Apps & Games news for Mobile Android Page 109

07 Aug 2024

Google Expands Gemini AI Side Panel to Personal Gmail on Android

Google is expanding its Gemini AI side panel to personal Gmail accounts on Android, initially launched for Workspace in June. Users may need to restart the app to activate it. The feature, powered by Gemini 1.5 Pro, enhances email by summarizing threads, suggesting responses, and assisting in drafting.

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07 Aug 2024

Chameleon Android Trojan Targets Canadian Hospitality Businesses

Cybersecurity experts have identified the Chameleon Android banking trojan targeting Canadian businesses, especially in hospitality. Disguised as a CRM app, it exploits B2C employees and bypasses Android 13+ security. It can execute fraud and harvest sensitive data, posing significant risks.

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06 Aug 2024

Real Money Gaming Apps Gain Popularity on Android Devices in 2024

Online slots remain popular for real money on Android devices. Jackpot Joy stands out in 2024 with themed slots and progressive jackpots. Strategic slots like Starburst Touch and thrilling games like Aviator are notable. Rummy, bingo, eSports betting, skill-based games, and trivia apps also offer real cash prizes.

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06 Aug 2024

Android Leads Mobile Game Downloads in India with 4.7 Billion Installs

In H1 2024, Android led mobile game downloads in India with 4.7 billion installs, while Apple saw its largest audience in the US with 851.6 million installs. Overall mobile app downloads rose 9% to surpass 110 billion. The market is increasingly competitive, with personalization key to user retention.

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06 Aug 2024

Notable Price Reductions on Android Apps and Samsung Products Today

This afternoon features price reductions on Android applications and notable deals on various products. Highlights include Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE, a 65-inch TCL Google Smart TV, JBL’s Authentics Wi-Fi smart speaker, and Samsung’s Ultra-sized Tab S9. Featured apps on sale include "The Last Game," "Murders on Budapest," "AppLock PRO," and "Underworld Office."

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06 Aug 2024

Android 15 Pushes Developers Towards Full-Screen Edge-to-Edge Applications

Android 15 mandates edge-to-edge applications, surprising many developers. Google offers a temporary opt-out via the windowOptOutEdgeToEdgeEnforcement attribute. Developers have until August 31, 2026, to optimize apps for this change, enhancing the overall user experience.

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05 Aug 2024

Google to Launch Redesigned Weather App with Pixel 9 Series Next Week

Google is set to unveil a redesigned Weather app with the Pixel 9 series next week. The app, featuring a minimalist design and enhanced readability, will debut exclusively on Pixel 9 before rolling out to older models. More details will be revealed at the Made by Google event.

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05 Aug 2024

Google Tightens Sideloading Rules, Adds Complexity for Android Users

Google's new policies complicate sideloading of Android apps by requiring users to enable developer settings, which are disabled by default for security reasons. The company has stopped generating "fat APKs," making app bundles the standard. Tools like APKMirror Installer are now necessary for third-party installations.

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05 Aug 2024

Google Mandates Edge-to-Edge Design for Android 15 Apps, Offers Support

Google mandates edge-to-edge design for Android 15 apps, extending content to screen edges. New tools and guidelines aid developers, with non-compliant apps facing display issues. A temporary opt-out API exists but may be limited in future versions, challenging developers to adapt swiftly.

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05 Aug 2024

Google Shifts to Android App Bundles, Impacting Sideloading Process

Google has ceased generating fat APKs for many apps, shifting to Android App Bundles (AAB) which optimize storage by downloading only necessary components. This change complicates sideloading, requiring third-party tools like Split APKs Installer (SAI) for installation, impacting user convenience.

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05 Aug 2024

Google Introduces Minimalist Weather App with Pixel 9 Release

Google is launching a new weather app with the Pixel 9, featuring a minimalist design and essential weather information cards. The app includes hourly and 10-day forecasts, humidity, wind speed, and more, with a simplified interface and no animations.

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05 Aug 2024

Google Tests Drag-and-Drop in Chrome for Android, Enhancing User Experience

Google is testing drag-and-drop functionality for its Chrome app on Android, expected in version 129, now in the Dev channel. This feature will enable file transfers within the browser and to other apps, similar to desktop. Changes to the "Recent Searches" feature are also anticipated.

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05 Aug 2024

Fitbit Expands School Time Feature to More Devices for Parental Control

Parents are increasingly focused on managing their children’s screen time and offline activities. In response, a School time feature was introduced on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches and will expand to select Android devices and Samsung Galaxy Watches. This feature helps parents customize device use during school hours.

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05 Aug 2024

Android 15 to Enforce Edge-to-Edge Display by Default for All Apps

Android 15 will enforce edge-to-edge display by default, making status and navigation bars transparent for full-screen use. Developers can bypass this with the windowOptOutEdgeToEdgeEnforcement API, though it will be deprecated in future SDKs. Google Play Store targets Android 15 by August 31, 2026.

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05 Aug 2024

Google Enhances Android App Delivery with New Bundle Format

Google has made the Android App Bundle (AAB) format the default for new applications since 2021. This format optimizes app delivery by including only necessary components for specific devices. While Play Store users see minimal impact, sideloading apps now requires additional tools.

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04 Aug 2024

Telegram Enhances In-App Browser with Web3 Support and New Features

Telegram has updated its in-app browser, adding a bottom bar for navigation and support for Web3, including decentralized websites on TON. Users can now view and bookmark instant articles. A new "Apps" tab helps find mini apps. Additional updates include a weather widget and video message enhancements.

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04 Aug 2024

Five Spyware Apps Removed from Google Play Store After Two Years

Five apps containing hazardous spyware, known as "Mandrake," evaded detection on the Google Play Store for two years, amassing over 32,000 downloads. Originating mainly from the UK, the spyware collected sensitive data and installed malicious applications. The apps have now been removed.

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04 Aug 2024

New Android Banking Trojan BlankBot Identified, Poses Significant Risks

A new Android banking trojan named BlankBot has been identified, posing risks by capturing SMS messages, banking credentials, and device lock patterns. First detected on July 24, it targets users in Turkey, evades antivirus software, and is distributed through utility apps. Users should download apps only from official stores.

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04 Aug 2024

Mandrake Bug Puts Android Users at Risk; Google Bans Five Apps

Android users face risks from the Mandrake bug, which enables cybercriminals to monitor activity and simulate screen taps. Google has banned five apps linked to this malware, affecting over 30,000 users globally. Users are advised to enable Google Play Protect for protection against known versions of the malware.

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03 Aug 2024

Modded Android Games Offer Customization but Pose Security Risks

Modded Android games are unofficial versions of published titles that can introduce new features or unlock content. While they offer enhanced control, downloading from third-party sources poses risks. Trusted repositories backed by developers, like those for Stardew Valley, are safer options for users.

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03 Aug 2024

Minecraft and Lush Launch Minecraft-Inspired Cosmetic Products

Minecraft has partnered with cosmetics brand Lush to create a range of Minecraft-inspired products, including twelve real-world items and four special in-game bath bombs. This collaboration celebrates Minecraft's 15th anniversary and aims to enhance player experiences with exclusive in-game benefits.

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03 Aug 2024

Emerging Alternatives Challenge WhatsApp's Dominance in 2024 Communication

WhatsApp remains a leading platform in digital communication, but several alternatives have emerged in 2024, each offering unique features. Competitors like Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Telegram, Signal, Wire, and Hike are gaining traction with varied functionalities and enhanced privacy options.

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01 Aug 2024

Malicious App BingoMod Poses Threat to Android Users, Experts Warn

BingoMod, a malicious Android app posing as antivirus software, poses a significant threat by requesting special permissions to monitor user activity and steal sensitive information. It complicates detection by disabling other apps and can erase personal data. Users should download apps from reputable sources.

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01 Aug 2024

ESET Finds Zero-Day Exploit "EvilVideo" Targeting Telegram on Android

Researchers at ESET discovered a zero-day exploit named "EvilVideo" targeting Telegram on Android. The exploit, found on an underground forum, allowed harmful payloads disguised as multimedia files. Telegram patched the vulnerability in versions 10.14.5 and above. Usage in the wild is unclear.

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01 Aug 2024

Google Highlights Marvel Contest of Champions with Ferris Wheel Event

Google showcased the Marvel Contest of Champions game at an event featuring a Ferris wheel outside the convention center. Attendees played on Android phones and took photos with Marvel character cutouts. VIP access was granted to Play Points users with Silver status or higher.

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01 Aug 2024

Pakistani Engineers Develop 'Beep' App for Secure Government Communication

Pakistani engineers developed the 'Beep' messaging app for government officials, completing trials since 2023. Awaiting government approval, it aims to enhance secure communication amid social media restrictions. Beep may be rolled out to all government employees within 45 days, with future public access possible.

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01 Aug 2024

Google Removes Five Malware-Infected Apps from Play Store

Google has removed five apps from the Play Store containing Mandrake malware, downloaded 32,000 times. Mandrake can monitor activities, collect data, and simulate interactions. Affected apps include AirFS and Astro Explorer. Users should enable Play Protect and delete these apps manually.

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30 Jul 2024

Garou: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo Now Available on Mobile Platforms

Hamster and SNK have launched Garou: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo on mobile platforms. The game, featuring controller support, is now available for purchase on the App Store and Google Play for $3.99.

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30 Jul 2024

Google Photos to Introduce Feature for Simplifying Image Hiding

Google Photos is introducing a feature to simplify hiding images of specific individuals. The update will pre-highlight faces, enabling users to easily select "Hide face from memories" by tapping three dots next to the icon. This aims to enhance user experience and control over digital memories.

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30 Jul 2024

Kaspersky Uncovers New Mandrake Android Spyware Variant on Google Play

A Kaspersky investigation uncovered a new variant of the Android spyware Mandrake in five Google Play apps, downloaded over 32,000 times. These apps, active for at least a year, were removed by March 2024. The spyware evades detection and collects data. Users should install apps from reputable sources.

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