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28 Android apps delivering bogus information were installed 7 million times from Google Play Store
AppWizard
May 11, 2026

28 Android apps delivering bogus information were installed 7 million times from Google Play Store

The CallPhantom apps achieved 7.3 million installations on the Google Play Store but provided users with randomly generated data instead of legitimate information. ESET, part of the App Defense Alliance, discovered the deceptive nature of these apps and reported them to Google, leading to their removal. Some of the 28 identified apps had bypassed the official billing system, complicating refund processes. The investigation began with an app called Call History of Any Number, which falsely claimed to provide call histories for any number, despite being associated with a misleading developer name, Indian gov.in. The apps produced fabricated call histories by generating random phone numbers paired with fixed names and call details. They primarily targeted Android users in India and utilized the widely used UPI payment system. User comments in the Play Store warned others about the fraudulent nature of the service. The apps also employed tactics to lure users into paying for non-existent data, including fake email notifications prompting users to subscribe.
Google just dropped a new 'experimental AI assistant' app exclusively for Android
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

Google just dropped a new ‘experimental AI assistant’ app exclusively for Android

Google has introduced an experimental AI assistant application named COSMO to the Play Store, identified by the package name com.google.research.air.cosmo. COSMO aims to enhance daily tasks using artificial intelligence, similar to Google’s Gemini app. The app can operate using a local Gemini Nano model or connect to a remote “PI” server, although some features are not fully operational. The user experience is currently rough, with less polish compared to the full Gemini app, and access is limited across various regions, including on Pixel devices.
Social media giant spins off new app for disappearing photos
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Social media giant spins off new app for disappearing photos

Meta has launched a new standalone application called Instants for sharing disappearing photos with friends. The app opens directly to the camera, allowing users to quickly capture and send images that vanish after being viewed or within 24 hours. Instants is inspired by Snapchat's model and aims to foster connections through fleeting moments. It allows for sharing and viewing images within the app or through Instagram. Despite its launch, Instants has seen only over 100 downloads on the Play Store, indicating a slow uptake in user interest.
Microsoft will shut down its Outlook Lite Android app on May 25
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

Microsoft will shut down its Outlook Lite Android app on May 25

Outlook Lite will cease operations on May 25, following its phased retirement that began last October when it was removed from the Google Play Store. Launched in 2022, Outlook Lite was aimed at users in emerging markets with entry-level smartphones and limited network connectivity, achieving over 10 million downloads by 2024. After May 25, the app may still launch but will not display emails or calendar items. Users are encouraged to transition to alternative email clients, with Microsoft recommending the Outlook Mobile app as the primary replacement, which syncs existing emails and calendar entries. Organizations using Outlook Lite should update their internal documentation and guide employees toward alternative applications before the deadline. Other Android alternatives include Proton Mail, Spark Mail, and Gmail, although none match Outlook Lite's compact 5MB size.
Pixel's 'Now Playing' is becoming a real app, but not for everyone
AppWizard
February 16, 2026

Pixel’s ‘Now Playing’ is becoming a real app, but not for everyone

Google is developing the Now Playing feature into a standalone application that will be available for download from the Google Play Store. This transition has been indicated by recent updates to Android System Intelligence, specifically in version B.21, which includes code suggesting users will be redirected to the Play Store for the new app. The standalone Now Playing app will feature its own settings, song history, and additional functionalities. However, it is expected to be limited to supported Pixel devices initially, as device-level checks are being implemented in the Android Canary builds. The launch date and potential future accessibility remain uncertain.
New Theme Packs app suggests Google's next big Pixel update isn't far off
AppWizard
November 7, 2025

New Theme Packs app suggests Google’s next big Pixel update isn’t far off

Google is introducing one-tap system theming support for its Pixel devices through a new Theme Packs app available on the Play Store. This feature allows users to easily personalize their devices by updating wallpapers, icons, and sounds with a single tap. The first theme, inspired by the musical Wicked: For Good!, includes three styles: For Good, Glinda, and Elphaba, each altering the wallpaper, system colors, and sounds. The Theme Packs are compatible with Pixel 6 and newer models and are expected to be fully functional after the November Feature Drop, which will also introduce new features like "Pixel VIPs" for special alerts. The app allows for selective application of individual elements and emphasizes ease of personalization.
Android Auto isn't losing access to its game collection after all
BetaBeacon
October 16, 2025

Android Auto isn’t losing access to its game collection after all

- Some Android Auto users noticed they were unable to access the GameSnacks app, but Google has fixed the issue and users need to update their Android Auto app. - Android Auto will no longer support Android 8.0/8.1, with the minimum requirement being Android 9.0 or above. - The settings section in Android Auto will have a different layout, showing only three items at once instead of four. - The app icon on the new media player UI will change color depending on the accent of the song playing, but this feature did not work for YouTube Music.
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