smartphone manufacturers

BetaBeacon
May 29, 2025
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.
AppWizard
April 16, 2025
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.
AppWizard
April 16, 2025
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.
AppWizard
April 16, 2025
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.
AppWizard
March 17, 2025
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
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 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'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
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.
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