Google is forming an Android security team to find bugs in sensitive apps

In a bid to quash vulnerabilities in sensitive apps on the Google Play Store, Google is reportedly creating a new Android security team. The company recently posted a new job listing for a Security Engineering Manager, who will be responsible for forming a team to conduct security assessments of “highly sensitive, third party Android apps on Google Play”. As per a recent report from ZDNet on the matter, the new Android security team will focus on apps like the COVID-19 contact tracing app and election-related apps that handle sensitive user data.

The job listing further reveals that the new Android security team will not only work to find vulnerabilities in sensitive apps, but also provide remediation guidance to impacted application developers. Furthermore, the team will be responsible for working with other Android security teams “to find new and creative ways to reduce the occurrence of Android application vulnerabilities at scale.”

We reached out to a Google spokesperson for comment, who confirmed that the job listing was indeed for a new team that would be responsible for continuing the work done by the Android Security Improvement and Google Play Security Rewards program. Since the Google Play Security Rewards program is limited to apps that have more than 100 million users, the decision to bring in a new team to handle sensitive apps that aren’t covered by the program is definitely a good move.

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Via: ZDNet

The post Google is forming an Android security team to find bugs in sensitive apps appeared first on xda-developers.

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Google is forming an Android security team to find bugs in sensitive apps

In a bid to quash vulnerabilities in sensitive apps on the Google Play Store, Google is reportedly creating a new Android security team. The company recently posted a new job listing for a Security Engineering Manager, who will be responsible for forming a team to conduct security assessments of “highly sensitive, third party Android apps on Google Play”. As per a recent report from ZDNet on the matter, the new Android security team will focus on apps like the COVID-19 contact tracing app and election-related apps that handle sensitive user data.

The job listing further reveals that the new Android security team will not only work to find vulnerabilities in sensitive apps, but also provide remediation guidance to impacted application developers. Furthermore, the team will be responsible for working with other Android security teams “to find new and creative ways to reduce the occurrence of Android application vulnerabilities at scale.”

We reached out to a Google spokesperson for comment, who confirmed that the job listing was indeed for a new team that would be responsible for continuing the work done by the Android Security Improvement and Google Play Security Rewards program. Since the Google Play Security Rewards program is limited to apps that have more than 100 million users, the decision to bring in a new team to handle sensitive apps that aren’t covered by the program is definitely a good move.

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Via: ZDNet

The post Google is forming an Android security team to find bugs in sensitive apps appeared first on xda-developers.

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[Update: Extended deadline for India] Google clarifies In-App Billing requirements, says using third-party app stores will be easier in Android 12

Update 1 (10/05/2020 @ 01:59 AM ET): Google has extended the deadline for Play Billing implementation in India to 31st March 2022. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on September 28, 2020, is preserved below.

Last week, we learned that Google was preparing to update its Play Store guidelines with new language that clarifies the requirements around the use of the Google Play In-app Billing service for in-app purchases. The report suggested that Google wanted to crack down on apps that offered in-app payments without using Google’s payment service, which is how Google gets 30% of revenue from Play Store purchases. Today, Google made these changes official.

Clarity on use of Google Play In-App Billing

Before today, Google required all apps distributed on the Play Store that sell digital goods consumed entirely within the app (such as skins in a mobile game) to use Google Play’s billing system. This has been a long-standing policy of Google Play, but the company says that they have “heard feedback that [their] policy language could be more clear regarding which types of transactions require the use of Google Play’s billing system.” As such, the company has updated the language on its Payments Policy page to be more explicit about the requirement for all digital goods to be sold through Google Play’s billing system. (For what it’s worth, I did a diff between the old payments policy page and the updated page using the Wayback Machine, and it definitely looks like only the language and not the actual policies were updated.)

Google says that “less than 3% of developers with apps on Play sold digital goods over the last 12 months” and that “of this 3%, the vast majority (nearly 97%) already use Google Play’s billing.” It’s important to put these numbers into context, though. There are nearly 3,000,000 apps on the Play Store; the vast majority of these apps are free and thus have no need for Google Play’s billing system. Regardless, for those existing apps that will be affected by this change, Google is giving until September 30, 2021, to implement their billing system. Any new apps submitted to the Play Store after January 20, 2021, however, will need to be in compliance with the updated guidelines. Lastly, for those apps that transitioned from offering physical goods to digital goods (because of the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic), Google says “these businesses will not need to comply with [their] payments policy” for the next 12 months.

Other aspects of Google’s Play Store guidelines have not changed. For example, developers are still not allowed to inform customers about better pricing, offers, and alternative ways to pay within the app itself. However, they are allowed to communicate with customers directly through other channels, such as via email. In addition, Google says their policies “apply equally to all apps distributed on Google Play”, including their own, and that their algorithms “rank third-party apps and games using the same criteria as for ranking Google’s own apps.” Google, of course, isn’t transparent about their proprietary search and ranking algorithms, so these statements were likely made in response to heightened scrutiny from the press and regulators.

Using Third-Party Apps is Easier on Android 12

When Epic Games filed its lawsuit against Google (and Apple), the company challenged what they believed to be scare tactics employed by Google to reduce the willingness of people to use third-party app stores. For example, Epic complained that the permissions that users have to grant contained dissuasive language, and that the inability to then silently install and update apps placed third-party app stores at an inherent disadvantage. Lastly, Epic also alleged that Google went out of its way to block the Epic Games Store from being preloaded on phones from OnePlus and LG.

In today’s blog post, Google reiterates that consumers have always had the choice of getting apps from multiple app stores, but that each app store “is able to decide its own business model and consumer features.” As an example, Google directly cites how Fortnite is still available for Android users that download the Epic Games Store or have access to Samsung’s Galaxy App store. However, the company will be “making changes in Android 12…to make it even easier for people to use other app stores on their devices while being careful not to compromise the safety measures Android has in place.” Google hasn’t shared exactly what changes they’re making to Android, but we’re guessing it’ll involve a new set of permissions and APIs.

FAQ about Google Play billing

In addition to the main blog post detailing the updated policy language, Google also published a FAQ about the use of Google Play’s billing. Here are the questions and answers that Google prepared:

Google Play Billing FAQ

• Q: Can I distribute my app via other Android app stores or through my website?
  • A: Yes, you can distribute your app however you like! As an open ecosystem, most Android devices come preinstalled with more than one store – and users can install others. Android provides developers the freedom and flexibility to distribute apps through other Android app stores, directly via websites, or device preloads, all without using Google Play’s billing system.
• Q: What apps need to use Google Play’s billing system?
  • A: All apps distributed on Google Play that are offering in-app purchases of digital goods need to use Google Play’s billing system. Our payments policy has always required this. Less than 3% of developers with apps on Play sold digital goods over the last 12 months, and of this 3%, the vast majority (nearly 97%) already use Google Play’s billing. For those few developers that need to update their apps, they will have until September 30, 2021 to make those changes. New apps submitted after January 20, 2021 will need to be in compliance.
• Q: Many businesses have needed to move their previously physical services online (e.g. digital live events). Will these apps need to use Google Play’s billing?
  • A: We recognize that the global pandemic has resulted in many businesses having to navigate the challenges of moving their physical business to digital and engaging audiences customers in a new way, for example, moving in-person experiences and classes online. For the next 12 months, these businesses will not need to comply with our payments policy, and we will continue to reassess the situation over the next year. For developers undergoing these changes, we’re eager to hear from you and work with you to help you reach new users and grow your online businesses, while enabling a consistent and safe user experience online.
• Q: Do Google’s apps have to follow this policy too?
  • A: Yes. Google Play’s developer policies – including the requirement that apps use Google Play’s billing system for in-app purchases of digital goods – apply to all apps on Play, including Google’s own apps.
• Q: Can I communicate with my users about alternate ways to pay?
  • A: Yes. Outside of your app you are free to communicate with them about alternative purchase options. You can use email marketing and other channels outside of the app to provide subscription offers and even special pricing.
• Q: Can I communicate with my users about promotions on other platforms?
  • A: Of course. We’re an app developer too, and we know how important it is not to restrict your ability to communicate with your users. You can email them or otherwise communicate outside of the app information about your offerings, even if they are different on Google Play than in other places.
• Q: Can I have different app features, prices and experience depending on the platform?
  • A: Yes. It is your service and business, it is up to you. We do not require parity across platforms. You can create different versions of your app to support different platforms, features and pricing models.
• Q: Can I offer a consumption-only (reader) app on Play?
  • A: Yes. Google Play allows any app to be consumption-only, even if it is part of a paid service. For example, a user could login when the app opens and the user could access content paid for somewhere else.
• Q: Does your billing policy change depending on what category my app is in?
  • A: No. Business or consumer apps, and verticals like music or email are all treated the same on Google Play.
• Q: Can I offer my customers refunds directly?
  • A: Yes. We understand the importance of maintaining the relationship with your customers. You can continue to issue refunds to your customers and other customer support directly.
• Q: Will Google Play allow cloud gaming apps?
  • A: Yes. Cloud game streaming apps that comply with Play’s policies from any developer are welcome on Google Play.

---

Update: Google defers Play Billing deadline to March 31, 2022 for India

Google had mentioned a deadline of September 30, 2021, for implementation of Google Play Billing in existing apps. Google is extending this deadline for India to March 31, 2022, in light of the recent feedback it had received from developers in India. This should also give developers who implement the India-specific UPI for subscription payment options (that will be made available on Google Play) enough time for the implementation.

As Economic Times reports, Google says the idea behind giving a lengthy period of time before the policy comes into effect is to make sure that businesses are not unduly stressed. However, Google is not yet discussing a change in its global business model per se. The statements, clarifications and extensions come in light of criticism leveled at Google for its app store dominance, and with more than 50 tech entrepreneurs in India joining hands to petition the Indian government for support to create an overarching Indian digital app ecosystem as a counter-measure.

The post [Update: Extended deadline for India] Google clarifies In-App Billing requirements, says using third-party app stores will be easier in Android 12 appeared first on xda-developers.

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[Update: Extended deadline for India] Google clarifies In-App Billing requirements, says using third-party app stores will be easier in Android 12

Update 1 (10/05/2020 @ 01:59 AM ET): Google has extended the deadline for Play Billing implementation in India to 31st March 2022. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on September 28, 2020, is preserved below.

Last week, we learned that Google was preparing to update its Play Store guidelines with new language that clarifies the requirements around the use of the Google Play In-app Billing service for in-app purchases. The report suggested that Google wanted to crack down on apps that offered in-app payments without using Google’s payment service, which is how Google gets 30% of revenue from Play Store purchases. Today, Google made these changes official.

Clarity on use of Google Play In-App Billing

Before today, Google required all apps distributed on the Play Store that sell digital goods consumed entirely within the app (such as skins in a mobile game) to use Google Play’s billing system. This has been a long-standing policy of Google Play, but the company says that they have “heard feedback that [their] policy language could be more clear regarding which types of transactions require the use of Google Play’s billing system.” As such, the company has updated the language on its Payments Policy page to be more explicit about the requirement for all digital goods to be sold through Google Play’s billing system. (For what it’s worth, I did a diff between the old payments policy page and the updated page using the Wayback Machine, and it definitely looks like only the language and not the actual policies were updated.)

Google says that “less than 3% of developers with apps on Play sold digital goods over the last 12 months” and that “of this 3%, the vast majority (nearly 97%) already use Google Play’s billing.” It’s important to put these numbers into context, though. There are nearly 3,000,000 apps on the Play Store; the vast majority of these apps are free and thus have no need for Google Play’s billing system. Regardless, for those existing apps that will be affected by this change, Google is giving until September 30, 2021, to implement their billing system. Any new apps submitted to the Play Store after January 20, 2021, however, will need to be in compliance with the updated guidelines. Lastly, for those apps that transitioned from offering physical goods to digital goods (because of the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic), Google says “these businesses will not need to comply with [their] payments policy” for the next 12 months.

Other aspects of Google’s Play Store guidelines have not changed. For example, developers are still not allowed to inform customers about better pricing, offers, and alternative ways to pay within the app itself. However, they are allowed to communicate with customers directly through other channels, such as via email. In addition, Google says their policies “apply equally to all apps distributed on Google Play”, including their own, and that their algorithms “rank third-party apps and games using the same criteria as for ranking Google’s own apps.” Google, of course, isn’t transparent about their proprietary search and ranking algorithms, so these statements were likely made in response to heightened scrutiny from the press and regulators.

Using Third-Party Apps is Easier on Android 12

When Epic Games filed its lawsuit against Google (and Apple), the company challenged what they believed to be scare tactics employed by Google to reduce the willingness of people to use third-party app stores. For example, Epic complained that the permissions that users have to grant contained dissuasive language, and that the inability to then silently install and update apps placed third-party app stores at an inherent disadvantage. Lastly, Epic also alleged that Google went out of its way to block the Epic Games Store from being preloaded on phones from OnePlus and LG.

In today’s blog post, Google reiterates that consumers have always had the choice of getting apps from multiple app stores, but that each app store “is able to decide its own business model and consumer features.” As an example, Google directly cites how Fortnite is still available for Android users that download the Epic Games Store or have access to Samsung’s Galaxy App store. However, the company will be “making changes in Android 12…to make it even easier for people to use other app stores on their devices while being careful not to compromise the safety measures Android has in place.” Google hasn’t shared exactly what changes they’re making to Android, but we’re guessing it’ll involve a new set of permissions and APIs.

FAQ about Google Play billing

In addition to the main blog post detailing the updated policy language, Google also published a FAQ about the use of Google Play’s billing. Here are the questions and answers that Google prepared:

Google Play Billing FAQ

• Q: Can I distribute my app via other Android app stores or through my website?
  • A: Yes, you can distribute your app however you like! As an open ecosystem, most Android devices come preinstalled with more than one store – and users can install others. Android provides developers the freedom and flexibility to distribute apps through other Android app stores, directly via websites, or device preloads, all without using Google Play’s billing system.
• Q: What apps need to use Google Play’s billing system?
  • A: All apps distributed on Google Play that are offering in-app purchases of digital goods need to use Google Play’s billing system. Our payments policy has always required this. Less than 3% of developers with apps on Play sold digital goods over the last 12 months, and of this 3%, the vast majority (nearly 97%) already use Google Play’s billing. For those few developers that need to update their apps, they will have until September 30, 2021 to make those changes. New apps submitted after January 20, 2021 will need to be in compliance.
• Q: Many businesses have needed to move their previously physical services online (e.g. digital live events). Will these apps need to use Google Play’s billing?
  • A: We recognize that the global pandemic has resulted in many businesses having to navigate the challenges of moving their physical business to digital and engaging audiences customers in a new way, for example, moving in-person experiences and classes online. For the next 12 months, these businesses will not need to comply with our payments policy, and we will continue to reassess the situation over the next year. For developers undergoing these changes, we’re eager to hear from you and work with you to help you reach new users and grow your online businesses, while enabling a consistent and safe user experience online.
• Q: Do Google’s apps have to follow this policy too?
  • A: Yes. Google Play’s developer policies – including the requirement that apps use Google Play’s billing system for in-app purchases of digital goods – apply to all apps on Play, including Google’s own apps.
• Q: Can I communicate with my users about alternate ways to pay?
  • A: Yes. Outside of your app you are free to communicate with them about alternative purchase options. You can use email marketing and other channels outside of the app to provide subscription offers and even special pricing.
• Q: Can I communicate with my users about promotions on other platforms?
  • A: Of course. We’re an app developer too, and we know how important it is not to restrict your ability to communicate with your users. You can email them or otherwise communicate outside of the app information about your offerings, even if they are different on Google Play than in other places.
• Q: Can I have different app features, prices and experience depending on the platform?
  • A: Yes. It is your service and business, it is up to you. We do not require parity across platforms. You can create different versions of your app to support different platforms, features and pricing models.
• Q: Can I offer a consumption-only (reader) app on Play?
  • A: Yes. Google Play allows any app to be consumption-only, even if it is part of a paid service. For example, a user could login when the app opens and the user could access content paid for somewhere else.
• Q: Does your billing policy change depending on what category my app is in?
  • A: No. Business or consumer apps, and verticals like music or email are all treated the same on Google Play.
• Q: Can I offer my customers refunds directly?
  • A: Yes. We understand the importance of maintaining the relationship with your customers. You can continue to issue refunds to your customers and other customer support directly.
• Q: Will Google Play allow cloud gaming apps?
  • A: Yes. Cloud game streaming apps that comply with Play’s policies from any developer are welcome on Google Play.

---

Update: Google defers Play Billing deadline to March 31, 2022 for India

Google had mentioned a deadline of September 30, 2021, for implementation of Google Play Billing in existing apps. Google is extending this deadline for India to March 31, 2022, in light of the recent feedback it had received from developers in India. This should also give developers who implement the India-specific UPI for subscription payment options (that will be made available on Google Play) enough time for the implementation.

As Economic Times reports, Google says the idea behind giving a lengthy period of time before the policy comes into effect is to make sure that businesses are not unduly stressed. However, Google is not yet discussing a change in its global business model per se. The statements, clarifications and extensions come in light of criticism leveled at Google for its app store dominance, and with more than 50 tech entrepreneurs in India joining hands to petition the Indian government for support to create an overarching Indian digital app ecosystem as a counter-measure.

The post [Update: Extended deadline for India] Google clarifies In-App Billing requirements, says using third-party app stores will be easier in Android 12 appeared first on xda-developers.

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Magisk v21 and Magisk Manager 8.0.0 released with Android 11 support, app redesign, and much more

Magisk by XDA Senior Recognized Developer topjohnwu is inarguably the most popular root solution for Android devices. With Magisk, rooting your Android device is as simple as flashing a .zip file in a custom recovery like TWRP and installing the Magisk Manager app. But because of the modifications it has to make to allow for systemless-root, Magisk needs to be updated to be compatible with every new Android release. Now that Android 11 has started rolling out to some devices, topjohnwu has released Magisk v21 and Magisk Manager v8.0.0 with support for Android 11, an app redesign, and much more.

Magisk XDA Forums

The latest version of Magisk is designed to work with all devices running Android 11. However, according to replies on topjohnwu’s Magisk v21 announcement tweet, some users are facing issues with the latest build. Magisk v21 also doesn’t seem to work with several MediaTek-powered devices at the moment. If you’re interested in trying out the build on your device, you can download the latest version of Magisk and Magisk Manager from the link below and follow the instructions given in this post to root your device. In case you face any issues, you can file a bug report on the project’s GitHub repository. Check out the section below for a complete changelog of the latest Magisk and Magisk Manager builds.

Changelog

Magisk v21:

• [General] Support Android 11
• [General] Add Safe Mode detection. Disable all modules when the device is booting into Safe Mode.
• [General] Increase post-fs-data mode timeout from 10 seconds to 40 seconds
• [MagiskInit] Rewritten 2SI support from scratch
• [MagiskInit] Support when no /sbin folder exists (Android 11)
• [MagiskInit] Dump fstab from device-tree to rootfs and force init to use it for 2SI devices
• [MagiskInit] Strip out AVB for 2SI as it may cause bootloop
• [Modules] Rewritten module mounting logic from scratch
• [MagiskSU] For Android 8.0+, a completely new policy setup is used. This reduces compromises in Android’s sandbox, providing more policy isolation and better security for root users.
• [MagiskSU] Isolated mount namespace will now first inherit from parent process, then isolate itself from the world
• [MagiskSU] Update communication protocol with Magisk Manager to work with the hardened SELinux setup
• [MagiskPolicy] Optimize match all rules. This will significantly reduce policy binary size and save memory and improve general kernel performance.
• [MagiskPolicy] Support declaring new types and attributes
• [MagiskPolicy] Make policy statement closer to stock *.te format. Please check updated documentation or magiskpolicy –help for more details.
• [MagiskBoot] Support compressed extra blobs
• [MagiskBoot] Pad boot images to original size with zeros
• [MagiskHide] Manipulate additional vendor properties

Magisk Manager v8.0.0:

• 100% full app rewrite! Will highlight functional changes below.
• Add detailed device info in home screen to assist user installation
• Support Magisk v21.0 communication protocol
• Support patching modern Samsung AP.tar

Download Magisk v21

Download Magisk Manager v8.0.0

The post Magisk v21 and Magisk Manager 8.0.0 released with Android 11 support, app redesign, and much more appeared first on xda-developers.

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Magisk v21 and Magisk Manager 8.0.0 released with Android 11 support, app redesign, and much more

Magisk by XDA Senior Recognized Developer topjohnwu is inarguably the most popular root solution for Android devices. With Magisk, rooting your Android device is as simple as flashing a .zip file in a custom recovery like TWRP and installing the Magisk Manager app. But because of the modifications it has to make to allow for systemless-root, Magisk needs to be updated to be compatible with every new Android release. Now that Android 11 has started rolling out to some devices, topjohnwu has released Magisk v21 and Magisk Manager v8.0.0 with support for Android 11, an app redesign, and much more.

Magisk XDA Forums

The latest version of Magisk is designed to work with all devices running Android 11. However, according to replies on topjohnwu’s Magisk v21 announcement tweet, some users are facing issues with the latest build. Magisk v21 also doesn’t seem to work with several MediaTek-powered devices at the moment. If you’re interested in trying out the build on your device, you can download the latest version of Magisk and Magisk Manager from the link below and follow the instructions given in this post to root your device. In case you face any issues, you can file a bug report on the project’s GitHub repository. Check out the section below for a complete changelog of the latest Magisk and Magisk Manager builds.

Changelog

Magisk v21:

• [General] Support Android 11
• [General] Add Safe Mode detection. Disable all modules when the device is booting into Safe Mode.
• [General] Increase post-fs-data mode timeout from 10 seconds to 40 seconds
• [MagiskInit] Rewritten 2SI support from scratch
• [MagiskInit] Support when no /sbin folder exists (Android 11)
• [MagiskInit] Dump fstab from device-tree to rootfs and force init to use it for 2SI devices
• [MagiskInit] Strip out AVB for 2SI as it may cause bootloop
• [Modules] Rewritten module mounting logic from scratch
• [MagiskSU] For Android 8.0+, a completely new policy setup is used. This reduces compromises in Android’s sandbox, providing more policy isolation and better security for root users.
• [MagiskSU] Isolated mount namespace will now first inherit from parent process, then isolate itself from the world
• [MagiskSU] Update communication protocol with Magisk Manager to work with the hardened SELinux setup
• [MagiskPolicy] Optimize match all rules. This will significantly reduce policy binary size and save memory and improve general kernel performance.
• [MagiskPolicy] Support declaring new types and attributes
• [MagiskPolicy] Make policy statement closer to stock *.te format. Please check updated documentation or magiskpolicy –help for more details.
• [MagiskBoot] Support compressed extra blobs
• [MagiskBoot] Pad boot images to original size with zeros
• [MagiskHide] Manipulate additional vendor properties

Magisk Manager v8.0.0:

• 100% full app rewrite! Will highlight functional changes below.
• Add detailed device info in home screen to assist user installation
• Support Magisk v21.0 communication protocol
• Support patching modern Samsung AP.tar

Download Magisk v21

Download Magisk Manager v8.0.0

The post Magisk v21 and Magisk Manager 8.0.0 released with Android 11 support, app redesign, and much more appeared first on xda-developers.

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Best Podcast Apps for Android in 2020

Podcasts are a great way to listen to some of your favorite content while you’re in the car, working out, going to sleep, or working in the office. Podcasts are popular on many different types of services. YouTube hosts audio and video podcasts, but you can also find them on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, and more. In this article, we are going to go over some of the best options for podcast apps. We will see which apps have the best features for following your favorite podcasts while having the best podcast features. We will also look at apps that are designed for creating your own podcast, so you can get started with just your phone.

Read about our picks for the Best Android Apps in 2020.

Best Podcast Apps for Android in 2020

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Spreaker Studio – Start your Podcast for Free

Spreaker Studio is a podcast creator app that lets you record, publish, distribute and analyze your podcast, whenever and wherever, easily. The unique in-app features give you total podcasting flexibility at your fingertips, making it ideal for on-the-go podcasting. Beginner to advanced podcasters will find it simple to use, free to enterprise-level plans available. Make a podcast your way.

Spreaker Studio - Start your Podcast for Free (Free, Google Play) →

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Castbox

Castbox is an easy to use podcast player for podcast lovers, offering a super clean layout and easy to navigate interface. With a wide category of podcasts to choose from, you can stream or download your favorite podcasts anywhere, anytime for free. Access over 95 million audio content including podcasts, audiobooks, FM radio and more in 27 different countries on your android devices. Discover popular podcasts on various topics

Podcast Player & Podcast App - Castbox (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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Podcast Player

If you’re a simple consumer of podcasts, you need a clean reliable app that can simplify your podcast experience. Podcast Player doesn’t just do podcasts though. They do music streaming and audiobooks as well. It makes sense to put all of your digital audio content in one place. Discover new podcasts based on your interests and keep track of your favorites as new episodes get released. This app is free to use and supported by ads.

Podcast Player (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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PodAlarm

Why wake up to an Alarm clock tone when you can wake up to your favorite podcast? PodAlarm is an app that helps you set a specific podcast as your alarm clock. Set the time you want your Alarm to start and it will begin playing your podcast at a low volume. The volume will gradually rise to your regular setting, making sure it’s loud enough to wake you up. It’s a very clever way to work podcasts into your morning routine. The app is free to download and to start using it.

PodAlarm (Free, Google Play) →

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Anchor – Make your own podcast

Making your own podcast is not a difficult process. It’s probably the most effortless form of digital media to create. A good way to get a podcast started is to make it right from your phone. Anchor is designed to make the entire process as simple as possible. Record a podcast with your friends, edit your audio, add some background music, then upload it to the major podcast platforms. You can record with your co-hosts and guests remotely, with up to four other people.

Anchor - Make your own podcast (Free, Google Play) →

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Google Podcasts: Discover free & trending podcasts

With Google Podcasts, you can play the latest episodes from your favorite shows, explore podcast recommendations just for you, and manage your listening activity. Google Podcasts will keep track of your progress in specific shows, and pick up where you left off on other devices. Browse popular and trending shows in comedy, news, history, music, business, TV & film, education, health & fitness, technology, arts, science, sports, and more. Google Podcasts is totally free for unlimited use.

Google Podcasts: Discover free & trending podcasts (Free, Google Play) →

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Podcast Addict

Podcast Addict allows you to manage podcasts, radio, audiobooks, livestreams, YouTube, SoundCloud channels and RSS News feeds from a single app. It’s one of the most popular podcast apps on the Google Play store. Their Android app has achieved over ten million downloads, 500K reviews, two billion episodes downloaded and an average rating of 4.7/5. This is one of the most feature-packed podcast apps on the Play store and it’s a great solution to manage all of your favorite shows.

Podcast Addict (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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Use one of these apps to manage your podcasts. Podcasts can easily be several hours in length, so spend some time finding the right app for you. If you’re not listening to podcasts, using the right app might be what you need to get into the world of podcasting shows. It’s a great form of media and can be consumed while performing other tasks.

The post Best Podcast Apps for Android in 2020 appeared first on xda-developers.

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