Android phones Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

I got an early look at Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 3 at Google I/O

Wear OS 6 was announced at I/O 2025, featuring a Pixel Watch 3 with a new Material 3 Expressive design and revamped Tiles. The update includes a 10% battery boost and improved performance over Wear OS 5, despite a more complex user interface. The redesigned Tiles are more dynamic, maintaining visual consistency with a 3-slot layout. Developers can customize the main content slot for various functions. Wear OS 6 introduces dynamic theming that integrates colors from watch faces, although some limitations exist with older faces. The Pixel Watch 3 is described as more engaging and dynamic compared to its predecessor, with further optimizations for apps and watch face stores pending.

BetaBeacon

May 20, 2025

Android phones can now play the legendary Windows XP Space Cadet pinball game for free

- The classic game "3D Pinball Space Cadet" from Windows XP has been ported to Android devices for free. - Developer Kyle Sylvertre brought the nostalgic game to Android using a GitHub decompilation of the original game by k4zmu2a. - The game is available on the Google Play Store for fans to enjoy, but users may need to scroll down or use a provided link to find the free version.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Android 16 is Google getting serious about foldables

Google recently launched Android 16, featuring significant user interface modifications and new animations, which have elicited mixed reactions from users. The update includes enhancements like improved network connectivity and security against malicious applications. The UI now dynamically adapts to user interactions, adding visual flair. During the Android Show, Google showcased various Android phones, with speculation about future tablet announcements at the I/O conference. The foldable phone market is currently dominated by Android devices, with expectations that foldables could become mainstream, despite challenges related to pricing and durability. Manufacturers are improving foldable designs to enhance resilience. As costs stabilize, foldables may replace traditional devices, offering multifunctional capabilities.

BetaBeacon

May 14, 2025

Android 16’s new 90:10 split-screen is a game-changer for multitasking

Google is introducing a new split-screen mode for Android 16, changing the ratio from 70:30 to 90:10. This allows one app to occupy 90% of the screen while leaving 10% for a secondary app. Tapping on the smaller app swaps the sizes of both apps, allowing for easy switching between them. This new feature promises to enhance multitasking capabilities on Android phones.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Android and Wear OS are getting a big refresh

The introduction of Material 3 Expressive enhances customization options for Android devices, allowing for a more personal expression of style. It features natural animations that create delightful interactions, such as adjacent notifications responding when one is dismissed and providing tactile feedback through haptic rumble. This design evolution emphasizes both functionality and the emotional connection users have with their devices.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google just gave Android phones new features to thwart scammers

Google is piloting a feature to enhance security for banking app access during screen-sharing sessions, currently being tested with UK banking applications like Monzo, NatWest, and Revolut. When a user shares their screen while accessing their banking app, a pop-up notification will alert them to a "likely scam," reminding them to be cautious.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Android’s phone taskbar isn’t quite ready yet, but it’s already getting a multitasking boost

Google is developing a "tiny taskbar" for Android phones to improve multitasking by streamlining app switching on smaller screens. The feature includes a recent apps carousel displaying the six most recently opened applications, inspired by the Alt + Tab switcher. Currently, the carousel does not switch to the selected app upon tapping, indicating it is still in development. The tiny taskbar has faced layout challenges, particularly with a 5x5 home screen grid configuration, and further adjustments are needed for seamless integration. Google is also working on enhancements to other multitasking features like bubbles and split-screen mode.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Google’s Android Decision—Bad News For 50% Of All Users

Google will implement changes to app functionality on Android devices starting next month, affecting over half of all Android users. The changes are driven by the Play Integrity API, which aims to reduce fraud and data theft, resulting in an 80% reduction in unauthorized app usage. Devices running Android 13 and above will experience improved performance, while those on Android 12 or older may face slower performance. Google is also introducing enhanced security signals for developers to assess device trustworthiness. Over half of Android devices have not upgraded to Android 13 or later, and approximately 200 million users remain on Android 12, which no longer receives security patches. Users on Android 12 or 12L are advised to upgrade for better security and performance.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.