Android ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

APK Full Form in Android: Explained for Gamers and App Lovers

APK stands for Android Application Package, which is a file format essential for distributing, installing, and managing mobile applications on the Android platform. An APK contains all the necessary code, resources, and instructions for an app to run on Android devices. Key components of an APK include DEX files (app code), assets and resources (images, sounds, layouts), certificates and security signatures (for verification), and the AndroidManifest.xml file (which outlines permissions and components). When an app is installed, the APK is unpacked, permissions are granted, and its integrity is verified through digital signatures. APK files support various applications and games, allowing for manual installations and updates, and they ensure universal compatibility across devices. Users can adjust security settings to allow installations from unknown sources, but Android restricts this by default for safety.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google talks smarter security against fraud and theft in The Android Show

Google has announced updates to enhance security and privacy for Android users, including: - Enhanced scam protection for calls and text messages. - Updated Factory Reset protections limiting phone functionality if reset without owner consent. - Upgraded Live Threat Detection in Google Play Services to identify malicious applications. - Introduction of the Key Verifier feature for verifying identities in conversations using public encryption keys, launching this summer for Android 10 and higher. - Expansion of the Identity Check feature to more devices with the upcoming Android 16 release. - Concealment of one-time passwords on the lock screen in Android 16. - Extension of the Advanced Protection program to a broader audience. - Rollout of live threat detection capabilities in Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 and newer devices and other smartphones. - Announcement of Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

This new requirement for Android apps is something we need, even if it’s not sexy

Google has announced that all Android applications will be required to support 16 KB page sizes starting November 1st, 2025. This change aims to enhance system efficiency and performance by allowing better resource allocation and reducing memory management tasks. Memory management units operate on a page size basis, and increasing the page size fourfold will streamline processes and improve user experience. All new apps and updates targeting Android 15+ devices must comply with this requirement.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google Keep is getting a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive (APK teardown)

Google is redesigning Google Keep using the Material 3 Expressive design language. An APK teardown of version 5.25.182.01.90 reveals a new search bar that is taller and narrower, with the account switcher and hamburger menu icons moved to the edges and a filter button added within the search bar. The placeholder text has changed from “Search your notes” to “Search Keep.” These updates are part of a broader strategy for visual enhancements across Google's Android ecosystem, although some features may not reach the final public release.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Here’s a First Look at the Redesigned Clock App Coming with Material Design 3

Google is redesigning its Clock app to adopt the Material Design 3 Expressive theme, featuring a new font for improved readability, elongated time selectors for better interaction, and a larger squircle-shaped floating action button repositioned for easier access. The Clock tab will be renamed "World Clock," and the Alarms page will see a comprehensive redesign with a modern elongated time selector and additional options for alarm name, sound, vibration, weather forecast, and Google Assistant routines. The Timers section will change the play icon to a rectangular “Start” button, while the Stopwatch tab will shift to a cubical layout. The Bedtime mode will largely retain its existing design. User reactions to the redesign have been mixed, with some expressing concerns about the transition from rounded to boxy elements and the overall consistency of the design. The redesign is still in early stages, and user feedback will influence its final form.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Google Takes Down Over 1.5 Million Android Apps From Play Store But That’s A Good Thing

Google has removed over 1.5 million low-quality Android applications from the Play Store in 2024, reducing the total app count from 3.4 million to approximately 1.8 million. This initiative aims to enhance user safety and quality, responding to concerns about security and functionality. Additionally, Google has blocked over 2.3 million applications, with developers withdrawing their apps to avoid penalties.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

Google is giving us a look at what’s next for Android ahead of I/O

The Android Show will air a special I/O edition on May 13 at 1 p.m. ET, hosted by Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, and featuring members of the Android team. This episode will provide an early look at innovations leading up to the Google I/O event, including details about Android 16. The show will be pre-recorded and streamed live on YouTube. Google has also released a schedule for the Google I/O event, which will cover topics such as Android's new UX design, Material 3 Expressive, and Gemini in Chrome and Android XR.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Android 16 Beta 4 Arrives with AOD Theming, App Drawer Shortcut, and More

Google's Android 16 Beta 4 is being rolled out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, introducing enhancements aimed at improving user experience and security. Key updates include an enhanced Always on Display (AOD) feature with dynamic theming, the Themed icons toggle moving out of beta, a new Apps list shortcut in the Pixel launcher, and new options in the recent menu for Screenshot and Select. The Gesture Navigation page has been updated with a tutorial demo, and the Quick Settings Media Player artwork has been darkened. Some users have reported the removal of the Battery Health feature from the Battery Settings page, although it is still available on certain devices.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Google rolls out an auto-reboot feature for Android phones to safeguard data

Google has released an update to its April Play Services and Store changelog, introducing an automatic reboot function for Android phones that have been locked for three consecutive days to enhance data encryption. The initial batch of April updates included battery life improvements and a security patch for Pixel devices. The update also features optimizations for device connectivity and a minor enhancement to the "Ask a question" feature in the Play Store. Additionally, the April update includes the 2025 security update for Pixel devices, addressing camera issues and screen dimming problems reported by users of the Pixel 6 and 7 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has been introduced, featuring a 6.8-inch display and a commitment to seven years of updates.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Android addressing ‘excessive’ battery drain with new app wake locks metric

Google is launching an initiative to help developers optimize wake lock behavior in Android applications to reduce battery drain. A new metric in the Android Vitals section of the Play Console will track "excessive wake locks," defined as instances where the cumulative duration of all partial wake locks exceeds three hours within a 24-hour period. This metric currently monitors wake locks only when the app is running in the background without a foreground service. Google is collaborating with manufacturers like Samsung to enhance this initiative and has released updated developer documentation to guide effective implementation. Developers are encouraged to provide feedback on this beta metric, which aims to improve performance and battery life insights. Future plans may include additional metrics to address other performance issues.