Android Authority Archives

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Google might give At a Glance a Gemini makeover with extra smarts

Google is planning to develop its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar to enhance the At a Glance experience on Pixel devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 may feature a significant upgrade, potentially rebranded as Gemini Space, which could include live sports scores and financial market summaries on the lock screen. Initial hints of this feature were found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, with a system configuration file labeled "Ambient Data" discovered in the firmware for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. References to an "Ambience Hub" have also been found, suggesting a new way to present information on the lock screen. The Android System Intelligence app, which supports the At a Glance widget, has revealed mentions of Gemini Space and features like finance recaps and sports updates. These upgrades are expected to be incorporated into the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget, although they remain speculative.

BetaBeacon

June 19, 2025

Grab these retro classics on Android / iOS for free before Sega takes them down

Sega Forever program, which ported classic console titles to Android and iOS, was shut down in 2023. Sega is removing the last remaining games from the web, but they are currently free with all optional in-app purchases removed. It is recommended to download any games of interest sooner rather than later.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Google app could level up with this powerful AI feature for Android users

Gemini, the AI assistant in the Google app, now supports video analysis, allowing users to upload videos up to five minutes long for AI-powered insights. This feature is gradually rolling out, enabling users to upload videos from their Android devices by tapping the "plus" button in the Gemini text box. Once uploaded, Gemini generates an analysis of the video. Future updates may allow direct video capture through the camera app.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Android 16 is sprucing up the Pixel Camera app with a slick new look

Google is implementing its Material 3 Expressive design across various applications, with the Pixel Camera set to undergo a transformation. The Settings menu has been updated with warm brown tones, white accents, and rounded controls for a more inviting interface. The new toggle design features a checkmark for the “on” state and an “x” for “off.” The Pixel Camera app will align with other apps like Gmail and Google Messages that have already adopted this design. An official launch date for the updated Pixel Camera has not been announced, but it is expected to coincide with the rollout of Android 16 later this year.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Android Instant Apps Heads to the Google Graveyard This December

Google has announced the discontinuation of Android Instant Apps, which will cease to function by December 2025, although it will remain available on the Google Play Store until then. Launched in 2017, Android Instant Apps allowed users to sample applications without full downloads, but its success depended on developer participation, which has dwindled. Notable brands like Wish and Vimeo integrated Instant Apps, but overall interest did not meet Google's expectations. This move aligns with Google's trend of phasing out legacy features, including the recent sunsetting of Google Assistant in favor of generative AI and the Google Gemini platform.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google To Shut Down Android Instant Apps By End of 2025: What Is It? What Will You Miss?

Google introduced Android Instant Apps in 2017, allowing users to access a lightweight version of an app without full installation. However, Google has announced that support for Instant Apps will be discontinued in December 2025, meaning developers will no longer be able to publish new instant apps or receive support for existing ones. The decision is attributed to low user engagement, prompting a shift towards more effective app promotion methods, such as AI-driven highlights and simultaneous installations. Instant Apps required developers to create compact versions of their applications, which was challenging for complex apps. Most users were unaware of the feature, and its adoption was limited.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google Play Store to Drop Android Instant Apps in December 2025

The Google Play Store will phase out support for Android Instant apps, with official support concluding in December 2025. This includes the removal of publishing and all Google Play Instant APIs, as well as tooling support in Android Studio. Consumer interest in Instant apps has decreased, leading Google to focus on other app discovery tools.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google is shutting down Android Instant Apps over ‘low’ usage

Google will retire its Instant Apps feature in December 2025 due to low usage rates. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to access streamlined versions of applications without full installation. A warning in Android Studio confirmed the discontinuation, stating that Instant Apps support will be removed and related APIs will no longer function. Google spokesperson Nia Carter mentioned that developers are turning to other tools for app discovery, prompting this decision to focus on more effective solutions.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google to Sunset Android Instant Apps by End of 2025 Due to Low Usage

Google has announced plans to phase out the Instant Apps feature by December 2025 due to low usage and engagement levels. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to access lightweight app versions without installation but struggled to gain widespread adoption. A warning message in Android Studio confirmed the discontinuation, stating that Instant Apps support will be removed, and all related APIs will no longer function. Google aims to invest in more effective tools for app discovery, as developers are increasingly using alternatives that align better with user behavior.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Cool Pixel Watch features keep trickling in from the Wear OS 6 dev code

Recent insights from the Wear OS 6 developer preview and an APK teardown have revealed new features for the upcoming Pixel Watch 4, including an Adaptive Charging tool that stops charging at a predetermined percentage (likely around 80%) and a rebranded Water Lock mode. The Pixel Watch 4 may also automatically lock your phone if it is left behind. The official rollout of Wear OS 6 is expected to begin in late summer. Additionally, the update will introduce a new Material 3 Expressive UI, dynamic color theming, and a third-party watch face storefront. The Pixel Watch 4 may be thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery, enhancing the battery life with the new adaptive charging feature.