Apps
App developers will soon be eligible for Google Play Store service fee as low as 10%
On October 21, Google announced new steps to make sales in the Google Play Store more attractive to developers. Currently, the company charges 30% for all registered sales and drops it to 15% after one year. From 2022, developers will now be charged 15% off payments from day one, while Google is also moving to reduce the fees for apps registered under the Play Media Experience Program to 10%.
Google said, the new fee structure begins January 1, 2022, and will benefit 99% of engineers. This means that if you purchase a subscription to the Google Play Store later that day, Google will charge the developer only 15% of the initial payment.
Google will also make changes to apps and services under the Play Media Experience app. These apps are built with support for platform experiences such as Google TV, Android Auto, Google Wear, and Google Cast in exchange for a 15% discount. From January 1, 2022, that amount will drop to 10%,
Google’s new movements come in the wake of attempts by developers to challenge the Google Play Store and Apple App Store 30% as a nuisance. The company has taken a number of hard work in this regard, reducing the commission that charged small business owners (earning less than $1 million a year) to 15%.
It would not be enough to stop other countries like South Korea from ordering to open its Play Store to use other payment methods, but such a move would go a long way in eliminating ongoing dissatisfaction from developers and content providers. Google cites Bumble and Duolingo as examples of partners who have responded positively to this change.
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WhatsApp Beta helps you never forget unread messages from important contacts
WhatsApp has released a fresh beta update with version 2.24.25.29, which brings a reminder notification feature for unread chat messages. This new beta update is available for Android via the Google Play Beta Program.
Previously, WhatsApp only sent reminders for status updates from specific contacts, mainly those you interact with the most. With the new update, WhatsApp is expanding this feature to remind you about unread chat messages from your most frequent contacts.
These reminders are sent for messages from people you chat with the most. If you leave a message unread, WhatsApp will notify you to make sure you don’t forget to reply.
Notably, the app uses an internal algorithm to choose these contacts based on how often you interact with them. However, if you reinstall the app, this data will be reset, as it’s not saved in backups or on WhatsApp’s servers.
Once this feature is activated, WhatsApp will remind you about any unread messages from important contacts. WhatsApp also makes sure the reminders are relevant and helpful without being annoying.
This feature is currently available to limited beta testers who have installed the latest version of WhatsApp Beta for Android. WhatsApp also plans to roll it out to more users.
WhatsApp adds floating button and gestures for faster group voice chats
Apps
Samsung Health v6.29 Beta update available for Galaxy devices
Samsung Health is an app that helps you manage your health and well-being. With the new One UI 7 update, Samsung has improved the app’s features and user interface to give you a better experience. The company has now released the Samsung Health v6.29 Beta update for Galaxy devices.
We are in December 2024 and Samsung is rolling out a new update for the Samsung Health app with version 6.29.0.053. This update improves some of the app’s existing functions and is expected to add new features that users can test before the official release.
Samsung Health v6.29 beta update is available for Galaxy devices and has a package size of 258.65 MB. Since it’s a beta update, it allows users to try out new features and improvements and provide feedback to Samsung. You can also download the update from the third-party app link mentioned here.
One UI 7 Beta update for Samsung Health includes a Mindfulness feature to help manage stress with mood tracking, breathing exercises, and meditation. You can earn new badges for activities like exercise, diet, and hydration to stay motivated.
Moreover, you can set reminders for your medications and check interactions to ensure you take them on time. You can now also access all your health records from various providers in one secure place. This update is designed to make managing your health easier and more organized.
[Full Changelog] Samsung One UI 7 elevates Galaxy experience with sleeker, smarter UI
Apps
Samsung Calendar icon receives more tweaks in One UI 7 Beta
Samsung Calendar app got a new icon with One UI 7, including new icons and enhanced features. The One UI 7 Beta update has been released, and a new report suggests that beta users just received the first app update, which is for the Samsung Calendar app.
The latest update of the Samsung Calendar app arrives with version 12.6.00.35. It brings a new tweak to the app icon, you can now see the name of the day along with the date. This update is truly useful as users no longer need to open the calendar to check the day, they can see its glance on the icon.
The new revamped icon of the Samsung Messages app is available for devices running Android 15-based One UI 7 beta, which means it’s currently only for the Galaxy S24 series. More devices will get this revamped icon with One UI 7.
Aside from this, the One UI 7 update makes handling your calendar easier. You can now reschedule events by simply dragging and dropping them in the Month view.
You can now choose which calendars to show on your widgets which lets you display different calendars on your home screen. With the “Add countdown widget”, you can add countdowns for events like birthdays to see the days left and right on your home screen.
Moreover, you can also move all events from one calendar to another without hassle, perfect for switching from a phone-based calendar to a cloud-based one. If you are a Galaxy S24 user, register and install the One UI 7 Beta to enjoy new Samsung Calendar features.