app updates Archives

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google may introduce an expressive new Material Design theme at I/O this May

Google is set to announce a significant update to its Material Design framework, focusing on enhancing expressiveness in app development, at Google I/O 2025 next month. Developer discussions have revealed a new theme called “Material3Expressive,” and a Google engineer confirmed efforts to help developers create more engaging applications. Evidence of this update includes a patch in the AOSP Gerrit related to “I/O 2025 Expressive talk code demos,” which introduces new code for the Material 3 Compose library. The update may refine the existing framework rather than completely overhaul it, with indications of a more visually engaging interface in recent Android Settings app updates. Anticipation for Google I/O 2025 is high, but the new design elements may not be immediately available in the stable release of Android 16, with a gradual rollout expected in future updates.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google Maps might predict more than just the traffic for you soon

Google Maps is testing new features that will enhance user experience by providing real-time updates on parking availability, fuel-efficient routes, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) directly from the initial overview screen after entering a destination. Currently, users can only see traffic conditions, distance, and travel time. The new features will allow users to view parking availability marked by a "P" icon, fuel-efficient route options, and precise ETA. These enhancements aim to improve trip planning and are expected to be included in future app updates. Additionally, some users have reported issues with their Timeline history disappearing from the web version, possibly due to a shift in how Google stores location history.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Google TV app may be getting a blue makeover and fresh features (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Google TV app with aesthetic and functional improvements. The app will feature a new color palette, replacing dark gray accents with a vibrant blue. Enhancements to the search functionality will include a list of recent searches for easier access to previous queries. Additionally, a new feature called the “Hot and New Tab” is in development, which will showcase trending and newly released content.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google Play Services could soon make tracking system app updates much easier (APK teardown)

Google is introducing a new "System services" section within Google Play Services to streamline the tracking of updates for essential Android system applications. This feature aims to help users distinguish between regular app updates and important system app updates, addressing confusion about the status of core system components. An APK teardown of Google Play Services v25.11.32 beta has revealed references to this section, which will notify users of available updates and direct them to the Google Play Store. The app listings for core system applications will also be simplified to focus on essential information, reducing user confusion and improving understanding of system app updates. The "System services" page and updated app listings are not yet live but represent a step towards enhancing user trust and clarity regarding system app updates.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Snipping Tool and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Windows 11 is rolling out updates for the Snipping Tool and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Snipping Tool (version 11.2502.18.0) introduces a "draw & hold" feature that allows users to create clean lines and shapes by holding the cursor or pen still before releasing. It also includes a new protocol launch experience for developers, enabling customization of capture features when invoked from applications. Notepad (version 11.2501.29.0) adds a generative AI feature for summarizing selected text and a "recent files" feature in the File menu for quick access to recently closed documents. Users can clear the recent files list or disable the feature in app settings. These updates are currently rolling out, and availability may vary among Insiders.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google prepares huge Gemini app updates for ‘personalization’ with more to try out

Google has announced updates to its Gemini app, including the introduction of the 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, which enhances its ability to handle complex queries. The app now features a "personalization" experimental option that tailors responses based on user history across Google services. Users can upload files directly into the app, and Gemini can break down prompts into manageable steps for more accurate responses. The app integrates with services like Calendar, Notes, Tasks, and Photos, allowing users to perform multi-step queries seamlessly. Additionally, the Deep Research feature has been improved to help users explore complex subjects more effectively, with real-time insights into Gemini's processes. Access to the Deep Research feature will be limited to a few trials each month for general users, while Gemini Advanced users will have expanded access.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Samsung confirms two Health app updates for Galaxy as we spring forward

Samsung will introduce two new features for its Health app on Galaxy phones later this month to help users manage the transition to Daylight Savings Time. The first feature, the Sleep Environment Report, will analyze factors like room temperature and humidity to improve sleep quality. The second feature, an Activity Consistency metric, will enhance the Health app's Energy Score, allowing users to track their daily activity levels and health trends over the past four weeks. These updates are designed for devices running One UI 7, starting with the Galaxy S25 series, with a broader rollout expected in April.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

The Play Store sucks, so here’s what I use instead

As of early February 2025, there are nearly 2.1 million apps available on the Play Store, with over 1,100 new apps introduced daily, resulting in an average of almost 42,000 new options each month. The search function on the Play Store is often ineffective for broader queries, and users face challenges due to the lack of sorting options and transparency regarding app updates. F-Droid is a platform for free and open-source software (FOSS) applications, requiring sideloading or the use of clients like Neo Store or Droid-ify. Obtainium is a tool that allows users to access open-source applications and updates directly from their sources, supporting over a dozen repositories including GitHub and GitLab, and enables users to export curated app lists and track updates without downloading them.

AppWizard

February 9, 2025

Android’s Google Play Store bug shows repeat app updates

The Google Play Store is experiencing a bug that causes some Android users to receive repeated app update notifications for applications that are already up to date. This issue appears in the "Pending downloads" section, where affected apps show notifications for updates despite having the latest versions installed. Genuine pending updates display the update size and date, while these repeat notifications do not. Affected apps include Gboard, Google Messages, Pocket Casts, and The Athletic, which download minimal data (1 to 2 MB) without making any changes. Reports of this issue have surfaced previously, indicating it is a recurring problem, and Google has not issued an official statement regarding it.