At a Glance widget Archives

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

One of the best Pixel features is coming to more Android phones

Google's 'Now Playing' feature, which identifies background music automatically, will soon be available as a dedicated app for a wider audience of Android users beyond Pixel phones. This transition was revealed in the latest Android System Intelligence version B.21, indicating that non-Google Android devices will gain access to the Now Playing functionality. The feature continuously listens for music, identifies songs, and logs past discoveries. The new standalone app will prompt users to download it and will include settings and song history. Additionally, the first beta version of Android 17 has been released, featuring a redesigned Home Screen search bar, an option to remove the At a Glance widget, and improvements for larger screens and the volume panel, with a public release expected in June 2026.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 brings two small but useful Pixel Launcher UI changes

Android 17 beta 1 was released on February 13, 2026, introducing several UI changes to the Pixel Launcher. The home screen search bar has a slimmer, customizable design, allowing users to replace the AI Mode shortcut with tools like Gemini Live or Translate. Users can now remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen. Additional minor enhancements include a refreshed brightness icon in Quick Settings and improved access to volume panel settings.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 makes Settings easier to navigate and squashes plenty of bugs

Google has released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, focusing on stability improvements and bug fixes for Pixel phone users. The update addresses critical crashes, notification shade glitches, charging limit issues, and slow Wi-Fi connectivity. It also features a revamped System Settings layout with grouped sections for easier navigation. The beta is available as an OTA update for enrolled users and is compatible with Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup. Users can also manually flash factory images if preferred. The stable release of Android 16 QPR3 is expected around March 2026.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google starts rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 is rolling out with an important fix

Google has started rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 for Pixel devices, focusing on stability and addressing a bug that causes certain apps to crash at startup. The update is 58MB in size and is available for Pixel models from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 for users enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The previous Android 16 QPR3 beta introduced features like disabling the At a Glance widget and adjusting flashlight brightness. Users can receive the update via OTA download, sideload it, or manually flash the factory image, with a stable release expected in the first quarter of 2026.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

Pixel owners can finally remove the ‘At a Glance’ widget in new Android beta

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a native toggle to remove the At a Glance widget from home screens, while still keeping the information accessible on the lock screen and Always-on Display. The update also includes a brightness slider for the flashlight and allows users to swap navigation buttons to match Samsung's layout. However, early reports suggest that Microsoft applications may crash within Work Profiles, particularly affecting users of Teams or Outlook. A stable release is expected in March 2026.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 quietly upgrades Pixel phones where it counts

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has been released, likely serving as the final refinement before Android 17. Users can disable the "At a Glance" widget on their home screens. The Quick Settings tile now includes a slider for beam intensity control. Users can rearrange the back and recent keys in the three-button navigation bar. The beta version is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onward, with a stable version expected around March 2026. The update introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar for app location access. It also includes support for over 160 new emoji from Unicode 17.0. Users should be aware of potential bugs and performance issues while using the beta software.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 is here, bringing Pixel testers more bug fixes

Google is rolling out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 to Pixel phones and tablets enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The update includes bug fixes and stability improvements, including a resolution for a lock screen clock issue. This is the second minor patch for Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, following Beta 3.1. The build number for this update is BP41.250916.012 for the Pixel 6 series, while other eligible devices will see BP41.250916.012.A1. The update size typically ranges from 40MB to 50MB. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings, then System, and selecting System update.

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

Pixels don’t have widget stacks, but this app makes me miss them less

Widgets are important in the Android ecosystem for managing various tasks, with widget stacks introduced by Samsung in One UI 5 in 2022. Pixel device users lack this feature, but a workaround using the Smartspacer app allows them to achieve similar functionality. Widget stacks enable users to combine multiple widgets into a scrollable unit on their home screens, maintaining a clean aesthetic while displaying more information. Smartspacer enhances the At a Glance widget by allowing extensive customization and introducing the Expanded Smartspace feature, which provides access to a curated list of selected widgets. Users must download Shizuku and adjust developer settings to use Expanded Smartspace, allowing customization of features like search box inclusion and lock screen access. Smartspacer also allows users to prioritize items in the At a Glance widget and introduces complications for persistent visibility of essential information. The At a Glance widget has become more useful with Smartspacer, transforming from a static feature to an essential tool for Pixel users.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 made my Pixel 9 Pro feel just like a Pixel 10 Pro

The Android 16 QPR1 beta has attracted interest from users, including those who typically avoid beta software, due to its new features. The update introduces Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, enhancing navigation and customization on devices like the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Key changes include a revamped, colorful Settings app that categorizes options, a new Wallpaper & style menu with Live effects for weather conditions, and a smaller At a Glance widget. The My Pixel app has also been updated with a support tab and tips. However, some features, such as the Pixel Journal, remain exclusive to newer models like the Pixel 10 Pro, and there are concerns about the availability of features like Magic Cue for older devices.