Android features Archives

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android

Google is updating its Gemini app for Android to reduce visual clutter and enhance user engagement. An APK teardown indicates a redesign of the app’s input box from a static sheet to a dynamic, floating pill-shaped bar in version 16.51.52 beta. This floating bar expands when users start typing, improving one-handed operation on larger devices. The update also introduces a ‘Tools’ menu that consolidates options like image upload and voice input, streamlining workflows for power users. Additionally, hints of ‘Gemini Labs’ suggest an experimental section for users to test upcoming features. The redesign aims to make AI interactions feel more natural and accessible while addressing user feedback about previous designs. Mixed reactions to Gemini's automotive rollout indicate some praise for hands-free capabilities, though interface glitches remain a concern. User privacy is emphasized, with guides available for opting out of tracking. Feedback from beta testers suggests improved multitasking capabilities. The redesign aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, emphasizing intuitive updates and competitive pressures in the AI market. Developers have noted similarities to past Google designs, and the potential rollout timeline is speculative, with expectations for a gesture-based interaction model. Overall, these changes position Gemini as a leading AI assistant, focusing on a decluttered interface and user-centric design.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

Android Privacy Feels Different in 2026, and the Pixel Beta Update Explains Why

In 2026, the latest Pixel beta update for Android significantly improves user privacy management by integrating privacy features into the system's behavior rather than presenting them as tasks. Users now experience fewer prompts for permissions, with notifications appearing only when necessary and in clearer language. This update enhances predictability and reduces uncertainty about background activities, fostering trust in the technology. The changes aim to make privacy feel like an inherent aspect of the Android experience, rather than a feature that requires active management. The update reflects a maturation of Android, emphasizing calmness, consistency, and respect for user attention. It serves as a testing ground for future Android features, impacting users even beyond those with Pixel devices.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Pixel Users Will Get Native App Lock With Android 17

Google is developing a system-level App Lock feature for Android 17, allowing Pixel users to secure individual applications with biometrics or a PIN. Recent Android Canary builds reveal a new API for integrating this feature into the default home screen launcher. This built-in App Lock aims to enhance user privacy by providing a straightforward way to protect sensitive apps without relying on third-party solutions. The implementation will allow users to long-press an app icon to lock it, with authentication options through Android’s BiometricPrompt. The feature is currently in early stages, with flags governing it still disabled. Android 17 is expected to be the earliest release for this feature. Unlike Android's Private Space, which isolates apps in a separate profile, the App Lock will allow easier access to frequently used applications. A system-level App Lock would offer stronger protection than third-party app lockers and align Pixel devices with OEM skins that already provide similar functionalities. Key questions remain regarding notification management and enterprise scenarios as the feature approaches release.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

New Android features keep you focused on what matters most

Android's Expressive Captions feature generates real-time captions that transcribe spoken words and capture the emotional nuances of the speaker's tone. It includes emotion tags such as [joyful] or [sad] to enhance understanding, especially when audio is muted. The feature also recognizes ambient sounds like [cheers and applause], providing a richer viewing experience and fostering inclusivity.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Google is preparing big Android 17 gaming upgrades for fans of real controllers

Android treats USB or Bluetooth gaming controllers as input devices, translating button presses into key codes and axis values for in-game actions. Android relies on predefined configuration files for popular controllers, but many niche peripherals are also compatible. Android does not support button remapping out of the box, but evidence suggests that a future version of Android, possibly Android 17, will bring native controller remapping. This feature will be restricted to apps signed with the platform key. Additionally, a new game controller menu within the Settings app and a virtual gamepad feature have been discovered, which could allow for button remapping and mapping on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Google makes it easier for businesses to run Windows apps on ChromeOS amid an uncertain future

Google has rebranded Cameyo, the software virtualization company it acquired last year, as “Cameyo by Google” to enhance the usability of Windows applications on ChromeOS. Cameyo's platform allows users to stream individual Windows applications directly to their devices via a web app, integrating seamlessly with the native file system of Chromebooks. This solution targets enterprise users, enabling them to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps without the need for a separate virtual desktop environment. Cameyo also supports organizations in transitioning to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications, addressing the "app gap" that has hindered enterprise adoption of ChromeOS.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Google Maps for Android has some UI changes you should know about

Google is updating its Google Maps app for Android, which has 154 million daily active users. Users spend an average of 23 minutes daily on the app, which offers features like restaurant recommendations and historical insights. The latest changes focus on two buttons: the Floating Action Button (FAB) has been redesigned to be smaller, teal, and diamond-shaped, directing users to a journey planning screen where they can add stops and customize routes. The current location indicator has changed from a blue arrow to a squircle shape with a compass icon, turning into a blue dot when the user's position is not displayed. The layers button has also been updated to include a small dot, allowing users to choose map views and access transit details. These updates are rolling out for users with version 25.39 of Google Maps, with those on version 25.40 already experiencing the new design. The changes reflect careful consideration of user interactions, particularly in the design of the location button's blue dot icon.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft is killing its ChromeOS competitor

Microsoft has decided to discontinue Windows 11 SE, a lightweight operating system introduced in 2021, aimed at low-cost laptops for educational environments. The company will cease all software updates for Windows 11 SE, with support officially ending in October 2026. The final update, version 24H2, will be the last released for this platform. Microsoft stated that it will not release a feature update after version 24H2 and recommends transitioning to a device that supports another edition of Windows 11 for continued support and security.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Chromebook Users Hit by Vanishing Google Play Store and Android Apps

Chromebook users have experienced the disappearance of the Google Play Store and Android applications, attributed to software updates, device compatibility issues, and changes in Google’s policies. Chrome OS selectively supports Android applications, with devices launched in or after 2019 generally able to access the Play Store, while older models may lose access during updates. Troubleshooting often involves checking settings or performing a factory reset, but these do not always resolve the issue. Google is phasing out legacy Chrome Web Store applications in favor of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which disrupts Android app access. Workarounds like sideloading apps from APK files exist but require technical expertise and raise security concerns. Google is integrating new features into Chrome OS, including Play Store filters, but persistent app disappearance issues could undermine user trust. The situation reflects broader tensions in Google’s ecosystem management, impacting the adoption of Chromebooks as professional devices. Users have expressed frustration over unexplained app losses, highlighting the need for clearer communication from Google.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Google drops ‘Android Canary Release Channel’ for devs eyeing rigorous API testing

Google has introduced the Android Canary Release Channel, a new testing environment for developers to access early test builds and upcoming features of Android. This channel is available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, and offers tools for developing features in Wear OS 6. Developers can flash the latest Canary build or use the Android Emulator via Android Studio, with future updates expected to roll out monthly. Opting out of the channel requires a complete data wipe of the device. The Android Canary channel will have a more measured update schedule compared to Chrome Canary, which receives daily updates.