Android Blog AppsApk

Category: News

TikTok App Faces Legislation That Aims To Ban U.S Government Workers

TikTok is again in the news headlines, but this time it is more critical than you think. The United States lawmakers are in great dilemma seeing how this Chinese-based TikTok app is amateurishly affecting their workers and co-workers. Are U.S. Government workers sharing confidential data to the Chinese Government via video-sharing apps? Let’s find out!

The news

Two senators (Josh Hawley and Rick Scott) from Washington introduced a bill for banning federal employees from using Chinese social media apps on their government-issued smartphones. Seeing this invincible growth of the TikTok app among teens and adults in the United States is a matter of concern for the U.S government.

According to last year’s statistics, there are about 26.5 million active TikTok users from the United States. Also, the figures are increasing drastically day by day. To break off this video sharing app, the U.S government has adopted some strict policies. Hence, the U.S federals have to abide irrespective of their designation.

To this matter, TikTok’s spokesperson said referring to the senator’s national data security concern that U.S. user data will remain limited to the United States and no users in China have access to any U.S secured data.

This defensive action has prevented companies from collecting data such as phone contacts, locations, etc. The U.S has the largest TikTok user base and shutting it down is impacting the TikTok ratings.

This legislation is bringing disputes between the US government and the TikTok corps.

March 26, 2020
Galaxy S9 Update With One UI 2 And Android 10 Starts Rolling Out
While Samsung’s roadmap suggests that the Android 10 update for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ might be delayed a bit, the company has already jumped into action regarding the latest Android build. While the Galaxy S10’s update was quite slow, this one has already gone live in a few countries in Europe and in the US. Users in Lithuania, Spain, Germany, and the US mentioned that they have received the Galaxy 9 update. However, since this is just the beginning, we are sure to see Android 10 updates from other carriers across different locations.

Galaxy 9 Update

The update is sent along with the January security patch in tow and weighs about 1.8GB to 2GB. Galaxy S9 users will be able to enjoy dark mode, improved sharing, and gesture navigation along with new features like quick settings changes and native screen recorder. There are also several improvements to the system and animations.

You can always check your settings on the Galaxy S9 to see if you have the update waiting. Another way would be to download and then flash the update yourself. However, you will lose your data and potentially, even brick your device. Do this only if you are well-versed with the procedure or you don’t mind experimenting dangerously with your phone! The rollout is confirmed from the following countries and carriers.
- US
- Unlocked
- AT&T
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- US Cellular
- Australia
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Switzerland
- UK
March 26, 2020
Youtube Gains Channel Filter In Subscriptions Better Playback Control Accessibility

Now, get control over your subscriptions. YouTube application has come up with a new update that enables you to filter subscribed channels, which is called Youtube Channel Filter.

You decide when these subscriptions automatically disappear and appear on your YouTube screen. With this new update, you get accessibility to sort your subscriptions easily. Also, you can get better control over your playback options.

This tap-to-filter update in the subscription icon is rolling out at a smooth pace. Many users are loving this new feature due to its easy accessibility player. It is also enabling users with easy icon tap to see the newest YouTube videos and feeds. Hence, they don’t miss out on something great and interesting.

Do one-click on ALL button in the extreme right top and you may see the list of all the channels that you have subscribed to date. Also, while clicking on the subscribed channels’ list you can directly open that particular YouTuber’s page. It’s that easy!

Brief Understanding of Playback Control accessibility

As you now know, the new update made new modifications in the subscription icon adding a top-notch toggle for playback accessibility.

Once you enable accessibility controls in the subscription box icon you will see another option of “Hide Player Controls” where you will have choices ranging from 3-30 seconds where you can decide till what time you want your subscribed channel icon to stay on-screen and when to have them disappear.

So, update your YouTube today and try out this Youtube Channel Filter feature!

March 26, 2020
Cheetah Mobile: Google Has Removed Almost All CT Apps From The Play Store

Over time, Cheetah Mobile has gained a reputation for being a dishonest Android development studio. It is known to purchase successful apps and modify them into platforms for data collection. The company has been toeing the line with Play Store policies for a long time and has even received warning a couple of time. However, it has always managed to skirt around the issues and get back on to the platform. Now, with the latest measures, it looks like Google has finally taken a firm stance. Cheetah Mobile products will no longer be seen on the Google Play Store following a ban on it.

Cheetah Mobile Apps

Google recently published a blog post announcing that it has removed about 600 apps that were disruptive and fraud. Following this, Cheetah Mobile products vanished as well, according to Buzzfeed News. If you visit the company’s developer sites on the Play Store, you will find that save a few keyboard themes, most of their apps are no longer on the Store. Cheetah Mobiles is now using its website to list the apps and mentions that it can be downloaded as APKs. You may also come across a similar notice: “Official Notice: You can install the latest version of the app by clicking ‘Download APK.’ Please allow permissions if there are security reminders.”

While downloading and using these apps within the Play Store was a risky task, using an APK for the same seems even more dangerous. Users will not receive the same level of protection against malware. Cheetah Mobile is already known to have tried to come inside the Google Play Store under another name before. We hope Google stays alert this time on.

March 25, 2020
Covid19: Play Store Searches For ‘Coronavirus’ Disabled, Likely To Deter Misinformation

With the COVID-19 virus spreading across the globe, the organizers cancelled the Google I/O 2020 event. Before this, the Mobile World Congress 2020 was cancelled due to the same reason. The virus has been spreading at a fast pace and has disrupted a lot. However, if you want some coronavirus related apps on the Google Play Store, you will not find any. Yes, that’s right. Search results for both “COVID19” and “coronavirus” started returning zero results. You can easily check this yourself by using the Play Store on your Android phone or by making your way to the web-based version.

Play Store Searches For ‘Covid9’ Disabled

One thing that’s quite interesting is the fact that results still show up for search term “COVID19” with eBooks, audiobooks, and music results appearing. So far, Google has not made any announcement regarding this. Users came across this issue when they tried to get some information on the Play Store. While some have reached out to Google to understand why is this, the company is yet to respond.

It seems quite likely that Google is intentionally preventing malevolent apps and games from trying to exploit on coronavirus fears by presenting misinformation and wrong facts. In the same vein, Amazon recently removed about a million products from its online shelves that claimed to treat COVID-19. This is because there is no vaccine or cure available.

Till Google releases a statement or has a discussion about the same, theories are flying around on why Covid19-related search queries seem blocked on the Play Store. If it is a measure to curb the spread of misinformation, it is an excellent move and one that should be appreciated.

March 25, 2020
Enjoy The New Dark Mode On Whatsapp Rolling Out From Today

Whatsapp has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. Whether we want to have any personal conversation or an official discussion, WhatsApp is the go-to option for us! With some very convenient features and easy accessibility, WhatsApp has become the appropriate choice for every person! According to the updates, now the dark mode on Whatsapp is all set to go for users.

The darker version of WhatsApp makes it even better and interesting!

Enjoy the darker and better version

Who doesn’t enjoy change? Whatsapp from Facebook is here to bring a feature that is new, attractive and fantastic. The change of background from the subtle white to the fierce black is just fantastic.

Once you open the Whatsapp, you would be able to find the glowing dark Whatsapp screen before you. The screen shall look extremely attractive with the chats popping out amidst the dark background. The white fonts shall ensure reading clear.

Learn how to change to a dark mode on Whatsapp

If you are willing to change to the Whatsapp darker version know it right here.

Start by updating the Whatsapp application followed by settings. Once you go to settings, click on Theme. Choose dark to switch to the darker version of Whatsapp.

With the rolling out of the darker version, Whatsapp has gained immense popularity. This change ensures a visionary pleasure that is attractive to users. Also, it breaks the mundane nature and display of Whatsapp giving it a boost.

So, start switching to the version and enjoy the dark mode on Whatsapp now because it is new and better. It is time to bid goodbye to the lighter version and enjoy using the darker one!

March 25, 2020
US Government Accuses Huawei Of Racketeering

The US government has accused giant Chinese Telecommunications Company Huwaei of stealing trade secrets from American Companies. They have used it to reap benefits for themselves.

The stolen information included codes and manual related to wireless technology. Such an accusation has hampered the image of this brand along with some dire consequences on its way to progress.

An added pressure to Huwaei- US’s accusation

The accusation of racketeering by the US Government has not only jeopardized the position of the firm, Huwaei but has added pressure as well. America does not allow Huwaei to purchase its commodity at any cost.

The US also views the giant Chinese telecommunications firm as a national security threat. It has made business between the firm and China a lot more difficult and inconvenient.

A game of legal battles- the US versus Huwaei

Amidst the escalating tension between the US and Huwaei, the series of legal proceedings by the two make it worse. In addition, both of them have deployed various legal measures to ensure the safeguarding of their personal interests.

Such legal proceedings have elevated the matter and resulted in a fierce battle between the two. Such cases hamper the brand image and reputation of Huwaei greatly.

Huwaei had been facing serious legal charges, earlier, from other companies such as Motorola in2011 and Qunitel in 2015. These charges were related to the stealing of antenna technology and property.

Also, other companies such as Cisco have accused Huwaei of illegal copying of codes and information in 2003. However, Cisco decided to drop this case after a few years.

March 25, 2020
Tiktok Skull-Breaker Challenge Danger Warning

TikTok, today is really famous. There are over 800 million users to date, out of which most of them are under the age of 18. Teenagers are always really enthusiastic about several challenges that come over every day on TikTok.

Several challenges come every day and make the TikTok users really excited about it. These challenges are becoming dangerous a lot of times. The teenagers are unable to distinguish between the acceptable and risk-prone pranks. Just another challenge that popped recently is TikTok skull-breaker challenge.

About TikTok skull-breaker challenge

In this challenge, two people stand on both sides of another person. They sweep their legs underneath both the legs of the third person. The third person jumps and that causes him to fall backward.

This is apparently a very dangerous prank to play among kids, and even among the adults. This can cause danger to the skull and hence, the physical health of the person.

Cases reported

One teenager in the UK trying this prank got a severe injury. He was hospitalized due to spinal injury. Another case came from the US. The teenager became so serious. He suffered Seizures and Concussions.

Steps by TikTok

TikTok banned the spread of this prank among its users. TikTok announced that any such stunt is not funny. If posted, it will remove any such content from TikTok. It said that if anyone sees such content, they can report it. It says that any such content will not make anyone famous as this will be removed from TikTok. So, this will not help in popularity.

March 24, 2020
The Next Samsung Earbuds Could Be Workout Tracking Fitness Earbuds
Samsung is considering the release of its new earbuds called the “Bean”. The official name of the device is not “Bean” and will release soon. Speculations suggest that these will take the perspective of fitness tracking. These earbuds will have a personal fitness coach function and also help the user follow the training program. The news regarding the earbuds was in a trademark description provided by Samsung.

Story so far
- - So, Samsung recently filed a new trademark description and it indicates that a new device, earbuds, is in work progress.
    
    The name of this device is “Bean”. This is a Code Name and the official name will release afterward.
    
    The earbuds are targeting fitness and will contain software that will act as a fitness guide.
    
    It will provide various features such as heart-rate monitoring, evaluation of the calories burned, distance tracking, speed and time measurements, etc.
What are the expectations?

Speculations suggest that this device is the successor of the Samsung Gear IconX sport earbuds for the year 2020. Additionally to the previous Samsung Galaxy Buds design, the IconX IP67 was dust and water-resistant. It also contained a proper 4 GB storage onboard.

People expect all these features and more in the “Bean”. It can also include an MP3 player as suggested in the trademark description released. Also, Galaxy Buds is said to inspire the design of the new “bean” with additional and improved features such as the longer battery life and a woofer/ tweeter combination.

The IconX short battery life of merely 5 hours left many customers disappointed. But, with an 11-hour battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, tech enthusiasts are optimistic about the “Bean”. People are optimistic that their concern about improved battery life will rectify in the new “Bean”.

Trademark Description

The description released by Samsung indicated that Samsung may come up with a wireless and wearable ear sets containing the MP3 player. A sensor will detect whether the device is on or off. A fitness guide will also be present in the wireless ear sets.

A software or a tracker will measure the distance, steps, calories burned, change of heartbeat levels, distance, speed and time, activity levels, etc. It will also function as the traditional standard earphones.

With all these features as per the description, the new buds’” Bean” will draw the attention of a lot of fitness and gadget freaks. The design and compatibility of the product are up to people’s perceptions as per the available data. So far only the trademark has been released, and the final product is still in anticipation of development.

CONCLUSION

Ever since the release of the trademark, the tech market enthusiasts are looking forward to the launch of the product. For fitness lovers, this can come out as a very profitable venture and will draw a lot of fitness customers. As of now, we can only speculate the features and look of the coveted earbuds. No other information about the device is available yet. Samsung can launch the device sooner or later.
March 24, 2020
Realme finally releases its $20 Xiaomi Mi Band competitor

Are you a fitness freak? Do you love walking and doing various physical activities? Love staying fit and healthy? If yes, then here is something that might excite you. Here are all the details about the new Realme Xiaomi Mi band competitor to the Mi band series.

Xiaomi Mi Band

Xiaomi Mi Band is a series of fitness trackers or smartwatches by Realme. It is an activity tracker that helps you track your fitness in various domains. You can measure your heart rate, calories, walking distance and a lot more.

The new fitness band in the Xiaomi series

The revelation of the new Xiaomi band took place on 5^th March 2020. It is available to buy in the nearby Realme stores. It is available on Amazon stores as well. The best part of the band is that it is not very expensive. It is available for a pocket- friendly price of $20 only. It is available in three colors specifically being black, green and yellow.

Features in the Xiaomi Mi Band

This new band comes with a variety of features. It has a size of 0.96 inches and has a color display. Along with the display, the other features include a heart rate tracker, a sleep recorder and a workout tracker. Also, it is resistant to water.

Conclusion

The new fitness band is worth buying. Along with its wide variety of features, it also has a pocket- friendly cost. It is available to buy now. Also, the reviews of the watch are really impressive.

March 24, 2020