third-party services Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Could Be Merged with PC Game Pass and Expanded with More Third-Party Services

Microsoft is reportedly considering merging the Xbox Game Pass Premium console subscription with the PC Game Pass. This information has been corroborated by multiple sources, indicating substantial interest in this direction. The current features of both subscriptions differ in price, platforms, first-party day-one access, EA Play inclusion, cloud gaming capabilities, online multiplayer options, and game library size. The potential merger could introduce a new subscription tier that includes cloud gaming, EA Play, and first-party day-one access, likely at a higher price point. Additionally, Microsoft is speculated to be exploring bundled third-party services to enhance Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There are also rumors about a next-generation Xbox console launching in 2027, which may be a hybrid model capable of running PC applications.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Is Your Car Getting Rid Of Android Auto? 3 Alternatives Worth Trying

Many new vehicles are opting to forgo Android Auto while still providing essential features through Android Automotive OS, also known as Google Built-In, which is integrated into the vehicle and does not require a smartphone connection. This proprietary software may require additional subscriptions. Samsung DeX allows users with newer Samsung devices to connect to an external monitor or TV, creating a desktop-like experience in the car using AutoPro X, which connects wirelessly to the car's infotainment system. This setup enables access to streaming services when parked but emphasizes driver focus on the road. For vehicles lacking Android Auto support, users can mount their Android phone or tablet on the dashboard for navigation, calls, and music, while third-party applications can enhance the experience. Automakers may discontinue Android Auto to optimize data usage and restrict third-party app installations. Drivers can use their car's built-in browser to access features like phone mirroring or web-based versions of apps, such as Waze, as alternatives to Android Auto.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Google’s AI Android Updates Spark Phone App Glitches on Pixel Devices

The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

These 10 Android Apps Will Make Your Phone Smarter Than Ever

Your smartphone can be enhanced with various applications that improve productivity, personalization, and digital well-being. A recent video from Xtream Droid highlights ten lesser-known Android apps: 1. Gesture Suite: Allows users to create custom gestures for over 70 actions, automating tasks like turning on the flashlight or controlling music playback. 2. Transfer: Turns your phone into a local file server for quick, wireless file sharing without cables or third-party services, ensuring privacy and security. 3. Safe Space: Provides encrypted, offline storage for sensitive files, protecting data from unauthorized access without relying on cloud services. 4. LED Keyboard: Offers customizable LED effects, multilingual support, and advanced typing features while ensuring user privacy by not collecting typing data. 5. Shelf Launcher: A minimalist app that integrates gesture controls, quick search options, and note-taking features to optimize workflow and productivity. 6. Lock Me Out: Helps manage screen time by allowing users to set app blocking modes and schedule lockouts to minimize distractions. 7. Regain: Tracks app usage patterns and provides insights to maintain a balanced relationship with your device, promoting healthier digital habits. 8. Action Notch: Transforms the phone’s camera cutout into a functional control button for quick access to tasks like taking screenshots or switching apps. 9. Smart Dock Launcher: Offers a desktop-like experience with multi-window support and customizable layouts for better multitasking on Android devices. 10. NotePinr: An offline task management app that allows users to create to-do lists and reminders, with the ability to pin important notes to the notification bar.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Android 17 will boost Xiaomi’s app lock security to a new level

Android 17 introduces a system app locking feature, enhancing mobile security with a new permission structure called LOCK_APPS, allowing only system apps and designated launchers to execute this functionality. This feature utilizes the Biometric Prompt API for user authentication via fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Users can lock or unlock apps by long-pressing the app icon on the launcher, which sends a SETAPPLOCK request to Android's core security service. The app lock will only be available on handheld devices, excluding Android Automotive, Wear OS, and Android TV. The feature is expected to debut later in the rollout of Android 17, benefiting Xiaomi devices and HyperOS.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

5 apps I recommend you use instead of Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a free tool that integrates with other Google services like Gmail, Drive, and Tasks, and recently added integration with Gemini for creating calendar entries. However, it lacks visual appeal, does not support natural language processing for date and time input, and raises data privacy concerns among users. Proton Calendar offers end-to-end encryption for privacy, a simple design with purple accents, and limited third-party integrations, with a free version allowing three calendars and a subscription for more features. Notion Calendar integrates with existing Notion databases, supports shared calendars and scheduling links, and offers pop-up notifications, but is most beneficial for Notion users. Any.do combines task management with calendar functionality, integrates with major calendar providers, and has a user-friendly design, though some features require a premium plan. Business Calendar 2 features a professional design, includes a dedicated Birthday view, integrates a Tasks section, and offers a customizable floating action button, with a free version and a premium subscription for additional features. One Calendar supports various calendar services, has a unique task management system requiring a separate app, and allows for custom themes, with both free and premium versions available.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Windows will soon prompt for memory scans after BSOD crashes

Microsoft is introducing a feature for Windows 11 that prompts users to conduct a memory scan after a blue screen of death (BSOD) to improve system reliability. When a device encounters a bugcheck, users will receive notifications upon logging in, suggesting a quick memory scan. This feature is not available for ARM64 devices or systems protected by Administrator Protection or BitLocker without Secure Boot. If users choose to run the scan, it will be scheduled for the next reboot, typically taking five minutes or less. Notifications will inform users if any memory issues are detected and resolved. The feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels with specific Insider Preview Builds. Additionally, Microsoft is testing new connectivity capabilities for its AI-powered Copilot digital assistant, allowing it to connect with Outlook, Gmail, and third-party services like Google Calendar and Google Drive.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

The Sun

News Group Newspapers Limited has implemented a system to detect automated activity, which may mistakenly flag genuine users as automated entities. The company prohibits access to its content through automated means, as stated in its terms and conditions. Users who believe they received a notification in error can contact customer support at help@thesun.co.uk. For commercial use inquiries, individuals or organizations should reach out to crawlpermission@news.co.uk. The prohibition against automated access includes activities related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

5 journaling apps you should use instead of Pixel Journal

Google has introduced a suite of exclusive applications for the Pixel 10 smartphone series, including the Pixel Journal, an AI-enhanced diary that offers contextual writing prompts and the ability to attach images and maps. Alternatives to Pixel Journal include: 1. Daily You: An open-source, free app that allows users to upload images, track their mood, and visualize mood trends alongside activities. It features a Flashbacks section for past entries and offers customizable storage folders and password protection. 2. Daily Diary: A minimalist journaling app focused on text without image uploads, automatically saving daily entries to a text file. It allows users to view previous entries and includes essential settings. 3. Day One: A comprehensive journaling app that allows multiple journals, text formatting, image embeds, and location tagging for entries. It offers daily prompts and a premium subscription for additional features. 4. Diarium: A feature-rich app with a seven-day trial of its Pro version, offering a timeline view, map view, and a search function. It highlights past entries and the premium version includes unlimited attachments and third-party service integration. 5. Journey: An app with standard diary functionalities and advanced AI features, including the Journey Odyssey AI for searching diary content and a tutorial feature called “Coach” for seasonal prompts. It offers a one-time payment option to unlock all features.