Android applications. Archives

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Google warns 7 million Android users to delete these 28 fake apps

28 Android applications were removed from the Google Play Store after being identified as scams by security researchers at ESET. These apps, part of a campaign called “CallPhantom,” falsely claimed to provide access to private call logs, SMS records, and WhatsApp activity. They attracted millions of downloads despite lacking legitimacy, offering fabricated data such as fake phone numbers and bogus call durations. Some apps charged users for “detailed reports” that either never arrived or contained nonsensical information. The apps did not steal phone data or install malware but instead promised illicit access and generated fictitious data. The primary targets of this scam were users in India and the Asia-Pacific region.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

A review of ‘Obtainium,’ an Android app distributed solely on GitHub that allows you to install, manage, and automatically update apps similar to F-Droid.

Obtainium is a tool designed to streamline the update process for Android applications distributed through platforms like GitHub. It supports over 10 app distribution sites, offers compatibility with various release methods, and allows customizable filtering and settings. Users can extract APK files from HTML and share app settings through data import and export functionalities. To install Obtainium, users can download it from GitHub, IzzyOnDroid, or F-Droid, with a focus on installing via F-Droid. The installation process involves opening the official GitHub repository, tapping the F-Droid banner, and following prompts to install and launch the app. Upon first launch, users must allow notification permissions and adjust battery settings. To add apps, users enter the app source URL and select the appropriate source. Obtainium may request permissions to install unknown apps during installation. The app includes an Import/Export tab for managing app settings and a Settings tab for customizing update intervals, source-specific settings, themes, and app sorting preferences.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Your next Android app might be AI-made, and Google wants it done right

Aspiring developers can now use advanced AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to generate code for Android applications with minimal coding expertise. However, AI-generated apps may rely on outdated information, leading to inefficiencies and bugs. In response, Google is providing AI coding agents with access to current Android developer resources and introducing tools like a new Android Command Line Interface (CLI) and task-specific skills to improve app development. This initiative aims to ensure that apps follow the latest guidelines and practices. Additionally, Google is streamlining the process for scaling applications across various Android devices, which will benefit end-users by delivering better-optimized AI-generated applications.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google eases Android app sideloading rules after

Google is implementing a policy change to allow easier installation of Android applications from sources outside its Play Store, following an antitrust settlement. This includes an "advanced flow" option that lets users bypass mandatory app verification safeguards through a structured process. The changes aim to balance user choice with protections against scams and malware risks. Previously, Google required all Android applications to be registered by verified developers to mitigate risks like malware and fraud. The new process requires users to enable developer mode, restart their devices, and undergo a waiting period of up to 24 hours before verifying their identity with biometrics or a PIN to install apps from unverified developers. Users can install these apps temporarily for up to seven days or indefinitely, with ongoing warning prompts. Additionally, Google is offering free, limited app distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full developer verification.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Your Android App Needs Scanning – Best Android App Vulnerability Scanner in 2026

The past year saw a 45% increase in new vulnerabilities targeting Android. By the end of 2024, there are projected to be 2.87 million apps on Google Play, with 66% of American employees using personal smartphones for work. Mobile applications are responsible for 70% of digital interactions, and vulnerabilities in these apps contributed to approximately 40% of data breaches involving personal data in 2023. Effective Android App Vulnerability Scanners analyze app security by identifying insecure local storage, hardcoded credentials, weak cryptography, insecure network configurations, broken authentication flows, and misconfigured components. AI-powered scanners, like AutoSecT, can autonomously generate new scanning protocols quickly, detect zero-day vulnerabilities, automate penetration testing, and operate with near-zero false positives.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Zimperium research reveals security risks inside Android apps

Zimperium's zLabs team has revealed that many popular Android applications still use an outdated mapping component, libmapbox-gl.so, which was deprecated in 2023. This legacy library is embedded in thousands of active applications, including leading travel, airline, and weather apps, and contains known security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Zimperium is working with Google through the App Defense Alliance to improve app security and advises developers to switch to Mapbox Maps SDK v10+ or MapLibre. Their analysis found that thousands of Android apps contain the vulnerable library, with 40% of these apps ranking among the top 20 in their Play Store categories, posing significant risks for employee devices and enterprise security.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google backpedals on new Android developer registration rules

Google is recalibrating its "Developer Verification" initiative, originally set to launch in 2026, which aimed to prevent malware from sideloaded applications by requiring verified developer identities for app installations on certified Android devices. The initiative faced backlash from users and developers due to the registration process, which involved a fee and government identification, leading to reports to national regulators and decreased participation in the early access program. F-Droid, a third-party app store, criticized the initiative, claiming it was more about consolidating control than enhancing security.

BetaBeacon

November 14, 2025

Valve Opens Steam to Android Games Through New VR Headset

Valve has announced the Steam Frame VR headset, which supports Android applications natively on Steam's platform, marking a significant expansion into the mobile gaming space.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Android will let ‘experienced users’ sideload unverified apps as Google makes case for verification

In August, Google announced plans to implement developer verification for Android applications, including those installed via sideloading, with early access available immediately. The company is creating an advanced flow for experienced users that allows them to accept risks associated with installing unverified software while resisting coercion from scammers. This feature will include clear warnings about the risks involved. Google is gathering early feedback on this design and plans to share more details later. The importance of developer verification is highlighted, as it helps protect users from manipulation by scammers, who often use high-pressure tactics to bypass security warnings. An example of such a scam in Southeast Asia involves scammers posing as bank representatives to trick victims into installing malware disguised as a verification app. Google believes that requiring verification will force malicious actors to use real identities, making it harder and more costly to distribute malware. Additionally, Google is developing a dedicated account type for students and hobbyists to facilitate limited app distribution without full verification requirements.