Android smartphones Archives

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

New Android 16 update could impact Dexcom G6 mobile app usage, Dexcom warns

Dexcom has warned that users of its G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) app should avoid downloading the Android 16 operating system update, as it may disrupt app functionality. Users of the Dexcom G7 will not be affected by this update. The Android 16 update is currently available for select Android smartphones, and ignoring the warning could lead to issues with app performance critical for diabetes management.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Android Auto™ Compatibility Now Available to Lucid Air Owners

North American and European owners of the Lucid Air can now connect their Android smartphones to their vehicles as of June 16, 2025, through an over-the-air update to Lucid OS 2.7.0. This update enables access to Android Auto, allowing users to utilize their preferred smartphone applications for maps, media, and messaging on the Lucid Air's 34-inch Glass Cockpit, either via USB or wirelessly. To use Android Auto, owners need an Android phone running version 9.0 or higher, an active data plan, and a compatible USB cable, with wireless connection available for Android 11 or higher. Compatibility for Lucid Gravity owners is expected soon.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

New flagship smartphone makes PC gaming on mobile smoother than ever

RedMagic is set to launch its flagship gaming phone, the RedMagic 10S Pro, in global markets after its unveiling in China. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version chipset and a dedicated RedCore R3 Pro gaming chip, allowing for enhanced gaming performance with up to 120FPS. It includes an advanced ICE-X cooling system with Liquid Metal 2.0 technology, which improves thermal management. The phone has a 6.85-inch BOE custom AMOLED 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, alongside a 7,050 mAh battery supporting 80W wired charging. The camera system consists of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel camera, plus a 16-megapixel front camera. Pricing for the RedMagic 10S Pro starts at €649 for the 12/256GB model and goes up to €999 for the 24GB/1TB model. Pre-orders will be available from June 12 to 17, 2025, with general sales starting on June 18. The phone will be available in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, GCC countries, Latin America, and the Middle East, with some countries receiving it at a later date.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Vulnerabilities in Preinstalled Android Apps Expose PIN Codes and Allow Command Injection

Significant vulnerabilities have been identified in pre-installed applications on Ulefone and Krüger&Matz Android smartphones, disclosed on May 30, 2025. Three vulnerabilities affect these devices, including CVE-2024-13915, which targets the com.pri.factorytest application, allowing unauthorized factory resets. CVE-2024-13916 and CVE-2024-13917 affect the com.pri.applock application on Krüger&Matz smartphones, enabling malicious apps to extract user PIN codes and inject arbitrary intents. These vulnerabilities stem from improper export of Android application components, allowing malicious applications to bypass Android’s permission model. Users are advised to check for updates and consider disabling vulnerable applications.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Google patches an annoying Wear OS authentication bug affecting Wallet

A bug affecting Google Wallet caused repeated authentication prompts for Wear OS users, which has now been patched by Google. Wear OS users can make Wallet payments without needing to authenticate if their smartwatch is unlocked and worn on their wrist. The issue was acknowledged by Google on May 20, and the fix was confirmed in a community post on May 29. The Google Wallet app on Wear OS has been updated to version 25.17, though it is unclear if the patch requires a manual update or was implemented server-side.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

New malware infects Android devices — full list of apps to delete immediately

Cybersecurity experts have identified a new threat to Android users called Kaleidoscope malware, which has infiltrated various popular applications not available on the Google Play Store. This malware operates in the background, collecting personal information, displaying intrusive ads, and potentially allowing more harmful malware to enter. Users are advised to check their device settings for suspicious apps, uninstall them, restart their devices, and review app permissions, especially for those requesting access to sensitive features. Experts recommend downloading apps only from trusted sources, being cautious about permissions, and regularly updating systems to address security vulnerabilities. Google has identified 62 dangerous vulnerabilities in Android devices, with two being particularly threatening, and users are urged to update their devices promptly.

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

April 30, 2025

LG will shut down update servers for its Android smartphones on June 30

LG will officially terminate software updates for all its smartphones on June 30, 2025. This includes the cessation of the mobile phone software upgrade service (FOTA), update center, and LG Bridge service. Users are advised to upgrade their software before this deadline, as no further updates will be provided after that date.

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.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.