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Google’s ecosystem

South Korea accuses Google of Android App market abuse
AppWizard
July 1, 2026

South Korea accuses Google of Android App market abuse

South Korea's antitrust regulator, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), has formally accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the Android app market. The allegations involve a program called the Games/Google Velocity Program (GVP), which reportedly pressured game developers to favor the Google Play store over competitors. The KFTC claims Google's actions have affected approximately 14.16 trillion won in revenue and could lead to fines of up to 6% of that amount. The program, operational since July 2019, provided financial support to developers in exchange for favorable terms on Google Play. The KFTC has categorized these actions as an abuse of market dominance and an unfair exclusive dealing practice. Google has eight weeks to respond to the allegations before a final ruling is made. This case is part of a larger global scrutiny of Google's influence in app distribution, with similar issues arising in India and the European Union.
Google Might Have Finally Fixed Android Auto's Worst Connection Issue
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

Google Might Have Finally Fixed Android Auto’s Worst Connection Issue

Issues with Android Auto related to device connections have been prevalent, particularly for Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Google Pixel devices, due to software glitches. Google released Play Services version v26.15 in April to address these problems, but it did not fully resolve them. The latest update, Google Play Services v26.22, began rolling out on June 8 and includes bug fixes for device connection issues. The changelog notes '[Auto] Bug fixes for Device Connections related services.' Users can check for this version in the Settings app under Google > All services > System Services. Version 26.23, which is also rolling out, includes performance enhancements and bug fixes for system management and diagnostics. Additionally, Android Auto has undergone a significant update in 2026, introducing support for Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader and four new features, including expanded widget support.
7 photo gallery apps you should use instead of Samsung Gallery
AppWizard
June 7, 2026

7 photo gallery apps you should use instead of Samsung Gallery

Samsung's Gallery app will discontinue support for OneDrive syncing by September 30. Users can still access syncing in older app versions, but newer versions have removed this feature. Alternatives for photo backup and gallery applications include: - Google Photos: Designed for cloud storage, accessible from any device, with editing tools and AI features; offers expanded storage with a Google One subscription. - Amazon Photos: Recently updated with a better interface and natural language search; Prime members get unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5GB for videos; free-tier users have 5GB shared across formats. - Piktures: A user-friendly third-party app with cloud integration and a Secret Space feature for privacy; ad-supported with an option to remove ads via payment. - Microsoft OneDrive: Offers basic photo backup; allows continued use of Samsung Gallery for viewing while handling backups. - Focus Go: Minimalist app that organizes images by folder with essential functionalities like fingerprint lock and HDR rendering. - Aves Gallery: Features a statistics page for tracking user habits and enhanced search functionality. - Fossify Gallery: A customizable fork of Simple Gallery with a straightforward UI and various functionalities for photographers. - Google Gallery: A minimalistic gallery experience for users in Google's ecosystem, supporting Android 8 and higher.
Now that Pixel Studio is dead, here are 5 other apps you should use instead
AppWizard
June 6, 2026

Now that Pixel Studio is dead, here are 5 other apps you should use instead

Google has discontinued Pixel Studio, a generative AI tool for creating stickers and editing images on mobile devices, following the rollout of the v2.3 update. Users are now redirected to alternatives within Google's ecosystem, with Gemini positioned as the direct successor to Pixel Studio. Gemini offers cloud-based image generation and excels in understanding natural language prompts. OpenAI's ChatGPT app, featuring the GPT Image 2 model, provides a conversational interface for image generation and accurately renders text within images. Microsoft Designer is designed for creating high-resolution digital assets and combines AI-generated imagery with traditional graphic design tools. Adobe Firefly emphasizes commercial compliance and offers a comprehensive editing suite for professionals. Picsart, while less polished, provides a wealth of features for community-driven photo editing and graphic design.
Google is pushing Android app building into a faster, more agentic era
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Google is pushing Android app building into a faster, more agentic era

Google is introducing a streamlined workflow for Android app development through its AI Studio, which integrates native app building and reduces the time from concept to launch. At the I/O 2026 event, Google highlighted that developers can now create functional Kotlin code using natural-language prompts, access a browser-based emulator, and conduct internal testing without extensive setup. The AI Studio can generate production-quality native Android code via Jetpack Compose, allowing for in-browser previews and easy project transitions to the Internal Test Track. This initiative aims to enhance the developer ecosystem, particularly benefiting startups by minimizing early experimentation costs and enabling faster iterations. Google is also addressing developer loyalty by providing effective tooling that encourages developers to stay within its ecosystem. The AI Studio connects with Google Workspace and offers a mobile app for project iteration, positioning itself as a gateway for broader software projects. This evolution in Android development emphasizes a shift away from traditional setups towards an AI-assisted workflow, influencing the speed and adaptability of startups.
Gemini Live redesign replaces fullscreen interface on Android
AppWizard
April 19, 2026

Gemini Live redesign replaces fullscreen interface on Android

Gemini Live, a feature within Google's ecosystem, is being redesigned to enhance user experience on Android devices. The new design will integrate Gemini Live into the Gemini app's homepage instead of occupying the entire screen. The top bar will read “Live with Gemini” and include a transcript button. The prompt box has been replaced with a pill-shaped container showcasing a blue waveform, allowing users to share their camera or screen from the left side and mute the microphone from the right side. Exiting Gemini Live can be done through a keyboard icon or the system back gesture. This redesign is currently being tested with beta users of the Google app (version 17.14) and is exclusive to the Gemini app. The overlay remains unchanged for now, but future plans include aligning it with the new in-app aesthetic.
Samsung shares an 'End of Service Announcement' for its Messages app in the US, here are the devices impacted
AppWizard
April 6, 2026

Samsung shares an ‘End of Service Announcement’ for its Messages app in the US, here are the devices impacted

Samsung will discontinue the Samsung Messages app in the United States by July 2026 and is encouraging users to transition to Google Messages as their default messaging app. This change primarily affects Samsung smartphone users in the U.S., particularly those with newer Android versions. Devices released prior to 2022 may face temporary disruptions in RCS conversations, though SMS and MMS will remain functional. Newer devices, such as the Galaxy S26 series and later, will not have Samsung Messages available for download from the Galaxy Store. After July 2026, the app will be completely inaccessible, and sending messages through Samsung Messages will be limited to emergency numbers or designated contacts. Users of older Galaxy smartwatches running Tizen OS will lose access to full message conversation history. Transition steps to Google Messages include downloading the app, setting it as the default SMS app, and confirming the choice.
From F-Droid to emulators, here's who's hit hardest by Android's new verification rules
AppWizard
March 25, 2026

From F-Droid to emulators, here’s who’s hit hardest by Android’s new verification rules

Android has implemented new sideloading rules that affect app installations outside the Play Store, complicating access for developers and users. F-Droid, a third-party app store, is particularly critical of the new verification requirements, which may force alternative stores to comply with Google's standards, potentially confusing users. Retro gaming emulators, often hosted on platforms like GitHub, may face barriers due to these rules, impacting user access to innovative tools. Smaller, privacy-focused encrypted messaging apps could struggle with the new verification process, complicating installation for users in high-risk environments. The modding community may see a decline in available tools as hobbyist developers resist compliance. Practical applications like Termux and Bromite may also face barriers, affecting user experience. While the changes may not be overly restrictive for average users, they introduce complexity that could deter power users and slow the adoption of non-Play Store applications.
Google Proposes Android App Store Changes Following Epic Games Legal Dispute
AppWizard
March 6, 2026

Google Proposes Android App Store Changes Following Epic Games Legal Dispute

Google has submitted proposed modifications to its Android app store operations to a federal court in San Francisco in response to Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit from August 2020. The proposed changes include a revised fee structure that lowers baseline commissions on subscriptions and e-commerce transactions, offers app developers an alternative payment processing option, and allows developers to use payment systems outside of Google's ecosystem. Consumers will be able to download applications from alternative app stores that meet a certification process. These changes require judicial approval and are part of a broader overhaul mandated by a federal judge in October 2024. Google has requested a hearing on April 9 to clarify questions regarding the proposed changes and plans for a global rollout, initially focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, pending regulatory approvals.
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