Health and Fitness Archives

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Nasty Android apps that steal credit cards and passwords downloaded 60 million times

Over 331 applications on the Google Play Store have been identified as potentially compromised by a widespread malware campaign, which has affected millions of Android devices. These malicious apps can steal sensitive information, including passwords and credit card details, and have accumulated over 60 million downloads globally. They often disguise themselves as benign utility applications, such as QR code scanners and fitness tools, and generate revenue through intrusive advertisements. The malware campaign began in April 2024, with many apps initially appearing benign before being updated with malicious components. Some apps can hide their icons and bypass Android security measures, making detection difficult. Victims are primarily located in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. Despite Google's efforts to remove many of these apps, some remain active, and users must take proactive measures to protect their devices.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Malicious Android ‘Vapor’ apps on Google Play installed 60 million times

Over 300 malicious Android applications, identified as adware, have been downloaded 60 million times from Google Play. These apps, part of an operation called "Vapor," have attempted to steal sensitive user information and generate 200 million fraudulent advertising bid requests daily. The campaign was first uncovered by the IAS Threat Lab and has been active since early 2024. A total of 331 malicious applications were identified, with significant infections reported in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. Notable offenders include AquaTracker, ClickSave Downloader, Scan Hawk, Water Time Tracker, Be More, BeatWatch, TranslateScan, and Handset Locator, each with varying download counts. The apps disguise themselves as utilities and employ tactics to evade detection, such as disabling their Launcher Activity and creating fullscreen overlays for ads. Users are advised to avoid unnecessary apps from unverified publishers and regularly check installed applications.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google Has Pulled Nearly 200 Apps Due to Extensive Android Ad Fraud Scheme

Google has removed over 180 applications from its Play Store due to a scheme exploiting Android apps for ad fraud, as revealed by Integral Ad Science (IAS). The investigation, initiated in late 2024, identified unusual app behavior and traffic patterns. The operation, named Vapor Threat, involved fraudsters creating shell applications that appeared as legitimate health and fitness tools but were designed solely to generate ad revenue through full-screen video advertisements. IAS emphasized the need for vigilance in the advertising ecosystem and highlighted the ongoing challenges of ad fraud, urging advertisers to adopt robust anti-fraud strategies.

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

The Android Central team picks the best fitness apps and watches they can’t do without

Brady Snyder uses the Nike Run Club app, having logged over 1,500 miles with it over the past decade. He appreciates its compatibility with various platforms and Garmin devices, user-friendly interface, and community features. For hardware, he alternates between the Garmin Enduro 3, known for its battery life and training insights, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which excels in phone integration. He also uses the Strong app for strength training, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds for workouts, and the Withings Body Scan for body composition monitoring. Additionally, he values the Garmin Venu 3 for weightlifting tracking, the Google Pixel Watch 3 for heart rate tracking, and the OnePlus Watch 3 for GPS accuracy and battery life. He utilizes the Yuka app for nutritional information and recently acquired the Galaxy Watch Ultra for its durability and battery life.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

More than 90 Google Play Android apps identified with malware that steals your banking information – many already affected (5.5 million downloads)

Over 90 malicious Android applications were found on Google Play, including the banking trojan Anatsa, which has contributed to 5.5 million downloads across these apps. Google removed the identified apps from the Play Store after the report, which highlighted that Anatsa targets over 650 financial institutions. Two infected apps, disguised as PDF and QR code readers, had over 70,000 downloads before being reported. Anatsa operates stealthily, stealing banking information while appearing as benign applications. Other malware threats on Google Play include Joker, Facestealer, and Coper. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps and to scrutinize requested permissions. The two Anatsa-infected apps are no longer available, and the developers have been banned. Google Play Protect helps safeguard users by removing known malicious apps.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

The end of Google Fit? Fitbit looks set to replace it on future Android phones – and bring its AI coach with it

The Oppo Find X8 series has adopted the Fitbit app as its primary fitness application, moving away from Google Fit. This marks the first time a non-Pixel Google smartphone features Fitbit in this capacity. Users can transition their data from Google Fit to Fitbit using Google's Health Connect service. New features for Fitbit, including an AI health coach and an AI-driven Sleep Journal, are in development, with potential availability by the end of the year.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

Confirmed – Over 90 Android apps on Google Play steal your banking information – check this list before it’s too late

Over 90 malicious Android applications, including a Trojan named Anatsa, have infiltrated the Google Play Store, affecting more than 5.5 million devices. Anatsa, also known as "TeaBot," has disguised itself as benign applications such as PDF and QR code readers, photography tools, and health and fitness apps, managing to evade Google’s review filters. Google has removed these malicious applications, which had accumulated over 70,000 downloads before their removal. Anatsa targets over 650 financial institutions and employs techniques to remain hidden while siphoning off sensitive banking information. Two notable disguised applications are “PDF Reader and File Manager” by Tsarka Watchfaces and “QR Reader and File Manager” by risovanul.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

Here’s how Health Connect will back up your health and fitness data

Google has introduced a backup and restore feature in the Health Connect app, allowing users to export their health and fitness data to Google Drive or other cloud storage providers. This feature addresses the previous lack of backup options, enabling users to safeguard their data when losing devices or transitioning to new ones. The backup and restore menu is located within the Health Connect settings, allowing for scheduled exports on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, stored in a ZIP file at a user-chosen location. However, early testing has revealed that some exported files may be empty. The feature is available on devices running Android 14 and later, as well as the latest version of the Health Connect app compatible with Android 9 or later. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the experience.

AppWizard

September 27, 2024

Fitbit app downloaded over 100 million times on Google Play Store

The Fitbit Android app has surpassed 100 million downloads in the Google Play Store since its launch on March 16, 2012. It serves as a companion application for Fitbit smartwatches and trackers, available on Android phones and tablets. The app includes features for the latest models, such as widgets and live wallpapers, and extends functionality to the Wear OS platform for the Pixel Watch. A recent interface update introduced new metrics like sleep quality and heart rate. Users are awaiting a dark theme, initially expected in October 2023, which may coincide with a comprehensive redesign of the app. The Google Fit app has also reached 100 million downloads. Looking ahead to 2024, Fitbit plans additional updates, including a revamped settings design and integration of Health Connect, along with an AI-powered feature from Fitbit Labs to enhance user interaction with health data.

AppWizard

August 2, 2024

How to Delete the Health Data Your Android Is Tracking | Lifehacker

Android phones can independently monitor health metrics through applications like Google Fit and Samsung Health, tracking activities such as steps taken, active minutes, and calories burned. Google Fit uses Health Connect to manage health data locally on the smartphone, ensuring encryption, while data synchronized to the cloud is not end-to-end encrypted. Samsung Health also stores data locally with encryption via Knox technology, and offers cloud storage options that are not end-to-end encrypted, though an Enhanced Data Protection mode is available for Samsung Galaxy S24 series users. Users can check and manage their health data tracking preferences in both applications, including options to delete data or stop tracking specific metrics.