Latest news with #GooglePlayServices
Android Authority
13 hours ago
- Android Authority
Will Android 'App Cast' let you stream apps from device to device? (APK teardown)
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Google Play Services shows evidence of an in-development 'App Cast' tool. While its full functionality is unclear, it appears able to gather info about remote Android devices and access their installed apps. One possibility could be the ability to remotely stream apps from one Android device to another. Google's always working on something new for Android, and we spend a fair amount of time digging through app and system updates in the hope of getting an early look at some of those developments. When we're lucky, evidence is abundant and we're able to easily infer what Google's up to. Other times, however, it's a bit harder to get the full picture of what Google might be working on — even when it seems clear that developers are definitely up to something. And today, we're finding ourselves much more in the latter camp. Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. We're looking at a recent update to Google Play Services, and as you may know, this software is how Google implements a lot of system-level functionality in Android — like we looked at just last month when we spotted new device backup settings. This time we've been crawling through the 25.24.31 beta release, and have spotted evidence of a new 'App Cast' feature. We see references to App Cast popping up in code related to multi-device sync. We've also identified a number of text strings that appear to have been added in preparation of App Cast support: Code Copy Text Starting app cast for package %s Fetching app list from remote device. Unable to get icon: %s not found Starting cast session for ' ' from ' Launching '%s' on remote device '%s' We haven't been able to surface a UI for App Cast, and so we can't see any of this in action, but one possibility could involve Google giving Android devices the ability to stream apps installed on other hardware linked to your account. We can tell that there are elements in place for choosing devices from a list, and showing a progress bar. And as mentioned in the strings above, we see code for pulling up a list of installed apps. Admittedly, the need for an app streaming mode feels a little narrow — in a lot of cases, it seems easier to just install the app on multiple devices — but we can appreciate times that require access to data that lives on a specific phone or tablet. We also wonder if this casting might extend to bigger screens, letting you view Android apps from your phone on Google TV. But as we said, right now we just don't have enough of the puzzle to really say with any kind of certainty what Google is building here; this is all vibes at the moment. We've also spotted work in Play Services on some manner of new notification sync support that appears in proximity to some of this App Cast stuff, but we're not sure if that's just a coincidence, or if they're really meant to be related. That's a little frustrating, but we'll keep digging into future Play Services builds in the hopes that we can soon nail down Google's intentions for App Cast. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Economic Times
10-06-2025
- Economic Times
Your smartphone may be under threat—these are the apps you need to remove right now for safety
Some fake apps that look like crypto wallets have been found on the Play Store. These apps steal your secret codes and money. Always install apps from trusted sources. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How to detect a fake 'wallet' Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How is Google Play protecting against fake wallets FAQs There's a new warning about dangerous apps on smartphones, especially for people using crypto wallets. These apps look like real crypto wallet apps but are actually fake. They are made to steal your wallet info, as per got into the Google Play Store by pretending to be real apps and copying logos/names of trusted ones. Once you install these apps, they open a phishing website or a fake screen and ask for your mnemonic phrase, according to the report by Forbes.A mnemonic phrase is like a secret code, anyone with it can steal all your crypto. Over 20 fake apps have been found already and more are being added because the malware campaign is still active. These apps target 9 popular careful of these app names: Pancake Swap, Suiet Wallet, Hyperliquid, Raydium, BullX Crypto, OpenOcean Exchange, Meteora Exchange, SushiSwap, and Harvest Finance Blog, as said in the Cyble apps seem like they're from different developers but they share similar tricks like, same style of app descriptions, similar package names, and hiding Command and Control links in their privacy policies. These developers had normal apps before, but their accounts got hacked and misused, as mentioned in the report by apps are being found one by one and reported to Google. Many have already been removed from the Play Store. Google responded, saying all reported apps have now been removed from Play Store, as per the report by Play Protect will warn or block these apps on devices with Google Play Services. You should delete any of these apps right now if they're on your phone. Also, make sure Play Protect is expert Jake Moore from ESET warns to delete any crypto app that isn't verified. Always check who made the app, read reviews, and see how many people downloaded it before installing. He said it's even more serious when bad apps get into the Play Store, which is supposed to be safe. You must be extra careful when installing any app, especially ones linked to your money or crypto, as per Forbes bad apps used a huge phishing network with 50+ fake websites, making them hard to detect quickly. Moore also said that hackers are getting smarter, and many users don't double-check before installing. There is no refund or help if your crypto is stolen. It's gone only download wallet apps from the official website of the crypto company, not just the app store. If you have any of the apps listed, delete them immediately. Always be super careful with anything involving your money or personal data, as per steal your wallet's secret code to take your some of them got into the Play Store by pretending to be real wallet apps.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Your smartphone may be under threat—these are the apps you need to remove right now for safety
There's a new warning about dangerous apps on smartphones, especially for people using crypto wallets. These apps look like real crypto wallet apps but are actually fake. They are made to steal your wallet info, as per report. How to detect a fake 'wallet' They got into the Google Play Store by pretending to be real apps and copying logos/names of trusted ones. Once you install these apps, they open a phishing website or a fake screen and ask for your mnemonic phrase, according to the report by Forbes. A mnemonic phrase is like a secret code, anyone with it can steal all your crypto. Over 20 fake apps have been found already and more are being added because the malware campaign is still active. These apps target 9 popular wallets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Be careful of these app names: Pancake Swap, Suiet Wallet, Hyperliquid, Raydium, BullX Crypto, OpenOcean Exchange, Meteora Exchange, SushiSwap, and Harvest Finance Blog, as said in the Cyble report. The apps seem like they're from different developers but they share similar tricks like, same style of app descriptions, similar package names, and hiding Command and Control links in their privacy policies. These developers had normal apps before, but their accounts got hacked and misused, as mentioned in the report by Forbes. Live Events How is Google Play protecting against fake wallets These apps are being found one by one and reported to Google. Many have already been removed from the Play Store. Google responded, saying all reported apps have now been removed from Play Store, as per the report by Cyble. Google Play Protect will warn or block these apps on devices with Google Play Services. You should delete any of these apps right now if they're on your phone. Also, make sure Play Protect is on. Security expert Jake Moore from ESET warns to delete any crypto app that isn't verified. Always check who made the app, read reviews, and see how many people downloaded it before installing. He said it's even more serious when bad apps get into the Play Store, which is supposed to be safe. You must be extra careful when installing any app, especially ones linked to your money or crypto, as per Forbes report. These bad apps used a huge phishing network with 50+ fake websites, making them hard to detect quickly. Moore also said that hackers are getting smarter, and many users don't double-check before installing. There is no refund or help if your crypto is stolen. It's gone forever. So only download wallet apps from the official website of the crypto company, not just the app store. If you have any of the apps listed, delete them immediately. Always be super careful with anything involving your money or personal data, as per reports. FAQs Q1. What do the fake apps take from crypto users? They steal your wallet's secret code to take your money. Q2. Are these fake apps available on the Google Play Store? Yes, some of them got into the Play Store by pretending to be real wallet apps.
Android Authority
05-06-2025
- Android Authority
Google completes Find Hub rebrand as Find My Device disappears from Android Settings
Andy Walker / Android Authority TL;DR Google gave the Find My Device tool a new identity earlier this year after adding a feature that allows users to locate people in addition to devices. The company has since updated the Find My Device app and web interface with the new Find Hub branding. The latest Google Play services update extends this branding to Android's Settings app. Google rebranded Android's Find My Device tool earlier this year, following the addition of a new feature that lets users locate people in addition to their devices. The company subsequently rolled out an update for the Find My Device app for Android, renaming it to Find Hub and adding separate Device and People tabs to demarcate the new functionality. With the latest Google Play services update, Google is now switching to the updated Find Hub branding within Android Settings. The Find Hub branding is rolling out with Google Play services version 25.20.37 (via 9to5Google), and it replaces all instances of 'Find My Device' across the Settings app. The toggle to enable the feature within the Security & privacy settings is now labeled Find Hub. Tapping on it opens the updated Find Hub settings with a new toggle that states 'Allow device to be located' instead of 'Use Find My Device.' The section at the bottom that links to the Find Hub app and web interface has also been updated to reflect the new branding. Lastly, the Google services menu, which you can access by tapping your username at the top of the Settings app, has also received the new branding in the 'Recommended' tab. Google Play services version 25.20.37 is rolling out widely, and we've received these changes on all our devices. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
18-05-2025
- Android Authority
Standby for Hub Mode: Google wants to turn your Android phone into a smart display
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Google appears to be developing an Android equivalent to iOS's Standby Mode, hinted at by a Google Play Services update and code found in Android 16. This new feature will likely leverage an enhanced Hub Mode, which is being optimized for phones and will integrate lock screen widgets in Android 16 QPR1. The rollout of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging for Android devices is a key enabler, allowing phones to be easily docked horizontally like smart displays. One of iOS's standout features is Standby Mode, which transforms an iPhone into a mini smart display. When charging and placed horizontally, iPhones activate Standby Mode, displaying a full-screen clock, photo frame, widgets, or Live Activities. This feature particularly shines when using a MagSafe charger, as it truly gives the iPhone the appearance of a smart display. While Android currently lacks a direct equivalent to iOS' Standby Mode, there are hints that Google may be developing its own version. Here's how I know. You're reading an Authority Insights story. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. Last week, Google updated its Google System Release Notes page with an intriguing line for Google Play Services v25.18. It mentions a 'new feature' that lets you 'use Cast on standby-friendly devices,' specifically tagged with [Phone], indicating it's for the mobile version of Android, not Wear OS, Google TV, Google Play Games on PC, or Android Automotive. While somewhat ambiguous, we interpret this to mean Android mobile devices can now cast content to 'standby-friendly' devices. Existing Google Cast-compatible devices—like Google TV, Google Home smart speakers and displays, and tablets in Hub Mode—likely don't fall into this new 'standby-friendly' category, suggesting Google is referring to a different set of hardware. Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority The Google Pixel Tablet in Hub Mode. So, what devices might Google mean by 'standby-friendly?' My interpretation is that this refers to Android phones equipped with Hub Mode and Chromecast built-in, much like the Pixel Tablet. Technically, the only barrier to Android phones acting as Google Cast receivers has been the absence of the Chromecast built-in app and necessary DRM keys, not a fundamental hardware limitation. The likely reason Google hasn't enabled its phones as Cast receivers before is the potential for a suboptimal user experience. Casting typically targets landscape-oriented devices like TVs and smart displays. Most phones, however, remain in portrait mode even when docked, largely because, unlike iPhones, many Android phones lack magnetic wireless charging that would facilitate easy landscape placement on a charger. This hardware difference may explain why Google hasn't prioritized optimizing the screen saver or lock screen widget experience for phone screens. However, the landscape is clearly shifting. Firstly, the Qi2 wireless charging standard introduces magnetic charging to Android phones. While currently, only one Qi2 Android phone is available, Samsung has confirmed it's launching a Qi2-compatible Galaxy device this year. Google has also repeatedly stated its commitment to expanding Qi2 support within the Android ecosystem and even spearheaded the development of the Qi v2.2 standard, which promises charging speeds exceeding the 15W maximum of Qi2. Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority A Pixel 9 Pro mounted on a Qi2 desk stand thanks to a third-party MagSafe case Although there's no official confirmation that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 will support Qi2 or Qi v2.2, it wouldn't be surprising if it did, as Google's recent advancements align well with the Pixel 10's potential release timeline. After all, the Pixel 10 might launch as early as August, assuming Google follows a similar schedule to the Pixel 9. And Google confirmed earlier this year its plans to introduce lock screen widgets to phones in Android 16's first quarterly release (QPR1). The Pixel 10 will likely debut with Android 16 and shortly after receive an update to Android 16 QPR1, enabling lock screen widget support. Notably, the lock screen widget feature is part of Android's Hub Mode, which Google is currently optimizing for phones. Considering this, it's reasonable to conclude that Hub Mode will serve as Android's version of Standby Mode. When Hub Mode arrives on phones with Android 16 QPR1, users will be able to seamlessly switch between their screen saver (displaying clocks, photo frames, etc.) and their widgets. Sound familiar? That's precisely how Standby Mode functions on iOS. While I admit that the evidence for a dedicated Standby Mode on Android has been somewhat circumstantial, there's more to it than just that single line in the Google System Release Notes. In fact, while examining Android 16's code, I discovered a new string indicating Google plans to add a 'Standby' button to Android's Global Action dialog (the power menu). Code Copy Text Standby Digging deeper, I learned that this new 'Standby' button is designed to trigger the screen saver and lock screen widgets, effectively tying all these elements together. So, while the initial clue might have been weak, this new link strengthens the case, and I think my overall conclusion is solid. Qi2 charging support is undoubtedly coming to more Android devices; it's a matter of when, not if. In preparation for a future where Android phones can be easily docked horizontally on wireless chargers, Google is enhancing Hub Mode for phones, allowing them to offer more than just a basic clock or photo display. Whether we see Android phones leveraging this expanded Hub Mode this year or next remains to be seen, but its arrival seems inevitable. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
