phone calls Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Pixel users aren’t receiving calls, but the issue might be Google’s phone app

Pixel users are experiencing a "missing incoming call" bug that prevents notifications for incoming calls across various Pixel devices. This issue is linked to the Google Phone app and has persisted for several months, affecting users even after updates, including those on the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5. Reports indicate that some users have resolved the issue by disabling the Call Screen feature. Android Central has noted the problem and reached out to Google for clarification.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Leaked Google Pixel ‘Audio Memory’ poised to remember what you’ve heard

Google is developing a feature called "Audio Memory" for its Pixel phones, which aims to enhance user experience by capturing music and significant conversations, potentially transcribing them for future reference. This feature will allow users to recall music they've encountered and may transcribe important discussions to create notes. The discovery of Audio Memory was made during an exploration of the latest Android System Intelligence for Pixel devices, enhancing the existing "Music Recognition" capability. Google envisions Audio Memory as a tool to track what users hear throughout the day, although details on its application remain uncertain. Additionally, Google has introduced memory features in its Gemini app that leverage users' personal context to recall previous discussions. Concerns about privacy are anticipated, and Google is expected to implement controls for managing what devices remember.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Woman Says Crush on Brother’s Best Friend Became Real After Late-Night Minecraft Sessions

A 21-year-old woman shared her story on Reddit about developing a relationship with her brother's best friend after bonding over Minecraft. Initially, she thought her feelings were unreciprocated, but their gaming sessions led to increased communication and a coffee date, where they both expressed mutual feelings. They have been dating for three months, and her brother supports their relationship. The post received over 22,000 upvotes and sparked more than 900 comments from the Reddit community, celebrating their connection.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

NFCShare Android malware spreads via fake banking app updates on GitHub

New variants of the NFCShare Android malware are disguised as fake updates for legitimate banking applications and are targeting customers of various banks in Europe through a phishing campaign to steal sensitive payment card data. The malware prompts victims to place their cards near the NFC chip of their mobile devices, using Android’s IsoDep interface to read card information, including card number, type, expiry date, and a 4-digit PIN. The stolen data is exfiltrated to the attacker’s command-and-control host via a WebSocket channel. Recent attacks began on May 14, with victims directed to a phishing site that impersonates a legitimate bank and then to a GitHub repository hosting a malicious APK file. The repository has hosted 56 unique APKs impersonating banking applications primarily from Italy and Spain. The malware has evolved from initially targeting Deutsche Bank in Germany to a broader range of banks. The latest version features malformed APK packaging to complicate automated analysis. Users are advised to download banking applications only from Google Play and to be cautious of verification requests that ask for NFC card scans.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2026

WHAT THE TECH? Smartphone anti-virus

Antivirus software is not a necessity for most smartphone users, as the nature of threats has evolved. iPhones isolate apps from the core system, making traditional antivirus scans ineffective; threats mainly come from scams like phishing links and deceptive messages. Android devices allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The primary dangers for users include phishing texts, fake login pages, scam calls, and social engineering tactics. To enhance security, users should keep their operating systems updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial in specific situations, such as frequent link clicking or downloading from unfamiliar sites, with reputable options available for added protection against scams and unsafe websites.

Tech Optimizer

May 26, 2026

What the Tech? What to ask yourself before downloading an anti-virus app

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats are scams rather than traditional viruses. iPhones use app isolation, making conventional antivirus scans ineffective; threats include phishing texts and fraudulent websites. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main dangers are deceptive tactics like phishing, scam calls, and social engineering. To enhance security, users should keep their operating systems updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial for users who frequently click unverified links, download files from unfamiliar sites, or engage in Android sideloading. Reputable security apps focus on scam detection and account safety rather than traditional virus scanning.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2026

What The Tech: Is an anti-virus software needed for smartphones?

Most smartphone users do not require antivirus applications, as the primary threats are scams rather than traditional viruses. iPhones have a secure operating system that limits antivirus functionality, focusing on scams like deceptive texts and phishing links. Android devices allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. Best practices for smartphone safety include downloading apps from official stores, using trusted developers, avoiding dubious links, keeping the operating system updated, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and refraining from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial for users who frequently click on links, download files from unfamiliar websites, install many applications, engage in Android sideloading, or seek additional protection against scams. Reputable security apps prioritize scam detection and unsafe website identification over traditional virus scanning.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

What the Tech: Phone antivirus apps |Helpful protection or a scam?

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats have shifted from traditional viruses to scams and deceptive practices. iPhones utilize app isolation, making them less susceptible to conventional viruses but vulnerable to scams like phishing and fraudulent messages. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main threats include phishing texts, fake login pages, scam calls, reused passwords, and social engineering tactics. To enhance security, users should keep their phones updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be helpful in specific situations, such as frequent link tapping or downloading files from unfamiliar websites, with reputable companies offering mobile security solutions focused on scam detection and account safety.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

4 Surprising Android Auto Apps You Can Actually Use In The Car

Android Auto is evolving to transform vehicles into multifunctional spaces, allowing drivers to stay informed, entertained, and conduct business. It supports a variety of applications from both Google and third-party developers. Zoom Workplace is a video conferencing tool with over one billion downloads, enabling users to manage calls and join meetings through audio-only features while driving. Google News is a news aggregator that provides personalized updates and allows voice navigation through Google Assistant, focusing on concise briefings rather than full articles. GameSnacks offers casual games for users to play on their vehicle's infotainment display while parked, featuring games like chess and solitaire. Discord is a chat platform with over 500 million downloads that allows users to view messages and communicate hands-free while driving, although it lacks access to some advanced features. The selection of these apps highlights the diverse options available on Android Auto that enhance the driving experience beyond navigation and music.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

What the Tech? Antivirus protection for your smartphone

Most users do not require an antivirus app on their smartphones, as the predominant threats are scams such as phishing texts and fraudulent websites rather than traditional viruses. iPhones operate on a design that isolates apps, limiting the effectiveness of antivirus software, while Android devices allow sideloading, which can increase the risk of malware. The real danger lies in deception tactics used by cybercriminals, making personal account security more important than antivirus software. To enhance security, users should keep their operating systems updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial for users who frequently click on unverified links, download files from unfamiliar sites, or engage in Android sideloading. Reputable security apps focus on scam detection and web protection rather than traditional virus scanning.