google play - Tech News from Simmons Systems

Tech News from Simmons Systems

google play

A collection of 16 posts

ToxicPanda 2.0 Hijacks VPN Permissions to Blind Google Play Protections

The ToxicPanda Android malware has evolved into version 2.0, expanding its reach to 349 banking, financial, cryptocurrency, and e-wallet applications across 16 countries while supporting 167 remote commands. The malware requests VPN service permissions to create a local network interface, which allows it to control and block traffic from

OpenAI's Sora Android App Reaches Nearly 500,000 Downloads on Day One

OpenAI's AI video generator Sora sees an estimated 470,000 downloads on its first day on the Google Play Store. The strong debut outpaces the initial iOS launch, aided by a wider geographic release and the removal of invite restrictions.

xAI Launches Standalone Grok AI App for Android Users

xAI releases a dedicated Grok AI application for Android devices, bringing image generation, file analysis, and real-time search to smartphones. The app is currently in a limited testing phase in five countries.

Federal Judge Orders Google to Rival Access on Google Play Store

A US judge rules that Google must allow third-party app stores to access its catalog and stop forcing developers to use its billing system. Google plans to appeal the decision, arguing it harms Android's ability to compete with Apple.

Global Mobile Users Now Spend Up to Five Hours Daily in Apps

A new report reveals that mobile users in 13 major markets spend four to five hours per day in apps, with users in Brazil, Singapore, and Indonesia exceeding five hours. The data indicates that pandemic-driven app usage remains highly elevated rather than returning to previous baselines.

Google Pulls Three Children's Apps Over Data Collection Violations

Watchdog researchers discover three popular children's apps with over 20 million downloads are violating data policies. Google removes the apps from the Play Store following the report.

App Industry Navigates Pandemic With New Store Rules and Layoffs

The mobile app industry continues to boom despite the pandemic, but companies like VSCO are making deep cuts to survive. Meanwhile, Instagram and TikTok roll out new features to support businesses and protect younger users.

Google Play Launches Teacher-Approved Apps Section for Families

Google Play introduces a new "Teacher Approved" section featuring educational apps vetted by over 200 U.S. teachers. The launch helps parents find quality, safe apps for kids during widespread school closures.

Facebook Dominates the Decade in App Downloads as Industry Hits $90 Billion

App Annie's year and decade in review reveals that Facebook apps claim the top four most-downloaded spots over the past ten years. Meanwhile, the broader app industry sees consumer spending reach $90 billion in 2019 alone.

Google Forms App Defense Alliance to Combat Malicious Android Software

Google partners with ESET, Lookout, and Zimperium to create the App Defense Alliance, an effort to better detect and block harmful apps before they reach users.

Dozens of Android Apps Secretly Serve Adware to Millions of Users

Security researchers discover 42 Android apps on the Google Play store that infect millions of devices with adware. The malicious apps hide their icons, mimic legitimate software, and actively avoid detection by Google's security systems.

Facebook Sues Developers Over Malicious Ad Click Fraud Scheme

Facebook takes legal action against two app developers for using malware to generate fake ad clicks and steal advertising revenue. The tech giant refunds affected advertisers while Google bans the offending apps from its Play Store.

Google Play Updates Policies to Restrict Marijuana Sales and Loot Boxes

Google introduces strict new rules for its app store, banning in-app marijuana ordering and clamping down on loot boxes. The changes follow an FTC complaint and align with similar policies already enforced by Apple.