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Banking apps may require recent Android security updates
AppWizard
December 4, 2024

Banking apps may require recent Android security updates

Google has introduced a new feature for the Play Integrity API that allows banking applications to identify devices that have not received a recent Android security update. This could result in restricted access to sensitive features for users with devices that have not been updated in over a year. The Play Integrity API helps verify the authenticity of software and devices, enhancing security for mobile banking. The update primarily affects users on older Android versions or those without recent security enhancements, as these devices are more vulnerable to cyber threats. Banking applications may limit features like mobile transactions for outdated devices and encourage users to update to maintain access.
How to find out what apps are draining your Android phone's battery
AppWizard
November 20, 2024

How to find out what apps are draining your Android phone’s battery

Many Android users experience battery life issues, especially with non-flagship devices. To identify apps that drain battery, users can check the Battery section in the Settings app, where they can view battery usage by app over the past 24 hours. Apps with significant battery consumption should be closed, force-stopped, updated, or uninstalled if necessary. Users can force stop an app by selecting it in the Battery Usage window. In older Android versions, users can also configure apps for Optimized Battery Usage. Recent versions allow users to manage background usage through Settings > Apps > [App Name], which can help conserve battery life but may prevent real-time updates for certain apps.
Google Play will force many apps to use Android’s Photo Picker for better privacy
AppWizard
October 18, 2024

Google Play will force many apps to use Android’s Photo Picker for better privacy

Google Play is urging developers to transition to the Android Photo Picker to enhance user privacy by limiting access to users' photos and videos. The Android Photo Picker, introduced with Android 13 in 2022, allows apps to access only selected media rather than the entire gallery. Despite its introduction, many developers continue using the legacy system file picker, prompting Google to implement a new policy requiring developers to either justify their need for broad access or switch to the Photo Picker by September 18. Non-compliance will restrict app updates on the Google Play Store. By early 2025, only apps demonstrating a core functionality reliant on accessing user images and videos will be allowed to request broad media permissions. Google's efforts aim to enhance user privacy, although the current Photo Picker lacks certain features that users may find essential.
6 Apps That Play Hi-Res Audio At Full Quality On Android - SlashGear
AppWizard
September 18, 2024

6 Apps That Play Hi-Res Audio At Full Quality On Android – SlashGear

High-resolution digital audio (hi-res audio) refers to recordings that exceed the CD standard of 16-bit/44.1kHz. Major subscription music streaming services like Tidal, Apple Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited now emphasize hi-res audio, while Spotify has yet to provide it. Android devices lacked native support for hi-res playback until the release of Android 14 in 2023, which allowed playback exceeding 24-bit/48kHz. USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP) is a flexible app for hi-res audio on Android, supporting bit-perfect playback and streaming from DLNA servers. Tidal supports hi-res playback natively in its Android app and has transitioned to FLAC for hi-res titles. Amazon Music Unlimited offers a large library of hi-res titles and displays DAC output information but lacks clarity on bit-perfect playback support. Apple Music supports hi-res content since May 2021, requiring users to opt in due to file size and bandwidth demands. Neutron Music Player provides advanced audio features and DSP effects for local and network playback, while Poweramp Music Player is known for its extensive format support and customization options but may complicate achieving bit-perfect playback.
Trojanized apps used for CapraRAT spyware delivery
AppWizard
July 2, 2024

Trojanized apps used for CapraRAT spyware delivery

Transparent Tribe, a hacking operation linked to Pakistan, has been using malicious Android apps to deploy the CapraRAT spyware in a surveillance campaign targeting gamers and weapons enthusiasts. The attacks involved hiding CapraRAT within popular apps like "Crazy Game," "Sexy Videos," "Weapons," and "TikToks" APKs, exploiting various permissions for location, SMS, call log access, phone calls, audio and video recording, and screenshot capturing. The recent intrusions did not require account authentication or package installations, indicating a shift towards surveillance activities. Targeting newer versions of the Android OS makes sense as Transparent Tribe focuses on individuals within the Indian government or military who are less likely to use older Android versions like Lollipop.
Google Weather app Material You redesign hits more Android phones and tablets
AppWizard
May 25, 2024

Google Weather app Material You redesign hits more Android phones and tablets

Google has rolled out a new version of its Google Weather app, initially available only on select Pixel devices in 2023. The app, featuring the Material You design, has now expanded to a wide range of Android devices, including older versions like Android 11. The update brings more detailed data presentation and machine learning-enhanced predictions for rain and precipitation forecasts. Google is using AI and machine learning to revolutionize weather forecasting with the updated app.
Google's redesigned Pixel Weather app is rolling out to a variety of other Android devices
AppWizard
May 25, 2024

Google’s redesigned Pixel Weather app is rolling out to a variety of other Android devices

Google's latest iteration of its Weather app, part of the Material You design language, is now available on a variety of devices beyond Google's Pixel series, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, OnePlus Open, and Honor Magic 6 RSR. The app offers a more vibrant and informative user experience, with features like NowCast for real-time precipitation forecasts. The app update has been spotted on devices running older Android versions, indicating a wider rollout beyond Google's Pixel lineup.
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