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Android users have two main options to install apps on their devices. Through Google Play, if the marketplace for apps is installed, or through sideloading. Up until now, releasing apps through Google Play required a verified developer account. This meant that the developer had to verify their identity before apps could be published. Starting in…
Google has launched the Pixel 9a. The mid-range phone runs on Android 15 out of the box, with an update policy of 7 years of OS, security and Pixel drop updates. As one might expect, the Pixel 9a ships with Gemini built-in, but it doesn’t include a subscription for Gemini Advanced. The phone is powered…
Mobile devices are seemingly everywhere. Many people carry them around all day. This makes them a valuable target for attacks. The NSA published a document earlier this year in which it highlights best practices for mobile devices. It is a simple document, that divides suggestions into the labels avoid, disable, do, and don’t. Some suggestions…
Google announced a new set of features designed to protect Android devices against theft in May. At least some of these features are now rolling out on first devices. The following anti-theft protections are implemented: Good to know: Factory reset protection and private space is included in Android 15. The enhanced protections “will be released…
Google is updating the Android spam and minimum functionality policy to weed out low-quality apps in the Google Play store. Here are the details: Google lists several examples of app types that it considers substandard: In other words: Google is expanding the classification of substandard Android apps to include static apps and apps that do…
Lately, we have been having some problems with our local Internet provider. Internet goes down unannounced at times or it is barely usable. That is a big issue if you need the Internet to make a living. For some time now, I have been using Android’s mobile hotspot feature to regain access to the Internet….
You may have heard that Microsoft is working on extending the Windows 11 Start Menu. Called Start Menu Companions for now, it is showing additional information and management options. Good to know: Microsoft showcased several Companions already, including one that showed information from Windows Widgets there. Microsoft released a new Insider build to the Beta…
The end of Google’s Podcast application and the attempt to push users to the mediocre alternative YouTube Music has pushed some users to other podcasting apps. AntennaPod is an open source podcast player and manager that is updated regularly. Core features include: AntennaPod 3.4.0 The latest update improved the application’s efficiency in several key areas….
Depending on the Android phone that you use, you may either use a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen or swipe gestures to navigate. Google Pixel devices, for instance, use swipe gestures by default. Most, if not all, Android devices let you switch between the two options. If you prefer one over the…
A new version of the open source privacy-friendly F-Droid app for Android is now available. F-Droid offers an alternative to Google Play. It features only free and open source software, and includes apps that are not allowed on Google Play due to Google policies. F-Droid 1.19.0 is the latest version. It introduces a much requested…