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Android 17’s native app lock may also hide notifications from locked apps
AppWizard
January 9, 2026

Android 17’s native app lock may also hide notifications from locked apps

Google is enhancing notification management for locked applications in Android 17. Notifications from apps secured by the built-in app lock feature will be visible on the lock screen or as a bubble, but the content will remain concealed until the app is unlocked. This includes apps like WhatsApp, where a new message notification will appear without revealing the message details. The native App Lock API is in development, aiming to provide a system-level solution for locking individual applications, potentially eliminating the need for third-party apps. The feature may require biometric authentication for access and is expected to standardize privacy controls across the platform, particularly benefiting apps that handle sensitive information. Android 17 may debut with this native app-locking system for Pixel smartphones and other devices using the stock version of the OS.
List of Android Antivirus Software
Tech Optimizer
January 7, 2026

List of Android Antivirus Software

TraceX Guard is developed by TraceX Labs and provides comprehensive protection against mobile threats such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing links, utilizing AI-powered threat detection and real-time security monitoring. Avast Antivirus, created by Avast Software, offers malware scanning, real-time threat detection, app locking, Wi-Fi security checks, and privacy protection tools, making it popular among Android users. AVG AntiVirus, developed by AVG Technologies, includes malware protection, app scanning, performance optimization, and privacy features, sharing core technology with Avast. Malwarebytes is an anti-malware solution for Android that detects and removes malware, adware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs, focusing on privacy protection and safe browsing.
My proven 4-step method for fixing slow Android phones - and it works every time
AppWizard
December 22, 2025

My proven 4-step method for fixing slow Android phones – and it works every time

- Uninstall unused applications to free up space and improve phone speed by navigating to Settings > Storage > Apps. - Offload photos to an external drive or cloud storage to clear space on the device. - Clear app cache by going to Settings > Storage > App > Clear Cache. - Check for updates to the Android operating system by going to Settings > General > System Update and ensure apps are updated in the Google Play Store. - Adjust animation speed through Developer options by enabling it in Settings > About phone > Software information and tapping the Build number seven times, then modifying the animation scale settings in the Drawing section.
Android 17 may finally add the native App Lock feature Pixel users have been waiting for
AppWizard
December 10, 2025

Android 17 may finally add the native App Lock feature Pixel users have been waiting for

The upcoming Android 17 update is expected to introduce a native App Lock feature, addressing the lack of built-in app locking solutions for Pixel users. Currently, Android's Private Space feature is cumbersome and not user-friendly, leading many to rely on third-party app lockers, which pose security risks. The new App Lock feature, hinted at in the recent Android Canary build, will include an App Lock API requiring specific permissions and will be accessible to all launchers. It aims to provide a more secure and reliable option for locking apps, potentially utilizing the Biometric Prompt API for authentication. However, the feature is not yet active and is unlikely to be released with the upcoming Android 16 quarterly update, with the earliest expectation for availability being with Android 17. Additionally, it remains uncertain how notifications from locked apps will be managed regarding content visibility.
Sideloading apps on Android 16 QPR2 has a much nicer-looking UI
AppWizard
December 4, 2025

Sideloading apps on Android 16 QPR2 has a much nicer-looking UI

Google has updated the Android Package Installer with a new Material 3 Expressive design language, aligning it with the visual overhaul of Android 16. The Package Installer now has a more intuitive layout, centering the app name and icon to emphasize installation actions. New button styles include Filled Buttons for primary actions like “Install” and “Open,” and Elevated Buttons for secondary actions like “Cancel” and “Done.” The installation progress bar features a new Material 3 Linear Progress Indicator, and the dialog’s title font size has been increased for better readability. However, the permission dialog for sideloading apps has not been redesigned and still uses the older button style. Users need to install the Android 16 QPR2 update to access these enhancements, as the Package Installer cannot be updated through Google Play System Updates.
Which games can be played on Android and which ones can't?
BetaBeacon
November 21, 2025

Which games can be played on Android and which ones can’t?

- Native Android games are specifically designed and optimized for Android devices, offering a smooth gaming experience. - Cross-platform games like Fortnite and Minecraft have mobile equivalents for Android users. - Cloud gaming and emulation methods can be used on Android devices to access a wider variety of gaming options. - Exclusive console games, complex PC titles, and games with hardware limitations cannot be played on Android devices. - Android users have a wide range of gaming options available, with the mobile gaming industry continuously growing and evolving.
Android Battery Woes Might Finally Be Over—Thanks to This Quiet Change
AppWizard
November 11, 2025

Android Battery Woes Might Finally Be Over—Thanks to This Quiet Change

Google announced an updated Play Store policy on November 10 that will introduce new performance checks for developers, focusing on monitoring excessive partial wake locks. Apps that maintain screen-on time beyond two hours or exhibit excessive wake locks will lose visibility in the Play Store, being demoted in listings and labeled for excessive power consumption. This policy aims to enhance app performance and battery management on Android devices and is set to take effect on March 1, 2026, coinciding with the rollout of Android 17. Google will also provide developers with access to performance metrics to help them improve their apps. Additionally, the adaptive battery system in Android restricts power to infrequently used apps, and Android 15 introduces advanced background restrictions and a more intelligent doze mode.
Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction
AppWizard
November 10, 2025

Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction

On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.
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