Gmail Archives

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

How do you use Android app shortcuts?

App shortcuts were introduced with Android 7.1 in October 2016 and have seen user interface changes while retaining their functionality. They provide quick access to specific tasks within applications. Commonly used app shortcuts include Chrome's New Tab, Play Store's My apps, Gmail account shortcuts, Fitbit's Log Water, Files by Google: Downloads, Google Calendar: New task, Google Keep: New text note, Google Maps: Home and Work, and Pixel Camera: Take a selfie and Take a video. Users can access shortcuts by long-pressing application icons rather than cluttering their homescreen. Improvements suggested include the ability to hide unused shortcuts, a more compact presentation, and a layout without text labels for easier one-handed use. There are currently limitations on the number of shortcuts per app, and some users find the long-press action on Pixel Launcher and Samsung’s One UI distracting.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

My favorite Google productivity app is everywhere and nowhere

36% of participants in a poll confirmed they actively use Google Tasks via its app or web interface, while 18% only add tasks through other Google products without engaging with the Tasks app. 9% expressed interest in trying it out for the first time, and 36% indicated they prefer another to-do platform. Google Tasks was originally an integrated feature within Gmail and Calendar and was relaunched as a standalone app in 2018. It allows users to create tasks from various Google services, enhancing its utility. The app is characterized by its simplicity and straightforward interface, which may contribute to its obscurity. Google is gradually rolling out new features for Tasks, including improved sorting options and easier task management capabilities. Despite its potential, Google Tasks currently occupies a lower priority in Google's broader product strategy.

BetaBeacon

March 22, 2025

Droid Life

Gmail is enhancing search results by incorporating more artificial intelligence into its platform. The new AI integration prioritizes search results based on relevance, rather than just displaying them in chronological order.

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

Google has retired several applications that were popular among users, including: - Google Now: Launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2015, it provided contextually relevant information through scrollable cards. It was replaced by features like the Discover feed and Google Assistant. - Inbox by Google: Introduced as an alternative to Gmail, it grouped similar emails and helped users manage their inboxes. It was retired in 2019, with some features integrated into Gmail. - Google Trips: Launched in 2016 as a travel companion app that integrated travel information from Gmail and Google Maps. It was discontinued in 2019. - Android Auto on Smartphones: Debuted in 2016, allowing smartphones to serve as navigation hubs in cars without built-in systems. It was discontinued in 2022 in favor of dedicated vehicle screens. - Trusted Contacts: Launched in 2016 to share real-time location with family and friends for safety. It was integrated into Google Maps but is missed for its simplicity. - Google Reader: A popular RSS feed aggregator that was shut down in 2013, known for its user-friendly interface and offline functionality. Its absence is still felt by users.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

How to delete apps from your Android device

To delete apps on an Android device, follow these steps: 1. From Settings: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select See all apps. - Choose the app to remove and tap Uninstall. - Confirm by selecting OK. 2. From Google Play Store: - Open the Google Play Store app. - Tap your account profile image. - Select Manage apps & device. - Navigate to the Manage tab. - Check the box next to the app to uninstall. - Tap the trash can icon and select Uninstall. 3. From Home Screen or App Drawer: - Tap and hold the app, drag it to the Uninstall section, and tap OK. - Alternatively, tap and hold the app, select App info, then choose Uninstall and hit OK. 4. On Amazon Fire Devices: - Navigate to the Home tab. - Tap and hold the app to uninstall. - Select Uninstall App and confirm with OK. 5. For Pre-installed Applications: - System apps cannot be easily uninstalled without rooting the device. To disable them: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select the app and tap Disable, then confirm. 6. Regarding Purchased Apps: - Deleting purchased apps does not require repurchase. They can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store at no additional cost. 7. Reinstalling Apps: - Apps can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store, and some data may remain on the device for easier setup. 8. Checking Disabled Apps: - Go to Settings > Apps > Show all apps, and select Disabled apps to view them. 9. Caution with Important Apps: - Avoid deleting or disabling apps whose functions are not fully understood, as they may be crucial for device operations.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

At least 5 North Korean spy apps have been found on Google Play — what you need to know

Researchers have identified five Android applications on Google Play as malware linked to North Korean espionage activities, named KoSpy. These apps disguise themselves as utility applications for file management, software updates, and device security. The developer's email is a generic Gmail account, and the privacy policy is hosted on a Blogspot site. The command-and-control servers associated with these apps have IP addresses connected to North Korean intelligence operations since 2019. Google removed the most recent app sample from Google Play before it could be downloaded. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps and to scrutinize permissions requested by applications.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

Researchers find North Korean spy apps hosted in Google Play

Researchers from Lookout have identified several Android applications that, despite passing Google Play's security checks, are covertly uploading sensitive user data to operatives affiliated with the North Korean government. The malware, named KoSpy, disguises itself as utility applications for managing files, performing updates, and ensuring device security, while harvesting personal information such as SMS messages, call logs, location data, files, ambient audio, and screenshots. The malware has been found under five app names: 휴대폰 관리자 (Phone Manager), File Manager, 스마트 관리자 (Smart Manager), 카카오 보안 (Kakao Security), and Software Update Utility. These applications are available on Google Play and third-party markets like Apkpure. A privacy policy associated with one app claims to protect user information but also admits that no method of transmission is 100% secure. The IP addresses linked to the command-and-control servers of these apps have been connected to domains involved in North Korean espionage activities since at least 2019.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Google tracks Android users before they open apps, report says

A study by D.J. Leith at Trinity College Dublin found that Google begins tracking users on Android devices even before they interact with them, creating at least 14 cookies and trackers without user consent. These tracking mechanisms operate immediately upon device setup and continue to collect data even when the device is idle, following a factory reset. The sign-in process with Google accounts automatically connects users to various preinstalled applications, raising concerns about user autonomy. Notable trackers include the DSID cookie and the Google Android ID, which persist through factory resets. Users face challenges in managing tracking settings, as there is no straightforward way to opt out or delete these tracking elements. Additionally, Google's recent installation of SafetyCore on devices occurred without user consent, while the Results About You tool for managing data removal from Google Search was more positively received.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Free Alternatives to Paid Windows Software

Windows operating systems often require third-party software for specialized tasks, with free alternatives available to replace paid options. 1. BleachBit is used for system cleaning as a free substitute for CCleaner Pro, effectively enhancing PC performance by removing unnecessary data without tampering with the Windows Registry. 2. Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) is a free tool for uninstalling programs and bloatware, scanning for leftover files and simplifying the cleanup process with filtering options and color-coded listings. 3. Google Docs is preferred over Microsoft 365 for its user-friendly nature and free 15 GB storage per Gmail account, while LibreOffice is recommended as an alternative for standalone applications. 4. GIMP serves as a free substitute for Adobe Photoshop, offering essential graphic design tools without being resource-intensive. 5. Kdenlive is a free video editor that meets basic video editing needs and is compatible with lower-end PCs, providing a comprehensive suite of features and regular updates. 6. Audacity is used for audio editing, capable of handling both basic and professional tasks, with tools for noise elimination and vocal enhancement. 7. 7-Zip is a lightweight file compression and archiving tool that offers superior compression capabilities and password protection, operating unobtrusively in the background.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Gmail users will be delighted to find this productivity feature on the Android app

The Gmail app on Android now automatically applies a user's desktop signature to emails if no mobile signature is configured. This update simplifies email management by eliminating the need for separate signatures on different platforms. Users can now enjoy a consistent signature experience across devices without additional setup. The feature is being gradually rolled out, with no specific settings required to activate it. When replying to emails, the signature retains existing HTML elements, ensuring a professional appearance.