Android phone users Archives

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Amazon Appstore Shutdown: Android Users Must Delete Apps Within 48 Hours

Effective August 20, 2025, the Amazon Appstore will cease to support Android devices, ending over fifteen years of service. Users are advised to uninstall all apps downloaded via the Amazon Appstore to mitigate security risks, as these apps will no longer receive updates or security patches. Users should transition to alternatives in the Google Play Store, which offers built-in security features. Additionally, Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on the same date, with unclear details on refunds for remaining balances. Cybersecurity experts emphasize the urgency of this transition to avoid potential threats from outdated applications.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Beware: 2.5 Million Monthly Downloads of These Risky Android Apps Could Endanger Your Device!

The Kaleidoscope attack is an ad-fraud scheme targeting Android users by tricking them into downloading malicious versions of legitimate apps, primarily via third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are infected each month, with notable occurrences in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and avoid downloading from unverified sources to protect their devices.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

These dangerous Android apps are installed 2.5 million times each month

Kaleidoscope is an ad-fraud attack targeting Android users by exploiting legitimate applications on the Google Play Store and offering malicious duplicates through third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are affected monthly, with 20% of incidents occurring in India, and other impacted regions include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users unknowingly download legitimate-looking apps while malicious versions circulate elsewhere, leading to intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience and generate revenue for cybercriminals. Google has removed flagged titles from the Play Store and is enhancing protections, but ad resellers often fail to properly vet their inventory. The adware causes device overheating, rapid battery drain, and sluggish performance, highlighting the need for user vigilance.

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Gemini Live’s real-time screen sharing is now available to all Android users

Google has rolled out its Gemini Live feature, allowing real-time video and screen sharing with its AI assistant, to all Android users. This feature was initially launched for Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, and Gemini Advanced subscribers. Users can activate it by tapping "Share screen with Live" in the "Ask Gemini" window, enabling them to share their camera or navigate apps while receiving tailored responses. The feature enhances user experiences by facilitating brainstorming, troubleshooting, personal shopping advice, and skill development. Users can manage screen sharing through notifications and stop sharing at any time. Google has also introduced an auto-delete functionality for privacy concerns regarding audio, video, and screen shares.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Beware new Google ‘yellow warning’ that saves you from costly nightmare

Google has introduced a yellow warning banner in the Google Play Store to alert Android users about apps that are frequently uninstalled. This banner indicates that an app may not be meeting user expectations and could be due to poor functionality, excessive advertisements, or inflated costs. Additionally, Google has implemented two other notifications: one indicating lower user engagement with an app and another showing fewer users compared to other apps. These features aim to help users make more informed app choices and avoid potentially harmful applications. Google Play Protect is also available to scan downloaded apps for security, including those from outside the Play Store. Users can enable settings to improve harmful app detection, enhancing overall safety in the app ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Google issues urgent warning to delete 331 Android apps infected with malware

Google has blocked all software identified as problematic on its platform, but users who have previously downloaded these applications must remain vigilant, as the ban does not automatically remove the apps from their devices. The "Vapor" malware has misled millions and infiltrated devices through troubling applications available in Google's Play Store, affecting over 60 million devices globally. The IAS Threat Lab has identified Vapor as an extensive ad fraud scheme using fake Android apps to display intrusive ads and steal credit card information. Bitdefender has identified 331 apps, including QR scanners and fitness applications, as potential threats that display out-of-context ads and attempt phishing attacks. A list of compromised apps includes AquaTracker, ClickSave Downloader, Scan Hawk, Water Time Tracker, and Be More, each downloaded over 1 million times. Users are advised to exercise caution when installing new applications and verify the trustworthiness of developers.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Bye USB, File Explorer gets Android storage integration on Windows 11, Windows 10

Microsoft's Phone Link has introduced the "Android in File Explorer" integration for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, allowing access to Android phone storage directly in File Explorer. This feature began rolling out in October and is part of the "Manage mobile devices" initiative. Users will see their Android phone storage appear automatically in File Explorer, which operates server-side. The integration allows users to access documents, pictures, and files from their Android devices wirelessly, mimicking traditional USB access. Users can rename, copy, delete, and move files, with deleted files going to a new Recycle Bin on the phone for 30 days. To use this feature, users need Android 11 or later, Link to Windows version 1.24071 or newer, and an updated Cross Device Experience Host. The Phone Link app is not required for this integration to function.

AppWizard

September 29, 2024

Android warning: Your Google Chrome and VPN apps could be a malware-laced clones trying to STEAL from you

A new strain of malware called Octo2 is spreading across Europe, targeting Android phone users. Discovered by ThreatFabric, Octo2 disguises itself as popular applications like Google Chrome and NordVPN. Once installed, it allows hackers to control the device, capture on-screen activity, intercept messages, and log keystrokes, facilitating identity theft and phishing schemes. The malware is primarily distributed through unofficial app stores and currently affects users in Italy, Poland, Moldova, and Hungary, with potential for global spread. Octo2 is believed to be a successor to the original Octo trojan, which had a wide reach before its source code was leaked, prompting the development of Octo2. Users are advised to download apps only from the Google Play Store and remain vigilant about app permissions and developer credentials. Google Play Protect automatically protects Android users from known versions of this malware.

AppWizard

July 11, 2024

Gcash enhancing app experience for android users

GCash is addressing technical issues for Android users who are unable to use the e-wallet app on their devices. The company is working on a system update to resolve the problem and plans to have the app ready for re-download by noon on Friday, July 12, 2024.

AppWizard

July 4, 2024

You could get a cut of Google’s $700 million lawsuit payout if you own an Android

Google is paying out a 0 million lawsuit settlement related to antitrust issues with its Android app store. Android phone users who made transactions in the Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, are entitled to a payout as part of the court settlement. Eligible customers will be automatically notified about their options.