mobile operating system Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Blame your phone for killing off this traditional Windows app

Microsoft has announced that Windows Maps will be deprecated by April, with the app being removed from the Windows Store by July and ceasing to receive support thereafter. A July update will deactivate the Maps app entirely. Personal data saved in the app will remain intact but will not function after July 2025. New PCs running future versions of Windows 11 will not come preinstalled with the Maps app beyond the current 24H2 release. Users can still access mapping services through Bing’s dedicated maps page.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Android 16 Beta 3 achieves ‘Platform Stability,’ brings extended Auracast support

Google has released Android 16 Beta 3, featuring new accessibility tools including Text Outline for low-vision users and Local Network Protection for enhanced app access control. The beta also expands Auracast compatibility, allowing audio broadcasting from a single source to multiple receivers, particularly benefiting hearing aid users in noisy environments. Only LE audio-compatible hearing aids from manufacturers like GN Hearing and Starkey will be supported. Samsung Galaxy devices with One UI 7 and Pixel 9 devices can connect to public audio streams. A QR code standard has been developed for easier access to broadcasts, with Pixel 9 users receiving priority access. Android 16 is expected to be publicly released in late June.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Windows 10 Mobile’s App Store officially dies—for real this time

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 Mobile five years ago. The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 Mobile has now shut down, with users reporting gray screens or error messages when attempting to access it. Applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint received updates until 2021, but most essential applications became incompatible with Windows 10 Mobile by the time Windows 11 was released. Developers largely abandoned the platform, leaving users with limited options for new apps, which can now only be installed through sideloading.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Google Relies On AI-Assist Threat Detection to Keep Android Safe

Google blocked 2.36 million apps from being published in 2024 due to violations of Google Play policies and banned over 158,000 developer accounts for attempting to distribute harmful applications. The company prevented 1.3 million apps from gaining excessive access to users' sensitive data. Over 92% of human reviews for harmful apps were AI-assisted, allowing for quicker and more accurate actions. Google implemented new requirements for developers to enhance transparency regarding data handling and introduced a "Data deletion" option for apps. Over 91% of app installations on the Google Play Store utilized the latest protections from Android 13 or newer. Google Play Protect scanned more than 200 billion apps daily and identified over 13 million new malicious apps from outside Google Play in 2024.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Unofficial Windows on Lumia gains GPU acceleration to x86 apps

The Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, discontinued two years after their launch as flagship smartphones featuring Windows Mobile, have been revived by hackers and developers who installed alternative operating systems, including Android and desktop versions of Windows 10 and 11. The Lumia WOA Project has optimized these devices for modern use, with the release of Lumia Drivers BSP Version 2502.03 on February 1, 2025, which introduced support for hardware-accelerated graphics for x86 applications on the ARM-based smartphones. This update allows DirectX 11 compatible applications to utilize the Lumia 950's Qualcomm Adreno 418 GPU and the 950 XL's Adreno 430 GPU. Prior to this, the devices only supported hardware-accelerated graphics for apps compiled for ARM architectures. While the mobile GPUs were impressive in 2015, they are not cutting-edge in 2025, and users should manage their expectations for performance in gaming or demanding graphics applications. The update is expected to enhance graphics performance and improve energy efficiency by allowing the GPU to handle tasks that would otherwise burden the CPU. The Lumia WOA Project is an unofficial effort by volunteer developers, and some hardware features, such as cameras and messaging functions, may not be fully supported.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

One UI 7.0 is getting rid of the Samsung DeX app for Windows

Samsung's upcoming One UI 7.0 will discontinue support for the Samsung DeX app for Windows, as indicated on Samsung UK's website. The notice states that "The DeX for PC on Windows OS will end support from One UI 7 version," encouraging users to utilize the Link to Windows feature instead. Standalone DeX functionality on Samsung phones and tablets will remain unaffected. Additionally, One UI 7.0 will restrict Edge Panel downloads from the Galaxy Store, reflecting Samsung's strategy to streamline its offerings by eliminating underused features.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Android 16 release: New features, floating app windows likely to arrive in…

Android 16 is expected to debut between April and June 2025, with a specific launch date of June 3, 2025, when it will be available on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Pixel users will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update on the same date. The update will introduce features such as "Rich Ongoing Notifications," allowing third-party developers to customize notifications, and a "bubble anything" function for multitasking, enabling users to operate apps in floating windows. Google's expedited release schedule aims to meet the demand for faster software updates and align better with device launches.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Judge puts a temporary hold on a earlier decision to open Android to third-party app stores

Judge James Donato of California has granted Google a temporary administrative stay on a ruling that required the company to allow third-party app stores in the U.S. by November 1. This decision follows a December 2023 jury verdict that found Google maintained a monopoly over app launches on its Android OS. The stay may extend if the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agrees to a longer delay, potentially postponing changes to Android app store regulations for months or years. Google expressed satisfaction with the decision, while Epic Games has not commented. Additionally, plans for Xbox gamers to purchase and play games directly from the Android Xbox app in November are now uncertain due to this ruling.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Rolls Out Android 15 With Theft Detection Lock, Privacy Features For ‘Sensitive’ Apps And More – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Alphabet Inc.'s Google has begun rolling out Android 15 for Pixel devices, focusing on enhancing user experience, security, and privacy. Key features include: - Theft Protection and Recovery: Introduces Theft Detection Lock using AI to secure devices upon detecting suspicious movement, remote locking via phone number, and authentication requirements for critical actions like SIM card removal. - Private Space for Sensitive Apps: A secure vault for concealing sensitive applications, requiring additional authentication for access and allowing users to hide its existence from the main interface. - Enhanced Multitasking on Foldables and Tablets: Features include a pin/unpin taskbar for quick access to apps and App Pairing for simultaneous operation of two applications with drag-and-drop functionality. - Camera, Messaging, and Passkey Updates: Includes Low Light Boost for improved image quality, satellite connectivity for carrier messaging apps, and streamlined authentication for Passkeys.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google’s Latest OS on Your Phone

Google will unveil Android 15 on Tuesday, initially available for supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, with a broader rollout to select devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, and OnePlus in the coming months. Android 15 introduces features such as partial screen recording, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, improved in-app camera controls, low-light enhancements, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. The update focuses on enhancing security, particularly in health and finance sectors, and improves functionality for large-screen devices. Key features include: - Revamped Theft Detection Lock powered by AI. - Enhanced authentication for critical settings like SIM removal and disabling Find My Device. - A Private Space feature to conceal sensitive applications. - Customizable taskbar for foldables and tablets. - Ability to pair apps for multitasking. - Optimized in-app camera controls for low-light conditions. - Satellite connectivity for messaging applications. - Single-tap login using passkeys. Android 15 will first roll out to Pixel devices, with support for additional brands including Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Users are advised to back up their devices before installation. To download Android 15, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates on their supported device. If storage space is insufficient, users must free up space or use a computer for the update process.