Android ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

How to completely customize your Android Quick Settings panel

Power Shade and Mi Control Center are two applications that enhance the Quick Settings panel on Android devices through extensive customization options. Power Shade allows users to tailor their Quick Settings interface with a user-friendly design, while Mi Control Center offers a unique layout that enhances functionality and creativity. Both applications cater to the trend of personalization in the Android ecosystem.

BetaBeacon

October 28, 2024

Redmagic Nova Gaming Tablet Review Mobile Gaming Grows Up

The Nova tablet has Android at its heart, offering access to a wide range of games, media, streaming services, office applications, and organizational tools. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, making it one of the fastest and most powerful Android tablets available. The tablet is designed for gaming and offers up to 16 GB of RAM. However, it is a Wi-Fi-only device with no cellular option and has a camera that is not exceptional. The tablet's gaming experience can be enhanced with Game Space, and it works well for games with a smaller scope. Streaming games from a PC to the tablet is also possible, offering a great gaming experience.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT launch marks a divorce from Android

Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a shift away from the Android ecosystem. Public beta testing has started for select smartphones and tablets using Kirin and Kunpeng chips. This version does not support Android applications, emphasizing Huawei's goal of creating a self-sufficient platform. Notable native apps for HarmonyOS NEXT include Meituan, Douyin, Taobao, Xiaohongshu, Alipay, and JD.com, with over 15,000 native applications and meta-services launched. HarmonyOS NEXT features 110 million lines of code, a 30% performance enhancement, and extends battery life by an average of 56 minutes while freeing up about 1.5GB of memory. Currently, Huawei has no plans to introduce HarmonyOS NEXT outside of China. The launch signifies a step towards technological independence, as previous versions relied on the Android Open Source Project due to US sanctions. Huawei aims to extend HarmonyOS to personal computers, planning to phase out Windows, though timelines and adoption by other PC manufacturers are uncertain.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Google’s Play Store celebrates its Sweet Sixteen

The Google Play Store celebrates its 16th anniversary today, having evolved from the Android Market, which was launched on October 22, 2008. Initially focused on app distribution for Android devices, it expanded with a web-based interface in early 2011 and was rebranded as the Google Play Store in 2012, incorporating various media types and subscription services. Google has prioritized safety and quality, working to eliminate malware and low-quality apps. The Play Store has faced legal challenges, including a case from Epic Games, but has managed to maintain operations while considering future adjustments.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Federal Judge Grants Google a Stay on Android App Store Overhaul | PYMNTS.com

A federal judge in San Francisco has postponed a court order requiring Google to enhance competition in its Android app store until an appeals court reviews a jury verdict that found Google to be an illegal monopolist. U.S. District Judge James Donato's ruling delays significant modifications to Google’s Play Store, originally set for November 1, which aimed to improve access for competitors. Google requested the delay while the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals examines the case, which stems from a December 2023 verdict indicating that Google's Play Store operated monopolistically. Judge Donato acknowledged the evidence supporting the antitrust verdict but recognized the need for the appeals court to evaluate the situation. If enforced, the changes would allow rival app stores and alternative distribution methods, potentially altering Google's dominance. The timeline for the appeals court's decision is uncertain and may take over a year. Google argues that the proposed remedies could compromise the Play Store's security and user experience.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google wins delay in opening Android app – Manila Standard

A federal judge in San Francisco has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a deadline requiring the opening of Android-powered smartphones to competing app stores, which was part of an antitrust case initiated by Epic Games. The deadline, originally set for November 1, has been suspended. Google expressed satisfaction with the ruling, while Epic Games criticized it as “meritless” and indicated their intent to continue pursuing a more competitive app marketplace. Android devices hold approximately 70 percent of the global smartphone market, making Google a target for regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google Wins Temporary Delay on Android App Store Overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from an order requiring significant changes to its Android app store, Play, due to an antitrust lawsuit from Epic Games. The enforcement of the required changes has been postponed until November 1st for further legal review. The injunction issued on October 7th mandated enhancements to consumer options for downloading software, but Google argued that these changes could jeopardize safety, security, and privacy. The ruling allows the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order, although the suspension does not extend to Google's broader appeal. Epic Games criticized the ruling as procedural and accused Google of using fear tactics to maintain its market position. The lawsuit previously found that Google unlawfully monopolized app download methods and in-app purchases on Android devices, leading to the order that included allowing third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. Google has appealed the jury's findings, asserting competition with Apple's App Store and disputing claims of monopolistic behavior.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Epic judge lets Google keep its Android app store closed to competitors — for now

Judge James Donato granted Google a temporary administrative stay regarding changes to its Android app store rules, allowing Google to postpone compliance with most aspects of a previous ruling while it appeals. A jury had determined that Google's Play Store was an illegal monopoly, and the stay delays the implementation of this ruling. Starting November 1, 2024, Google must refrain from entering agreements that prevent the preinstallation of rival app stores for three years. Google expressed satisfaction with the stay, while Epic Games criticized it, claiming it highlights the meritlessness of Google's appeal.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause order on Play store overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Play, in the context of an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling allows Google to pause the implementation of the order set for November 1, which aimed to enhance consumer choice in software downloads. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's argument that the changes could pose safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The pause will enable the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order during the appeal process. Google expressed satisfaction with the temporary halt, while Epic Games described the ruling as a procedural step and accused Google of using fearmongering tactics. The legal battle follows a jury's finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process on Android devices. Judge Donato's order included measures requiring Google to allow alternative app downloads and competing payment systems, and it prohibits financial incentives for preinstalling its app store. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause ‘dangerous remedies’ to Play store in blow to Epic Games

A federal judge in California granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Google Play, amid an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling, by US District Judge James Donato, allows Google to pause the implementation of the order, originally set to take effect by November 1, while the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals reviews Google's request for a further pause. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's concerns about potential safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The order reflects changes proposed by Epic Games, including allowing users to download competing app platforms, using alternative in-app payment methods, prohibiting financial incentives for preinstalling Google Play, and restricting revenue sharing with other app distributors. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings, arguing it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple’s App Store.