app usage Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

I found a free, open-source Android app that replaced 8 other apps I used to rely on

Image Toolbox is an open-source, free Android application that consolidates various media tools into a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple single-purpose apps. It features a user-friendly interface with four main tabs: Edit, Create, Image, and Tools. Key functionalities include: - Image Resizer and Converter: Allows users to resize images and convert formats with a preview of the final file size. - EXIF Remover: Offers bulk and selective removal of EXIF data from photos. - Background Remover: Provides automatic and manual modes for background removal. - PDF Editor: Includes tools for merging, rearranging, password protecting, and compressing PDFs. - Image Stitcher: Facilitates the stitching of images. - GIF Creator: Converts sequences of images into animated GIFs. - QR Code Generator: Creates customizable QR codes. - Collage Maker: Suggests templates and allows layout adjustments. Users can customize settings such as the app's theme, tool layout, and default save locations. The app has proven to be an efficient replacement for various specialized applications, streamlining media management on Android devices.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Survey says this fundamental Play Store change has many readers excited

Google is implementing significant changes to the Play Store, including stricter controls on sideloading apps from outside its official Store and allowing apps from various third-party stores. A poll conducted with nearly 2,000 votes showed that about 47% of respondents are enthusiastic about the increased options, while 34% expressed concerns about potential complications from navigating these new offerings. Just under 20% were uncertain about the impact of these changes. Some commenters believe the shift may primarily benefit developers rather than consumers, while others see it as a simplification of the app installation process.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Samsung preps a Galaxy Z Fold 8 app-level feature that’s the icing on the cake

Samsung is developing a feature called "App Screen Zoom" for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which allows users to customize the screen zoom level for individual applications, with options ranging from "Smallest" to "Largest." The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is exceeding pre-order expectations, leading to shipping delays at some retailers. The device has received positive early reviews, indicating that apps resize effectively on its screen, and it can run three apps simultaneously. The App Screen Zoom feature is expected to enhance multitasking and content visibility.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Proton VPN on Android: features, requirements, how to install

Proton VPN is a prominent VPN provider known for its speed and security, with its headquarters in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. The Android app features include Secure Core for enhanced anonymity, NetShield Ad-blocker to block ads and trackers, a kill switch to protect data during connection drops, alternative routing for bypassing restrictions, split tunneling for selective app usage, a VPN Accelerator for increased speeds, and P2P support for secure file sharing. The app requires Android 8 or later for installation, which can be done via the Play Store. Users can connect as guests to access limited features of Proton VPN Free.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android 17 brings enhanced parental controls with screen time and app management tools

Google has launched an enhancement to its Android Parental Controls with the introduction of Android 17, featuring tools for parents to manage children's screen time, app access, content restrictions, and digital wellbeing. Initially available on Pixel devices, it will roll out to all Android smartphones and tablets receiving the Android 17 update. Key features include the ability to set daily screen time limits, create downtime schedules, apply content filters, limit app usage, and block apps. The integration with Google Family Link allows for additional supervision tools such as School Time Mode, purchase approvals, location tracking, and device activity monitoring. Google has also increased its U.S. Digital Wellbeing Fund to support research and programs aimed at promoting healthy technology usage among children and teenagers. The new parental controls will be accessible through Android Settings on devices updated to Android 17.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New expanded Android parental controls to support families around the world

Android is expanding its Parental Controls feature to all devices upgrading to Android 17, allowing parents to manage their children's screen time effectively. The controls include screen time management, downtime scheduling, app store filters, and app usage control, all accessible through Android Settings and secured by a PIN. The setup of Google Family Link is also facilitated through the Family Link app, which provides additional features like School Time and location alerts. Additionally, there is an increase in the U.S. digital wellbeing fund to over a million dollars to support initiatives promoting healthy technology interactions and resources to combat social isolation.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2026

Subscription twist: Norton 360 Deluxe adds more than just antivirus

Norton 360 Deluxe is a mid-tier security subscription from Gen Digital that offers antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and parental controls for up to five devices. It includes real-time threat protection, a firewall, ransomware shielding, and cloud backup of up to 50 GB for Windows users. The parental controls, known as Norton Family, allow monitoring of children's online activities. The Secure VPN encrypts internet traffic on public Wi-Fi and masks IP addresses. The package also features PC SafeCam for webcam security and a smart firewall. Norton 360 Deluxe is marketed with a promotional first-year rate, with higher renewal prices, and is available through digital subscriptions, app stores, and major retailers. The product is designed for households and individuals seeking comprehensive security solutions.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Android App Usage on Chromebooks Statistics 2026: App Adoption And Usage Data

In the first half of 2024, Google Classroom recorded approximately 10 million daily active users on Android devices. The Google Play Store had 2.06 million apps available as of February 2025, with 96.98% being free. There are 38 million Chromebooks deployed in K-12 schools, which represent the main Android app install base. Education accounts for 60.1% of all Chromebook sales. Most Chromebooks in schools are equipped with 4 GB of RAM, limiting multitasking capabilities, while the Chromebook Plus line features at least 8 GB of RAM for better performance. H1 2025 shipments of Chromebooks increased by 10.6% year-over-year, totaling 11 million units. The education sector is the primary driver of Android app activity on Chromebooks, with Google Workspace for Education reaching 170 million users by late 2025. Popular educational apps include Duolingo, Google Classroom, and Quizlet.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

10 Tasker Hacks Every Android User Should Know

Tasker is an Android application available for .99 on the Google Play Store that enables extensive hacks, automations, and customizations for a personalized Android experience. - Users can change alarm sounds based on current weather conditions. - Tasker enhances reminders with features like customizable fonts, colors, sounds, vibrations, and specific recurrence options. - It can automate connecting to specific coffee shop wifi networks when in range. - Users can enable auto-rotate selectively for certain apps. - The ShakeWake project helps keep users awake during long sessions by sending alerts at intervals. - Tasker can restore ticker-style notifications for app alerts in the status bar. - It can disable touch inputs when the phone is in a pocket using the proximity sensor. - GPS can be activated only when specific apps, like Google Maps, are opened to conserve battery life. - Users can set a designated app to launch upon the first unlock of the day. - Tasker allows different apps to launch based on the fingerprint used to unlock the phone.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

I’m trying to cut down my subscriptions, but I still gladly pay for these apps

Many individuals are reevaluating their subscription services to streamline monthly expenses, leading to a refined selection of three essential applications: 1. Claude: An AI chatbot with a monthly subscription that assists with brainstorming, fitness tracking, and culinary tasks. It features a Projects function for organizing conversations and storing data but lacks image and video generation capabilities. 2. Obsidian: A note-taking app that prioritizes user privacy with offline storage and end-to-end encryption. It is versatile for both long-form writing and quick note-taking, with a monthly subscription for the Sync feature. 3. Proton Unlimited: A suite of applications including Proton Drive, Proton Mail, Proton Authenticator, Proton VPN, and Proton Pass, all under a single subscription. It emphasizes privacy and security, although Proton Drive may be slower than competitors. The total monthly expenditure for these three applications is noted, emphasizing the value derived from each tool.