Android devices Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Google improves camera playback in Home app, but some are still frustrated

Google has released an update to its Google Home app, version 3.33, which improves the experience of scrolling through video history on Nest cameras for Android devices, enhancing framerate and loading times. The update, dated May 28, introduces a general release of a limited-access member tier for sharing smart home setups while maintaining control over visibility and management. It also includes several bug fixes for stability, addressing crashes in areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions, as well as issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction and others noting ongoing performance issues.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

I tried Google’s secret, open source, offline AI app to see if it’s better than Gemini

Google has introduced the AI Edge Gallery, an application that allows users to download and run large language models (LLMs) directly on their Android devices for offline processing. The app features four distinct LLMs categorized into three functions: Ask Image, Prompt Lab, and AI Chat. Users can engage in image analysis, chat interactions, and prompt-based tasks. The installation process is cumbersome, requiring users to download the app from GitHub and create a Hugging Face account. Once operational, the app has a sleek interface and smooth functionality. It can provide travel planning advice, explain complex theories, generate recipes, rewrite text, summarize content, and recognize images, although it struggles with less common subjects like landmarks. AI Edge Gallery does not have the same level of control over devices as Google's Gemini and cannot execute commands like turning on the flashlight.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: NARUTO Ninja STORM, Doom & Destiny Worlds, more

Samsung's latest 2025 65-inch The Frame smart TV is available at an all-time low price. A refurbished deal on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is currently offered for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your Wednesday edition of the most enticing deals on Google Play for Android devices has arrived, bringing with it a selection of offers that are hard to resist. As you explore the offerings, take note of a remarkable find: the all-time low price on Samsung’s latest 2025 65-inch The Frame smart TV, which has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts. Additionally, a refurbished deal on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is currently available for just 0, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality audio without breaking the bank. App Highlights In the realm of applications, several standout titles are making waves this week. Here’s a brief overview of some must-have games: NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM - Dive into the world of ninjas and unleash your inner warrior. Doom & Destiny Worlds - Embark on a whimsical adventure filled with humor and engaging gameplay. Heroes of Flatlandia - A strategic journey awaits as you navigate through this unique universe. These selections and more await your discovery, promising hours of entertainment and engagement. Hit the jump for a closer look at these exciting offers and elevate your Android experience today." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. Notable app highlights include NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM, Doom & Destiny Worlds, and Heroes of Flatlandia.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

This Android 16 feature turns your phone into a desktop

Google has introduced a feature that allows compatible Android phones and foldables to transform into desktop-like environments when connected to an external display via DisplayPort. This feature initiates a "desktop session," enabling users to interact with their phone and the external screen independently, with applications adjusting their layouts for optimal use on larger screens. This development aims to enhance the versatility of Android devices, particularly for professionals and multitaskers.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Android 16 is here

Today marks the rollout of Android 16, initially available for supported Pixel devices, with plans to extend to additional phone brands later this year. This release is the earliest launch of a major Android update in recent years. Android 16 introduces the new Material 3 Expressive design, focusing on accessibility and user-friendliness. It features streamlined notifications and real-time updates for food deliveries, initially with compatible ride-share and food delivery applications. This capability is being integrated into Samsung’s Now Bar and the Live Alerts features on OPPO and OnePlus devices.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

New features coming to Android Enterprise

A modern, AI-driven workplace is reshaping mobility, requiring a shift beyond remote access. Employees now use innovative tools for enhanced productivity and collaboration, but over half of organizations view smartphones as their most vulnerable endpoint. Data breaches are often linked to improper mobile access (54% of incidents) and insecure public Wi-Fi (40% of compromises). To stay competitive, businesses must prioritize secure, tailored employee experiences. Android is adapting to meet organizational needs with enterprise-grade security features, including: - Advanced Protection: Provides robust mobile device protection against online threats. - Identity Check: Requires biometric authentication for device access outside trusted locations. - Corporate badges in Google Wallet: Allows secure access to workplace buildings via NFC. - APN Overrides via AMAPI: Ensures secure network access by controlling cellular data usage on managed devices.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Connected Displays: Android 16’s game-changing multitasking feature lands on select Pixels

Developers and select Pixel devices are currently experiencing the enhanced connected displays feature through the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. This feature allows users to connect their smartphones to external monitors, transfer apps seamlessly, and enhances productivity. It supports desktop windowing, flexible window tiling, multiple desktop sessions, and a new taskbar for easier app switching. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system with 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses, a 4,700 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and promises seven years of OS and security updates in an IP68 water-resistant design.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a nifty trick for quickly mirroring your Android phone right from the Start menu

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the Phone Link app for Windows 11 that allows users to mirror their Android smartphone screens onto their Windows desktops with a single click. This feature is currently being tested with a select group of users and is integrated within the Phone Link panel in the Start menu. It works particularly well with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and is compatible with specific Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy models, Asus (ROG-branded), Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, Surface Duo, Vivo, and Xiaomi. The rollout is expected to coincide with a cumulative update for Windows 11 on June 10, although initial availability may be limited. The Phone Link panel began rolling out in April for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 24H2, with wider access becoming available in May.