app quality Archives

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Android set to lead Google’s charge into the PC market

Google is considering a new initiative called Aluminium, which aims to adapt Android's features for laptops and desktops, focusing on ARM architecture and improving multitasking, keyboard-and-mouse input, and file management. Android has over 3 billion active devices globally, while ChromeOS has a low market share in the PC sector. Android has evolved with updates like Android 12L, enhancing usability on large screens, and real-world implementations like Samsung DeX show its potential as a desktop OS. However, challenges remain regarding app usability on larger displays, and improvements in performance, security, and enterprise readiness are needed. Google plans to develop a refined Desktop Mode, implement UX guidelines, establish a native Linux workspace, enhance file access, integrate audio features, and collaborate with OEMs for compatible hardware.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google is cracking down on apps that secretly drain your battery

Google is introducing new app quality guidelines for Android devices to reduce excessive battery drain, effective March 1, 2026. Developers will be held accountable for apps that unnecessarily deplete battery life, particularly through mismanaged "wake locks." Apps that excessively hold wake locks will face penalties in the Play Store, including reduced visibility and warning labels for users. An app will be flagged if it keeps a device awake for over two cumulative hours in 24 hours without justification, or if it consumes more than 4.44% of battery per hour on wearables. This initiative was developed in collaboration with Samsung to improve app performance and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

This upcoming Google Play Store change could make app reviews actually useful

User reviews are essential for assessing app quality, but the Google Play Store lacks a comprehensive search tool for tailored reviews. Current filtering options include score, date, and specific topics, but users must sift through many reviews to find relevant insights. Recent findings from version 48.7.17-31 of the Google Play Store suggest that Google is developing a "Search reviews" feature, with a variable indicating a potential search bar for the reviews section, although it is not yet functional. This indicates efforts to improve user access to relevant feedback, potentially streamlining the review-searching process.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft Waives Onboarding Fees for Indie Developers in Store

Microsoft has announced the elimination of onboarding fees for individual developers wishing to publish apps on its Microsoft Store, effective September 2025. This change removes the previous registration fee and the requirement for a credit card, making it easier for independent creators to distribute their software on Windows 10 and 11 devices. The updated signup process will only require a Microsoft account. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of the store and attract more developers, particularly solo developers, by lowering financial barriers. While enterprise developers will still face fees, the move is expected to invigorate the Windows app economy and encourage innovation. Developer feedback has been positive, with many expressing excitement about the ease of registration and publishing opportunities.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

This Is The Best Crypto Mining App For Android In 2025

BlockDAG X1 is a mobile-first crypto mining app for Android that allows users to mine up to 20 BDAG coins daily using a Proof-of-Engagement (PoE) algorithm, which minimizes battery usage. The app has a size of 50 MB and is designed for easy download and use without requiring technical expertise. It has a community of over 200,000 active miners and a presale that has raised over 8 million. Key features include energy efficiency, rigorous security measures, ecosystem integration, and a user-friendly interface. BlockDAG X1 has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its community and growth potential while others express skepticism about its quality and presale model. As of 2025, the app has undergone significant updates, with over 19.3 billion coins sold and anticipated exchange listings. Users are advised to conduct thorough research and be cautious of market volatility and potential scams in cryptocurrency mining.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Windows 10 and 11: Microsoft removes Store fees for individual app developers

Microsoft announced that starting June 2015, individual developers will no longer incur fees to register and submit their apps to the Microsoft Store. This makes the Microsoft Store the first global digital store to offer free app publishing. Corporate developers will still face charges. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing enhancements such as improved hosting for privacy policies, expanded support resources, a policy update for Win32 app installations, promotional campaign capabilities for developers, enhanced health reports, and visibility on when apps were last updated. Microsoft has previously allowed developers to retain all revenue from non-game apps using their billing system, while charging a 12 percent fee for games and a 15 percent fee for apps using Microsoft's retail platform. In 2021, Microsoft expanded the types of applications that can be submitted to the store.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Google launches Gemini in Android Studio for Businesses, making it easier for devs to design work apps

Apple is the leading smartphone manufacturer in the U.S., while 60% of corporate-owned devices are powered by Android, according to a survey by Stratix. Google announced Gemini in Android Studio for businesses at the Google Cloud Next 2025 conference, a subscription-based service aimed at enhancing the Android ecosystem for enterprise app developers. Gemini focuses on secure, privacy-oriented AI solutions, with a strict data governance policy ensuring confidentiality and ownership of company code. It includes enterprise-grade management features and extends Google's generative AI indemnification policy to protect against copyright infringement claims related to AI-generated code. The enterprise edition allows customization using internal repositories, improving code acceptance rates by 70%. Gemini is compliant with various industry certifications, including SOC 1, 2, and 3, and ISO/IEC 27001, among others. A free version of Gemini remains available for independent developers, while organizations can acquire a Code Assist Enterprise license through the Google Cloud Console.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Google releases enterprise-grade Gemini tier in Android Studio

Google has introduced a new version of Gemini for Android Studio, specifically designed for businesses. This version ensures that company code is not saved by Google and is not used for AI model training. It includes IP protection against claims related to AI-generated code. The offering, available through Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise subscriptions, enhances existing features with security and IP protections, including tools like build and sync error support and App Quality Insights. Google emphasizes its commitment to security with certifications such as SOC 1/2/3 and ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, businesses benefit from IP indemnification against copyright infringement claims related to AI-generated code. The enterprise-grade version can be accessed via the Android Studio Narwhal build on the Canary release channel with an eligible Gemini Code Assist license.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Unlocking Multilingual App Development with Android Studio Translation Plugin

The Android Studio Translation Plugin is a tool for Android developers that facilitates the localization of applications by integrating directly into Android Studio. Key features include real-time translation previews, batch processing for multiple strings, a translation memory system for consistency, API connectivity with services like Google Translate, and support for over 100 languages. To set up the plugin, developers must install it through Android Studio's plugin marketplace, configure settings for source and target languages, and connect to a translation API. Translating an app involves selecting strings in the strings.xml file and using the plugin to translate them, with real-time updates in the layout editor. The plugin enhances developer workflow by automating localization tasks, reducing the risk of errors, and allowing for simultaneous translations. It also helps maintain translation consistency and improves app quality by identifying missing translations. Real-world use cases demonstrate its effectiveness in scaling applications for international markets, such as an e-commerce app that translated over 500 strings and an educational app that localized content for various Indian languages.