Google Play services

AppWizard
July 17, 2025
Google has updated its Phone app, removing the Favorites tab and integrating favorite contacts into a row at the top of the Recents tab. The new version, 182.0.779772896-publicbeta, condenses the layout to display call history and favorites together. The "Frequents" list has also been eliminated, limiting access to frequently called contacts. The interface now features a single, scrollable list, with the user's profile picture, name, and email address visible while scrolling. This redesign is being rolled out on devices like the OnePlus 13, Google Pixel, and Samsung smartphones running Android 16 and 16 QPR1, with Google Play services updated to version 25.25.33.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
The Anatsa banking trojan has reappeared on Google Play as a PDF viewer app, accumulating over 50,000 downloads. It activates upon installation, targeting North American banking applications by presenting an overlay that allows unauthorized access, keylogging, and transaction automation. Researchers from Threat Fabric discovered that the app displays a fake notification about banking system maintenance to mask its activities. Anatsa has a history of infiltrating Google Play through various trojanized applications, with previous campaigns resulting in 300,000 downloads in November 2021, 30,000 in June 2023, and 150,000 in February 2024. In May 2024, Zscaler reported two new Anatsa applications on Google Play, achieving 70,000 downloads. The specific app identified is ‘Document Viewer – File Reader,’ published by ‘Hybrid Cars Simulator, Drift & Racing,’ which maintains a “clean” appearance until it builds a user base, after which malicious code is introduced via an update. Anatsa connects to a command-and-control server to monitor targeted applications. Google has removed the malicious app, advising users to uninstall it, scan their devices, and reset banking credentials. Users are encouraged to download apps only from reputable publishers and be cautious with permissions and reviews. Google Play Protect automatically protects users from known malicious apps.
BetaBeacon
June 28, 2025
Google Contacts app version 4.55 may soon allow users to use images as contact photos and calling cards, potentially linking a user's profile image to a dynamic call screen. The feature could support full-screen images, custom fonts, and cloud synchronization for easy management across devices. This new feature aims to enhance the visual appeal of Android phone calls by allowing users to personalize their call displays with images and text. However, Google has not confirmed the existence of calling cards yet.
AppWizard
June 25, 2025
Google is developing a Handoff alternative for Android that aims to manage apps, tasks, media, and notifications across multiple devices. This feature will allow users to start a task on their phone and continue it on a tablet or Chromebook. Recent code discoveries from Google Play Services beta indicate the inclusion of a "Handoff" feature and an "App Cast" feature, which may enable streaming applications between devices. Unlike Apple’s Handoff, which does not handle notifications, Google's upcoming feature may provide a more comprehensive multi-device experience. Current Android users rely on third-party apps for synchronization, which often lacks seamlessness. Samsung has a similar feature called App Continuity, but it does not match the refinement of Apple’s Handoff.
AppWizard
June 19, 2025
Google is developing a feature called "App Cast" within the Android ecosystem, as indicated by references found in the 25.24.31 beta release of Google Play Services. This feature may allow users to gather information from remote Android devices and access their installed applications, potentially enabling app streaming between devices. Code snippets suggest functionalities for multi-device synchronization, including device selection and progress indicators. There are also hints of new notification sync capabilities related to App Cast. Further updates from future Play Services builds are expected to clarify the details and implications of this feature.
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