Topic: google play
-
Google's 24-Hour Sideloading Process for Unverified Apps
Google is implementing new Android security measures for 2026, focusing on restricting app sideloading by introducing a mandatory developer verification program with a $25 fee and identity checks. To address concerns from developers and power users, Google will offer an "advanced flow" hidden in ...
Read More » -
Google Play Games Expands PC Library with Cross-Buy
Google is expanding its Play Games platform on Windows to make the PC a core part of its ecosystem, bringing more premium games and better cross-platform features for users and developers. A key update is a dedicated Windows tab in the Play Store for browsing and wishlisting PC games, with develo...
Read More » -
Android Malware Now Uses Gemini AI to Evolve in Real Time
A new Android malware uses Google's Gemini AI to dynamically adapt its behavior in real-time, analyzing device environments and generating code to evade detection. The malware accesses the Gemini API to conduct reconnaissance and tailor malicious actions, though Google states it has not been foun...
Read More » -
Keenadu Backdoor Infects Android Firmware and Google Play Apps
A sophisticated Android malware named Keenadu, deeply embedded in device firmware, grants attackers full control to compromise all apps and steal sensitive user data, including banking credentials and private browsing activity. The malware spreads through multiple channels, including compromised ...
Read More » -
Google to Pay $135M for Android Data Collection
Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging it collected Android users' cellular data without proper consent, even when apps were inactive or location services were off. The settlement mandates Google to simplify user controls over data transfers, obt...
Read More » -
Google Play's New Fee: $2–4 Per App Install
Google is introducing new fees for Android developers who direct users to download apps outside the Play Store, including substantial per-install charges and commissions on in-app purchases. The proposed fee structure is facing legal scrutiny and opposition from Epic Games, with a court evaluatin...
Read More » -
Google Rejoins Movies Anywhere
Google has rejoined Movies Anywhere, allowing users to sync their movie purchases from Google Play and YouTube back into their unified digital collection. Users can now reconnect their Google account to the service, a quick process that restores their purchased titles alongside movies from other ...
Read More » -
TikTok Ban: Latest Updates on the US Shutdown and Return
TikTok has resolved a U.S. legal challenge by creating a new joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, set to launch in January 2026, with partners including Oracle. This new U.S.-based entity will take full control over American user data, algorithm security, content moderation, and platform...
Read More » -
Pixel 8 Gets Animated GIFs with Pixel Studio
Google is expanding its Pixel Studio app to the Pixel 8 series, introducing an "Animate image" feature that allows users to create and customize GIFs from still photos. The functionality is not yet active for Pixel 8 users, and the rollout is pending, but it will also include a new integrated scr...
Read More » -
Google Play Store to warn about battery-draining Android apps
Google Play Store will flag Android apps that drain batteries through excessive background activity, potentially reducing their visibility in search and recommendations. Developers must update their apps by March 1, 2026, to comply with new metrics targeting "excessive partial wake locks," which ...
Read More » -
42 Million Downloads: Google Apps Infected With Malware
Android malware surged by 67% in the past year, with 239 malicious apps downloaded 42 million times from the Google Play Store. The manufacturing and energy sectors were primary targets, with energy attacks rising 387%, and India led in malicious mobile traffic at 26%. IoT threats were dominated ...
Read More » -
Disney-YouTube Feud Blocks Digital Movie Syncing
The contract dispute between Disney and YouTube TV has led to Movies Anywhere removing Google Play and YouTube from its connected platforms, preventing new movie purchases from syncing across services. Existing linked libraries remain accessible for now, but new purchases through Google platforms...
Read More » -
YouTube & Google Play Movies Removed from Movies Anywhere
Movies Anywhere has removed content purchased through Google Play or YouTube from its service as of October 31st, ending their integration and syncing capabilities. Previously linked movies from Google accounts remain accessible in Movies Anywhere, but new purchases on Google Play or YouTube will...
Read More » -
42 Million Downloads: Malicious Android Apps Found on Google Play
Malicious Android applications on Google Play accumulated over 42 million downloads, with spyware and banking trojans posing severe risks as criminals shift to social engineering tactics targeting mobile payment systems. Adware now dominates Android threats at 69% of detections, while spyware saw...
Read More » -
Epic and Google Settle Lawsuit, Reshaping Android's Future
Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement that will globally reduce Google's service fees to 20% or 9% and establish a "Registered App Store" program, allowing alternative app stores to integrate more easily on Android. The agreement mandates that alternative payment options be displayed al...
Read More » -
OpenAI's Sora App Now Available on Android
OpenAI has launched the Sora video generation app for Android, making it available in key markets like the U.S., Japan, and Korea through the Google Play Store. A new "character cameos" feature introduces reusable digital avatars that users can integrate into their video projects for enhanced cre...
Read More » -
Delete These 12 Android Apps Spying on Your Conversations
ESET security researchers discovered twelve apps containing VajraSpy spyware, which can secretly record conversations and steal sensitive data through deceptive tactics. The malware spreads via fake profiles on messaging platforms that build fake romantic relationships to trick users into install...
Read More » -
Google Forced to Change Play Store After Epic Antitrust Loss
Google has been compelled to change its Play Store policies in the U.S. due to an antitrust lawsuit loss to Epic Games, allowing developers to direct users to external payment systems and websites. The court found Google guilty of suppressing competition among Android app stores, a decision uphel...
Read More » -
Apple Pulls Women's Dating Safety App from App Store
Apple removed the women's dating safety app Tea from its App Store for violating terms related to content moderation and user privacy, including the exposure of minors' personal information. Tea experienced multiple security breaches that exposed users' driver's licenses, selfies, and private mes...
Read More » -
Boox Palma 2 Pro: The Pocket-Sized Android That's Not a Phone
The Boox Palma 2 Pro is a pocket-sized Android device with a color E Ink screen and mobile data, blending features of an e-reader and a smartphone. It upgrades from the original model by adding a color display and connectivity, which may introduce more distractions compared to simpler e-readers. ...
Read More »