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Gemini could be the next Google service reimagined for kids
AppWizard
April 1, 2025

Gemini could be the next Google service reimagined for kids

Google is developing a child-friendly version of its AI chatbot, Gemini, as indicated by code references found in the Google app for Android version 16.12.39. This version may include a welcome screen for children and features such as story creation, question answering, and homework assistance. Google has implemented protective measures for teenagers using Gemini, including strict content policies to prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material. The company has also introduced other child-friendly features, such as Google Wallet for kids, and has previously collaborated with Samsung on the Galaxy Watch for Kids and offers the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch for children.
This potential Pixel Screenshots update could really put the app in the spotlight
AppWizard
April 1, 2025

This potential Pixel Screenshots update could really put the app in the spotlight

Google is developing a home screen widget for its Pixel Screenshots app, which will allow users to display the latest screenshot on their home screen for quick sharing or editing. The widget currently shows a single screenshot without customization options and is expected to be exclusive to the Pixel 9. The Pixel Screenshots app utilizes Google's Gemini Nano AI to organize and search through screenshots by text, dates, or specific details. Future updates are anticipated to introduce widget support and enhanced customization options.
Google Maps taps Gemini for an 'Ask about place' chip with directions and more
AppWizard
March 29, 2025

Google Maps taps Gemini for an ‘Ask about place’ chip with directions and more

Google is introducing a new feature in its Maps application called the "Ask about place" chip, powered by its AI model, Gemini. This feature allows users to ask questions about a selected location, providing information such as directions and travel details. The feature is currently being tested and may not function perfectly at all times. Additionally, Google is working on another update to improve user-friendliness, which will display essential information like parking availability and estimated time of arrival (ETA) upon setting a destination.
Report claims Google may move to 'privately' develop Android's future
AppWizard
March 26, 2025

Report claims Google may move to ‘privately’ develop Android’s future

Google plans to transition to a more private development approach for its Android OS, resulting in a slowdown of releases for the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This shift aims to streamline development and reduce merging conflicts. While Google will continue to release open-source code, the frequency of these releases will be adjusted. Android 16 has achieved Platform Stability and is expected to launch in Q2 2025. The transition is designed to minimize disruptions for end-users and improve the efficiency of the development cycle. An announcement regarding this new direction is anticipated soon.
Hands-on: Google will soon let you customize icon shapes on your Pixel's home screen
AppWizard
March 17, 2025

Hands-on: Google will soon let you customize icon shapes on your Pixel’s home screen

The Pixel Launcher will soon allow users to customize the shape of their app icons, introducing six distinct shapes, including a traditional circle. This feature aims to enhance personalization options, which have been limited in the stock launcher compared to third-party alternatives. The capability for icon shape customization was previously available in Android 11 but was removed. Initial hints of this feature appeared in November, and it has been activated in the third beta of Android 16. The customization process applies a mask to all app icons on the home screen, app drawer, and folders, but does not affect their appearance in other contexts. The six available icon shapes are: “circle,” “square,” “four-sided cookie,” “seven-sided cookie,” “arch,” and “complex clover.” This feature is part of ongoing development for the Pixel wallpaper app, which has been in progress since August of the previous year.
Android 16 may be able to do what Apple AI couldn't with notification summaries
AppWizard
March 15, 2025

Android 16 may be able to do what Apple AI couldn’t with notification summaries

Android 16 Beta 3 has revealed hints about a new feature called notification summaries, designed to streamline notifications related to conversations. Code suggests these summaries may be accessible under a dedicated page in the Settings menu and will focus solely on messaging interactions, excluding notifications from non-messaging apps. Users will have the option to toggle the feature on or off, labeled as “use notification summaries,” and it is expected to be integrated into the Android System Intelligence app. Android 16 has reached "Platform stability," indicating it is on track for public launch.
Google could be testing a 'new' way to answer phone calls
AppWizard
March 14, 2025

Google could be testing a ‘new’ way to answer phone calls

Google is experimenting with a new user interface for its Phone app, potentially changing the way incoming calls are handled. The testing, conducted on the beta version v166.0.735169223, suggests a shift from the traditional up-and-down swiping mechanism to a side-to-side gesture for answering calls. The proposed interface includes a pill-shaped bar at the bottom of the screen, allowing users to drag an icon left to decline or right to accept a call, with a "Message" option available above the bar for sending a text if the call is declined. This redesign could affect not only Pixel devices but also various Android phones that use the Google Phone app. Previously, Google tested a different incoming call interface that resembled Apple's design, but it was not widely adopted. The timeline for the official integration of this new feature is uncertain.
MelonDS Could Now Be The Best Way To Play Your Favourite DS Games On Android
BetaBeacon
March 13, 2025

MelonDS Could Now Be The Best Way To Play Your Favourite DS Games On Android

MelonDS for Android has been updated to version 1.10.0, which includes features such as OpenGL Renderer, support for up to 8x scaling, manual input of cheats, improved support for foldable devices, enhanced compatibility for the Nintendo DS memory expansion GBA slot, export/import of DSiWare titles, new visual indicators for toggle buttons, toggle microphone input for certain DS games, and fixes for a crash related to importing cheat databases.
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