Google Play store Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

How to Stop Scammers From Showing You Ads on Your Android After Every Phone Call

Android users experiencing unexpected ads after phone calls are encountering a form of ad fraud linked to applications on the Google Play Store that utilize a tactic called AfterCall. These applications, often benign utility apps, request overlay permissions to display ads over the Android interface. They can launch full-screen advertisements disguised as call information screens after detecting the end of a call. Overlay permissions are categorized as "special permissions" and require users to enable them in system settings, rather than through typical installation pop-ups. Users are advised to check for apps with overlay permissions by navigating to Settings > Apps > Special app access and uninstall any unfamiliar applications. Regular audits of these permissions are recommended to disable unnecessary ones. While these apps primarily serve as an annoyance, they can waste advertising dollars and potentially harm brand reputations.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

There’s now an app that brings Samsung Messages back from the dead

Samsung has discontinued its native messaging app in the U.S., prompting the emergence of a new application called Messages by OzarksMade, which aims to replicate the Samsung Messages experience. This app closely resembles the original Samsung Messages in layout and design, including a similar app icon. Messages by OzarksMade supports SMS, MMS, group messaging, scheduled messaging, local backups, and RCS through a "Companion Mode" that utilizes Google Messages in the background. There is also a standalone mode for users who do not require RCS. The app is currently available for beta sign-ups on the Google Play Store, with plans for a full release priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Samsung's recent decision to discontinue its native messaging app in the U.S. has left many long-time Galaxy users feeling adrift, forced to adapt to Google Messages and its unfamiliar interface. In response to this shift, a new application named Messages by OzarksMade has emerged, aiming to recreate the beloved Samsung Messages experience. Familiarity at Its Core The standout feature of Messages by OzarksMade is its striking resemblance to Samsung Messages. The developer has crafted an interface that mirrors the layout and design of the original app, including an icon that echoes its predecessor. This attention to detail is intended for users who prefer the aesthetics of Samsung’s messaging platform and are reluctant to transition to the distinctly different Google Messages. Messages by OzarksMade boasts a comprehensive suite of features, including: SMS and MMS support Group messaging capabilities Scheduled messaging Local backups RCS support through a unique “Companion Mode” It’s worth noting that the RCS functionality operates via Google Messages in the background, as third-party developers lack direct access to Google's RCS infrastructure. For users who do not require RCS, the app also offers a standalone mode for SMS and MMS messaging. While the app's premise is intriguing, potential users should exercise caution. As with any new application handling sensitive data such as text messages, it’s advisable to thoroughly evaluate its performance before designating it as the default messaging solution. Furthermore, it’s essential to remember that this app is not an official Samsung product, despite its close visual alignment with Samsung Messages. The app's design could raise legal questions, particularly regarding intellectual property rights. Samsung may take issue with the app's resemblance to its own messaging platform, potentially leading to challenges if it perceives infringement on its branding or interface. For those nostalgic for Samsung Messages, the app presents an interesting alternative. Currently, it is open for beta sign-ups on the Google Play Store, with plans for a full release priced at [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Joe Maring / Android AuthorityTL;DR A new app called Messages by OzarksMade promises to recreate the Samsung Messages experience after Samsung discontinued its native messaging app in the US. The app clones Samsung Messages’ look, feel, and even its app icon while offering SMS, MMS, and even RCS support. Interestingly, RCS support is offered through a “Companion Mode” that uses Google Messages in the background. Samsung officially pulled the plug on Samsung Messages in the US earlier this month. Much to their disappointment, long-term Galaxy users have had to switch to Google Messages and become familiar with a brand-new interface after years of using Samsung Messages. Now, a new app called Messages by OzarksMade is trying to recreate the Samsung Messages experience almost entirely.The app’s biggest selling point is familiarity. The screenshots shared by the developer, Messages by OzarksMade, look remarkably similar to Samsung Messages, right down to the interface, layout, and even the app icon, which is clearly also inspired by Samsung Messages. The developers say that the app is designed for One UI and Galaxy users who miss Samsung’s messaging experience and don’t want to switch to Google Messages’ different design. According to the developer, the app supports SMS, MMS, group messaging, scheduled messages, local backups, and even RCS. However, there’s an important catch: RCS works through a “Companion Mode” that uses Google Messages in the background, since third-party developers don’t have direct access to Google’s RCS infrastructure. There’s also a standalone mode for SMS and MMS if you don’t need RCS.We haven’t had a chance to try the app ourselves, so we can’t verify how well it works or whether it delivers on its promise of being a Samsung Messages substitute. As with any new app that handles your text messages, it’s worth being cautious before making it your default messaging app. You should also remember that this isn’t an official Samsung product, despite how closely it resembles one. That resemblance could also become an issue. The app intentionally mimics Samsung Messages’ design, and while we’re unsure whether it crosses any legal lines, Samsung could challenge it if it believes its branding, interface, or other intellectual property has been copied too closely.For users who miss Samsung Messages, though, that’s also what makes this app interesting. Whether it sticks around for the long term is another question entirely.The app is currently open for beta sign-ups through the Google Play Store. The developer’s website notes that once it is officially released, it’ll cost $0.99. Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99. However, it is not an official Samsung product, and its design may raise potential legal issues regarding intellectual property rights.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Motorola Launches Indigenous Collections App For Language And Cultural Preservation

Motorola has launched the Indigenous Collections app, a free mobile application aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community, including the Ojibwe language, stories, landmarks, and familial knowledge. The app was developed in collaboration with Ojibwe language instructor Jason Jones and Dr. Anton Treuer, a Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. It is available for download on the Google Play Store and shares only publicly accessible cultural knowledge. The app is part of Motorola's Indigenous Languages Initiative, developed with the Lenovo Foundation, which aims to digitize and safeguard indigenous languages and integrate them into modern technology.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play Store could soon make app search easier for millions of users

The Google Play Store is introducing a new feature in version v52.4.41-34 that includes a dedicated language selector for its voice search tool, allowing users to choose from over 20 languages. Currently, the voice search only recognizes English, but the upcoming feature will enable users to select their preferred language directly, facilitating search queries in that language. Early testing has shown successful recognition of Hindi terms, although the feature does not yet support automatic language detection. The Play Store will also remember recently used languages for easier toggling. This feature is still in development and not yet available to the public.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Quick ways to clear cache and fix software conflicts on Android phones

Modern Android smartphones can experience sluggish behavior over time due to the accumulation of temporary data files or conflicts between applications. To enhance performance without a factory reset, users can follow these six methods: 1. Clear individual app cache by navigating to settings, selecting the app, and choosing the clear cache option. 2. Wipe browser cache and saved cookies by accessing browser settings, going to the privacy menu, and selecting the clear browsing data option. 3. Use built-in device care and optimization tools found under "device care" or "storage optimization" in settings to remove unnecessary files and cache. 4. Boot into safe mode to identify problematic third-party apps by pressing and holding the power button and selecting the safe mode prompt. 5. Reset app preferences to fix permission bugs by navigating to the main Apps menu, tapping the menu icon, and selecting the reset app preferences option. 6. Keep the system and apps fully updated by checking for system updates in settings and ensuring all installed apps are up to date in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Nothing launches Essential Apps for building apps right on your phone

Nothing has launched the Essential Apps application, allowing users to build, preview, and deploy apps directly from their devices. The app is available on the Google Play Store but is being rolled out in stages, initially accessible only to users who have previously used the Builder on the web. Users will receive an error message if they attempt to access the app without permission, and Nothing will notify users via email when access is granted. The company plans to eventually remove the waitlist for broader access. Additionally, Nothing has paused the publishing of new applications on its Playground platform to improve the user experience.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Cockroaches using apps that send messages without internet? Here is tech behind it

Delhi police are investigating the methods used by protesters in Central Delhi, particularly those associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who are using specialized offline messaging applications to communicate despite internet restrictions and mobile network shutdowns. These apps utilize Bluetooth technology to create local networks, allowing communication without 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi. One example is Bitchat, an app that enables message exchange via Bluetooth without the need for accounts or central servers. The messages are relayed between devices to form a mesh network, which is effective during internet shutdowns. The police are reaching out to app service providers for user information and are employing various investigative methods, including analyzing internet protocol device records and using facial recognition technology. This use of offline messaging apps has been observed in protests globally and during natural disasters.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Ultrahuman’s new ‘Emerald’ update is a massive overhaul of how the app works

Ultrahuman has released the "Emerald" update for its companion app, featuring a new design and enhanced user experience for Ultrahuman Ring PRO and other devices. The update introduces the "UltraSphere," a decision-making engine that provides personalized "Next Best Actions" based on factors like location, weather, and circadian rhythms. It utilizes health metrics such as heart rate variability, skin temperature, and movement patterns, and can incorporate blood glucose levels for users with Ultrahuman M1 or M2 Live devices. The update also includes new tabs for health insights, such as the "Sleep Screener," which consolidates sleep data, and the "Longevity Tab," which aggregates health markers related to lifespan. The "Windows" feature offers insights into time-sensitive data. Workout tracking has been improved with better automatic detection and heart rate algorithms, increasing VO2 Max accuracy by 21%. Users can connect third-party devices for seamless workout tracking. All health data processing now occurs on-device, allowing access to insights without network connectivity. The Emerald update is being rolled out globally and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Active Exploitation Alert: Fake Bahrain Alert App Deploys Advanced Android Surveillance Malware Targeting Gulf Region Users

A cyber-espionage campaign has been identified involving a counterfeit Bahrain Alert Android application designed to surveil individuals in Bahrain and the Gulf region. The app masquerades as an official civil defense tool and employs social engineering tactics to compromise Android devices, extract sensitive data, and maintain remote access. It targets high-value individuals such as activists and journalists, particularly during civil unrest and missile alerts, leveraging trusted government branding to increase infection rates. The malware features a complex, multi-stage architecture with advanced evasion techniques and is distributed through phishing links and malicious websites. It initiates a four-stage infection process, ultimately installing a remote access trojan (RAT) that enables covert surveillance and encrypted communications. The malware can monitor device activity, capture credentials, and intercept communications, while also employing mechanisms to avoid detection and maintain persistence. The campaign primarily targets Bahraini citizens, exploiting fear during crises to encourage app installation. Although there are indications of Russian-speaking developers involved, there is no definitive attribution to a specific nation-state or APT group. Mitigation strategies include monitoring for suspicious app installations, user education on verifying app authenticity, and blocking known malicious domains.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Google Fined $1 Billion by EU Over Search, Android Practices

European Union regulators fined Google €890 million for unlawfully leveraging its dominance in search and Android to promote its own services. The European Commission found that Google violated the Digital Markets Act by prioritizing its offerings in search results and restricting Android app developers from directing users to alternative payment methods. Google has 60 days to comply with the ruling or face additional penalties of up to 5% of its global annual revenue. Since 2017, Google has faced fines exceeding €10 billion from EU regulators. The ruling reflects the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate Big Tech and ensure fair competition in digital markets.