Latest news with #PlayStore
Android Authority
7 hours ago
- Android Authority
Here's why you can't rate that system app in the Google Play Store
Damien Wilde / Android Authority TL;DR Earlier this year, Google started working to implement minimalistic app listings for system services in the Play Store. These listings do not include a review section nor allow users to rate the apps. Users are now starting to see this new format for system services roll out widely. Should all app listings be created the same? At first glance, it might make sense to expect all app listings in the Play Store to have the same stuff: description, screenshots, device compatibility, and a place to submit and read reviews. Back at the start of the year, though, we started to become aware of a change Google was working on that would seriously pare down the content available in Play Store listings for some apps, resulting in a minimalistic app listing just containing a basic synopsis. And now it finally looks like this new view is starting to roll out widely. Not all apps are built equally, and the ones we first saw associated with this minimal new Play Store layout were all Android system services — the sort of things the vast majority of users will never have to think twice about, let alone try to pull them up on the Play Store. At the time, we speculated that Google's reasoning for this change might involve wanting to limit the ability of users to take out their frustrations with undesirable system behavior by review-bombing these apps. A few months later, we spotted Google preparing a new list of 'System services' apps within Play Services that appeared to feature the very same apps we saw trying on that new Play Store listing look. Now in July, that list is finally starting to roll out. As if heralded by that release, we've started to receive reports from users who are now seeing the new listing format live on their devices. Odds are, you won't stumble across any of these naturally — these aren't the kind of apps most people go looking for in the first place, and they won't even show up in a regular search. But if you're browsing installed apps on your phone and tap through out of curiosity — well, now you've got no excuse for being surprised. 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.
Tom's Guide
11 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
This Android malware poses as real apps to take you to dangerous sites and flood your phone with spam
A new version of the Konfety malware that attacks the best Android phones now uses distorted APK files as well as other methods in order to avoid being detected and analyzed. As reported by Bleeping Computer, this latest Konfety malware strain, which is neither spyware nor a remote access trojan, can pretend it is a legitimate app by copying both the branding and names of real apps from the Google Play Store. Konfety mimics real products available on the Play Store, though it does not reproduce the same functionality of those apps. Likewise, it's distributed and promoted through third-party stores. This is a method that researchers have sometimes called a 'decoy twin' or 'evil twin' tactic, and is exactly why it is recommended to only download software from trusted publishers and to avoid installing APK files from third-party app stores. Still, some users will resort to searching on these marketplaces for supposedly free versions of popular apps either because they don't have access to Google services as their Android device isn't supported or because they don't want to pay for legitimate software. Here's everything you need to know about this new Android threat including some tips and tricks to help keep your phone safe from hackers and malware free. Once Konfety has been installed on a victim's device it uses a malformed ZIP structure to avoid analysis and detection, and will begin its malicious behavior. It can redirect users to dangerous websites, install unwanted apps and provide fake browser notifications. Additionally, it can produce ads using a CaramelAds SKD and exfiltrate device data like installed apps, network configuration and system information. Thanks to the capabilities of this latest version, it can also hide its app icon and name, and then use geofencing to alter its behavior depending on the region the device is located in. It performs all its nefarious hidden features courtesy of an encrypted DEX file inside the APK which is loaded and decrypted during runtime, and contains hidden services declared in the AndroidManifest file which allows for the delivery of more dangerous modules. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Konfety also manipulates the APK files to confuse and break static analysis and reverse engineering tools by signaling that the file is encrypted when it is not, which triggers a false password prompt when trying to inspect the file. This can block or delay access to the APKs contents. Next, critical files within the APK are declared using BZIP compression, which is not supported by analysis tools and this results in a parsing failure. Android ignores the declared method and returns to the default processing which allows Konfety to install and run on the device without issue. First and foremost, to avoid falling victim to the Konfety malware and other Android malware strains, it's essential that you don't sideload apps on your devices. While it may seem convenient, doing so puts you at serious risk from malware, adware, spyware and other threats. The reason being is that sideloaded apps from third-party app stores or those downloaded as APK files don't go through the same rigorous security checks that they would on the Google Play Store or other first-party app stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store. From there, you want to make sure that Google Play Protect is enabled on your Android phone. This pre-installed security app scans all of your existing apps and any new ones you download for malware. For extra protection though, you may also want to install and run one of the best Android antivirus apps alongside it. Malicious apps are one of the easiest ways for hackers and other cybercriminals to establish a foothold on your devices, so they likely won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, it's up to you to carefully vet each and every app you download and install. You also want to keep in mind that if an app sounds too good to be true, it probably is. By sticking to official, first-party app stores and by limiting the number of apps you have installed on your phone overall, you should be able to safely avoid this new version of Konfety and other Android malware strains entirely. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Google shuts down free feature that made using apps easier
One of the biggest challenges for any app developer has been getting people to make the commitment to download an app. Stores like the Google play store and Apple's App Store at least guarantee, for the most part, that what you download won't be completely a scam. Their definition of that, however, sometimes differs from what the average person would think. Related: Amazon pulls the plug on a free service for customers Yes, in both cases, developers are supposed to tell you when there are additional costs in a so-called free app. Exactly how you find that can vary quite a bit. Some apps are purely functional and you can pay extra for things you may want, but don't need. In other cases, the free version is essentially useless. That's a situation that has made people wary of what they download. There are just so many cases where downloading. Something means having to delete something else and then whatever we downloaded turns out to be a waste. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter When it comes to games, nobody knows whether a game will be fun. Some people have a pretty high bar for a download and won't download something unless they get it recommended by a lot of people or play it somewhere else. Alphabet's Google had a product that solved that problem. But, that solution is going away. "With Google Play Instant, people can use an app or game without installing it first. Increase engagement with your Android app or gain more installs by surfacing your instant app across the Play Store and Google Play Games app," the company shared. The tools were meant to make games and other experiences easier for users to access with less of a commitment. "Android's new app publishing format, the Android App Bundle, makes it easier than ever to offer a Google Play Instant experience. Starting from the Android Studio 3.3 beta release, you can build and publish one app bundle artifact to Google Play containing both instant and feature modules. Build instant games easily with Cocos and Unity plug-ins," it added. Google Play Instant was open to all app and game developers. It seemed like a good idea that allowed consumers to play games without committing to a download, but it apparently did not work. More media and entertainment: Disney makes major theme park announcement after startling lossComcast raises red flag about unexpected customer behaviorDisney CEO offers unexpected response to tariff concerns The company shared its decision to shut down the service. "Google Play Instant will no longer be available. Starting December 2025, Instant Apps cannot be published through Google Play, and all Google Play services Instant APIs will no longer work. Users will no longer be served Instant Apps by Play using any mechanism," it posted on its website. Google appears to have made this decision based on usage patterns and what it heard from developers. "We're making this change based on developer feedback and our continuous investments to improve the ecosystem since the introduction of Google Play Instant," it added. While Google Instant Play appears to have failed, the company has been growing overall. That's something CFO Anat Ashkenazi talked about during the company's first-quarter earnings call. "We had another strong quarter in Q1, Consolidated revenues of $90.2 billion increased by 12% or 14% in constant currency. Search and YouTube advertising, subscription platforms and devices, and Google Cloud, each had double-digit revenue growth this quarter reflecting strong momentum across the business," she shared. Profits were up for Alphabet (GOOGL) as well. "Net income increased 46% to $34.5 billion and earnings per share increased 49% to $2.81. We delivered free cash flow of $19 billion in the first quarter and $74.9 billion for the trailing 12 months. We ended the quarter with $95 billion in cash and marketable securities," she added. Related: Amazon Prime Day sales for customers aren't going as planned And, despite the failure of Instant Play, the Services division saw big growth as well. "Turning to segment results. Google services revenues increased 10% to $77.3 billion reflecting strength in Google Search and YouTube advertising as subscription. Google Search and other advertising revenues increased by 10% to $50.7 billion. The robust performance of Search was once again broad-based across verticals led by financial services due primarily to strength in insurance, followed by retail," the CFO shared. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
How to Use a VPN for Smart TV: Complete Setup Guide
Many Smart TVs limit what you can access based on your location. A VPN helps unlock region-restricted content and adds a layer of privacy, which are two things modern streaming often lacks. This guide explains how to set up a VPN on your Smart TV, including tools like LightningX VPN that support Smart DNS or router-level connections. LightningX VPN is optimized for streaming devices, with native support for Android TV and Fire TV. Its Smart DNS feature makes it easy to unblock geo-restricted content on platforms like LG or Samsung TVs that don't support VPN apps. One standout feature is its fast, low-latency servers, which reduce buffering on 4K streams. Beyond streaming, LightningX also brings solid privacy features to your living room. It uses modern encryption protocols to keep your connection secure, even on less trusted Wi-Fi networks. Smart TV strengths: Consistently fast speeds for high-res streaming The Clean, remote-friendly interface on Android TV and Fire TV Multiple region-specific servers (2000+ nodes in over 70 countries) Download LightningX VPN for a better and safer streaming experience. The first thing is to figure out what kind of system your TV runs. Some models (like Android TV or Fire TV) make it easy; others (like LG or Samsung) require workarounds. Below are the three main methods to get a VPN running on your Smart TV, no matter which brand you use. If your Smart TV runs Android TV, Google TV, or Fire TV OS, you can install a VPN app directly from the built-in app store. Steps: Open the Play Store or App Store on your TV. Search for a supported VPN (e.g., LightningX VPN). Install the app and log in. Choose a server and connect. Once connected, open your streaming apps, and you should now see content available in the region you selected. Works well with: Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, NVIDIA Shield, Amazon Fire TV TVs that don't support native VPN apps (like Samsung's Tizen OS or LG's webOS) can still benefit from VPN-like functionality using Smart DNS. What Is Smart DNS? It doesn't encrypt your traffic, but it spoofs your location, letting you access geo-blocked content from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer. Steps: Sign in to your VPN provider's website. Find the 'Smart DNS' or 'MediaStreamer' setup page. Register your IP address (this is often required for DNS whitelisting). Go to your TV's network settings and manually enter the DNS server address provided. Restart your TV and launch a streaming app. Works well with: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Panasonic, and some Hisense models Note: Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS offers no encryption or privacy protection. It's designed purely for content unblocking, not security. So if you're using Smart DNS for TV, your activity isn't hidden from your ISP or network administrators. If your TV can't install apps and doesn't support Smart DNS, or when you want every device on your home network protected, you can set up a VPN on your router. Steps: Log in to your router's admin panel. Check if it supports VPN client mode (some brands like ASUS, TP-Link, or DD-WRT do). Enter the VPN configuration files from your provider. Connect your Smart TV to that Wi-Fi network. This method encrypts all traffic from your home, but setup can be technical. Some VPNs offer pre-configured routers or detailed step-by-step guides. Works with: All Smart TVs (indirectly) Besides choosing a VPN setup method, you should also check what operating system your Smart TV is running. This determines whether you can install a VPN app directly or need to use a workaround like Smart DNS or a router-based VPN. Android TV / Google TV These are the most VPN-friendly. If your TV runs Android or Google TV (brands like Sony, Philips, and Xiaomi), you can install VPN apps like LightningX VPN straight from the Play Store. Fire TV Amazon's Fire TV devices work similarly to Android TV. You can download VPN apps directly and connect within minutes, no extra hardware or tweaks are required. Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS) These systems don't support native VPN apps. However, many VPNs offer Smart DNS as a workaround to unblock content, or you can install a VPN on your router to cover the entire network. Roku, Vizio, and Other Closed Systems Platforms like Roku OS and SmartCast don't allow VPN or DNS configuration. Your best bet here is to share a VPN connection from another device or set up a VPN on your router. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
How to use Instagram AI to change your outfit colour easily
Instagram is evolving beyond selfies and filters—its latest AI tool now lets users change the colour of their clothes in photos and videos simply by typing a prompt. Here's how the new "Restyle" feature works and how you can use it to transform your outfit visuals in IS INSTAGRAM 'S 'RESTYLE' AI FEATURE?Instagram's Restyle feature uses artificial intelligence to alter your photos or videos based on a simple text prompt. Whether it's changing your shirt from red to blue or giving your outfit a whole new vibe, the tool reads your description and visually remakes your part of Meta's larger push toward AI editing tools that offer users greater creative flexibility—especially for Reels, Stories, and TO ACCESS AI RESTYLE TOOL ON INSTAGRAM To access the Restyle feature, you must have the latest version of Instagram installed on your phone. The tool is currently rolling out in phases and may not be available to all users Instagram from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS)Open the app and tap the '+' icon to create a new Reel or StoryAfter selecting a video or photo, tap 'Edit'Locate and tap on the 'Restyle' or 'AI Tools' button (shown as a magic wand or AI label)HOW TO USE TEXT PROMPTS Once inside the Restyle tool, a prompt box will appear. This is where the AI reads your instructions and applies the visual OF PROMPTS'Change red shirt to a black shirt''Turn a white dress into a floral green one''Make jacket blue denim''Change outfit to pastel purple with gold trim'You can be as specific or creative as you want. The more detailed your prompt, the better the AND SELECTING AI-GENERATED OPTIONSAfter entering your prompt, Instagram generates 2 to 4 versions of the image or video with your requested changes. You canSwipe through the resultsCompare editsSelect the best version that matches your intentClick 'Apply' once you're satisfiedCUSTOMISING YOUR RESTYLED VISUALS FURTHEREven after using Restyle, you can continue editing your visualsAdjust brightness, contrast, and saturationApply additional filters or effectsAdd text, stickers, or music for more flairThis gives you full creative control after the AI has handled the main clothing PRACTICES FOR PROMPTING THE AITo get the most accurate resultsBe specific: Mention the exact clothing item (e.g., 'shirt,' 'hoodie,' 'jacket')Use precise colours: Instead of blue say navy blue or sky blueLimit changes: Ask the AI to change only the outfit if you want the background untouchedExample: Only change the t-shirt to mint green, keep everything else the sameWHY THIS FEATURE IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR CREATORSadvertisementThe AI Restyle tool saves time, effort, and expensive third-party editing. Influencers, fashion creators, and casual users canCreate multiple outfit versions from a single shootPreview different color combinationsMake their content more dynamic and trendyIt's especially useful for content scheduling, brand mockups, and aesthetic AND FUTURE UPDATESAs of now, the Restyle feature is being rolled out gradually and may be limited to some regions or user groups. Meta has hinted at expanding its AI tools to include:Background editsMake-up changesAI-generated outfitsStyle swaps across video framesThis is just the beginning of Instagram's AI editing Restyle AI feature opens the door to effortless visual transformation. Whether you're experimenting with fashion colours or trying new aesthetics, it provides a powerful and easy way to redesign your look using just a prompt. As this tool evolves, it's set to become a must-have for any visual content creator.- EndsMust Watch
