Android apps Archives

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

12 Android apps secretly recorded your conversations

Recent findings from cybersecurity experts at ESET revealed that several Android applications, disguised as harmless tools, have been secretly recording conversations and stealing sensitive data. These malicious apps infiltrated devices through the Google Play Store and third-party platforms, compromising the privacy of thousands of users. One tactic used by cybercriminals involved romantic deception, where victims were coaxed into downloading a seemingly harmless messaging app containing the VajraSpy Trojan, which activated upon installation to record conversations and harvest personal data. The identified malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Standard Messaging Apps with Hidden Trojans: These apps, including Hello Chat, MeetMe, and Chit Chat, request access to personal data and operate silently in the background, stealing contacts, SMS messages, call logs, device location, and installed app lists. 2. Apps Exploiting Accessibility Features: Apps like Wave Chat exploit Android’s accessibility features to intercept communications from secure platforms, record phone calls, keystrokes, and ambient sounds. 3. Single Non-Messaging App: Nidus, a news app, requests a phone number for sign-in and collects contacts and files, increasing the risk of data theft. The 12 malicious Android apps identified include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. The first six apps were available on the Google Play Store and had over 1,400 downloads before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately to protect their personal data.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I turned my Windows PC into an EdgeBook — Microsoft’s web apps were the most glaring issue

Microsoft Edge was used as the sole application for two weeks to explore its capabilities as a potential alternative to ChromeOS for Windows 10 users. The experiment revealed that while Edge has useful features like the Sidebar and Edge Drop, the web versions of Microsoft Office were inadequate for daily tasks, often performing poorly and lacking functionality compared to desktop versions. Essential applications identified during the experiment included Snipping Tool, PowerToys, Microsoft Office apps, and a dedicated photo editor. The experiment also highlighted the possibility of uninstalling many applications from Windows 11, emphasizing the benefits of a clean install. Additionally, the potential of Windows 10X as a competitor to ChromeOS was noted, though it remains unrealized.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

Urgent Android Warning: Major Security Flaw Allows Hackers Full Access—Here Are the Apps You Must Delete Now

A vulnerability known as “Dirty Stream” was discovered by Microsoft, allowing malicious applications to hijack trusted apps on high-end Android devices. Although the flaw has been patched, any data accessed before the patch remains vulnerable. The vulnerability exploited the ContentProvider system in Android, enabling harmful apps to send deceptive files that could overwrite critical data in secure storage. Microsoft noted that this could lead to arbitrary code execution, giving attackers full control over applications and access to sensitive user data. Several popular Android apps were found to be vulnerable, with over four billion installations affected. It is crucial to promptly install security updates and maintain app vigilance to protect personal data.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

These Android and iPhone applications are free for a limited time

Various Android and iOS apps and games are currently available for free for a limited time in honor of Easter.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now – and how I use them

AI has integrated into daily life, especially for Android users due to Google's embedding of AI capabilities in the operating system. Key AI apps for Android include: 1. Google Gemini: The default AI app that enhances user experience without installation. It features Gemini Live for complex queries and can be used as a handy assistant. 2. Perplexity: An AI-driven query app with an intuitive interface for news summaries and organizing queries. It is free and serves as a default search engine for some users. 3. DeepSeek: An AI development firm from China offering two apps on Google Play: Deep Think (AI chatbot) and DeepSeek (AI assistant), which handles deep queries and basic searches. It is free but requires account registration. 4. Microsoft Copilot: A versatile AI tool for standard queries, drafting, and image creation. It summarizes news and requires a Microsoft account for access. 5. Opera's Aria: An AI tool integrated into the Opera browser, offering standard query capabilities and voice-to-text functionality. It requires installation but is free to use without a subscription.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s overlooked Android launcher showed me everything Pixel Launcher is missing

Microsoft Launcher is an Android launcher developed by Microsoft, offering extensive customization options that surpass those of the default Pixel Launcher. It features up to ten customizable gesture options for enhanced usability, particularly for one-handed operation. The launcher includes a component called Your feed, which consists of Glance and News; Glance allows users to curate a personalized experience with scrollable cards from Microsoft apps, while the News section serves as a shortcut to MSN News but is criticized for excessive ads. Users can customize the home screen layout by removing or rearranging default widgets, and the app drawer has a spacious 5×8 grid layout with an alphabetical jump list. However, users may experience occasional animation glitches typical of third-party launchers on Pixel devices. Overall, Microsoft Launcher is considered a superior option for Pixel users seeking more features and customization.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

China’s Surveillance Push via Android Apps – Australian Cyber Security Magazine

The UK Cyber League has supported a new advisory by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC UK) in collaboration with several international partners, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, the German Federal Intelligence Service, the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States National Security Agency. The advisory focuses on two spyware variants, BADBAZAAR and MOONSHINE, and provides guidance for app store operators, developers, and social media companies to enhance user safety. Spyware is defined as malware that installs on a device without the user’s consent, collecting and sending data to a third party. The advisory emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures against such threats.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

A wild new way to think about Android apps

Hermit is a mobile application that allows users to create web apps that integrate seamlessly into the Android ecosystem, resembling traditional apps on the home screen. Users can launch a new web app in about two minutes, and Hermit offers a variety of customization options for personalizing these apps to meet individual preferences and needs.