Google
Play Store – the official app store of devices running Android OS, is the primary source of apps for an Android user. Safe, secure and availability of millions of apps in the Play Store makes it most trusted and resourceful app store. Although, Play Store is rich in wide variety of apps, their are other third party App stores which may have useful apps that may not be available in the Play Store. Also, the advantage of getting paid Google Play content free in these App stores, lures users to switch to a Play Store Alternative.
So, if you are looking for a good, secure and safe Google Play alternatives. Have a look at our best Google Play alternatives over here. Since, Google allows only the installation of apps downloaded from its Play Store. Make sure that you have granted “unknown source” apps installation permission to the system.
Steps to enable third party App installation
- Go to the Settings app.
- Scroll down to Security.
- Enable Unknown Sources
Apkmirror
URL: www.apkmirror.com
One of the greatest source of Android apps. Consisting of latest and collection of all previous versions makes it favorite among some users.
Apkmirror doesn’t have an official app store app. But, a well established website layout makes the app surfing easy. Sometimes updates of an app may hit the Apkmirror even before it officially get into Play Store. All the apps are free and verified secure to install as per Apkmirror.
Amazon (Underground) Appstore
Platform: Android 4.0 or above.
The e-commerce giant
Amazon known for its best quality product also has got a very well designed app store in its name. Popularly known as Amazon underground app. Available for device running Android v4.0 and above, is all in one app for all Amazon based apps as well as other third party apps.
The Amazon store is not fully free, it also consist of some premium apps, for which we have to pay some pennies. Additional feature of the Amazon store includes:
- Free App of the day: Everyday Amazon offers a paid app absolutely free.
- Amazon Coins for doing payments exclusively in the Amazon store.
Apps and contents in the Amazon store is approved to be malware-free and secure.
Mobogenie
Platform: Android 4.1 or above.
Once a most popular and widely used third-party App store, lost its trust from the users because of its
adware-virus like function. However, still there are folks using the Mobogenie without minding its annoying ads.
If its too irritating advertisements and pop-ups are neglected, the Mobogenie has got great collection of apps, all available free of cost.
Download from Mobogenie official site
Blackmart Alpha
Platform: Android 4.1 or above
The Blackmart Alpha is a greatest contender of Google Play. As the app store name itself implies that it is the Black Market of Android apps. Here you can find all premium apps absolutely free.
The app UI is almost blackish, imparting a feel of online
Black Market. Most of the apps are claimed to be safe. But, not all.
Google Play Store doesn’t accepts it as secure.So, you can’t find it in the Google Play. If you would like to try the Blackmart, download it from third party websites.
Conclusion
In the above list we have provided only four of the Google Play Alternatives from 20+ available third party App stores for Android. Aptoide, Getjar, AIO, Opera Mobile Store can also be a good Play Store alternative.
Note: We, TheGadgetSquare team, recommends only the Google Play Store as a secure source of Android packages(APK), as we care for your safety. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that, the best alternative for Google Play is one and only the Google Play Store itself.
While, HMD announced the return of the legendary Nokia in smartphone industry. It had assured atleast 2 years of uninterrupted support for all the Nokia phones. For the time being, HMD confirms the promise it made was not just a joke.
The fact, Android 7.1.1 Nougat coming to Nokia 3 was officially revealed by Chief Product Officer of the HMD Global via twitter. Below you could see the tweet of Juho Sarvikas, CPO.
As we are already aware, the 7.1.1 is a minor upgradation from the Nougat 7.0. Mostly bug fixes and enhanced device optimization. The ‘App Shortcuts’ feature debuted with Nougat 7.1.1(API 25) will also be incorporated in Nokia 3.
Nokia 3 is totally different from its larger siblings, as far as hardware is considered, Even though the three are identical in design. At its heart lies Mediatek MTK 6737 chipset, contrary to the Snapdragon 430 seen in Nokia 5 & 6.
Meanwhile, OEM’s such as Samsung, Xiaomi are too late in providing major update for their eligible devices (I’m Not blaming, because they have got genuine limitations). Nokia keeping their promises in terms of software support will surely enhance its fan base and trust. 
This Google HomePod’s firmware code base was firstly spotted by developer, Steve Troughton-Smith and has several references of “BKFaceDetect”, which presumably stands for BiometricKit. In the code, there is a new phone with the code name “D22,” which is assumed to be the iPhone 8.
The code also reveals that the HomePod is running on the full-fledged version of Apple iOS and depends on a shell app called SoundBoard for control. The leaked code base also confirms the existence of infrared camera, which could be there to detect a user’s face in the dark. The next iPhone from Apple is rumored to launch this year in September. 
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is subject to many leaks and rumors and now the latest camera samples leaked by the tipster throws light on the camera’s features. The Galaxy Note 8 rear cameras are said to boast the 3D depth sensing technology. However, you should note that this feature is also rumored in the upcoming iPhone 8.
The camera samples which can be seen above reveal the capability of Galaxy Note 8’s dual camera in shooting the great night shots. These samples also reveal that Samsung is indirectly going to compete with upcoming iPhone 8’s camera. However, we have to wait till August 23 to see what upcoming Note series flagship has for us. 
The device listed on the FCC website is having the model number SM-N950F. This model number is speculated to be the upcoming Galaxy Note 8, because the Galaxy Note 7, Note 5, Note 4 and Note 3 respectively came with model numbers like SM-N930, SM-N920, SM-N910, and SM-900.
The U.S. variant of the already launched Galaxy S8 was SM-G950U and the U.S. model of the Galaxy S8+ is SM-G955U. That is why the SM-N950U that has appeared on FCC is said to be the U.S. edition of the upcoming Galaxy Note 8.
The reports are also pointing that Galaxy Note 8 will be available in at least four editions. However, all things will become clearer when the phablet will launch during the Unpacked event on August 23. 
Changelog of the app in the Play Store reveals that, “Cortana 2.9.0 as a major evolution”. Implementation of hamburger menu by replacing previous bottom navigation bar has enhanced the visual appearance and the change is easily noticeable. The hamburger menu now makes the access of Cortana settings effortless.
In addition, support of hand-free calling and texting elevates the overall productivity of the app as a Device Assistant.
Google Playstore lists following changes with the new release of Cortana:
Moto Z2 Force Edition is built from 7000 series aluminum. The device has a 5.5-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) Super AMOLED display and is powered by Snapdragon 835 processor. The device has dual rear cameras, a 2730mAh battery to fuel the phone and is be available in Super Black and Fine Gold, along with Lunar Grey color variant exclusively on T-Mobile.
On the other hand, the 360 Camera Moto Mod is capable of recording 360-degree 4K video with 3D audio. The video can be edited on the Moto Z2 Force Edition smartphone itself and even live streamed directly from the phone. The 360 Camera Moto Mod is having a price tag of $299 and will be available starting August 10. 
Huawei Technologies Co. has registered a 9.8% market share of Smartphone business. And, currently is the third position holder in the Smartphone industry. Huawei claims of its revenue increased by a third fold in the first half of this year. Huawei is also getting good on-going sale which is being utilized in enhancing the shipment of its mid to high-range Smartphones.
This is what the CEO of Consumer business group of Huawei said about the rise in sale: