mobile technology Archives

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

This app made me hate today’s giant Android smartphones a little less

Smartphones are becoming larger and more visually appealing, but this trend can hinder one-handed usability. Quick Cursor is an app available on the Google Play Store that introduces a floating cursor to enhance one-handed operation. Users can activate the cursor by swiping inward from the lower half of the screen, allowing for easier interaction with UI elements located higher up. The app overlays a cursor that can be controlled with tap and swipe actions, and it requires access to Android's accessibility service for setup. Quick Cursor operates on a freemium model, offering basic functionality for free, with additional features available through a subscription or one-time purchase. It provides a more fluid experience compared to Android's built-in one-handed mode, making it easier to navigate larger smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Google just gave Gemini the power to control apps on the Galaxy S26 — and it’s pretty wild

Samsung and Google have started rolling out the Gemini screen automation feature for the Galaxy S26 series in the U.S. and Korea. This feature allows users to delegate tasks to Gemini, which can control apps and execute multi-step processes, such as ordering food or hailing a cab. The feature was showcased at the Galaxy Unpacked event in February 2026, highlighting its ability to navigate multiple applications and perform complex tasks. Users can monitor ongoing actions and regain control if needed, with Gemini requiring user confirmation before finalizing any orders. Currently, it supports popular apps like Lyft, Uber, Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Starbucks, with plans for Instacart integration. The feature is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series and operates in English, with plans to extend to the Pixel 10 lineup soon.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Google’s Android boss talks Android 17, sideloading drama, and why he hates phone cases

MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona is a significant event for the tech industry, where companies unveil new hardware and showcase emerging ideas. At MWC 2026, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, discussed the evolution of Android, particularly focusing on Android 17, which aims to transition from an operating system to an intelligent system. This version will integrate AI capabilities through Gemini, allowing for more intuitive task management. Android 17 will introduce early agentic capabilities, initially available in a beta feature for select devices, enabling users to automate multi-step tasks. Samat confirmed that Google has no plans to remove sideloading, despite concerns about app security. Upcoming changes to sideloading will focus on verifying app identities to protect users from malicious apps while still allowing power users to install unverified software. He emphasized the importance of balancing openness and safety in the Android platform. Samat expressed excitement about current Android phones, highlighting trends in foldable devices and praising models from brands like Motorola and Nothing for their appeal to younger consumers. He mentioned using a Galaxy Z Fold 7 for work and a Pixel 10 Pro for personal use, noting the beauty of the devices and his preference not to use cases.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

I turned my phone into a Linux desktop with this free app

Smartphones can function as desktop replacements, exemplified by the Steam Deck and the introduction of Local Desktop, which allows users to install a full Arch Linux environment on Android devices. Users can run applications like VS Code and Firefox by connecting a keyboard, with installation taking about ten minutes and not requiring root access. However, the installation process may require multiple attempts for stability due to various errors. Once set up, users can enhance their experience with the yay package manager, although some applications may not perform optimally. Local Desktop operates by installing an Arch Linux ARM64 filesystem within the app's internal storage and using proot to create a chroot-like environment. The display mechanism employs a minimal Wayland compositor for improved responsiveness. While it offers a portable Linux environment, performance can vary, and it is not suited for heavy workloads. The experience may appeal to tech enthusiasts willing to navigate its challenges.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Want to block ads on Android? Here’s why I use an app over Private DNS

A recent poll showed that 65% of Android users block ads using the Private DNS feature, 19% use third-party apps like Blokada, 12% do not block ads at all, and 5% employ alternative solutions. The Private DNS feature allows users to specify a DNS provider for content control but may face challenges like website accessibility issues. In contrast, ad-blocking apps like Blokada use multiple blocklists and Android's VPN service for real-time filtering, offering more customization and control over ad-blocking preferences, though they may consume battery and require manual restarts on some devices. The choice between Private DNS and ad-blocking apps depends on individual user preferences and needs.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

You voted on the best Android apps and games of 2025, and it wasn’t even close

In 2025, the best Android app, according to a poll, was Androidify, which received 40% of the votes. Other contenders included Google Journal and Banana Browser, which did not reach double digits. The best mobile game was Red Dead Redemption, garnering just under 30% of the votes, followed by Subnautica with around 14% and Persona 5: The Phantom X with approximately 11%.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

‘Windows Mobile is back, sort of’: US startup packs THREE OS in one smartphone in most exciting mobile release I’ve seen in years

Nex Computer has launched the NexPhone, a smartphone that operates on three operating systems: Android, Linux, and Windows 11. It allows users to switch between platforms and is the first device to integrate these functionalities into a single mobile device. The NexPhone primarily runs on Android but has dual-boot capabilities for Windows and Linux (Debian), offering a full desktop environment. Traditional calling functions are limited to Android, as Windows and Linux are not designed for telephony. The device will receive standard over-the-air updates for Android, while Windows updates will be managed through Windows Update. Preorders for the NexPhone are open at a refundable price of , with the remaining balance due upon delivery, and include a complimentary USB-C dock.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Your Android App Needs Scanning – Best Android App Vulnerability Scanner in 2026

The past year saw a 45% increase in new vulnerabilities targeting Android. By the end of 2024, there are projected to be 2.87 million apps on Google Play, with 66% of American employees using personal smartphones for work. Mobile applications are responsible for 70% of digital interactions, and vulnerabilities in these apps contributed to approximately 40% of data breaches involving personal data in 2023. Effective Android App Vulnerability Scanners analyze app security by identifying insecure local storage, hardcoded credentials, weak cryptography, insecure network configurations, broken authentication flows, and misconfigured components. AI-powered scanners, like AutoSecT, can autonomously generate new scanning protocols quickly, detect zero-day vulnerabilities, automate penetration testing, and operate with near-zero false positives.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

You can now try the Windows phone OS that Microsoft never released

Microsoft had plans for a custom operating system called Andromeda OS, designed for dual-screen devices, which was ultimately shelved. A leaked build of Andromeda OS has been ported to the original Surface Duo by developer Gustave Monce, allowing users to experience this unfinished software. Andromeda OS was based on Windows 10 and resembled Windows Phone, featuring Live Tiles and a Start Menu for dual displays. The project was abandoned in favor of Android in 2018 to avoid rebuilding a mobile app ecosystem. The ported build is not compatible with Surface Duo 2 and is available for download, but installation will erase existing Android data and may not be suitable for beginners. The device can run both Android and Windows, but booting into Windows requires a PC connection. The current version of Andromeda OS is unstable and incomplete, providing insight into Microsoft's previous mobile technology aspirations.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?

At the I/O 2025 event, Google presented Project Astra, showcasing its AI, Gemini, which can control Android devices to perform tasks like retrieving web content, playing YouTube videos, managing emails, and making phone calls. The demonstration illustrated Gemini's ability to navigate PDFs and transition between apps. Google introduced a Computer Use model for developers, enabling Gemini to interact with user interfaces in a human-like manner, currently optimized for web browsers. Apple is also enhancing Siri's capabilities to perform actions across multiple apps using voice commands. Google's approach is more generalized and not reliant on prior integrations, aiming to improve user interaction. The new Google Assistant, introduced in 2019, promised to allow voice operation of phones and multitasking across apps but faced challenges and limited adoption. Advancements in generative AI may enable more conversational command issuance, potentially addressing previous limitations. The integration of this technology could significantly impact wearable devices, allowing for phone control and information relay from secondary devices. The future of voice control as a primary interaction method for smartphones remains uncertain.