Android 12 Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s Phone app will tell you if a scammer is impersonating one of your contacts

Google's Phone app is introducing a feature to alert users about potential AI impersonation scams by flagging calls that appear to be from their contacts as suspicious. This update is part of the broader June Android update, which includes other enhancements such as support for Apple AirDrop, accessibility of the Personal Safety app for children under 13, AI-powered clothing try-on features in Photos, and improved search functionality for outfits. The Phone app will notify users with a message indicating that "Someone may be pretending to call from your contact’s number," allowing them to hang up if the call is deemed suspicious. This feature will be automatically enabled for users on Android 12 and later, starting with Pixel devices, and relies on a system where both the user and their contact must use the Phone by Google app to verify call authenticity through a "silent confirmation signal." The feature utilizes end-to-end encrypted rich communication services (RCS) technology.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google Phone app rolling out Android fake call detection that uses RCS

Phone by Google is introducing a fake call detection feature to protect Android users from impersonation scams that use AI-powered deepfake technology. This feature requires both parties to use Android devices with the Phone by Google app, Google Messages, and Google Contacts. It works by sending a silent confirmation signal to verify the legitimacy of a call. If an impersonation attempt is detected, the user's phone will check with the actual contact's device, and if the real device indicates that it is not making a call, a warning will appear on the user's screen. The feature will roll out globally for Android 12+ devices, starting with Pixel phones, and will be enabled by default. The underlying RCS technology may also be adopted by other apps and manufacturers.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s Safety app just picked up a few new tricks for your kids

Google has expanded the Personal Safety app to include children under 13, allowing them to display emergency contacts, their age, and allergies on their lock screen. Children can also activate Crash Detection, which contacts emergency services and priority contacts in case of an accident. Teens will have access to features like Safety Check for scheduling safety reminders and real-time location sharing. These updates will be available on Android devices running Android 12 or later, though a specific rollout timeline has not been provided. Some devices may refer to the app as "Safety," while Samsung includes similar features in its Safety and emergency menu.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

Samsung Messages Is Going Away for Good. Here’s How to Save Everything First

Samsung Messages will cease to function in July 2026, resulting in the loss of any unmigrated text history. Users are encouraged to transition to Google Messages, which offers features like RCS-enabled texting, high-quality image sharing, AI-powered spam detection, multi-device access, and Gemini AI features. Samsung provides instructions for this migration, especially for users on Android 12 and 13. The exact date in July for the service discontinuation is unspecified, but only emergency messaging will remain functional afterward. Samsung Messages was no longer the default app since 2021 and stopped being preinstalled in 2024. Users on Android 11 or earlier are not directly affected but are advised to switch to Google Messages. Older Galaxy Watches running Tizen will have limited access to conversation histories, while newer models on WearOS will retain full access.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Android ruined link handling years ago. Here’s how I fixed it with a free app

LinkSheet is an open-source application designed to improve link-handling on Android devices by reinstating the "Open with" dialog, allowing users to choose their preferred app for opening links. It intercepts links when set as the default browser, enabling users to select from multiple apps instead of being restricted to verified ones. LinkSheet also allows users to open links in incognito mode for privacy and control over browsing habits. Users can download LinkSheet from its GitHub repository, as it is not available on the Google Play Store. After installation, users can configure their apps to prevent them from opening verified links directly. Additional features include the Use ClearURLs option to remove tracking parameters and an Enable downloader feature for direct download links.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Android Adds Intrusion Logging for Sophisticated Spyware Forensics

Google introduced a new opt-in feature for Android users called Intrusion Logging, which enhances the analysis of spyware attacks as part of the Advanced Protection Mode. Developed with Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, it logs daily device and network activities, including app activity, installations, network connections, file transfers, system certificate modifications, and device lock events. The log data is encrypted and stored securely, accessible only to the device owner. Logs are retained for 12 months and cannot be deleted by users before expiration, though they can be downloaded for offline storage. Intrusion Logging also records network events during Chrome's Incognito mode. This feature is beneficial for high-risk individuals who may be targets of surveillance. Users can access the logs through the Settings app, and the rollout is underway for devices with the Android 16 December update and newer. Additionally, Google announced other privacy and security features, including a verified financial call feature to combat scams, expansion of Live Threat Detection, evaluation of APK files for malware, revocation of accessibility services API access from non-designated apps, and enhancements to Find Hub's Mark as Lost feature. Other updates include improved device recovery options, enhanced privacy controls, introduction of AISeal with pKVM, expansion of Binary Transparency, protection against OTP theft, and strengthening data protection with post-quantum cryptography.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

What’s New in Android Security and Privacy in 2026

The company is implementing default-on theft protections globally for all new Android 17 devices and those recently reset or upgraded. This initiative follows a successful pilot in Brazil and will also extend to devices running Android 10 or higher in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the UK. Features like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock will automatically activate to enhance security against theft. The frequency of PIN or password attempts has been reduced, with longer wait times between failed attempts to deter brute-force attacks. Users can access their device's IMEI from the lock screen on Android 12 or higher, aiding in the recovery of stolen devices. Additionally, Android 17 introduces a temporary location sharing button for specific applications, allowing users to share their location without permanent permissions.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Google wants Gemini to take over how you browse in Chrome

Google will integrate its Gemini 3.1 AI into the Chrome toolbar for Android starting in June, allowing users to summarize articles, ask questions about content, and extract details without switching apps. Users can enable the "Personal Intelligence" feature for tailored responses based on personal preferences. The Nano Banana feature will let users create or modify visuals from web pages. The auto browse function will allow Chrome to perform tasks like reserving parking or updating orders automatically. These features will include security protections, but sensitive actions will still require user confirmation. Gemini in Chrome will require devices with at least 4GB of RAM, running Android 12 or newer, and set to English-U.S. The rollout will begin for select Android devices in the U.S. at the end of June, with the auto browse feature available initially only to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Is Samsung Messages being discontinued? Here’s when and what we know

Samsung Electronics has announced the discontinuation of the Samsung Messages app, with support ceasing in July 2026. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging platform for Samsung Galaxy devices operating on Android 12 or newer. Devices running Android 11 or older will not be affected at this time. After July 2026, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, except for emergency contacts. Users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store and set it as their default messaging app. Other messaging app options are available for users who prefer alternatives. Older Samsung Galaxy watches running Tizen OS will not support Google Messages after the transition, but will still allow text message functionality. RCS messaging, integrated into Google Messages, enhances the texting experience with features like read receipts and high-quality media sharing, whereas SMS is limited to basic text messaging.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Samsung replaces Messages app with Google’s. What does this mean?

Samsung is discontinuing its Samsung Messages application and transitioning users to Google Messages by July. Users are encouraged to switch themselves for a smoother transition, with advantages including enhanced AI capabilities, multi-device connectivity, and RCS Messaging. The exact date for the discontinuation has yet to be provided. Users will receive in-app notifications to guide them through the transition, or they can manually download Google Messages and set it as their default SMS app. Samsung Messages will not be available for download on new devices, including the Galaxy S26. Users with Android 12 or 13 will need to manually add the Google Messages icon to their home screen dock after switching. Those with devices released prior to 2022 may experience temporary disruptions in RCS conversations. Messaging support will also cease for older generation smartwatches running Tizen OS, specifically those launched before the Galaxy Watch4.