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5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Always Have Installed
AppWizard
December 27, 2025

5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Always Have Installed

Gemini AI in Android Auto introduces new features to enhance the driving experience, dependent on the installed applications. Key recommended apps include: - AntennaPod: A podcast app that offers millions of podcasts, imports libraries from various sources, and features playback controls, queue management, and user privacy with an ad-free, open-source model. - Fuelio: An app for monitoring fuel consumption, mileage, and costs for various vehicle types, providing insights into fuel efficiency and vehicle-related expenses, with a straightforward interface for logging data. - PlugShare: An app for locating electric charging stations, featuring over 70,000 listings, trip planning capabilities, community-driven information, and filters for speed and plug types. - SpotHero: A digital marketplace for finding and reserving parking in major cities, allowing users to compare prices and amenities, view bookings, and receive navigation assistance. - TuneIn Radio: An entertainment app offering access to over 120,000 live radio stations, podcasts, and music stations, with a user-friendly interface and an option for an ad-free Premium subscription. The selected apps are free to use, address real-world challenges, and have received positive feedback, averaging ratings above 4.3 in the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.
Bad battery life? Google will name-and-shame Android apps that drain your phone faster than expected
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

Bad battery life? Google will name-and-shame Android apps that drain your phone faster than expected

Google is overhauling the Google Play Store to address Android apps that excessively drain device batteries. New regulations require developers to minimize unnecessary background activities and adhere to stricter guidelines on how often their apps can wake devices or access system resources. Non-compliant apps will receive warnings on their Play Store listings, and their visibility may be reduced. A new measurement system, developed with Samsung, tracks "excessive partial wake locks," which monitor how long apps keep devices awake while the screen is off. If an app exceeds a threshold of 5% of total user sessions with excessive wake locks over a 28-day period, it will trigger notifications on the developers' dashboard. Developers must rectify these issues by March 1, 2026, to keep their apps on the Play Store. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency regarding app resource utilization and improve battery performance across Android devices.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 29, 2025

As Amazon’s game business crumbles, the public is surprised to discover that it was trying to compete with Steam all this time

On September 30, 2016, Amazon Game Studios introduced its titles Breakaway, Crucible, and New World at TwitchCon. Breakaway's development was halted in 2018 due to poor previews and an unsuccessful open alpha. Crucible was canceled shortly after its launch. While Amazon plans to keep New World operational until at least the end of 2026, it has ceased active development and laid off staff. Former Prime Gaming vice president Ethan Evans noted that Amazon's ambition to disrupt Steam faced challenges, including miscalculations about user habits and a lack of awareness among gamers regarding Amazon's gaming efforts. Amazon is now shifting focus from large-scale productions to more unconventional projects.
US Supreme Court order stands, Google Play Store must open up to third parties
AppWizard
October 8, 2025

US Supreme Court order stands, Google Play Store must open up to third parties

The U.S. Supreme Court has reaffirmed its previous ruling concerning Google, rejecting the company's request for a pause on specific aspects of the case. Google has been directed to implement changes to address anti-competitive practices within the Play Store, as outlined by U.S. District Judge James Donato in 2024. The Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Epic Games, allowing it to operate its Game Store on the Play Store and determining that Google engaged in monopolistic behavior regarding Android app distribution and in-app billing. Google is prohibited from mandating the use of its Play Billing services. The Supreme Court's decision reflects a commitment to promoting fair competition in the digital marketplace.
Today’s Android app deals and freebies: House of Da Vinci 3, Kingdom Rush 5, more
AppWizard
October 7, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: House of Da Vinci 3, Kingdom Rush 5, more

Shoppers are experiencing significant discounts during the fall Prime Big Deal Days sale, particularly on Google Play. Notable deals include: - Google Pixel 10 devices at reduced prices. - Google Pixel Tablet with savings of up to 0. - Moonstone Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 at an all-time low price. Additionally, there are various discounts on Android apps available on Google Play, catering to diverse interests and needs.
Create Your Own Android Bot with New Androidify Tool
AppWizard
September 8, 2025

Create Your Own Android Bot with New Androidify Tool

Google has introduced Androidify, a tool for small business owners to design personalized Android bots via a web interface or app. It utilizes advanced AI technology, including Gemini 2.5 Flash for photo captioning and Imagen for creating customized bots from user uploads. Users can animate their bots into 8-second videos using Veo technology, enhancing social media engagement. The tool allows businesses to create unique visual identities for marketing campaigns, although some users may face challenges in navigating AI tools and integrating them into existing strategies.
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