Google and Apple Remove 'Red Dot' ICE Alert App Over Policy Violations.

Google has removed the "Red Dot" application, an alert tool designed to track U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, from its Play Store. The decision follows a similar move by Apple, effectively pulling the app from both major mobile ecosystems.

The app's developers marketed Red Dot as a "safety tool" that would alert users to nearby ICE activity. It reportedly aggregated information from both "reputable sources" and anonymous, user-generated reports of agent movements.

A spokesperson for Google confirmed the removal to Android Authority, stating that the app was in violation of the Play Store policy. The company specifically cited its rule against applications that carry a "high risk of abuse."

Furthermore, Google noted that apps featuring user-generated content, as Red Dot did with its anonymous reporting system, are subject to stringent moderation requirements. The platform concluded that Red Dot failed to meet these necessary content control standards.

The removal comes amid heightened public interest and scrutiny regarding the aggressive tactics of federal immigration enforcement. However, Google clarified that the Department of Justice had not contacted the company regarding the app prior to its takedown.

This incident is not isolated; the takedown mirrors Apple's earlier removal of the iOS-exclusive app "ICEBlock," which performed a similar function. This signals a unified stance by the major mobile platforms on applications involving law enforcement agencies' location-tracking.

Google Play Store Rolls Out New In-App ‘Gift Card Mall’ for Top Brands.

The Google Play Store is significantly expanding its utility, with a new update rolling out that allows users to directly purchase and send digital gift cards from a variety of top retailers and brands.

This new functionality transforms the Play Store from solely a content distribution platform into a centralized digital gifting hub.

The feature is designed to create a streamlined, one-stop shopping experience for users on Android devices.

Dedicated Gift Cards Section Appears.

Users now have a new entry point for digital gifting that is accessible directly through the app’s main profile menu.

A new “Gift cards” option is appearing for some users, nestled between the existing “Payments & subscriptions” and “Play Protect” tabs.

This new section is currently rolling out widely, allowing users to discover and purchase cards without needing to leave the Play Store app.

Beyond Google Play Credit.

While Google Play credit gift cards are available in denominations from $15 to $100, the new feature extends far beyond its own ecosystem.

The section functions as an extensive “gift card mall,” offering digital cards from premier brands across numerous consumer categories.

These categories include Dining, Retail, Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, and Electronics, making the selection highly diverse.

Seamless Purchase and Digital Delivery.

The in-app process for purchasing a gift card is designed for simplicity and convenience.

Users can select from various virtual card designs, choose their desired monetary amount, and then personalize the gift.

Delivery is handled digitally, requiring only the recipient’s email address or phone number, along with an optional custom gift message.

Powered by Blackhawk Network Partnership.

Google has partnered with global branded payment solutions leader, Blackhawk Network (BHN), to power this expansive new feature.

This collaboration leverages BHN’s extensive digital gifting portfolio and technology, providing the wide range of available third-party brand options.

The move simplifies the user journey, fulfilling Google’s goal to allow users to "discover, purchase and send value without jumping between apps or sites."

Google's New Play Games Sidekick Brings an AI Coach to Your Android Games.

Ever found yourself stuck on a level, furiously tabbing out of your game to search for a walkthrough? Google wants to put an end to that frustration. A major new feature called "Play Games Sidekick," powered by Gemini Live, is on its way to Android, promising to be the in-game coach you've always wanted.

This isn't just another voice assistant; it's an AI that's fully aware of the game you're playing. Think of it as an interactive, real-time strategy guide that talks you through the toughest parts of a game without ever forcing you to leave the action.

How it Works: Your New Best Teammate.

Play Games Sidekick is an in-game overlay that you can summon at any time. The panel includes quick-access options for screen recordings, screenshots, and even live streaming to YouTube. But the real game-changer is the "Start Gemini Live" button.

Tapping this button launches an AI assistant that, thanks to collaboration with the Google DeepMind team, can "reason about the game based solely on the action on the screen." This means you can verbally ask it for tips, tricks, and strategies, and it will provide relevant guidance instantly. For example, if you're stuck on a boss, you can ask, "How do I defeat this boss?" and the AI will analyze the in-game action and give you a personalized strategy.

In addition to the conversational coaching, the Sidekick also features personalized "Game Tips" that are tailored to your gameplay and powered by the same intelligent AI.

What's Next for Developers and Gamers?

Google plans to roll out Play Games Sidekick to a select number of games in the coming months. It is also part of a new "Level Up" program for game developers, encouraging them to integrate these powerful AI platform features into their games by July 2026. This marks a significant step for Google to deepen the integration of its AI services into the core mobile gaming experience, transforming Android from a platform for games to a truly interactive gaming ecosystem.

Also Read: Google Play Games Update to Publicly Display Your Gaming Activity.

Google Play Store Gets Help from Gemini to Find Apps.

Google is rolling out a significant update to its Play Store, integrating its powerful Gemini AI to transform how users discover and find new applications. This new feature moves beyond the traditional keyword-based search, offering a more intuitive and conversational way to navigate the vast catalog of apps.

The update introduces thematic search suggestions that leverage Gemini's understanding of natural language. Instead of having to know the exact name of an app, users can now use a broad phrase or a goal-oriented query, such as "games to play with friends," "apps for mindfulness," or "boost productivity." The AI then provides a curated, more relevant list of applications that fit the user's intent.

Credit: AndroidPolice

This change is particularly beneficial for new Android users or those who may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available on the Play Store. It provides a helpful guide, providing context-aware recommendations that simplify the discovery process. For instance, a user looking to improve their daily routine could search for "morning routine apps" and receive a list of highly-rated alarm clock, habit tracker, and meditation apps, rather than having to search for each type of app individually.

The rollout is currently underway for users in the U.S., with plans to expand to other regions in the near future. This integration of Gemini into the Play Store is another step in Google’s broader strategy to weave its AI capabilities into its core products, making them smarter, more personal, and ultimately, more helpful to the end user.

Google Play Points Levels Up with New Rewards and a Mini-Game in the UK.

Google is raising the stakes for its most loyal users in the UK. The company has announced that its Google Play Points rewards program is getting a significant upgrade, introducing new perks that go beyond app purchases, including exclusive merchandise and a new mini-game.

The biggest news is the introduction of a new way to redeem points: collectibles and merchandise. In a collaboration with partners like Android, YouTube, and Chrome, users will soon be able to use their hard-earned points to get their hands on exclusive apparel and accessories.

Adding to the fun, the popular "Diamond Valley" treasure hunt mini-game is finally making its way to the UK. Previously a hit in Korea, Japan, and the U.S., the game will allow players to search for diamonds to win exciting prizes, including Pixel devices, exclusive merchandise, and bonus points.

How to Play?

The game will have an early access period for Google Play Points Gold+ members, starting on November 3. These top-tier players will also receive a 500-diamond bonus to kick-start their hunt. The game will then open to all Play users on November 10. The higher a user's status in the program, the more benefits they'll unlock.

For those who haven't joined yet, getting started is easy. Simply go to the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select "Play Points," and tap "Join for free."

Google Play Games Update to Publicly Display Your Gaming Activity.

A new update to Google Play Games is set to launch, with a primary focus on publicizing users' gaming activities. The update will transform the Google Play Games profile into a central hub, making your gaming journey visible to others.

Your Gaming Profile Becomes Public.

The upcoming changes, rolling out starting September 23, 2025, will make it easier for people to see what you play. Your updated profile will showcase aggregated statistics and progress tracking from your entire gaming history on Android, and with the option to import your past activity, your new profile will be a comprehensive public record of your gaming life.

This new feature is designed to help users build a gaming community. The public profiles will make it easier for people to see what games you play, what your achievements are, and what your stats look like, which is likely to encourage new connections among gamers.

What to Know About Your Data.

The new profiles will be accessible directly from the Google Play Store, making your gaming activity more visible to the wider Android community. While the update aims to enhance the social aspect of gaming, Google has stated that you will have full control over your data. This includes the ability to manage the visibility of your profile and data and the option to delete it entirely.

Also Read: Google's New Play Games Sidekick Brings an AI Coach to Your Android Games.