FTC Archives

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google Play Store rolling out ‘auto-open’ option for newly installed apps

The Play Store has introduced a feature called "auto-open when ready" for Android users, allowing newly downloaded applications to automatically launch once fully installed. This feature appears as a toggle beneath the installation progress bar and is off by default. When enabled, users receive a notification with a 5-second countdown to cancel the auto-open. This is particularly useful for larger apps, such as games. The feature is currently active on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and has been observed with a different interface on the older Pixel 9 Pro XL, where it appears only for games.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Google Tasks gets one M3 Expressive tweak, now in web app launcher

Google Tasks has been updated on Android to align with the design of other Google applications, introducing a more organized interface known as the M3 Expressive tweak. The details page for tasks has been restructured to group key elements such as title, details, date/time, and subtasks together. The status bar has been redesigned, featuring a "Mark completed" button in a pill shape for better visibility. While the homepage remains unchanged, users are requesting a redesign of the Google Tasks homescreen widget. Additionally, a new shortcut has been introduced for the web app launcher, linking directly to tasks.google.com.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Android Auto bugs causing broken Spotify controls, washed out display for some

Recent reports from Android Auto users indicate issues with a washed-out display and problems with the Spotify app. Users have noted a blank widget on the Android Auto dashboard that displays a “Tap to Open” message instead of the currently playing track, while in-car controls like skip buttons are unresponsive. This issue began in July after a Spotify update introducing “Jam” support and is particularly affecting Subaru Forester drivers. Additionally, users report displays appearing washed out, with black areas showing as gray. The cause of these issues is unclear, and users are encouraged to share their experiences.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Waze will end updates for older Android devices soon

Waze has introduced a new requirement in its beta version (v5.9.90) that users must have Android 10 or higher to access future features and updates, changing from the previous requirement of Android 8.0 or higher. Support for Android 9.0 has ended, and while users on older versions can still use the app, they will not receive updates or new features. This change is expected to reach non-beta users soon, typically within one to two weeks after the beta release. As of earlier this year, only 5.8% of Android devices were operating on Android 9.0 or older.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

What’s new in Android’s August 2025 Google System Updates

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” provide updates on various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. The “Google System” includes first-party applications that enhance user experience and developer capabilities. Features listed in the changelog may take time to become available. Google Play services v25.31 (2025-08-11): - New developer features for Utilities-related processes in Auto, Phone, and TV. - New features for Maps-related functionalities for Google and third-party developers on Phone. - Bug fixes for Device Connections services in Auto. - Updates to system management services for Device Connectivity on Phone and Wear. - Privacy enhancements in system management services for Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear. - Bug fixes for Wallet-related services on Phone and Wear. - Eligible users can add a Pix account in Wallet on Phone. Google Play Store v47.6 (2025-08-11): - A new featured format added to the top of the Apps tab on Phone. Google Play services v25.30 (2025-08-04): - Enhancements to onboarding and sign-in for Automotive applications in Auto. - Optional security question for Remote Lock functionality on Phone. - Bug fixes for Utilities-related services on Phone. - Autofill feature with Google shortcut on Gboard for quicker credential and payment entry on Phone. - Multi-family residential options introduced in Google Wallet for Phone and Wear. - Pix users in Brazil receive a tone and vibration upon completing tap transactions on Phone. Google Play Store v47.4 (2025-08-04): - Quests reward Play Points for engaging with games on Phone. - Users can view paragraph review summaries and topic-level summaries on reviews pages on Phone.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Google Wallet now requires location permission for ‘detailed receipts’ with maps

Users of the Google Wallet app on Android are now required to grant location permissions to access detailed receipts that include merchant addresses and maps. This change, implemented in late July or early August, means that recent transactions only show the cost, date, statement, and transaction ID, without the map feature. A prompt encourages users to enable location settings to regain access to detailed receipts. To restore the map functionality, users must enable "Precise location" permission through the app, but this does not apply retroactively to past transactions.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Google Messages crashing for some Android users

A segment of Google Messages users is experiencing crashes shortly after launching the app, particularly on devices running Android 16 and 16 QPR1, especially Pixel and Samsung phones. This issue began after the release of the latest beta version (2025080500RC00). Affected users can still access conversations through notifications or the chat head feature. Basic troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issue, but some users have successfully uninstalled updates and then reinstalled them, fixing the crashing while keeping their message history intact.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

YouTube playback speed is currently broken on Android

A glitch in the YouTube app for Android has prevented users from modifying the playback speed of videos, reverting to the default 1x setting upon reopening the app. This issue affects both the stable version (20.28.39) and the beta version (20.29.39) of the app, but playback speed controls for podcasts in YouTube Music are unaffected. YouTube has acknowledged the issue and is investigating it.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Google Home app fixes edge-to-edge Routines bug on Android

Users of the Google Home app on Android 16 experienced a bug in the Routines creator and editor, which was resolved with the release of Google Home version 3.37. The update restored accessibility to buttons at the top and bottom of the Routines interface, allowing users to navigate to the Automations tab and access options for Household or Personal routines. The close ‘x’ and “Save” buttons are now available, improving user experience. The three-dot overflow menu, which includes actions like the Script editor and Help, has also returned. Previously, page titles were obscured by the front-facing camera, and users faced challenges with actions like “Remove action.” The issue originated from Android 16's restrictions on apps targeting the latest version. The resolution was implemented via a server-side rollout with no visible changes in the initial release of Google Home 3.37.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

This YouTube app alternative just added Android Auto support

NewPipe, an open-source YouTube application for Android, has introduced Android Auto support in version 0.28.0, allowing users to stream audio from their car's display. This feature enables access to playlists, listening history, and control over the player. The development of this feature began in 2022, and NewPipe must be sideloaded as it is not available on the Play Store. Currently, the Android Auto version supports only audio playback, with potential for future video support.