Android Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Got a Google Pixel? Find these 4 Android 17 features ASAP

Android 17 introduces several innovative features aimed at enhancing user experience. The Bubbles system allows users to manage notifications flexibly by moving them anywhere on the screen and easily dismissing them. It also offers more precise control over app location access, allowing users to tailor permissions for enhanced security and privacy. The expanded dark mode setting provides a cohesive visual experience across applications, with options for specific exceptions. Additionally, the Comfort View feature reduces eye strain during prolonged use, prioritizing user comfort.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Commodore’s New Flip Phone Skips Android for Linux-Based Sailfish OS

A year after its revival, the Commodore brand is re-entering the mobile phone market with the retro flip phone called the Commodore Callback 8020. This device runs on a privacy-focused Linux-based operating system, Jolla's Sailfish OS, and features stringent software restrictions that block browsers and social media applications. It comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports other messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. The Callback 8020 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 chip, has 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage. It features a 3.25-inch IPS display, a 1.77-inch exterior screen, and a tactile T9 keypad. The rear camera has a 48MP Sony sensor, and the phone includes a removable 1550mAh battery. Connectivity options include dual-SIM 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, hotspot, and GPS. The Callback 8020 will be available in five colors, with prices starting at .99, and units are expected to ship this winter.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

I Tried Android 17’s ‘Bubbles’ and It Makes Multitasking Way Easier?

Android 17 introduces a feature called Bubbles for Pixel phones, enhancing user experience by allowing users to create floating shortcuts for frequently used applications. Bubbles can be positioned anywhere on standard smartphones and docked in the bottom right corner on foldable devices, acting as a mini launcher for quick access to apps without interrupting ongoing tasks. Users can create a bubble by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Bubble. Bubbles can be repositioned and removed easily, but not all apps support this feature. When a bubble is selected, the app appears in a smaller overlay window, allowing interaction without disrupting the current workflow. This feature improves multitasking efficiency by reducing the number of swipes and taps needed to access applications.

BetaBeacon

June 19, 2026

Today’s best Android app deals and freebies: WINCH IT OUT, LUNA The Shadow Dust, more

The Android app price drops include Guns’n’Glory Zombies Premium, This Is the Police 2, Nelly Cootalot: The Fowl Fleet, LUNA The Shadow Dust, 6 takes!, Wingspan: The Board Game, Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee, WINCH IT OUT, Football Referee Simulator, RPG Silver Nornir, and RPG Soul Historica.

BetaBeacon

June 19, 2026

PlayTranslate brings realtime game translation to Android

PlayTranslate is an open-source Android app that provides realtime overlay translation for games, supporting 23 in-game languages translated into 59 different languages. Users may need to temporarily pause Google Play Protect to install the app due to screen-record and display-over-apps permissions. It also offers offline translations, text-to-speech functionality, flashcard features, and multi-screen translation options.

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.