app settings Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

5 Android Auto Settings You’ll Want To Change (And Why)

Android Auto allows customization of the dashboard to display only essential apps, minimizing distractions. Users can force set Day or Night mode for maps by adjusting app settings or unlocking developer options for a consistent theme. To stop automatic music playback, users can disable the "Start music automatically" option in the Android Auto settings and check individual app settings. Notifications can be managed by disabling chimes and customizing their display, or using the "Play Aloud" feature for hands-free alerts. Android Auto can be set to operate while the phone is locked by enabling the relevant setting in Connection Preferences, and users may need to restart their vehicle for changes to take effect.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels receive the same 25H2-based updates. The update introduces the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar, allowing users to interact with their PC using text or voice commands. The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices, designed for console-style navigation. A preview of shared audio is being rolled out, enabling two users to share audio from connected devices. The update also includes improvements to Prism, enhancing compatibility for 64-bit x86 applications. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with USB devices, the Start menu, File Explorer, lock and login screens, and Settings. Known issues include problems with the Start menu and system tray for some users. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

KB5067115 Brings Ask Copilot in Windows 11 Taskbar with Instant AI Search

Microsoft is integrating its Copilot feature into Windows 11 as a central element, moving it from a sidebar experiment to a taskbar shortcut called "Ask Copilot" in Insider Preview Build 26220.7051. This feature allows users to search for applications, files, and settings or interact with Copilot through voice or text commands. The results adjust dynamically based on user input and suggestions from Copilot. Users can opt-in to use this feature, which complements the traditional Windows Search. To enable it, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot, and there is an option for automatic launch upon sign-in. Ask Copilot uses existing Windows APIs and does not access personal files unless requested. This update also includes a Full Screen Experience for handheld devices and a Shared Audio Preview.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Pixel 10 exclusive: GPU-powered Linux apps come to Android 16 QPR2

Google has enabled GPU-accelerated rendering for Linux applications in its Android Terminal app, currently exclusive to the Pixel 10, as part of the upcoming Android 16 QPR2 update. This feature utilizes Gfxstream technology to improve graphical performance, addressing previous limitations that restricted the app to command-line programs. The integration of Gfxstream allows the app to connect the virtual machine’s graphics API calls directly to the host device’s native GPU, enhancing rendering tasks. The Pixel 10's firmware includes a specific overlay file that enables Gfxstream support, which is not present in other Pixel devices. Although the Pixel 10 can run graphical desktop Linux applications using its GPU, the implementation is still in progress, with access to only 47 of the 142 Vulkan extensions supported by the device, and some extensions malfunctioning, resulting in suboptimal performance for certain applications.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Google’s Pixel 10 can now run Linux apps better than other Android phones

Google has updated its Linux Terminal app on Android, specifically for the Pixel 10, with the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 release. This update introduces GPU acceleration for graphical Linux applications by integrating Gfxstream, a technology that forwards graphics API calls from the Linux virtual machine to the Android device’s GPU. Users have reported successful activation of GPU acceleration, with evidence of the new “Graphics Acceleration” menu in the Terminal app settings. The Gfxstream feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 due to a specific overlay file, and while it allows the device to utilize its GPU for better performance in running graphical desktop Linux apps, only a limited number of Vulkan extensions are accessible, leading to potential performance issues with some applications.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

I tried Google’s Windows 11 app, a macOS Spotlight moment for Windows with AI features

In mid-September 2025, Google unveiled the "Google app for Windows," currently in the experimental section of Google Labs, with no public release date announced. The app is available only to users in the U.S. and supports Windows 10 and 11. Users can install it by enabling a toggle in Google Search Labs and require a Personal Google Account for access. The app features a floating interface, allows standard Google searches, locates Google Drive files, and finds installed applications or local files. It includes Google Lens for image searches and translations, supports Rich Snippets, and has an AI mode for enhanced queries. The app consumes only 8.5MB of RAM and offers customizable settings for themes and keyboard shortcuts. Local file searches may not show newly downloaded files until a restart, while files uploaded to Google Drive are indexed instantly. The app's performance is compared to Microsoft's PowerToys Command Palette, which excels in speed but lacks AI capabilities. Minor issues include resizing difficulties and design inconsistencies.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

This overlooked Gmail setting fixed my biggest problem with the Android app

The Gmail Android app has a new subscriptions tab, Material 3 Expressive animations, and integration with Gemini. Users can remove the Meet tab by going to the menu, selecting Settings, choosing their email address, scrolling to the Meet section, and unchecking the box next to "Show the Meet tab for video calling." This process needs to be repeated for each email account managed in the app. Users with a Google Workspace account may also see a Chat tab, which can be disabled in the General section of email settings.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

How To Fix Gmail When It’s Not Working On Android

Gmail's AI email summary feature may encounter issues, and troubleshooting steps include ensuring internet connectivity, updating the Gmail app, and adjusting date and time settings if an error message about securing the connection appears. For public Wi-Fi issues, check for password prompts. If a Gmail folder is not found when accessed through a non-Gmail account, switching to a Gmail account or refreshing the app may help. Internal errors often resolve themselves, but users can also try closing and reopening the app. To fix syncing issues on Android, confirm that "Sync Gmail" is enabled in the app settings and adjust the sync duration if necessary. Clearing Gmail account storage by deleting unnecessary emails, especially those with large attachments, can also improve functionality.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Windows 11 to get Android App continuity feature

Microsoft is testing a feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 that allows users to resume Android apps, starting with Spotify, on their PCs. When a user pauses playback on their Android device, a “Resume alert” appears on the Windows 11 taskbar, enabling automatic resumption of playback on the Spotify desktop app. If the app is not installed, it can be easily downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Users need to enable mobile device access on their PC, link their Android phone via the Link to Windows app, and ensure they are signed into the same Spotify account on both devices to utilize this feature. Microsoft is also inviting app developers to integrate with the Resume API for broader app continuity in the future. Additional enhancements in this build include new battery icons, touch gesture improvements, and various bug fixes.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Fitbit finally listened! Dark Mode arrives on Android after years of user demands

Fitbit has rolled out the dark mode feature in its Android app with version 4.50, allowing users to manually activate the "Dark Theme" or have it automatically adjust based on system settings. This update aims to reduce glare in low-light environments and may extend battery life on OLED devices. However, not all app elements are fully optimized for dark mode at launch, with some inconsistencies expected to be addressed in future updates. The rollout began on August 21. Additionally, Fitbit is exploring AI tools to enhance health tracking, including an AI-driven lab report summary tool and a Symptom Checker that provides personalized health suggestions.