Android Experience Archives

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

The least used app on my Android phone is… the Google app?!

The Google app, launched over 15 years ago, enhances mobile search capabilities on Android devices and serves multiple essential functions, including powering the search widget, the Discover feed, Circle to Search, Google Lens, the Saved tab, and ad personalization options. A poll indicates that 34% of users utilize the app daily, 9% use it often, 16% rarely, and 41% never use it. Despite its perceived redundancy, the app is an uninstallable system app, crucial for maintaining various Android features and functionalities.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

The Apple TV app is finally available on Android with Apple TV Plus

The Apple TV app is now available on Android devices, allowing users to download it from the Google Play Store. Android users can subscribe to Apple TV Plus directly through the app using Google Play Billing, without needing an Apple device. The app is designed for devices running Android 10 or newer and provides access to Apple TV Plus and the MLS Season Pass, but not to purchased iTunes content. The app lacks features such as Google Cast functionality and access to Apple TV channels. Apple TV Plus is priced at .99 per month and includes shows like Severance and Ted Lasso, while the MLS Season Pass costs .99 per month or for the entire season. A seven-day free trial for Apple TV Plus is also available.

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

December 20, 2024

Google Keep’s joining the ranks of system apps considered essential

Google Keep is being elevated to the status of a system app in the latest Android 16 Developer Preview 2, meaning it will be embedded within the operating system and cannot be uninstalled without root access. This change indicates a renewed commitment to the app, which has recently seen enhancements, including integration with Google Tasks. The upgrade suggests potential for enriched functionalities and tighter integration with other core Android features.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Android app price drops and freebies: Dawncaster, Northgard, Planet Craft, more

Google's Pixel Tablet is available at a discounted price when bundled with the Charging Speaker Dock. Sony's XM5 ANC earbuds are marked down, known for their noise-canceling capabilities and sound quality. Bose's Diamond 60th Anniversary QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are also seeing a price reduction, recognized for comfort and audio performance. Notable app deals include: - Dawncaster: Deckbuilding RPG - Northgard: a real-time strategy game - Planet Craft: a creative sandbox game - Water Tracker: Hydro Coach PRO, an app for monitoring hydration levels.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Android app price drops and freebies: Dark Rage, Tokaido, Titan Quest Ultimate, more

Google Play has released a collection of Android game and app deals, featuring standout games such as Dark Rage, Tokaido, Titan Quest: Ultimate, ISOLAND4, and Purrfect Apawcalypse 3. Additionally, there are hardware deals including a discount on the Nanoleaf CONO Smart Lamp, a new low price for Motorola's curved Edge smartphone on Amazon, and a deal on Samsung’s 128GB 200MB/s PRO Ultimate microSD card.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google’s beefing up Android app security, but not everyone’s going to be happy

Google is enhancing its Play Integrity API to provide faster and more secure device attestation for Android applications. The updated API will make it harder to spoof attestation checks and will introduce measures to verify that apps are installed via the Play Store, potentially affecting sideloaded applications. Average Android users can expect improved app performance, although some may receive notifications about outdated security updates. Developers can opt into the new system now, with a broader rollout planned for May 2025.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

5 Best Android Emulators for Mac: Run Android Apps and Games Seamlessly

Android emulators for Mac allow users to experience the Android environment, bridging the gap for Mac users who face limitations with mobile gaming and Android-exclusive applications. The top Android emulators for Mac include: 1. BlueStacks: Widely used, supports both Intel and M-series Macs, free, features native gamepad support and impressive FPS capabilities. Currently available as BlueStacks 4, with BlueStacks 5 anticipated. 2. NoxPlayer: Lightweight design, operates on Android 9, supports Intel Macs only, free, features script recording and gamepad support, but does not support M1 or later chips. 3. Genymotion: Primarily for developers, supports both Intel and M-series Macs, offers cloud-based or desktop application options, free and paid versions, features ADB access and sensor simulation. 4. MuMuPlayer Pro: Supports M-series Macs only, paid with a 7-day trial, operates on Android 12, allows multiple instances for gameplay, but lacks extensive customization options. 5. Android Studio: Integrated development environment for Android app development, supports both Intel and M-series Macs, free, offers debugging tools and hardware/software simulation capabilities. Emulators serve various purposes, including gaming, app testing, and managing social media accounts.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

Best Android app price drops and freebies: Dandara, Whispers of a Machine, and more

A variety of deals are available on the Google Play Store, including: - Arc’s Metal Samsung Galaxy Bumper Cases with discounts for Black Friday. - The first price drop on Samsung’s Snapdragon X Plus Galaxy Book 4 Edge Copilot+ PC. - A significant markdown on Hisense’s 144Hz 100-inch Google Smart TV. - Savings of up to 0 on Samsung’s 2024 The Frame Smart TV Lineup. Notable app offerings include: - Dandara Trials of Fear Edition - Chloe Puzzle Game Pro - Whispers of a Machine - Lucid Launcher Pro

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

How to add PGP support on Android for added security and privacy

Certain communications require encryption for security, especially emails, which should only be accessible to intended recipients with the correct decryption key. Most Android email clients lack this feature, making third-party applications necessary. Thunderbird is highlighted as a strong choice for Android users due to its compatibility with PGP and open-source nature. OpenKeychain is recommended for adding encryption to communications on Android devices, requiring only an Android device and a Google account for installation. To create an encryption key in OpenKeychain, users must open the app, tap "Create My Key," enter their name and email, and optionally enable keyserver access. After creating the key, users can share public keys for encrypted email exchanges and import keys from files. For adding encryption to Thunderbird, users must install the app, access settings, navigate to "End-to-End Encryption," enable OpenPGP support, and select the key created in OpenKeychain. Once set up, users can compose encrypted emails, but recipients must also have encryption support in their email clients.