office Suite is perfect for anyone looking to stay productive or collaborate with others on their work projects. It's free to download from the Google Play Store, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Note: This list of apps is not exhaustive and there are many more great apps available for Android devices.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis episode of Android authority is brought to you by Norton Security hello again ladies and gentlemen I'm Joe hindy the Android authority app guy once again Happy New Year's everybody and welcome back to Google Play weekly in our first headline this week Temple Run VR has officially been released for the gear VR this means that the only people who can play it are those who have the gear VR innovator Edition as well as a Galaxy Note 4 or in other words about 12 people even though it's a release that only a few people can use it shows that there are game developers interested in this whole VR thing that's been going on if you can get it it should be in the Oculus store right now fans of Bravely Default may be interested to know that bravely archives D's report is coming to Android in Japan the release is slated for sometime in the next month which is really exciting if you live in Japan it takes place several hundred years in the future from the original bravely games and involves you collecting memories from crystals there's no word yet on a release outside of Japan but given the popularity of the game on the Nintendo 3DS we imagine it's a out there strongly considering so don't lose hope yet it's official folks Play Store developers can no longer use customer reviews in their app descriptions we reported on the news a couple of weeks ago but it has been made official the changes have been made to their support page under the keyword spam section overall the rules now prohibit customer reviews referencing other applications and those absurd lists of keywords that some developers like to use app descriptions are going to get a whole lot cleaner here very soon and it's about time because I never cared what Cindy 98 thought anyway to celebrate the New Year the Amazon app store is giving away $110 worth of free applications okay folks I'm filming this on Thursday and you're probably going to see it on Friday or later so I'm not 100% positive that this is still going to be going on however at the time of the making of this video it totally still is you can grab up applications like build Cal jetfit Pro and Mini piano along with games like Republic Kingdom Rush Frontiers and Riptide gp2 get your hands on these quick especially the games because they are some quality titles in our last bit of news this week Google has released a list of the 127 must-have Android applications it's a very interesting list that includes such Classics as push bullets Spotify YouTube Netflix and some lesser known ones like Zillow cookpad recipes and N coach a lot of it is fairly obvious stuff but this is still a great list to show people who are new to Android or a way to find some stuff that you may not have heard of there are even a few games available if you want to check those out we'll have the link for it in the video description below so who wants to see some trending applications as usual if you want to check any of these applications out you can find the links in the video description below first up this week is Looney Tunes Dash by Zinga it's a runner game similar to Temple Run except you play as your favorite characters from Looney Tunes as you play you complete goals and unlock new levels it's a great game for kids or pretty much anyone who likes Looney Tunes just Beware of the bugs because it is an early release sky gamblers is an air combat game somewhat similar in stying mechanics to the old Star Fox games it boasts a long campaign mode along with a number of online modes to enjoy the graphics are pretty good as well much like Looney Tunes Dash this is a new title which means there are some bugs that the developers still need to work out so do keep that in mind coindesk is a Bitcoin app that lets you keep track of things like the value of Bitcoins along with news analysis currency conversion and price notifications it's a very simple application with a barebones layout which is great for those who want to keep track but also want to keep things simple it's an application Bitcoin enthusiasts should definitely check out shift is a photo editor application that allows you to get more in-depth with filters shift differs from most by giving you a host of textures colors and effects that you can then mix and match together to your tastes to create your own filters you can save filters you've made for later use and it's totally free with no inapp purchases Mizu is a media center application as well as a media management application it was recently updated with some fantastic looking material Design Elements and it's also made to be entirely free it has a lot of flare while remaining relatively clean and allows you to choose your own video player it's a solid option that is is now free once again I'm Joe hindy the Android authority app guide why you're here why not subscribe to the Android authority YouTube channel if you're hanging out for a minute we have a couple of Awesome videos for you to watch right over there and they're also linked in the video description below for you folks on mobile finally don't forget to check out the written companion which is in the video description below as always thanks for watching everybody and have a wonderful day this episode of Android Authority is brought to you by Norton Securitythis episode of Android authority is brought to you by Norton Security hello again ladies and gentlemen I'm Joe hindy the Android authority app guy once again Happy New Year's everybody and welcome back to Google Play weekly in our first headline this week Temple Run VR has officially been released for the gear VR this means that the only people who can play it are those who have the gear VR innovator Edition as well as a Galaxy Note 4 or in other words about 12 people even though it's a release that only a few people can use it shows that there are game developers interested in this whole VR thing that's been going on if you can get it it should be in the Oculus store right now fans of Bravely Default may be interested to know that bravely archives D's report is coming to Android in Japan the release is slated for sometime in the next month which is really exciting if you live in Japan it takes place several hundred years in the future from the original bravely games and involves you collecting memories from crystals there's no word yet on a release outside of Japan but given the popularity of the game on the Nintendo 3DS we imagine it's a out there strongly considering so don't lose hope yet it's official folks Play Store developers can no longer use customer reviews in their app descriptions we reported on the news a couple of weeks ago but it has been made official the changes have been made to their support page under the keyword spam section overall the rules now prohibit customer reviews referencing other applications and those absurd lists of keywords that some developers like to use app descriptions are going to get a whole lot cleaner here very soon and it's about time because I never cared what Cindy 98 thought anyway to celebrate the New Year the Amazon app store is giving away $110 worth of free applications okay folks I'm filming this on Thursday and you're probably going to see it on Friday or later so I'm not 100% positive that this is still going to be going on however at the time of the making of this video it totally still is you can grab up applications like build Cal jetfit Pro and Mini piano along with games like Republic Kingdom Rush Frontiers and Riptide gp2 get your hands on these quick especially the games because they are some quality titles in our last bit of news this week Google has released a list of the 127 must-have Android applications it's a very interesting list that includes such Classics as push bullets Spotify YouTube Netflix and some lesser known ones like Zillow cookpad recipes and N coach a lot of it is fairly obvious stuff but this is still a great list to show people who are new to Android or a way to find some stuff that you may not have heard of there are even a few games available if you want to check those out we'll have the link for it in the video description below so who wants to see some trending applications as usual if you want to check any of these applications out you can find the links in the video description below first up this week is Looney Tunes Dash by Zinga it's a runner game similar to Temple Run except you play as your favorite characters from Looney Tunes as you play you complete goals and unlock new levels it's a great game for kids or pretty much anyone who likes Looney Tunes just Beware of the bugs because it is an early release sky gamblers is an air combat game somewhat similar in stying mechanics to the old Star Fox games it boasts a long campaign mode along with a number of online modes to enjoy the graphics are pretty good as well much like Looney Tunes Dash this is a new title which means there are some bugs that the developers still need to work out so do keep that in mind coindesk is a Bitcoin app that lets you keep track of things like the value of Bitcoins along with news analysis currency conversion and price notifications it's a very simple application with a barebones layout which is great for those who want to keep track but also want to keep things simple it's an application Bitcoin enthusiasts should definitely check out shift is a photo editor application that allows you to get more in-depth with filters shift differs from most by giving you a host of textures colors and effects that you can then mix and match together to your tastes to create your own filters you can save filters you've made for later use and it's totally free with no inapp purchases Mizu is a media center application as well as a media management application it was recently updated with some fantastic looking material Design Elements and it's also made to be entirely free it has a lot of flare while remaining relatively clean and allows you to choose your own video player it's a solid option that is is now free once again I'm Joe hindy the Android authority app guide why you're here why not subscribe to the Android authority YouTube channel if you're hanging out for a minute we have a couple of Awesome videos for you to watch right over there and they're also linked in the video description below for you folks on mobile finally don't forget to check out the written companion which is in the video description below as always thanks for watching everybody and have a wonderful day this episode of Android Authority is brought to you by Norton Security\n"