beta release Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Meta and Yandex are de-anonymizing Android users’ web browsing identifiers

Recent developments in browser technology have raised concerns about user privacy and data tracking by companies like Meta and Yandex. In response, several Android browsers are enhancing user privacy by blocking abusive JavaScript linked to web trackers. DuckDuckGo has implemented measures to block domains and IP addresses associated with trackers, preventing the transmission of identifiers to Meta and restricting access to Yandex Metrica. Following feedback, DuckDuckGo's developers updated their blacklist to include missing addresses. The Brave browser uses extensive blocklists to prevent identifier sharing and blocks requests to localhost without user consent. Vivaldi forwards identifiers to local Android ports by default but allows users to adjust settings to block trackers. Researchers warn that these solutions may not be foolproof and emphasize the ongoing challenge of maintaining effective blocklists. Chrome and most other Chromium-based browsers execute JavaScript as intended by Meta and Yandex, while Firefox has faced challenges with SDP munging and has not yet announced plans to address this behavior.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

WhatsApp may soon let you take a break without deleting your account (APK teardown)

WhatsApp is set to introduce a new "Logout" feature in its beta release (version 2.25.17.37), allowing users to log out of their accounts on their primary phones without deleting their accounts. This feature will be found in the app's Account settings and will offer two options: one that logs users out while keeping all data and preferences intact, and another that erases all data, similar to uninstalling the app. The "Logout" feature is currently marked as "Internal," indicating it is still under testing.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Samsung is rolling out its first One UI 8 beta for the Galaxy S25 series

The One UI 8 beta is now available for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, featuring enhanced AI capabilities, a tailored user experience for different device types, and proactive suggestions. It introduces improvements to the Reminder app, Quick Share, multitasking, Samsung Internet, and accessibility features. The rollout is limited to regions including Germany, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S., excluding the Galaxy S25 Edge. A stable version is expected to launch with new foldable devices this summer. Key features include multimodal capabilities, enhanced Now Bar and Now Brief features, local data processing options, and improvements to the Auracast feature. The Reminder app will consolidate tasks into a single interface, and Quick Share will receive enhancements. Additional features include improved file search, a redesign of Samsung Internet, multitasking enhancements, new Calendar features, and social health management options through Samsung Health. More features may be revealed as the beta progresses.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Google might be working on a new Gemini UI that makes sense on tablets

Google is enhancing the user experience of its Gemini platform on tablets with a new beta release that features a tablet-friendly layout, including a sidebar for quick access to chats and a hamburger menu for navigation. The updated design includes shortcuts for starting new conversations and searching past discussions, as well as a modified prompt bar that highlights tools like “Deep Research” and “Canvas.” A new “Search History” function allows users to retrieve past chats using keywords. The latest beta version (v16.20.48.sa.arm64) for Android mirrors the web interface, with a left-hand sidebar for navigation and practical shortcuts for new and archived chats. Users can switch between different Gemini models using a dropdown menu, and a full-screen mode option is available to hide the sidebar for a distraction-free view. The timeline for the widespread rollout of the tablet-optimized layout is currently uncertain.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

The One UI 8 beta might just be around the corner for your Galaxy S25

Samsung's One UI 8 beta, based on Android 16, has debuted in the Samsung Members app, with a release expected this summer alongside new foldable smartphones. The beta banner has been spotted on Galaxy S25 devices in regions including the U.S., Germany, Poland, India, and Korea. An official notice in the Members app has outlined steps for testers to prepare for the beta installation. The beta program page is live for Germany and Korea, although registrations are not yet open. Users have begun exploring One UI 8 features, including an enhanced audio feature called Audio Brief and a redesigned weather app with interactive 3D avatars.

TrendTechie

May 16, 2025

Spotify Owned uTorrent Before BitTorrent Inc. Acquired It * TorrentFreak

Spotify is preparing for its listing on the New York Stock Exchange, with connections to Ludvig Strigeus, the developer of uTorrent, who was instrumental in Spotify's early development. Spotify once owned uTorrent, which it acquired in 2006 before selling it to BitTorrent Inc. shortly after. Strigeus's stake in Spotify is reportedly valued at over a billion Kroner, making him a multi-millionaire. Spotify launched its beta version in 2008 as an alternative to music piracy and has since become a billion-dollar enterprise, converting millions of users into paying customers. Initially, Spotify's service included a significant file-sharing aspect, utilizing P2P connections for streaming and incorporating pirate MP3s in its beta release. The acquisition of uTorrent provided crucial funding for Spotify's development.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Gemini Live’s most powerful upgrade could be right around the corner (APK teardown)

Google's Gemini platform is evolving to perform tasks across various applications, with the recent rebranding of Extensions to Apps enhancing its interaction with software and services. Analysis of the beta release of the Google app for Android indicates upcoming support for Gemini Apps in Live mode, suggesting real-time capabilities are being developed. The rollout of Gemini Apps is expected to be phased, with "phase one" indicating a gradual introduction of features, though details on the initial applications remain unclear. The tech community is anticipating more information about compatible apps and the official announcement of these functionalities.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

That’s hot: Android will soon add an easy shortcut to the Pixel Thermometer app

Google is enhancing its Pixel Thermometer app by developing a lock screen shortcut for supported Pixel devices, discovered in the code of Android 16 Beta 4. This feature aims to simplify access to temperature readings, allowing users to launch the app directly from the lock screen instead of navigating through the launcher after unlocking their phones. The app uses an infrared sensor on select Pixel Pro models for contactless temperature readings. Although the shortcut requires users to unlock their devices to display temperature readings, it is more efficient than the current process. The 'Thermometer' shortcut has not yet been activated in Android 16 Beta 4, and its official rollout timeline is uncertain, with speculation that it may debut alongside the upcoming Pixel 10 series.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

Song search history finally comes to Google app in beta (APK teardown)

Google is rolling out a song history feature in its app for Android users, allowing them to access a record of previously identified songs directly within the app. This feature is part of the 16.13.38 beta release and includes a history icon in the song search interface. Users can view thumbnails, song and artist information, and timestamps of searches. Engaging with an entry initiates a Google Search for the song. This update enhances the user experience but does not change the accuracy of Google's song recognition capabilities. Further improvements in song recognition are also anticipated.

AppWizard

March 15, 2025

Android 16 may be able to do what Apple AI couldn’t with notification summaries

Android 16 Beta 3 has revealed hints about a new feature called notification summaries, designed to streamline notifications related to conversations. Code suggests these summaries may be accessible under a dedicated page in the Settings menu and will focus solely on messaging interactions, excluding notifications from non-messaging apps. Users will have the option to toggle the feature on or off, labeled as “use notification summaries,” and it is expected to be integrated into the Android System Intelligence app. Android 16 has reached "Platform stability," indicating it is on track for public launch.