Mobile Archives

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Android Auto is crashing (again), and nobody knows why (again)

Android Auto users are experiencing frequent disconnections and crashes after the recent update to version 17.2, which was rolled out on July 3. Reports indicate that disconnections last from seconds to minutes, and crashes occur whenever audio is played. The issues affect a wide range of Android devices, and users have recommended delaying the installation of the update or reverting to the previous version. The root cause of the problems is uncertain, with speculation that they may be linked to other updates, such as the Play services update from late June. Google is aware of the situation, as indicated by reports on the Google Issue Tracker, but these issues are categorized under Android 17 beta and differ from feedback on Reddit.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

There’s one group of Android users Google’s new sideloading rules won’t affect

LineageOS will not be affected by Google's upcoming developer verification system, which applies only to certified Android devices that come with Google Mobile Services (GMS). LineageOS operates independently of GMS and does not go through Google's certification process, making it exempt from the new requirements. Starting September 30, 2026, Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will require all apps to be registered to a verified developer, with a global rollout in 2027. LineageOS has stated that it does not include the verification feature in its ROM and is unaware of any GApps package that would enable it. The project may disable the verification feature if integrated into Play Services in the future. LineageOS acknowledges concerns from organizations like F-Droid and the EFF regarding the potential for increased control over app distribution by Google.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Display Assistant app on Galaxy devices gets ready for One UI 9

Samsung is preparing for the launch of One UI 9.0, updating its applications and modules for a smooth transition. The Display Assistant module has been updated to version 9.0.08, enhancing compatibility with One UI 9.0 (Android 17) but not adding new features or fixes. Compatibility updates have been rolled out for several Good Lock modules, with more updates planned. One UI 9.0 will debut with the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, announced on July 22, 2026, and available from August 5, 2026. The stable One UI 9.0 update will also be rolled out for existing flagship models, including the Galaxy S26 series.

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.