Here's what's up with Google's Contacts and Phone apps: They're coming soon, for some

Google's Contacts and Phone apps for Android caused a great deal of confusion last week: The apps, which come pre-installed on many phones, suddenly became available on Google Play for some users, only to disappear without explanation for others

So, what gives? Are these apps — seen as vital Google apps by many — coming or going? The answer, provided to Mashable by a Google spokesperson, is somewhere in between.

First, it's worth noting that these apps were never really available to all Android users; instead, they were only available to folks with Nexus and Android One phones, or some devices that run stock Android and thus fall under Android's "Google Play Edition" category. These include a special version of the Samsung Galaxy S4, the HTC One and One M8, Motorola Moto G and some others, most of which aren't sold in stores anymore Read more...