app downloads Archives

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Shuts Down Appstore for Android Phones After 14 Years: No More Apps Coming to the Platform

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android smartphones on August 20, marking the end of its mobile app initiatives after over a decade of challenges. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to compete with Google Play Store and had only 0.1% installation on Android devices by its shutdown announcement. Existing users can continue to use downloaded apps until at least August 2025, but Amazon has stopped selling Amazon Coins. The closure coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. Amazon will still operate its Appstore for Fire devices, which use a modified version of Android.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft to make app downloads faster on Windows 11 with Winget PowerToys plugin

Windows 11 is set to integrate Winget into PowerToys Run, allowing users to download applications directly through a keyboard shortcut. This feature will enable users to search for apps hosted on Winget within PowerToys Run, similar to macOS Spotlight. Users can enter the package name after pressing Alt + Space, avoiding the need to navigate the Microsoft Store. PowerToys will also introduce a built-in transcoding feature for audio and video files, allowing users to convert file formats and extract audio from videos while maintaining original quality. This feature will utilize natural language processing, enabling users to type commands like “transcode this file into .mp3.”

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Managing your kids’ Android phones just got easier with Family Link redesign

Google has updated its Family Link parental control app, improving its design and functionality. The new version includes a dedicated Screen Time tab for managing device usage, allowing parents to set up Downtime and School time easily. The Controls tab has also been enhanced for better management of accounts, privacy settings, and content filters. A new swipe gesture allows parents to switch between multiple child accounts effortlessly. Next week, Google will introduce a School time feature to limit phone functionality and silence notifications during school hours. In the coming months, Google plans to add a feature for parent-managed contacts, enabling parents to approve which contacts their children can communicate with.

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

February 3, 2025

Delete These 12 Android Apps That Are Secretly Recording Your Conversations

Smartphones are essential in daily life but pose risks due to malicious applications that threaten privacy and security. ESET security researchers identified 12 Android apps that covertly record conversations and steal sensitive data, disguised as legitimate messaging platforms. These apps were distributed through a cyberespionage strategy that exploited the Google Play Store. Victims were initially lured through online romance scams, leading them to download apps for "secure communication," which then operated covertly. The malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Basic Spyware: Apps that offer basic messaging features while secretly gathering personal information, including contacts and location data. 2. Advanced Interception: More sophisticated apps that intercept messages from platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, and can activate the microphone to record calls. 3. The “Innocent” App: Apps that appear benign, such as a news platform, but still request personal information and can access contacts. The 12 identified apps to delete include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Cha, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. These apps were available on the Google Play Store and collectively had over 1,400 downloads before being removed. The main danger of these applications is their ability to operate silently, compromising user privacy by recording audio, tracking location, and stealing information without user awareness. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and conduct security scans with reputable antivirus software. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, emphasizing the importance of using trusted sources and being skeptical of unsolicited recommendations.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Here are the new features Microsoft Store received in 2024

Throughout 2024, the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11 and 10 has undergone significant updates, including: - A revamped Library section divided into Update and Library categories, with a search bar for easier navigation. - Enhanced product listings featuring a new install progress bar that shows app size and completion percentage, improved gaming categories, and automatic trailers on product pages. - Performance optimizations resulting in a 25% reduction in launch time and a 50% decrease in failed downloads. - Additional features such as a revamped web installation experience, support for Win32 app web installers, and improved search and recommendation features. - The annual Microsoft Store App Awards showcased popular applications like ChatGPT, Arc, and Fantastical.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Raising the bar: Updates to the Microsoft Store on Windows

- The overall launch time of the Store has been reduced by 25%. - The occurrence of download hanging issues has decreased by 50%. - A new download and install progress indicator has been introduced. - New categorizations for apps and games have been implemented. - An immersive experience feature for Product Pages has been rolled out, allowing trailers and hero images. - A redesigned Library page now displays all owned products by default and includes a new search bar. - A new Updates and Downloads page has been created to manage active downloads and pending updates. - Win32 apps support for the Store Web Installer has been added. - Design updates and enhanced search recommendations have been implemented. - Recent additions to the catalog include ChatGPT, Fantastical, Battle.net, and World of Warcraft. - The 2024 Store Awards have been announced.

BetaBeacon

November 29, 2024

Microsoft Unable to Launch Xbox Store on Android Due to Court Order Stay

The launch of features that would allow Android users to buy and play games directly from the Xbox app has been delayed due to a court's stay on the Play Store overhaul order.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Android phones under attack from malicious apps with over 8 million installs

Recent findings from cybersecurity firm McAfee identified 15 malicious loan applications with around 8 million downloads that are designed to steal personal and financial data. These apps, found on platforms like the Google Play Store, mimic legitimate financial services and primarily target Android users in regions such as South America, Southern Asia, and Africa. Users are advised to remove specific apps, including "Préstamo Seguro-Rápido," "Préstamo Rápido-Credit Easy," and others, which promise quick loans but are actually tools for data harvesting. Victims report receiving partial funds and facing aggressive repayment demands, with some apps sharing a common infrastructure for data exfiltration. Key indicators of malicious intent include poor app ratings, excessive permission requests, and the legitimacy of the developer. Staying updated with software patches is also recommended to protect against these threats.

BetaBeacon

November 19, 2024

Google Play’s Best of 2024: These are the best Android apps and games from India

Google Play has unveiled its Best of 2024 awards for India, celebrating the most innovative and impactful apps and games of the year. Indian developers are leading the way, with 5 out of the 7 Best Apps in India developed locally. India now ranks as the second-largest market for mobile gaming downloads globally.