third-party app developers Archives

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

What’s new in Android’s September 2025 Google System Updates [U]

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" provide updates on Play services, Play Store, and Play system for various platforms, including Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. The "Google System" includes first-party applications for a unified experience across devices. Features may not be immediately available despite being listed in the changelog. Google Play services v25.35 (2025-09-08) - Document Scanner updated for a more expressive design. - Bug fixes for Device Connections services on Phone and Wear. - Phone theft protection enabled by default for new devices in Brazil. - Phone number verification and reachability processes automated during setup, manageable in Device Settings and Google Account. - Users can provision access cards from their work profile to their personal profile on Phone and Wear. Google Play Store v47.9 (2025-09-08) - New task-based search feature for discovering apps that assist with tasks. Google Play services v25.34 (2025-09-01) - Bug fixes for Account Management services on Phone. - New developer features for Device Connectivity processes on Phone. - Additional developer features for supporting Device Connectivity in apps on Phone and Wear. - Backup and restore options for theft protection accessible with this update on Phone. - Users can authenticate a tap transaction if their phone is locked for over 30 seconds on Phone and Wear. Google Play Store v47.8 (2025-09-01) - Enhanced snippets for displaying more relevant results on Phone.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers on Android devices from next year: All you need to know

Google will implement a developer verification program for Android app installations starting next year, requiring all developers to be verified by Google to install apps on certified Android devices. This new requirement extends to third-party app developers and will apply to smartphones with pre-installed Google Services, excluding custom ROMs and certain Chinese devices. Developers distributing apps outside the Play Store must register on a new Android Developer Console for verification. Testing begins in October, with access for all developers by March 2026, and the rollout starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, potentially expanding globally in 2027. Google cites internal data showing sideloaded apps pose a significantly higher risk of malware and aims to establish developer identity to reduce this risk. The changes may also be influenced by a recent antitrust ruling related to third-party app stores.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

What’s new in Android’s February 2025 Google System Updates [U: 2/24]

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" detail updates and features for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Key applications in the "Google System" include Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Wallet, and Android System Intelligence. The appearance of a feature in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Recent updates include: - School Time: A feature for parents to manage phone functionalities during school hours on supervised phones. - Google Play services v25.07: Notifications for available phone updates and alerts for digital ID card issuer availability. - Google Play Store v45.1: Updated deep link experience and user experience for purchase offers. - Android System Intelligence V.21: Resolved user interface issues in Live Captions. - Google Play services v25.06: New developer features for Utilities-related processes and enhancements for digital wallet processes. - Google Play Store v45.0: Sponsored suggestions now include descriptions and improved search for Play Collections. - Google Play services v25.05: New developer features for Device Connectivity and improvements to Quick Share. - Google Play Store v44.9: Availability of Collections on Android 10-12 devices and remote installation of watch faces. - Google Play services v25.04: Simplified family group management and support for Machine Learning & AI processes for developers. - Google Play Store v44.8: UI updates for Play Games profile creation and updates for evaluating app quality on tablets and ChromeOS devices.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft seemingly redesigning Windows 11 settings UI for default apps like browsers

In September 2023, Microsoft acknowledged the importance of default app choices in improving user workflow and performance. The company has been directing users towards its own products as defaults, particularly in web browsers, which sparked controversy from third-party developers, including Vivaldi, who criticized Microsoft's practices. Microsoft introduced a "UCPD" driver to block third-party Registry hacks for changing default apps. Recently, changes were observed in the Windows 11 Settings app regarding default app choices, noted in build 26120.2213 under update KB5045885, with updated text indicating a new approach to setting defaults for file and link types. The final details of these changes remain unclear.

Winsage

September 1, 2024

Microsoft could redefine Windows 11 Search with AI to search through audio and video files

Microsoft is developing a new Windows Search for Windows 11 that will use a semantic index to improve search functionality, particularly for audio and video files, leveraging artificial intelligence. The Recall feature, initially part of Microsoft Copilot+ PCs, faced privacy concerns but is expected to return in October 2024. Recall allows users to search through past activities and may soon include enhancements like "Intelligent media search," which will enable users to find specific phrases or keywords in video and audio files, including exact timestamps. This feature is linked to the Semantic search capabilities introduced during the Copilot+ event and will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which have the necessary hardware to support AI models. Microsoft will also allow third-party developers to integrate natural language search capabilities into their applications. Recall AI will be available for testers in October 2024, with an option to remove it through the Control Panel.

AppWizard

July 22, 2024

Latest Google Play System update adds improvements to Android services

The July Google Play System update brings new features to several Android services, including improved security, privacy, and bug fixes for Android TV and Android WebView. Cross devices can now join a phone's hotspot with Google account-connected devices.

Winsage

July 4, 2024

Microsoft doc explains plans to bring AI to Windows 11 third-party apps

Windows 11 24H2 will bring additional AI-based features that will run locally on Copilot+ PCs.