App news round-up: 14 October, 2020

If you’re planning a new business app design, and are in search of some inspiration, read on. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest news stories from the app industry to help you keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening, new developments and creative new app features.

Skoda creates app to identify vehicle faults

The clever people at car manufacturer Skoda have created a new app which can tell you exactly what’s wrong with your car simply by listening to the engine. Called the Sound Analyser, it has been put through its paces by a total of 250 dealerships across Europe and has passed with flying colours. The app works by listening to the car when the smartphone is held close to the vehicle. It identifies any sounds which aren’t quite right and then uses its own algorithm to diagnose the fault. It has a 90% success rate according to Skoda’s testers.

Facebook the number 1 choice for app advertisers

The latest Performance Index from attribution firm AppsFlyer has Facebook as the number one choice for mobile advertising. It is the clear leader for in-app advertising according to the new index – and is the best option for app developers and owners searching for a media outlet to drive in-app purchases and monetize users.

Apple Search ads in demand during the pandemic

If you’re hoping to increase downloads of your app, you may find that you have stiff competition on your hands. In addition to highlighting that Facebook ads are a better option than Google ads for apps, the AppsFlyer Performance Index also says that demand for Apple Search ads has soared during the pandemic. It reports that app developers are renewing their focus on App Store optimisation efforts, which is driving demand for ads on the portal.

Google and Google Play Store under Legal Microscope

The New-York based law firm, Kaplan Fox says that it is “actively investigating” potential antitrust claims against Google which allege that users who downloaded apps from the Google Play Store may have overpaid for them by as much as 30%. The law firm says that Google may have licensed the Android trademark to manufacturers such as Samsung and LG on the basis that the Google Play Store received preferential treatment and that it may have imposed restrictions and obstacles on app developers to prevent Android apps being distributed outside of the Google Play Store. As a result, Kaplan Fox says the price of Android apps could have been artificially inflated by as much as 30%.