Android platform Archives

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

These are the 7 best fitness apps for Android (that aren’t Strava)

There are several alternative fitness apps available on the Android platform for those looking for options beyond Strava. 1. Map My Run: This app allows users to create new running routes, track runs in real-time, and access detailed metrics. It also includes social features for discovering nearby routes and offers running drills and goal-tracking. 2. Yuka: A nutrition-focused app that lets users scan barcodes of food products to analyze their contents, highlighting harmful additives and health benefits. It provides overall product ratings and category rankings to help users make healthier grocery choices. 3. Runna: This app offers personalized running plans based on user-inputted goals. After a trial week, users can subscribe for a fee to receive a tailored daily workout schedule and track progress with compatible smartwatches. 4. Meetup: A social platform that connects individuals through local fitness events, such as run clubs and yoga sessions, promoting community and interaction among fitness enthusiasts.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Adobe Photoshop for Android Is Now Available for Free: Here’s Why It Is Better

Adobe has launched the main Photoshop app for Android, currently available for free on the Google Play Store. The app is in beta testing and includes familiar desktop features, premium tools, and generative AI technology such as Generative Fill and smart subject selection. This is the first authentic Adobe Photoshop app for Android, aiming to provide a comprehensive mobile editing experience that bridges the gap with desktop capabilities and supports Creative Cloud.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Check out how Google plans on improving the native Google Phone app for Android

The latest update to the Phone by Google Android app features a larger display of the caller's name and phone number at the top of the screen, requiring contacts to be saved for identification. The caller's photo has also been enlarged. The app now uses oval-shaped controls for functions like mute and speaker, while the answer call button remains circular. The "Call from" text has been removed, and the other party's number is visible after answering, with the call duration repositioned to the top of the screen. A new animation showcases the caller's profile picture. These design changes aim to improve readability and user experience.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

First Samsung and Xiaomi, now OnePlus apps get Gemini support

OnePlus has announced the integration of Gemini, a feature that enhances interaction with Google and select OnePlus applications, specifically for the upcoming OnePlus 13 series. Gemini will support various OnePlus apps, including Notes and Clock, allowing users to perform tasks like summarizing YouTube recipes into notes or setting alarms based on calendar events. The feature will debut through a software update for the OnePlus 13s, but it is unclear if older models will receive this functionality. This move aligns OnePlus with other Android manufacturers, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, who are also integrating Gemini to improve their app ecosystems.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Viral Google AI Service Now Comes in Android App Form

NotebookLM, an AI-driven service from Google, has launched on the Android platform, allowing users to generate podcasts on various topics. The app enables users to gather information from multiple sources and create tailored content, including podcasts and AI-guided conversations. The podcast feature is highlighted as a significant innovation, enhancing the learning experience by making it more engaging. The app is available for download on Google Play.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Preventing App-Based Threats on Android Devices

By 2025, the Android platform faces increasingly sophisticated app-based threats, including ransomware, fake apps, social engineering, and remote access attacks. Cybercriminals exploit Android's open architecture, prompting the need for advanced security measures. Android's security architecture includes: 1. Google Play Protect: Scans applications before installation using real-time machine learning to detect emerging malware and deceptive tactics. 2. Application Sandboxing: Isolates apps to prevent data access between them, utilizing Linux permissions and SELinux policies. 3. App Signing and Code Integrity: Requires cryptographic signatures for apps, complicating the introduction of rogue certificates and runtime modifications. Advanced protections include Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) for high-security apps, which monitors behavior in real time, and secure coding practices that encourage regular code reviews, strong authentication, and data encryption. User vigilance is crucial, emphasizing responsible downloading, limiting permissions, keeping software updated, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with public Wi-Fi. Google continuously updates security measures, ensuring older devices receive new protections, while collaboration with the security community aids in identifying and countering emerging threats.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

APK Full Form in Android: Explained for Gamers and App Lovers

APK stands for Android Application Package, which is a file format essential for distributing, installing, and managing mobile applications on the Android platform. An APK contains all the necessary code, resources, and instructions for an app to run on Android devices. Key components of an APK include DEX files (app code), assets and resources (images, sounds, layouts), certificates and security signatures (for verification), and the AndroidManifest.xml file (which outlines permissions and components). When an app is installed, the APK is unpacked, permissions are granted, and its integrity is verified through digital signatures. APK files support various applications and games, allowing for manual installations and updates, and they ensure universal compatibility across devices. Users can adjust security settings to allow installations from unknown sources, but Android restricts this by default for safety.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google announces new security features for Android for protection against scam and theft

Google unveiled new security and privacy features for its Android platform, focusing on safeguarding calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions. Key measures include blocking unsafe actions during calls with unknown contacts, restrictions on side-loading apps from unverified sources, and limiting accessibility permissions to prevent scams. Users on Android 6 or later will not be able to disable Google Play Protect, which scans for harmful applications. Enhanced screen-sharing protection includes reminders to stop sharing after calls and a warning screen for banking apps when sharing with unknown numbers. Google Messages will improve scam detection using on-device AI for various fraud types. Verification keys in the Google Contacts app will allow users to authenticate contacts, with end-to-end encryption for verified conversations. Identity Check protection requiring biometric authentication will be extended to more devices, and stricter controls on Factory Reset functions will be implemented. Google is also enhancing its Play Protect program to detect unsafe apps and strengthening Advanced Protection Mode for public figures, along with introducing a new Find My Hub feature.

BetaBeacon

May 6, 2025

8 Android Games Exclusive to Epic Games Store, Not Google Play

Epic Games Store is challenging Google Play Store on Android by offering exclusive games not available on the official Android platform, revolutionizing how Android gamers access and play games.