Mobile Archives

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

I ditched Google Drive and Photos for this privacy-focused app, and I couldn’t be happier

Rita El Khoury is transitioning from Google Drive to Proton Drive due to privacy concerns. A poll indicated that 62% of respondents would consider moving away from Google Drive for security reasons. El Khoury values Proton Drive's end-to-end encryption, which ensures only users can access their files, unlike Google Drive, which lacks this feature. She appreciates Proton Drive's unified interface and minimalist design in Proton Docs, but notes its limitations, such as fewer convenience features and only 5GB of free storage compared to Google Drive's 15GB. The choice between the two services depends on individual priorities regarding privacy and features.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

Gemini redesigning glow on Android, rolls out free Personal Intelligence & Memory

Google has updated its Gemini app to enhance user experience with the introduction of Personal Intelligence and Memory features. The Personal Intelligence feature is now available to all free Google Account users in the United States, allowing for a more tailored experience by integrating data from various Google services. Users can manage their privacy settings by disabling this feature through the Tools menu. Additionally, the Memory feature enables the app to reference previous conversations, improving its ability to provide personalized responses. The app's interface has also been redesigned to include a glowing visual effect when activated.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google Brings Vibe Coding to XR: Build VR Apps in Under a Minute

Google is introducing Vibe Coding XR, an experimental workflow that allows users to create virtual reality (VR) applications from simple text prompts in under a minute. This approach, part of a trend called "vibe coding," uses artificial intelligence to interpret user intent rather than relying on traditional coding. It leverages Gemini AI models and the open-source framework XR Blocks, which consist of pre-constructed modules for various functionalities. Users can generate diverse scenarios, such as a physics lab or a Schrödinger’s Cat simulation, by describing their desired scene. Vibe Coding XR is designed for Android XR, particularly optimized for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, but also offers a simulated reality environment for desktop Chrome. Internal evaluations show that the Gemini Flash model can create prototypes in about 20 seconds, while the Gemini Pro model is preferred for complex tasks. Vibe Coding XR is intended as a rapid prototyping tool for educators and developers, not as a replacement for professional developers. Google plans to showcase this technology at the ACM CHI 2026 conference from April 13 to April 17.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Samsung One UI 9’s ‘Warranty & Care’ App Could Revolutionize Device Repairs

Samsung is preparing to launch One UI 9, based on Android 17, which will include a hidden app called ‘Warranty & Care.’ This app, accessible through an activity launcher, will serve as a hub for device support and will allow users to check warranty status, access self-diagnostic tools, and view help guides. It will also provide insights into repair history, repair cost estimates, service center reservations, and real-time updates on repair status. Additionally, an AI-powered chatbot for remote assistance is being developed, though it is uncertain if it will launch with One UI 9. One UI 9 is expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide later this summer.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 adds ‘location button’ for apps and more private ‘Approximate’ algorithm

Android 17 has introduced updates to enhance location privacy, including a new "location button" in Beta 3 that allows users to access location services for one-time use without granting permanent or background access. This feature provides a streamlined user experience, enabling users to share their location only when necessary and eliminating repeated prompts for location-dependent features. Developers can customize the button's appearance while the location icon remains mandatory and non-customizable. Additionally, Android 17 Beta 3 includes an improved runtime permission dialog with distinct options for "Precise" and "Approximate" location access. A persistent blue dot in the status bar indicates when a non-system app accesses a user's location, and users can view notifications about which apps have recently accessed their location. The algorithm for approximate locations has also been improved to consider local population density, enhancing privacy in low-population areas.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 to Finally Let You Exclude Specific Apps from Your VPN Connection

Using a VPN on Android can enhance privacy but may hinder access to location-dependent services. Many users utilize "split tunneling" to exclude specific apps from the VPN connection, allowing access to these services. Android 17 Beta 3 is set to standardize split tunneling across the operating system, providing a cohesive settings screen for users to manage app exceptions. This development aims to simplify the user experience by eliminating the need to navigate different VPN app interfaces. Users will be able to configure specific apps, like banking applications, to use their local IP address while keeping other web traffic secure under the VPN. The feature is still in development and will require updates from VPN applications to utilize the new system screen.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 might finally fix Android’s most embarrassing camera problem

Android 17 introduces support for vendor-defined camera extensions, allowing manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi to share unique camera features with all Android applications. This enhancement aims to improve photo and video quality in apps like Instagram and Snapchat. The implementation depends on collaboration with Google's hardware partners and requires app developers to adapt their applications. Updates for Android 17 are expected to roll out in the summer, with speculation about enhancements for Google's Pixel devices, particularly the upcoming Pixel 11 in August.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 Beta 3 finally brings the desktop multitasking we’ve been waiting for

Android 17 Beta 3 introduces significant multitasking capabilities with the Bubbles system, allowing users to run applications in floating windows. Screen recording features a floating control panel for editing, sharing, and deleting recordings. Quick Settings have been simplified with distinct toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. This beta version is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, with finalized SDK and NDK APIs for developers. The Bubbles system allows users to open apps in floating windows, and enhancements for foldable devices include dragging icons for better multitasking. Users can now disable dark mode for individual apps, and privacy features include adaptive password visibility based on input methods and a new Location Button for temporary location access.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

6 ways I’m already using Android 17’s app bubbles to multitask better

Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, featuring app bubbles, which enhance multitasking by allowing users to keep applications floating on their screens for quick access. Users can create app bubbles by long-pressing any app icon and selecting the "bubble" option, which opens the app in a small floating window that can be minimized into a bubble. Multiple bubbles can be stacked, and tapping a stack expands it for easy management. Users can remove bubbles by dragging them to an "X" button, and on foldable devices, bubbles can be arranged in a taskbar-style layout. The app bubbles feature allows for various multitasking scenarios, such as responding to messages without switching apps, keeping notes open while shopping, watching videos while taking notes, checking maps during chats, planning trips without app switching, and copying information easily between applications.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 could make your phone’s best camera features work in every app

Android 17 Beta 3 has introduced support for vendor-defined camera extensions, allowing smartphone manufacturers to share proprietary camera capabilities with third-party applications. This update enables advanced camera features, such as 'Super Resolution' and AI-driven enhancements, to be used in apps beyond the default camera applications. The successful implementation of these features depends on the willingness of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate them and the commitment of app developers to adopt them.