app download Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 11, 2025

Fake Google Play Store pages are spreading Trojan malware that can steal your financial data

CTM360, a cybersecurity firm in Bahrain, has reported a new threat called the PlayPraetor trojan, which is distributed through malicious websites that imitate trusted sources like the Google Play Store. Users who visit these counterfeit sites may download an app disguised as a legitimate APK file, which requests extensive permissions, including access to accessibility services and SMS messages. Once installed, PlayPraetor functions as spyware, capturing keystrokes and clipboard activity, and specifically targets banking applications by scanning for them on infected devices. It sends a list of these apps to the attacker's server to steal banking credentials. The fraudulent links are often shared via Meta Ads and SMS messages, making it crucial for users to be cautious with links from these sources. The malicious sites closely resemble legitimate ones, so users should verify the website's spelling and URL. Deceptive advertisements and messages are commonly used to entice users into clicking links that lead to these sites. Users should be skeptical of anything that creates urgency or offers unrealistic deals. Excessive permission requests during app downloads should raise red flags, especially for unnecessary accessibility services. It is recommended to use reputable antivirus software for mobile protection, enable Google Play Protect, and avoid sideloading apps from unofficial sources to prevent potential threats.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

TSplus Introduces Major Update for Remote Control to Android from Any Device

TSplus has released a major update to its Remote Support Android app, now available on the Google Play Store. This update enhances the app's features, which originally allowed users to remotely view and control devices in Full HD resolution at 24 frames per second, with functionalities including keyboard and mouse control, user chat, and device management. The update fully operationalizes the Sharer feature for seamless remote control of Android devices from various platforms. Enhancements include improved performance with upgraded screen encoder and decoder, new settings for optimizing app performance on older devices, shortcuts for quick actions, and improved debugging for easier issue reporting.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

One Play Store rival fewer: Amazon shutters its Android app store

Amazon will close its app store for Android devices on August 20, after which users will not be able to access the platform or guarantee the functionality of previously downloaded apps. The app store will remain operational for devices running on Fire OS, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. Additionally, Amazon's Appstore will be removed from the Microsoft Store on March 5, coinciding with the discontinuation of support for the Windows Subsystem for Android. Users are advised to cancel app subscriptions and seek alternatives like Google's Play Store and others. Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on August 20, but users can use existing Coins until then, with refunds for any unused Coins to be provided later.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

One UI 7 brings enhanced parental controls over websites and apps

Samsung has introduced new parental control features in One UI 7 for the Galaxy S25 series, allowing parents to oversee their children's online activities, particularly in web browsing and app downloads. The new content restrictions page enables parents to manage web content on Samsung Internet and regulate app downloads from the Galaxy Store. Parents can activate a content filter to block access to sexually explicit and violent sites, and set maximum age ratings for apps and games. These features are expected to be presented during the initial setup for devices intended for children, with modifications requiring parental approval. Currently, these features are exclusive to the Galaxy S25, with plans for future updates to extend them to other Samsung devices.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google Wins Temporary Delay on Android App Store Overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from an order requiring significant changes to its Android app store, Play, due to an antitrust lawsuit from Epic Games. The enforcement of the required changes has been postponed until November 1st for further legal review. The injunction issued on October 7th mandated enhancements to consumer options for downloading software, but Google argued that these changes could jeopardize safety, security, and privacy. The ruling allows the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order, although the suspension does not extend to Google's broader appeal. Epic Games criticized the ruling as procedural and accused Google of using fear tactics to maintain its market position. The lawsuit previously found that Google unlawfully monopolized app download methods and in-app purchases on Android devices, leading to the order that included allowing third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. Google has appealed the jury's findings, asserting competition with Apple's App Store and disputing claims of monopolistic behavior.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause order on Play store overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Play, in the context of an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling allows Google to pause the implementation of the order set for November 1, which aimed to enhance consumer choice in software downloads. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's argument that the changes could pose safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The pause will enable the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order during the appeal process. Google expressed satisfaction with the temporary halt, while Epic Games described the ruling as a procedural step and accused Google of using fearmongering tactics. The legal battle follows a jury's finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process on Android devices. Judge Donato's order included measures requiring Google to allow alternative app downloads and competing payment systems, and it prohibits financial incentives for preinstalling its app store. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause ‘dangerous remedies’ to Play store in blow to Epic Games

A federal judge in California granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Google Play, amid an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling, by US District Judge James Donato, allows Google to pause the implementation of the order, originally set to take effect by November 1, while the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals reviews Google's request for a further pause. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's concerns about potential safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The order reflects changes proposed by Epic Games, including allowing users to download competing app platforms, using alternative in-app payment methods, prohibiting financial incentives for preinstalling Google Play, and restricting revenue sharing with other app distributors. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings, arguing it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple’s App Store.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

US judge pauses order requiring Google to revamp Android app store

A federal judge in California has temporarily paused an order requiring Google to revamp its Android app store, Google Play, following an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. Judge James Donato's ruling allows Google to wait for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review its request to pause the original order, which mandated that Google permit alternative app platforms and payment methods by November 1. Google argued that these changes could threaten the safety and security of the Android ecosystem. The legal dispute stems from a jury's previous finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process and in-app payment systems on Android devices. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust verdict and contends it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple's App Store.

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Here’s Google Play Store’s watch face incompatibility warning in action (APK teardown)

The Google Play Store is set to introduce two new features for Android users: 1. Google Play Points will be displayed on the app listing page, allowing users to see their accumulated points easily. These points can be earned through purchases and redeemed for discounts or Google Play Credit. 2. A warning system will alert users when downloading apps with Wear OS watch faces that haven't been updated to the new Watch Face Format. This alert will only apply to incompatible apps and will not affect those already compliant or devices that launched with Wear OS 5.