smartphone manufacturers Archives

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

If you have an Android device, you may be at risk – this malicious application steals all the information from your device

A spyware known as KoSpy, linked to North Korean hacking groups APT37 and APT43, was found disguised as a File Manager app on the Google Play Store. This malicious app accessed private data such as text messages, call logs, device location, stored files, and user keystrokes. It could also gather Wi-Fi network details, list installed applications, and record audio, capture images, and take screenshots without user awareness. The app was downloaded approximately a dozen times before Google removed it after security researchers raised concerns. Google Play Protect and additional security measures from smartphone manufacturers help protect Android devices from such threats. Users are advised to scrutinize app permissions and download apps from official sources to minimize risks.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Good News! Google Starts Rolling Out Native Linux Terminal to Android Devices

Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal app for Android, leveraging the Android Virtualization Framework to run a local virtual machine powered by Debian. The app is currently being rolled out to select Google Pixel devices as part of the March Pixel Drop and requires a 500 MB download to set up. Users must enable developer mode to access the app, which allows them to adjust storage, configure network settings, and recover the virtual machine's storage partition.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Tencent

Tencent has begun beta testing a new search function in Weixin, China's largest messaging app, powered by DeepSeek. Users can select an "AI Search" option in the search bar, utilizing both DeepSeek and Tencent's Hunyuan foundational model. This feature is exclusive to Weixin and not available on WeChat. The DeepSeek-R1 model, launched on January 20, offers advanced reasoning capabilities at lower training costs compared to AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Approximately 1.3 billion active Weixin users will benefit from this integration for various functions. Users can observe the reasoning process during queries, and DeepSeek-R1 has also been integrated into Tencent's AI chatbot application, Yuanbao. Chinese telecom operators have started using DeepSeek's models, and smartphone manufacturers like Huawei, Oppo, Honor, and Vivo are adopting the DeepSeek-R1 model in their devices.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Japan to order Google to make these changes on its search app on Android smartphones

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is set to find Google in violation of the nation's competition laws, marking its first order against a major US technology firm. The JFTC plans to issue a cease-and-desist order requiring Google to stop monopolistic practices in the internet search sector, specifically related to agreements with Android smartphone manufacturers that mandate the installation of its search and Chrome browser applications to access app stores. This ruling is part of a broader trend, as Google is also facing scrutiny in other markets, including a recent argument from the US Department of Justice for drastic measures against the company. The JFTC has informed Google of its intended actions and will finalize its decision after considering the company's response. Google has not publicly commented on the situation.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

One UI 7.0 supports Android 15’s app archiving feature

Samsung's One UI 7.0 introduces a cloud-based app archiving feature for Galaxy phone users, allowing them to temporarily remove apps while preserving all associated data. Users can archive apps to free up space on their devices, and when they reinstall the app, all data remains intact, eliminating the need to log back in. The feature requires collaboration with the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store for functionality. The stable One UI 7.0 update is expected to roll out early next year.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Your next Android phone could swap out Google Fit for this alternative

Google is shifting its approach to fitness applications on Android devices, moving from Google Fit as the default app to the Fitbit app. The OPPO Find X8 Pro and Realme GT7 Pro have replaced Google Fit with the Fitbit app, which is now pre-installed on these devices. Google confirmed that the Fitbit app has been available to smartphone manufacturers as a default option since earlier this year, with several manufacturers choosing to preload it. This trend indicates that the Fitbit app is becoming a standard feature across more Android smartphones, and there is anticipation for the integration of Google Fit features into the Fitbit app.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

The first Android 16 developer preview is out (much) earlier than expected

Google has released its first developer preview of Android 16, shortly after the rollout of Android 15. The company plans to introduce two significant Android APIs in 2025: a major SDK release in the second quarter and a minor SDK release in the fourth quarter. Key features for Android 16 include an API for managing SDK versions, an embedded photo picker for selective media access, a Health Connect Developer Preview for managing health records in FHIR format, and the latest iteration of the Privacy Sandbox. Developers can experiment with Android 16 on recent Google Pixel devices or through the Android emulator and are encouraged to use a preview version of Android Studio for app development.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

US: Court orders Google to open Android to rival app stores

A California jury has ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly over its Android Play Store, requiring the company to allow alternative in-app payment methods and the download of competing third-party app stores for three years. Key restrictions include prohibiting Google from paying smartphone manufacturers for preinstalling its app store and preventing revenue sharing from the Play Store with other app distributors. A three-person Technical Committee will oversee compliance, with the order effective from November 1 and certain provisions required by July 1. Google plans to appeal the ruling, arguing it may harm consumers, developers, and manufacturers. Android devices represent about 70% of the global smartphone market, and manufacturers can install the Android app for free if the Play Store is prominently featured.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Your Windows PC will soon better integrate with more Android phones

Xiaomi has preinstalled Microsoft's Link to Windows app on its latest flagship devices, the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro, to enhance user experience by enabling seamless integration between Android phones and Windows PCs. The app facilitates features like clipboard synchronization and app streaming, which improve workflow. The Xiaomi 14T Pro will receive the Link to Windows integration in the upcoming 1.0.10.0 update. The app is integrated into HyperOS, Xiaomi's customized Android version, enhancing its functionality. While the app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, preinstallation significantly boosts performance. Other smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung and OPPO, have also adopted the Link to Windows app, indicating a trend towards improved cross-device connectivity. Xiaomi's strategy is aimed at reinforcing its ecosystem, especially given its portfolio of Windows PCs.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2024

5 tips to turn your Android phone into a gaming machine

- Most Android phones come with high refresh rate screens, but they are often set at auto or low (60Hz) by default. - To enable high refresh rate on OnePlus, Realme, and Oppo devices, go to 'Display and Brightness' settings and set 'Screen refresh rate' to high. - On Samsung devices, enable high refresh rate by choosing the 'Adaptive' option under 'Motion smoothness'. - Switch to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for better connection in rooms far from the router. - Clear apps from memory before playing games to prevent performance drops. - Disable power saving mode before playing games to prevent performance issues. - Enable Game Mode on certain Android phones to optimize hardware performance for gaming.