stricter rules Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Android 17 Beta 4 arrives with post-quantum cryptography and new memory limits

On April 16, Google released Android 17 Beta 4, concluding its beta phase and focusing on app compatibility and platform stability. Developers must finalize updates for Android 17 to avoid delays when the stable version is released. Key behavioral changes for apps targeting Android 17 include: - Large-screen resizability restrictions, preventing apps from opting out of maintaining orientation, resizability, and aspect ratio constraints. - Expanded restrictions on dynamic code loading, requiring native files loaded via System.load() to be read-only. - Certificate Transparency is enabled by default. - Local network access is restricted by default, with a new ACCESSLOCALNETWORK permission for persistent access. - Stricter rules on background audio interactions, including playback and volume change APIs. Android 17 introduces per-app memory limits based on device RAM to target memory leaks and anomalies, with minimal impact expected on app sessions. Developers can check for memory limit impacts via ApplicationExitInfo and utilize profiling tools in Android Studio Panda. An on-device anomaly detection service monitors resource-intensive behaviors and provides profiling artifacts. Additionally, the Android Keystore now supports ML-DSA for quantum-safe signatures, allowing developers to generate keys and create signatures within secure hardware.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Ask Jerry: What happens to my photos after I upload them?

Ask Jerry is a platform focused on addressing inquiries about smart technologies, with a background in engineering and over 15 years of experience in Android and Google. It emphasizes the importance of filtering out harmful online images, particularly those that exploit vulnerable individuals. In July 2025, it was revealed that Meta had trained its AI on every photo uploaded to its platforms since 2007, although they claim to have stopped this practice for current AI models. Meta's photo analysis applies only to uploaded images, and they offer an opt-in service for analyzing random selections from users' device libraries. In contrast, Google Photos asserts that it does not use personal photos for AI training unless shared with third parties. Data privacy policies of tech companies are often complex and can change without clear notification. Users should assume that anything shared online may not be entirely private, as AI technologies may utilize user-generated content for training. Data privacy regulations vary by region, with the EU having stricter rules than the U.S., making it important for individuals to be cautious when sharing online.

AppWizard

September 21, 2025

Developer of NSFW games says Valve won’t let them add adult content in updates, now it has to be DLC

In recent months, adult game developers have faced challenges due to pressure from the anti-porn advocacy group Collective Shout on payment processors, leading to stricter policies on the distribution of erotic games (eroge). A developer from Crimson Delight reported on Reddit that they can no longer add new adult content to existing titles on Steam unless it is released as downloadable content (DLC), a shift from previous practices. Despite a positive review experience, the developer noted that Valve is under pressure from payment processors, resulting in stricter rules for adult content. This change impacts developers like those behind Summertime Saga, who rely on community feedback for new content, as it requires that additions be fully completed before release. Crimson Delight does not blame Valve for these changes, acknowledging that adult games contribute only a small fraction to Steam's overall earnings. Additionally, attempts to use cryptocurrency payments to bypass restrictions have been hindered by past fraud issues, with 50% of such transactions being fraudulent during a 2016 experiment.

AppWizard

July 19, 2024

Google is getting ready to remove lots of apps from the Play Store | Digital Trends

Google is implementing stricter rules for apps on the Play Store starting next month. The new policy requires apps to offer a stable, engaging, and responsive user experience. Apps that lack functionality, have minimal content, or serve no purpose may be removed. Google is also targeting apps with broken functionality. These actions are part of Google's efforts to enhance user protection by removing certain apps from the Play Store.