phone Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Pixel phones just got the biggest multitasking upgrade in years — here’s how to use it

The app bubbles feature in Android 17 is now available to all users, enhancing multitasking on devices like the Google Pixel 10a. Users can create app bubbles by long-pressing an app in the app drawer and selecting the Bubble option, allowing for up to five app bubbles at a time. This feature helps users manage multiple tasks more efficiently, as it allows for quick access to frequently used apps such as Slack, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram. The setup can be customized based on personal usage habits, making it easy to integrate into daily routines.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google releases Android 17 update with foldable improvements, app bubbles, and more

Google has released the stable version of Android 17 for all supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include: - App Bubbles for multitasking, allowing users to launch apps in floating windows. - Enhanced Picture-in-Picture mode for full interactivity in desktop environments. - Encouragement for developers to optimize apps for various screen orientations and sizes. - Implementation of app memory limits to improve performance and battery life. - A 50:50 split-screen mode for gaming on foldable phones and native controller remapping. - The Continue On feature for seamless task transitions between devices. - Improved privacy features, including temporary access to location data and a Mark As Lost feature. - Support for Eclipsa Video HDR format and enhanced audio quality through the Extended HE-AAC encoder. - Introduction of the RAW14 image format for better camera capabilities. - Enhanced support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, particularly for hearing aids.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android 17 launched for Pixel smartphones: Key features and what is new in Google’s latest software

Google has rolled out Android 17, with Pixel smartphones being the first to receive the update, while other eligible devices will gain access throughout 2026. The update emphasizes productivity, entertainment, and enhanced security. Key features include: - A revamped “Bubbles” feature for multitasking, allowing apps to be transformed into floating windows. - A dedicated “bubble bar” for larger devices to switch between apps easily. - An upgraded screen recording functionality with a “Screen Reactions” feature that captures video from the front-facing camera. - A “foldable gaming mode” optimizing performance for foldable phones, featuring a 50/50 split view for games and a dynamic gamepad. - Native controller remapping for external controllers and improved system memory cleanup to reduce frame drops during gaming. - A new “Mark as lost” feature in Find Hub for locking missing phones with biometric authentication. - Targeted privacy options for temporary app access to location and contacts. - Enhanced security features including limited PIN guesses and upgraded Live Threat Detection. - A built-in home screen setting to hide app names, dedicated volume controls for virtual assistants, expanded dark theme customization, and extended Parental Controls. - Strict app memory limits to enhance speed and battery life.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google officially launches Android 17

Google has rolled out Android 17 for Pixel phones, with plans for broader availability on other Android devices. Key features include Bubbles for multitasking, Screen Reactions for recording tutorials, and a Foldable Gaming Mode. Security enhancements include improved location-sharing, Live Threat Detection, and parental controls. The June Pixel Drop introduces AI-driven features like Gemini Omni for video editing and Lyria 3 for music generation. Minor upgrades include speech-to-voice translation and the "Take a Message" feature for voicemail transcriptions. Wear OS 7 enhances smartwatches with live updates, device control, and emergency sharing capabilities.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New Rokarolla Android malware targets 217 banking, crypto apps

A new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla targets 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications and features 137 commands for malicious activities. It is distributed via deceptive websites posing as legitimate application sources and impersonates Google Play Protect to lure users into installing infected apps. Once installed, it seeks Accessibility service permissions and access to notifications, SMS, and calls. Rokarolla communicates with a command-and-control server, sending device profiles to generate unique identifiers for victims. Its primary goal is to steal financial information by using deceptive login overlays to capture sensitive data and maintain control over the device. The malware employs evasion tactics such as disabling Google Play Protect, hiding its icon, silencing notifications, and keeping the screen awake. It can steal SMS messages, extract contacts, capture keystrokes, record screen content, manipulate clipboard contents, block calls, and take screenshots. Zimperium confirms that Rokarolla is not found on Google Play, and users are advised to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted sources and to be cautious with Accessibility permissions.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Android 17 is finally here — here’s what’s new and who’s getting it

Android 17 is now available for Pixel 6 and newer devices after extensive beta testing. Key features include App Bubbles for multitasking, Screen Reactions for recording screen and selfie camera simultaneously, and enhanced security with improved threat detection and a more powerful Mark as Lost mode. The rollout will continue through 2026, and users can manually check for updates in their device settings. The update allows temporary location access for apps and includes customizable PIN retry protections. Additionally, Wear OS 7 is being rolled out alongside Android 17.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Commodore Callback 8020 retro-styled flip phone launches with support for Android apps

The Commodore Callback 8020 flip phone features essential tools like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Spotify, and a camera app, but lacks a web browser and social media applications. It has a 1,550 mAh removable battery, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a 3.25-inch display with touch input disabled by default, a MediaTek Helio G81 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of expandable internal storage. The main camera is 48 megapixels, and it includes an LTE modem. Pre-orders start on June 30, with prices set at for classic models, 9 for the blue or Starlight Edition, and 9 for the gold Founders Edition. Prices may incur additional fees, and delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

50+ Samsung Galaxy Store apps spread phone malware

Samsung's Galaxy Store had over 50 applications that unknowingly distributed a hidden Android trojan named MagicAd, which has since been removed. Users who downloaded these apps may still have the malware on their devices, as it establishes persistent background services that remain after the app is uninstalled and hides its icon. Signs of infection include unsolicited ads, battery drain, and unexplained data usage. The malware evades detection by assessing its environment and concealing its core code in encrypted files. Developers rotated the infected apps to maintain persistence and generated revenue through fraudulent ad impressions. Users are advised to run security scans and consider a factory reset if symptoms persist, ensuring to back up important files without including app settings. No app store can guarantee the exclusion of all threats, so users should check ratings and download counts before installing applications.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

3 unofficial Android Auto apps I installed to make my car screen more useful

Android Auto offers a limited selection of applications due to restrictions imposed by Google, but users can enhance its functionality by sideloading unofficial apps from outside the Play Store. Sideloading allows for the installation of additional applications that can significantly improve the driving experience, especially for owners of older vehicles. To sideload apps on Android Auto, users must unlock developer mode on their phone and Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) to access unofficial apps. Three notable sideloaded apps include: 1. CarStream: Allows users to access YouTube on Android Auto, enabling video searches and subscriptions while the vehicle is in motion. 2. AA Browser: Provides a web browsing experience on Android Auto, ideal for accessing websites that may not support the platform natively. 3. Fermata Auto: An all-in-one media toolkit that plays locally stored videos and music, screen mirrors, and allows live TV viewing through IPTV links.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

5 phone plans you should sign up for instead of Cash App Mobile

Last year, AT&T expanded its partnerships with app-based services, launching Cash App Mobile, which offers unlimited talk, text, and 5G priority data, along with 10GB of hotspot access and international usage in Canada and Mexico. However, the monthly fee has raised concerns due to AT&T's inconsistent coverage in some areas. Cricket Wireless, a premium prepaid carrier owned by AT&T, offers limited support and discounted phones, with pricing that includes taxes and fees and multi-line discounts. US Mobile supports all three major networks, providing plans with unlimited data and international calling, with competitive pricing and double the hotspot data compared to Cash App Mobile. Visible offers plans backed by Verizon's network, with high-priority data and unlimited hotspot capabilities. Metro by T-Mobile provides competitive pricing for unlimited data and hotspot access, especially for customers with unlocked devices. Google Fi offers a plan with a promotional rate, including 50GB of hotspot tethering and international data in over 200 countries, operating on the T-Mobile network. Each carrier presents unique advantages that may better serve potential customers compared to Cash App Mobile.