Android applications. Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Google is reportedly buying Play Store app code from devs, and you can guess why

Google has initiated a confidential program to acquire app source code from select developers on the Play Store to enhance its AI-powered coding tools. The company is offering financial incentives to developers who share their app source code, allowing them to retain ownership and intellectual property rights. Google is specifically targeting real-world Android applications, including older projects, to improve its Gemini models and coding functionalities. The initiative aims to elevate the performance of Google's AI offerings, particularly the upcoming Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity 2.0 coding agent, and to position the company more competitively against rivals like Microsoft and Anthropic.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Google AI Studio now builds Android apps from simple prompts

Google has expanded its AI Studio with new features for building native Android applications. Users can now generate production-ready Kotlin code within the "Build" tab by entering prompts, and a browser-based Android emulator allows for instant previews. A one-click publishing feature enables direct submission to Google Play’s Internal Test Track. The platform now integrates with Google Sheets and Google Drive for creating custom dashboards and applications. A new export feature facilitates the transition from cloud to local environments, ensuring smooth transfers of project files and API secrets. Automatic design tools include an AI agent for generating custom interface images, and users can make real-time visual adjustments. New creators can deploy their first two applications to Google Cloud via the Cloud Run Free Tier at no cost. Additionally, a mobile app for AI Studio is in pre-registration, allowing developers to work on application builds from their smartphones.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google AI Studio has learnt to create Android apps from a text query

Google has introduced a new feature in AI Studio that enables users to create native Android applications from text descriptions, automatically generating Kotlin code and using Jetpack Compose for the user interface. Developers can build Android apps directly in the browser without needing to install Android Studio or additional libraries. AI Studio includes a built-in Android Emulator for real-time testing and allows immediate installation of applications on Android devices via USB. Users can publish builds to Google Play's internal test track and export projects as ZIP archives or push them to GitHub. The service is ideal for developing simple utilities and applications that utilize various Android hardware features. Future updates will include support for Firebase and other tools.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google can now vibe-code you an Android app

Google has enhanced its coding platform, AI Studio, allowing users to create native Android applications. Developers can prompt the system and preview their apps through an integrated Android emulator, with an option to install on actual devices via a connection to an Android phone. The initial rollout focuses on "personal utility" apps, "hardware-enabled experiences," and "AI-powered experiences" using the Gemini API. Google maintains that all applications must adhere to existing review processes and quality benchmarks before publication on Google Play. Additionally, Google has released a 1.0 version of its command-line interface for building Android applications and plans to integrate app recommendations into Gemini queries, along with a short-form video feed titled "Play Shorts" for user engagement.

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.