Google Play Archives

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

The Amazon Appstore shuts down on Androids Aug. 20. Will you get a refund?

Amazon is expanding its fresh food same-day delivery service to over 1,000 cities and towns in the United States, aiming to reach 2,300 locations by the end of the year. Additionally, Amazon will close its Appstore on Android on August 20, marking the end of its competition with the Google Play store. The app store had already been discontinued on Windows in 2024. Customers with remaining Amazon Coins will be eligible for refunds, and apps purchased through the Amazon Appstore may not function after the shutdown date. Amazon Coins were a digital currency for purchases within certain apps on the Appstore.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

35 years of Microsoft Solitaire: An illustrated history of the game’s evolution

Microsoft Solitaire has been played by over 500 million players worldwide since its launch in 1990 as part of Windows 3.0. It was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019. The game has been localized into 65 languages and is available on various devices, despite no longer being pre-installed on Windows computers. Originally designed to help users learn mouse functionality, Solitaire became a popular choice for players seeking a break from daily life. With the release of Windows XP in 2001, online competition emerged, but traditional Solitaire remained popular. In 2015, Microsoft released Solitaire as a downloadable app within the Windows Store, including classic modes and new challenges. The game has inspired various adaptations and alternatives, while some players, like Ariana Torrey, continue to appreciate its nostalgic simplicity.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

Android will soon become better at backing up your data

The latest beta version of Google Play Services (version 26.32.31 beta) indicates that Google may soon introduce a feature allowing users to select additional folders for backup, including the "Downloads" folder. Currently, automatic online backups do not include certain data, such as encrypted data from applications. The source code suggests that users may soon be able to back up specific directories, with a reference to "documents" indicating potential selective backups based on file types.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Raging Bytes, 20 Minutes Till Dawn, and more

The latest Android game and app deals on the Google Play Store include titles such as Raging Bytes, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, and 20 Minutes Till Dawn. Hardware discounts feature the Pixel Watch 3 starting at , OnePlus Watch models starting 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: Your Friday edition of the latest Android game and app deals on the Google Play Store has arrived, offering a delightful array of options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. Among the standout titles featured today are Raging Bytes, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, and 20 Minutes Till Dawn, each promising engaging gameplay and unique experiences. Exciting Hardware Discounts In addition to the impressive selection of games, there are also noteworthy discounts on various hardware items. The Pixel Watch 3 is available for as low as 5, while OnePlus Watch models can be found starting at 0. For those looking to upgrade their smartphone, the 256GB Pixel 9 Pro is now offered at a remarkable 0 off, making it an attractive option for tech aficionados. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab S9 is seeing a significant price reduction of 0 off, providing an excellent opportunity for those in the market for a new tablet. All of these enticing deals and more are conveniently listed below, ready for exploration and purchase. For the latest updates, reviews, and insights, consider subscribing to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel, where you can stay informed about the newest offerings and trends in technology." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], a 0 discount on the 256GB Pixel 9 Pro, and a 0 reduction on the Galaxy Tab S9.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Experience the new material 3 design in Google Contacts: What’s changed?

Google Contacts has received a Material 3 Expressive redesign, featuring container-style contact cards and larger, pill-shaped icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing. The "Contact info" label above the phone number has been removed for a cleaner presentation, and the update is available with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store. Additionally, Google is testing customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app, allowing users to display a full-screen image of the caller and personalize fonts and colors. This feature is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version.

BetaBeacon

August 15, 2025

What Do the Epic Games’ Lawsuits Against Apple and Google Say About the DOJ’s Apple Case?

Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Google in 2020 for restricting users' access to Epic's offerings through third-party app stores. The Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Epic against Google, finding antitrust violations, while Epic lost the federal antitrust case against Apple. The Department of Justice also filed a lawsuit against Apple under Section 2 of the Sherman Act for monopolization. Apple's closed system was found to be successful, while Google's open-source system faced legal challenges. The court in the Google Play case issued remedies targeting exclusivity, which could lead to better user experiences and lower prices.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Surge in Android Malware Targets Banking Apps with NFC Fraud

A new wave of Android malware is targeting banking applications, utilizing techniques such as NFC relay fraud, call hijacking, and root-level exploits. Variants like PhantomCard, SpyBanker, and KernelSU are designed to infiltrate devices and manipulate transactions in real time. PhantomCard mimics legitimate NFC payment processes, SpyBanker hijacks calls from financial institutions, and KernelSU exploits kernel vulnerabilities for persistent access. This malware has affected thousands of devices, with attackers using disguises on the Google Play Store and phishing campaigns. A related variant, Anatsa, impacted over 90,000 users through fake PDF applications. The rise of such malware correlates with the increasing adoption of contactless payments, particularly in Europe and Asia. Experts recommend that banks enhance their defenses with behavioral analytics and that users enable app verification. Additionally, malware like KernelSU allows evasion of detection by operating at the system's core. Cybersecurity firms suggest a multi-layered security approach, including device encryption and AI-driven threat detection, to combat these evolving threats.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2025

Cyprus-based Skich Store launches Android alternative after Epic Games victory

Skich Store has launched its own Android platform following Epic Games' legal victory against Google, offering developers a direct path to their target audience by bypassing Google Play's regulations and payment systems.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2025

Alternative app store Skich launches on Android

Skich, an alternative app store known for its developer-friendly revenue share model, has expanded to Android. Over 100 studios have expressed interest in joining the platform. The decision to expand was strategic, aiming to provide a real alternative for mobile games to rise on their own merit, not marketing spend. This move comes after a court ruling in the Epic vs Google case, which highlighted the need for alternative app stores like Skich due to Google Play being deemed an illegal monopoly.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

This Spyware Campaign Is Targeting Android Users Via Messaging Apps

A new spyware campaign targeting Android users, identified as LunaSpy, has been reported by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky and is believed to have been operational since at least February 2025. This malware disguises itself as antivirus software delivered through messenger applications. It can record audio and video, access texts, call logs, and contacts, execute shell commands, steal passwords, track locations, and record the device screen. LunaSpy spreads primarily through messenger platforms like Telegram, where users receive messages urging them to install the app. Users are advised to download applications only from official sources like the Google Play Store and to be cautious with third-party sources. They should also block installations from unknown sources, review app permissions, and uninstall any suspicious applications immediately. A factory reset can remove malware if necessary, provided important data is backed up.