Android features

AppWizard
March 5, 2025
Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.
AppWizard
March 4, 2025
Android Auto has introduced a range of gaming applications that allow users to play games while parked in their vehicles. The available games include Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. Users can download these games onto their mobile devices and access them through the Android Auto interface when parked.
AppWizard
February 20, 2025
Consumer-grade spyware applications, often referred to as "stalkerware" or "spouseware," pose significant risks to Android users by monitoring private messages, photos, phone calls, and real-time locations without consent. These apps are typically downloaded from outside the Google Play Store and can be stealthily installed, often disappearing from the home screen. Stalkerware exploits legitimate Android features, leading to unusual phone behavior such as excessive heat, sluggish performance, or unexpected data usage. To address spyware, users should establish a safety plan and trusted support before attempting removal, as this could alert the installer. Google Play Protect should be enabled to scan for harmful apps. Users should check for unfamiliar apps in accessibility services, review notification access for third-party applications, and inspect device admin app settings for unrecognized applications. Even hidden stalkerware apps will appear in the list of installed applications, which can be accessed through the settings menu. Strengthening device security, such as enhancing lock screen passwords and using two-factor authentication, is recommended. Resources for support include the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Coalition Against Stalkerware.
AppWizard
February 20, 2025
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
December 20, 2024
Google Keep is set to become a system app in Android 16's Developer Preview 2, meaning it will no longer be uninstallable, although users can disable it. This change aligns with Google's plans to introduce a new lock screen notes feature. As a system app, Google Keep will be integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, alongside other core applications. The anticipated lock screen note-taking feature is expected to debut with Android 15, allowing users to take notes without unlocking their devices.
AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Android 16 may introduce a feature allowing apps to block AI-generated text from keyboards. Reports indicate that Google is exploring an API enabling developers to identify and prevent AI-generated text from being pasted into their applications. This functionality involves the EditorInfo class, which includes new methods isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(). When an AI writing tool is active, setWritingToolsEnabled() will return true, allowing keyboards to generate text. Apps can disable this feature by configuring setWritingToolsEnabled() to return false, preventing the insertion of AI-generated text. The specific applications that will implement this feature are currently unknown.
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