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Google blocks unverified Android apps, millions affected
AppWizard
January 17, 2026

Google blocks unverified Android apps, millions affected

Google has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the Android app installation process, introducing a more stringent verification protocol for sideloaded apps. This change aims to enhance user security by mitigating risks associated with unverified applications that may contain malware or security vulnerabilities. The new verification process is expected to impact millions of Android users globally and will require developers to ensure their applications meet the new standards set by Google. This could lead to changes in app development and distribution practices. Users may need to reconsider their approach to sideloading as the balance between convenience and security becomes increasingly important.
AGI Inc.'s Android app can use your phone for you
AppWizard
January 6, 2026

AGI Inc.’s Android app can use your phone for you

AGI, Inc. has a valuation of 0 million and is developing AI assistants that mimic human interaction with devices. At CES 2026, the company showcased its Android app, currently in private beta, which allows users to delegate tasks across various apps using voice or text commands. The app is powered by custom AI models developed through reinforcement learning and utilizes accessibility features to navigate and execute tasks on smartphones. AGI, Inc. aims to transition to a fully local model within six months and is collaborating with Qualcomm and Samsung. The company has received million in funding from venture capital firms and has 30,000 individuals on its app's waitlist.
After PostgreSQL, DigitalOcean now adds MySQL and Redis to its managed databases’ offering
Tech Optimizer
December 13, 2025

After PostgreSQL, DigitalOcean now adds MySQL and Redis to its managed databases’ offering

DigitalOcean has expanded its Managed Databases service to include MySQL and Redis, alongside its existing PostgreSQL support. This service offers fully-managed database instances with features such as simplified setup and maintenance, free daily backups, standby nodes for automated failover, end-to-end security, and scalable performance. The expansion was driven by demand from customers and the developer community. The new offerings are currently available in data center regions in New York, Frankfurt, and San Francisco, with plans for further regional support.
Google exec confirms 'huge investment' underway for Gemini app UX overhaul
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Google exec confirms ‘huge investment’ underway for Gemini app UX overhaul

The Gemini app is set for a significant user experience overhaul by Google, addressing concerns about its interface that have led some users, like former employee Raiza Martin, to prefer ChatGPT. Logan Kilpatrick, the product lead for Google AI Studio, confirmed that Google is making a "huge investment" in "Gemini App UX 2.0" and is also developing a macOS application. Additionally, Android Authority has reported on a new compact overlay interface for interacting with Gemini Live, which may be part of the UX improvements.
My dad filled his phone with random PDF apps and I blame Google
AppWizard
November 27, 2025

My dad filled his phone with random PDF apps and I blame Google

The author's father struggled to open a PDF on his HONOR phone, despite the device's native office suite supporting PDF files. He downloaded multiple misleading PDF apps from the Play Store, which did not resolve the issue. Eventually, he received a deceptive alert suggesting he update his PDF application, which led him to download yet another app. The problem was resolved when the author advised him to uninstall WPS Office, eliminating the misleading alerts and allowing PDFs to open correctly. A report from Malwarebytes indicated that only 15% of users feel confident identifying scams, highlighting the challenges users face in navigating the Android ecosystem. The Google Play Store has been criticized for hosting low-quality apps and deceptive ads, with a report from Zscaler noting the presence of hundreds of malicious apps. The author emphasizes the need for stricter advertising practices and better management of preinstalled apps to protect less tech-savvy users.
These are the 10 best Android apps of the year, according to Google
AppWizard
November 18, 2025

These are the 10 best Android apps of the year, according to Google

Google has announced the best Android apps of 2025, recognizing standout applications in various categories: - Best Overall App: Focus Friend by Hank Green, designed to help users combat distractions. - Best for Fun: Edits, an Instagram app with over 10 million downloads and an average rating of 4.5 stars, simplifies video preparation for social media. - Best Everyday Essential: Wiser - 15 Minute Audio Books, which offers a selection of audiobooks and 15-minute summaries. - Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game, providing educational resources for children aged 2 to 8. - Best for Watches: SleepisolBio, an app that combines AI analysis with audio therapy to improve sleep quality. - Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes, a note-taking and document organization app optimized for larger devices. - Best for Cars: SoundCloud, which allows users to discover new music with an interface suitable for Android Auto. - Best for XR Headsets: Calm, utilizing virtual and augmented reality for relaxation and focus.
Google will now warn about battery-hungry Android apps
AppWizard
November 17, 2025

Google will now warn about battery-hungry Android apps

Google is enhancing the Android user experience by addressing battery drain caused by applications. The company is collaborating with developers to create power-efficient apps and has introduced new "technical quality metrics" to identify apps that excessively drain battery life. A specific focus is on "excessive partial wake locks," developed in partnership with Samsung, which can significantly escalate battery usage. A new beta metric for excessive partial wake locks has been refined and will soon be available as a core vital for all developers. Starting March 1, 2026, Google will implement new standards that could affect app visibility on the Play Store. Apps that do not meet the quality threshold for excessive wake locks may be excluded from prominent discovery surfaces and could receive warnings about potential battery drain. An app is considered to have excessive wake lock usage if it holds more than 2 cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks in a 24-hour period, with a threshold for "bad behavior" set at exceeding 5% of user sessions classified as excessive over the past 28 days. Developers will receive alerts if their app surpasses this limit.
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