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SharePlay Makes Google Live Sharing Seem Beta
AppWizard
October 19, 2025

SharePlay Makes Google Live Sharing Seem Beta

Apple's SharePlay is a system-level feature integrated into its operating system, allowing synchronized playback and control across various media platforms like Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Apple Music. It offers low latency, reliable controls, and seamless transitions, enabling participants to engage effortlessly during FaceTime calls. In contrast, Google's Live Sharing in Meet is cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and often leading to uncertainty about audio consistency and user experience. SharePlay supports a wide range of applications and fosters natural group dynamics, while Google’s offerings are limited and fragmented across different platforms. Apple’s approach emphasizes a polished, cohesive experience, while Google needs to enhance integration and simplify access to improve its Live Sharing feature.
Google Messages adds Key Verifier and spam link detection
AppWizard
October 15, 2025

Google Messages adds Key Verifier and spam link detection

Google has introduced two safety features for its Messages app: the Android Key Verifier and a spam protection feature. The Android Key Verifier is available for users on Android 10 and above, using QR codes to verify end-to-end encrypted message exchanges. Users can verify keys by tapping on the contact's name and selecting “Verify keys.” A confirmation message appears upon successful verification, and users are alerted if a contact's key changes due to reasons like acquiring a new device or SIM card, key expiration, or encryption protocol upgrades. Potential malicious reasons for key changes include man-in-the-middle attacks and SIM swapping. Users are advised to keep the Android System Key Verifier app updated. The spam protection feature prevents access to harmful links in texts unless marked as “not spam,” and it is now available worldwide.
Messaging app on your Galaxy phone gets more expressive design
AppWizard
August 31, 2025

Messaging app on your Galaxy phone gets more expressive design

Google is updating its Google Messages app with a new design called Material 3 Expressive, which began rolling out to users, especially those with Galaxy devices. The redesign features a container-centric layout, with chat threads housed in rounded containers for better organization. The interface includes a revamped emoji picker and a repositioned search bar for emojis below the tab bar. The Plus menu for adding attachments has also been redesigned with monochrome icons in pill-shaped containers. Additionally, enhancements are being made to other Google applications like Google Clock, Contacts, Phone, Gmail, and Translate for Android.
5 apps you should use instead of Messenger
AppWizard
August 22, 2025

5 apps you should use instead of Messenger

Messenger is popular in the U.S. but criticized for lacking default end-to-end encryption in group chats, allowing Meta access to messages. WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app globally, offering default end-to-end encryption and a user-friendly interface. Signal prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption for all communications and minimal data collection, funded by user donations. Viber provides end-to-end encryption but faces concerns about data privacy due to ownership and increased advertisements. Google Messages uses RCS technology for enhanced communication but relies on carrier support for full functionality. Telegram offers community features and allows Secret Chats for privacy, but lacks default end-to-end encryption. Users face challenges when switching messaging platforms, often due to the need for mutual contacts.
Google Messages will finally tell you when your custom ROM is the problem (APK teardown)
AppWizard
August 1, 2025

Google Messages will finally tell you when your custom ROM is the problem (APK teardown)

Google has implemented a measure to enhance the security of its messaging platform by preventing devices that fail Play Integrity checks from sending Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages. This decision has led to users experiencing vanished messages without explanation, particularly affecting those with rooted phones or custom ROMs. Recent developments indicate that Google Messages will now inform users when their devices do not meet security requirements, with a new text string stating, "Your device does not meet security requirements," expected to appear in the RCS settings. Additionally, a "Details" button is anticipated to provide further clarification on RCS limitations. This change aims to improve user communication and reduce confusion regarding message disappearances.
One UI 8: Android 16 to Hit Samsung Galaxy Sooner Than Expected
AppWizard
July 31, 2025

One UI 8: Android 16 to Hit Samsung Galaxy Sooner Than Expected

Google has expedited the release of Android 16, with Samsung launching its beta program for One UI 8 in May for the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung has rolled out the fourth beta of One UI 8, distributing it to testers in regions including the U.S., South Korea, Germany, and India. The Beta 4 update is approximately 1.3 GB and includes bug fixes for Galaxy AI, Bixby, and certain applications. It also enhances Samsung's IMS Service and supports full-screen switching during video playback in DeX mode. The stable One UI 8 release for the Galaxy S25 series may occur soon. It is uncertain if older Galaxy devices will receive the stable Android 16 update immediately after the Galaxy S25 series. One UI 8 introduces features such as enhanced camera controls, dynamic wallpapers, and improved multitasking. A sub-major update, Android 16.1, is anticipated by the end of the year.
Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today
AppWizard
June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.
Google Meet will finally sunset legacy Duo features in September
AppWizard
May 30, 2025

Google Meet will finally sunset legacy Duo features in September

Google Meet will fully replace legacy Duo calling features by September 2025. Users should update the Meet app and save their Duo call history and messages before this date. Some legacy features will be removed, but Google Meet will offer upgraded functionalities such as live captions, in-call chat, stackable effects, cloud encryption, and screen sharing. Users must keep their Meet app updated to ensure a smooth transition; if not all participants are updated, calls will revert to the legacy experience. Users are also encouraged to export their call history and video messages from the Duo app.
Google Messages now finally shields you from surprise nudes
AppWizard
April 22, 2025

Google Messages now finally shields you from surprise nudes

Google Messages is introducing smart alerts that automatically blur explicit images before they are viewed by the recipient. This feature is opt-in for adults, while it is enabled by default for teens. Users will receive warnings about potentially explicit images and can choose to view the image, block the sender, or check the reason for the flag. If users send a sensitive image, the app will prompt them with a caution. All processing occurs on the user's device to protect privacy, and the feature currently applies only to still images, not videos.
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