mobile technology Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Microsoft shuts down Android Outlook app

Microsoft will retire Outlook Lite for Android on May 25, 2026, after which users will no longer be able to access emails through the app. New downloads of Outlook Lite ceased in October 2025. Users will be guided to transition to the full Outlook app, and their accounts and data will remain intact. Outlook Lite was designed for low-end devices and had over 10 million downloads in its first year but struggled in the market. The trend of phasing out Lite applications is seen as a response to improved smartphone capabilities and internet connectivity. Users have just over a month to transition before the official retirement of Outlook Lite.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

How to use and deploy Android Work Profile in your business

The mobile device has become a dual-purpose tool for personal and professional needs, enhancing productivity but also introducing security challenges for organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. Samsung addresses these challenges with its Android Work Profile feature, which separates business applications and data from personal content on devices like the Galaxy S26 Series, Galaxy Z Fold7, and Galaxy Z Flip7. Android Work Profile creates two isolated profiles on a single device, allowing IT teams to manage corporate applications while keeping personal information private. IT administrators can monitor work profile applications and data but cannot access personal profiles, ensuring employee privacy. Employees can easily switch between work and personal applications and activate a “pause work apps” feature during off-hours. To set up Android Work Profile, organizations need an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution and the Android Device Policy app. The Samsung Knox Suite provides tools for managing and securing devices, including Knox Mobile Enrollment and Knox Attestation. Android Work Profile benefits businesses by enhancing data security and reputation while promoting work-life balance for employees.

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.