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How To Access Your Android Phone's Secret System Update Menu
AppWizard
September 7, 2026

How To Access Your Android Phone’s Secret System Update Menu

Android devices with the Google Play Store have a hidden 'System services' menu that allows users to manage updates for essential system services. This menu includes various modules such as Adaptive Connectivity Services, Android AICore, Android System WebView, Google Play Protect Service, and many others. Users can apply pending updates or remove recent updates from this menu, which is useful for troubleshooting. Most modules allow for one-tap updates, though some may require a device restart. These modules receive monthly updates through Google Play System updates, and while manual updates are available, automatic background installations occur over time. The update distribution model originates from Google's Project Treble and Project Mainline, which aim to streamline the OS update process by allowing independent updates for various services.
What’s new in Android’s September 2026 Google System Updates
AppWizard
September 6, 2026

What’s new in Android’s September 2026 Google System Updates

The monthly release notes from Google provide updates on Play services, the Play Store, and system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PCs. The Google System includes first-party applications that enhance user experience and functionality. Users can check for updates by navigating to the Settings app, accessing "Google services," and selecting Privacy & security followed by System services. Not all features in the changelog are immediately available to all users, as some may take months to roll out. The latest updates include Android System Intelligence B.29 / C.7, which consists of bug fixes and maintenance changes.
5 Minimalist Android Phones Actually Worth Buying In 2026
AppWizard
September 5, 2026

5 Minimalist Android Phones Actually Worth Buying In 2026

Many individuals are turning to minimalist phones to achieve a balanced digital life, seeking alternatives to traditional smartphones that reduce distractions while still offering essential functions. The Minimal Phone, successfully crowdfunded with over 7,000 from nearly 2,000 backers, runs on Android 14 and includes built-in apps for email, messaging, calls, maps, and music. It features a 4.3-inch black-and-white e-ink display, is priced at 9, and is set to ship in 2025. A Kickstarter campaign for the Minimal Phone 2 is currently underway, promising a smaller design and an OLED display with shipping expected in December 2026. The Mudita Kompakt has a similar 4.3-inch e-ink display and operates on a custom OS without Google services, ensuring user privacy. Priced at 9, it offers a six-day battery life and includes a dedicated offline button to disable distracting features. The Light Phone III, released in March 2025, features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, is priced at 9, and runs on LightOS, allowing users to customize their app menu. It supports sideloading apps and has a Qualcomm chipset with 128GB of internal storage. The F1 Horizon Bluebird, priced at 9, runs on BasicOS and supports calling and texting while limiting access to social media and web browsing. The Jelly Star, while not strictly a minimalist phone, has a compact 3-inch screen, runs on Android 13, and features a MediaTek chipset, discouraging excessive use due to its small size. The selection of these minimalist Android phones focuses on devices that maintain essential smartphone capabilities while incorporating features designed to mitigate smartphone addiction.
Google Gemini keeps reviewed chats for three years
AppWizard
September 5, 2026

Google Gemini keeps reviewed chats for three years

Google has introduced Gemini, an advanced platform that enhances user interaction with devices by integrating with Google Assistant. Key features include enhanced contextual understanding for accurate responses, multi-modal interaction allowing voice, text, or visual inputs, and personalized recommendations based on user preferences. The platform aims to provide a cohesive experience across Google services, facilitating tasks like managing schedules and controlling smart home devices. For businesses, Gemini offers opportunities to improve customer service through instant support and personalized interactions, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
I'm slowly escaping Google's ecosystem, and it's easier than I thought
AppWizard
September 3, 2026

I’m slowly escaping Google’s ecosystem, and it’s easier than I thought

In recent months, users are reconsidering their reliance on Google, leading to a movement towards "deGoogling." A poll indicated that 6% of respondents have completely stopped using Google's products, 58% have reduced their usage, 21% have considered the idea but haven't acted, and 15% remain committed to Google. Some users are replacing Google services with alternatives like Kagi for search, Proton for email and cloud services, and Firefox for browsing. Despite these changes, many still use certain Google products, such as the Pixel phone, Google smart speakers, and services like YouTube and Google Maps, due to their effectiveness and integration. Transitioning away from Google has been reported as less daunting than expected for many users.
Can All Android Phones Use Android Auto?
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Can All Android Phones Use Android Auto?

Android Auto allows users to integrate their smartphones with their vehicle's dashboard, enabling functionalities like messaging, calling, music playback, and navigation. Most modern Android smartphones released in the last decade are compatible with Android Auto if they run Android 9 or later. Android 10 comes with the app pre-installed, while users of Android 9 can download it from the Google Play Store. Over 500 vehicle models support Android Auto, but compatibility can vary based on the vehicle's age and specifications. Wireless functionality is available for devices running Android 11 or later. Compatibility issues may arise with older phones, devices without Google services, or those using custom ROMs. Connection quality can also affect performance, with recommendations for using a data-transfer-capable cable shorter than six feet. Users may need to reset connections or disable VPNs to resolve issues. For those with compatibility problems, updating software or using a wireless adapter may be necessary.
Did A New Google 'Pulse' App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here's What It Does
AppWizard
August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.
These Android Phones Are Losing YouTube App Access In 2026
AppWizard
August 1, 2026

These Android Phones Are Losing YouTube App Access In 2026

By 2026, certain smartphones will no longer receive support for popular applications like YouTube. Users can still access YouTube via the web version if their app is no longer supported. Google will not disable these devices remotely. Users are advised to check for software updates by navigating to Settings, selecting System, and tapping on Software Updates. Devices running Android 7.0 or later may have better app functionality, while those on Android 6.0 should consider upgrading. Current Android smartphones from Google and Samsung will receive up to seven years of software updates.
HMD Asha 305: a sub-$75 Android phone with no Google apps
AppWizard
July 28, 2026

HMD Asha 305: a sub-$75 Android phone with no Google apps

HMD is reintroducing the Asha brand with the launch of the Asha 305, priced at PHP 3,999 in the Philippines and around 2,390 baht in Thailand. The phone features a Unisoc SC9832E processor, options of 2–3GB of RAM, and 16–32GB of storage. It has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 854×480 pixels, a 5MP rear camera, a 2MP front camera, and a 2,500mAh battery with 5W charging. The Asha 305 operates on Android 14 Go without Google Mobile Services, offering around 100 pre-loaded apps. HMD has not announced availability or pricing for the US or UK markets.
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