NewApp Digest
search bot

Galaxy smartphones

Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]

Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
RIP Samsung Messages: End-of-life date officially announced
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

RIP Samsung Messages: End-of-life date officially announced

Samsung will phase out the Samsung Messages app by July 2026, encouraging users to transition to Google Messages for a more consistent messaging experience across Android devices. Samsung previously announced in July 2024 that Google Messages would become the default messaging app for Galaxy smartphones. The upcoming Galaxy S26 series will feature Google Messages exclusively, without Samsung Messages. Devices running Android 11 or older will still support Samsung Messages. Users are advised to check their app for specific shutdown details, which may vary by region.
Gemini might look like Circle to Search on Android with this leaked feature
AppWizard
October 24, 2025

Gemini might look like Circle to Search on Android with this leaked feature

Google is developing a new feature for the Gemini platform on Android that allows users to "circle" or highlight specific areas of uploaded images, directing the AI's focus to those details. This feature aims to improve user interaction by enabling the AI to describe images and identify circled elements without additional user input. Additionally, the Circle to Search functionality has been enhanced with "one-tap actions" for extracting contact information and a continuous real-time translation feature that provides instant translations while users scroll through content on select Android devices and Galaxy smartphones.
Think You’re Safe? Hackers Can Now Peek at Every Password You Type on Android
AppWizard
October 15, 2025

Think You’re Safe? Hackers Can Now Peek at Every Password You Type on Android

Android smartphones are being targeted by malware named "Pixnapping," which uses pixel-stealing technology to extract information directly from the screen without requiring elevated permissions. This malware captures repeated background screenshots to read pixels, allowing it to surveil sensitive information such as messages, passwords, and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. The extracted data is transmitted to a remote server controlled by attackers, enabling them to infiltrate accounts and perform actions like altering settings or making purchases. The malware's effectiveness varies by device, with a recovery rate of 53% for 2FA codes on the Pixel 9 and 73% on the Pixel 6. A vulnerability in Android APIs, designated as CVE-2025-48561, is exploited by this malware. Google was notified of the vulnerability in February and issued a partial fix in September, but the issue remains unresolved. Users are advised to keep their devices updated, enable built-in protections, avoid unverified apps, and consider hardware-based two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Google has patched 'Pixnapping' attack in Android, further fix with December security update
AppWizard
October 15, 2025

Google has patched ‘Pixnapping’ attack in Android, further fix with December security update

Google has acknowledged a significant vulnerability affecting secure applications like Authenticator and Signal, caused by a technique called "Pixnapping." This vulnerability has been exploited on Google Pixel devices and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. It takes advantage of weaknesses in the Android operating system, particularly through the Android Intent system, allowing malicious apps to request sensitive information from targeted apps. The vulnerability enables the extraction of sensitive pixels, which can be accessed via another vulnerability known as GPU.zip. The research team that discovered Pixnapping demonstrated the exploit on multiple Google Pixel models (Pixel 9, Pixel 8, Pixel 7) and a Samsung Galaxy S25. Google was alerted to the issue in February 2025 and released a partial fix in its September security update. However, a workaround for the CVE-2025-48561 vulnerability remains undisclosed and unaddressed in the current update. Google plans to issue an additional patch in the December security update and has stated that there have been no confirmed real-world exploitations of the vulnerability.
Search