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AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Android Central’s Best of 2025 Awards: The best phones, smartwatches, tablets, apps, and more

The OnePlus 15 was named Best Android Phone, featuring a fast chip, three-day battery life, and a 165Hz display. The Google Pixel 10 Pro won Best Camera with its Gemini-powered photo system. The Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro was recognized as the best budget option. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was awarded Best Foldable Device, while the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 was named Best Flip Phone. Samsung was recognized as the most improved brand. The Google Pixel Watch 4 won Best Smartwatch, and the Oura Ring 4 was the top smart ring. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 was the best smart glasses, with the Oakley Meta Vanguard for athletes and the Xreal One Pro as Best XR Glasses. Marvel's Deadpool VR won Best Single-Player VR, and Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked was Best Multiplayer VR Game. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 was the Best Chromebook, and the OnePlus Pad 3 was the best tablet. The Amazon Kindle Scribe was awarded Best E-Reader. Spotify was named Best Music Streaming Service, and Netflix was Best Video Streaming Service. The Gemini app won Best Android App, and Pokémon TCG Pocket was Best Android Game. Spigen was recognized as Best Phone Case Manufacturer, Anker was the top charging brand, Sony WH-1000XM6 won Best Wireless Headphones, and Apple AirPods Pro 3 were the best earbuds.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Unlock Better Android App Results With These Google Play Search Hacks

The Google Play Store is the main source for Android applications, but its built-in filters can be inadequate, making it difficult to find valuable apps. To improve search results, users can employ several strategies: 1. Search Using Multiple Modifiers: Incorporate additional keywords to refine searches, as the Play Store treats spaces as the AND operator. 2. Use Quotation Marks: Enclose queries in quotes for exact phrase searches, which helps filter out irrelevant results. 3. Use Keywords in Different Order: Experimenting with the arrangement of keywords can yield different search results. 4. Take Advantage of Suggestions: Utilize the suggestions provided by Google while typing to inspire more specific queries. 5. Use Any Filters Available: Leverage filters like Rating, Editor’s Choice, and Price to enhance the search experience. 6. Search Play Store With App Finder: This tool offers a clean interface and various filters for improved app discovery. Users can sort by relevance, user rating, and more, and it provides detailed information about each app. 7. Consider Alternatives: Web-based platforms like AppBrain or KPlaySearch offer enhanced filtering options for app searches without needing to download another app.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

OpenAI plants testing ads in ChatGPT Android app

OpenAI's latest beta version of the ChatGPT Android application includes references to an advertising system, indicating plans to introduce ads on its mobile platform. The beta APK reveals terms like “ads feature,” “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel,” suggesting the development of a feature for displaying ads related to search, shopping, and recommendations. This may lead to marketplace-style product displays where sponsored cards appear alongside organic responses during product searches. The introduction of ads is seen as a strategy to subsidize operational costs for free users while maintaining an ad-free experience for premium users. The development aligns with trends from companies like Google and Microsoft, indicating a shift towards integrating ads in AI assistants. The timeline for public rollout is uncertain, but code evidence suggests progress towards implementation.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Spotify’s having major issues on Samsung and Google phones—this is why

Users are reporting significant crashes and freezing issues with the Spotify app on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, particularly when streaming over Wi-Fi. Switching to mobile data alleviates the problem. Spotify is investigating a permanent solution, as reinstalling the app has not resolved the issues. Complaints were highlighted in a community forum thread, with users specifically mentioning problems on devices like the Pixel 9. Similar issues occurred last year with Pixel 6, 7, and 8 devices after a feature rollout. Users have attempted workarounds such as disabling notifications or clearing the app's cache. Earlier this year, Premium users experienced ads despite their subscription, which Spotify confirmed and fixed the same day.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Spotify’s AI DJ takes requests in a new way on Android with prompts to get you started

Spotify has announced an update to its AI DJ feature for Premium users starting October 15, allowing users to submit text requests for song preferences in addition to voice commands. The AI DJ will also provide personalized prompt suggestions and accommodate Spanish-speaking users with both voice and written requests. This update follows user feedback and aims to enhance the user experience. Additionally, Spotify's Lossless Listening update, which began rolling out in September, offers improved audio quality for Premium users across various playlists, including those generated by the AI DJ.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

5 ways your Google Home experience is changing (for the better)

Google is rolling out enhancements to the Google Home app, featuring a redesigned interface organized into three tabs: Home, Activity, and Automations. The Activity tab provides insights into device actions, while Home Premium subscribers receive Home Brief summaries. The Automations tab includes a new editor for creating customized routines, and the app has improved performance, loading over 70% faster on select Android devices and reducing crashes by nearly 80%. Gemini is central to the updates, allowing for more intuitive interactions with smart home devices through natural language commands. Users can express requests without needing precise phrasing, and Gemini introduces ten new voices for a more engaging experience. The integration of Gemini with Nest cameras enhances navigation through footage, with features like responsive jog controls and faster video loading speeds—up to 30% faster and a 40% reduction in playback errors. The Ask Home feature assists users with requests, available to both free and Home Premium subscribers, and Nest functionalities have been integrated into the Home app for managing devices like Nest Thermostats and receiving alerts from Nest Protect.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Android users will now be able to test an unreleased YouTube AI feature

YouTube has launched "YouTube Labs," an initiative to engage testers in developing AI features for its platform, starting with the YouTube Music app. The first experiment involves new "AI music hosts" that provide commentary, trivia, and interesting facts during music playback. Participation is currently limited to select testers in the U.S., with sign-ups beginning on September 26. YouTube aims to deepen user engagement with music through this initiative. The AI hosts are designed to create an entertaining experience, similar to Spotify's AI DJ. YouTube has previously explored various AI capabilities, including features for Premium subscribers and the "Ask about video" feature, which allows users to ask questions and receive tailored responses. Additionally, a test earlier this summer provided Premium users with AI-generated video summaries, categorized as "Highlights," to help them find relevant content quickly.

Tech Optimizer

September 12, 2025

Best Cheap Antivirus Software in 2025

TotalAV is identified as the best cheap antivirus in 2025, starting at .00/year, offering exceptional malware blocking capabilities, real-time protection, and a free plan. Surfshark Antivirus combines antivirus and VPN services, starting at .49/month, with a free 7-day trial. Bitdefender offers comprehensive protection starting at .99/year, with a free version available. Norton provides a feature-rich antivirus starting at .99/year, with a free 14-day trial. McAfee is a reliable antivirus starting at .99/year, with a free plan for Android and iOS users. All five antivirus solutions have consistently blocked 100% of zero-day threats in independent tests.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

Spotify Launches In-App Direct Messaging for Music Sharing

Spotify is launching a direct messaging feature that allows users to share music, podcast, and audiobook recommendations within the app. This feature will be available this week in select markets for users aged 16 and older, including both Free and Premium subscribers. Users can share content by tapping the share icon in the Now Playing view and selecting a friend. Conversations are exclusive to one-on-one exchanges between users who have previously interacted through features like Jams, Blends, or Collaborative Playlists, and those on Family or Duo plans can also connect. All shared content is stored in a Messages inbox accessible through the user’s profile picture. The conversations are encrypted and subject to content moderation policies. This feature is intended to complement, not replace, sharing on social media platforms.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Introducing Messages, A New Way To Share What You Love on Spotify with Friends and Family

Spotify is rolling out a new feature called Messages for users aged 16 and older in select markets, available on mobile devices. This feature allows users to share Spotify content such as music, podcasts, and audiobooks through one-on-one conversations, enhancing social interactions within the app. Users can initiate messages by selecting friends they've previously interacted with and can react with emojis, send texts, and share content back and forth. The app will suggest friends based on prior interactions and shared content. Users can also report inappropriate content and block others if needed. Messages are encrypted for security, and Spotify will continue to enhance the feature in the future.