Android ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Shuts Down Appstore for Android Phones After 14 Years: No More Apps Coming to the Platform

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android smartphones on August 20, marking the end of its mobile app initiatives after over a decade of challenges. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to compete with Google Play Store and had only 0.1% installation on Android devices by its shutdown announcement. Existing users can continue to use downloaded apps until at least August 2025, but Amazon has stopped selling Amazon Coins. The closure coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. Amazon will still operate its Appstore for Fire devices, which use a modified version of Android.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon’s App Store On Android Is Closing: When And What You Need To Know

Amazon will close its 'Amazon Appstore for Android' on August 20, 2025. New app submissions targeting Android devices are no longer accepted, but developers can update existing applications until the closure date. Existing apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore will remain accessible until the shutdown, but their functionality may vary afterward. Users can still access these apps on Fire TVs and Fire tablets. The Amazon Coins virtual currency program will also be discontinued on the same date, and users must use their remaining balance before it expires, as no additional purchases can be made. Developers are not required to take action, but users are advised to seek alternatives on the Google Play Store and review their subscriptions linked to the Amazon Appstore.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon to retire its Android app store

Amazon will close its app store for Android devices on August 20, 2025, and will also discontinue the Amazon Coins program on the same date. Users will no longer be able to download or use apps from the Amazon Appstore on Android devices after this date, but the app store will continue to operate on Amazon's Fire TV and Fire Tablet products. Unredeemed Amazon Coins will be refunded before the shutdown. The decision is aimed at focusing efforts on the Appstore experience on Amazon devices, where most customer engagement occurs.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon remembers it has an Android app store, kills it

Google may be required to allow third-party app stores access to the Google Play app catalog following a legal setback. This change could benefit companies like Epic Games and Microsoft. Amazon, despite potentially benefiting from this shift, has decided to discontinue phone support for its Appstore due to low user engagement. Amazon's Fire devices, which run on a customized version of Android called Fire OS, will continue to support the Appstore, although the company does not explicitly acknowledge the Android connection. Amazon's statement suggests that its apps may not operate on Android devices after the Appstore's shutdown, potentially excluding Fire tablets and Fire TVs from this definition. Developers who have optimized their apps for the Amazon store may be negatively affected by the transition, but the financial impact is expected to be minimal due to low user engagement.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Powerbeats Pro 2 hands-on review, Android Apple TV app launches

- The Apple TV app is set to arrive on Android devices, expanding Apple's streaming service accessibility. - Apple has partnered with Alibaba to advance artificial intelligence initiatives in China. - Apple has introduced a feature allowing users to merge their Apple Accounts for a streamlined experience. - The new Powerbeats Pro includes heart rate monitoring capabilities, appealing to fitness enthusiasts. - Announce Notifications in CarPlay aims to improve driver safety by allowing notifications without distraction. - The Sports app has added NASCAR coverage to enhance its sports content offerings. - The UK government has taken a controversial stance on encryption, raising privacy and security concerns.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

A native Android Apple TV app is now in the Google Play store

The Apple TV app has launched on Android devices after five years, available in the Google Play Store for users with Android OS 10 or later. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ and access content like Severance, Silo, Killers of the Flower Moon, and CODA, with consistent pricing across platforms. The app features a Continue Watching option and a synchronized Watchlist, but casting from Android devices is not available at launch. The interface resembles the Apple experience, with dedicated tabs and an adaptable layout for tablets. The app also includes the MLS Season Pass, featuring a match of the week and personalized team support. Google OS TVs will receive integrated Google Play billing for the existing Apple TV app. User feedback has been positive, especially compared to the previous app's low rating of 1.6 stars despite over 50 million downloads.

AppWizard

February 9, 2025

Android’s Google Play Store bug shows repeat app updates

The Google Play Store is experiencing a bug that causes some Android users to receive repeated app update notifications for applications that are already up to date. This issue appears in the "Pending downloads" section, where affected apps show notifications for updates despite having the latest versions installed. Genuine pending updates display the update size and date, while these repeat notifications do not. Affected apps include Gboard, Google Messages, Pocket Casts, and The Athletic, which download minimal data (1 to 2 MB) without making any changes. Reports of this issue have surfaced previously, indicating it is a recurring problem, and Google has not issued an official statement regarding it.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

Android 16 may let users rebind physical app and system keyboard shortcuts

Google is enhancing the keyboard experience for larger devices with the latest beta version of Android 16, which introduces a feature for customizing keyboard shortcuts. The code for this feature was found under the tag "Customize Keyboard Shortcut." Last year, Google introduced a physical keyboard toolbar for shortcuts, benefiting users with USB-C or Bluetooth keyboards, and allowing customization of app shortcuts and system action keys. The toolbar also provided access to translation tools and clipboard functions. Additionally, updates were made for larger devices using physical keyboards, particularly for Workspace applications like Gmail and Chat. Android 16 Beta 1 was released to Pixel testers in mid-January, with a projected launch for Android 16 in Q2 2025.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Evergreen, Bloons TD 6, Ace Attorney Trilogy, more

Samsung's Galaxy S25 launch day features discounts on various Android applications, including "Evergreen: The Board Game," "Bloons TD 6," "Ace Attorney Trilogy," and "MEGA MAN X DiVE." Additionally, the Ultimate Android Gaming Controller from 8BitDo is available at a reduced price, and Amazon has launched a new full-color Kindle reader. There are also new configurations for the Google Pixel 8 with a discount.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Samsung just quietly retired its Google Messages rival, and not everyone will be happy about it

Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 series, making Google Messages the default messaging application and retiring the Samsung Messages app. Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra users will only have access to Google Messages, unlike previous models that allowed the option to use Samsung Messages. Existing Samsung Messages users can still use the app if it was installed prior to its removal from stores, but it is no longer available for download, raising concerns about future support and security. A Samsung spokesperson confirmed the decision to transition to Google Messages, citing improved Rich Communication Services (RCS) functionality. The response from users has been mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction about the enforced switch. This change marks a trend towards standardization in the Android messaging ecosystem.