Browse all articles, news, and guides tagged with apps on Droid Tools.
Developers have discovered that Android 17 quietly blocks apps from checking whether Developer Options and USB Debugging are turned on, in what's being described as one of the release's hidden changes. Regardless of whether Developer Mode is actually enabled on a device, apps that try to read its status in Android 17 will always get
Samsung is retiring two of its longest-running AR apps for Galaxy phones. Galaxy Store listings confirm Quick Measure and AR Doodle will shut down on December 31, 2026, with Samsung saying both tools will return later in improved form. Quick Measure lets a phone's camera estimate real-world distances, while AR Doodle lets users sketch virtual
Google is rolling out a new Motion Assist Android feature as part of its September Android Drop, giving phone users a screen-based tool meant to reduce motion sickness during car rides. The feature places moving dots near the edges of the display, aiming to help connect what a person's eyes see with the motion their
Google is significantly raising the security bar for Android devices in 2026 with Android 17. The update delivers a broad sweep of security and privacy improvements targeting some of the most common threats users face today — financial fraud, physical device theft, and invasive app tracking. Android 17 tackles phone scams at the call level
There comes a point where upgrading your smartphone every year or two just does not make much sense anymore. My Google Pixel 9 Pro from 2024 is still performing well, and unless the next upgrade brings something meaningful, I do not see myself moving to the Pixel 11 Pro either. The trade-off for keeping a
The Play services, Play Store, and Play system update for Android phones and tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC are the main topics covered in the monthly “Google System Release Notes.” While certain features are intended for developers, others are applicable to end users. The “Google System” is made up of the following
Samsung has posted an official “End of Service” notice on its website confirming that its native Messages app will go dark sometime in July. The exact shutdown date hasn't been pinned down yet — Samsung says it will be announced inside the app itself when the time comes. But the message is clear: the company
Since its launch, sideloading has been a crucial component of Android, giving it a great deal of flexibility as well as a feeling of freedom and openness. The community (quite understandably) panicked when Google announced it would make significant changes to sideloading. However, since Google has now demonstrated how its new sideloading flow on Android
According to a survey by cloud security firm Zscaler, hundreds of malicious Android apps on Google Play were downloaded over 40 million times between June 2024 and May 2025. The company saw a 67% year-over-year increase in malware that targeted mobile devices during that time, with banking trojans and spyware being the most common threats.
For the Xiaomi 17 Pro series, Xiaomi has released a new software update that enhances the secondary display with a number of interactive features. The launch includes dynamic avatars, real-time translation, five live wallpapers, and two portable games, according to the company's HyperOS Weibo post. Animated profile photographs can now be set on the back
After setting up a new Samsung Galaxy, you should think about the apps you use and don't use. There are many unnecessary preinstalled apps on your phone that don't always enhance the user experience. Therefore, it is safe to remove any bloatware and superfluous apps. These apps clog your home screen, suck up storage space,
I have six computers of different sizes and specs, but lately I've noticed that I use my Chromebook more frequently. It has one amazing feature that I can't live without, despite its obviously poor performance and small 11-inch footprint: full-fledged Android app support. I'm not just saying this because I write for Android Authority; having
Free apps are a welcome anomaly in a world when nothing really comes free! Today, we're exploring a carefully chosen collection of free apps for iOS and Android smartphones that come in a range of categories, such as games and other practical utilities. Remember that these offers are temporary, and their availability may change at
Even while there isn't such a thing as a free lunch, there is such a thing as free apps! We'll look at a selection of free apps for iOS and Android phones today, which includes games and other kinds of apps. Please be aware that you must act immediately because these offers are time-sensitive and
Today, we need to discuss a few significant news from Nothing. First, for those who own a Nothing phone and would like to try out Android 16 before it becomes stable, Nothing has made the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta (Android 16) available. The other news relates to that since it presents the Playground and
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro are two of the greatest phones available right now because of their incredible cameras and powerful processors. Even though these high-end flagships could be the best mobile devices available right now, getting them will cost you a fortune. Even phones that are affordable, like the Google
The first thing you should do if your Android phone has become sluggish is to wipe off its storage. Here are some tips for speeding up your outdated Android phone if you're not sure where to start. Delete unused apps Phones can accumulate a large number of unused apps over time, leaving your device looking
Users of iOS and Android, take note! You currently have the opportunity to download several premium apps for free. But act quickly—these amazing deals aren't around for long, so take advantage of them before these apps revert to their premium editions. With a wide range of programs to suit all your needs, the Google Play
Hardware and software are not the only things that are changing. The sophistication of cyberthreats such as phishing and frauds is also increasing. Google just unveiled a potent AI-powered scam detection tool for Android that provides real-time notifications while making calls and sending messages. It looks like the business is now extending this tool to
In today's bustling app marketplace, finding quality apps and games without having to dip into your wallet can feel like striking gold. Developers often run special promotions where normally paid apps become free for a short window—an opportunity savvy users love to seize. Whether it's a powerful productivity app, a fun puzzle game, or a
