The week in apps: Apple's new App Store, Google Maps extra help, and more essentials

While the internet was abuzz this week with the highly anticipated James Comey testimony, you might not have had time to search for other things. Like new apps and updates. But it's all good, because we've kept up for you.

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Each week we round up the most important app news along with some of the coolest new and updated apps to help you stay in the loop with everything you need on your phone.

Here's what caught our eye this week. If you're looking for more, make sure to check out last week's roundup of top apps.

New App Store

Apple announced a flurry of new updates and improvements to their products at WWDC at the beginning of the week. One big new feature coming with the iOS 11 update that's being rolled out in the fall is a brand new App Store. This is the first redesign since the App Store was launched nine years ago, and people are pumped. The main change is different tabs: Today, Apps, and Games.

The Today tab will become the homepage of the app, with info everyday on the newest and most popular apps. The Apps tab will show the other apps available and Game will show games (pretty self-explanatory).

Google Maps Subway Guide

Google Maps was already super useful in helping users get to their intended subway station. But there was still quite a bit of confusion left for people once they actually got there and were trying to navigate the underground grid. Google Maps recognized this difficulty and updated the platform with subway station layouts (available on desktop and mobile). 

Not all stations have the update, but many in Midtown Manhattan and Shinjuku, Yokohama, and Osaka in Japan have gotten the goods. Specifically, the app now shows outlines of platforms, entrances, stairs, and escalators when the user is in transit view. More stations should be included soon.

HouseParty Notes

HouseParty is one of the hottest video chat apps out there today. One of the reasons it has gained so much popularity is its ability to let eight people come together at once. Other video chat apps, like FaceTime and Skype, don't have this power. 

And HouseParty just got even more useful by adding "Notes". Users now have the ability to chat via text while using the app. All without leaving the video chat.

Elsewhere

Pug Chalk Photo Editor got a new upgrade. The app was released a little bit ago, giving users the option to overlay cute doodles and creative text to photos of your pup. But the update lets users request new artwork they want included on the app to be added in quickly. You can now also leave a review.  

Google Chrome stepped up its game this week. With Version 58.0.0, users are now able to manage in-progress downloads, more easily clear browsing history, and long-press a link to open it in a new Chrome tab.

Last but not least, the App Store rolled out the latest version of Old Man's Journey this week. This whimsical game lets you roam through the memories of an old man's life while solving puzzles and shaping landscapes. The update dramatically reduced the file size of the game (especially for iPhone) and fixed a variety of bugs. 

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