app drawer Archives

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Pixel 11 can search your whole Google account right from the app drawer

The Pixel 11 series introduces a feature called Pixel search, enhancing the app drawer search bar to retrieve not only apps but also photos, files in Google Drive, calendar entries, and more. This feature is preinstalled on the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro and was hinted at during the Android 17 beta phase. Pixel search has also appeared on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra. It integrates within the launcher, allowing access to various Google services through the app drawer search bar. Pixel search can surface files, images, calendar entries, text messages, contacts, specific emails, upcoming alarms, and troubleshooting guidance. It is currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series and select Samsung devices, with no information on availability for older Pixel models.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

PSA: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 may mess up your home screen

The Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 update has been released by Google, introducing a Quick Settings layout editor and improved protections against call-forwarding scams. However, users have reported bugs affecting usability, particularly with the Pixel Launcher causing home screen "blinks" and wallpaper disappearance. A workaround involves deleting and recreating Android's Private Space. Users also face difficulties adding new widgets, with some finding that a factory reset can resolve these issues. The Google issue tracker has noted complaints about the app drawer displaying applications in a randomized order, linked to Private Space problems. Additionally, Pixel 7 users have reported unresponsive touchscreens after the update, which Google has not yet addressed.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Samsung phones could finally get proper app lock with One UI 9.5

Samsung's One UI 9.5 will introduce an app lock feature that enhances user privacy by allowing applications to be secured with a PIN or biometric authentication. Users can activate the app lock by pressing and holding an app icon in the app drawer, where a padlock icon will appear. Accessing locked apps will require biometric verification or the device's screen lock, and once locked, the app's widgets and shortcuts will be removed from the home screen, with notifications concealed. However, content from locked apps will still be accessible to other applications with prior permissions. Currently, Samsung devices offer the Secure Folder feature, which has limitations, as it creates a cloned version of the app while leaving the original accessible. The new app lock feature is similar to the one introduced in Android Canary 2608, indicating a possible influence on Samsung's development.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Google is bringing back native app lock for Android, but not for everyone yet

The latest Android Canary release introduces a new feature that allows users to lock multiple apps simultaneously through the settings menu, enhancing the app lock functionality. This feature is accessible under Settings > Security & privacy > App lock and allows users to organize locked apps in a list view. Once locked, apps will not display notification content, and their widgets and shortcuts will be hidden, although AI agents can still access their data if previously permitted. Users need to enter a PIN or use biometric authentication to access locked apps, which will also remain hidden from the recents menu. This development positions Google alongside competitors like Xiaomi and vivo, who offer similar features.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

This Android launcher made my home screen fun again – and I’m using the free version

Mango Launcher is a home screen launcher for Android that is described as "minimal and fast," featuring playful physics effects that animate app icons. The free version includes premade themes, dynamic physics effects, a favorite apps section, three app list layouts, folders, frosted glass effects, accent color options, icon customizations, font selection, notification badges, and extensive customization options. The Pro version, available for .99 per year or a one-time fee of .99, adds widgets, custom themes, auto-changing wallpapers, custom gestures, scribble functionality, voice commands, and digital well-being tools. Users can modify the app drawer layout and customize the notification shade, although the latter remains unchanged by the launcher’s themes.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android tablet can enhance your driving experience by turning it into a DIY Android Auto head unit using the app Headunit Revived. This open-source application acts as an Android Auto receiver, allowing navigation with Google Maps and access to apps like Spotify, Facebook Messenger, and Google Calendar. Headunit Revived is compatible with Android devices updated to at least Android 4.1 and can be downloaded for a fee from the Play Store or for free via an APK from GitHub. It can also be used on older Amazon Fire tablets. To set up Headunit Revived on your tablet, grant necessary permissions, agree to terms, and follow the Quick Setup Wizard to select screen size and orientation. The app will optimize the Android Auto layout based on your tablet's specifications. You can modify settings for UI scaling, dark mode, and screen resolution. To connect your phone to the tablet, you can use a USB cable or a wireless connection. For a wired connection, connect the phone via USB, select the appropriate USB settings, and launch Headunit Revived. For a wireless connection, enable Wi-Fi Direct on both devices, set the connection strategy in the app, and use the Wi-Fi Helper app on your phone to connect. Once connected, Android Auto will load on the tablet, allowing access to navigation and music apps. You can switch between navigation apps and exit Android Auto by unplugging the phone or using the Wireless Helper app. Various mounting options are available for securing the tablet in your vehicle.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5 on August 12 in New York City. Leaked images reveal the user interface of these devices. The Pixel 11 Pro features various menus, including the home screen layout, Emergency SOS setup, TalkBack accessibility options, and Visual Voicemail functionalities. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a centered app drawer and a camera interface with video controls on the left and shutter, lens switching, and gallery buttons on the right. The Pixel Watch 5 showcases a circular app grid, large touch targets, and a keyboard layout optimized for its round display.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Best Android Monitoring Apps for Parents in 2026

Parents face challenges in monitoring their children's online behavior due to the limitations of built-in parental controls on Android devices. Key features to look for in an Android monitoring app include message monitoring across social platforms, real-time GPS tracking, access to call logs, browsing history, app activity tracking, and keyword alert capabilities. Haqerra is highlighted as the best Android monitoring app, offering extensive coverage of messaging platforms without the need for rooting the device. It includes features such as call log tracking, continuous GPS tracking, and an innovative keyword alert system. The app can be set up in about five minutes and allows for discreet management through a web dashboard. Other notable monitoring apps include mSpy, which has a strong reputation but may require rooting for full social media monitoring; Eyezy, which focuses on social media but lacks comprehensive features; Spynger, which offers good GPS and messaging coverage but limited social app support; and Parentaler, designed for younger children with an emphasis on content filtering and screen time limits.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

I wish someone told me about these 5 Android Auto settings before I bought my new car

A 2003 PT Cruiser was replaced by a 2022 Hyundai Tucson after a transmission failure. The Hyundai Tucson features modern technology, including Android Auto. Key settings in Android Auto can enhance the user experience: 1. Taskbar Widgets: Enable taskbar widgets in the Android Auto settings to display miniature widgets for multitasking. 2. Launcher Customization: Rearrange the app drawer and hide infrequently used apps for a more organized interface. 3. Change Home Screen Layout: Adjust the layout to place the media app closer to the driver for easier access. 4. Play Media by Default: Disable the automatic playback of the last played media upon startup for more control over audio selection. 5. Gemini Actions: Create multi-step commands for tasks like navigation and media playback with a single command to streamline the driving routine.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Why There’s A Briefcase Symbol On Your Android Phone’s Screen (And How To Turn It Off)

Android has introduced a feature called Work Profile that creates a dedicated workspace on devices, separating professional applications from personal ones. This allows users to maintain distinct versions of applications, such as having separate Gmail accounts for work and personal use. The data within the Work Profile is encrypted and accessible only to an organization's IT administrators, ensuring privacy for personal applications and data. Users can identify work apps by a briefcase icon in the status bar, which disappears when the app is closed. To temporarily pause the Work Profile, users can access the Quick Settings panel or navigate to the app drawer and select the Work tab. When paused, work apps will vanish from the app drawer, and notifications will cease. Users can reactivate the Work Profile through the same methods. Additionally, Android's Digital Wellbeing settings allow users to schedule the activation and deactivation of the Work Profile. To permanently disable the Work Profile, users must delete it from the device, which removes all associated work apps and data. This can only be done if the device was originally owned by the user or if ownership has been transferred. The steps include accessing the Settings app, selecting Passwords and accounts, navigating to the Work tab, and tapping on Remove work profile. A factory reset can also delete the Work Profile but will erase personal apps and data as well.