photo picker Archives

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

I’ve only spent a few hours with Android 16’s overhauled design, and I already love it

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta was available for download immediately after the Google I/O 2025 Keynote. The beta features a visually appealing font change and a revamped Wallpaper & Style settings interface. Users encountered bugs, including missing Home Screen layout options and issues with selecting wallpapers from Google Photos. Desktop Mode is not yet available, as connecting to an external monitor only allows screen mirroring. The app switcher now displays app labels with a context menu for split-screen mode and other functionalities. Gemini introduced new sharing options, and Quick Tiles in the Notification Shade can now be resized. The overall design emphasizes personalization, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive theme.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

A flaw in Samsung’s Secure Folder lets anyone see what apps and photos you have

A flaw in Samsung's Secure Folder feature allows unauthorized access to photos and videos stored within it, particularly through "work" apps. A Reddit user demonstrated that by creating a work profile using an app like Shelter, individuals can bypass security measures. While this flaw does not affect all files, it specifically risks media content. Additionally, users can see which apps are installed in the Secure Folder even when it is encrypted, due to the way Samsung's Secure Folder is structured as a managed work profile. This oversight allows the Android photo picker and Permission Controller to access its contents inappropriately. To resolve these issues, Samsung may need to change the underlying user type of the Secure Folder, which could be complex and may require a reset.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Android 16 introduces new tools to control AI text generation in apps

Google is releasing Android 16, which includes the WritingTools API that allows app developers to control the use of AI writing tools. The API introduces two methods: isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(), enabling applications to manage AI interactions with specific text fields. By default, AI writing tools are enabled, but developers can disable them in sensitive areas such as password fields and email addresses. This aims to standardize practices across Android keyboards, as not all third-party keyboards currently follow similar protocols. The API is part of a broader set of innovations in Android 16 Developer Preview 2, which also includes enhanced haptic controls, searchable cloud media items, and an adaptive refresh rate API.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is here with battery life and performance upgrades

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, one month after the first, indicating a faster rollout with a stable version expected in Q2 2025. The update enhances app performance, battery life, and provides new tools for developers to diagnose issues like slow startups and app freezes. It includes a built-in photo picker for cloud images, Wi-Fi 6 integration for location-based functionalities, tools for monitoring activity intensity and managing health records, and custom animations for navigation. The first beta is anticipated in January 2025, and Google plans two major Android updates in 2025, with the first introducing significant changes and the second focusing on smaller improvements. Incremental updates will continue to be released quarterly.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google releases Android 16 Developer Preview 1

Google has launched the first Developer Preview of Android 16 for developers to begin early-stage development and testing. This release may have performance issues and applications may not function flawlessly. Android 16 includes system changes that could lead to minor glitches or significant limitations until applications are updated for compatibility. Google plans to implement more frequent API releases, with a major launch expected in Q2 2025, and a minor update projected for Q4 2025. Developers will need to conduct annual compatibility testing earlier due to this new timeline. The SDKINTFULL constant has been introduced for version checks, and developers are encouraged to provide feedback on the APIs. Notable features in the preview include an embedded photo picker and Health Connect APIs for managing medical records. The Developer Preview can be installed on various Google Pixel devices, but stability and performance issues may arise, making it unsuitable for daily use. Known issues include app launch failures and camera problems during video recording. The preview lacks Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) approval, which may affect the performance of some applications, including Google’s native apps.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

The first Android 16 developer preview is out (much) earlier than expected

Google has released its first developer preview of Android 16, shortly after the rollout of Android 15. The company plans to introduce two significant Android APIs in 2025: a major SDK release in the second quarter and a minor SDK release in the fourth quarter. Key features for Android 16 include an API for managing SDK versions, an embedded photo picker for selective media access, a Health Connect Developer Preview for managing health records in FHIR format, and the latest iteration of the Privacy Sandbox. Developers can experiment with Android 16 on recent Google Pixel devices or through the Android emulator and are encouraged to use a preview version of Android Studio for app development.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Android app permissions explained and how to use them

Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, users have control over app permissions, allowing them to manage what information and features apps can access. Android app permissions determine an application's access to device functionalities, such as reading SMS messages, using the camera, or accessing location data. Users must approve permission requests through on-screen prompts when launching an app for the first time. Permissions can be modified later through the Apps menu, where users can see which permissions have been granted or denied. Permissions include access to body sensors, calendar events, call logs, camera, contacts, files and media, location, microphone, nearby devices, notifications, phone information, physical activity logs, and SMS. Users can also check permissions by type in the Privacy tab of the Settings menu, allowing them to see how many apps have requested each permission. It is advisable to deny unnecessary permissions, especially for apps that request access that does not align with their functionality. Android 12 introduced features for enhanced transparency, allowing users to disable camera and microphone permissions for all apps and receive notifications when these features are accessed. The Privacy Dashboard provides insights into app permissions used over the past 24 hours. Android 13 added a photo picker feature for sharing specific media without granting full file system access.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google restricting apps that request unlimited access to media library

Google is tightening access to the full media library on Android devices for app developers, urging them to use the more privacy-conscious Android Photo Picker. The Photo Picker API allows apps to access specific photos or videos without needing permission for the entire media gallery. Starting in early 2025, only apps with core functionalities related to media will be granted permissions to access the entire media library. Google has begun enforcing this policy, with a crackdown on non-compliant apps starting September 18, 2024. Developers must justify their need for full access by October 31, 2024, through a declaration form. Private and enterprise management applications are exempt from this policy.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google is pushing more Android apps to use the new photo picker

Google has introduced a new photo picker feature in Android 13 that allows apps to access only selected photos and videos, enhancing user privacy. Adoption of this feature has been slower than expected, prompting Google to enforce stricter regulations on apps using READMEDIAIMAGES and READMEDIAVIDEO permissions without justification. Developers must submit a declaration form to justify their need for broader access, with full implementation of this policy expected by January next year. Applications that do not require extensive access will be scrutinized, while those demonstrating legitimate needs may retain permissions. Non-compliant apps will face restrictions, including the inability to publish updates on the Google Play Store.