Google Play

AppWizard
May 7, 2025
Shazam was launched in the UK in 2002 as a service where users could call a number to identify songs for a fee. Acquired by Apple in 2018, it remains available for Android users and integrates with various music platforms while being free to use. Shazam struggles with identifying earworms. SoundHound, Shazam's main competitor, has around 100 million users and can identify songs quickly, providing detailed information and lyrics. It allows users to hum or sing songs for identification, though this feature is not always accurate. SoundHound's free version includes ads, while SoundHound Infinity offers an ad-free experience for .99. Musixmatch is another alternative that identifies songs and focuses on lyrics, allowing users to create "lyrics cards" and offering a translation feature. It requires the actual song for identification. The Google app also provides quick song identification, including for hummed or sung versions, but gives candid feedback on user performance.
AppWizard
May 6, 2025
Google will implement an update to its Play Integrity API in May 2025, affecting devices running Android 12 or earlier. This update coincides with the end of security updates for these older versions, potentially leading to app failures and increased vulnerability to cyber threats. Developers will need to revise their applications to comply with the new API standards, while users on outdated systems may face degraded performance or complete app failures. The urgency to upgrade to Android 13 or newer is emphasized for both users and developers.
AppWizard
May 6, 2025
Google is set to introduce a security feature called "Intrusion Detection" in its upcoming Android 16, aimed at enhancing user security against threats. This feature, found in a beta version of the Google Play Services app, will log encrypted entries of essential device information to help users identify suspicious activity. "Intrusion Detection" is expected to be part of the Advanced Protection Program, which includes measures against malicious downloads and supports passkey sign-ins, moving away from traditional passwords. The feature's development has progressed, but it is unclear if it will launch with Android 16 or later. Android 16 Beta 4 was released to testers in mid-April, leading up to the anticipated full launch in May 2025.
AppWizard
May 5, 2025
The Gemini app has introduced a new Android homescreen widget that is now widely available to users. The widget is highly resizable, incorporates Dynamic Color, and resembles the revamped widgets of Google Keep and Drive. It features a sparkle icon that launches the app and keyboard, and includes buttons arranged within a rounded rectangle, with a Gemini Live shortcut. Users can expand the widget to access additional functionalities like speech-to-text and the Gemini camera, and it can be configured in various layouts, including a search bar and a grid of shortcuts. The widget is part of Gemini app version 1.0.751104895 and is compatible with Android 10 and newer versions. Users can add it to their homescreen by updating the app and selecting Widgets.
AppWizard
May 2, 2025
The Google Play Store has seen a decline in available apps from 3.4 million to approximately 1.8 million since the beginning of 2024, representing a loss of nearly 47%. The "games" category lost 200,000 apps, the education sector lost around 160,700 apps, and the business category saw a reduction of 115,400 apps. This removal is part of Google's effort to combat ad fraud, particularly from "vapor apps" that misled users and generated recurring advertisements. Over 56 million downloads were affected across 180 apps. Google has implemented new policies for tracking and removing spammy applications, including expanded verification requirements, mandatory app testing, and enhanced human reviews.
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