Samsung Galaxy Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

4 Android Phones That Will Get Software Updates Until 2030 And Beyond

Long-term support for smartphones is important for consumers, especially regarding data security. Security updates are typically provided, but software updates often lag, leaving devices without the latest features. Samsung committed to four years of OS updates and five years of security updates in 2022, evolving to seven years for newer devices in 2024. The Galaxy S24, launched in early 2024, will receive support through 2030. The Galaxy S23 has already concluded its software updates. Google’s Pixel 8, launched in 2023, is also expected to be supported until 2030 with seven years of updates. Nothing's Phone 3, launching in 2025, promises five years of software support and seven years of security updates, while Motorola's Signature model, debuting in 2026, is projected to be supported until 2033. OnePlus guarantees four years of software updates and five years of security updates, but none of its phones will reach the 2030 mark for new OS upgrades. Other brands like Oppo and Xiaomi lack transparency in their support policies, with Xiaomi only committing to two years of security updates.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

The biggest flaw with the Galaxy Watch 9 has nothing to do with the watch itself

Purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Watch does not grant access to all its features unless paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, despite owning a new Android device. The Samsung Health Monitor app, which includes critical health monitoring features like blood pressure, ECG, irregular heart rhythm, and sleep apnea monitoring, is only officially supported on Samsung smartphones. This app has been available since 2020 and is essential for detecting significant health indicators. Samsung's limitation on the app appears to be financially motivated, as it encourages users to buy Samsung smartphones. Other manufacturers do not impose similar restrictions, allowing their devices' full health features to work across different smartphone brands. Samsung could integrate Health Monitor features into the main Samsung Health app or make it available on the Play Store to increase accessibility, but it has not done so. Users of non-Samsung Android phones are unable to access these health features, which are critical for many individuals.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Microsoft Intune Adds macOS Compliance and Samsung Update Controls

Microsoft's July Intune update includes enhancements for IT administrators, such as real-time monitoring of Windows device sync progress, custom compliance settings for macOS, and improved firmware update management for Samsung devices. The Intune admin center now allows real-time monitoring of sync progress for Windows devices, enabling simultaneous updates across various management aspects. Custom compliance settings for macOS enable organizations to define specific compliance requirements beyond Apple's standard checks, allowing for a unified compliance management experience across Windows, Linux, and macOS. The update also enhances Samsung Galaxy firmware management through Samsung Knox E-FOTA, allowing administrators to control firmware version deployment and update schedules. Additionally, the update clarifies that newer Windows Autopilot methods allow provisioning of Windows 11 devices without prior registration.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

HMD Asha 305: a sub-$75 Android phone with no Google apps

HMD is reintroducing the Asha brand with the launch of the Asha 305, priced at PHP 3,999 in the Philippines and around 2,390 baht in Thailand. The phone features a Unisoc SC9832E processor, options of 2–3GB of RAM, and 16–32GB of storage. It has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 854×480 pixels, a 5MP rear camera, a 2MP front camera, and a 2,500mAh battery with 5W charging. The Asha 305 operates on Android 14 Go without Google Mobile Services, offering around 100 pre-loaded apps. HMD has not announced availability or pricing for the US or UK markets.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Can You Escape, Seoul Exorcist 1111, Unbroken Soul, more

Pre-order deals for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 offer savings of up to 0 with the promo code PAYPAL, along with in free credits and trade-in discounts up to ,230. Additionally, there are discounts on various Android apps, including "Can You Escape: The Collection," "Seoul Exorcist 1111," "This Aint Even Poker," "Ya Joker," "Unbroken Soul," "Through the Darkest of Times," and "Titan Quest: Ultimate Edition."

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Windows 11 trades noisy Bing ads for the clean Search experience it always needed

Microsoft has announced a comprehensive upgrade to the Search feature in Windows 11, eliminating ads and promotional materials to enhance user experience. The July 2026 Patch Tuesday update introduces new features, including Point-in-time Restore and addresses 570 vulnerabilities, with AI aiding in vulnerability discovery. The rollout of the KB5101650 update faced challenges for Dell users, leading Microsoft to pause it for affected devices. Additionally, Microsoft is testing a slightly larger search box to improve design consistency.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

Windows 11 gets quieter, smarter, and more stable — here’s everything Microsoft changed this week (and a few deals worth grabbing)

Microsoft has announced a substantial upgrade to the Search functionality in Windows 11, moving away from an ad-heavy approach to prioritize local results. Users can customize their search settings to include or exclude web and Microsoft Store suggestions. The new Search feature will also be more forgiving of typographical errors. This change comes in response to user feedback advocating for a cleaner search experience, particularly for Windows 11 Pro users who expected an ad-free environment.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Civil Servants to Switch to “Max”: New Messenger to Become Main Work Tool by 2030

The government has mandated that all work-related communications for state and municipal employees must transition to the "Max" messenger platform by 2030. The "Max" platform was developed by "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," with a beta version launched in March 2025 and becoming a mandatory pre-installed application on new smartphones in Russia by September 2025. As of March 2026, "Max" had 100 million registered users and offered features like audio/video calls, chat, voice messaging, large file sharing, and money transfers. In July, the EU imposed sanctions on VK, the parent company of "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," and "Max" was removed from the Apple App Store in June and from Google Play recently. VK stated that its services remain functional and are available on alternative platforms such as RuStore and Huawei AppGallery. Negotiations with Apple are ongoing to restore "Max" to the App Store.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

VK and Max messenger removed from Google Play store

VK's core applications, including the VK social network and Max messenger, have been removed from the Google Play store and previously from the Apple App Store. Users searching for these apps will find them absent, and this may be linked to recent international sanctions. VK's press service stated that users who have the apps installed will not experience disruptions, and all features and security systems will remain stable. Users are encouraged to download the apps from alternative platforms, such as RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps. Additionally, the Odnoklassniki social network application has also disappeared from the Google Play store. The European Union has imposed sanctions against VK and its subsidiary, "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," which is linked to the removal of these applications from major tech platforms.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google Play removes Max, Russia’s Kremlin-backed messenger, and VKontakte, VK’s flagship social network — three days after the EU sanctioned VK, their parent company

VK announced on July 16 that its Max messenger and VKontakte applications have been removed from the Google Play app store, along with the Odnoklassniki app. Users can still access these apps through alternative platforms like RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, and functionality will remain uninterrupted for those who have already installed them. VKontakte users are receiving notifications about a transition from the .com domain to .ru, assuring them of the platform's reliability. This change follows sanctions imposed by the European Union on July 13 against VK and its subsidiary, Kommunikatsionnaya Platforma. In late June, the Max messenger and VK social network app, along with Mail.ru’s email applications, were also removed from the App Store, with Odnoklassniki becoming unavailable at that time.