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'Big Brother cannot watch us': Indian government phone app plan sparks outrage
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

‘Big Brother cannot watch us’: Indian government phone app plan sparks outrage

India has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-operated cybersecurity application called Sanchar Saathi on all mobile devices manufactured or imported for use within the country. The app is designed to enhance protection against fraud and cyber threats, allowing users to block and track lost or stolen phones and identify fraudulent mobile subscriptions. Major smartphone companies have a 90-day compliance window, and the app must be visible and accessible during device setup. Critics, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have raised concerns about user privacy and governmental control over personal devices, while the Indian telecom minister described the app as a voluntary system. The government also requires that the app be pushed to devices already in circulation through software updates. Political opposition has emerged, with calls for the order's retraction, citing constitutional concerns.
Experts predict AI may disrupt the App ecosystem, and this might be a good thing
AppWizard
October 23, 2025

Experts predict AI may disrupt the App ecosystem, and this might be a good thing

Generative AI is set to redefine smartphone app interactions, becoming a central feature that curates personalized user experiences. Strategic partnerships between AI platforms and service providers are expected to increase over the next five years. Companies effectively leveraging AI will thrive, while those resisting it may face challenges. The app ecosystem is on the verge of transformation, with questions about how AI will select appropriate apps for tasks based on user history and performance metrics. App developers may resist this shift, aiming to maintain control over user engagement and brand identity.
Google lost its antitrust case with Fortnite maker Epic Games, again
AppWizard
August 1, 2025

Google lost its antitrust case with Fortnite maker Epic Games, again

Google is required to provide alternatives to its Google Play store for app downloads on Android devices, following a ruling that upheld a jury verdict declaring Google's app store and payment systems as illegal monopolies. This decision is seen as a victory for Epic Games, which argued that Google imposed restrictive policies and engaged in anticompetitive practices. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that Google must allow competition in its app store, potentially opening the Android platform to third-party app stores. Google plans to appeal the decision, which may lead to significant changes in app distribution on Android devices. Additionally, a federal judge is expected to rule on necessary changes to Google's online search business due to findings of illegal monopolization in the search and advertising markets.
Android Auto to gain video playback, games, web browsing
BetaBeacon
May 29, 2025

Android Auto to gain video playback, games, web browsing

New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.
Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps
AppWizard
April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.
Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones - The Times of India
AppWizard
April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.
Android is getting smarter about spotting battery-hungry apps
AppWizard
April 16, 2025

Android is getting smarter about spotting battery-hungry apps

Google has introduced a new metric in the Play Console beta to identify excessive background wake locks that can cause battery drain. This tool allows developers to track apps that maintain wake locks for over three hours within a 24-hour period when not in use. Google is collaborating with smartphone manufacturers like Samsung to establish performance standards for Android devices. The initiative is part of a multi-year plan to provide developers with insights into app performance and may lead to additional metrics focusing on performance and battery efficiency. The excessive wake lock metric is currently in beta, and Google is seeking developer feedback for refinement.
If you have an Android device, you may be at risk - this malicious application steals all the information from your device
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.
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