notification management Archives

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Samsung is cracking down on apps that spam your phone with ads

Samsung's Device Care app, version 13.8.80.7, introduces a feature to block applications that frequently send advertisement notifications. This feature allows users to place problematic apps into a "Deep Sleep" mode, silencing their notifications. Users can choose between Basic blocking, which uses internal data to restrict known ad-spamming apps, and Intelligent blocking, which analyzes notifications in real-time. The feature is currently available only for the Galaxy S26 series and can be monitored through the settings path: Settings -> Device care -> Care report -> Excessive alerts. The update is being rolled out in phases via the Galaxy Store.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

I’ve used Android Auto for years, and these 5 changes solved my biggest issues

The author has had a positive experience with Android Auto, despite occasional issues like signal loss and erratic responses from Google Assistant. They have customized their Android Auto settings to enhance their driving experience by using Custom Assistants for executing multiple actions with a single tap, streamlining routines for navigation and communication, and managing notifications effectively. They recommend using taskbar widgets for a dynamic screen layout, especially in vehicles with smaller infotainment systems. A significant upgrade noted is the shift from Google Assistant to Gemini. The author also addresses communication challenges with the assistant, suggesting that pressing the steering wheel's call/hang-up button can silence it when needed.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Review of ‘DoNotNotify,’ a free Android app that filters and blocks unwanted smartphone notifications.

DoNotNotify is an Android app that allows users to manage their notification settings with a high degree of customization. Key features include: - Real-time notification blocking using Android's NotificationListenerService. - Creation of deny and allow lists for specific notifications. - Support for simple partial matching and regular expression patterns to filter notifications. - Scheduling rules to be active during specific time frames. - Over 40 pre-configured rules for popular applications. - Automatic addition of relevant rules when compatible apps are installed. - Customizable notification retention and review of received alerts. - Tracking of blocked notifications through a block history feature. - Ability to import and export rules as JSON files. - Offline operation without data collection. To install the app, users can download it from the Google Play Store, enable notification access, and manage rules through the app's interface. Users can create new rules based on their notification history and customize settings, although advanced filtering may require experimentation.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

5 Of The Best Android Apps You Won’t Find On Windows

Microsoft's acknowledgment of challenges with Windows 11 has led users to explore alternative platforms, particularly Android, which offers applications not available on the Microsoft Store. Textra SMS is a messaging app with over 10 million downloads and a 4.3-star rating, allowing extensive customization and features like message scheduling. BuzzKill Notification Manager, recognized by Time Magazine, has a 4.6-star rating and offers detailed notification management for .99. Podcast Republic, a podcast app with over 1 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating, supports various listening formats and can be upgraded for an ad-free experience. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser allows users to create lightweight web apps, has over 1 million downloads, and a 4.6-star rating, with premium features available for .99. Web Video Cast – Browser to TV has over 50 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating, enabling media streaming from Android devices to TVs. The selection process for these apps involved user experience and functionality, ensuring high ratings and extensive reviews, with a minimum threshold of 3.5 stars and 1,000 user reviews.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Android 17’s native app lock may also hide notifications from locked apps

Google is enhancing notification management for locked applications in Android 17. Notifications from apps secured by the built-in app lock feature will be visible on the lock screen or as a bubble, but the content will remain concealed until the app is unlocked. This includes apps like WhatsApp, where a new message notification will appear without revealing the message details. The native App Lock API is in development, aiming to provide a system-level solution for locking individual applications, potentially eliminating the need for third-party apps. The feature may require biometric authentication for access and is expected to standardize privacy controls across the platform, particularly benefiting apps that handle sensitive information. Android 17 may debut with this native app-locking system for Pixel smartphones and other devices using the stock version of the OS.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Android 17’s new App Lock might stop your notifications from spilling secrets

A native App Lock feature is anticipated to be introduced in Android 17, allowing users to secure specific applications for enhanced privacy. In the Android Canary 2601 release, new code indicates that notifications from locked apps will be delivered with obscured content, showing generic messages like “New message” or “New notification.” The app name and icon may still be visible in these notifications, helping users identify the source while keeping the content private. These features are not finalized and will be confirmed upon the official release by Google.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Pixel Users Will Get Native App Lock With Android 17

Google is developing a system-level App Lock feature for Android 17, allowing Pixel users to secure individual applications with biometrics or a PIN. Recent Android Canary builds reveal a new API for integrating this feature into the default home screen launcher. This built-in App Lock aims to enhance user privacy by providing a straightforward way to protect sensitive apps without relying on third-party solutions. The implementation will allow users to long-press an app icon to lock it, with authentication options through Android’s BiometricPrompt. The feature is currently in early stages, with flags governing it still disabled. Android 17 is expected to be the earliest release for this feature. Unlike Android's Private Space, which isolates apps in a separate profile, the App Lock will allow easier access to frequently used applications. A system-level App Lock would offer stronger protection than third-party app lockers and align Pixel devices with OEM skins that already provide similar functionalities. Key questions remain regarding notification management and enterprise scenarios as the feature approaches release.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Stay organized and express yourself with Android 16’s new updates

The latest Android 16 release updates provide users with a more personalized and manageable experience, transitioning to frequent updates instead of traditional annual releases. It introduces AI-powered notification summaries that offer concise overviews of longer messages and group chats, helping users focus and stay organized.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Google Wallet Gets Android 16 Live Updates Support

Google Wallet is introducing support for Live Updates powered by Android 16, allowing users to access real-time information about flight times, train boarding details, and event ticket statuses directly from their lock screens. This feature was noted in the release notes for Google Play Services v25.41. Live Updates provide continuous status updates at the top of the screen, similar to persistent notifications, and are applicable across various apps. Google Wallet will utilize Live Updates to display dynamic statuses for supported passes related to flights, trains, and events, such as gate changes and entry windows. The rollout of this feature is underway, and users can expect to receive Live Updates for Wallet passes as partners provide the necessary data feeds.

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

Chrome for Android preps notification silencer for sites you rarely pay attention to

Google is updating Chrome on Android to enhance the Safety Check feature by automatically revoking notification permissions from websites that users rarely interact with. This update aims to reduce unnecessary notifications and improve user experience. Since its launch last year, Safety Check has been upgraded to protect against scam notifications and enhance user security. The new feature will notify users when permissions for notifications are revoked from less frequently visited websites. Additionally, recent updates have simplified the process of unsubscribing from notifications, helping users recognize and avoid potential scams.