Play Store apps Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

I created a Samsung Routine to fix the Google Play Store’s biggest failure

Trust in the Google Play Store's ability to update Android apps has decreased among users due to inconsistent update frequencies. Samsung phone users can utilize the Modes and Routines feature to automate app updates. To set this up, users need to download the Good Lock app and its Routines+ module, then create a routine that records actions in the Play Store to update apps automatically. Users can specify a trigger time for the routine to run daily. While effective, users should monitor the routine's performance and adjust as needed, as it may not always function perfectly.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Beware new Google ‘yellow warning’ that saves you from costly nightmare

Google has introduced a yellow warning banner in the Google Play Store to alert Android users about apps that are frequently uninstalled. This banner indicates that an app may not be meeting user expectations and could be due to poor functionality, excessive advertisements, or inflated costs. Additionally, Google has implemented two other notifications: one indicating lower user engagement with an app and another showing fewer users compared to other apps. These features aim to help users make more informed app choices and avoid potentially harmful applications. Google Play Protect is also available to scan downloaded apps for security, including those from outside the Play Store. Users can enable settings to improve harmful app detection, enhancing overall safety in the app ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

PlayPraetor Malware Targets Android Users via Fake Play Store Apps to Steal Passwords

A malware campaign called PlayPraetor has been identified by cybersecurity firm CTM360, involving counterfeit Google Play Store websites that trick users into downloading malicious Android applications. These apps are advanced banking Trojans that steal sensitive information, including banking credentials and clipboard data. The operation spans over 6,000 fraudulent web pages designed to mimic the official Play Store, prompting users to install APK files that contain the PlayPraetor Trojan. This malware can log keystrokes, capture screen content, and monitor clipboard activity. Distribution occurs mainly through Meta Ads and SMS messages, exploiting psychological triggers to deceive users. The malware communicates with a command and control server to target specific banking and cryptocurrency wallet applications. The attackers aim for financial gain by draining compromised accounts, executing unauthorized transactions, and potentially engaging in ad fraud. The operation is particularly focused on South-East Asia, and users are advised to download apps only from the official Google Play Store and to maintain updated security software.

BetaBeacon

October 8, 2024

Judge orders Google to open Android to other stores in Epic lawsuit ruling

Judge James Donato has ordered Google to open the Android operating system to third-party app stores for a period of three years starting in November.

BetaBeacon

October 6, 2024

In the fight between Epic and Google, there are no ‘good guys’

Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging unfair practices related to Samsung's Auto Blocker feature.

AppWizard

September 29, 2024

Google Play Store apps overview

In June 2023, several Android applications in the Google Play Store generated significant revenue. The top-performing apps included App A, App B, App C, App D, and App E, each earning millions of U.S. dollars. These figures highlight the apps' popularity and their effectiveness in monetization.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

The Necro Trojan Malware Has Infected Over 11 Million Android Devices | Lifehacker

Recent findings reveal the presence of a malware Trojan, known as the Necro Trojan, embedded within two applications on the Google Play Store, compromising over 11 million devices. The Trojan has infiltrated legitimate apps and modified versions of popular apps, such as Spotify Plus and WhatsApp variants like GBWhatsApp and FMWhatsApp. The Wuta Camera app, downloaded over 10 million times, and the Max Browser app, with over one million downloads, were identified as containing the Trojan. The Necro malware can execute harmful functions, including running adware and initiating fraudulent subscriptions. Users are advised to scan their devices for affected apps and remove them to protect against the malware.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

If you have any of these infected apps on your Android phone, they must be uninstalled now

The Necro Trojan malware has targeted Android users by infiltrating applications on the Play Store, including WhatsApp and Spotify. It uses steganography to hide malicious payloads, displaying ads in invisible windows, draining battery life, slowing device performance, and causing overheating. It can also enroll users in unwanted paid subscriptions and download arbitrary JavaScript and DEX files. Kaspersky's research found that modified versions of Spotify (Spotify Plus) and apps like Wuta Camera and Max Browser contained the Necro malware. Wuta Camera had over 10 million downloads before being removed, while Max Browser had over one million downloads. Users are advised to uninstall these apps and any modified versions of WhatsApp or game mods for Minecraft, Stumble Guys, Car Parking Multiplayer, and Melon Sandbox. Kaspersky has blocked over 10,000 Necro attacks in a month, primarily in Russia, Brazil, and Vietnam. Users are encouraged to check their devices for the mentioned apps and to only install applications from official sources.

AppWizard

July 31, 2024

Android apps from alternative app stores can soon be updated through Play Store

Google will allow updates for sideloaded apps or those downloaded from alternative app stores directly through the Play Store. This change is part of a new feature found in the beta version 42.0.18 of the Play Store, which includes an "Update from Play" button for sideloaded applications. Users will be notified that the app comes from an alternative environment and can choose to update it through the Play Store or its original source. It is unclear if this will make the Play Store the default source for future updates, and the update is not yet available to all users but will be rolled out soon.

AppWizard

July 31, 2024

New Mandrake Spyware Found in Google Play Store Apps After Two Years

A new variant of Android spyware called Mandrake has been found embedded in five applications on the Google Play Store, which were downloaded over 32,000 times before being removed. The affected apps are AirFS, Amber, Astro Explorer, Brain Matrix, and CryptoPulsing. Mandrake employs advanced obfuscation and evasion techniques, including relocating malicious functionalities, certificate pinning, and sandbox evasion. It collects device information and can execute commands to steal user credentials and deploy further malware. Mandrake has been present since 2016 and was first documented by Bitdefender in May 2020. Google is enhancing its Play Protect defenses to combat such threats.