app visibility Archives

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Google will now warn about battery-hungry Android apps

Google is enhancing the Android user experience by addressing battery drain caused by applications. The company is collaborating with developers to create power-efficient apps and has introduced new "technical quality metrics" to identify apps that excessively drain battery life. A specific focus is on "excessive partial wake locks," developed in partnership with Samsung, which can significantly escalate battery usage. A new beta metric for excessive partial wake locks has been refined and will soon be available as a core vital for all developers. Starting March 1, 2026, Google will implement new standards that could affect app visibility on the Play Store. Apps that do not meet the quality threshold for excessive wake locks may be excluded from prominent discovery surfaces and could receive warnings about potential battery drain. An app is considered to have excessive wake lock usage if it holds more than 2 cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks in a 24-hour period, with a threshold for "bad behavior" set at exceeding 5% of user sessions classified as excessive over the past 28 days. Developers will receive alerts if their app surpasses this limit.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google’s about to name and shame the Android apps killing your battery

Google will begin flagging applications on the Play Store that exhibit excessive battery drain starting March 1, 2026. Apps will be marked if over 5% of their user sessions in the past 28 days show excessive wake lock behavior. Non-compliant apps may experience reduced visibility in Play Store recommendations and could receive a public warning badge indicating potential battery drain. This initiative is part of Google's updated technical quality guidelines, which now include battery efficiency as a performance metric alongside existing checks for crashes and freezes. Developers who ignore these guidelines risk lower rankings and visibility for their apps.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

5 things I wish I knew about Windows 11 when I upgraded from Windows 10

The author has been using Windows 11 since its beta phase in 2021 and finds it to be a user-friendly operating system. Windows 10 will reach its end of life in October, prompting users to consider upgrading. The taskbar in Windows 11 features a centered Start button, which can be repositioned to the left if preferred. Users can customize the taskbar to remove unwanted apps. The Start menu is also customizable, allowing users to display specific folders and manage app visibility. A notable feature in File Explorer is the ability to add files to Favorites and pin folders to Quick Access or the Start menu. Windows 11's File Explorer includes multiple tabs, enhancing file management and productivity.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

Health Connect will soon track your steps without needing another app

Google is enhancing its Health Connect platform by introducing native step tracking capabilities, transitioning from a data aggregator to a direct data collector from phone sensors. Launched in 2022, Health Connect serves as a centralized hub for health and fitness data, allowing applications to share data like steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. Users can manage permissions for which applications can access their health data. The integration with Android 14 facilitates easy downloading of health applications and data sharing. Recent findings indicate that Google is working on implementing native step tracking, with a new “Devices” page showing connected devices that can write step data to Health Connect. Although step counting is not yet functional, the technology is capable, suggesting ongoing refinement. This evolution positions Health Connect as a competitor to Apple Health and raises questions about the future of Fitbit, which may continue to serve users seeking advanced metrics.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Publishing Apps to the Microsoft Store is Now Free for All Developers

Microsoft has announced that developers worldwide can now publish their applications on the Microsoft Store without any registration fees. This change, which removes credit card requirements to start the app publishing process, aims to create a more inclusive platform for developers. The Microsoft Store has over 250 million monthly active users, offers easy app discovery through Windows Search, allows seamless app delivery via Microsoft Intune, and permits developers to use their own update mechanisms. Developers can also retain 100% of the revenue from in-app purchases if they implement their own payment systems.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Android Auto may soon let you spend less time scrolling, more time driving (APK teardown)

Android Auto users may soon have access to an expanded app drawer that could display up to seven app columns, improving the ease of locating applications while driving. This enhancement has been discovered in the Android Auto app (version 15.0.653204-release) and may depend on the size of the vehicle's display. In practical tests, a layout that previously supported five columns was able to increase to seven by activating hidden settings. The timeline for an official rollout of this feature is uncertain, and while it shows promise, there is no guarantee that these features will be included in a public release.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, introducing a wider layout that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. The company shared five distinct concept designs for the menu, including features like a rounded menu with widget-like functionality, a side-separated "For You" section, a landing page design, and a full-screen vertical layout. The design team engaged with over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts to refine their concepts through co-creation calls and user feedback. The new Start menu aims to enhance app visibility, increase customizability, and ensure speed while maintaining familiarity. It will also include a phone companion panel for quick access to calls, messages, and files. Microsoft plans to test the revamped Start menu with Windows Insiders soon, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Quiet Wear OS 5.1 QoL update brings app icons to Pixel Watch tiles

The Wear OS 5.1 update for Pixel Watch users enhances app visibility by adding a small circular app icon to the top of each tile. This update, part of the March feature drop and based on Android 15, was initially rolled out for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled Pixel Watches and later made available for LTE-capable devices, including Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3. It includes features like the FDA-approved Loss of Pulse safety function, menstrual cycle tracking, and improved step tracking. However, the update has caused issues such as delayed notifications and battery performance problems, prompting user frustrations and temporary solutions like restarting or factory resetting watches. Google has acknowledged these problems affecting a small subset of users.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

Google’s working on a mysterious new Play Store app filter (APK teardown)

The Google Play Store is introducing a new filter that allows users to "filter apps that link to external apps." This feature, revealed through an APK teardown, suggests a shift in strategy focusing on app behavior rather than content. The purpose of the filter is unclear, raising questions about its implications for security and app interactions. The optional nature of the filter prompts speculation about whether it is a security measure and what "external" links encompass. The tech community is awaiting further clarification from Google regarding this development and its potential impact on user experience and app visibility.