smartphones Archives

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

This Android phone has a detachable action camera, coming to the US for $999

The RugOne XSnap 7 Pro is a new rugged Android phone by Ulephone, featuring a detachable action camera. It will launch on Kickstarter next week, priced at 9 in the U.S. and €1,099 in Europe, with availability in October. The phone has a 19.1mm profile, IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications, a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip, 12GB RAM, and 512GB storage. It includes a 9,300 mAh battery and a 50MP primary camera with a 64MP night vision camera. The action camera has a 133-degree field of view, records in 2.7K, operates for up to 40 minutes, and has 64GB of storage. It can stream footage up to 50 meters away and is waterproof up to 5 meters. The phone ships with Android 16 and promises updates through Android 20.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google’s Scam Detection feature is expanding to even more Android brands

Google's Scam Detection feature, initially available only on Pixel devices, is expanding to more Android smartphones, currently accessible on the Galaxy S26 series and potentially coming to vivo phones. Recent findings from the Google Phone app's public beta indicate that Xiaomi may also support this feature, with the Xiaomi 18 Fold being a possible candidate for the initial rollout, although it is currently confirmed only for release in China. Google's Scam Detection uses on-device AI to analyze incoming calls for potential scams, aiming to enhance user security. The feature is still in beta and may have flaws, but improvements are expected as Google refines the technology.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

I replaced Samsung Edge Panels with this free app — and I’m not going back

Panels is a free sidebar launcher app for Android that allows users to swipe in from the edge of the screen for quick access to apps, contacts, widgets, and settings. It features three main pages: Favorites, Shortcuts Panel, and Widgets, which can be expanded with additional pages. The app enhances multitasking by allowing apps to launch in windowed mode, creating app pairs for split-screen viewing, and providing website shortcuts. Customization options include adding new panels, repositioning them, adjusting panel width and height, and changing icon styles and colors. Panels reduces the need to visit the home screen and improves one-handed usage by placing shortcuts within easy reach. However, it has some flaws, such as potential conflicts with Android's gesture navigation and the presence of ads, which can be removed with a one-time payment of .50 for the premium version.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto’s Icon Just Got A New Look – And A Major Update Is Next

The Android Auto app icon has been visually refreshed, changing from a soft blue to a deeper green shade and featuring smoothed edges. This update is part of the upcoming Material 3 update, although Google has not officially announced it. Users may already see the updated icon with the latest app version. Upcoming features for Android Auto include a smoother "paper plane" arrow, widgets for quick access to contacts, weather updates, and garage door controls, as well as support for video applications like YouTube, which will allow Full-HD 60fps playback in stationary vehicles. Additional enhancements include Dolby Atmos support and visual upgrades for music apps. The rollout of these features is expected to begin later this year.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

I’m slowly escaping Google’s ecosystem, and it’s easier than I thought

In recent months, users are reconsidering their reliance on Google, leading to a movement towards "deGoogling." A poll indicated that 6% of respondents have completely stopped using Google's products, 58% have reduced their usage, 21% have considered the idea but haven't acted, and 15% remain committed to Google. Some users are replacing Google services with alternatives like Kagi for search, Proton for email and cloud services, and Firefox for browsing. Despite these changes, many still use certain Google products, such as the Pixel phone, Google smart speakers, and services like YouTube and Google Maps, due to their effectiveness and integration. Transitioning away from Google has been reported as less daunting than expected for many users.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Pixel 11 notifications are the last straw for many readers sick of phone ads

Google has reintroduced the My Pixel app, previously known as Pixel Tips, with the Pixel 11 series, which has started sending unsolicited push notifications to users of older Pixel devices about the latest smartphones and the Pixel Watch 5. A poll showed that 93.9% of 9,600 respondents believe smartphone ads have become intolerable. Users find the notifications from the Pixel Tips app particularly annoying due to their invasive delivery method, which differs from traditional ads. There are tools available, such as NextDNS and Blokada, to manage unwanted ads.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows has been hiding these 4 powerful features in plain sight this whole time

Windows has several advanced features that can enhance productivity, including: - Clipboard History: Activated by pressing Windows+V, this feature stores the last 25 copied items and can be enabled through Settings > System > Clipboard. Users can pin frequently used items for easy access. - Virtual Desktops: Allows users to create multiple workspaces on a single monitor by pressing Windows+Ctrl+D. Users can switch between desktops using Windows+Ctrl+Left Arrow/Right Arrow or Windows+Tab. - Focus Sessions: A built-in Pomodoro timer in the Clock app that promotes productivity by working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. - Snipping Tool: Accessible via Windows+Shift+S, it allows users to capture screenshots and includes features like screen recording, a color picker, and a Text Extractor for converting text from images. - PowerToys: A suite of free and open-source tools from Microsoft that enhances Windows functionalities, including additional utilities and personalized templates.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

The AI memory crunch has reached the apps on your phone

Google will implement new memory usage regulations for Android applications starting in February 2027, due to a global RAM shortage. Apps exceeding the set memory limits may be throttled, terminated, or face reduced visibility on the Play Store. The memory thresholds vary based on device specifications, with specific limits for foreground, background, and bitmap memory usage. Non-compliance will result in penalties affecting app distribution and visibility. The memory crisis is attributed to increased demand from the AI data center industry, leading to rising RAM costs. The new limits will first apply to Pixel devices with Android 17, and other manufacturers are expected to follow. Additionally, by April 2027, all apps on the Play Store must support zero-tap credential restoration for users transitioning to new devices.

Tech Optimizer

August 30, 2026

WHAT THE TECH? iPhone antivirus scam

A viewer received a popup warning claiming her device had 120 viruses, which is a scam designed to prompt her to download a free antivirus app called "Total Cleaner." This alert is misleading and cannot scan the phone for viruses. The app has fake reviews, hidden costs, and privacy concerns, as it collects personal data. Most modern smartphones do not need traditional antivirus programs, and such popups are advertisements from free apps, misleading websites, or ad networks. To protect yourself, close the tab immediately, keep your device updated, and only download apps from official app stores after thorough research.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

New JK Terror Tactic: Pornography Apps, Tor Network Used For Secret Messaging

Security agencies in India have observed a shift in the tactics of terrorist groups, which are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications for communication instead of traditional social media. These groups, often collaborating with Pakistan's ISI, utilize platforms with real-time chat tools disguised as dating services to send instructions to recruits in Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies are monitoring various digital tools, including Tor-based applications like Coatex and Conion, which obscure user identities. Some privacy-focused platforms do not require phone numbers for registration, complicating tracking efforts. Despite bans on certain pornography applications in India, they are still accessed illegally via VPNs, which mask users' IP addresses. The use of the Tor network presents additional tracking challenges, as it obscures data origins and destinations. Security agencies are adapting their surveillance methods in response to these developments, which include the use of virtual SIM cards in terrorist activities, as highlighted during investigations into the 2019 Pulwama attack.