app drawer Archives

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

The Useful Privacy Feature That Isn’t Enabled By Default On Your Android Phone

Private Space is a privacy feature available on Pixel and select Android devices, while Secure Folder is exclusive to Samsung devices. Both create a secure area within the smartphone for sensitive applications and data storage, operating independently from the primary user profile. Users can install apps and store files in these secure spaces without compromising their main profile's integrity. To activate Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and Privacy > Private Space, requiring a Google Account sign-in and a unique lock. For Samsung devices, the path is Settings > Security and Privacy > More Security Settings > Secure Folder, requiring a Samsung account. Private Space cannot be used on managed devices or with supervised accounts, and only the primary user can manage these secure areas. The Private Space or Secure Folder icon can be hidden for added security. The private area is distinctly separated from the core user profile, preventing open communication between the two spaces to safeguard against data harvesting. Android allows granular control over app permissions, and users are advised to isolate questionable apps within Private Space or Secure Folder to protect sensitive information.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Android 17 Bubbles finally made me love multitasking on my Pixel

Android 17 introduces the Bubbles feature for Google Pixel phones, enhancing multitasking by allowing users to manage up to five apps simultaneously. Users can create Bubbles by long-pressing an app icon, and the feature integrates into the Taskbar on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, compared to Samsung's One UI, Bubbles has limitations, such as lacking the ability to freely move and resize windows. The Pixel 10 is the first phone to run Android 17 and will receive six additional Android OS upgrades in the future.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

I Tried Android 17’s ‘Bubbles’ and It Makes Multitasking Way Easier?

Android 17 introduces a feature called Bubbles for Pixel phones, enhancing user experience by allowing users to create floating shortcuts for frequently used applications. Bubbles can be positioned anywhere on standard smartphones and docked in the bottom right corner on foldable devices, acting as a mini launcher for quick access to apps without interrupting ongoing tasks. Users can create a bubble by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Bubble. Bubbles can be repositioned and removed easily, but not all apps support this feature. When a bubble is selected, the app appears in a smaller overlay window, allowing interaction without disrupting the current workflow. This feature improves multitasking efficiency by reducing the number of swipes and taps needed to access applications.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

There’s a new hidden way to customize your Pixel home screen. Here’s how to find it

The latest update for Google Pixel phones, Android 17, introduces a feature that allows users to hide app names on their home screens, enhancing customization options. To use this feature, devices must be updated to Android 17, which began rolling out on June 16. Users can check for updates through the Settings app. To hide app names, users need to press and hold on a blank area of the home screen, navigate to Wallpaper & style, tap Icons, toggle off Show app names, and apply the changes. App names will still be visible in the app drawer, and users can easily revert to displaying app names if desired.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Pixel phones just got the biggest multitasking upgrade in years — here’s how to use it

The app bubbles feature in Android 17 is now available to all users, enhancing multitasking on devices like the Google Pixel 10a. Users can create app bubbles by long-pressing an app in the app drawer and selecting the Bubble option, allowing for up to five app bubbles at a time. This feature helps users manage multiple tasks more efficiently, as it allows for quick access to frequently used apps such as Slack, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram. The setup can be customized based on personal usage habits, making it easy to integrate into daily routines.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New Rokarolla Android malware targets 217 banking, crypto apps

A new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla targets 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications and features 137 commands for malicious activities. It is distributed via deceptive websites posing as legitimate application sources and impersonates Google Play Protect to lure users into installing infected apps. Once installed, it seeks Accessibility service permissions and access to notifications, SMS, and calls. Rokarolla communicates with a command-and-control server, sending device profiles to generate unique identifiers for victims. Its primary goal is to steal financial information by using deceptive login overlays to capture sensitive data and maintain control over the device. The malware employs evasion tactics such as disabling Google Play Protect, hiding its icon, silencing notifications, and keeping the screen awake. It can steal SMS messages, extract contacts, capture keystrokes, record screen content, manipulate clipboard contents, block calls, and take screenshots. Zimperium confirms that Rokarolla is not found on Google Play, and users are advised to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted sources and to be cautious with Accessibility permissions.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

50+ Samsung Galaxy Store apps spread phone malware

Samsung's Galaxy Store had over 50 applications that unknowingly distributed a hidden Android trojan named MagicAd, which has since been removed. Users who downloaded these apps may still have the malware on their devices, as it establishes persistent background services that remain after the app is uninstalled and hides its icon. Signs of infection include unsolicited ads, battery drain, and unexplained data usage. The malware evades detection by assessing its environment and concealing its core code in encrypted files. Developers rotated the infected apps to maintain persistence and generated revenue through fraudulent ad impressions. Users are advised to run security scans and consider a factory reset if symptoms persist, ensuring to back up important files without including app settings. No app store can guarantee the exclusion of all threats, so users should check ratings and download counts before installing applications.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Android Auto has a PDF app now, but it might be more useful than you think

Adobe has introduced Adobe Acrobat to the Android Auto platform in its latest app update (v26.5.0.45958), allowing users to access PDF files from their car's display. The app features a "Read Aloud" function that converts text from PDFs into audio, enabling users to listen to content while driving. However, the Read Aloud feature does not support every PDF file, and when it works, it provides a typical Android Auto media player experience.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

I finally found a Gemini feature I love, and it’s changed my whole morning routine

Each morning, the author begins with a cup of tea, checks emails and messages, and often plays games for 20-30 minutes. They received a notification for the Gemini Daily Brief, which integrates calendar entries, emails, and tasks into a coherent overview, improving upon other services like Samsung's Now Brief. Gemini, Google's personal AI assistant, organizes personal information and is available exclusively to paid Google AI subscribers. Users must enable Personal Intelligence, connect to Google Workspace, and activate Gemini Memory to access it. The Daily Brief can be found in the Gemini app and provides actionable tasks, contextual buttons for further actions, and options to export chats or draft emails. The author has experienced improved organizational skills since using Gemini Daily Brief.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

These are the 5 best Android apps I use that aren’t on the Play Store

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app that prioritizes user privacy and offers flexibility with 50 different weather data sources. It features customization options, including theme modifications, icon packs, and 13 resizable widgets. Seal is a free app that allows users to download audio and video files from various websites, powered by yt-dlp. It enables users to save full videos or extract audio, with options for downloading YouTube videos with subtitles and thumbnails. Kvaesitso is a minimalist launcher that allows users to search for apps, settings, contacts, files, and calendar events from a single search bar. It features vertical scrolling, custom shortcuts, app tagging, and various customization options without ads or paywalls. Aurora Store is a front end for the Play Store that lets users browse, download, and update apps without a Google account. It includes features like Manual Download for older app versions and a Spoof Manager for accessing restricted apps, but does not support paid apps or in-app purchases. HeliBoard is a free, open-source keyboard app that functions offline, prioritizing privacy while offering typing suggestions, themes, customizable layouts, and clipboard history. It provides a reliable typing experience without unnecessary features.