App news roundup 11 February

A series of malicious apps said to have been downloaded over 470,000 times from Google Play have come to light with Android users being warned to delete them right away from their devices. The apps, which masquerade as utility apps to boost device performance have been available since 2017 but tests by the security intelligence blog, Trend Micro say the apps can download around 3000 malware variants on to infected devices and conduct ad fraud as well as post fake positive reviews for the app on the app store.  

As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus continues to grow, the Chinese government has launched a new close contact detector app which allows users to check if they are at risk of contracting the virus. The app does this by telling the user if they have been in close proximity or had contact with anyone diagnosed with coronavirus – some commentators have said this app demonstrates the extremely close tabs and high levels of surveillance that the Chinese government keeps on its citizens. 

Apple has confirmed that it will begin the process of unifying its various app stores so that developers can sell cross-platform apps as a single purchase. The cross-platform app will work across a range of devices for the single fee, including iPhone, Apple TV and for the first time, macOS. 

The iOS App Store and Mac App Store will both be given an update to reflect the new cross-platform app bundles, with new categories brought in to aid app discovery. For the standard App Store, there will be new categories for developer tools and graphics and design. On macOS new categories will include books, food and drink, shopping and navigation. 

A brand new ride-hailing app from India launched in London yesterday (Monday 10 February) as Uber continues to appeal against TFL’s decision not to renew its license. While there are already a few ride-hailing apps in the capital, the launch of Ola shows that it is possible to launch into a super competitive marketplace with a strong enough vision for your app. Ola is aiming to set itself apart from rivals by focusing on safety features for users, such as its use of a single use passcode which confirms to the passenger they are in the correct, licensed vehicle. The app also uses machine learning to track the progress of the vehicle and will alert the app’s HQ if the vehicle appears to be deviating from the expected route or is venturing into an unsafe area.