apps

Microsoft has confirmed several changes to the Windows 11 Start menu. They include more space and better support for connected phones. The changes had been in testing for several weeks but have now been officially announced. They will be available ... to members of the Windows Insider program first and then roll out to all users. That means Microsoft has definitely decided to make the changes and its now just a case of picking up any late bugs before the full release. (Source: windows.com ) The most notable change is to the size of the Start menu, which will now be both taller (taking up most of ... (view more)

The number of apps in the Google Play store has almost halved in just over a year. Google says it's good news and a result of a crackdown on low quality apps. The news won't necessarily be welcomed by developers as it shows the effect of a big ... change in policy and more subjectivity by Google. According to Appfigures, the number of apps in Google Play fell from 3.4 million at the start of 2024 to around 1.8 million now. Over the same period, the number Apple's app store remained virtually unchanged at 1.6 million. (Source: techcrunch.com ) The average user probably won't notice that difference ... (view more)

Google is doubling the minimum storage on Android smartphones to 32GB. It could affect both existing and new phones, though mainly at the ultra-budget end of the market. The minimum storage has been 16GB since 2022, when it doubled from the previous ... limits of 8GB. The change only affect Android 15, which was released last fall. Note that this is for storage space (like a computer hard drive) not memory (RAM). That means all newly made phones running the system must have 16GB storage, as will any existing handsets for which manufacturers want to roll out the upgrade. While many will have ... (view more)

Google is to take stronger actions against apps that turn out to be potentially harmful. It may revoke permissions where the app is already on a user's device. One of the most notable aspects of Google's management of Android apps is its particular ... balance of security and privacy. Although it will remove apps suspected or confirmed to be malicious from the Play Store, it doesn't usually do much if anything about devices which already have the app installed. The optional Google Play Protect can technically deactivate suspicious apps, but usually it's left to users to hear about the issue (for ... (view more)

Microsoft is making two key changes to app stores in Windows 11. It's making it easier to update non-Microsoft apps, but withdrawing distribution of Android apps. The Microsoft Store is a Windows feature that works similarly to app stores on mobile ... phones and tablets. It means users can find and install apps from a central source rather than the "traditional" Windows system of downloading software direct from a developers website and running an installation program. The theory behind the Microsoft store is to improve security while making it easier for Windows to keep track of the different ... (view more)

Google may soon warn users before they download a mediocre app. It's the first time the warnings will appear for matters of quality rather than security. The changes were spotted by Android Authority and are buried away in the code of the Play Store ... app. The code would make the app display one of three messages: This app is frequently uninstalled compared to similar apps on Play Play has limited user data about this app This app has few active users compared to others on Play Apps Not Blocked Based on the way the code is integrated, it doesn't appear this will be a high-profile warning such ... (view more)

Google has announced a range of security and privacy boosts for Android 15. It's also rolling out a key feature called Theft Detection Lock to older handsets. The new version of Android is coming to Google's own Pixel handsets almost immediately and ... then will go out to other manufacturers. The release date and which handsets it works on depends on the manufacturer. Theft Detection Lock Explained Unlike some previous new versions of Android which have often seemed more focused on appearance and style, the focus this time is much more practical. The most high-profile change is Theft Detection ... (view more)

Google has suffered a major court defeat over its Play store. It will mean much greater access for third party app stores and apps, though could prompt a continuing argument about security. The ruling came in a case brought by Epic Games, makers of ... the popular game Fortnite. It's had similar battles with Apple and its possible this case will have an effect there too. Epic had argued that Google unfairly exploited a monopoly over access of app developers to the Android system by the way it controlled the official Play store. It said that monopoly existed despite the fact that Android users can ... (view more)

"Modified" versions of popular apps have helped distribute a nasty piece of Android malware. The tactic expanded the reach of the Necro Trojan despite Google's security checks. Necro was able to survive for some time before discovery, largely ... because the infection wasn't obvious to users. Its main purpose was to hijack phones and use them to make money for the people behind the malware. This included displaying paid ads in the background so that users didn't see them, but the scammers were able to claim revenue from advertisers. The malware would also install apps on the phone to earn ... (view more)

A key change to Android could reduce the risk of scammers stealing personal data or money. The update will mean sensitive apps won't open unless potentially risky apps are closed first. The idea is to tackle rogue apps which are designed to either ... capture personal data from another app, or to take control of the phone unbeknownst to the owner. Developer Choice Google's new tactic aims to find a balance between restricting the activities of such rogue apps and keeping the freedom of users to choose what apps they install, including those from sources other than the official Play Store. The ... (view more)