Android users Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Google highlights smarter Gemini capabilities when integrating the Photos app

Google has introduced a support document detailing the integration of its Gemini AI with the Photos app for Android devices, allowing users to search for specific memories using details like places, faces, dates, and events. This functionality is currently being rolled out to a select group of invited users. Users can engage in natural language queries to locate photos, ask questions about locations and dates, and describe images they seek. Once identified, users can tap on the photo or album to view it in the Photos app. The features are available in the Gemini app for Android, but access is limited, and prompts must be in English. Users need to log into Gemini with the same Google account associated with Photos. The features resemble the "Ask Photos" test in early access through Google Labs, which integrates some of Gemini's functionality directly within the Photos app.

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

April 1, 2025

Google Maps is giving your ETA screen a glow-up on Android

Google Maps is updating its interface in version 25.13.06 to streamline trip details and enhance user experience. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) is now displayed larger and more prominently, while distance information has been moved to a secondary position. The redesign allows for easier access to additional details like fuel efficiency, parking, and toll costs without navigating through multiple menus. The update is being rolled out across all transport modes but is server-side, so user experiences may vary.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google’s Play Store Warning—Do Not Update This Setting

A sophisticated trojan named TsarBot is targeting over 750 legitimate banking and shopping applications on Android devices. It overlays a counterfeit login screen on real apps to capture user credentials. TsarBot is believed to have Russian origins and can remotely control the device's screen, simulating user interactions and capturing device lock credentials through a deceptive lock screen. The trojan is typically installed from phishing websites, where a dropper application delivers the TsarBot APK file. Once installed, it disguises itself as the Google Play Services app and urges users to enable Accessibility services. Users are advised to avoid installing apps from outside the Google Play Store, ensure Play Protect is enabled, and only enable Accessibility Services when necessary to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Avoid Downloading Apps From Untrusted Sources, Google Warns Android Users

Google warns Android users about the risks of downloading apps from sources outside the Google Play Store, noting that such apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware. In 2023, Google removed around 2.3 million suspicious apps from the Play Store and banned over 300 apps that circumvented Android's security measures, which had over 60 million downloads and were involved in deceptive advertising and phishing schemes. Google is enhancing its Play Protect Live Threat Detection system to combat fake and dangerous apps. Recommendations for protecting phones include downloading apps only from the Google Play Store, checking reviews and ratings, installing security updates, and avoiding unknown links.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Android users ALERT! Google has an update but you need to stop installing THESE apps?

Google's AI-driven threat detection and security measures blocked approximately 2.36 million policy-violating applications from being released on the Play Store last year. In February, Google removed hundreds of malicious applications that were infecting devices with adware and malware. Over 50 times more Android malware originates from internet-sideloaded sources compared to those found on the Play Store. Google is expanding its Play Protect feature across all applications and the upcoming Android 15 will introduce live threat detection. Sophos warned about PJobRAT malware, which can steal SMS messages, contacts, and files from infected Android devices. Experts advise against sideloading apps unless their legitimacy and security are certain.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

My favorite Google productivity app is everywhere and nowhere

36% of participants in a poll confirmed they actively use Google Tasks via its app or web interface, while 18% only add tasks through other Google products without engaging with the Tasks app. 9% expressed interest in trying it out for the first time, and 36% indicated they prefer another to-do platform. Google Tasks was originally an integrated feature within Gmail and Calendar and was relaunched as a standalone app in 2018. It allows users to create tasks from various Google services, enhancing its utility. The app is characterized by its simplicity and straightforward interface, which may contribute to its obscurity. Google is gradually rolling out new features for Tasks, including improved sorting options and easier task management capabilities. Despite its potential, Google Tasks currently occupies a lower priority in Google's broader product strategy.

TrendTechie

March 29, 2025

10 best torrent apps and torrent downloaders for Android

Torrent applications serve various legitimate purposes, including sharing open-source software and distributing artistic works. For Android users, several noteworthy torrent apps are available: 1. **1DM**: Free download manager with integrated browser and torrent functionality; premium version available to remove ads. 2. **BitLord**: Free torrent downloader with built-in audio player and Chromecast support; Wi-Fi-only mode enabled by default. 3. **BitTorrent and µTorrent**: Free apps with similar features; BitTorrent promotes legal content, while µTorrent offers a simpler experience; both have premium versions to remove ads. 4. **FrostWire**: Free torrent downloader with support for .torrent files and magnet links; includes a basic torrent search and optional ad removal. 5. **LibreTorrent**: Free open-source torrent app with a simple UI and active torrent tracking; based on libtorrent code. 6. **nzb360**: Free app supporting multiple services; requires initial configuration but allows management of various torrent-related tasks. 7. **Torrnado**: Free app that connects to a computer for remote torrent management; offers a trial version with a paid full version. 8. **TorrDroid**: Free torrent app covering basic features; includes a torrent search function but lacks a pro version for ad removal. 9. **Transdrone**: Free app for managing torrent downloads remotely; useful for controlling seedboxes or home servers. 10. **tTorrent**: Free popular torrent app with comprehensive features, including encryption and a web interface; pro version available at a competitive price.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT Android Malware Masquerades as Dating and Messaging Apps to Target Military Personnel

PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan that re-emerged in 2023, targeting users in Taiwan. Initially known for targeting Indian military personnel, it now disguises itself as benign apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and ‘CChat’, distributed via defunct WordPress sites operational from January 2023 to October 2024, with domain registrations dating back to April 2022. The malware is spread through counterfeit applications resembling legitimate messaging services, prompting users to grant extensive permissions. Enhanced capabilities allow it to execute shell commands, access data from any app, root devices, and communicate with command-and-control servers via Firebase Cloud Messaging and HTTP. The campaign appears to have concluded, highlighting the evolving tactics of threat actors. Users are advised against installing apps from untrusted sources and to use mobile threat detection software.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Perplexity is getting one of Android’s coolest AI features

Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, announced a new feature for Android devices that enhances user interaction with the AI tool, similar to Google's Circle to Search. During a demonstration, users could circle a bullet point about Roger Federer to inquire about his net worth, and Perplexity provided a prompt response after conducting an online search. The feature does not have a specified launch date and is currently unavailable in the app, although users can still use Google's Circle to Search. Initial tests showed Google's method yielded faster results, but both provided the same information. The new feature aims to make similar capabilities accessible to a broader audience, particularly those with older Android devices. Perplexity is noted for delivering more accurate responses than its competitor, Gemini, and is preferred by many users as a default phone assistant.