app sharing Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google now lets you vibe code native Android apps in AI Studio

Google has launched Google AI Studio, a platform for creating native, Kotlin-based Android applications using a prompt-based interface. It allows users to test apps on their devices or refine them in Android Studio. The platform integrates with the Android SDK and supports large language models (LLMs), making it accessible for non-developers. AI Studio uses technology from Gemini in Android Studio, enabling the use of mobile device features like sensors and GPS. It includes an integrated Android emulator for app previews and allows users to connect their Android phones for testing. Users can download app code as a zip file for further development in Android Studio. AI Studio connects directly to the Google Play Console for app uploads, requiring a Google Play developer account. Future updates will enable app sharing and integrations with Firebase for enhanced functionality.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google’s AI Studio now lets anyone build Android apps in minutes

The Google I/O 2026 event revealed enhanced native Android app creation capabilities within the web-based Google AI Studio, significantly reducing the app development time from weeks to minutes. Google introduced Gemini AI to help users discover applications on the Play Store and the web, improving user experience and developer visibility. The new platform allows users to "vibe-code" Android applications using intuitive tools, democratizing app development for both experienced and novice developers. Apps are developed using Kotlin and Google’s Jetpack Compose toolkit, with support for various hardware sensors. An embedded Android Emulator enables real-time preview and interaction with apps, which can be installed on devices via USB. AI Studio also offers features for creating app records, package bundles, and uploading to the Google Play Console for internal testing. Developers can transfer projects to Android Studio for broader publishing, with future enhancements including app sharing and Firebase integrations. A new AI-powered overlay called "Ask Play" will assist users in discovering apps through natural conversations, while Gemini will help surface developers' apps and link users to movies, TV shows, and live sports streaming.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

New ‘Android Developer Verifier’ app coming to phones as Google shares verification timeline

Google has launched the Android developer verification process, available to all developers through the Play Console and the new Android Developer Console for app distribution outside the Play Store. Key dates in the rollout include: - April 2026: The Android Developer Verifier will appear in users' Google Systems services settings. - June 2026: Early access for limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists, allowing app sharing across up to 20 devices without a government ID. - August 2026: Global launch of limited distribution accounts and advanced flow for power users. - September 30, 2026: Requirement in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand for apps to be registered by verified developers for installation and updates on certified Android devices, with users still able to sideload unregistered apps. - 2027 and beyond: Global rollout of the verification requirement, with specific dates to be announced. The Android Developer Verifier will use Play services to ensure all Android versions benefit from the verification process, and users will see it installed on their devices by April.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Windows 11’s most underused feature is getting a boost soon

Microsoft is enhancing its Cross-Device Resume feature, allowing users to transition seamlessly between Android devices and Windows 11 PCs. This feature, initially introduced in May 2025, struggled due to limited capabilities. Recent updates (builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701) enable true app handoff, allowing users to continue activities directly from mobile apps on PCs without relying on cloud services. The update expands compatibility to various applications, including productivity tools and media apps like Spotify, and supports smartphone brands such as Honor, Oppo, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Users can transfer online files to Copilot on their PCs, with the corresponding app launching automatically if installed.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Google follows through with killing off Play Store app sharing; here’s what to use instead

Google has removed the app-sharing feature from the Play Store in the latest version, 45.2.19-31, following an announcement made last December. Users can still share apps using Files by Google as an alternative.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Google will soon retire this handy Play Store feature

Google is discontinuing the Share apps feature on its Play Store, which allowed users to share applications with nearby individuals using Quick Share. Introduced in 2022, this feature had limitations, such as the inability to share paid applications, books, movies, age-restricted apps, or corporate applications. The retirement was confirmed in the December release notes for version 44.1 of the Play Store. Users can still share Android applications using the Files by Google app with Quick Share. The removal of the Play Store's app sharing option will be gradual.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Android’s new single app screen sharing feature is getting less restrictive

Android 15 introduces a more private screen recording system that allows users to record or cast a single app, reducing the risk of sharing sensitive information. Currently, users must terminate the session to switch apps, but Google is developing a solution to enable app switching without interrupting the session. The screen sharing system pauses recording when switching apps, and a notification appears indicating that sharing will pause, with options to return to the original app or share the new app, although the latter option is not fully functional yet. This partial screen sharing feature was first introduced in the March Android 14 QPR2 update and has been expanded to all Android devices with Android 15. The latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 update includes a status bar chip displaying the recording duration, allowing users to end the session easily. The timeline for the new task switcher feature's rollout is uncertain.