Tag Archives: App Development

Celebrating Another Year of #WeArePlay

Posted by Robbie McLachlan – Developer Marketing

This year #WeArePlay took us on a journey across the globe, spotlighting 300 people behind apps and games on Google Play. From a founder whose app uses AI to assist visually impaired people to a game where nimble-fingered players slice flying fruits and use special combos to beat their own high score, we met founders transforming ideas into thriving businesses.

Let’s start by taking a look back at the people featured in our global film series. From a mother and son duo preserving African languages, to a founder whose app helps kids become published authors - check out the full playlist.


We also continued our global tour around the world with:

And we released global collections of 36 stories, each with a theme reflecting the diversity of the app and game community on Google Play, including:


To the global community of app and game founders, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. As we enter 2025, we look forward to discovering even more stories of the people behind games and apps businesses on Google Play.



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#WeArePlay | Meet the people building sport apps and games

Posted by Robbie McLachlan – Developer Marketing

In a year filled with iconic sports moments—from the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris to the UEFA Euro Cup in Germany—our celebration of app and game businesses continues with nine new #WeArePlay stories. These founders are building sports apps and games that unite players, fans, and communities—from immersive sports simulations to apps that motivate runners with rewards like vouchers and free gifts.

Let’s take a look at some of my favourites.

Immerse yourself into your favourite sport with Hao, Yukun, and Mingming's simulator games

Hao, Yukun, and Mingming, founders of Feamber Games pose for a photo - Chengdu, China
Hao, Yukun and Mingming, co-founders of Feamber Games
Chengdu, China

Hao always dreamed of creating video games. After studying computer science, he joined a gaming company where he met Yukun and Mingming. Their shared passion for game design and long conversations about graphics, movie scenes, and nostalgic childhood games inspired them to start Feamber Games. Specializing in realistic 3D sports simulations like pool and archery, they’ve added competitive elements to enhance the experience. Recently, they’ve expanded into immersive games that let players build business empires and manage hotels. Now, the trio is focused on growing their global audience.

Anna’s boxing fitness app is a knockout, with tailored training and on-demand classes

Anna, founder of Boxx, sits cross-legged and smiles at the camera - London, UK
Anna, founder of Boxx
London, UK

Anna discovered her love for boxing at 11, staying dedicated to non-contact training throughout adulthood. After a career in accounting and becoming a mother, she struggled to attend classes, inspiring her to create Boxx – an app that brings boxing training to any location. Collaborating with fitness instructors, she developed personalized sessions, hybrid workouts, expert-led on-demand classes, and progress tracking. With hands-free guided audio and community features coming soon, Anna is regularly reviewing feedback to find innovative approaches to improve boxers’ experiences.

Get active and track your progress with Yi Hern, Dana, and Pearl's running app

Yi Hern, founder of JomRun, smiling at the camera - Cyberjava, Malaysia
Yi Hern, co-founder of JomRun
Cyberjaya, Malaysia

After creating a successful augmented reality game, childhood friends Yi Hern, Dana, and Pearl decided to inspire people to stay active. Combining Yi Hern's engineering skills, Dana's visual arts expertise, and Pearl's scientific background, they developed JomRun – Let’s Run. The app allows runners to track their progress, earn rewards like vouchers and free gifts, and easily join marathons. With teams in Malaysia and Singapore, and plans to introduce new features, the trio is gearing up to expand across Southeast Asia.

Ohjun and Jaeho’s volleyball game get high scores from players worldwide

Ohjun and Jaeho, co-founders of SUNCYAN - Seoul, South Korea
Ohjun and Jaeho, co-founders of SUNCYAN
Seoul, South Korea

Ohjun and Jaeho, childhood friends from an online game development community, combined their love for game building and volleyball to create The Spike - Volleyball Story. After a successful test release on Google Play, the game gained popularity in South Korea, inspiring them to improve it and reach a global audience. They added new features like story and tournament modes, plus a complete UX overhaul, all to recreate the excitement of real-life volleyball. Now, they’re focused on creating even more thrilling sports games.




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Notes from Google Play: The next phase of Play

Posted by Sam Bright – VP & GM, Google Play + Developer Ecosystem

Hello everyone,

Thank you for making this year another incredible one! Your innovative experiences continue to inspire us and bring joy to billions. We recently celebrated some of your amazing work in our Best of 2024 awards, showcasing moments of delight across phones, large-screen devices, watches, and PCs.

This year, we shared our vision for the next phase of Play where Play leans into being more than a store and becomes a dynamic platform that connects people with your content, when and where they need it most. To help people discover all you have to offer, truly engage with your experiences, and keep them coming back for more, we’re making Play:

    • A destination for discovery: Helping people find their new favorite apps and games and the content within
    • The best place for gaming: So people can play more of the games they love across more surfaces, with exclusive rewards available only through Play Points, and
    • Go beyond the store: Where people can get relevant content from installed apps directly on their home screen through our new Collections experience

Check out the video above, or keep reading for some of the key features we've launched this year to help you succeed at every stage of your app’s lifecycle.

New tools and features built in 2024

Launch with confidence

Launching a new app or update is a critical moment and we want to make this process as smooth and successful as possible.

    • The new quality panel gives you a centralized view of your app's quality so you can proactively find and address issues like crashes and ANRs, and see recommendations related to user experience.
    • And with SDK Console, we’re connecting you with SDK owners who can alert you in Android Studio and Play Console when new versions may address quality issues or help your app or game comply with Play policies.
Quality Panel in Google Play
Features like quality panel help you proactively find and address issues before you launch, helping you have a smooth and successful experience

Accelerate your growth and deepen your engagement with users

We've made Google Play even more content-forward with a visually engaging design that helps people discover the best of what you have to offer, wherever they are.

    • We integrated Gemini models to make it easier for everyone to find what they're looking for with AI-generated app review summaries, FAQs, and app highlights, providing key information at a glance.
    • Seamless app discovery helps users enjoy amazing experiences across their devices. Now, when people search for apps on their phone, they'll easily discover and install relevant apps for their TV, watch, and more.
    • Enhanced custom store listings give you even more ways to tailor your content. And now, with the ability to segment by search keyword, you can connect with users who are actively searching for the specific benefits your app offers. Play Console will even give you keyword suggestions.
    • Deep links help you create seamless web-to-app journeys to take users directly to the content they want, right inside your app. And now, we’ve made it even easier for you to manage and experiment with these deep links in Play Console, where you can make quick changes without waiting to publish a new app release.
App highlights in Google Play
App highlights is one of our latest AI-powered features making it easier for users to discover their next favorite apps.

Optimize revenue with Google Play Commerce

We're continuing to make it easier and more convenient for over 2.5 billion users in over 190 markets to have seamless and secure purchase experiences.

    • This year, we've helped over half a billion people be ready to make purchases by proactively encouraging them to set up payment and authentication methods in advance. With new secure biometric authentication options like fingerprint and facial recognition, checkout is now faster and more secure.
    • Our extensive payment method library, which includes over 300 local forms of payment in more than 65 markets, continues to grow. This year, we added CashApp (US), Blik Banking (Poland), Pix (Brazil), and MoMo (Vietnam).
    • Expanded payment options give more ways for users to pay for content. Parents with Google Family setup can now approve their child's in-app purchases from any OS, not just on Android devices.
    • And new subscription platform improvements, like flexible payment plans for long-term subscriptions, give users more options throughout the purchase experience, which helps drive higher conversions and new subscribers.
Installment subscriptions in Google Play
Flexible payment plans give users more options throughout the purchase experience, helping drive higher conversions and new subscribers for your app

Reinforcing trust, safety, and security

We continue to invest in more ways to protect users, your business, and the ecosystem. This includes actively combating bad actors who try to deceive users or spread malware, and giving you tools to combat abuse.

    • Google Play Protect scans 200 billion apps daily. When it finds a potentially harmful app, we let people know and may even disable particularly dangerous apps.
    • Easier automatic app updates help ensure users have the latest features and improved security. Users with limited Wi-Fi access have the option to get their app updates over mobile data, and within their data budgets. We also launched a new tool that empowers you to prompt users for timely updates.

These are just the highlights. To see how we're continuously improving the experience, check out our quarterly roundup of programs and launches on The Latest.

Investing in our app and game community

We’re continuing to help app and game businesses of all sizes reach their full potential.

    • This year, we’ve doubled the size of our global Indie Games Accelerator program and selected 60 game studios from around the world to participate in a 10-week program of masterclasses, workshops, and access to industry experts.
    • Ten studios from across Latin America were selected to receive a share of $2 million in equity-free funding and hands-on guidance from the Google Play team as part of our Indie Games Fund.
    • And the ChangGoo initiative in Korea has nurtured a thriving startup ecosystem, supporting over 500 startups and attracting over KRW 147.6 billion in investments.

And with another year of #WeArePlay, we shared and celebrated the stories of 300 app and game businesses from all over the world. Take a look back at just a few of the inspiring founders we’ve featured.

Looking ahead

I’m excited about the future of Google Play as a dynamic platform that connects users with your amazing content, wherever they are.

Next year, we're going to continue helping you maximize your investments on Play by:

    • Leaning into content-rich and interactive experiences for apps both within and beyond the Play store,
    • Building on our gaming destination to make it even more personalized, engaging, and part of daily routines, and,
    • Simplifying the payment and checkout experience for your apps and content.

Thanks again for your continued partnership and the innovation you’ve put into your apps and games. From our team to yours, happy holidays and best wishes for an amazing 2025!

Sam Bright 
VP & GM, Google Play + Developer Ecosystem

Four Tips to Help You Build High-Quality, Engaging, and Age-Appropriate Apps

Posted by Mindy Brooks – Senior Director, Android Platform

App developers play a vital role in shaping how people of all ages interact with technology. Whether your app content is specifically designed for kids or simply attracts their attention, there is an added responsibility to ensure a safe and trusted experience. Google is here to support you in that work. Today, we’re sharing some important reminders and updates on how we empower developers to build high-quality, engaging, and age-appropriate apps across the Android ecosystem.

Help Determine Android User Age with Digital IDs

Understanding a user's age range can be critical for providing minors with safer and more appropriate app experiences, as well as complying with local age-related regulations. Android’s new Credential Manager API, now in Beta, addresses this challenge by helping developers verify a user’s age with a digital ID saved to any digital wallet application. Importantly, Android’s Credential Manager was built with both safety and privacy at its core – it minimizes data exposure by only sharing information necessary with developers and asks the user for explicit permission to share an age signal. We encourage you to try out the Beta API for yourself and look forward to hearing your feedback.

While digital IDs are still in their early days, we’re continuing to work with governments on further adoption to strengthen this solution. Android is also exploring how the API can support a range of age assurance methods, helping developers to safely confirm the age of their users, especially for users that can't or don't want to use a digital ID. Please keep in mind that ID-based solutions are just one tool that developers can use to determine age and the best approach will depend on your app.

A diagram showing the flow of information between a user, their Android device, and a developer's app when using the Credential Manager API. The diagram shows how a digital ID from a user's digital wallet is used to provide app information to the developer's app.

Shield Young Users from Inappropriate Content on Google Play

As part of our continued commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for children across the Play Store, we recently launched the Restrict Declared Minors (RDM) setting within the Google Play Console that allows developers to designate their app as inappropriate for minors. When enabled, Google Play users with declared ages below 18 will not be able to download or purchase the app nor will they be able to continue subscriptions or make new purchases if the app is already installed.

Beyond Play’s broader kids safety policies, this new setting gives developers an additional tool to proactively prevent minors from accessing content that may be unsuitable for them. It also empowers developers to take a more proactive role in ensuring their apps reach the appropriate audience. As a reminder, this feature is simply one tool of many to keep your apps safe and we are continuing to improve it based on early feedback. Developers remain solely responsible for compliance with relevant laws and regulations. You can learn more about opting in to RDM here.

Develop Teacher Approved Apps and Games on Google Play

Great content for kids can take many forms, whether that’s sparking curiosity, helping kids learn, or just plain fun. Google Play’s Teacher Approved program highlights high-quality apps that are reviewed and rated by teachers and child development specialists. Our team of teachers and experts across the world review and rate apps on factors like age-appropriateness, quality of experience, enrichment, and delight. For added transparency, we include information in the app listing about why the app was rated highly to help parents determine if the app is right for their child. Apps in the program also must meet strict privacy and security requirements.

Building a teacher-approved app not only helps raise app quality for kids – it can also increase your reach and engagement. All apps in this program are eligible to appear and be featured on Google Play's Kids tab where families go to easily discover quality apps and games. Please visit Google Play Academy for more information about how to design high-quality apps for kids.


Stay Updated With Google Play’s Families Policies

Google Play policies provide additional protections for children and families. Our Families policies require that apps and games targeted to children have appropriate content, show ads suitable for children, and meet other requirements including ones related to personally identifiable information. We frequently update and strengthen these policies to ensure that Google Play remains a place where families can find safe and high-quality content for their children. This includes our new Child Safety Standards Policy for social and dating apps that goes into effect in January.

Developers can showcase compliance with Play’s Families policies with a special badge on the Google Play Data safety section. This is another great way that you can better help families find apps that meet their needs, while supporting Play’s commitment to provide users more transparency and control over their data. To display the badge, please visit the "Security practices" section of your Data Safety form in your Google Play Developer Console.

A mobile phone screen displays an app's data safety information, including data encryption, deletion options, and adherence to Play Families Policy. The 'Data safety' section is expanded within the app's details page.

Additional Resources

Protecting kids online is a responsibility we all share and we hope these reminders are helpful as you prepare for 2025. We’re grateful for your partnership in making Android and Google Play fantastic platforms for delightful, high-quality content for kids and families. For more resources:

Four Tips to Help You Build High-Quality, Engaging, and Age-Appropriate Apps

Posted by Mindy Brooks – Senior Director, Android Platform

App developers play a vital role in shaping how people of all ages interact with technology. Whether your app content is specifically designed for kids or simply attracts their attention, there is an added responsibility to ensure a safe and trusted experience. Google is here to support you in that work. Today, we’re sharing some important reminders and updates on how we empower developers to build high-quality, engaging, and age-appropriate apps across the Android ecosystem.

Help Determine Android User Age with Digital IDs

Understanding a user's age range can be critical for providing minors with safer and more appropriate app experiences, as well as complying with local age-related regulations. Android’s new Credential Manager API, now in Beta, addresses this challenge by helping developers verify a user’s age with a digital ID saved to any digital wallet application. Importantly, Android’s Credential Manager was built with both safety and privacy at its core – it minimizes data exposure by only sharing information necessary with developers and asks the user for explicit permission to share an age signal. We encourage you to try out the Beta API for yourself and look forward to hearing your feedback.

While digital IDs are still in their early days, we’re continuing to work with governments on further adoption to strengthen this solution. Android is also exploring how the API can support a range of age assurance methods, helping developers to safely confirm the age of their users, especially for users that can't or don't want to use a digital ID. Please keep in mind that ID-based solutions are just one tool that developers can use to determine age and the best approach will depend on your app.

A diagram showing the flow of information between a user, their Android device, and a developer's app when using the Credential Manager API. The diagram shows how a digital ID from a user's digital wallet is used to provide app information to the developer's app.

Shield Young Users from Inappropriate Content on Google Play

As part of our continued commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for children across the Play Store, we recently launched the Restrict Declared Minors (RDM) setting within the Google Play Console that allows developers to designate their app as inappropriate for minors. When enabled, Google Play users with declared ages below 18 will not be able to download or purchase the app nor will they be able to continue subscriptions or make new purchases if the app is already installed.

Beyond Play’s broader kids safety policies, this new setting gives developers an additional tool to proactively prevent minors from accessing content that may be unsuitable for them. It also empowers developers to take a more proactive role in ensuring their apps reach the appropriate audience. As a reminder, this feature is simply one tool of many to keep your apps safe and we are continuing to improve it based on early feedback. Developers remain solely responsible for compliance with relevant laws and regulations. You can learn more about opting in to RDM here.

Develop Teacher Approved Apps and Games on Google Play

Great content for kids can take many forms, whether that’s sparking curiosity, helping kids learn, or just plain fun. Google Play’s Teacher Approved program highlights high-quality apps that are reviewed and rated by teachers and child development specialists. Our team of teachers and experts across the world review and rate apps on factors like age-appropriateness, quality of experience, enrichment, and delight. For added transparency, we include information in the app listing about why the app was rated highly to help parents determine if the app is right for their child. Apps in the program also must meet strict privacy and security requirements.

Building a teacher-approved app not only helps raise app quality for kids – it can also increase your reach and engagement. All apps in this program are eligible to appear and be featured on Google Play's Kids tab where families go to easily discover quality apps and games. Please visit Google Play Academy for more information about how to design high-quality apps for kids.


Stay Updated With Google Play’s Families Policies

Google Play policies provide additional protections for children and families. Our Families policies require that apps and games targeted to children have appropriate content, show ads suitable for children, and meet other requirements including ones related to personally identifiable information. We frequently update and strengthen these policies to ensure that Google Play remains a place where families can find safe and high-quality content for their children. This includes our new Child Safety Standards Policy for social and dating apps that goes into effect in January.

Developers can showcase compliance with Play’s Families policies with a special badge on the Google Play Data safety section. This is another great way that you can better help families find apps that meet their needs, while supporting Play’s commitment to provide users more transparency and control over their data. To display the badge, please visit the "Security practices" section of your Data Safety form in your Google Play Developer Console.

A mobile phone screen displays an app's data safety information, including data encryption, deletion options, and adherence to Play Families Policy. The 'Data safety' section is expanded within the app's details page.

Additional Resources

Protecting kids online is a responsibility we all share and we hope these reminders are helpful as you prepare for 2025. We’re grateful for your partnership in making Android and Google Play fantastic platforms for delightful, high-quality content for kids and families. For more resources:

#WeArePlay | Tentang Anak connects parents to experts across Indonesia

Posted by Robbie McLachlan, Developer Marketing

In our latest film for #WeArePlay, which celebrates the people behind apps and games, we meet Mesty and Garri - the husband and wife duo who created Tentang Anak. Their app helps parents across Indonesia navigate their parenting journey with confidence: with a focus on child health, growth tracking, and providing accessible expert consultations.


What inspired you to create Tentang Anak?

Mesty: I saw so much misinformation about child health and parenting, especially in Indonesia where there’s a huge gap between the number of pediatricians and children. I wanted to provide parents with reliable, accessible information that could help them raise healthy, well-rounded children, allowing them to feel confident and calm in their parenting journey.

Garri: For me, it was about seeing the need for a one-stop solution for parents. Everything was scattered—pregnancy, growth tracking, expert advice—and I realized we could create something that brings it all together in one place. I wanted to build a platform that supported parents, especially in remote areas, with everything they need to raise their kids with confidence.


A child has their height measured against a wall-mounted height chart. Mesty holds the measuring bar, while a hand holding a smartphone appears to be taking a picture.

How does Tentang Anak ensure that the expert advice is both accurate and accessible to parents in remote areas of Indonesia?

Mesty: We make sure to partner with a team of highly qualified pediatricians, psychologists, and child development experts to ensure our advice is accurate and up-to-date.

Garri: Exactly, staying current with the latest research and best practices is crucial. Misinformation can have a huge impact, especially when it comes to child health. Parents often turn to social media or unverified sources for answers, which can lead to confusion or even harm. By partnering with qualified experts and constantly updating our content, we make sure that parents get accurate, reliable, and timely advice. This is especially important in remote areas where access to healthcare professionals can be limited.


 A hand holds a smartphone displaying a webpage with various colorful sections and icons.

How has Google Play supported Tentang Anak?

Garri: Google Play has provided us with the tools and support to optimize our app's performance and engagement. From using Google’s analytics and A/B testing to improve the user experience, to the seamless distribution through the Play Store, Google has been a key partner in scaling Tentang Anak and making sure parents across Indonesia can access the app.

What is next for Tentang Anak?

Mesty: We’re focused on expanding our reach across Indonesia, ensuring that more parents, especially in remote areas, have access to the support and resources they need. We’re also enhancing our app with more interactive features to keep parents engaged and informed.

Garri: At the same time, we’re expanding our offerings with products for children, including children's books, vitamins, and skincare. Our goal is to make Tentang Anak the go-to platform and brand for all things parenting in Indonesia, and we’re excited to see how we can grow and help even more families.


Discover more global #WeArePlay stories and share your favorites.



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#WeArePlay | Tentang Anak connects parents to experts across Indonesia

Posted by Robbie McLachlan, Developer Marketing

In our latest film for #WeArePlay, which celebrates the people behind apps and games, we meet Mesty and Garri - the husband and wife duo who created Tentang Anak. Their app helps parents across Indonesia navigate their parenting journey with confidence: with a focus on child health, growth tracking, and providing accessible expert consultations.


What inspired you to create Tentang Anak?

Mesty: I saw so much misinformation about child health and parenting, especially in Indonesia where there’s a huge gap between the number of pediatricians and children. I wanted to provide parents with reliable, accessible information that could help them raise healthy, well-rounded children, allowing them to feel confident and calm in their parenting journey.

Garri: For me, it was about seeing the need for a one-stop solution for parents. Everything was scattered—pregnancy, growth tracking, expert advice—and I realized we could create something that brings it all together in one place. I wanted to build a platform that supported parents, especially in remote areas, with everything they need to raise their kids with confidence.


A child has their height measured against a wall-mounted height chart. Mesty holds the measuring bar, while a hand holding a smartphone appears to be taking a picture.

How does Tentang Anak ensure that the expert advice is both accurate and accessible to parents in remote areas of Indonesia?

Mesty: We make sure to partner with a team of highly qualified pediatricians, psychologists, and child development experts to ensure our advice is accurate and up-to-date.

Garri: Exactly, staying current with the latest research and best practices is crucial. Misinformation can have a huge impact, especially when it comes to child health. Parents often turn to social media or unverified sources for answers, which can lead to confusion or even harm. By partnering with qualified experts and constantly updating our content, we make sure that parents get accurate, reliable, and timely advice. This is especially important in remote areas where access to healthcare professionals can be limited.


 A hand holds a smartphone displaying a webpage with various colorful sections and icons.

How has Google Play supported Tentang Anak?

Garri: Google Play has provided us with the tools and support to optimize our app's performance and engagement. From using Google’s analytics and A/B testing to improve the user experience, to the seamless distribution through the Play Store, Google has been a key partner in scaling Tentang Anak and making sure parents across Indonesia can access the app.

What is next for Tentang Anak?

Mesty: We’re focused on expanding our reach across Indonesia, ensuring that more parents, especially in remote areas, have access to the support and resources they need. We’re also enhancing our app with more interactive features to keep parents engaged and informed.

Garri: At the same time, we’re expanding our offerings with products for children, including children's books, vitamins, and skincare. Our goal is to make Tentang Anak the go-to platform and brand for all things parenting in Indonesia, and we’re excited to see how we can grow and help even more families.


Discover more global #WeArePlay stories and share your favorites.



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#WeArePlay | Meet more people creating apps and games in Japan

Posted by Robbie McLachlan, Developer Marketing

Earlier this year #WeArePlay went on a virtual tour of Australia and the U.S. to spotlight the stories of app and game founders. Today, we’re rounding up our tour across the world with the last stop for 2024: Japan. From an app that uses AI to promote early health intervention to one that’s turning litter picking into a social movement, meet the 49 apps and games founders building growing businesses on Google Play.

Let’s take a quick road trip across Japan by reading some of my favorite stories.



Fujio, founder of Pirika 
Tokoyo, Tokyo

Fujio’s app is turning litter collection into a global movement

When Fujio was a child, his love for environmental books ignited his passion for protecting nature. Later, while traveling through different countries, he was shocked to find litter everywhere, even in remote jungles. This experience inspired him to create Pirika – named after the Ainu word for “beautiful” – a social platform that encourages people to pick up litter, document it with photos, and geotag locations to track problem areas. With over over 360 million pieces of trash collected globally, Pirika is fostering a nationwide movement towards cleaner communities. Fujio plans on expanding the app’s reach worldwide, mobilizing communities to fight pollution collectively.


CHARROOM with short, dark hair, wearing a mask and a light-colored blouse and gray skirt, holds a small, white, long-haired dog. They are standing in front of a floral arch with text partially visible, including the words 'BE' and 'COMING'.
CHARROOM, founder of CHARROOM 
Osaka, Kinki

Self-taught game developer and illustrator CHARROOM turned her passion for mini-games into a full-time career. Her latest project, Sushi Food Cart, combines two of her favorite things: sushi and cats. In this fun cooking game, players manage a sushi food cart, preparing and serving sushi to customers quickly and accurately. The game features quirky cat characters, time-management challenges, and colorful art. As players progress, they unlock new recipes, upgrades, and meet new cat characters. For Char, creating apps is her ‘ikigai’—her purpose in life. She’s currently working on a new restaurant game to continue spreading her playful approach to gaming.


Kota and Yoshinori, co-founders of Ubie, wearing suits and white shirts, smile and talk in front of a white wall.
Kota and Yoshinori, co-founders founders of Ubie 
Tokyo, Tokyo

Kota and Yoshinori’s app uses AI to help people research their health concerns and connect with medical specialists

When entrepreneur Kota decided to create a healthcare app, he partnered with his high school friend and roommate, Dr. Yoshinori. Combining Kota’s tech expertise with Yoshinori’s medical knowledge, they developed Ubie, an AI-powered symptom checker that allows people to research their symptoms and connect with medical specialists. The app promotes early detection and intervention by offering them tailored information on potential health concerns and guidance on finding care. Ubie's goal is not just limited to symptom checking; the founders plan to expand its services to include tracking treatments and managing day-to-day healthcare needs alongside transforming Ubie into a global brand.

 Takuji, co-founders of IzumiArtisan, sits in a folding chair at a campsite. He is wearing a brown sweater, khaki pants, and black shoes. A car and tent are visible in the background.
Takuji and Shohei, co-founders of IzumiArtisan 
Osaka, Kinki

Takuji has always been passionate about travel and music, but when he learned programming 15 years ago, he discovered a new creative outlet. Together with his brother, Shohei, he launched IzumiArtisan from their parents' house in Osaka. The duo specializes in creating escape room games, heavily influenced by the detective stories Takuji loves. Their popular game, Rime, is filled with mysterious puzzles and plot twists and has been translated into 18 languages, capturing a global audience. The brothers are now working on a new title inspired by the American Underground Railroad.


Discover more #WeArePlay stories from Japan, and stories from across the globe.



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#WeArePlay | NomadHer helps women travel the world

Posted by Robbie McLachlan, Developer Marketing


In our latest film for #WeArePlay, which celebrates the people behind apps and games, we meet Hyojeong - the visionary behind the app NomadHer. She’s aiming to reshape how women explore the world by building a global community: sharing travel tips, prioritizing safety, and connecting with one another to explore new destinations.



What inspired you to create NomadHer?

Honestly, NomadHer was born out of a personal need. I started traveling solo when I was 19 and have visited over 60 countries alone, and while it was an incredibly empowering and enriching journey, it wasn’t always easy—especially as a woman. There was this one moment when I was traveling in Italy that really shook me. I realized just how important it was to have a support system, not just friends or family, but other women who understand what it's like to be out there on your own. That’s when the idea hit me— I wanted to create a space where women could feel safe and confident while seeing the world.


NomadHer Founder - Hyojeong Kim from South Korean smiling, wearing a white tshirt with green text that reads 'she can travel anywhere'

The focus on connecting women who share similar travel plans is a powerful tool. Can you share feedback from someone who has found travel buddies through NomadHer?

Absolutely! One of my favorite stories comes from a woman who was planning a solo trip to Bali. She connected with another ‘NomadHer’ through the app who had the exact same travel dates and itinerary. They started chatting, and by the time they met up in Bali, it was like they’d known each other forever. They ended up traveling together, trying out new restaurants, exploring hidden beaches, and even taking a surfing class! After the trip, they both messaged us saying how the experience felt safer and more fun because they had each other. It’s stories like these that remind me why I started NomadHer in the first place.

How did Google Play help you grow NomadHer?

We couldn’t connect with the 90,000+ women worldwide without Google Play. We’ve been able to reach people from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond. It’s incredible seeing women connect, share tips, and support each other, no matter where they are. With tools like Firebase, we can track and improve the app experience, making sure everything runs smoothly. Plus, Google Play's startup programs gave us mentorship and visibility, which really helped us grow and expand our reach faster. It’s been a game-changer.

NomadHer on Google Play on a device

What are your hopes for NomadHer in the future?

I want NomadHer to be more than just an app—it’s a movement. My dream is for it to become the go-to platform for women travelers everywhere. I want to see more partnerships with local women entrepreneurs, like the surf shop owner we work with in Busan. We host offline events like the She Can Travel Festival in Busan and I’m excited to host similar events in other countries like Paris, Tokyo, and Delhi. The goal is to continue creating these offline connections to build a community that empowers women, both socially and economically, through partnerships with local female businesses.

Discover more global #WeArePlay stories and share your favorites.



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Here’s what happening in our latest Spotlight Week: Adaptive Android Apps

Posted by Alex Vanyo - Developer Relations Engineer

Adaptive Spotlight Week

With Android powering a diverse range of devices, users expect a seamless and optimized experience across their foldables, tablets, ChromeOS, and even cars. To meet these expectations, developers need to build their apps with multiple screen sizes and form factors in mind. Changing how you approach UI can drastically improve users' experiences across foldables, tablets, and more, while preventing tech debt that a portrait-only mindset can create – simply put, building adaptive is a great way to help future-proof your app.

The latest in our Spotlight Week series will focus on Building Adaptive Android apps all this week (October 14-18), and we’ll highlight the many ways you can improve your mobile app to adapt to all of these different environments.



Here’s what we’re covering during Adaptive Spotlight Week

Monday: What is adaptive?

October 14, 2024

Check out the new documentation for building adaptive apps and catch up on building adaptive Android apps if you missed it at I/O 2024. Also, learn how adaptive apps can be made available on another new form factor: cars!

Tuesday: Adaptive UIs with Compose

October 15, 2024

Learn the principles for how you can use Compose to build layouts that adapt to available window size and how the Material 3 adaptive library enables you to create list-detail and supporting pane layouts with out-of-the-box behavior.

Wednesday: Desktop windowing and productivity

October 16, 2024

Learn what desktop windowing on Android is, together with details about how to handle it in your app and build productivity experiences that let users take advantage of more powerful multitasking Android environments.

Thursday: Stylus

October 17, 2024

Take a closer look at how you can build powerful drawing experiences across stylus and touch input with the new Ink API.

Friday: #AskAndroid

October 18, 2024

Join us for a live Q&A on making apps more adaptive. During Spotlight Week, ask your questions on X and LinkedIn with #AskAndroid.


These are just some of the ways that you can improve your mobile app’s experience for more than just the smartphone with touch input. Keep checking this blog post for updates. We’ll be adding links and more throughout the week. Follow Android Developers on X and Android by Google at LinkedIn to hear even more about ways to adapt your app, and send in your questions with #AskAndroid.