YouTube app Archives

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

YouTube App for TVs Gets 30-Second Unskippable Ads Globally

Google has introduced longer, 30-second unskippable ads on the YouTube app for smart TVs, marking a shift in advertising strategy compared to mobile and laptop platforms. This change is part of an initiative to enhance content delivery on larger screens, utilizing Google AI to alternate between different ad formats. YouTube's growth is projected to lead to revenues reaching billions by 2025, with the living room becoming its fastest-growing venue. Viewers on smart TVs are experiencing longer engagement times, making the "Skip Ad" button less common unless they subscribe to YouTube Premium. YouTube is also exploring subscription models, including a budget-friendly “Premium Lite” tier. However, some markets, like Vietnam, have imposed restrictions on ad lengths. Despite this, YouTube remains the leading streaming platform in the U.S., and the trend towards longer ads is expected to continue.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

YouTube Expands In-App Direct Messaging Test

YouTube is expanding its revamped direct messaging feature from an initial trial in Poland and Ireland to 31 European countries. This feature, available to signed-in users aged 18 and older, allows users to send direct messages and share videos within the YouTube app. The messaging remains experimental and is focused on one-on-one or small group interactions rather than creating a comprehensive social inbox. Users in the United States and other regions are not part of this trial. The age restriction and invite acceptance requirement aim to enhance safety and privacy. YouTube is implementing moderation tools, spam controls, and reporting mechanisms to ensure user protection. The effectiveness of this feature could influence future developments and potential global rollout.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Official YouTube app or alternatives? Survey reveals surprising choice.

The YouTube app is widely used on Android devices, but many users are turning to alternatives like Morphe, which modifies the official app to add features. A survey with over 6,000 responses revealed that 60.59% of participants prefer alternatives to the official YouTube app. Alternatives like Morphe and Revanced provide features such as ad-free playback and background listening for free, along with additional functionalities like SponsorBlock integration and the ability to disable Shorts. Among those surveyed, 23.39% have not tried alternatives but are open to them, while 8.15% have tried them but prefer the official app, and 7.86% are satisfied with the official app. Concerns about the safety of using alternative apps, including the risk of getting a Google account banned, were also expressed by users.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium? Morphe picks up where Revanced left off.

Several developers and contributors have left the Revanced project, leading to the creation of the Morphe app, an open-source alternative for YouTube and YouTube Music. Morphe enhances user experience by unlocking features typically reserved for Premium subscribers. Key features include SponsorBlock integration to skip sponsored segments, YouTube Dislike support, Shorts content management, and thumbnail customization. Users can access these features through Settings > Morphe in the patched YouTube app. To use Morphe, users must download the original YouTube APK (version 20.37.48) and follow a straightforward setup process that includes installing microG. The patched version of YouTube coexists with the stock app and has its own icon. Users can rename the patched app for personalization. After signing in via microG, Morphe resembles the original YouTube app but omits the Shorts tab and plus icon, replacing them with a notifications tab and offering customization options in the settings menu. The future of Morphe is uncertain due to potential disfavor from Google regarding free access to Premium features. Further details and download options are available on the official Morphe website.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?

At the I/O 2025 event, Google presented Project Astra, showcasing its AI, Gemini, which can control Android devices to perform tasks like retrieving web content, playing YouTube videos, managing emails, and making phone calls. The demonstration illustrated Gemini's ability to navigate PDFs and transition between apps. Google introduced a Computer Use model for developers, enabling Gemini to interact with user interfaces in a human-like manner, currently optimized for web browsers. Apple is also enhancing Siri's capabilities to perform actions across multiple apps using voice commands. Google's approach is more generalized and not reliant on prior integrations, aiming to improve user interaction. The new Google Assistant, introduced in 2019, promised to allow voice operation of phones and multitasking across apps but faced challenges and limited adoption. Advancements in generative AI may enable more conversational command issuance, potentially addressing previous limitations. The integration of this technology could significantly impact wearable devices, allowing for phone control and information relay from secondary devices. The future of voice control as a primary interaction method for smartphones remains uncertain.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

SmartTube YouTube app for Android TV breached to push malicious update

An attacker gained access to the developer's signing keys for SmartTube, an open-source YouTube client for Android TV, leading to a malicious update being distributed. The developer, Yuriy Yuliskov, confirmed the compromise and plans to release a new version with a different app ID. Users reported that Play Protect flagged SmartTube as a potential threat. A reverse-engineered version, identified as 30.51, contained a hidden library named libalphasdk.so, which was not part of the public source code and collected device fingerprints without user knowledge. There is currently no evidence linking the malware to account theft or DDoS attacks, but concerns remain. Yuliskov has announced safe beta and stable test builds on Telegram, but they are not yet on GitHub. Users are advised to stay on older verified builds, avoid logging in with premium accounts, and disable auto-updates. Version 30.19 does not trigger Play Protect warnings, suggesting it may be safer.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Popular YouTube app for Android TV ‘SmartTube’ compromised with malware

The developer of SmartTube, an ad-free YouTube client for Android TV, confirmed a security breach involving the app's signing key, which allowed malicious actors to inject harmful code into app updates. The breach was disclosed by Yuriy Yuliskov, the maintainer, who advised users to avoid reinstalling the old app and instead wait for a newly signed version. A reverse-engineering analysis of the infected APKs revealed that they were gathering sensitive information and transmitting it to a remote server. Versions 28.56 to 30.52 were particularly affected, and Google Play Protect began disabling installations of SmartTube. In response, Yuliskov wiped his hard drive and released a new version, 30.56, with a different signing key and app ID. Transparency concerns remain, and the developer plans to disclose details about the breach and measures to prevent future incidents. Users have requested additional security assurances, including hashes of clean builds.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

PSA: Google has disabled the best YouTube app on Android TV, but for good reason

Google has disabled the SmartTube app on various Android TV devices, including NVIDIA Shield TV, Walmart Onn boxes, and certain Sony and TCL TVs, due to it being flagged by Google Play Protect. The app's developer, yuliskov, confirmed that the app's digital signature was compromised, prompting plans to transition to a new digital signature and app identifier. Users do not need to uninstall the existing version, but the new version will be released as a separate app requiring reconfiguration. Some users have suggested disabling Google Play Protect to regain access, but it is recommended to keep it enabled for security. The SmartTube app offers features like SponsorBlock support, live chat, picture-in-picture mode, and customizable video quality settings.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

6 Free Android TV Apps You Need To Install Before Google Removes Sideloading

Developers are now required to register their applications before users can sideload them on Android devices, a change aimed at reducing malware risks associated with unverified apps. This policy is particularly significant for Android TV users who often rely on sideloading for niche utilities and unofficial streaming tools. The risk of malware is reportedly 50 times higher when apps are installed from outside the Play Store. Google has promised to create a workflow for experienced users to sideload unverified apps despite the new restrictions. Sideloading allows users to install apps not available on the Play Store, but it comes with increased risks of data-stealing malware. Users can sideload apps by transferring APK files to their devices and adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources. SmartTube TV is an unofficial YouTube client that offers an ad-free experience and integrates features like SponsorBlock, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Aptoide TV is a community-driven app marketplace that provides access to apps not available on the Play Store, though caution is advised due to potential malware risks. Leanback Launcher is an open-source launcher that enhances performance and customization options for Android TV. RetroArch allows users to emulate classic gaming consoles and requires legal copies of games. Syncler organizes and streams shows and movies from user-selected providers without hosting content itself. AdAway is an open-source ad blocker that filters ads at the device level using host files. The selection of these apps focuses on enhancing the Android TV experience through performance improvements, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of categories including streaming, gaming, customization, and privacy.