app developers Archives

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Google to Help Android App Developers Identify ‘Excessive’ Battery Drain

Google has introduced a beta metric within the Android Vitals suite to help developers identify and address battery drain caused by excessive wake locks. This metric allows developers to monitor instances of excessive wake locks, defined as holding partial wake locks for more than three hours within a 24-hour period. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will provide user experience insights to assist in improving app performance. Samsung has expressed support for this collaboration, aiming to help developers create optimized apps that enhance performance and battery life. Google plans to expand the Android Vitals metrics and may highlight optimized apps on the Google Play store in the future.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Google launches Gemini in Android Studio for Businesses, making it easier for devs to design work apps

Apple is the leading smartphone manufacturer in the U.S., while 60% of corporate-owned devices are powered by Android, according to a survey by Stratix. Google announced Gemini in Android Studio for businesses at the Google Cloud Next 2025 conference, a subscription-based service aimed at enhancing the Android ecosystem for enterprise app developers. Gemini focuses on secure, privacy-oriented AI solutions, with a strict data governance policy ensuring confidentiality and ownership of company code. It includes enterprise-grade management features and extends Google's generative AI indemnification policy to protect against copyright infringement claims related to AI-generated code. The enterprise edition allows customization using internal repositories, improving code acceptance rates by 70%. Gemini is compliant with various industry certifications, including SOC 1, 2, and 3, and ISO/IEC 27001, among others. A free version of Gemini remains available for independent developers, while organizations can acquire a Code Assist Enterprise license through the Google Cloud Console.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Google releases enterprise-grade Gemini tier in Android Studio

Google has introduced a new version of Gemini for Android Studio, specifically designed for businesses. This version ensures that company code is not saved by Google and is not used for AI model training. It includes IP protection against claims related to AI-generated code. The offering, available through Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise subscriptions, enhances existing features with security and IP protections, including tools like build and sync error support and App Quality Insights. Google emphasizes its commitment to security with certifications such as SOC 1/2/3 and ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, businesses benefit from IP indemnification against copyright infringement claims related to AI-generated code. The enterprise-grade version can be accessed via the Android Studio Narwhal build on the Canary release channel with an eligible Gemini Code Assist license.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google Play Store will get more tools to protect users from scammy apps

Google has announced a plan to enhance the safety of its Play Store by implementing protective measures by 2025. Google Play Protect will target malicious applications impersonating financial apps, responding to a rise in fraudulent activities, including ad fraud. The company has already removed 180 fraudulent apps from the Play Store and will alert users about unsafe apps, especially those from outside the Google Play ecosystem. Google will extend its pilot program to additional countries facing malware-based financial threats. Users are encountering significantly more Android malware from external sources. Google aims to make it harder for malicious actors to deceive users and plans to introduce a "verified badge" for secure VPN applications, with plans to expand this to other app categories. For app developers, Google is enhancing the Play Integrity API tool and providing self-help tools for dealing with tampered apps, with features expected to roll out by May. Google is also improving support channels for developers, including expanding the Google Play Developer Help Community to additional languages.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google bolsters Android security for app developers and users

Google has announced a suite of improvements to enhance security within the Android ecosystem and the Google Play Store. Key advancements include: - Enhanced tools to protect businesses from scams and fraud. - Pre-review checks to identify policy and compatibility issues early in app development. - Transparent information on Google Play to build consumer trust. - Strengthened threat-detection capabilities using AI to combat malicious activities. Developers will receive earlier notifications about relevant policies within Android Studio, and the policy experience has been revamped for clearer updates and more time for changes. The Google Play Developer Help Community is expanding to facilitate knowledge sharing among developers. The Play Integrity API is being utilized for over 500 million daily checks to prevent fraud and abuse, with apps using these features seeing an 80% reduction in usage from unverified sources. Improvements for devices running Android 13 include enhanced security signals and automatic updates for developers. New badges for app categories, including a "Verified" badge for VPN apps, are being introduced to validate secure applications. Google is also focusing on creating a safe online experience for children and developing tools like the Credential Manager API for Digital IDs. Last year, investments in security measures prevented 2.36 million policy-violating apps from being published. Google Play Protect is evolving to counter new threats, and the company is collaborating with industry leaders to establish security standards through the App Defense Alliance.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Google Play wants to help you discover more useful widgets for your home screen

Google Play is introducing enhancements to improve the visibility and accessibility of Android widgets, including: - A dedicated widget search filter to help users find apps that offer widgets. - Widget badges on app detail pages to indicate which apps feature widgets. - A curated editorial page showcasing standout widgets. These updates aim to make it easier for users to discover and utilize widgets, potentially increasing user engagement and encouraging developers to invest in widget development. The rollout of these features is expected to occur soon across Android devices.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Google Play update makes it easier to find Android apps with widgets

Google has introduced enhancements to its widget system on Android to improve the connection between app developers and users. Key improvements include a visual badge on app detail pages in the Play Store to indicate apps that include widgets, a dedicated search filter for finding apps with widgets, and the creation of an Editorial Page to highlight exemplary widgets. These changes aim to increase the visibility of widget-enabled apps and educate users on their benefits.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

What’s new in Android’s February 2025 Google System Updates [U: 2/24]

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" detail updates and features for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Key applications in the "Google System" include Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Wallet, and Android System Intelligence. The appearance of a feature in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Recent updates include: - School Time: A feature for parents to manage phone functionalities during school hours on supervised phones. - Google Play services v25.07: Notifications for available phone updates and alerts for digital ID card issuer availability. - Google Play Store v45.1: Updated deep link experience and user experience for purchase offers. - Android System Intelligence V.21: Resolved user interface issues in Live Captions. - Google Play services v25.06: New developer features for Utilities-related processes and enhancements for digital wallet processes. - Google Play Store v45.0: Sponsored suggestions now include descriptions and improved search for Play Collections. - Google Play services v25.05: New developer features for Device Connectivity and improvements to Quick Share. - Google Play Store v44.9: Availability of Collections on Android 10-12 devices and remote installation of watch faces. - Google Play services v25.04: Simplified family group management and support for Machine Learning & AI processes for developers. - Google Play Store v44.8: UI updates for Play Games profile creation and updates for evaluating app quality on tablets and ChromeOS devices.

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.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Android 16’s enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you’re serious about security

The latest beta version of Android 16 has introduced an API called AdvancedProtectionManager, which allows applications to determine if users are enrolled in the Advanced Protection program. This program enhances account security by prohibiting sideloading apps and requiring security keys or passkeys for Google account sign-ins. It blocks potentially harmful files from being downloaded and disables app installations from outside the Google Play Store. Additionally, it disables 2G connectivity and activates Memory Trust Execution (MTE) for compatible applications. Although the API is available in Android 16 Beta 2, users cannot yet enable the Advanced Protection mode, as synchronization with the operating system's features is pending a future rollout within Google Play Services. The effectiveness of the Advanced Protection program will depend on app developers' support in utilizing the new API.