Disclosure first: I wrote this.

My bundle kept running out before the month did and the phone only ever showed me a total. Android's own per-app data screen defaults its date range to the calendar month instead of the billing cycle, so the numbers never matched what I'd actually been charged for. When I finally pulled per-app figures out of NetworkStatsManager the biggest consumer that month wasn't video or anything social. It was a tile-matching puzzle game, almost all of it background, while I wasn't playing it.

So it ranks every app by what it used this cycle, counts foreground and background separately, and lets you block apps per network, which means something can be dead on mobile data and work fine on Wi-Fi. Play Services, your dialler and your SMS app are protected, because blocking the wrong thing silences every notification on the phone and it takes a while to work out why. I did that to myself before I understood it.

No INTERNET permission at all, so it can't send anything anywhere. Don't take that from me, the permission list on the Play page is extracted from the uploaded build.

GPL-3.0, free, no ads, no purchases, Android 7 and up. One limitation worth saying out loud: it holds the VPN slot, so you can't run it alongside an actual VPN.

Source: https://github.com/anubisproductions/data-saver-usage-blocker Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anubisproductions.datagate

This app tries to learn people Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji and hopefully words.

It is a direct port of the flathub equivalent app that does the same.

The 12 testers are needed so I can publish it to Play Store and I will need google account emails of those that want to help.

The app is fully Free Software and I have shared spec in the url with the entire compilation pipeline. (Useful if you want to publish a GTK4 app in Perl in Android)

Hi ! I'm the developer (solo, Geneva). Sentinel gives a drawer phone a second life:

• Dashcam: loop recording that never fills the storage, clips auto-locked on impact, speed overlay
• Home / pet / bird-feeder camera: keeps only clips with motion, optional alert on your other phone
• Live view from another phone or your TV, over your own Wi-Fi or VPN

No account, no ads, no analytics, no server of mine: videos stay on the phone, or go to your own NAS/WebDAV.

It's in closed beta on Google Play (new developer accounts need 14 days of testing before going public). If you want to try it, Pro features are free during the beta (Pro dialog → Code → SENTINEL-BETA):

1. Join the group: https://groups.google.com/g/albanm-beta-testers
2. Opt in: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/albanm.dashcam

Question for those who already repurposed an old phone: what killed it in the end, battery swelling, heat, or the OS killing the camera in the background ? That's what I'm fighting most, especially on Xiaomi/OnePlus/Motorola, so feedback from those brands is gold.

Disclosure: I'm the developer. This is my app.

Every screen-time app I tried had an "ignore for today" button. So I built one where ignoring your own limit costs money, and the money goes to an organisation you'd hate to fund. Pro-gun? It goes to Everytown. Anti-gun? The NRA. You pick whoever makes you wince.

Keep the goal and nothing happens. Miss it and the amount is owed, which you pay yourself through every.org. The app never holds money and takes no cut.

Goals can be:

• Screen time: an app or a website under a daily limit, or a cap on how many times you open something.
• Tasks: gym, an assignment, anything with a deadline, proved with a photo or your location.

The permissions, since this is where I'd be suspicious too:

• Usage access: to read how long each app was in front. Android's own numbers.
• Accessibility service: only needed for website goals. It reads which app is in front and the text of the browser's address bar. It performs no actions and doesn't block anything. While you're in an app with a goal, it shows a countdown notification and can put up Punish's own pause screen, which you can always continue past.

No blocking, and no wallet inside the app.

Android only for now, closed beta, iPhone in progress. Free to download, two goals at a time on the free tier. 17 languages.

Beta signup: punishapp.com

Happy to answer anything about how it measures or what it stores.

Hi ! Full disclosure: I'm the developer, a solo dev from Geneva.

My old phone was sleeping in a drawer, so I built Sentinel:

• Dashcam: loop recording that never fills your storage, clips locked automatically on impact, speed overlay
• Home / pet / bird-feeder camera: only clips with motion are kept, optional alert on your other phone
• Watch live from another phone or your TV, over your own Wi-Fi or VPN

No account, no ads, no analytics, no server of mine: videos stay on the phone, or go to your own NAS/WebDAV if you set it up.

Google requires new developers to have 12 testers for 14 days before an app can go public, so I'd be really grateful for a hand. The paid "Pro" features are unlocked for free during the test (on the Pro dialog, tap Code → SENTINEL-BETA).

1. Join the testers group: https://groups.google.com/g/albanm-beta-testers
2. Opt in: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/albanm.dashcam
3. Install from Play and keep it for 14 days (no need to use it every day)

Bug reports from non-Samsung phones (Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Pixel…) are especially welcome, background camera behaviour differs a lot between brands. Happy to answer any question here !

Hi everyone, I’m Michael, the developer of “Ich gehe auf ein Abenteuer!” (German for “I’m going on an adventure!”).

I’m building an Android app that turns everyday steps into a virtual journey through Middle-earth. You can follow routes such as Frodo’s journey to Mordor, explore an illustrated map, and read short stories at the places you reach. The current interface and stories are in German.

My favourite part is revisiting the story through different characters and seeing it from their perspectives. Each walk takes me a little further into their journey, discovering the next part of the story feels like a reward for getting outside.

I’m looking for at least 12 Android testers who can stay opted in for 14 consecutive days, use the app during that time, and share honest feedback. The closed test is free.

Steps are imported through Health Connect, so you need a compatible step-tracking app or device that shares steps with it. Travel distance is estimated from your steps, and journey progress is stored locally. No root required.

To join:

1. Send me the email address of your Google Play account in a private message, so I can add you to the tester list. Please don’t post it publicly.
2. Once I’ve confirmed access, opt in to the test.
3. Install the app from Google Play.

Feedback on Health Connect setup, step syncing after reopening the app, and map controls would be especially useful. If something feels confusing or breaks, I’d like to hear about it.

Thanks for helping me get the app ready!

Screenshots

Hi all, I'm the developer, so this is self-promotion. Mods, remove it if it doesn't fit.

I got tired of spam calls from numbers that change every day, built the app to solve my own problem but it got traction on Play Store. Other apps only catch numbers someone already reported so they were always a step behind, didn't work for me so I built Bouncer, which treats everyone guilty until proven innocent: if a number isn't in your contacts or on your allow list it gets blocked.

What it does:

• Blocks everyone not in your contacts, or only the numbers on your block list, or private and No Caller ID calls
• Allow list for numbers you want to keep (the dentist, the courier...)
• Silent ring or straight reject for blocked callers
• Log of every screened call, and block suggestions for repeat callers and number ranges
• Uses Android's call screening role, so you keep your normal dialer

No ads, no account. Blocking is free and unlimited, and there's an optional Pro tier for things like blocking hours and range blocking.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zeroemdashes.bouncer

I'd honestly like to hear what's missing or annoying.. I don't ask anyone to create an account, so I have no way to reach my users and ask them.

Real human ideas beat AI ones, so... shoot :D

The App in Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aibistrot.proofstamp

(F-Droid in review)

Contact me if you want free electronic seals, could give 30 seals, if you wan to try it out.

Timestamp works, websites, emails and original documents Protect your digital property against plagiarism. Timestamp works, websites, emails and original documents in seconds. Create globally verifiable evidence with blockchain and legally recognized evidence in Europe through eIDAS-compliant timestamps.

For creators: https://laprueba.digital/en/creators/

Please comment if you really watch the video or use the app, or questions about technology and concept.

Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/silhouette-of-musicians-playing-AAnoZVR6vm8

Hello,

Does anyone know of any image editor apps with the ability to rotate an image freely, as opposed to only preset degrees? Like having the option to just rotate an image by hand any amount?

Preferences for Open Source apps.

Thank you very much!

Hi! I am the developer of Una, a privacy first planner for families, households and couples. It is live on iPhone with a few hundred households using it daily, and now I am finishing the Android version.

Google requires 12 testers for 14 days before a new app can go to production, so here I am :)

Short version of why I built it: as family life gets busier it gets hard to keep track between different apps and text messages. My own household tried many different family organizers and I was flabbergasted by how many of them never say how your info is stored. You trust some of your most valuable information to these apps and expect them to handle it delicate.

So Una is privacy first. Household content is encrypted on your device before it syncs, and only you can decrypt it. We technically see nothing.

The app itself connects the context around each plan. Link a recipe note to dinner, a travel checklist to a trip, or school documents directly to the calendar event where you need them. No more digging through messages, mails and separate apps.

If you want in on the Android test you can apply on unafamily.app. All feedback welcome, also the brutal kind :)

I’m part of the Torin team behind Empiplayer, a free Android audiobook player for people who keep their own MP3/M4B files or a personal OneDrive library.

It supports local files, offline downloads, M4B chapters, multi-file books, playback speed, skip and sleep controls, and remembers listening position per file/book. OneDrive access is read-only. There are no ads, analytics, or separate Empiplayer accounts.

We’re looking for real Android listeners for a Google Play closed test. Signing up is not the same as opting in: after you privately provide the Gmail address used by Google Play, it must be added to the test track; then you’ll receive Google’s private opt-in link. Please opt in, install the app, remain opted in for 14 continuous days, and use it occasionally. Genuine feedback is welcome. Participation is free and uncompensated.

Please don’t put your email address in comments. Sign up privately here: https://torindrax.com/empiplayer/#beta

The form also has a separate iOS future-release waitlist; iOS signups do not count toward or participate in this Android test.

I've been looking into Android hiking apps, especially how they behave once you lose cell coverage.

I compared AllTrails, Gaia GPS, Komoot, Outdooractive, Wikiloc, OsmAnd, Hiking Project, and FarOut, and the offline experience varies a lot more than I expected.

For example, AllTrails and Gaia GPS put offline maps behind paid plans, Komoot gives you one region free, while OsmAnd is much more offline-first. Hiking Project is also an interesting completely free option, although its coverage is much stronger in some regions than others.

I wrote up the full comparison here:

https://pixeltrackhq.com/blog/best-hiking-apps

For people who actually hike outside reliable coverage: which Android app has been the most dependable for you?

cross-posted from: https://gregtech.eu/post/35507847

I use the Calendula app, which has the option to send a reminder before an event, but not an alarm per se. I sync Android's calendar to my Radicale server with davx⁵ if that matters. I have a Huawei P30 pro.

I recently set up a DAV server with Radicale and I'm using the davx5 app to sync data between my phone and the server. The Huawei Calendar app is a bit basic, and so is Fossify calendar. Are there any apps with a feature set similar to that of Thunderbird on desktop? I'd like to have the option to set a custom reminder time before an event (the Huawei calendar app can't do that), set categories for events (the Huawei app doesn't have the option at all, Fossify does have the option to set a color for the event but not anything more than that and just puts CATEGORIES:Come From :org.fossify.calendar in the .ics file) and the option to hide a specific calendar from view conveniently (Fossify does this well, Huawei doesn't have the option at all). I don't mind if the app isn't FOSS, but it would be nice if it is.

https://github.com/TrackerControl/tracker-control-android/releases

Key Feature Additions

• Tracker activity timeline (with live updates and empty-state guidance).
• Sort trackers by most recent detection.
• Bulk include/exclude apps from monitoring.
• Filter option to show disabled (“frozen”) apps.
• WireGuard support (new VPN option), later improved with a Rust-based engine (gotatun).
• Optional TCP MSS clamp (helps tethering/network issues).
• Improved transparency: traffic log now labels blocked vs allowed.
• Accessibility improvements (labels, contrast, dynamic controls).

Major Improvements

• VPN and networking:
  • Better DNS fallback (Mullvad secondary).
  • IPv6 support improvements (DNS + routing).
  • Secure DNS battery optimizations (caching, idle socket handling).
  • VPN fail-safe behavior (“fail closed”) and better recovery from tunnel failures.
  • External VPN handling and revocation behavior improved.
• Performance:
  • Batched database writes and reduced network reload frequency.
  • Memory reduction via streaming blocklist parsing.
  • Reduced battery usage (VPN + DNS).
• UI/UX:
  • Full Material 3 redesign with edge-to-edge layout.
  • Timeline live updates and improved navigation behavior.
  • Better feedback (e.g., when app launch fails).
• System behavior:
  • More reliable handling of system apps (single toggle).
  • Respect per-app monitoring settings consistently.

Bug Fixes (Count: ~30)

Includes:

• Crashes (NPEs, SecurityException, ANRs).
• Memory leaks (cursor leaks, fragment leaks).
• UI issues (overlaps, broken toggles, onboarding buttons).
• VPN issues (revocation handling, restart loops, deadlocks).
• DNS failures (especially IPv6/mobile edge cases).
• Data consistency bugs (stale alarms, tracking logs, Chrome tracking restore).

Infrastructure, Build, and DevOps (Count: ~20)

• Reproducible builds and release pipeline.
• F-Droid compatibility improvements.
• CI validation and dependency automation (Dependabot).
• Faster builds and improved test coverage.
• Rust dependency upgrades and stabilization of WireGuard bridge.

Localization / Crowdin Updates (Count: ~10)

• Multiple translation updates.
• Specific fixes (e.g., Ukrainian resources).

Security & Reliability Enhancements (Count: ~10)

• Hardened WireGuard integration.
• Safer VPN replacement behavior.
• Improved lock handling and connection stability.
• Better handling of tracker ambiguity and shared IP detection.

Minor / Cleanup Changes (Count: ~10)

• Removed deprecated features (e.g., NetGuard lockdown).
• Fixed metadata issues and unused toggles.
• General polish and consistency fixes.

great app.
every so often.. its healthy to stop apps that you aren't using and dont plan to use soon.
saves you phone battery.

TL:DR: I have an older Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. I hate the stock Samsung Voicemail app. What's a better one? I don't want to sign up for a service, and I would rather avoid sending all my voicemail data to a server somewhere. Privacy is a concern, but second to a good app, and transcription.

Longer story: For the longest time, we used carriers who seemed to control voicemail on their end, no app needed. I would receive an SMS transcription, and have the option to call and listen to voicemail or click a link etc.

We changed to Verizon a while back and suddenly my phone decided to start using the baked in Samsung Voicemail app to manage voicemail - which is terrible. 6 voicemails and it's already complaining that my inbox is full and I constantly have to delete voicemail - making this worse is I get 3-4 spam calls a day that just leave silent voicemails so it fills up every 2 days or so. Even though I decline unknown callers etc, they still leave voicemail and I can't block them. Also no transcription or anything...anyway, I'm stuck with this phone for the time being and want to know what the best options out there are. Googling this is obviously useless. Thanks for anyone's input!

Hi there!

I've just released a new open-source Android app called DNS Toggle over on IzzyOnDroid (I'm still waiting for it to get added to F-Droid's main repository).

The app adds a quick settings tile to easily toggle your phone's private DNS setting on and off with a single tap!

For those who may not be familiar with this setting, one of the main uses for private DNS is content filtering (ad blocking or simply blocking dangerous domains for security) and better privacy (default DNS providers often track your activity). You can do this for more or less free using services like NextDNS.

The app is built to respect user privacy, so it doesn't store, collect, or share any personal data. I've also built in some optional advanced features that you can access by long-pressing the tile:

• Custom DNS:
  Set your own custom hostname for Private DNS (e.g., dns.adguard.com).
• Wi-Fi Blocklist:
  Automatically disable private DNS when you connect to specific Wi-Fi networks. This comes in handy with public Wi-Fi networks (hotels, cafes, etc.) that rely on DNS tricks to serve a login page, which usually break when private DNS is enabled.
  You can even automate adding/removing Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs) from this list.
• Hide App Icon:
  Because I hate having tons of apps I never actually need to open listed on my phone, I've made it so you can hide the app from the launcher drawer.

⚠️ Permission Required
To modify Private DNS system settings, this app requires the WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS permission. You will be prompted to grant this on rooted devices If your device is not rooted, you can easily grant it manually using this ADB command:

adb shell pm grant com.ericlowry.dnstoggle android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`

You can check out the source code over on GitHub or get it from IzzyOnDroid.

I built an Android widget that learns your app habits — without sending anything to a server

I had a problem. My home screen was organized chaos: folders for Work, Music, Streaming, Chat, Hobbies. Every evening I’d open the same three folders in the same order just to launch the same handful of apps. I wasn't finding apps — I was repeating a ritual.

My phone already knows what I do and when I do it — it just never puts that knowledge to use. So I built Habits to teach it to repeat what it has already seen.

The constraint: Android only remembers a few days

The predictive feature needs the Usage Access permission. The problem? Android only retains raw usage history for a few days by default. After that, the data is gone.

I needed enough history to recognize actual patterns — not just what I opened yesterday, but what I open at 8 AM on a typical Tuesday. That requires weeks of accumulated history, and Android doesn’t give you that out of the box.

I also wasn't willing to ship app usage logs to a backend. This widget was going to be smart, but only if it could be smart without touching a server.

How it works under the hood

Habits accumulates usage history on the device — timestamps, durations, which apps — storing it for long enough to smooth out noise and detect recurring patterns. A statistical model then correlates the current time slot with past behavior to assign relevance scores to installed apps.

The model balances two signals:

• Long-term habits (default weight: 75%): apps you tend to use at this time of day over the past weeks
• Short-term context (default weight: 25%): apps you opened in the last few minutes, which suggest what you’re about to do next

You can adjust the relative weight of each factor in settings, so the widget adapts to how predictable your routine actually is.

What the widget actually does

• Surfaces apps contextually: morning coffee → news apps, Friday evening → streaming and music
• Customizable grid (columns/rows) directly in widget settings
• Monochromatic icon support natively — no third-party icon packs needed
• Material You dynamic colors, custom backgrounds, adjustable icon sizes
• Pin/exclude apps: keep essentials always visible, hide outliers
• Full icon pack support if that's your setup
• Export/import your history: the usage database can be exported and re-imported on a new device — your model follows you, no lock-in

The honest version (the stuff I'd want to know before installing)

• Usage Access is required — the core feature doesn't work without it. The app prompts for it on first launch.
• No accounts, no IAP, no ads — but also no cloud sync, no server fallback.
• No magic: the predictions are based on patterns in your own history. If your habits are genuinely unpredictable (shift worker? seasonal routine?), the widget won't help much.

Stack

• Kotlin, native Android
• Jetpack Compose + Glance widget
• Apache Commons Math for the statistical model
• Local DataStore for historical usage accumulation

Feedback wanted

This is my first attempt at on-device predictive UX. Two things I'm actively grappling with:

1. Model scope vs. accuracy: I'm deliberately keeping the model narrow (time-based patterns) to avoid permission sprawl. I'd love to hear from others who've tried adding signals like location or calendar overlap — what worked, what broke the battery.

2. Detecting "out of pattern" periods: The model learns habits, but habits break. Vacations, travel, sick days — how do you signal to an on-device model that "this week is different" without adding heavy heuristics or extra permissions? I'm wary of turning this into a full scheduling system, but ignoring those periods makes predictions worse for a chunk of the year.

I'd love to hear from other Android devs — especially anyone who's hit the Android usage history wall or tried on-device prediction.

Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nick.applab.habits