Samsung devices Archives

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google announces new security features for Android for protection against scam and theft

Google unveiled new security and privacy features for its Android platform, focusing on safeguarding calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions. Key measures include blocking unsafe actions during calls with unknown contacts, restrictions on side-loading apps from unverified sources, and limiting accessibility permissions to prevent scams. Users on Android 6 or later will not be able to disable Google Play Protect, which scans for harmful applications. Enhanced screen-sharing protection includes reminders to stop sharing after calls and a warning screen for banking apps when sharing with unknown numbers. Google Messages will improve scam detection using on-device AI for various fraud types. Verification keys in the Google Contacts app will allow users to authenticate contacts, with end-to-end encryption for verified conversations. Identity Check protection requiring biometric authentication will be extended to more devices, and stricter controls on Factory Reset functions will be implemented. Google is also enhancing its Play Protect program to detect unsafe apps and strengthening Advanced Protection Mode for public figures, along with introducing a new Find My Hub feature.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free

Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including: 1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions. 2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams. 4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security. 5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior. 8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

ChatGPT chief says OpenAI would buy Chrome if Google is forced to sell

Nick Turley, chief of OpenAI's ChatGPT, expressed interest in acquiring Google's Chrome browser during a court hearing for the Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google. He stated that many parties, including OpenAI, would be interested in such an acquisition to address concerns about Google's monopoly. Turley emphasized the potential for an "AI-first experience" if OpenAI integrated Chrome, while also noting challenges in entering the Android market due to Google's Gemini technology. He highlighted that tech giants like Google control key access points for product discovery, which complicates competition for OpenAI. In response, Google maintains that its products are preferred by users and has entered a two-year agreement with Samsung to preinstall its Gemini AI on devices, with other tech companies also making competitive offers. Google's revenue heavily relies on its Search and advertising segments, which generated .39 billion in Q3 2024. The ongoing trial may lead to significant changes in user interactions with Google products.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

One UI 7 brings Live Notifications for your favorite media apps, including YouTube and Spotify

Samsung's One UI version 7 has begun rolling out, introducing features that enhance media playback, including Live Notifications for real-time control over media applications from the notification shade. Users can receive ongoing media playback notifications from apps like Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music, although Netflix does not show notifications during local playback but does support live notifications when casting. To access these features, users must have the latest builds of One UI 7, particularly those with the April 2025 security patch. The update also hints at cross-device synchronization for media playback control without needing to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Currently, YouTube allows playback controls for connected smart devices but typically requires the same Wi-Fi network.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

What you need to know about One UI 7: Software is hard

Samsung initially aimed to deliver the One UI 7 update to eligible Galaxy S phones by Q1 2025, but this timeline will not be met, with a new expected arrival date in April. The recent launch of the Galaxy S25, which includes the update, has added to user frustration. Users have formed distinct groups in response to the situation: some vow to stop purchasing Samsung devices, others rationalize the delays by blaming Google, and some remain indifferent as long as their devices function properly. The situation highlights issues in communication and transparency from Samsung regarding software updates.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

How to delete apps from your Android device

To delete apps on an Android device, follow these steps: 1. From Settings: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select See all apps. - Choose the app to remove and tap Uninstall. - Confirm by selecting OK. 2. From Google Play Store: - Open the Google Play Store app. - Tap your account profile image. - Select Manage apps & device. - Navigate to the Manage tab. - Check the box next to the app to uninstall. - Tap the trash can icon and select Uninstall. 3. From Home Screen or App Drawer: - Tap and hold the app, drag it to the Uninstall section, and tap OK. - Alternatively, tap and hold the app, select App info, then choose Uninstall and hit OK. 4. On Amazon Fire Devices: - Navigate to the Home tab. - Tap and hold the app to uninstall. - Select Uninstall App and confirm with OK. 5. For Pre-installed Applications: - System apps cannot be easily uninstalled without rooting the device. To disable them: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select the app and tap Disable, then confirm. 6. Regarding Purchased Apps: - Deleting purchased apps does not require repurchase. They can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store at no additional cost. 7. Reinstalling Apps: - Apps can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store, and some data may remain on the device for easier setup. 8. Checking Disabled Apps: - Go to Settings > Apps > Show all apps, and select Disabled apps to view them. 9. Caution with Important Apps: - Avoid deleting or disabling apps whose functions are not fully understood, as they may be crucial for device operations.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Final Fantasy 1 through 6 now 33% off, more

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is now available at a significant price reduction, while the Galaxy S25 series smartphones have discounts reaching up to 0 off. The 2025 Galaxy Book 5 360 AMOLED touchscreen Copilot+ PC is also at an all-time low price. Additionally, there are notable price drops on all six classic Final Fantasy titles and Romancing SaGa 3.