07 Aug 2024
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.
Read more07 Aug 2024
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.
Read more06 Aug 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.
Read more06 Aug 2024
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.
Read more06 Aug 2024
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."
Read more06 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more05 Aug 2024
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.
Read more04 Aug 2024
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.
Read more04 Aug 2024
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.
Read more04 Aug 2024
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.
Read more04 Aug 2024
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.
Read more03 Aug 2024
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.
Read more03 Aug 2024
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.
Read more03 Aug 2024
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.
Read more01 Aug 2024
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.
Read more01 Aug 2024
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.
Read more01 Aug 2024
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.
Read more01 Aug 2024
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.
Read more01 Aug 2024
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.
Read more30 Jul 2024
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.
Read more30 Jul 2024
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.
Read more30 Jul 2024
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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