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All Users Can Now Download Android Auto 18.0 As "Cielo" Update Is Coming
AppWizard
October 18, 2026

All Users Can Now Download Android Auto 18.0 As “Cielo” Update Is Coming

Android Auto 18.0 has transitioned to production, rolling out to devices outside the beta program, focusing on under-the-hood improvements. The update includes references to the Cielo update, which introduces a redesigned layout, widgets integrated into the main interface, and expanded app support for video applications. Users will soon be able to watch videos on their infotainment screens while parked, with an audio-only mode being developed for use while driving. The full build number for the update is Android Auto 18.0.6642, and the Cielo update is expected to be ready for production devices by the first quarter of 2027.
How To Find And Remove Spyware From Your Android Phone
AppWizard
October 18, 2026

How To Find And Remove Spyware From Your Android Phone

Malwarebytes reports a 147% increase in spyware incidents among Android users in the first half of 2025, with SMS-based malware rising by 692% in one month. Symptoms of spyware include sluggish device performance, overheating, rapid battery drain, and excessive data usage. Recommended spyware removal applications for Android include Avast Antivirus & Security, Avira Antivirus Security, Bitdefender Mobile Security, and Kaspersky Premium for Android. Users can manually remove spyware by rebooting in safe mode and uninstalling malicious apps. To revoke administrator permissions from malicious applications, users should navigate to Settings, select Security and Privacy, and choose Device admin apps. Users are advised to exercise caution when downloading apps, even from the Google Play Store, and to implement additional security measures to reduce infection risks.
Afterplay Brings Cloud-Synced Retro Gaming to Android and iOS
BetaBeacon
October 17, 2026

Afterplay Brings Cloud-Synced Retro Gaming to Android and iOS

Afterplay allows users to play retro games in their browser without needing to download an app. It supports almost 40 different systems and has a growing catalogue of games from indie developers. Cloud Sync keeps progress stored, and Afterplay+ offers additional features. The app is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free.
E-Reader companies are slow to adopt Android 16
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

E-Reader companies are slow to adopt Android 16

Google's Android operating system is evolving, with Android 16 being adopted by a few e-readers and smartphones, including the Viwoods AiPaper, BOOX Palma 3, Note Air6 C, and Boox Note Mini C. Android 16 offers improved app compatibility, integrated artificial intelligence, and enhanced hardware performance, allowing users to install modern third-party applications like Kindle, Kobo, and Google Play Books. The Viwoods and BOOX models feature native AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek, providing shortcuts for text summaries, translations, and document analysis. By 2027, more devices with Android 16 and access to the Google Play Store are expected, with companies like Viwoods, Bigme, and BOOX likely to expand their offerings. The Barnes and Noble NOOK operates on a customized version of Android, and Pocketbook has introduced a few models supporting Google Play, though this is seen as an exploratory move.
Google Play Store starts selling… Samsung Galaxy phones
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

Google Play Store starts selling… Samsung Galaxy phones

Users can access Google’s latest products, including the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Fitbit Air, through the Play Store by selecting ‘Shop devices.’ Tech influencer Marques Brownlee reported that Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26, are now available for purchase on the Play Store, although users in the UK, India, and South Africa have not found Galaxy devices listed. The US and UK official webstores do not currently feature Samsung or other brand mobile devices. This development suggests a strategic partnership between Google and Samsung. The Google Fi app in the US offers access to various smartphones. There is speculation about the potential addition of more Samsung devices, like the Galaxy S27, to the Play Store and whether Google will expand its official web store offerings.
A fake WhatsApp clone is showing up before the real version on the Play Store
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

A fake WhatsApp clone is showing up before the real version on the Play Store

A counterfeit version of WhatsApp Messenger, developed by "Agment Assets sallu," has been reported on the Google Play Store, amassing over 500,000 downloads. The clone closely mimics the original app, which has over 10 billion downloads and more than 246 million reviews. The counterfeit app may be using Google Play’s Early Access program, potentially disabling public user reviews. The incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of Google Play's verification processes and consumer protection against fraudulent applications.
Malware Found Pre-Installed In Thousands Of Budget Android Phones - Here's What We Know
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

Malware Found Pre-Installed In Thousands Of Budget Android Phones – Here’s What We Know

A report from Bitdefender reveals a malware campaign named "Midnight Mimosa" affecting budget and midrange Android smartphones, particularly those using low-energy MediaTek chipsets. This malware, embedded in devices marketed under various labels like Cubot and Doogee, operates through an application called "System" (package name com.android.system.lite) that displays hidden ads and can allow hackers to control the devices. Thousands of devices have been tracked with this malware, with 13% of affected devices located in Mexico, 8% in the United States, and less than 3% in Canada. The malware's source traces back to Android ODM Shenzhen Zediel. Additionally, Bitdefender identified 13 other ad fraud-related apps signed by the same entity that were previously available on the Google Play Store. Major manufacturers like Google, Motorola, and Samsung have security protocols to protect their firmware, unlike the affected budget brands.
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