spam Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

How to block and unblock a number on your Android phone

To block a number on a Samsung Android phone, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap More, choose Block contact, and confirm. Alternatively, in the Phone app, copy the number, tap More, select Settings, tap Block numbers, add the number, and tap the plus sign. To block a number from the Recents section, navigate to the number, tap Details, More Options, and Block number. For Pixel phones or stock Android, open the Phone app, tap More, select Call history, choose the call, and tap Block/report spam. To unblock a number on a Samsung device, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap More options, and select Unblock contact. In the Phone app, tap More, select Settings, tap Block numbers, and tap the (-) next to the number. For Google Pixel and stock Android, open the Phone app, tap More, select Settings, tap Blocked numbers, and tap Clear (x) next to the number. Calls made during the blocking period will not appear in call logs.

AppWizard

September 16, 2026

Android Advanced Protection to Roll Out Granular “Expert Features”: App Teardown

A new feature called "expert mode" is being introduced to enhance the "Advanced Protection" framework for Android users, allowing them to toggle specific security features individually. Users will be able to manage six distinct items within the Advanced Protection suite: Intrusion logging, USB protection, Block auto-connection to unsecured Wi-Fi, Unknown apps, Spam filter, and Suspicious links in Google Messages. The "expert features" will not replace "Advanced Protection" but will provide users with the option to enable all protections at once or selectively activate specific features. While "Block auto-connection to unsecured Wi-Fi" will debut with "expert features," the inclusion of "Unknown apps," "Spam filter," and "Suspicious links in Google Messages" in the final version remains uncertain. The relevant resource for updates is the "Google Play services" app, version v26.36, released on September 15, 2026.

Winsage

September 13, 2026

KTVB

Cookies and data, including IP addresses, are used to deliver and maintain Google services, monitor outages, protect against spam and fraud, and measure audience engagement. When users accept all cookies, additional uses include developing new services, placing and measuring advertisements, and displaying personalized content. If users decline all cookies, only non-personalized content and ads will be shown, influenced by current content and general location. Personalized content may include tailored video recommendations and customized homepages based on user activity. Further information on managing privacy settings is available at g.co/privacytools.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Caps Hours: 15 for Ultimate [2026]

On September 3, 2026, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see a shift in cloud gaming access. Starting November 2026, unlimited cloud streaming will be replaced by a tiered hour bank system: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential subscribers. Once a subscriber exhausts their allotted hours, they must wait for the next billing cycle or purchase additional time. This change is the most significant since the beta launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2019. The announcement was made on Xbox Wire, and the new structure is reflected on Xbox’s product pages. The new tiered system introduces a scarcity model, with every paid tier now having its own cloud gaming quota. Essential subscribers, who previously had no cloud access, will now receive 5 hours per month. The pricing for the Game Pass tiers is as follows: Ultimate at .99 for 15 hours, Premium at .99 for 10 hours, and Essential at .99 for 5 hours. The free ad-supported tier remains unchanged at 5 hours per month. Microsoft's rationale for the change is based on usage data indicating that most subscribers do not heavily utilize cloud streaming, coupled with the rising costs of operating cloud gaming services. The company has stated that additional hours can be purchased once a subscriber's monthly allotment is used up, although pricing details for these add-ons have not yet been disclosed. The new hour caps will take effect in November 2026, following a shorter notice period compared to NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service, which implemented a 100-hour monthly cap earlier in 2026. The response from gaming communities has been largely negative, with concerns about the limits falling short of typical usage patterns and conflicting with the marketing of Game Pass as offering unlimited access. The introduction of hour caps could impact Game Pass's subscriber base, particularly among those who rely on cloud gaming as their primary access point. Microsoft's internal usage data will determine the extent of this impact, as the company aims to control costs without raising subscription prices.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

Google’s Scam Detection Doesn’t Support Your Android Phone? Try These 5 Apps

Google has introduced AI-powered scam call detection for Pixel phone users, analyzing incoming calls to alert users of potential scams. Not all Android devices support this feature. Various spam call prevention tools are available for Android users, including: - Truecaller: A leading app with a user-generated database for identifying spam calls, offering Caller ID in its free version. It may produce false positives. - Malwarebytes Scam Guard: Analyzes content like messages and links for scams, requiring manual submission for analysis and part of a premium package. - YouMail: Blocks known scam numbers for free, includes Caller ID, and uses AI for text message fraud detection. Some features require a paid plan. - Hiya Spam Blocker: Identifies suspicious calls with Caller ID and allows users to report dubious numbers. Paid plans offer automatic blocking and Call Screener features. - Should I Answer?: A free app that checks unknown numbers against a community-maintained database, providing reputation assessments based on user reviews. The methodology for compiling these apps focused on compatibility with various Android devices and essential features like Caller ID and automatic blocking, while also considering additional functionalities and accessibility.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

This feature keeps distracting spam calls away while using Android Auto

Google's Call Screen feature allows users to manage unknown calls by delegating the initial interaction to Call Assist, which identifies the caller and provides context. This feature is now integrated with Android Auto, although the screening process itself remains a function of the phone. Call Screen operates in two modes: manual, where users can choose to screen calls, and automatic, which silently screens certain unknown calls and hangs up on spam. Call Screen works directly on the device without needing Wi-Fi or mobile data, and call audio and transcripts are not stored in the user's Google Account. To set up Call Screen, users must do so through the Phone by Google app. Compatibility with Android Auto and Call Screen varies by phone model and geographical location, with automatic screening primarily available on Pixel phones in the U.S. Manual screening is accessible in several countries, and some selected Android devices may also support it. Not all call screening features are the same across different brands, and practical limitations exist for automatic Call Screen, such as functionality issues when connected via Bluetooth or while roaming.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Android 17 adds new protections against sneaky Wi-Fi tracking and web snooping

Google has introduced several network security enhancements in Android 17 to improve user privacy. One key feature is Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), which encrypts domain names to prevent external observers from monitoring user activities. ECH is integrated with private DNS and is enabled by default for apps using compatible networking libraries. Google claims to be the first major mobile operating system to implement widespread ECH support. Testing conducted by Jigsaw showed stable connection success rates and minimal interference across various networks. Additional security features in Android 17 include: - Local Network Protection, requiring apps to request permission before accessing devices on a user's home network. - Certificate Transparency, mandating public logging of certificates to detect forged ones. - A 2G Network Shutdown option for mobile operators to disable 2G services, reducing exposure to phishing messages.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

4 new ways Android is protecting your network connections

Developers are encouraged to upgrade to OkHttp 5.5.0 and enable Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) for modern networking practices. Android 17 introduces Local Network Protection, requiring apps to obtain user permission before scanning local networks. Android has implemented Certificate Transparency (CT) by default to log all certificates in a public registry, reducing the risk of fraudulent certificates. Scammers are using portable devices known as “SMS blasters” to target mobile users by forcing them onto less secure 2G networks, allowing phishing texts to bypass modern spam filters.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

5 useless Android apps you probably still download (and why you should stop)

Android has evolved to include many built-in features that previously required third-party apps. - Document scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) are now available through the stock camera app in Android 14 and later. - QR code scanning is natively supported from Android 13, accessible via the stock camera app or Quick Settings toggle. - A built-in clipboard history feature is available in Google’s Gboard and Samsung Keyboard, eliminating the need for third-party clipboard managers. - Android devices come with a built-in blue light filter, customizable through the Settings app. - Built-in caller ID and spam protection features allow users to identify callers before answering. - Certain tasks, such as looking up word definitions, converting currencies, and performing unit conversions, still require third-party apps. - The ability to lock apps is expected to be introduced in the upcoming Android 17 QPR2 update.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

GBA Emulator Android: My Boy! vs John GBAC vs RetroArch

Game Boy Advance emulation on Android has gained significant traction in 2026, with key applications like My Boy! priced at .99, John GBAC receiving an update on May 19, 2026, and RetroArch enhancing its mGBA core for free use. The search term "gba emulator android" sees around 8,100 monthly searches in the U.S., reflecting a resurgence in interest, particularly among former GBA owners now in their late 20s and 30s who prefer using their smartphones for gaming. All five apps—My Boy!, GBA.emu, John GBAC, RetroArch, and Lemuroid—can run the entire GBA library at full speed on devices from the last six years. The main differences lie in software quality, including save state management, cheat code reliability, controller mapping, and update frequency. My Boy! and GBA.emu utilize cores derived from VisualBoyAdvance (VBA), while John GBAC uses a custom core, and RetroArch and Lemuroid rely on the mGBA core. In terms of features, all apps support save states, but My Boy! offers multiple named slots with thumbnail previews, while RetroArch has a more complex system. Cheat code support is available across the board, with My Boy! and GBA.emu accepting GameShark and CodeBreaker formats, and RetroArch providing a built-in cheat database. My Boy! stands out for its link-cable emulation, allowing local multiplayer connections, whereas RetroArch's netplay is designed for online gaming. All apps support external controllers, but RetroArch excels in visual enhancements with its extensive shader options. The setup process for all five apps is similar and typically takes under ten minutes. GBA ROMs are small, ranging from 4MB to 32MB, making them easy to store on modern devices without significant battery drain. Common issues include save files not loading, audio problems, and cheat codes failing to apply, with solutions often involving file management and settings adjustments. Users can migrate save files between emulators by ensuring the correct file naming and directory structure. Pros and cons of each app include: - My Boy!: Ad-free, strong multiplayer support, but lower rating and closed-source. - GBA.emu: High rating and broad support, but outdated and lacks a free trial. - John GBAC: Free and recently updated, but lower rating and ad-supported. - RetroArch: Free and feature-rich, but complex setup. - Lemuroid: User-friendly and actively maintained, but limited shader options. All five apps are legally available on Google Play, as they do not distribute copyrighted ROM files. Users are advised to source their ROMs legally, ideally by dumping from their own physical cartridges. GBA emulation remains an accessible entry point into retro gaming on Android, especially compared to more demanding systems like the PS2 or GameCube.