Android operating system Archives

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

What to try when an Android app keeps crashing

Developers frequently update apps on the Google Play Store to improve user experience and fix bugs, with app crashes often resulting from problematic updates. To troubleshoot an app, users should check for updates in the Play Store. If no updates are available, users can access the app's settings by long-pressing the app icon or navigating through Settings > Apps. Users can clear the app's cache and force stop it to potentially resolve issues. If problems persist, uninstalling and reinstalling the app may be necessary, although this may result in loss of locally stored data unless cloud backup is enabled. Users can also clear the app's data directly from the App info page. Restarting the device and checking for system updates can also help resolve app crashes. Users can sideload older versions of apps from trusted sources like APKMirror if needed. Lastly, using the app's web version can serve as a temporary solution.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

Google’s Android Pulse App Appears on Play Store: What is it?

Google has introduced the Android Pulse app, which serves as a service tool for the "System Diagnostic tool" designed for Android devices. The app has surpassed 10 million downloads and is pre-installed on Google’s Pixel devices. It functions to define anomalies within the system and aids in distributing rules for anomaly detection, helping to identify unusual activity and diagnose bugs within the Android operating system.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

What is the ‘Android Pulse’ app that just appeared in Google Play Store updates?

Users may have noticed an app named “Android Pulse” in their Google Play updates, which appears as a blank square. This is a first-party Google application for "Defining anomalies for debugging," aimed at facilitating rule distribution for anomaly detection related to critical system resource consumption within the Android operating system and its applications. The app is integrated into Pixel devices as “Pulse” and has a heart rate-inspired green icon. “Android Pulse” has been available since March, with over 10 million downloads, and this is the first time it has appeared in the Play Store for manual installation.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Google Releases Anomaly Detection App “Android Pulse”

Google has launched "Android Pulse," an application for detecting anomalies in the Android operating system and installed applications, primarily for Google Pixel devices. The app is available for download on the Google Play Store and is in its initial version (v1.0.968586556). It functions like a system application with no additional configuration needed after installation. The app features a blank icon on the Play Store, but its "App Info" section displays an electrocardiogram (ECG) design, indicating its monitoring purpose. Future updates are expected to improve its anomaly detection capabilities.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

App used in Gen Z protest installed without internet: Bitchat sends messages via Bluetooth; govt asks the c…

Jack Dorsey has introduced a new feature for his offline messaging app, BitChat, allowing Android users to share and install the app directly from one device to another via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, without needing an internet connection or access to the Google Play Store or GitHub. This feature is designed to enable users to install BitChat by sharing the APK file, making the app accessible even if it faces restrictions on online platforms. The update follows concerns from the Indian government about the app being exploited by criminal organizations. The BitChat team has stated that the app can now be distributed among users, transforming every device with BitChat installed into a potential distribution hub.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

EU hits Google with $1 billion fine over its Play app store and search

The European Union imposed a fine of 890 million euros on Google for violations of digital antitrust regulations, alleging that Google manipulated its Play platform and search engine to favor its own services over competitors. This action is part of the EU's broader efforts to regulate major technology firms and protect consumer interests. Google has faced previous legal challenges, including an unsuccessful appeal of a 4.3 billion euro antitrust fine related to its Android operating system. The EU has identified major tech companies as "gatekeepers" that must ensure fair competition. Google's President of Global Affairs criticized the fine, claiming it would harm European businesses and consumers.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Third-party app stores are coming to Android soon

Beginning next week, third-party Android app stores in the United States will gain access to the Google Play Store through the Play Catalog Access Program. This program allows developers to submit app and game listings for external Android app stores, which will be downloadable directly from the Google Play Store. Google Play's service fees will still apply to these transactions. This change follows a court order resulting from a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google, which began in 2020. A U.S. District Court judge mandated changes to the Play Store in 2024 after ruling against Google. In November, Google and Epic reached a settlement proposing modifications to enhance developer choice and competition. Third-party app stores will incur a service fee of ,000 for an onboarding security review and an annual fee of ,000 to maintain access to the Play catalog. However, these app stores cannot use the Play Store for distributing their apps outside the United States. Earlier this year, Google announced a reduction in its commission for app purchases to 10% and introduced outside billing options within the Play Store.

BetaBeacon

July 13, 2026

These new Game Boy-style Android handhelds just made us sit up and take notice

MANGMI has announced the upcoming release of the Air Y and Air Y Pro vertical handhelds, designed in a Game Boy-style format and running on the Android operating system. The devices feature a 4:3 screen, side buttons, a scroll wheel for volume control, and MANGMI branding. The Pro model boasts dual analog sticks and the handhelds will be powered by a Snapdragon or Dragonwing chipset.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

Why Anti Malware and Antivirus Solutions still matter despite Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is a security feature integrated within the Google Play Store that scans installed applications for malicious behavior, verifies apps before download, and can disable or remove harmful software. Its primary limitation is its focus on apps from the Google Play Store, leaving users who install APK files from third-party sources at risk. Modern cyber threats include phishing links, counterfeit login pages, and social engineering techniques, which Google Play Protect does not fully address. Dedicated antivirus applications offer real-time threat detection, privacy protection, and additional features such as monitoring excessive app permissions and dark web credential leaks. For business users, mobile security platforms provide advanced capabilities like enforcing corporate policies and detecting zero-day threats. While Google Play Protect is sufficient for many users, those handling sensitive information or seeking enhanced protection should consider additional antivirus solutions. Best practices for cybersecurity include downloading apps from trusted sources, keeping software updated, and using strong passwords.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Android to ‘block’ rivals

Europe's highest court has ordered Google to pay a fine of €4.1 billion (£3.5 billion) for practices related to the Android operating system that stifled competition. The European Commission initially imposed a €4.3 billion fine in 2018, later adjusted to €4.1 billion in 2022, which the court upheld after Google's appeal. This is the largest fine ever levied against Google by the Commission. Google expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating it does not recognize their investments in Android. The original fine was based on allegations of three illegal practices, although it was noted that Android allows users to download alternative web browsers and use other search engines. Additionally, the European Commission previously fined Google €2.4 billion in September 2024 for abusing market dominance and €2.95 billion in September 2025 for breaching competition laws in online advertising. A Russian court also fined Google two undecillion roubles in October 2024 for restricting Russian state media channels on YouTube.