Google apps Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Android users ALERT! Google has an update but you need to stop installing THESE apps?

Google's AI-driven threat detection and security measures blocked approximately 2.36 million policy-violating applications from being released on the Play Store last year. In February, Google removed hundreds of malicious applications that were infecting devices with adware and malware. Over 50 times more Android malware originates from internet-sideloaded sources compared to those found on the Play Store. Google is expanding its Play Protect feature across all applications and the upcoming Android 15 will introduce live threat detection. Sophos warned about PJobRAT malware, which can steal SMS messages, contacts, and files from infected Android devices. Experts advise against sideloading apps unless their legitimacy and security are certain.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google prepares huge Gemini app updates for ‘personalization’ with more to try out

Google has announced updates to its Gemini app, including the introduction of the 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, which enhances its ability to handle complex queries. The app now features a "personalization" experimental option that tailors responses based on user history across Google services. Users can upload files directly into the app, and Gemini can break down prompts into manageable steps for more accurate responses. The app integrates with services like Calendar, Notes, Tasks, and Photos, allowing users to perform multi-step queries seamlessly. Additionally, the Deep Research feature has been improved to help users explore complex subjects more effectively, with real-time insights into Gemini's processes. Access to the Deep Research feature will be limited to a few trials each month for general users, while Gemini Advanced users will have expanded access.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Google Silently Tracks Android Device Even No Apps Opened by User

Recent research by Professor D.J. Leith from Trinity College Dublin reveals that Google collects significant amounts of user data on Android devices, even when users do not engage with Google applications. The study shows that pre-installed Google apps can track users without consent or opt-out options. Measurements were taken using a Google Pixel 7 with Android 14. Findings indicate that Google servers store multiple tracking identifiers immediately after a factory reset, before any user interaction. Collected identifiers include advertising analytics cookies and persistent device identifiers. This data collection raises concerns about compliance with EU data privacy regulations, such as the e-Privacy Directive and GDPR. Specific tracking technologies identified include the Google Android ID, DSID cookies, and NID cookies. User interaction data is also transmitted to Firebase Analytics servers. Users have limited control over the data stored on their devices, with disabling Google Play Services or the Google Play Store being impractical options.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Android Automotive could get more apps thanks to this easy-to-use kit [Gallery]

Google's Android Automotive platform is expanding, but the availability of compatible applications has been limited. Snapp Automotive has introduced a developer kit to simplify app creation for this platform. Currently, developers need a Google Pixel Tablet and a specialized emulator to test apps, which can be costly and is restricted to one OS version. Snapp's developer kit allows testing on the Khadas VIM3 Pro board, priced around 0, and supports multiple Android versions (15, 14, 13, 12, and 12.1). The kit enables realistic app testing and can be paired with any HDMI or USB touchscreen display. While not suitable for end-users due to the lack of Google apps, it aims to enhance the development experience and foster a richer application ecosystem for Android Automotive. Snapp is officially launching this developer kit today.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

These are the best alternatives to Google’s most popular apps

Many users rely on Google-made Android applications, which can create dependency, but alternatives exist. Heliboard is an open-source keyboard that can replace Gboard after initial setup. Mozilla Thunderbird is a strong alternative to Gmail, offering a clean interface and support for multiple email providers. Mozilla Firefox is a preferred browser alternative to Google Chrome, providing extensive customization and support for extensions. Notally offers a familiar layout for note-taking as an alternative to Google Keep. Material Notes and Mixplorer are alternatives to Files by Google, with Material Notes offering a sleek interface and Mixplorer providing advanced features. Todoist is a feature-rich alternative to Google Tasks, with its own calendar solutions and voice recognition for task entry. OsmAnd and Organic Maps are navigation alternatives to Google Maps, utilizing OpenStreetMap data. Aves Gallery is a feature-rich gallery app alternative to Google Photos, while Focus Go offers a simpler experience for less powerful devices. Some Google apps, like Google Recorder and Google Messages, lack genuine alternatives.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

Android: Steps to Remove Preinstalled Apps from Your Smartphone

Many Android users find preinstalled applications, often called "bloatware," irritating as they consume storage space and create clutter. These apps are typically included by device manufacturers, carriers, or through partnerships and may not offer significant utility. Users can remove unwanted applications by following several steps: 1. Identify the apps to remove using a tool like Package Manager. 2. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on the device. 3. Install Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Universal Android Debloater (UAD) on a PC. 4. Connect the phone to the PC and launch UAD, which will list installed apps. 5. Select and uninstall the unwanted apps while being cautious not to remove critical system applications. Removing bloatware does not affect system updates, but preinstalled apps will return after a factory reset. Caution is advised when deleting apps to avoid removing essential features.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Your next Android phone could swap out Google Fit for this alternative

Google is shifting its approach to fitness applications on Android devices, moving from Google Fit as the default app to the Fitbit app. The OPPO Find X8 Pro and Realme GT7 Pro have replaced Google Fit with the Fitbit app, which is now pre-installed on these devices. Google confirmed that the Fitbit app has been available to smartphone manufacturers as a default option since earlier this year, with several manufacturers choosing to preload it. This trend indicates that the Fitbit app is becoming a standard feature across more Android smartphones, and there is anticipation for the integration of Google Fit features into the Fitbit app.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Fitbit might come preloaded on your next Android phone

The Oppo Find X8 series introduces a significant change in the Android ecosystem by preloading the Fitbit application instead of the traditional Google apps. The Find X8 and X8 Pro are the first non-Google Android phones to include Fitbit in the standard "Google" app folder, replacing Google Fit, which has been the default fitness tracking application on Android devices. Google has deprecated the Fit API, indicating a strategic shift towards Fitbit as the primary fitness application, with developers required to migrate to Health Connect by June 30, 2025. A Google spokesperson confirmed that the Fitbit app is now available for Android OEMs to preload on their devices, enhancing health and wellness offerings. Despite the availability of the Fitbit app earlier in the year, it has taken until late 2024 for an Android OEM to officially ship devices with Fitbit as the default fitness tracking application.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

I don’t care much for watch apps, but I’m giving them a second chance

The Wear OS platform has gained attention with advancements in devices like the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. The Recorder app in Wear OS 5 allows seamless audio note-taking that syncs with the Pixel 9 and generates transcripts, making it useful for capturing notes. Google Keep Notes is used for creating weekly to-do lists, allowing tasks to be checked off from the wrist. Despite a growing fondness for Wear OS applications, there are concerns about the platform's overall capabilities due to the small display and limitations of voice-to-text technology. There is hope that advancements in AI, particularly with Gemini AI, will improve the functionality of these applications.