apps Archives

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

8 free Android productivity apps I can’t live without in 2026

Notesnook is a free, open-source note-taking app that offers end-to-end encryption and syncs across devices, featuring a text editor, support for attachments, and organizational tools. Obsidian serves as a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins, Graph View, and Advanced Tables for structured note-taking. TickTick is a to-do app with essential features in its free version, including task lists, subtasks, reminders, and Smart Recognition for creating tasks using natural language. Trello is a project management tool with a Kanban-style interface, allowing users to manage multiple projects with custom fields and subtasks. Toggl Track is a time management app that logs hours spent on tasks and provides insights into productivity through a calendar view. Airtable is a database app with a spreadsheet-like interface for organizing information, customizable for various purposes. Raindrop.io is a bookmark manager that allows users to save articles, images, and videos, with tagging and search features for easy retrieval. MacroDroid is an automation tool for Android that enables users to create macros for repetitive tasks, improving efficiency.

BetaBeacon

August 8, 2026

Mastering Sideloading: Safe APK Installation on Android

People reach outside the Play Store to download APKs for emulators, early builds of apps, region-locked releases, modded versions of apps, and apps like betting and casino apps that are restricted by Google's store policies. Google has found that there is over 50 times more malware coming from internet-sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. Starting in September 2026, Google will require every developer to verify their identity for apps installed on certified Android devices, including sideloaded apps. To sideload without getting burned, users should pull APKs from reputable sources, match permissions to the job, keep Play Protect switched on, and revoke the "install unknown apps" permission after installation.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Check out the latest Pixel Watch apps to get a new look for their icons

Google is updating the visual design of its Wear OS applications, particularly for the Pixel Watch series, ahead of the Pixel Watch 5 launch. The Clock and Stopwatch apps are receiving a redesign with a more natural color palette and refined aesthetics. The Clock app now features a classic 10:10 hand positioning and a toned-down appearance, while the Stopwatch app has a revamped color scheme. These changes are part of Google's broader effort to modernize its smartwatch offerings.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Android’s upcoming ‘App Handles’ will bring clever multitasking to Pixel Fold [Video]

Google has introduced a new feature called “App Handles” in its latest Android Canary build, designed for foldable devices like the Pixel Fold series. This feature allows users to manage applications more flexibly by pinning them to the taskbar for quick access without disrupting the main content on the screen. Users can open apps, such as the Calculator, in a pop-up window while using other applications in full-screen mode. The feature supports multiple apps simultaneously, indicated by a “+” button next to the app icon. Currently, “App Handles” is available only in Android Canary build 2608, with plans for broader rollout in future updates.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

The best Android weather app you should be using isn’t on the Play Store

Megan Ellis transitioned from basic weather notifications to dedicated weather apps, discovering the benefits of tailored insights. Breezy Weather stands out for its customization features, allowing users to select various data blocks such as precipitation, forecasts, wind data, pollen levels, UV index, and more. The app offers customizable notifications and widgets, enhancing user experience without intrusive ads. Breezy maintains a clean interface, focusing on relevant weather data. However, its alert system has limitations compared to competitors, lacking customizable options for specific weather conditions.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Google’s Terminal app is next in line for an icon makeover

Android Canary 2608 has introduced a redesigned icon for Google’s Terminal app, featuring a modern, boxy aesthetic while retaining the classic “>” and “-” symbols. The new icon resembles the Google Sheets icon but uses a darker green palette. The existing Terminal icon has a nostalgic design with neon green symbols on a dark green backdrop. The redesign enhances visual appeal and integrates Terminal more seamlessly with other Google applications, though the app's functionality remains unchanged. There is currently no timeline for the broader rollout of the new icon.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

The offline messaging apps challenging internet shutdowns

Governments are finding it harder to suppress protests through internet shutdowns due to the use of offline messaging applications. Bitchat, an app launched in 2025 by Jack Dorsey, allows devices to communicate via Bluetooth without internet access and gained popularity during recent student protests in New Delhi amid an internet blackout. The Indian government attempted to block access to Bitchat's source code on GitHub, marking a notable first instance of trying to geoblock an open-source repository. On July 26, Bitchat had 430,000 daily active users in India, with 74% of global downloads occurring in the country from July 20 to July 26. The app has been used in various protests globally, including those in Hong Kong, Myanmar, Nepal, Uganda, Madagascar, and Iran. On July 23, the Indian government ordered GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat repositories in India quickly. Jack Dorsey expressed concerns about the Indian government's stance on Bitchat, while digital rights advocates criticized the government's actions as unnecessary. The repositories remained accessible in India and were mirrored on decentralized platforms, complicating removal efforts. India's government has increasingly scrutinized communication platforms based on their design, imposing restrictions on apps like Telegram and WhatsApp.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Google is bringing back native app lock for Android, but not for everyone yet

The latest Android Canary release introduces a new feature that allows users to lock multiple apps simultaneously through the settings menu, enhancing the app lock functionality. This feature is accessible under Settings > Security & privacy > App lock and allows users to organize locked apps in a list view. Once locked, apps will not display notification content, and their widgets and shortcuts will be hidden, although AI agents can still access their data if previously permitted. Users need to enter a PIN or use biometric authentication to access locked apps, which will also remain hidden from the recents menu. This development positions Google alongside competitors like Xiaomi and vivo, who offer similar features.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

I’ve found the best antivirus software to protect your PC in 2026

The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Windows 11 includes Microsoft's built-in Defender, but its security measures are basic. Effective antivirus solutions provide comprehensive threat analysis, advanced malware protection, and additional privacy features such as VPNs and password managers. No antivirus can protect against every threat, so users should download applications from trusted sources and use strong, unique passwords. The best antivirus apps for 2026 include: - Bitdefender Total Security: £42.49 for the first year, rated 5/5, includes a limited VPN, offers multi-device coverage, excellent malware detection, and built-in tools for phishing and ransomware protection. - Malwarebytes Plus: £29.99 annually for the basic package, rated 4/5, includes a VPN in the 'plus' bundle costing £49.99, focuses on malware removal and identity protection features. - McAfee Premium: Rated 4/5, includes unlimited VPN, compatible with various platforms, offers a firewall, ransomware protection, and AI-powered scam detection. - F-Secure Total: Rated 4/5, includes a password manager and deep scanning capabilities, but the basic plan covers only a single device. - Sophos Home Premium: Rated 4/5, allows coverage for up to ten devices under one subscription, features real-time scanning and parental controls, but does not include a password manager. Most antivirus applications offer free trials. The testing involved installing each application on a Windows 11 PC and conducting scans, while also reviewing reports from independent security testing labs.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

Best Antivirus Software August 2026: I Tested the Top 5

The top five antivirus software packages for 2026 are: 1. Norton 360: - Best overall antivirus software. - First-year pricing: .99 for Standard, .99 for Deluxe, .99 for Select Plus. - Features: Fastest scanner, uncapped VPN, robust firewall, 50 GB cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and a refund guarantee. - Detection rate: 99.8% with three false alarms. - Scan times: Quick scan in 58 seconds, full scan in 13 minutes and 22 seconds. - Renewal prices: .99 for Standard, .99 for Deluxe, .99 for Select Plus. 2. Bitdefender: - Best value and lightest on system resources. - First-year pricing: .99 for Antivirus Plus, .99 for Total Security, .99 for Family. - Features: Advanced Threat Defense, multi-layer ransomware remediation, Safepay banking browser. - Detection rate: 99.8% with five false alarms. - Scan times: Quick scan in 1 minute and 4 seconds, full scan in 14 minutes and 3 seconds. - Renewal prices: .99 for Antivirus Plus, .99 for Total Security, .99 for Family. 3. Avast One: - Best free antivirus and ideal for gamers. - Free tier available; paid options start at .99 for the first year. - Features: Modular features allowing users to activate only what they need. 4. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro: - Best antivirus and VPN in one. - Pricing starts at .49 per month on the Complete plan. 5. McAfee+: - Best for unlimited devices and mobile. - First-year pricing: .99 for unlimited devices. - Features: Top-notch mobile applications. Overall rankings are based on independent lab results, system impact, bundled features, two-year cost, and customer support. Norton 360 is rated 4.8/5, and Bitdefender is rated 4.7/5.