APKs Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google may be getting ready to bring a Pixel 9 exclusive app to the Pixel 8 series

Google is preparing to extend the Pixel Studio app, currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models. Investigations revealed a new APK stub for Pixel Studio associated with the Pixel 8 Pro, which is also pre-installed on the Pixel 8 following the Android 15 update. The APK stub acts as a placeholder, requiring activation from Google for users to download the app from the Play Store. Additionally, the removal of the com.google.android.feature.PIXEL2024EXPERIENCE feature flag from the Pixel Studio app suggests that Google is ready to make it available for older devices. There are no signs that the Pixel 7 series will receive the Pixel Studio app, as the APK stub has not been found on the Pixel 7.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15’s app archiving feature works with all Android apps, unlike the Play Store’s version

Google has launched the Android 15 update for Pixel devices, introducing an app archiving feature that optimizes storage by allowing users to remove an app's installation and temporary files while keeping its data. This feature supports all app distribution formats, including traditional APKs, unlike the previous version limited to Android App Bundles. When an app is archived, its installation files are removed, but the app remains visible on the home screen and in device settings, with its original icon preserved in a private data directory. This enhancement aims to improve app management and encourage third-party app stores to adopt similar features.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

How To Publish Android App on Google Play Store?

To publish an Android app on the Google Play Store, one must create a Google Developer Account by signing up on the Google Play Console, providing personal details, and paying a one-time fee. Approval may take up to 48 hours. A Google Merchant Account is needed for financial transactions if selling or offering in-app purchases. The app setup involves filling out essential information, uploading the APK or App Bundle, and configuring the store listing. The app title should be concise and include high-traffic keywords, while descriptions should incorporate relevant keywords to enhance discoverability. The APK or App Bundle must not exceed 100MB and should be digitally signed. Store listings should include high-quality screenshots, a marketing image, and a promo video link. Pricing and distribution settings can be configured, and a content rating questionnaire must be completed accurately. The app review process typically takes up to 7 days but can be completed in as little as 2 days. Post-publication, regular updates and marketing strategies, including App Store Optimization (ASO) and social media engagement, are essential for maintaining visibility and attracting users.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

Necro trojan found in popular Google Play apps and modded APKs, posing threat to Android users

Security researchers at Kaspersky have identified a new variant of the Necro trojan targeting Android users through legitimate Google Play applications and altered APKs from unofficial websites. The trojan can steal sensitive information, install additional malware, and execute commands remotely. Two infected apps on Google Play, Wuta Camera (over 10 million downloads) and Max Browser (over 1 million downloads), were removed by Google after the alert. The trojan is also found in modded versions of popular apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, which use various methods to activate the malware. Once installed, the Necro trojan can download additional malicious files, run harmful JavaScript, subscribe users to paid services without consent, and steal sensitive data. Kaspersky advises users to avoid untrusted sources, only install apps from official stores, be cautious of apps offering free premium features, and consider using a mobile antivirus solution.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

New Octo Android malware version impersonates NordVPN, Google Chrome

A new variant of the Octo Android malware, named "Octo2," has emerged in Europe, disguising itself as legitimate applications like NordVPN, Google Chrome, and Europe Enterprise. It features enhanced operational stability and sophisticated evasion mechanisms, including a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for command and control communications. The malware evolved from the ExoCompact banking trojan and was first identified by ThreatFabric in April 2022. Octo2 is currently targeting Italy, Poland, Moldova, and Hungary, with potential for global expansion. It utilizes counterfeit applications and embeds malicious payloads using the Zombider service, circumventing security measures in Android 13 and later. Octo2 introduces a low-quality setting in its remote access tool (RAT) to ensure reliable connectivity and employs native code for payload decryption, complicating analysis. It also has a curated list of applications to intercept and is not detected on Google Play, suggesting distribution through third-party app stores.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

Android malware ‘Necro’ infects 11 million devices via Google Play

A new version of the Necro malware loader has infected approximately 11 million Android devices through Google Play by using malicious SDKs in legitimate applications. It was found in two apps: Wuta Camera, which had over 10 million downloads and was compromised in versions 6.3.2.148 to 6.3.6.148, and Max Browser, with 1 million downloads, which still harbors the malware in version 1.2.0. Both apps were compromised via an advertising SDK named 'Coral SDK' that used obfuscation and image steganography. The Necro Trojan also spreads through modified versions of popular apps available on unofficial websites, including WhatsApp mods and Spotify Plus, and is known to display ads, install applications without consent, and engage in fraudulent activities.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

These Popular Android Apps Might Be Infected With the Necro Trojan

Recent findings indicate that certain Google Play apps and unofficial modifications of popular applications are being exploited to spread the Necro trojan malware, which can log keystrokes, steal sensitive information, install additional malware, and execute remote commands. The Necro trojan, first identified in 2019, was previously found in the PDF maker app CamScanner. A new version has been detected in the Wuta Camera app and Max Browser on the Google Play Store, both of which have since been removed by Google. Unofficial 'modded' versions of popular apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, often available on third-party websites, are also spreading the malware. These modified apps can contain malicious SDKs that trigger the trojan payload upon user interaction. The malware can download files, install applications, and subscribe users to paid services without consent. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps from third-party sources.

BetaBeacon

September 18, 2024

APK Game Download – Discover the Best Free Games for Android – Vents Magazine

APK stands for Android Package Kit and is the file format used by Android devices to install apps and games. APK files allow users to download apps and games not available in their country or removed from official stores.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Find My Device prepares a ‘compass’ for finding trackers, likely for UWB support

Google's Find My Device network is set to receive enhancements, including the integration of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracker support and a new "compass" feature in the latest app update (version 3.1.148). This compass feature will provide directional prompts to help users locate their devices, such as “Turn left,” “Turn right,” and “The device is behind you.” It aims to improve the existing functionality for locating Bluetooth trackers, which currently has limited precision. However, initial tests indicate that this new functionality is not yet operational.