delivery tracking Archives

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Android phones to warn users about apps draining battery from March 2026

Google will implement a new system on 1 March 2026 to help Android users identify apps that drain battery life. Developers will be required to label apps that consume high amounts of power due to background activity. Apps categorized as heavy battery consumers will be removed from Play Store recommendations. Certain apps, such as those for audio playback or ride-hailing, may be exempt from these restrictions. Google will set metrics to define acceptable background activity levels and limit how often apps can use "wake locks." Developers exceeding this limit will be notified and may face reduced visibility or removal from the Play Store.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

IIT Delhi study finds Android apps with location access can infer user activities and indoor layouts | Delhi News – The Times of India

Researchers at IIT Delhi, led by MTech student Soham Nag and Dr. Smruti R Sarangi, have developed a system called AndroCon that utilizes low-level GPS signal fluctuations to gather detailed information about a user's environment and activities without using cameras or microphones. The system can determine whether a person is indoors or outdoors, identify the structure of a room, and assess their actions with high accuracy—up to 99% for surroundings and over 87% for human activities. AndroCon can also generate indoor floor maps with a margin of error of less than four meters. The study highlights potential privacy concerns, as any Android app with fine location permissions could access sensitive contextual information without user consent. The findings were published in the ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Android 17 Min Mode turns AOD into a live app canvas

Most Android devices now have an always-on display (AOD) feature, which allows users to view the time and notifications without unlocking their phones. Google is developing a new feature called "Min Mode" for Android 17, which will enable apps to integrate with AOD by rendering minimal user interfaces on the low-power display. Min Mode will not replace the traditional AOD but will function as an additional mode, allowing for a full-screen application surface while maintaining low brightness and refresh rates. Apps can activate Min Mode by defining a MinModeActivity in their AndroidManifest and communicating with a MinModeProvider in SystemUI. This feature aims to provide glanceable, battery-efficient experiences for applications that typically drain battery life. Early indications suggest that Google Maps may be the first app to implement Min Mode, with relevant code already identified. The feature is expected to be available in Android 17, as it is currently disabled at the system level and is not anticipated to be included in Android 16 QPR3.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Google Wallet Gets Android 16 Live Updates Support

Google Wallet is introducing support for Live Updates powered by Android 16, allowing users to access real-time information about flight times, train boarding details, and event ticket statuses directly from their lock screens. This feature was noted in the release notes for Google Play Services v25.41. Live Updates provide continuous status updates at the top of the screen, similar to persistent notifications, and are applicable across various apps. Google Wallet will utilize Live Updates to display dynamic statuses for supported passes related to flights, trains, and events, such as gate changes and entry windows. The rollout of this feature is underway, and users can expect to receive Live Updates for Wallet passes as partners provide the necessary data feeds.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Asda making ‘big improvements’ to website and app

Asda is implementing four major updates to its online shopping platforms, including a new delivery tracking map and a revised payment policy that charges customers only for the items received. Additional improvements will feature faster search results and the removal of sponsored products from the "Your Favourites" section. Despite the anticipated enhancements, Asda has warned customers of potential "teething issues" during the transition. In 2025, Asda also discontinued its Blue Light Card Benefits, announced plans to modernize and expand the menus at 180 cafés with a £10 million investment, and is considering major staffing adjustments, including merging key leadership roles.