app quality Archives

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.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

What’s new in Android’s February 2025 Google System Updates [U: 2/24]

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" detail updates and features for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Key applications in the "Google System" include Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Wallet, and Android System Intelligence. The appearance of a feature in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Recent updates include: - School Time: A feature for parents to manage phone functionalities during school hours on supervised phones. - Google Play services v25.07: Notifications for available phone updates and alerts for digital ID card issuer availability. - Google Play Store v45.1: Updated deep link experience and user experience for purchase offers. - Android System Intelligence V.21: Resolved user interface issues in Live Captions. - Google Play services v25.06: New developer features for Utilities-related processes and enhancements for digital wallet processes. - Google Play Store v45.0: Sponsored suggestions now include descriptions and improved search for Play Collections. - Google Play services v25.05: New developer features for Device Connectivity and improvements to Quick Share. - Google Play Store v44.9: Availability of Collections on Android 10-12 devices and remote installation of watch faces. - Google Play services v25.04: Simplified family group management and support for Machine Learning & AI processes for developers. - Google Play Store v44.8: UI updates for Play Games profile creation and updates for evaluating app quality on tablets and ChromeOS devices.

AppWizard

February 17, 2025

Google Unveils Car Ready Apps Program in Android Auto 13.8 Update

Google has released the Android Auto 13.8 Beta update, which includes several key features aimed at improving the in-car app experience. - The Car Ready Mobile Apps Program simplifies app integration for developers, increasing the variety of apps available on the car’s display. - A new classification system categorizes apps into three tiers: - Tier 1: Car Differentiated – Designed specifically for in-vehicle use. - Tier 2: Car Optimized – Enhanced apps for a better in-car experience. - Tier 3: Car Ready – Compatible apps needing minimal adjustments when parked. - New accessibility features include reference codes “newappavailable” and “newparkedapp_available,” allowing easier access to apps from the phone to the car’s display, especially when parked. - Fixes in this update include: - Google Maps interface correction for clearer visibility of the location icon. - Resolutions for audio and Bluetooth connectivity issues. The update is available for download through the Google Play Store or via third-party APK links.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

The Play Store could soon save you from downloading crappy apps (APK Teardown)

Google is exploring the introduction of cautionary messages in the Play Store to inform users about the quality of certain apps. Potential warning indicators may include: - This app is frequently uninstalled compared to similar apps on Play. - Play has limited user data about this app. - This app has few active users compared to others on Play. These warnings aim to help users make informed decisions, particularly benefiting those who are less tech-savvy or have limited internet resources.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

6 core apps Microsoft Needs to fix on Windows

Microsoft has been enhancing its default applications since the launch of Windows 11, but several core applications still do not meet user expectations. 1. File Explorer: Despite a modern UI and tab addition, it struggles with performance, especially with large files and OneDrive, and retains outdated design elements. 2. Microsoft Photos: The app has performance issues with high-resolution images and lacks native support for the HEIC format, requiring a paid extension for access. 3. Microsoft Store: Users experience slow browsing and page loads, and the app selection is inferior to the Mac App Store. The review system also needs improvement. 4. Outlook: The web-based version is slow, resource-intensive, and lacks features from the previous desktop version, frustrating users. 5. Copilot: The initiative is web-based and disrupts workflow, lacking integration and useful features, which diminishes usability. 6. OneNote: It has synchronization speed issues, missing edits when switching devices, and lacks support for Aptos fonts, with AI features feeling less fluid compared to competitors.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Android Studio getting more Gemini to help app development

Google has introduced several updates for developers, enhancing Android Studio and the Play Store. Key features in Android Studio include Gemini Code Transforms for code modification, automatic commit message generation, a tool for renaming classes and variables, a prompt library for frequently used prompts, composable preview generation, documentation assistance, unit test scenario generation, build/sync error insights, and app quality insights. These features are available in the Android Studio canary channel and will be rolled out in stable form with the upcoming Ladybug Feature Drop in late December. In the Google Play Store, a fullscreen portrait video player for app listings is being introduced, which has shown to increase total watch time by 7%, video completion rates by 9%, and conversions by 5%. Google has encouraged users to set up payment methods, resulting in a doubling of purchase-ready accounts this year, exceeding half a billion users. Biometric authentication for purchases has tripled in adoption in 2024. The introduction of Cash App eWallet will offer an additional payment option for U.S. users, and inline reminders will prompt users browsing products in games. On the security front, Google is enhancing the Play Integrity API for improved app and device verification on devices running Android 13 and above, making it more difficult for attackers to bypass security measures.