Mobile Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Amazon is selling an Android tablet for only $53 that comes in 5 colors

The Zzb 10-inch Android Tablet is available on Amazon at a competitive price, offering a cost-effective alternative to more expensive tablets. It features a 10-inch display with a resolution of 1280 by 800, 32 gigabytes of internal storage (expandable up to 1 terabyte via microSD), and comes in five color options: black, gray, blue, navy, and pink. The tablet has received positive reviews for its quality, sound, and user-friendliness, making it suitable for casual use, gaming, streaming, and educational purposes. It supports video recording at 720 pixels and has both front and rear cameras. The battery life lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

I switched to an open-source notes app for 2 weeks, and I wish I had done it sooner

The author initially used Simplenote and Obsidian for note-taking but sought a replacement for Simplenote due to its restrictive simplicity. They discovered Notesnook, which became their preferred app due to its end-to-end encryption, generous free plan, and offline functionality. Notesnook supports rich-media attachments, offers organizational features like notebooks and sub-notebooks, and provides superior text formatting options compared to Simplenote. However, the author noted some drawbacks, including slower speed, lack of full Markdown support without a paid plan, local revision history that doesn't sync across devices, and missing collaboration features. Despite these drawbacks, the author appreciates Notesnook's versatility but continues to use Obsidian for its strengths in managing databases and knowledge bases.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

I tried a hidden Android Auto feature Google doesn’t want you to know about

Android Auto can be expanded through the installation of third-party applications, allowing users to go beyond its default navigation and media functionalities. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their Android device and for Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) from a GitHub page. Notable third-party apps include CarStream, which allows YouTube streaming while driving, AAMirror for screen mirroring, and Fermata Auto, which supports various multimedia functions. However, sideloading raises safety concerns and may lead to issues with app functionality due to updates from Google.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Google Play Store widgets will soon be available for individual Collections

Google Play Store has introduced a feature called Collections, allowing users to group apps by categories like Shop, Listen, and Food. The latest updates indicate that Google is developing new widgets for the Play Store that will enable users to select individual Collections instead of displaying multiple at once. In version 52.1.26-31 of the Play Store Android app, users currently have two widget options: a compact version with icons for individual Collections and a larger widget listing Collections. The upcoming update will allow users to choose from eight distinct widgets corresponding to categories: Food, Game, Listen, Read, Shop, Social, Travel, and Watch. These new widgets are still in development and not yet available for public use.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

I tried Android Auto’s new Adobe Acrobat PDF app

Android Auto has introduced the Adobe Acrobat app, which allows users to access PDFs in an audio-only format using a "Read Aloud" feature. This enables drivers to listen to documents being read aloud while driving, with controls for play, pause, and skip available via the car’s touchscreen or steering wheel buttons. The app is particularly useful for multitasking, allowing users to absorb information from meeting notes, important documents, or industry reports during commutes. While the audio quality may not match that of professional audiobooks, it serves as a practical tool for accessing written content on the road.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

12 handy hidden Google Docs tricks for Android

The Google Docs Android app has introduced several new features to improve document management and productivity. Key updates include an automatic document outline for easier navigation, integration of tabs for seamless transitions between documents, and the ability to create and save native Word files directly within the app. Document sharing has been simplified, allowing users to send files to compatible apps easily. A built-in Docs file finder has been added to save time, and the integration with Google Drive enhances user experience. Users can now add frequently used documents to their home screen for quick access and enable offline access for uninterrupted productivity. The text actions pop-up now includes a three-line icon for additional editing options, and emojis have been incorporated for creative document creation. Additionally, the introduction of Gemini within Docs provides users with a powerful writing enhancement tool.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Google Wallet on Android phones now shows Wear OS payment history

Users can now access their payment history from Wear OS watches within the Google Wallet app. The update allows users to view NFC payments made via Wear OS devices, with a note indicating "Purchase made on watch" on the transaction details page. The app still only displays the last ten transactions for each payment method. This update also retroactively shows past transactions made with watches.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

Massive lineup of Android game and app deals live for July 4th

A variety of Android games and apps are on sale for the 4th of July, including Streets of Rage 4, Boxville 2, Nerd Survivors, Kero Blaster, Muse Dash, Defenchick: Tower Defense, A Monster’s Expedition, and DREDGE. LG OLED TVs, specifically models C6 and G6, are discounted significantly, and shoppers can receive a complimentary gift card with their purchase. The new Google Home Speaker is offered at 50% off, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra has discounts of up to 0.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

Android Halo puts AI agents in your status bar

Google has introduced Android Halo, an interface layer for Android 17 that keeps an AI agent visible in the status bar while it operates in the background. This feature was first mentioned at Google I/O in May 2026 and detailed by Android president Sameer Samat in a July YouTube video. Android Halo allows users to monitor the AI agent's task progress, receive clarifying questions, and view results without switching applications. The agent operates in a secure, containerized environment, limiting its access to user-provided information only. Android Halo is designed to work with Google's Gemini and can also integrate third-party agents that meet specific requirements, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act. Android 17 is expected to launch in August 2026 alongside the Pixel 11, which will be the first device to feature Halo. The availability of Halo on other devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S25+, is uncertain, and no pre-order windows for hardware with Halo have been announced in the US and UK.