worth Archives

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Google Wallet now requires location permission for ‘detailed receipts’ with maps

Users of the Google Wallet app on Android are now required to grant location permissions to access detailed receipts that include merchant addresses and maps. This change, implemented in late July or early August, means that recent transactions only show the cost, date, statement, and transaction ID, without the map feature. A prompt encourages users to enable location settings to regain access to detailed receipts. To restore the map functionality, users must enable "Precise location" permission through the app, but this does not apply retroactively to past transactions.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google

Files by Google is a free and lightweight file management application for Android that helps users manage files, clean up duplicates, and free up storage space. In a recent poll, users reported their preferences for file management apps: Files by Google (15%), Mixplorer (4%), Material Files (12%), Solid Explorer (23%), Cx File Explorer (12%), Fossify File Manager (12%), and another app (8%). Mixplorer is noted for its versatility, integrating various storage solutions and supporting symlinks, with a customizable design and a dropdown breadcrumbs menu. It is available for free via XDA, with a paid version, Mixplorer Silver, on the Play Store. Material Files features an intuitive interface influenced by Material You, adapting to device color themes, but lacks Google Drive browsing capabilities. Solid Explorer offers a polished UI with a two-pane file management system and real-time folder size displays, along with fingerprint security for storage access. Cx File Explorer focuses on managing storage with analysis tools that highlight storage usage and a clean design. Fossify File Manager is a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy, allowing users to lock files and folders, with a user-friendly interface and customizable themes.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Send Motion Photos With Audio and Movements

WhatsApp for Android is testing a new feature called motion photos, which captures audio and movement before and after a snapshot. This feature is available in the beta version 2.25.22.29 for select testers on Google Play. It is indicated by a new icon with a play button in the image selection interface. Motion photos are described as recordings of moments surrounding a photo, enhancing the photo-sharing experience. Users can only send motion photos if their devices support this functionality, but they can view them regardless of their device's capabilities. The feature aims to prevent motion photos from being converted into video files when shared. There is no timeline for its official launch yet.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Google Maps is primarily designed for well-marked, paved roads and does not adequately highlight gravel routes, making it less effective for navigating unpaved paths. In a poll, 55% of users preferred OsmAnd for unpaved road navigation, compared to 20% for Google Maps. OsmAnd offers features like a color-coded system for road types, offline map support for entire regions, and the ability to import KML or GPX files. However, it has challenges such as cumbersome customization options, less detailed information compared to Google Maps, and performance issues on Android Auto.

BetaBeacon

August 8, 2025

I tried emulating PC games on a Pixel phone, and I have mixed thoughts

- GameHub is an app that allows users to play PC games on their Android phones or tablets via emulation/translation. - GameHub can only be downloaded from GameSir's website and is not available on the Play Store. - The app recently gained Steam integration, allowing users to install titles from their Steam library. - Some PC games, such as Spelunky, Castle Crashers, and Undertale, were tested on a Pixel 7 Pro with varying levels of success in terms of performance. - GameHub offers improvements over rival apps like Winlator, including a more intuitive UI and robust controller support. - While GameHub may be time-consuming and occasionally frustrating to set up and use, it is continuously receiving updates for improvement. - The rival Winlator app is also worth trying on a Pixel, as some games that don't run on GameHub might run fine on Winlator and vice versa.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Does your Google Messages app keep crashing? This could be the reason why

The latest beta version of the Google Messages app (version 2025080500RC00) crashes upon opening for some users, affecting various Android devices including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, and is not linked to any specific service provider. Users can still respond to incoming messages via notifications as a temporary workaround. Traditional fixes like restarting the device or clearing the app's cache have not worked for many, though some users have successfully resolved the issue by uninstalling and reinstalling the beta update. There are ongoing efforts to get a comment from Google regarding a timeline for a resolution.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

18 of the best Minecraft tips and secrets to help you become a master builder

Minecraft has 204.33 million monthly players across mobile devices and consoles. Players can use llamas as storage units, break blocks for navigation, utilize lava as a fuel source, and find diamonds most effectively between levels 15 and 63. Players can change sheep colors using Evokers, harvest sand or gravel with torches, and explore Mushroom biomes safely. Strategies include wearing carved pumpkins to avoid Endermen attacks, creating Iron Golems for protection, using cats to deter Creepers, and placing doors underwater for air pockets. Snowballs are effective against Blazes, and torches can stop mob spawners. Players can milk Mooshrooms for stew, customize dog collars, protect pixel art with glass panes, and lure zombies with turtle eggs.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Which Home Security System Has the Best Android App?

Smartphones have become essential tools for home security, with Android users seeking high-quality apps that offer speed, intuitive interfaces, control, stability, and customizability. Key features of top home security apps include quick loading times, user-friendly designs, easy system control, and the ability to operate without crashes. SimpliSafe is highlighted as the best overall home security app for Android due to its speed, user-friendly layout, and compatibility with Google Assistant. ADT+ is noted as a solid runner-up with strong video capabilities but a steeper learning curve. Vivint offers a premium experience with a polished design but comes with high costs. Other notable apps include Abode, which is flexible and affordable, Wyze, known for its simplicity and affordability, and Ring, which integrates well with Android and Alexa but raises privacy concerns.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Google Messages crashing for some Android users

A segment of Google Messages users is experiencing crashes shortly after launching the app, particularly on devices running Android 16 and 16 QPR1, especially Pixel and Samsung phones. This issue began after the release of the latest beta version (2025080500RC00). Affected users can still access conversations through notifications or the chat head feature. Basic troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issue, but some users have successfully uninstalled updates and then reinstalled them, fixing the crashing while keeping their message history intact.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

5 Best Minecraft Modpacks That Will Change Your Gameplay Forever

Minecraft modpacks are curated collections of modifications that can significantly change gameplay. The text highlights five notable modpacks: 1. RLCraft: Known for its high difficulty, it introduces realistic survival mechanics, deadly mobs, and hundreds of hours of challenging gameplay. 2. SkyFactory 4: A tech-heavy skyblock experience starting from a solitary tree, featuring over 200 unique achievements and a modular progression system. 3. Enigmatica 6: Balances magic, technology, and exploration with quests, over 300 mods, and exploration-based gameplay, suitable for both beginners and experienced players. 4. All the Mods 9: Contains a vast array of mods, offering cross-compatibility between tech and magic, and is best played on powerful servers to avoid performance issues. 5. Pixelmon: Merges Minecraft with Pokémon, featuring over 800 Pokémon, realistic mechanics, and community events. Hosting modded Minecraft servers is recommended for optimal performance, allowing for smooth gameplay and easy collaboration with friends. Most modpacks are free to download, but some require robust hardware or dedicated servers. Most major modpacks are designed for Minecraft Java Edition, as Bedrock has limited modding support.