Play Services Archives

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Google’s Play Services update drops a big boost to media swapping, Find Hub sharing

Google has started rolling out its latest Play Services update, which includes new features aimed at improving user experience, particularly in media controls and the Find Hub application. Key features include "one-tap transfer" suggestion chips for quick media swapping between devices and an upcoming "item location sharing" feature in Find Hub that will use encryption for secure sharing. The update also includes security enhancements and developer tools. The Find Hub application has been redesigned and now includes a "People" tab for easier location sharing. Future updates for Find Hub may include precision finding with ultra-wideband technology and satellite connectivity, as well as user-selected measurement units and more supported trackers.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google’s Android Identity Check: Fortifying Apps Against Malware in 2026

Google has introduced a developer verification program that will require all app creators to undergo identity checks by 2026 to combat malware and scams in the Android ecosystem. Developers must register through the Android Developer Console or Play Console, submitting government-issued identification and possibly paying a registration fee. The program will feature both free and paid tiers, with a focus on enhancing security while maintaining Android's open nature. Only applications from verified developers will be allowed on certified Android devices by 2026, starting in high-risk markets. The initiative aims to reduce malicious applications while ensuring that verified developers' identities are not publicly listed. Concerns have been raised about potential overreach and barriers for smaller developers, but supporters view it as a positive step toward improved security.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

What’s new in Android’s November 2025 Google System Updates [U]

Google's monthly release notes detail updates across its ecosystem, including enhancements to Play services, Play Store, and system updates for various platforms. Google Play services v25.44 (2025-11-10): - Users receive clear information before blocking the Gemini app through Parental Controls. - New developer features enhance Maps-related functionalities within applications. - A live video feature for emergency calls is integrated to enhance user safety. - Users can back up and restore SMS retriever preferences on Android devices. - Updates to system management services improve overall stability across devices. - The Cards QR feature is discontinued in Brazil, streamlining wallet functionalities. Google Play Store v48.8 (2025-11-10): - Users can uninstall applications directly from the Play Store listing. - The Subscription center allows users to view all active subscriptions and accumulated Play Points. Android TV Core Services v7.2.3 (2025-11-03): - New account capabilities for Backdrop and an update to SDK version 36 are introduced. Google Play services v25.43 (2025-11-03): - Improvements to Parent-managed contacts and School Time features facilitate easier supervision. - Enhancements to the Storage section of Google Settings improve user experience. - Support for customizing a camera for image scanning is added. - Additional updates to system management services enhance stability. - Android Autofill now supports storing and retrieving CVV numbers. - Pix payment functionality is available for GBoard users.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Android 16 Ensures App Updates Happen Quickly

Android 16 introduces a system-level enhancement called "seamless app updates," which significantly reduces downtime during app installations. The update process is optimized to minimize the traditional freeze that occurs when an app is updated, making it nearly imperceptible to users. This is achieved through the collaboration of the Android Runtime (ART) and the Package Manager, which prepare app components in advance and delay the final switch until just before the update. Early testers report that updates that previously took several seconds now take less than 100 milliseconds. The enhancement is particularly beneficial for complex apps and allows for concurrent updating without noticeable delays. Users can continue their activities uninterrupted while updates occur in the background, and developers do not need to modify their apps to accommodate this change. Google's broader strategy aims to enhance the speed, safety, and invisibility of updates across the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Pixel Camera finally works again on GrapheneOS — and no downgrade is needed

The Pixel Camera app has faced issues on de-Googled operating systems like GrapheneOS, crashing or failing to launch without Google Play Services due to a missing font. Users have reverted to older app versions for functionality. A solution is available for GrapheneOS users on version v2025102300 and earlier, allowing them to install the GmsCompatLib app version 100 from the GrapheneOS store to fix the crashing issue. An upcoming update, version v2025102600, is in Alpha and will include the necessary fixes natively, eliminating the need for the compatibility app. Users can choose to install the app or wait for the system update.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

What’s new in Android’s October 2025 Google System Updates [U]

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” detail updates for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Features may target end users or developers, and their presence in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Key updates include: - Google Play services v25.42 introduces new developer APIs for multi-device experiences and enhanced device connectivity. - Google Wallet has a revamped user interface for feedback and now supports provisioning a Wavelynx corporate badge. - Android WebView v142 includes security and privacy enhancements and new developer features for web content display. - Google Play services v25.41 adds developer features for ads, allows mobile reCAPTCHA verification, and enables users to add cards through issuer apps. - Google Play Store v48.5 allows personalized app content viewing and in-app purchases in Mongolia. - Android System Intelligence V.39 includes maintenance and bug fixes. - Google Play services v25.40 supports Maps-related processes and allows pairing of LE Audio devices. - Google Play services v25.39 introduces Quick Start for supervised accounts and updates to user journeys and profile picture design.

BetaBeacon

October 26, 2025

Android Auto Games Are Back After Brief Disappearance

GameSnacks disappeared from Android Auto apps, causing concern that it was intentionally removed. However, it was just a temporary visibility issue. To get the games back, update Android Auto to version 15.3 or higher, reconnect to the car, and ensure GameSnacks is enabled in Customize Launcher. This is important for in-car entertainment as it provides approved mini-games for idle time. Google is focusing on car-friendly content that is safe and not distracting.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

The Pixel Camera app now requires Play Services for the silliest of reasons (APK teardown)

The latest update of the Pixel Camera app (version 10.x) has introduced a dependency on Google Play Services, causing crashes and preventing the app from launching on de-Googled systems like GrapheneOS. This issue stems from the app's requirement for the Google Sans Flex font, which is only available through Google Play Services. A crash log indicated that the new version references this font resource ID (0x7f090013), a change not present in the previous version (9.9), which worked on de-Googled Android builds. Users can revert to the older version (9.9.106.773153235.19) or use sandboxed Play Services to continue using the latest version without issues.