Android Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Android 17 is making Pixel widgets vanish, but Google already has a fix in the works

Users of Android 17 have reported that home screen widgets are disappearing after the latest stable update, specifically on devices with a work profile. Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, which may be included in the next month's security update. Currently, there is no effective workaround other than removing the work profile, which allows users to restore their widgets by restarting the device and re-adding them.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2026

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives conducted a Real-World Protection Test from February to May 2026, evaluating 20 consumer security products against real-world internet threats. Seven products received the ADVANCED+ award for their effective protection and low false alarm rates. The complete test report is available for free at av-comparatives.org. The evaluated products included well-known security solutions such as Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. The test aimed to assess how well these products protect against various online threats, including malware embedded in trusted platforms.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Android’s sideloading changes are getting closer as Google shares new timeline

Google is rolling out a new system service for Android devices to verify app origins from registered developers, starting this month. Verification requirements will officially begin on September 30, 2026, for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, covering apps from major app stores like Google Play and Samsung Galaxy Store. Users can still sideload apps, but those from unregistered developers will require additional installation steps. A limited-distribution developer account will be introduced in August for hobbyists and students, allowing app sharing with up to 20 devices without ID or fees. The phased rollout will continue through 2026, with global expansion of verification requirements expected in 2027.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Rokarolla trojan uses screen overlays to hijack Android financial apps

A new banking trojan for Android, named Rokarolla, targets 217 applications, including banking and cryptocurrency platforms, to steal credentials and sensitive financial data. It operates via a command and control (C2) server and bypasses the Google Play Store by using phishing websites that mimic legitimate download portals. Users are tricked into downloading a dropper that installs the malware, which disguises itself as the Google Play Protect security tool to gain access to Android Accessibility Services. Rokarolla employs dynamic screen overlays to capture user input in targeted financial applications and can also impersonate the device's lock screen. Additionally, it uses a pseudo-VNC system to intermittently capture screenshots for data extraction and can modify clipboard contents to manipulate cryptocurrency transactions by replacing copied addresses with those controlled by attackers.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Sorry Microsoft, Windows 10 taskbar is still better than Windows 11, and here’s why

The taskbars of Windows 10 and Windows 11 differ significantly in design and functionality. Windows 11 features a centered icon layout by default, while Windows 10 has left-aligned icons. The search functionality in Windows 10 includes a larger "Type here to search" bar, whereas Windows 11 offers a more compact search button or box. Windows 10's right-click menu provides extensive customization options directly, while Windows 11's is more minimalistic and requires navigating to settings for customization. Windows 10 allows users to toggle small taskbar buttons, a feature that was initially absent in Windows 11 but has since been reintroduced. Taskbar repositioning in Windows 10 is straightforward, while Windows 11 requires accessing settings for repositioning. Windows 11 combines app icons by default and hides labels, complicating navigation compared to Windows 10's clearer visual cues. The Start menu in Windows 10 is resizable and features Live Tiles, which are not present in Windows 11's fixed-size Start menu. Windows 10's News and Interests feature contrasts with Windows 11's Widgets board, which has been criticized for being intrusive. Windows 11's Quick Settings separates toggles and notifications into two panels, enhancing user experience, while Windows 10's clock flyout offered a native agenda view that has been removed in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a performance enhancement for taskbar flyouts to improve responsiveness on budget hardware, a feature not needed in Windows 10. Additionally, Windows 11 introduces a Resume function for Android activities and is developing AI integrations for the taskbar, which are not available in Windows 10.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

3 simple Android Auto Automations that helped me stop wasting time in my driveway

The user transitioned from CarPlay to Android Auto in their Ioniq 5 EV and has been exploring sideloading video and web browsing applications to enhance their long drive experience. They have faced issues with Google's Automations since the launch of Gemini, with many not functioning properly and difficulties in creating custom Automations. Despite these challenges, they found value in using Automations for tasks like closing their garage door upon entering the vehicle and modifying stock Automations to manage smart lights efficiently. They also highlighted the effectiveness of Google's stock Good Morning routine, which provides weather updates, jokes, calendar recaps, and news summaries upon command.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Google shares updated timeline for rolling out Android developer verification

Google, Honor, OPlus, Samsung, Transsion, vivo, and Xiaomi are key players in enhancing app distribution platforms. Google is introducing new APIs to simplify the registration process for developers, including the Android Developer ID Status API and the Android Developer Console API. This month, Google will implement a new system service (com.google.android.verifier) on Android 8 or later devices to restrict the installation of unverified applications, although it will remain inactive until verification is launched in specific regions. In July, new developer APIs will roll out, and testing for "limited distribution" accounts will begin, allowing hobbyists to share apps without fees or ID verification on up to 20 devices. By August, an advanced app verification flow will be globally accessible, allowing users to bypass verification through a complex process. In September, Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will start verifying app installation status, with plans for expanded developer verification by 2027.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

5 Surprisingly Useful Android Apps That Aren’t On The Play Store

Google's sideloading process allows users to access applications beyond the Play Store, including open-source and free apps. Five notable apps highlighted are: - WriteOn: A minimalist note-taking app that supports checklists, numbered lists, images, an in-app calendar, and a calculator. It features a Scratchpad for temporary notes and allows exporting notes as TXT files. It also includes a Flashcards feature for studying. - Fridgey: An open-source app for managing fridge and pantry inventory, allowing users to catalog food items by freshness and expiration. Users can input item details and adjust quantities as items are consumed. - PrivacyFlip: An app that enhances privacy control for Android users, enabling toggling of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other features even when the device is locked. It includes a battery-saving feature and requires a straightforward setup process. - Timety: A productivity app that combines a to-do list, habit tracker, and focus timer. Users can categorize tasks, set priorities, and create subtasks. It features customizable habit tracking and a Pomodoro timer for maintaining focus. - Lune: An offline music player that supports Hi-Fi audio, allowing users to organize songs by various criteria and create customizable playlists. It includes equalizer adjustments and playback controls from notifications. These apps were selected for their open-source nature and utility in productivity and entertainment, with a focus on those that have received updates in the past year.

BetaBeacon

June 18, 2026

The Pokémon Company Launches Pokémon Champions, a Battle-Focused Game for Android and iOS

The Pokémon Company has launched Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused game for Android and iOS devices. The game features turn-based battles with familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, abilities, and moves. Players can enjoy various modes, including Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles, with support for cross-play with Nintendo Switch players. Special in-game gifts are available for players who log in, including exclusive Pokémon, redeemable from June 17, 2026, to September 2, 2026.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android 17 review: Bubbling with excitement

Recent updates in Android, particularly with Android 17, focus on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing numerous new features. Key highlights include: - Revamped multitasking capabilities with expanded chat bubbles, allowing interaction with multiple apps simultaneously. - A bubble bar for foldable devices that displays all active floating windows for easy access, though launching apps as bubbles from the recents menu is not supported. - Tailored updates for foldable devices, including a dedicated gaming mode and native controller remapping for customization. - New customization options, such as hiding app labels on home screens and per-app adjustments for the dark theme. - Enhanced background blur effects and the ability to disable them through accessibility settings. - Security updates including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default, and a new Contact Picker feature for sharing specific contacts. - Improved parental controls allowing for daily limits, downtime schedules, and individual app restrictions. - A consistent user experience across devices, with applications adapting to different screen sizes and the introduction of features like Continue On for cross-device continuity. - Anticipated future enhancements related to Gemini Intelligence.