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Google Phone app rolling out Android fake call detection that uses RCS
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Google Phone app rolling out Android fake call detection that uses RCS

Phone by Google is introducing a fake call detection feature to protect Android users from impersonation scams that use AI-powered deepfake technology. This feature requires both parties to use Android devices with the Phone by Google app, Google Messages, and Google Contacts. It works by sending a silent confirmation signal to verify the legitimacy of a call. If an impersonation attempt is detected, the user's phone will check with the actual contact's device, and if the real device indicates that it is not making a call, a warning will appear on the user's screen. The feature will roll out globally for Android 12+ devices, starting with Pixel phones, and will be enabled by default. The underlying RCS technology may also be adopted by other apps and manufacturers.
From Maps to Meet, here's how readers rank their favorite Google apps
AppWizard
June 1, 2026

From Maps to Meet, here’s how readers rank their favorite Google apps

A recent poll with nearly 1,900 votes revealed that Google Maps is the favorite Google app, receiving 36.2% of the votes. Google Wallet followed with 18.2%, and Google Photos received 17.8%. Gmail garnered 10.3% of the votes, while Google Calendar received 8.3%. Google Meet received the least support, with only 2% of the votes.
Android 18 Could Ban Battery-Draining Apps From the Play Store
AppWizard
June 1, 2026

Android 18 Could Ban Battery-Draining Apps From the Play Store

Google is planning to implement stricter efficiency requirements for third-party applications with the launch of Android 18 in 2027. Developers may need to optimize their applications by removing unnecessary functions and background processes to avoid penalties, including potential removal from the Google Play Store. The focus will be on reducing battery drain, device overheating, memory consumption, background resource abuse, and improving overall system performance. If enforced, these changes could lead to longer battery life, reduced heating issues, faster performance, and improved reliability for users. However, developers may face challenges in optimizing their applications to meet these new standards.
Concerned about privacy on your Android? Here’s why Bitdefender is your all-in-one solution
AppWizard
May 30, 2026

Concerned about privacy on your Android? Here’s why Bitdefender is your all-in-one solution

Privacy on Android can be compromised through routine activities like checking bank accounts, shopping online, or using public Wi-Fi. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers comprehensive security features, including phishing protection, scam detection, VPN capabilities, and app security. Its VPN encrypts internet connections and routes traffic through secure servers to minimize tracking and protect data from third-party access. Bitdefender also monitors applications for suspicious behavior and blocks threats, ensuring security across the Android ecosystem. The software operates autonomously in the background, scanning for threats and applying protective measures without requiring constant user intervention.
This secure email service just gave me a real reason to ditch Gmail
AppWizard
May 28, 2026

This secure email service just gave me a real reason to ditch Gmail

Proton Mail now allows users to import Gmail emails directly into the app, enabling them to send emails from their Gmail address within Proton Mail. This feature removes trackers and ads from emails, enhancing user privacy. Users can link their Gmail accounts through the Easy Switch section in Proton Mail settings, and Proton assures that this connection does not give Google access to their Proton Mail inbox. Emails exchanged between linked Gmail accounts using Proton Mail can achieve end-to-end encryption, preventing Google from using email interactions for advertising profiling. However, Google can still access emails that remain in Gmail inboxes. The rollout of this feature is currently underway for Proton Mail users.
Upcoming Google Play Store Update Might Add A Warning About Dead Apps
AppWizard
May 28, 2026

Upcoming Google Play Store Update Might Add A Warning About Dead Apps

Google is developing a feature for the Google Play Store that will notify users about "dead" apps—those that have been removed from the store and will no longer receive updates. This feature is part of a strategy to improve the Android ecosystem and is indicated in the upcoming Play Store build, version 51.4.19. The APK teardown revealed code strings that suggest users will receive alerts when an installed app is no longer listed in the Play Store. Currently, Google already informs users about potentially harmful apps, but details about the dead app warnings feature are still limited, and its release timeline is uncertain.
Google May Add Play Store Alerts For Removed Android Apps
AppWizard
May 27, 2026

Google May Add Play Store Alerts For Removed Android Apps

Google has implemented a new feature in its Play Store that notifies users when an app has been removed from the marketplace. This update informs users that the app will no longer receive updates, including security fixes, which could leave them vulnerable. The notification will detail each deleted app and its removal from Google Play. There is uncertainty about whether the update will allow users to delete these apps directly. This initiative responds to a shift in the threat landscape, where exploiting vulnerabilities has become the primary method of breaching devices, surpassing stolen credentials. Recent reports highlighted the necessity for user notifications, citing a new ad fraud campaign involving 453 apps that were installed 24 million times before removal. Previously, users had no formal notification system for app removals.
Google ranks the best AI for building Android apps, and the winner isn't Gemini
AppWizard
May 26, 2026

Google ranks the best AI for building Android apps, and the winner isn’t Gemini

Google launched the Android Bench benchmarking portal in March to help software developers evaluate AI models for Android app development. The leaderboard was updated last week to include open-weight models and new metrics for latency, tokens, and cost. Matthew McCullough, Google's VP of Product for Android Development, stated that the goal is to provide a benchmark for evaluating large language models (LLMs) in Android development. As of May 18, GPT 5.5 is the top AI model for Android app development, with Gemini 3.1 Pro and GPT 5.4 ranked as joint leaders. Android Bench evaluates LLMs based on real-world challenges and tasks sourced from public GitHub repositories. Other benchmarking tools in the Android ecosystem include Jetpack Microbenchmark, Jetpack Macrobenchmark, Firebase Performance Monitoring, Android Vitals, Apptim, and Android Performance Analyzer. The overall benchmark score on Android Bench is calculated using four core values: Confidence Interval Range, Average Latency Score, Average Total Tokens Score, and Average Cost. The test harness for Android Bench is publicly available on GitHub.
Google's AI Studio enables rapid Android app creation in minutes
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Google’s AI Studio enables rapid Android app creation in minutes

Google has introduced enhanced web-based AI tools in its AI Studio platform, allowing users to generate complete native Android applications from natural-language prompts. This process enables individuals without programming skills to create installable APKs in minutes. The Build mode accepts plain-English descriptions to construct comprehensive native Android projects, which can then be customized in Android Studio. The tools support integration with third-party APIs and Web3 SDKs, allowing AI-generated apps to interact with blockchain functionalities. This development offers opportunities for the cryptocurrency sector, enabling decentralized finance protocols or wallet providers to create lightweight companion apps without extensive engineering teams. The integration with the Android ecosystem positions Google to reshape competitive dynamics in mobile app development. However, there are security concerns regarding the AI-generated code, particularly related to vulnerabilities in rapidly generated mobile apps that interact with smart contracts.
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