5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – [Google Play Weekly]

As usual, the Google Play Store was a whirlwind of activity with some big apps being updated and some more being released. To start, Koushik Dutta released AllCast to the Play Store as a beta and you can see how you can get it by clicking here. Some savvy tech heads found some Chromecast files in Plex Media Server’s configuration file which could mean support is coming soon. Google updated a number of their apps, including Search, Voice Search, Play Music, and Play Movies. Google is also planning released a NORAD-like Santa Tracker app to go with its Santa Tracker website. Next up, let’s take a look at some awesome Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week!

Action Launcher

[Price: Free]

Action Launcher was recently updated to version 2.0 and with it came some pretty dramatic and awesome changes. Namely, it’s now free so there is literally no reason for you not to check it out. Also included are Android 4.4 theme elements and Quickpage, which is a full home screen that you can swipe out from the right edge of the screen. Do yourself a favor and give it a shot.

Cal – Calendar by Any.do

[Price: Free]

Cal by Any.do is probably the most beautiful calendar app we’ve ever seen and it has a lot of features to boot. So far it’s received some pretty good reviews from users and we do plan on reviewing this app very soon to see if the hype is deserved. If you don’t want to wait for that, it is free so there’s no harm in trying it out right now.

Dead Trigger 2

[Price: Free]

Dead Trigger 2 hasn’t been out long but MADFINGER Games has been actively working to make it even better. In a recent update, zombies and missions have been rebalanced for better game play, more missions have been added, and an upcoming update will add some Christmas stuff so if you haven’t yet, now is the perfect time to pick up Dead Trigger 2.

Field Trip

[Price: Free]

Field Trip is done by the same people who did Ingress, so you already know it’s a good app. It was recently updated and included are new features and a re-designed user interface. Among the new features are simplified settings, swiping cards, accessing items on the bottom bar, and new publisher previews. If you need an app to keep you company on trips, this is the app to try.

BADLAND

[Price: Free]

Last on our list this week is a brand new atmospheric side scroller called Badlands and we literally can’t say enough good things about this game. It has 80 single player and 21 multiplayer levels that are challenging, competitive, and gorgeous. It has unique game play that results in a very enjoyable experience. Also, it’s free to play and the developer is already promising more levels. You can’t lose.