Android updates Archives

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is here with battery life and performance upgrades

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, one month after the first, indicating a faster rollout with a stable version expected in Q2 2025. The update enhances app performance, battery life, and provides new tools for developers to diagnose issues like slow startups and app freezes. It includes a built-in photo picker for cloud images, Wi-Fi 6 integration for location-based functionalities, tools for monitoring activity intensity and managing health records, and custom animations for navigation. The first beta is anticipated in January 2025, and Google plans two major Android updates in 2025, with the first introducing significant changes and the second focusing on smaller improvements. Incremental updates will continue to be released quarterly.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Android 15 users facing notification bug on Windows Phone Link app

Android 15 users are experiencing issues with the Windows Phone Link app after a recent update, which limits the app's ability to display certain notifications. The update automatically hides notifications from untrusted apps to protect sensitive information, restricting third-party applications from accessing notifications deemed "sensitive," such as two-factor authentication codes. Only trusted or system applications can access these notifications. While the Phone Link app can bypass this restriction on Samsung devices with One UI 6.1.1 or later, users of other Android devices are facing challenges and have found common troubleshooting methods ineffective. Users are hoping for a resolution in future updates from Google.

Winsage

December 15, 2024

Android 15 is preventing Windows Phone Link from showing certain notifications

Phone Link app users may experience changes in notification visibility due to a new feature in Android 15 that restricts access to sensitive notifications for privacy reasons. Notifications containing sensitive details, such as two-factor authentication codes, will not be displayed unless the application has the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. This permission is typically granted to system apps and some trusted third-party companion applications. Phone Link, categorized as a third-party app, is expected to request the necessary permissions to access sensitive notifications, but this will only occur for users with Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1 or later.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Android 16 release: New features, floating app windows likely to arrive in…

Android 16 is expected to debut between April and June 2025, with a specific launch date of June 3, 2025, when it will be available on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Pixel users will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update on the same date. The update will introduce features such as "Rich Ongoing Notifications," allowing third-party developers to customize notifications, and a "bubble anything" function for multitasking, enabling users to operate apps in floating windows. Google's expedited release schedule aims to meet the demand for faster software updates and align better with device launches.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Here’s how Android’s faster release schedule will affect Android apps

Google plans to implement more frequent updates to its Android release strategy starting in 2025, coinciding with the launch of Android 16 in the second quarter. A minor update, Android 16 QPR2, is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 and will introduce new developer APIs along with feature updates, optimizations, and bug fixes. Historically, major Android versions were released annually with quarterly platform releases focusing on new features rather than API introductions. The last QPR that included new APIs was in 2022 with Android 12L. Developers will need to monitor both major and minor SDK versions, as the major SDK version will increment with the major release while the minor SDK version will increase with each minor release. Developers are not required to support minor releases, and the Google Play Store will maintain existing target API level requirements focused on annual major releases. New APIs from minor releases will carry over into subsequent major updates.

AppWizard

October 2, 2024

The first OEM to drop Android 15 updates is one you’d never guess

Vivo has released Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, to its flagship devices, including the Vivo X100 series, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and iQOO 12, ahead of the official release date of September 30. Users have reported receiving the update, with one noting that Vivo is the first major brand to roll it out, while Google's Pixel lineup has experienced delays. Funtouch OS 15 includes AI tools for photo editing, user privacy features, and improved connectivity options. The update will be phased in for all eligible devices in the coming days.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 15 Is Almost Here. What You Need to Know About Google’s Latest OS

Google plans to release Android 15 in the upcoming weeks and has made the source code available through the Android Open Source Project. Android 15 will initially roll out to supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, followed by select devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and others. New features in Android 15 include partial screen recording capabilities, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, enhanced in-app camera controls, low-light boost for photography, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. Users are advised to back up their devices before updating. To download Android 15 on a compatible Pixel device, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates, check for updates, and follow the prompts to download and install. If there is insufficient storage, users will need to free up space or use a computer for installation.

AppWizard

September 3, 2024

Android’s September update adds music lookup to Circle to Search and Wear OS updates

Google is rolling out new Android updates, including a music lookup feature for Circle to Search, which allows users to identify songs playing on-device or nearby. The Earthquake Alert System is now available in all U.S. states, providing warnings about potential seismic activity. Wear OS has been updated to include offline map viewing and voice search capabilities. The TalkBack feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images using Gemini models. Chrome on Android will introduce a read-aloud functionality, allowing users to customize reading speed and voice for various content.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

How to Safely Download and Install APKs on Android Devices

APKs (Android Package Kits) allow users to download apps that may not be available in their region's Google Play Store. They serve as installation files for Android applications, similar to .exe files for Windows. While downloading APKs is legal, acquiring pirated apps is not. Risks associated with downloading APKs include malware, data theft, device bricking, and compatibility issues. To safely download APKs, users should choose reliable sources, review files, check user ratings, and avoid suspicious websites. The installation process involves enabling installations from unknown sources, downloading the APK, and conducting an antivirus scan before launching the app. Best practices for safe APK use include keeping the device updated, using mobile antivirus software, regularly backing up the device, and not sharing APK files.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Your wait for Android 15 may take a bit longer

Google has returned Android 15 to the development phase for further testing, delaying its expected release to October. The decision was made to enhance the software's stability before public availability. Although beta testing wrapped up in August, Google is focusing on refining the software. The source code for Android 15 may be shared with developers as early as September 3, but the stable version is still some time away. The October timeline aligns with last year's launch of Android 14, but the situation feels unusual due to the lack of a concrete release date. The Pixel 9 series is anticipated to debut alongside the stable version of Android 15.