app features Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

My 6 favorite open-source Android apps from the Google Play store – and why that matters

Android's ecosystem is closely linked with open-source software, attracting many enthusiasts. The Google Play Store offers a variety of open-source applications. 1. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, industry-leading encryption, two-factor authentication, auto-fill capabilities, and a random password generator. It has a free version and a premium account for additional features. 2. Brave: A secure browser built on Chromium, featuring enhanced privacy tools, a built-in AI tool named Leo, and a toggleable VPN. It provides insights into tracker and ad blocking. 3. Wavelet: A free, open-source app for music lovers that offers preset sound profiles for various earbud models and features like AutoEQ, a graphic equalizer, and channel balance. 4. Tor Browser: A privacy-focused browser with extensive security features, though it may have slower loading times due to multiple security layers. It is free and open-source. 5. KDE Connect: An app that integrates Android devices with Linux systems, allowing users to share clipboard content, files, URLs, and notifications. It enhances productivity by enabling command execution on Linux devices from mobile phones. 6. ProtonVPN: A VPN service developed by CERN scientists, offering strong security features, access to servers in over 110 countries, and a free account with limitations. Paid plans provide higher speeds and more features.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

With WH40K Boltgun and Dungeons of Hinterberg, this month’s Humble Choice lineup is stacked for less than $12

The June 2025 Humble Choice bundle includes eight games available for subscribers at a price of .99. The featured titles are: 1. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun - A first-person shooter with a retail price of .99. 2. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered - A remastered classic with a retail price of .99. 3. Nobody Wants to Die - A narrative-driven adventure with a retail price of .99. 4. Dungeons of Hinterberg - An adventure game with a retail price of .99. 5. Tchia - An open-world exploration game with a retail price of .99. 6. Sker Ritual - A zombie survival FPS with a retail price of .99. 7. Biped - A co-op adventure game with a retail price of .99. 8. Havendock - A colony simulation game with a retail price of .99. Additionally, the bundle includes a month of IGN Plus valued at .99 and a one-month subscription to Boot.dev worth .00. For June, 5% of every Humble Choice membership will be donated to The Trevor Project, which supports programs aimed at preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

I tried Google’s secret, open source, offline AI app to see if it’s better than Gemini

Google has introduced the AI Edge Gallery, an application that allows users to download and run large language models (LLMs) directly on their Android devices for offline processing. The app features four distinct LLMs categorized into three functions: Ask Image, Prompt Lab, and AI Chat. Users can engage in image analysis, chat interactions, and prompt-based tasks. The installation process is cumbersome, requiring users to download the app from GitHub and create a Hugging Face account. Once operational, the app has a sleek interface and smooth functionality. It can provide travel planning advice, explain complex theories, generate recipes, rewrite text, summarize content, and recognize images, although it struggles with less common subjects like landmarks. AI Edge Gallery does not have the same level of control over devices as Google's Gemini and cannot execute commands like turning on the flashlight.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Pixel VIPs app makes an early appearance on the Play Store

The Google Pixel VIPs app has launched on the Play Store for select Pixel phone users, serving as a precursor to the upcoming Pixel VIPs home screen widget. This widget aims to consolidate information about preferred contacts into a single interface. The app allows users to connect with important contacts, view their last call and message, real-time location, and activity suggestions. It also enables selected contacts to bypass Do Not Disturb mode. The widget will support up to eight contacts, include birthday reminders, and offer notes functionality, with indications of WhatsApp integration. However, downloading the app does not currently provide access to the Pixel VIPs widget, which will require a future update or server-side change.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

This is my favorite video editing app, and for good reason

Megan Ellis from Android Authority reviewed various video editing applications and highlighted her favorite, Edits, which received 29% of votes in a recent poll, while CapCut led with 38%. Edits is entirely free and offers features like easy clip stitching, transitions, audio incorporation, and the ability to generate captions from voiceovers. It allows exports in 4K resolution at 60fps and includes a cutout functionality for tracking objects in videos. However, users need an Instagram account to access Edits, and export times can be slower than desired. Concerns exist about Edits being a Meta product and potential future monetization. Alternatives suggested include InShot, Adobe Express, VN, YouCut, and LightCut.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

I found an Android weather app that looks like Google made it

Google overhauled its weather app, replacing the weather frog with a new Pixel Weather app for the Pixel 9, which can now be accessed through Google Search. Users expressed dissatisfaction with the need to search for the frog, leading to the emergence of a third-party app called Weather Master. In a poll, 59% of users reported using whatever weather app is pre-installed on their phone, 38% used a third-party app, and 3% did not use a weather app at all. Weather Master features an animated frog, displays current temperature and forecasts, offers a Quick Summary section, and provides clothing and activity suggestions. It allows for customization and includes a radar function, though it has limitations in depth of information and visual data transitions. Despite its flaws, Weather Master is considered user-friendly and has become a preferred choice for some users over Google's official offering.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

Malwarebytes, founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, is an independent cybersecurity company that provides effective malware protection globally. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite includes antivirus, phishing and identity protection, and an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad. Pricing for the one-year license for a single device is .99, while a five-device license costs .99, and a two-year plan is priced at .98. The Premium Security Ultimate plan offers full identity protection and credit monitoring for .99 for the first year, with renewal at 9.99. A limited free version is available that detects and removes existing threats but lacks real-time protection. The app features a straightforward design with a clear dashboard, prioritizing user experience. Malwarebytes focuses on efficient scanning of commonly infected areas, completing test scans in 13 minutes. However, it does not automatically scan removable drives and lacks a warning system for password-protected files. Independent lab testing is infrequent, but Malwarebytes has received an AVLab 'Product of the Year' award and demonstrated strong performance in MRG Effitas assessments. In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware but struggled with behavioral detection against custom ransomware. It includes anti-phishing features, initially blocking 16% of phishing sites, which improved to 62% with the BrowserGuard extension. The unlimited VPN offers encryption and privacy but has limitations in unblocking streaming services. The identity protection feature scans for breaches associated with user email addresses and Social Security Numbers for U.S. users.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

You can now use Adobe’s Photoshop app on Android phones

The latest version of the Photoshop app features new tools powered by Firefly's generative AI technology, including Generative Fill and Generative Expand, which allow users to manipulate images easily. Users can stretch images, reconstruct missing parts, and eliminate unwanted elements. Advanced tools like Object Select, Clone Stamp, Content-Aware Fill, and the Remove Tool require a premium subscription priced at .99 per month or 9.88 annually.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Adobe launches all-new Photoshop app for Android, available now

Adobe has launched a new Photoshop mobile app for Android users, fulfilling a promise made in February. The app features tools such as selections, layers, masks, Tap Select, Spot Healing Brush, Firefly-powered generative AI features, Object Select, Magic Wand, Remove, Clone Stamp, and advanced blend modes. It also includes tutorials for users. The app is available for devices running Android 11 and later, and the beta phase offers features at no cost, though the duration of the beta and potential subscription costs are not yet known.