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Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android
AppWizard
February 20, 2025

Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android devices effective August 20. New app submissions will not be accepted, but developers can update existing apps until the deadline. The Appstore, operational in 200 countries, primarily serves Amazon devices. After the closure, previously downloaded apps may not function on Android devices. Amazon will also discontinue its virtual currency, Amazon Coins, with refunds for unused coins after the deadline. The Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablet.
Android XR apps will have camera permissions similar to Android phones
AppWizard
February 12, 2025

Android XR apps will have camera permissions similar to Android phones

In December of last year, Google introduced Android XR, an extended reality operating system for virtual and mixed reality headsets, with a commercial launch planned for 2025. Samsung is developing a headset for this platform, called Project Moohan, and Google’s DeepMind subsidiary is creating a pair of smart glasses. Android XR app developers can request camera permissions similar to those on Android smartphones, allowing access to both world-facing and selfie cameras. Unlike Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro, which do not allow third-party camera access, Android XR will enable developers to access the living room feed through the headset's cameras to enhance mixed-reality applications. Developers can also request access to "Scene Understanding" features, including light estimation and advanced tracking capabilities for hand movements. Basic hand tracking functionalities will be available by default, with further details expected from Google soon.
Ask Jerry: What can I do about dishonest app developers?
AppWizard
February 3, 2025

Ask Jerry: What can I do about dishonest app developers?

Red Sky Labs has altered its business model, raising concerns about the integrity of promises made to consumers who invested in lifetime services. This change violates consumer protection laws and platform guidelines. Many consumers feel discouraged about pursuing small claims, such as five dollars, despite the principle of accountability. The cumulative effect of small grievances can lead to significant losses. Red Sky Labs has over 100 million downloads on Google Play, highlighting its influence. Consumers are encouraged to report issues, utilize social media for support, and engage with tech publications to raise awareness.
Google blocked 2.36 million risky Android apps from Play Store in 2024
AppWizard
February 3, 2025

Google blocked 2.36 million risky Android apps from Play Store in 2024

Google blocked 2.3 million Android app submissions to the Play Store in 2024 due to policy violations that posed risks to users. The company also banned 158,000 developer accounts for attempting to introduce harmful applications, including malware and spyware. The number of blocked apps increased from 2,280,000 in 2023 and 1,500,000 in 2022, aided by AI assistance in 92% of human reviews. Google prevented 1.3 million apps from gaining excessive permissions and upgraded Google Play Protect, which scanned over 200 billion apps daily and identified over 13 million new malware apps from outside Google Play. The Google Play SDK index added 80 trusted SDKs, and the Play Integrity API adoption led to an 80% reduction in abuse from untrusted sources. Google's untrusted APK installation blocking system expanded to several countries and thwarted 36 million installation attempts of 200,000 unique apps from reaching 10 million Android devices.
Russian authorities reportedly weigh blocking messaging app calls
AppWizard
December 24, 2024

Russian authorities reportedly weigh blocking messaging app calls

Russia's Digital Development Ministry and the federal censorship agency Roskomnadzor are considering changes to the regulation of voice calls through messaging apps to address rising fraud. They are evaluating a potential ban on such calls or restrictions on those originating from abroad, as around 40% of calls through these platforms are fraudulent, with 70% traced to foreign numbers. Telecom operators have expressed concerns about their inability to block these calls independently and are seeking collaboration with Roskomnadzor and messaging app developers. Roskomnadzor has the technological means to block calls if apps violate Russian law, but the Digital Development Ministry is not currently drafting regulations to restrict voice traffic on messaging apps and remains open to industry proposals.
Android 16 introduces new tools to control AI text generation in apps
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Android 16 introduces new tools to control AI text generation in apps

Google is releasing Android 16, which includes the WritingTools API that allows app developers to control the use of AI writing tools. The API introduces two methods: isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(), enabling applications to manage AI interactions with specific text fields. By default, AI writing tools are enabled, but developers can disable them in sensitive areas such as password fields and email addresses. This aims to standardize practices across Android keyboards, as not all third-party keyboards currently follow similar protocols. The API is part of a broader set of innovations in Android 16 Developer Preview 2, which also includes enhanced haptic controls, searchable cloud media items, and an adaptive refresh rate API.
Android 16 may let apps block AI-generated text from keyboards
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Android 16 may let apps block AI-generated text from keyboards

Android 16 may introduce a feature allowing apps to block AI-generated text from keyboards. Reports indicate that Google is exploring an API enabling developers to identify and prevent AI-generated text from being pasted into their applications. This functionality involves the EditorInfo class, which includes new methods isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(). When an AI writing tool is active, setWritingToolsEnabled() will return true, allowing keyboards to generate text. Apps can disable this feature by configuring setWritingToolsEnabled() to return false, preventing the insertion of AI-generated text. The specific applications that will implement this feature are currently unknown.
Android 16 will let apps block AI writing tools
AppWizard
December 19, 2024

Android 16 will let apps block AI writing tools

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, which includes the Writing Tools API. This API allows applications to opt out of AI-driven text generation. It features two methods in the EditorInfo class: isWritingToolsEnabled(), which indicates if AI writing tools are active (enabled by default), and setWritingToolsEnabled(), which allows apps to prevent AI tools from rewriting user-generated text. Developers can disable these tools in contexts like password or numeric input fields. The API aims to give developers greater control over when to use AI writing tools, particularly in sensitive scenarios. Keyboard app developers are responsible for adhering to the API guidelines, though users may find ways to bypass restrictions.
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