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AppWizard

August 31, 2026

This open-source Android launcher is my new Niagara Launcher replacement

Niagara Launcher is appreciated for its minimalist design but is not open source, prompting the exploration of alternatives like Escape Launcher, which is available on F-Droid. Escape Launcher features a text-only interface, presenting favorite apps in a list format and allowing users to swipe left for all installed applications. It emphasizes thoughtful font selection and spacing, creating a curated experience. Users can customize fonts, color themes, and basic clock styles, and hide unwanted apps. While it lacks some features of Niagara Launcher, it is favored for its minimalist approach and reduced distractions.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Samsung phones could finally get proper app lock with One UI 9.5

Samsung's One UI 9.5 will introduce an app lock feature that enhances user privacy by allowing applications to be secured with a PIN or biometric authentication. Users can activate the app lock by pressing and holding an app icon in the app drawer, where a padlock icon will appear. Accessing locked apps will require biometric verification or the device's screen lock, and once locked, the app's widgets and shortcuts will be removed from the home screen, with notifications concealed. However, content from locked apps will still be accessible to other applications with prior permissions. Currently, Samsung devices offer the Secure Folder feature, which has limitations, as it creates a cloned version of the app while leaving the original accessible. The new app lock feature is similar to the one introduced in Android Canary 2608, indicating a possible influence on Samsung's development.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Google is bringing back native app lock for Android, but not for everyone yet

The latest Android Canary release introduces a new feature that allows users to lock multiple apps simultaneously through the settings menu, enhancing the app lock functionality. This feature is accessible under Settings > Security & privacy > App lock and allows users to organize locked apps in a list view. Once locked, apps will not display notification content, and their widgets and shortcuts will be hidden, although AI agents can still access their data if previously permitted. Users need to enter a PIN or use biometric authentication to access locked apps, which will also remain hidden from the recents menu. This development positions Google alongside competitors like Xiaomi and vivo, who offer similar features.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Samsung Phone Could Do

Older Samsung phones are receiving the One UI 8.5 update, which includes several features: - Users can separate app audio streams between devices, allowing navigation instructions to play through one device while music plays through another. - The side button on newer Galaxy devices can be customized for various functions, including opening different apps or tools. - Samsung offers a Secure Folder feature for storing sensitive apps and data privately. - The Dual Messenger feature allows users to clone messaging apps for managing multiple accounts simultaneously. - With One UI 5.1 and later, users can extract subjects from photos to create cutouts or stickers for use in other applications.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

How I found the Android launcher that finally rivals the Google Pixel experience

The Pixel Launcher is built on three foundational features: visual consistency through Material You, simplicity with a minimalistic interface, and fluidity with smooth animations. However, it has limited customization options compared to other launchers. Lawnchair is an open-source project that enhances the Pixel experience by restoring customization options removed by Google, such as hiding widgets, supporting icon packs, and allowing user-defined grid layouts. Lawnchair maintains a clean interface while offering extensive control over app visibility and layout, effectively addressing the limitations of the Pixel Launcher. Lawnchair 15 provides a refined version of the Pixel experience, making it accessible to users of non-Pixel devices.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

6 Free Android TV Apps You Need To Install Before Google Removes Sideloading

Developers are now required to register their applications before users can sideload them on Android devices, a change aimed at reducing malware risks associated with unverified apps. This policy is particularly significant for Android TV users who often rely on sideloading for niche utilities and unofficial streaming tools. The risk of malware is reportedly 50 times higher when apps are installed from outside the Play Store. Google has promised to create a workflow for experienced users to sideload unverified apps despite the new restrictions. Sideloading allows users to install apps not available on the Play Store, but it comes with increased risks of data-stealing malware. Users can sideload apps by transferring APK files to their devices and adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources. SmartTube TV is an unofficial YouTube client that offers an ad-free experience and integrates features like SponsorBlock, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Aptoide TV is a community-driven app marketplace that provides access to apps not available on the Play Store, though caution is advised due to potential malware risks. Leanback Launcher is an open-source launcher that enhances performance and customization options for Android TV. RetroArch allows users to emulate classic gaming consoles and requires legal copies of games. Syncler organizes and streams shows and movies from user-selected providers without hosting content itself. AdAway is an open-source ad blocker that filters ads at the device level using host files. The selection of these apps focuses on enhancing the Android TV experience through performance improvements, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of categories including streaming, gaming, customization, and privacy.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15’s Private Space is like a secret vault for your sensitive apps

Android 15 introduces the Private Space feature, allowing users to create a secure environment for sensitive applications and data. This feature acts as a digital vault, enabling the isolation of critical apps like health trackers and banking apps, protected by an additional layer of authentication such as a PIN code. Users can set up Private Space through the “Security & Privacy” section in device settings, requiring authentication to ensure only the owner can create this secure space. Once established, Private Space is identifiable in the app drawer with a “Private” label and a lock icon.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

How to create a private app space on your Google Pixel

Pixel users can now use a new feature called Private Space in Android 15, which allows them to securely hide apps, files, and photos in a separate environment on their devices. This feature creates a distinct ecosystem that functions like an additional user account, with duplicated apps such as Google Photos, Files, Chrome, and Pixel Screenshots for private use. Data generated in this space is stored in a dedicated file path, isolated from the standard app drawer. Apps in Private Space are marked with a small icon in the status bar, do not appear in recent apps or multitasking windows, and do not send notifications while secured. Users can set how frequently Private Space locks itself, choose a different Google Account, and establish a new passcode or fingerprint scan for security. To enable Private Space, users must have Android 15, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space, and follow the setup instructions. Once configured, Private Space can be accessed from the app drawer by tapping the lock icon.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

How to hide apps on Google Pixel phones with Private Space

Google Pixel users will have access to a new feature called Private Space with the release of Android 15, allowing them to create a hidden app ecosystem, including a separate instance of the Google Play Store. To enable Private Space, users must navigate to Settings, select Security & Privacy, tap on Private Space, input their PIN, and set it up. Users can create a new Google account for this space to keep downloaded apps and data separate from their primary account. Accessing Private Space involves swiping up from the home screen, tapping on the lock icon, and entering the PIN. For older Pixel models, apps can be concealed using a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, which allows users to hide apps after setting it as the default launcher. Additionally, users can disable system apps through the Settings menu, but this method is limited to system apps and may affect other operations.

BetaBeacon

July 23, 2024

iPhone fans discover ‘game-changing’ new secret button for their lock screen

iOS 18 is currently available for free testing, allowing users to uncover new features such as the ability to customize quick apps on the lock screen.