Store app Archives

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Botanicula, Samorost 3, Residual, more

The Samsung March Madness sale features the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a 0 discount and the Galaxy Watch Ultra at 50% off. The Google Play Store offers app deals including Botanicula, Samorost 3, Residual, Niffelheim, and Door Kickers: Action Squad. Additionally, the price of Samsung’s Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 2-in-1 AMOLED laptop has dropped to an all-time low.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

This Play Store tweak could offer a new way to highlight quality apps (APK teardown)

Google is working on an update for the Play Store app listings to enhance user experience by emphasizing essential metadata, such as app ratings and awarded badges, which influence users' decisions. An APK teardown of version 45.3.21-31 indicates a revised interface that showcases ratings and badges more prominently with contrasting backgrounds and colors. Currently, app listings include basic information like a synopsis, categories, and ratings, along with credibility-enhancing badges. The updates are still in development and not yet public, aiming to improve the user interface and app discovery experience.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

How to delete apps from your Android device

To delete apps on an Android device, follow these steps: 1. From Settings: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select See all apps. - Choose the app to remove and tap Uninstall. - Confirm by selecting OK. 2. From Google Play Store: - Open the Google Play Store app. - Tap your account profile image. - Select Manage apps & device. - Navigate to the Manage tab. - Check the box next to the app to uninstall. - Tap the trash can icon and select Uninstall. 3. From Home Screen or App Drawer: - Tap and hold the app, drag it to the Uninstall section, and tap OK. - Alternatively, tap and hold the app, select App info, then choose Uninstall and hit OK. 4. On Amazon Fire Devices: - Navigate to the Home tab. - Tap and hold the app to uninstall. - Select Uninstall App and confirm with OK. 5. For Pre-installed Applications: - System apps cannot be easily uninstalled without rooting the device. To disable them: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select the app and tap Disable, then confirm. 6. Regarding Purchased Apps: - Deleting purchased apps does not require repurchase. They can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store at no additional cost. 7. Reinstalling Apps: - Apps can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store, and some data may remain on the device for easier setup. 8. Checking Disabled Apps: - Go to Settings > Apps > Show all apps, and select Disabled apps to view them. 9. Caution with Important Apps: - Avoid deleting or disabling apps whose functions are not fully understood, as they may be crucial for device operations.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

How to install an app on Android if it’s not available in your country

Users can install Android applications that are unavailable in their region by using a VPN to change their device’s IP address. To download an app like PUBG Mobile, users should connect to a VPN server in a country where the app is available, force stop the Google Play Store, clear its cache, and then reopen it while still connected to the VPN to search for and install the app. If the app does not appear, users may need to clear the Google Play Store data and create a new Google account while connected to the VPN.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Google follows through with killing off Play Store app sharing; here’s what to use instead

Google has removed the app-sharing feature from the Play Store in the latest version, 45.2.19-31, following an announcement made last December. Users can still share apps using Files by Google as an alternative.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Google Confirms Play Store App Deletion—Check Your Phone Now

A report has revealed an extensive ad fraud scheme called "Vapor," which has infiltrated the Google Play Store with over 180 malicious applications that garnered more than 56 million downloads before being removed by Google. These apps, which mimic legitimate applications, primarily target categories like flashlight utilities, QR code readers, and horoscope generators. They initially appear functional but later remove legitimate features in updates, replacing them with intrusive advertisements that hijack the device's interface. Some vapor apps achieved over one million downloads, aided by app install schemes that inflated their rankings. Google has committed to removing violating apps and provides Google Play Protect to safeguard users. Users are advised to be cautious and avoid installing low-value applications to mitigate risks.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

There’s finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that’s older than Windows 11

Microsoft has announced four solutions to address the error code 0x80131500, known as the "Try that again" error, which has affected users for over six years. The solutions include: 1. Resetting the Microsoft Store app 2. Checking for updates 3. Running the Microsoft Store troubleshooter (for Windows 10 users) 4. Updating internet TLS settings to ensure TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are enabled while disabling TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1. The error was first discussed on the r/Windows10 subreddit, where users shared temporary fixes, including resetting the app and creating new local accounts. Microsoft’s recent guidelines aim to help both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users resolve this issue.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Google Silently Tracks Android Device Even No Apps Opened by User

Recent research by Professor D.J. Leith from Trinity College Dublin reveals that Google collects significant amounts of user data on Android devices, even when users do not engage with Google applications. The study shows that pre-installed Google apps can track users without consent or opt-out options. Measurements were taken using a Google Pixel 7 with Android 14. Findings indicate that Google servers store multiple tracking identifiers immediately after a factory reset, before any user interaction. Collected identifiers include advertising analytics cookies and persistent device identifiers. This data collection raises concerns about compliance with EU data privacy regulations, such as the e-Privacy Directive and GDPR. Specific tracking technologies identified include the Google Android ID, DSID cookies, and NID cookies. User interaction data is also transmitted to Firebase Analytics servers. Users have limited control over the data stored on their devices, with disabling Google Play Services or the Google Play Store being impractical options.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Microsoft finally shares guide to fix a pre-Windows 11 “0x80131500” Store error

Microsoft has updated its support page to address the "0x80131500" error affecting users of its Store application. This error has been a known issue since 2019. The support article provides four solutions: resetting the Microsoft Store app, checking for updates, running the Store troubleshooter (Windows 10 only), and updating internet TLS settings. Specifically, users are advised to ensure that TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are enabled while TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are unchecked. The "0x80131500" error has also been associated with the Windows 10 20H2 update error. Additionally, TLS 1.0 and 1.1 were deprecated in 2023, leading to their disablement in Microsoft 365 products and related APIs.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Here’s how the Play Store’s new “Ask Play” feature answers your app-related queries

Google is testing a new AI-powered feature on the Play Store called “Ask Play about this app,” which allows users to ask specific questions about apps directly within their listings. This feature includes a text field for custom inquiries and sample questions related to the app. Responses are displayed below the text field, and the sample queries adapt based on previous questions. Currently, it is being rolled out to a select group of users and is available on specific app listings, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Temu, or X.