phone app

AppWizard
January 2, 2026
The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.
AppWizard
December 19, 2025
Google is testing a significant update for its Phone app on Android devices, which includes a new "Controls" toggle in Display settings to maintain portrait mode during calls. This feature addresses user complaints about the app's inconsistent adherence to auto-rotation preferences. The beta also introduces an option to mark calls as "urgent" and refreshes the user interface by removing the Favorites tab and consolidating frequently contacted individuals into a horizontal row in the "Recents" section. Additionally, the dedicated "Frequents" list has been removed, encouraging users to actively favorite their most-called contacts. Another feature, "Expressive Calling," allows users to select a "call reason" when dialing, enhancing communication awareness.
AppWizard
December 19, 2025
Google's Androidify app has been updated to allow users to create an Android bot version of themselves for their smartwatches. This feature, which is being rolled out on December 18, enables users to transform selfies into unique Android bots that can be displayed as Wear OS watch faces. The app leverages Gemini and Imagen technologies for customization and allows users to download it from the Play Store. Users can capture a selfie, customize their digital doppelganger, and transfer it to their smartwatch easily. The updated app can dynamically generate a watch face within the phone app, facilitating a seamless transition to the smartwatch. Androidify was initially introduced in September, focusing on personalization, and allows users to reimagine themselves as various characters by uploading images and providing prompts.
AppWizard
December 17, 2025
Google is enhancing Android's satellite connectivity capabilities, which will allow users to stay connected in areas without cellular service. A new Quick Settings tile and menu will streamline access to these features. Initially, satellite connectivity was limited to emergency messaging, but upcoming updates will include functionalities like WhatsApp calling and live location sharing. In the latest Android Canary build, a toggle for a “Satellite” tile is available under Settings > System > Developer Options, indicating three states: On, Available, and Not available. The Pixel 9 supports satellite connectivity, but the tile is marked as “Not available” due to the user's T-Mobile plan lacking satellite access. Tapping the tile leads to a “Satellite connectivity” page listing compatible apps, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find Hub, Maps, and Settings. WhatsApp is not currently listed, despite prior announcements of its support for satellite calls. The app list varies based on device and plan support for LTE-based or Narrowband NTN. If LTE-based NTN is supported, the app list could expand to include AccuWeather, Google Weather, Snapchat, and X, suggesting future satellite support for these applications. The Satellite tile and landing page are operational in the Canary release but are currently accessible only through a developer option, indicating they may still be in testing. Future Android Canary releases will provide updates on this feature's development.
AppWizard
December 15, 2025
Android is introducing a feature called Expressive Calling in the Phone by Google app, allowing users to specify the reason for their calls, including marking them as urgent. This feature is currently available to select beta testers. When a call is marked as urgent, the recipient receives a notification that reads “It’s urgent!” along with an animated siren emoji, and the urgent designation remains in the call log if the call is missed. This feature aims to improve the calling experience by providing context and is particularly useful for users with Do Not Disturb mode activated. However, both the caller and recipient must be using the Phone app beta for the feature to work, limiting its current availability.
BetaBeacon
December 8, 2025
Google has introduced a new feature called PC Connect for Android XR, allowing users to link a Windows computer with Android XR and display desktop or other windows side-by-side with native apps from Google Play. The feature offers full resolution and high frame rate over Wi-Fi, with input bridging allowing a keyboard and mouse to control either device. Additionally, Google is also rolling out Travel Mode, a stable viewing option for when users are in motion, and a Likeness feature that creates a realistic digital representation of a user's face during video calls.
AppWizard
December 2, 2025
India has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-operated cybersecurity application called Sanchar Saathi on all mobile devices manufactured or imported for use within the country. The app is designed to enhance protection against fraud and cyber threats, allowing users to block and track lost or stolen phones and identify fraudulent mobile subscriptions. Major smartphone companies have a 90-day compliance window, and the app must be visible and accessible during device setup. Critics, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have raised concerns about user privacy and governmental control over personal devices, while the Indian telecom minister described the app as a voluntary system. The government also requires that the app be pushed to devices already in circulation through software updates. Political opposition has emerged, with calls for the order's retraction, citing constitutional concerns.
AppWizard
November 29, 2025
Google Pixel users are experiencing a glitch where closed apps, such as Instagram, unexpectedly reopen when switching to another application. This issue has persisted for six months and affects devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Users have noted that it disrupts app-switching, and a suggested workaround is to pause briefly before selecting another app. Additionally, Pixel 10 users have reported significant Wi-Fi connectivity problems following an AirDrop-Quick Share update, with a temporary solution being to uninstall the Quick Share extension or use Bluetooth for file transfers. Furthermore, Pixel 10 users are facing issues with unresponsive or lagging speakerphone functionality in the Phone app, which has been ongoing since May and also affects earlier Pixel 9 models. Google has deemed this speakerphone issue as "won't fix (Infeasible)."
AppWizard
November 21, 2025
Google is exploring an upgrade to its Phone app that may allow Android users to label calls as “urgent” through a feature called Expressive Calling. This feature would enable users to select a specific “call reason” while dialing, such as “It’s urgent!” or “Quick question.” The urgent tag could potentially bypass Do Not Disturb settings for saved contacts, reducing the risk of spam calls. Recipients may receive notifications like “Missed an Urgent Call” to ensure important messages are noticed. Both parties may need compatible apps or settings for the feature to work properly. The rollout timeline is uncertain, and early versions are not yet available, but the feature may launch first on Pixel devices before expanding to other Android smartphones.
AppWizard
November 21, 2025
Fongo World Edition is a communication app that offers unlimited calling and messaging features. Users can obtain a Canadian phone number, make unlimited calls and texts within Canada, and utilize WiFi and data for calling. The app provides low-cost international calling to over 220 countries, including the U.S., India, the U.K., and France, with rates starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Fongo World Edition emerges as a compelling solution for those seeking seamless communication across Canada and beyond. With a user-friendly interface and a range of features, this app is designed to enhance the calling and texting experience for its users. Key Features At the heart of Fongo World Edition lies the promise of unlimited calling and messaging. Users can enjoy: Your Own Canadian Phone Number: Obtain a real Canadian number tailored to your city. Unlimited Calling Across Canada: Make unlimited calls to any Canadian number without restrictions. Unlimited Texting: Connect with any Fongo user for free, with no limits on messages. WiFi & Data Calling: Utilize the app wherever there’s an internet connection. Low-Cost International Calling: Take advantage of affordable rates for global calls. Essential Features: Enjoy visual voicemail, call display, and more at no additional cost. Travel-Friendly Communication Fongo World Edition is particularly advantageous for travelers. It allows users to: Receive international calls for free. Communicate with any Canadian while abroad at no cost to either party. Text hotel concierges or rental hosts effortlessly. Receive SMS updates from airlines. Make reservations at local restaurants with ease. A Second Phone Number This app also serves as an excellent option for those needing a secondary phone number. Ideal for: Online Shopping & Sign-ups: Protect your primary number from spam. Dating Apps: Keep your personal number private while staying connected. Online Marketplaces: Use a free Canadian number instead of your actual one. Freelancing & Side Hustles: Maintain a clear boundary between work and personal communications. Contests & Verification Codes: Utilize a free texting app for temporary needs. International Calling Made Affordable Fongo World Edition offers low-cost international calling to over 220 countries, including: The United States India The United Kingdom France Rates start as low as [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Fongo World Edition By Fongo Inc. ★★★☆☆ • 3.6 • 10,000+ Screenshots: More Information Package ID com.fongo.international File Size Varies with device Category Communication Android Version Required Varies with device App Price USD 4.99 Content Rating Everyone About Fongo World Edition Fongo World Edition is the best way to call Canada and the world!Unlimited Calling and messaging, Canada-wide, anywhere you have an internet connection. It’s the perfect calling & texting app. WHY FONGO MOBILE?• Your own Canadian Phone Number – Get a real Canadian number in your city.• Unlimited Calling Across Canada – Unlimited calls to any Canadian number.• Unlimited Texting – Text any Fongo user for free, no limits! • WiFi & Data Calling – Use Fongo anywhere with an internet connection.• Low-Cost International Calling – Affordable rates for calling worldwide.• Visual Voicemail, Call Display & More – Essential calling features included for free!INCLUDED FEATURES• Visual Voicemail• Call Display, Call Waiting, and Call Forwarding• Conference Calling and Call Transfer• Receive faxes directly in the app• Sync with your device’s contacts for easy calling and messaging• Multi-language support: English, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and PortugueseTRAVELLING • Fongo World Edition is the ultimate travel calling and texting app:• Receive international calls for free• Talk with any Canadian while abroad – Free for you, free for them• Text your hotel concierge or home rental hosts• Receive SMS messages from your airline• Call restaurants to make reservationsSECOND PHONE NUMBER• Use Fongo World Edition as your free second phone number for:• Online Shopping & Sign-ups – Avoid spam calls and texts from retailers with a free phone number.• Dating Apps – Keep your personal number private while staying connected.• Online Marketplaces – Use a free Canadian number instead of your real one.• Freelancing & Side Hustles – Keep work and personal calls separate with a WiFi calling app.• Contests & Verification Codes – Use a free texting app for short-term or one-time use.LOW-COST INTERNATIONAL CALLING TO 220+ COUNTRIES• Call the United States, India, United Kingdom, France and more from just $0.02 per minute• Visit Fongo.com/rates for full list of international ratesIMPORTANT• Stable internet is required with download/upload speeds of over 2 Mbps • If you disable notifications, you will not receive incoming calls or texts• For 911 calls, use your device’s built-in phone app (no SIM card required)Need help? Tap 'Support' in the app. Have feedback? Let us know through the app. FOLLOW US• Facebook: fongomobile• Instagram: @fongo_mobile• TikTok: @fongo_mobile• X: @Fongo_MobileTerms of Use: https://www.fongo.com/about/legal/terms/Acceptable Use: https://www.fongo.com/about/legal/acceptable-use/Privacy Policy: https://www.fongo.com/about/legal/privacy/9-1-1 Terms: https://www.fongo.com/about/legal/fongo-911/ Developer Information Developer Name Fongo Inc. Support email Not provided Developer address Not provided" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].02 per minute, making it an economical choice for global communication. For a comprehensive list of international rates, users can visit Fongo.com/rates. Important Considerations To ensure optimal performance, users should maintain a stable internet connection with download/upload speeds exceeding 2 Mbps. Additionally, disabling notifications may prevent the reception of incoming calls or texts. For emergency calls, it is recommended to use the device’s built-in phone app, as Fongo does not support 911 calls without a SIM card. For assistance or feedback, users can easily access support through the app, ensuring a responsive and user-centric experience. Fongo World Edition continues to redefine communication, blending affordability with functionality, making it a noteworthy contender in the realm of communication apps." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].02 per minute. It is particularly useful for travelers, allowing free international calls, communication with Canadians abroad, and easy text messaging for reservations and updates. Fongo can also serve as a second phone number for online shopping, dating apps, and freelancing, helping to protect users' primary numbers from spam. Users must maintain a stable internet connection for optimal performance and should use their device’s built-in phone app for emergency calls.
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