Google has eliminated a helpful yet obscure feature from the Play Store.

      The latest update to the Google Play Store app has discreetly eliminated a handy app-sharing feature that many users may have been unaware of. Introduced in 2021, this feature allowed Android users to utilize the “Quick Share” option for sending apps to others.

      With the recent Play Store update (version 45.2.19-31), the feature is no longer available. If you never used or knew about it, there's no need to feel bad. App-sharing wasn't widely promoted, and even those who were aware of it seldom took advantage of it.

      The app-sharing feature was particularly beneficial in areas with poor Wi-Fi or cellular signals, enabling users to receive apps from friends via a local connection, thereby conserving their limited bandwidth rather than relying on their own unreliable networks. This was especially useful for downloading large apps, such as games or software like Photoshop, particularly in rural areas where download speeds tend to be slow.

      Although Google hasn't explained the removal of this feature, alternatives do exist for users in need. Several independent apps still allow data sharing via Bluetooth, meaning the functionality isn't entirely lost; however, apps can no longer be shared directly from the Play Store.

      It is worth noting that Google has a history of discontinuing apps and features without clear reasons. While the app-sharing feature had a limited user base, more popular products and services have also been discontinued, leading users to joke about the situation, coining the term "Google Graveyard" for the list of closed projects.

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      You can now officially download the TikTok app again on Android devices. The TikTok app has not been available in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store since the platform faced a potential ban in the US, making new downloads impossible for Android and Apple smartphone users. However, things have improved for Android users.

      The official TikTok website now provides a software package that enables users to download the app directly, in lieu of relying on an app repository like the Google Play Store. Although third-party websites have offered the app's software bundle for some time, this method often carries the risk of malware.

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      A new music app is taking a different approach in the Apple App Store. The iOS App Store is flooded with apps that utilize subscriptions and in-app purchases, but our focus has shifted to a new release that returns to the traditional model of a one-time payment. This approach is so uncommon that the company has highlighted it in the app's key features.

      The app, called Practice Pro, is developed by Dynamic App Design to aid musicians in their practice and skill improvement. The developers claim it caters to both professional and amateur musicians due to its innovative modular design. By incorporating various widgets, the app can be configured to include only the relevant practice tools, making it a superior alternative to juggling multiple apps or dealing with a cluttered, unfocused menu.

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      Google Photos is receiving new sorting features to enhance organization. The Google Photos app on Android has been updated with tools to better manage the default view. New options have been added to the app, allowing users to hide automatically saved media, such as screenshots or images and videos shared via messaging apps like WhatsApp. This update is significant for those who primarily use Google Photos to view and sort their images and videos on Android devices. This enhancement may be part of an upcoming broader redesign for Google Photos.

      With this update, Google has introduced expanded sorting features, now categorized under "Photos view," replacing the previous "personalize your grid" option. Android Authority was the first to notice these new settings, which also include options to "show content from other apps."