The best new Android apps and games for January 2025

There are many new applications for Android. It’s hard to keep track of them, but we’re happy to do the hard work for you. We’ve scoured the internet for the best new Android apps and new Android games, focusing on games that offer something different from the status quo. Be sure to visit our list best apps for android of all times and ours best games for android Always.

Smart Scrolling

Curb your unbridled appetite for short videos for the holidays.

• Price: Free, with in-app purchases
• Developer: IJP

It’s that time of year when you can quickly become immersed in other people’s lives on social media, mindlessly watching holiday-themed videos and clips and wasting hours on it. The Sane Scrolling app we recently reviewed helps solve this problem.

Sane Scrolling is a timer and barrier for short videos on social media, be it TikTok, Instagram or YouTube. The app allows users to set target screen time, after which Sane Scrolling will block access to their selected apps. This approach allows those who are truly captivated by the content to gradually wean themselves off it.

However, the application is not perfect. It is riddled with advertisements, which makes the process even more annoying. Additionally, if you want to view the content, you will have to bypass the app. Nothing can completely keep people from their vices.

Monument Valley 3

The charming puzzle game series has returned to Android under the Netflix Games brand.

• Price: Free, requires active Netflix subscription.
• Developer: Netflix Games / Ustvo

For fans of the Monument Valley series, the third installment contains many new additions, from experimenting with various new mechanics to completely new levels and puzzles. One is even connected to a boat.

The game doesn’t stray too far from its roots, which will frustrate those looking for a tougher challenge, but will appease those who prefer a fresh flavor to the established formula.

Notably, the game will expand throughout 2025, with Netflix and Ustwo planning to continually release content. This, in addition to its free availability to those with a Netflix subscription, should make it available sooner rather than later.

Stick to it

Duolingo, but for general knowledge.

• Price: For free
• Developer: Stick to it

Kinnu is by no means a new app, but I’ve become a little addicted to it lately. I love learning about different things and this app satisfies that appetite.

It is divided into main topics, each of which has various subtopics, divided into short lessons that are easy to follow and even easier to remember. For example, you will learn about meteorology, climate, geology and much more while studying the topic of geography. The lessons are equally interesting for both adults and children.

Globo

A simple geography game that is great for developing your country and city skills.

• Price: For free
• Developer: NaKo Games

Geography was my favorite subject when I was younger, so it’s no surprise that I enjoyed fooling around with Globo. This new app turns learning trivia about countries, cities, and flags into a game much like Duolingo and Kinnu. Each region you complete unlocks another. I don’t quite understand why the US is in first place and my region South Africa is second to last. However, it would be great if we could choose which region we want to cover first.

Agr Reader

A beautifully designed content-focused RSS reader.

• Price: Free in-app purchases ranging from $1.49 to $8.99 per item.
• Developer: Lowen

It’s easy to confuse Aggregator RSS and Agr Reader (I admit I did), but the latter feels much more polished and familiar with the aesthetics of Google apps. It leans heavily on Material You’s style with tight spacing and simple pastel colors. The app reader is great and includes full-text analysis, so it’s nice to enjoy the news without the usual ad cuts.

I wish Agr Reader had a feed list similar to Feedly so I could easily add feeds; however, it does support importing OPML files. But it’s surprisingly feature-rich, with support for multiple RSS services, tons of customization options, and even WebDAV support.

Infinity Nikki

Cute and cozy game with an open world.

• Price: Free/In-App Purchases from $0.99 to $89.99 per item.
• Developer: InFold Pte

Finally, if you’re looking for something to scratch your Genshin Impact itch but are also craving something much cuter, Infinity Nikki this is the ticket. The fifth installment in the franchise, the game is also available on portable devices and consoles. If you don’t have a flagship phone from recent years, you’ll probably want to use one of these platforms instead.

This is a surprisingly cozy game, the design of which was inspired by a magical Alpine city. Players can also equip ability suits, which you acquire as you move through the game world. It’s all incredibly charming, but the execution of the game leaves much to be desired. We hope the developers will resolve the issues in the coming months.