app downloads Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

You Might Have Just a Few Months to Use Android Instant Apps

Google will discontinue its Instant Apps feature for Android by the end of 2025 due to limited adoption and usage. Support for Instant Apps will cease in December 2025, including the discontinuation of publishing capabilities and associated Google Play Instant APIs. Tooling support within Android Studio will also be removed. The feature, which debuted in 2017, allowed users to run lightweight versions of applications without installation. Users needed to enable the feature through Google Play to access app-like interfaces instantly when tapping links.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google To Shut Down Android Instant Apps By End of 2025: What Is It? What Will You Miss?

Google introduced Android Instant Apps in 2017, allowing users to access a lightweight version of an app without full installation. However, Google has announced that support for Instant Apps will be discontinued in December 2025, meaning developers will no longer be able to publish new instant apps or receive support for existing ones. The decision is attributed to low user engagement, prompting a shift towards more effective app promotion methods, such as AI-driven highlights and simultaneous installations. Instant Apps required developers to create compact versions of their applications, which was challenging for complex apps. Most users were unaware of the feature, and its adoption was limited.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google Play Store to Drop Android Instant Apps in December 2025

The Google Play Store will phase out support for Android Instant apps, with official support concluding in December 2025. This includes the removal of publishing and all Google Play Instant APIs, as well as tooling support in Android Studio. Consumer interest in Instant apps has decreased, leading Google to focus on other app discovery tools.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google is shutting down Android Instant Apps over ‘low’ usage

Google will retire its Instant Apps feature in December 2025 due to low usage rates. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to access streamlined versions of applications without full installation. A warning in Android Studio confirmed the discontinuation, stating that Instant Apps support will be removed and related APIs will no longer function. Google spokesperson Nia Carter mentioned that developers are turning to other tools for app discovery, prompting this decision to focus on more effective solutions.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google to Sunset Android Instant Apps by End of 2025 Due to Low Usage

Google has announced plans to phase out the Instant Apps feature by December 2025 due to low usage and engagement levels. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to access lightweight app versions without installation but struggled to gain widespread adoption. A warning message in Android Studio confirmed the discontinuation, stating that Instant Apps support will be removed, and all related APIs will no longer function. Google aims to invest in more effective tools for app discovery, as developers are increasingly using alternatives that align better with user behavior.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google Will Prevent Unknown App Downloads During Calls On Android 16

Google has introduced Advanced Protection for Android devices, aimed at enhancing security for users, especially those in public-facing roles. This feature was showcased on May 13, 2025, and will be released with Android 16 in June. Key functionalities include an Offline Device Key, Theft Detection, and Play Protect. Advanced Protection will restrict sideloading applications and downloading from third-party sources. It also blocks downloads from unknown sources during active phone calls and restricts access to banking applications during calls. Users will be unable to share screens with third-party applications while on calls. The initiative is currently being tested in various countries.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Beware: 2.5 Million Monthly Downloads of These Risky Android Apps Could Endanger Your Device!

The Kaleidoscope attack is an ad-fraud scheme targeting Android users by tricking them into downloading malicious versions of legitimate apps, primarily via third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are infected each month, with notable occurrences in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and avoid downloading from unverified sources to protect their devices.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Windows 11 is about to make app downloads easier, but there’s a risk

Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows users to download apps from the Microsoft Store directly through Windows Search. When users search for an app not installed on their system, Windows will check the Microsoft Store for availability and present a preview of the app's listing page along with a "Get" button to initiate the download and installation process. For this feature to be effective, Microsoft needs to refine Windows Search to ensure it provides relevant results and does not return unrelated app suggestions.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

If you have an Android device, you may be at risk – this malicious application steals all the information from your device

A spyware known as KoSpy, linked to North Korean hacking groups APT37 and APT43, was found disguised as a File Manager app on the Google Play Store. This malicious app accessed private data such as text messages, call logs, device location, stored files, and user keystrokes. It could also gather Wi-Fi network details, list installed applications, and record audio, capture images, and take screenshots without user awareness. The app was downloaded approximately a dozen times before Google removed it after security researchers raised concerns. Google Play Protect and additional security measures from smartphone manufacturers help protect Android devices from such threats. Users are advised to scrutinize app permissions and download apps from official sources to minimize risks.

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.