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September Android Drop: Remember where you put things, ease motion sickness, and more
AppWizard
September 1, 2026

September Android Drop: Remember where you put things, ease motion sickness, and more

The September Android Drop introduces features to enhance connectivity, including the ability to track essential items using Gemini integrated into Find Hub. Users can remember the locations of important items by saying, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer,” and can attach photos for easier identification. This functionality will be available on Android 16+ devices in supported regions.
What is Android System Intelligence and what happens if you turn it off?
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

What is Android System Intelligence and what happens if you turn it off?

Android System Intelligence (ASI) is a component created by Google that enhances user experience on Android devices, particularly on Pixel phones, by supporting features like Live Caption, Now Playing, Smart Autorotate, and app predictions. ASI operates within Android's Private Compute Core, introduced in 2021, and utilizes machine learning without direct internet access, relying on Private Compute Services for cloud updates. It collects data such as crash logs and device identifiers for analytics, with users having the option to disable this data collection. ASI is not a standalone app but an infrastructure that supports various features, including music identification and smart notification actions. It requests extensive permissions for functionalities like smart predictions and contact suggestions, though not all features require all permissions. The privacy framework of ASI is designed to limit direct internet access, and users can view a Network Usage Log on Pixel devices. Disabling ASI is possible but does not remove it; it can be turned off under Settings > Apps. Reports indicate that essential phone functions remain intact even when ASI features are disabled, such as Now Playing and Live Caption. Google has not stated that disabling ASI will cause instability in the Android operating system. For troubleshooting ASI issues, Google recommends restarting the device, updating software, force-stopping the app, or clearing its cache or data. ASI has over 5 billion downloads on Google Play.
Intelligent transcription with Gemini 3.5 Transcribe
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Intelligent transcription with Gemini 3.5 Transcribe

Gemini 3.5 Transcribe is a new speech-to-text model designed for intelligent voice interactions, overcoming challenges faced by traditional speech recognition systems, such as background noise and complex jargon. It transforms raw audio into accurate, formatted text and is available to users of the Gemini app and Android devices. Developers can access its capabilities through the Gemini API in Google AI Studio and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform. The model supports two APIs: real-time streaming for interactive applications with sub-second latency and pre-recorded audio processing that includes speaker attribution and word-level timestamps. It enhances transcription accuracy by managing self-corrections, eliminating filler words, and auto-formatting text. The model has a Word Error Rate of 4.0% for streaming and 2.6% for non-streaming scenarios, effectively capturing alphanumeric entities. It adapts to custom vocabulary, supports over 85 languages, and can identify multiple speakers in pre-recorded audio.
5 useless Android apps you probably still download (and why you should stop)
AppWizard
August 26, 2026

5 useless Android apps you probably still download (and why you should stop)

Android has evolved to include many built-in features that previously required third-party apps. - Document scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) are now available through the stock camera app in Android 14 and later. - QR code scanning is natively supported from Android 13, accessible via the stock camera app or Quick Settings toggle. - A built-in clipboard history feature is available in Google’s Gboard and Samsung Keyboard, eliminating the need for third-party clipboard managers. - Android devices come with a built-in blue light filter, customizable through the Settings app. - Built-in caller ID and spam protection features allow users to identify callers before answering. - Certain tasks, such as looking up word definitions, converting currencies, and performing unit conversions, still require third-party apps. - The ability to lock apps is expected to be introduced in the upcoming Android 17 QPR2 update.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

Google Play Store Could Soon Let You Search for Apps With Images

Google is developing a feature for the Play Store that allows users to attach images to their queries within Ask Play, its AI-driven conversational search tool. This feature enables users to upload an image or capture a new photo as part of their search process, allowing them to ask questions about the content depicted in the image. Additionally, Google is exploring modifications to the Ask Play interface on individual app pages, potentially replacing the current "Ask Play about this app" section with a horizontal row of suggested questions. These features are currently in development and not yet publicly available.
You don't want this Sleepwalker backdoor on your Windows machine
Winsage
August 24, 2026

You don’t want this Sleepwalker backdoor on your Windows machine

Malware researcher Dominik Reichel has discovered a sophisticated Windows backdoor named Sleepwalker, which remains dormant in memory until activated by a specially crafted network packet. Sleepwalker uses a 23-instruction command language to execute tasks, including running code in memory and exfiltrating data. It activates through a proprietary activation packet that does not contain readable commands. The malware targets a VMware VMCI and disguises itself as Microsoft's dpapi.dll, mimicking its functions while redirecting calls to a non-existent file. Once it confirms its host process as ERAAgent.exe, it enters a dormant state to evade detection. Sleepwalker monitors for a specific pattern known as a magic packet to decrypt and interpret commands. Commands sent to it are encrypted with AES-256-CCM and must be read in a specific order. The backdoor includes functionalities for sending and concealing data, receiving tasks, and executing programs. Reichel has developed a toolkit to decode Sleepwalker’s bytecode and a mitigation guide for affected users. However, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the initial access method, victim identification, and the malware's operator.
The Google Play Store is working on a new way to find apps using images
AppWizard
August 24, 2026

The Google Play Store is working on a new way to find apps using images

Google has introduced enhancements to its Ask Play feature in the Google Play Store with version v52.8.55-34. Users can now attach images from their device's camera or gallery to Ask Play queries, allowing for contextualized searches. This feature enables users to upload images and ask specific questions about them, facilitating the discovery of apps that meet particular needs. Additionally, Google plans to retire the "Ask Play about this app" section in favor of a horizontally scrollable strip of contextual question chips. When tapped, these suggestions will display tailored answers in an updated Ask Play bottom sheet overlay. These features are not yet publicly available.
The best Android weather app isn't on the Play Store. Here's how to install it
AppWizard
August 24, 2026

The best Android weather app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app for Android that is not available on the Play Store due to the developers' decision to avoid listing fees and personal identification requirements. To download Breezy Weather, users need to visit its GitHub page, download the APK file, and enable installation permissions on their device. Alternatively, users can download it from F-Droid, which is a Play Store alternative for free and open-source applications. Keeping Breezy Weather updated requires manual checks or enabling notifications for updates, while F-Droid offers a more seamless update process. Obtainium is a sideload manager that can simplify the update process by monitoring apps for new versions. Breezy Weather allows users to customize their experience with 50 different weather data sources and 13 widget options, providing extensive functionality without ads.
Cyberleek's still at it: Another GTA 6 leak shows 2 full minutes of high speed driving, surprisingly few crashes
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Cyberleek’s still at it: Another GTA 6 leak shows 2 full minutes of high speed driving, surprisingly few crashes

Cyberleek has released a new gameplay snippet from Grand Theft Auto 6 for the fourth consecutive day. The latest video, titled "hypercar.mp4," features protagonist Jason in a carjacking scene in Vice City. The two-minute clip shows Jason having the option to perform an aggressive extraction of the driver, which may attract attention. It also confirms earlier leaks about visual identification mechanics related to the stolen vehicle and Jason's wanted level. The footage highlights advanced lighting technology, showcasing realistic reflections from the hypercar's headlights. Additionally, the video promotes Cyberleek's cryptocurrency initiative, with a message linking market capitalization to the frequency of leaks. Take-Two has reportedly lost approximately .8 billion in market capitalization this week due to a decline in share price.
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