Calling all Android and iOS aficionados! This is your golden opportunity to score some premium apps at absolutely no cost. Act fast—these incredible deals won’t last forever, so make sure to take advantage of them before these apps revert to their usual prices.
The Google Play Store and the Apple App Store are teeming with an extensive array of applications designed to meet your every need. While plenty of options are available for free, some do come with a price. However, it’s worth noting that there are occasional promotional events that allow you to download certain paid apps for free. We’ve curated an enticing selection of the most engaging apps currently up for grabs at no charge at all. Don’t miss out before it is too late!
Our tip: If you are interested in an app, install it – even if you don’t need it straight away. This will mark it as “purchased” and add it to your app library. You can then remove the app directly from your phone and reinstall it for free whenever you need it.
Android Apps and Games Available for Free–Limited Time Offer
Top Free Android Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
Business Card Maker ($4.99): I know, how many of us use business cards these days but heck, if you actually need to design one, here’s an app for that!
Stick TV Remote Control Pro ($2.99): Your phone can do more than just make phone calls, you know. It can be a TV remote!
Cutout Premium ($2.49): Create photos for professional use by removing the background with this app.
Sound Meter and Noise Detector ($2.99): Want to measure how much noise is coming into your room? Use this app to find out!
Bright LED Flashlight Pro ($2.99): Kind of redundant as all phones have a flashlight app these days, but hey, if you want to be different…
Free Android Games
Live or Die 1 ($0.99): It looks like all hope is lost with the zombie apocalypse as you attempt to survive using your wits.
Defenchick Tower Defense ($0.49): Alien slugs are threatening to overwhelm you, as you do your best to keep them at bay in this fun tower defense title.
EHW Premium Stick & Fight ($0.49): A real-time strategy game, online side-scroller defense that combines RPG elements as you amass a powerful army to slaughter your enemies.
The Lonely Hacker ($2.99): A hacking simulation game that pits your brain power to overcome digital defenses.
Mystery of Blackthorn Castle ($2.99): A picture adventure puzzle game that requires you to solve mysteries using your brain power as you observe one scene to the next.
iOS Apps and Games Available for Free–Limited Time Offer
Top Free iOS Apps for Productivity and Lifestyle
Loopseque Mini ($2.99): Get this music ecosystem on your iPhone that features a powerful sequencer, sampler and fx processor, among others.
#filmphotography ($2.99): A camera app that makes you shoot photos which look like they were captured on film!
Cello Tuner ($7.99): Want to tune your cello? Well, what do you know? There’s an app for that.
Dice Bag 3D Dice ($0.99): Rather than rolling actual dice, here is a virtual dice bag with all the die you could…er, die for.
Violin Tuner Professional ($7.99): Tuning your violin has now gotten way easier with just your phone!
Free iPhone games
Blackthorn Castle ($2.99): A puzzle adventure game that requires you to explore the mysterious Blackthorn Castle to solve the associated mysteries!
Sleepin’ Guy: Sleepin’ Deeply! ($2.99): Playing the role of a nice guy who can’t wake up, this first-person action-puzzle game is set in a world of dreams.
Color Lines 98 Bubbles Classic ($1.99): Time for a bit of nostalgia! Play classic lines on your smartphone or tablet with this game, featuring colorful and light graphics.
WordWhile ($1.99): Think you are a walking library with all the great literary knowledge in your noggin’? Find out if you’re the real deal here!
Cypher Vocab ($0.99): Use a game to strengthen your GRE Vocabulary the smart way, blending learning and entertainment into a single app!
The deals were live as of the publishing date. If you found an expired deal, please share it in the comments below.
Before you download one of the apps mentioned, we recommend that you check the details of the app in the Play Store or App Store. This is important because some of these free apps may have their own special features or disadvantages.
In-App Purchases and Ads: No Surprises!
Be cautious with both free and paid apps, as they may contain hidden in-app purchases and advertisements. This is particularly significant when downloading games for children. To avoid unexpected problems, please follow the advice below:
App Permissions: Read the Fine Print!
In the rapidly evolving world of mobile applications, numerous businesses utilize ingenious tactics to tap into your personal information. But worry not, tech aficionados! We’ve compiled crucial insights to assist you in safeguarding your essential data. A fundamental first step is to be selective about the permissions you grant to the apps you decide to download.
Think about it: why would a basic alarm clock app need access to your camera or your contacts? What could possibly justify a flashlight app’s request for your exact location? By carefully evaluating the permissions you approve, you can effectively shield your personal data from unwanted intrusion.
Dive into the vast array of free applications available on both Android and iOS platforms, all while making sure your information stays secure and well-protected.
What do you know? We have arrived at the end of this week’s list. May you have a fruitful and productive week ahead, while we hunt for more free apps for a limited time only.
The OnePlus 15 has leaked again, despite official teasers for the phone.
The leak reveals various RAM and storage configurations for the phone, color options, and its weight.
The leak also hints at a large 7,800mAh battery along with 120W fast charging.
Last week, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, its flagship chipset that will power the majority of Android flagships in 2026. That includes the likes of the Galaxy S26 series, the Fold 8, and perhaps even the TriFold. Meanwhile, brands in China have already begun launching devices powered by this chipset, and we’ve already witnessed the Xiaomi 17 series being unveiled. Next in line likely is the OnePlus 15, which is being promoted vehemently ahead of its upcoming launch in China.
Although we expect OnePlus to shower us with details leading up to the launch, prominent leaker Digital Chat Station has revealed some additional information about the OnePlus 15. On a Weibo post, the leaker discussed the various RAM and storage options, color variants, battery capacity, and weight of the phone, among other specifications. According to the leak, the OnePlus 15 is expected to be available in four configurations, featuring variants with 12GB or 16GB RAM, and with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
Weibo / Digital Chat Station
Notably, these details are likely specific to China, where the OnePlus 13 also had identical configurations. Meanwhile, the 1TB variant was skipped from the global launch, and this is what we could expect for the OnePlus 15 as well. Additionally, the OnePlus 13 also had a 24GB RAM option only in China, which appears to be missing in the current leak.
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OnePlus 15’s massive 7,800mAh battery has also been tipped in the leak — up from the 6,000mAh on the OnePlus 13. Although a significant increase in battery capacity had already been speculated, the exact size was not specified. Considering the leaker’s credibility, we can accept this to be the actual size of the battery. However, we could expect the global variants to ship with a slightly smaller battery.
In addition to the bigger battery, the OnePlus 15 is also getting a slightly higher charging rate — at 120W. Currently, the units sold outside North America support 100W charging, while those in the region are capped at 80W. We might see similar restrictions with this generation, too.
Furthermore, the leaker reiterates previous leaks about the display’s resolution being reduced to 1.5K resolution compared to the OnePlus 13’s QHD+ screen. This screen could be similar to the OnePlus 13R’s, which offers a resolution of 1264 x 2780 pixels. However, at the same time, the refresh rate has been bumped up to 165Hz, which OnePlus has confirmed — and already tested by a reviewer in a OnePlus 15 gaming review. Lastly, the leaker claims the phone’s weight to be 214 grams, which is nearly identical to the OnePlus 13. But given the much larger battery, it is commendable.
While OnePlus has been teasing the phone officially, it has yet to reveal the launch date. However, it may have slyly suggested it to be October 27 in one of its latest teasers. We will update you once OnePlus confirms the dates for the reveal.
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New leaks reveal features in One UI 8.5 that could use AI to boost the connections.
Specifically, it’s thought that the phone could learn when to switch from Wi-Fi to 5G based on user behaviour.
The progress of AI so far has mostly concentrated on the generative side – making goofy pictures or summarising information. But it looks like Samsung could be preparing to do something a little more useful with the tech.
It looks like One UI 8.5 could include a range of AI features that focus on improving device performance, rather than giving you some spurious new feature. And according to details from SammyGuru, that’s going to include the management of your wireless connections.
Connection management is something of a hot potato. It’s possible to find yourself stuck on a Wi-Fi connection that doesn’t give you a data connection so your phone stops working. Equally, as you leave a Wi-Fi area, sometimes your phone can hang on to that connection for far longer than it should, delaying the switch to 5G and giving you a laggy experience.
Many devices already use some sort of intelligence to try and make this process smoother, but it looks like Samsung is going to push this a little further. While the source details show a range of connection functions, one that’s really interesting is highlighted by 9to5Google, that points to something called “switching to mobile data with AI”.
This will allow the device to intelligently move off a Wi-Fi connection, using learned data from user interaction and previous behaviour. That should mean that if you routinely turn off Wi-Fi when you leave home to avoid that laggy handover, the AI should learn from this action and do it for you.
What else will be added to Samsung phones?
That’s not the only addition that’s coming to One UI 8.5. There’s also going to be a change to how folders appear, while there’s a feature called “Family Device Sharing”. This is designed to help you share files between family members, although from the leaks so far, it’s not exactly clear how it’s going to work.
It’s still early days for Samsung One UI 8.5, with recent Samsung devices launching on One UI 8 (based on Android 16) and the next iteration not expected until new devices are launched. That’s expected to be in January with the launch of the Galaxy S26 family.
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
We’re expecting to see a lot more leaks before the launch of that new phone – but for those with existing Samsung phones, it’s unlikely that you’ll get One UI 8.5 until well into 2026.
Samsung’s One UI 8 update seems to prevent users from unlocking their device’s bootloader to load custom ROMs, as spotted earlier by SammyGuru. Over the weekend, users on the XDA Developers forum noticed that Samsung appears to have disabled the option on devices in regions outside the US, where the option had already been locked for years.
By unlocking the bootloader, users can install custom software and make other modifications to their phone. Users discovered the new restriction after digging into the code of the Settings app on One UI 8, which ships with the newly released Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7.
As pointed out by SammyGuru and Android Authority, the code contains the line “androidboot.other.locked=1.” When this line is set to “1,” it means the bootloader is locked, like it is here in the US. Before One UI 8, this line had previously been set to “0” to enable bootloader unlocking in regions outside the US. Users spotted the restriction within One UI 8 beta builds for the Galaxy S25 as well.
Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
You get into your car, plug in your phone, and Android Auto appears on the dashboard. You open Google Maps, set the destination, and then switch to Spotify to start your AI playlist.
It works and gets you from A to B with a soundtrack, but the experience could be better.
I’ll cover seven tips, from simple interface tweaks that cut distractions to automation that starts a trip with one voice command.
Put your most-used apps right at the top
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | PixieMe / Shutterstock
When you first start using Android Auto, the app launcher on your car’s screen is arranged alphabetically. This is rarely the most efficient layout.
Your most-used apps — like Waze for traffic, Spotify for music, or Pocket Casts for podcasts — might be buried at the bottom of the list, forcing you to scroll while you should be focused on the road.
Spend two minutes organizing the launcher to pin essential apps in the top row for one-tap access. Here’s what to do:
Open Android Auto on your phone.
Tap Customize launcher.
Set Launcher sorting to Custom order.
Press and hold the six-dot icon next to an app’s name, then drag it up or down the list to reorder.
Place your top four or five apps at the top for quick access.
Uncheck the box next to any app you don’t use to declutter your screen.
Create one-tap shortcuts for your daily actions
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | kungfu01 / Shutterstock
Some actions you perform on every drive. This can be calling your partner, checking your schedule, or navigating home. While voice commands are great, they can sometimes be slow or fail in a noisy car.
This trick lets you create one-tap shortcuts for your most common actions directly on your app launcher. Go to Android Auto settings > Customize launcher > Add a shortcut to the launcher.
For a call shortcut, tap Call a contact, pick the person you want from your contacts list, and a new icon with their name will appear in your launcher.
For an Assistant shortcut, tap An Assistant action, type the command you would normally say (for example, “What’s on my calendar today?”).
Give it a short label and tap Create shortcut. You’ll now see a button in your launcher that runs the command instantly.
Hide message previews on the dashboard to protect your privacy
The car is often a shared space. Whether carpooling with colleagues, driving your kids, or on a road trip with friends, you don’t necessarily want the content of your incoming text messages displayed on the dashboard for everyone to see.
With this setting, notifications won’t display message previews, keeping conversations out of sight.
Open Android Auto settings on your phone.
Scroll to the Messaging section.
Find the toggle labeled Show first line of conversations (or, on some phones, under Show message notifications).
Turn the toggle off.
Check that when a new message arrives, Android Auto shows only the sender’s name and the fact that you have a message.
Now, when a new message arrives, Android Auto will still alert you that you have a message and who it’s from, but the content of the message will not be displayed. You can tap the notification to have Google Assistant read it aloud to you.
Make driving easier with custom Google Assistant routines
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Siberian Art / Shutterstock
This is one of the most powerful efficiency tools in Android for drivers. Instead of performing the same four or five actions every time you get in the car, bundle them into a single routine.
Open the Google Home app and tap Routines.
Tap New (the “+” icon) to add a routine.
Tap Add starter and enter your command phrase (for example, “Let’s drive” or “Time for work”).
Tap Add action to start building your sequence. You can add multiple actions.
When you’re done, tap Save.
Now, the next time you get in the car, say your chosen phrase, and Google Assistant will take care of everything. Imagine exiting the office and saying, “Hey Google, I’m coming home.”
Instantly, Google sends a text to your partner that says, “I’m coming home, do you need me to get anything?’ Then, Google Maps launches and sets your route to home, while your playlist starts playing.
You can also get creative and add smart home actions to the routine. For example, the thermostat can adjust to a comfortable temperature, or the garage door can open just before you arrive.
Master hands-free navigation with advanced voice commands
Credit: Jules Wang / Android Police
Most of us use basic voice commands. However, Google’s assistant can understand more complex requests, especially with the expected switch to Gemini, which has greater contextual awareness.
There’s no setting to change here, just knowing what to ask. Try some of these powerful commands on your next drive:
For multi-stage navigation, say, “Hey Google, add a stop at the nearest petrol station.”
For contextual navigation, say, “Hey Google, what’s my ETA or what’s the traffic ahead?”
For specific media, say, “Hey Google, play my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify.”
For targeted communication, say, “Hey Google, read my last message from Jane Doe.”
For reply with context, after a message is read, say, “Reply, I’m about 10 minutes away.”
Cut the cord with a wireless Android Auto adapter
While many new cars support wireless Android Auto, many older models still require you to plug in a USB cable. This means dealing with wires when you get in and out of the car.
A wireless adapter is a small dongle that permanently solves this problem. You plug it in once and forget about it.
From then on, your phone automatically connects to Android Auto wirelessly from your pocket or bag for a seamless experience.
Source: Amazon
Power Source
USB-C
What’s Included
USB-A to USB-C Cable
Brand
AAWireless
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Explore Android Auto’s hidden developer settings
Credit: Android Police / Shutterstock
Developer settings is the secret menu that lets you fine-tune Android Auto’s performance to match your specific car’s hardware. You can adjust the video resolution, collect debugging information to solve tricky issues, and much more.
Here’s how to access the settings:
On your phone, go to Android Auto settings.
Scroll to the bottom and tap the Version number 10 times until you see the confirmation to allow developer settings. Tap OK.
Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Developer settings.
If you want to explore the settings further, a few other useful settings are worth exploring.
For example, Video Resolution lets you sharpen Android Auto’s visual output up to 720p or 1080p if things look fuzzy.
There’s also an option to disable Wireless Android Auto. A wired connection can help keep your phone charged on long drives and often provides a more stable link.
I’m personally a big fan of wireless, but I know not everyone feels the same.
Android Auto is worth exploring beyond the basics
As we’ve seen, Android Auto is much more than a screen in your car. Pick one or two of these tricks for your next drive. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
To reduce the number of harmful apps targeting Android users, Google has announced that certified Android devices will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed.
But this new measure is not just about malware that’s found on the Google Play Store, it’s mainly about sideloaded apps (apps downloaded from outside the official Google Play Store).
Since August 31, 2023, apps on the Play Store already were subject to a D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) number requirement. Google says this has helped reduce the number of cybercriminals exploiting anonymity to distribute malware, commit financial fraud, and steal sensitive data.
To broaden this success, Google intends to start sending out invitations gradually starting October 2025, before opening it up to all developers in March 2026. In September 2026, the requirements go into effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. At this point, any app installed on a certified Android device in these regions must be registered by a verified developer. The requirements will then be rolled out globally.
This initiative, branded as ‘Developer verification,’ aims to combat the widespread problem of malware from sideloaded apps. Google says its research shows that 50 times more malware comes from sideloaded sources than from Google Play itself.
So, the new rules extend to everyone distributing Android apps, including those hosting them on third-party app stores or offering APK downloads directly. For developers who distribute their apps solely through the Google Play Store there will not be much of a change.
Yet, while legitimate developers will tell you how hard it is to get their apps accepted into the Google Play Store, cybercriminals manage to sneak in their malicious apps anyway.
For a full understanding of the new requirement, we’ll need to explain what “certified Android devices” are.
A definition for a certified Android device is: an Android product—such as a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming box—that has passed a rigorous series of Google security, compatibility, and performance tests, and is officially approved by Google. Certified devices run an official version of Android and have access to Google apps and the Play Store. Uncertified devices often lack these and may not receive updates or proper security support.
This is important to know because not all Android malware is limited to phones. Take for example, the BadBox botnet which also affects devices like TV streaming boxes, tablets, and smart TVs.
In practice, a certified device encompasses all mainstream devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, and the Google Pixel line.
Reportedly, non-certified devices are those from Huawei, Amazon Fire tablets, and a set of Chinese TV boxes and smartphones that use heavily modified OS images.
Google encourages all developers to sign up for early access as the best way to prepare and stay informed.
“Early participants will also get:
An invitation to an exclusive community discussion forum.
Priority support for these new requirements.
The chance to provide feedback and help us shape the experience.”
Whether these controls will be effective largely depends on enforcement and public awareness, but Google feels it marks real progress toward a safer mobile ecosystem. Let us know how you feel about this in the comments.
We don’t just report on phone security—we provide it
Google is bringing its “collaborate with Gemini” tools in Drive to Android and iOS apps.
The update lets you summarize documents, discuss topics, and pull facts across files on mobile.
Rollout began on September 22, but it may not have reached all users yet.
Google has been rolling Gemini features into Drive for a while now, from catching you up on file changes to summarizing meeting recordings. Until now, though, the “collaborate with Gemini” experience was limited to the web. That’s changing, with Google announcing the feature is now available in the Drive apps for Android and iOS.
As detailed on the Workspace Updates blog, this integration brings the web experience to your phone. You’ll be able to ask Gemini to summarize long documents or even entire folders, pull out quick facts from across multiple files, or discuss a topic without manually digging through everything yourself.
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The rollout began on September 22 and could take more than 15 days to reach everyone. It’s going live on both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains.
As usual with Google Workspace features, availability depends on your plan: Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Google AI Pro for Education, and Google One AI Premium subscribers are all covered.
This is the latest in a string of Gemini upgrades for Drive. Earlier this year, Google added support for video summarization and a “Catch me up” feature that highlights edits and comments since you last opened a file. Now, those AI-powered tools are joined by full Gemini collaboration on mobile.
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The Google Play Store functions as the standard application marketplace for Android smartphones and tablets. It allows you to download and update your apps, games, movies, and electronic books in its digital retail platform.
The Google Play Store library gives you access to millions of applications across productivity, entertainment, and communication genres, and more. Click on the search bar, enter keywords, and you just have to scroll through the results to find your favorite apps.
As a Google-produced solution, it conducts safety scans on applications, which decreases potential threats. It also offers developers a development environment while getting access to specialized software markets.
Through total integration with Google services, the Play Store delivers effortless experiences for all Android devices. It permits management of subscriptions, purchases, and processes in-app charges. Users who run Android devices from custom ROMs or alternative Android systems need to perform a manual installation of the Google Play Store, but standard Android devices receive it installed from the factory.
This system maintains regular upgrades that enhance user security, performance improvements, and the total user experience.
Why Should I Download Google Play Store?
For any user operating an Android smartphone or tablet, the Google Play Store installation is essential. Not having it means you will never access the huge collection of trusted and regularly updated applications.
The Play Store functions as a platform that delivers content search, downloads, and maintains application security, together with update management. The security protocol of Google Play Protect performs verification before permitting an application into the system to ensure no malware or questionable behavior. You receive better protection from potentially harmful apps through this standard due to the lack of modification found in third-party app sources.
The main advantage of implementing the Google Play Store is the convenience it brings. You can easily search, download applications by tapping your screen. The feature of the library handles complex requirements and compatibility problems automatically, so you can only access apps that are compatible with your device.
The updates of your apps are automatically applied in the background, which keeps your devices running with current features and security updates. You can also manage all your subscriptions (like Netflix, Spotify, or any other in-app subscription) or purchases (when you buy directly an app, not in-app) directly from your Google account.
By browsing the home page, you can get recommendations for games and other apps, thanks to the use of data from your past app choices. It helps you discover productive tools, fitness applications, new games, and entertainment discovery without repeated browsing of categories. You can also use the search engine to find the content you seek.
Beyond the offer of applications, the Google Play Store includes significant options for full books and audiobook content. There also used to be a movie catalog, but it was transferred to the Google TV app. Note that the books and audiobooks you purchase are then available through the Google Play Books app.
All apps downloaded from your Google account are saved automatically, so you can easily reinstall them on new devices. You can also create a family library where all purchased apps are available for any member of your family (buy once, and it will be available for all).
For kids’ devices (phone or tablet) using the Google Family Link, the Google Play Store offers an added security feature, blocking content depending on the kid’s age. You can also block the automatic installation of apps. In that case, you’ll have to manually permit the installation.
Is Google Play Store Free?
You can access the Google Play Store without expense since it provides free support to all. All users download the app without charges, and using it (search, download, update) does not cost anything.
That said, certain digital products available through it will need to be purchased. The platform offers complimentary apps together with payment-based features that you can obtain through in-app transactions.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Google Play Store?
The main purpose of the Google Play Store is to function on Android devices exclusively. All Android OS-based devices start with the app included, except for those made by companies that deploy their unique application marketplaces. It can also be accessed on Chromebooks with Android app support, providing a relatively comparable experience.
However, the app is not preinstalled on Huawei devices, even if the system is based on Android. You can download the APK for the Google Play Store, but Huawei devices lack the Google services, and the apps may not function properly or at all. The Huawei phones and tablets are equipped with Huawei AppGallery.
Of course, the service does not function on iOS operating systems, including iPhones or iPads. Apple devices depend on the Apple App Store for their applications. That is also the case for Mac computers; however, you can use an Android emulator such asBluestacks and gain Play Store access on your computer.
On Microsoft Windows PCs, you can use the Google Play Games App to install Android mobile games on your Windows system or use an emulator.
Lastly, you can access your apps’ library from any device (Windows, Mac, Linux, or other) as it is available through a web page. This online solution lets you explore the content of the library and send the chosen app to your phone or tablet (if you are logged into your Google account).
What Are the Alternatives to Google Play Store?
While Android users usually select the Google Play Store as their main application marketplace, different alternatives stand ready for anyone seeking alternative options. You can also opt for secondary app stores because of geographical restrictions, hardware device constraints, or because they like the open nature of open-source systems. Some option permits you to download APK files instead of using an app library.
You can turn toAptoide, which presents a large selection of Android apps for free. The main reason to go to Aptoide as an alternative is that you can download the Aptoide App on your smartphone/tablet, and then it works just as the Google Play Store. From the Aptoide app, you can download any apps and games, and the service will offer updates when they are available. You can also access APKs directly from the Aptoide web page if you don’t want to install the Aptoide app.
If you want to download APK files, you will find APKMirror an important resource, even though it is not an official marketplace, but a respected website featuring various apps. APKMirror allows accessing outdated versions of applications, besides circumventing geographical limitations and installing unavailable apps across different territories. However, the installation process is different: you have to download an APK file and manually add it to your device, which can be a security issue due to the unofficial distribution channel.
If you are interested in open-source software, theF-Droid service offers to scroll a large library of open-source apps for Android devices. All apps are free, but you won’t be able to find the most popular ones (asWhatsApp, for example). Here you can also download the APK file.
Huawei AppGallery emerged as a leading alternative to the Google Play Store when Google services were no longer available to Huawei devices. The application center continues to develop more applications and games while persistently aiming to duplicate its competitor’s functionality, specifically for Huawei customers. Huawei AppGallery moves to develop its app selection to increase developer and user interest, though its database still remains limited compared to Google Play.
It’s not often that we get to talk about TCL, but the company has been blazing its own path for some years now, delivering unique Android products that stand out from the crowd. It’s not doing this by cramming the best hardware you can find on the market into its devices, but is instead offering an experience you can’t anywhere else.
It’s able to offer this by utilizing its own NXTPAPER technology, which delivers vivid colors but also has some of the properties of an ePaper screen. It’s easy on the eyes, responsive, and gives users the best of both worlds. The brand’s latest device, the Tab 8 NXTPAPER 5G, is an Android tablet that can now be purchased from Verizon.
This tablet might replace your e-reader
Credit: TCL
The TCL Tab 8 NXTPAPER 5G is a tablet that comes in a size that’s easy to carry, with a compact 8.7-inch NXTPAPER screen, which looks just as good as a traditional screen you’d find on other tablets, but also features the properties of an ePaper screen. TCL describes it as a screen with “nano-etched layers that provide an anti-glare surface.”
To put it simply, you get a matte screen that’s great for all environments and easy on the eyes, but still looks good with full color and responsiveness you’d expect from a device launching in 2025. The tablet also delivers plenty of power thanks to its MediaTek MT8755 chip that’s paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
There’s storage expansion using a microSD card up to 2TB. It has a large 6,000mAh battery which can last all day, along with an 8MP camera on the rear, and a 5MP camera on the front. It runs Android 15, which means you get a revamped OS that’s packed with impressive features. Plus, you get a 5G connection, which can help you stay online anywhere you go.
This tablet can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it, but is made for someone that wants an e-reader with the power of an Android tablet too. Sure, you can get that experience with any Android tablet, but the screen really sets this device apart. It’s something you have to see and feel.
The good news is that this tablet isn’t all that expensive, coming in at just $200 when you sign up for Verizon. Or you can pay just $5.55/month over 36 months if you want to make the purchase easier on your wallet.
Credit: TCL
Battery
6000mAh
Weight
12.52 oz
A compact tablet with a unique screen that combines the best features of LCD and ePaper displays. Plus, you get 5G connectivity, which means you can take it anywhere and still stay connected.
Some particularly insidious malware is disguised as free antivirus software. You download something to protect your computer, and instead, you infect it, leading to stolen data or a locked device.
You can avoid this malware by sticking with trusted antivirus companies. Choose a company from a vetted list like this one, read the third-party tests we link to and make sure the URL you’re downloading from is authentic.
Features
Antivirus software typically offers two layers of protection:
Scans that search your computer and remove malware. Some programs let you schedule these yourself, while others run them automatically when your computer is idle. You should also be able to manually run a scan at any time.
Real-time protection that identifies and blocks malware from being downloaded onto your computer.
Antivirus tools may also block malicious websites and protect you from threats like phishing, but these features are typically only included with premium programs. Similarly, antivirus tools may only provide limited scan scheduling.
Free vs. paid antivirus software
Most free antivirus software programs are created by companies that also produce paid antivirus tools. They typically use the same antivirus engines as the paid versions, so you’ll get the same level of scanning and malware protection you’d get if you bought premium antivirus from the company. However, this protection is often only available for one device per person, whereas paid antivirus tools offer packages for five, 10 or even unlimited devices.
Moreover, paid antivirus software usually comes with additional benefits, such as advanced ransomware and phishing protection. Many companies also offer full security suites that include things like VPNs and password managers alongside the antivirus tools. Check out our list of the best antivirus programs to learn more about these security suites.
System resource use
An antivirus tool’s real-time protection shouldn’t interfere with regular use of your computer. Deep scans will often slow things down by consuming RAM or CPU resources, but they shouldn’t make your computer totally unusable.
Issues with Avast
For years, Avast Antivirus for Windows was the gold standard of antivirus, with consistently high rankings on AV-Test. We’ve included its antivirus in our list of recommended security app options before.
However, early in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that from 2014 to 2020 the company had sold customer browsing information to more than 100 third parties. The FTC said that Avast allegedly collected the data through browser extensions and antivirus software and sold the data through its Jumpshot subsidiary.
Then-Avast CEO Ondřej Vlček responded to the initial 2020 reports with a statement that he understood that his company’s actions raised questions of trust in his company. To address these concerns, Avast terminated Jumpshot data collection in January 2020 and closed its operations.
We hope there will be no further Jumpshot-style activities and that Avast returns to glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the other free options on this list.
Issues with Kaspersky
Kaspersky has historically been another top antivirus provider, earning high marks and awards for virus and malware protection from independent labs. However, in June 2024, the US government announced a federal ban prohibiting Kaspersky from selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the US or to US citizens due to alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.
“Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the official announcement of the ban.
In a statement, Kaspersky said it “does not engage in activities which threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted US interests and allies.”
