At a Glance widget Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

How I found the Android launcher that finally rivals the Google Pixel experience

The Pixel Launcher is built on three foundational features: visual consistency through Material You, simplicity with a minimalistic interface, and fluidity with smooth animations. However, it has limited customization options compared to other launchers. Lawnchair is an open-source project that enhances the Pixel experience by restoring customization options removed by Google, such as hiding widgets, supporting icon packs, and allowing user-defined grid layouts. Lawnchair maintains a clean interface while offering extensive control over app visibility and layout, effectively addressing the limitations of the Pixel Launcher. Lawnchair 15 provides a refined version of the Pixel experience, making it accessible to users of non-Pixel devices.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

10 awesome Shizuku apps I use to level up my Android experience

Shizuku is an open-source tool that connects elevated Android functionalities with third-party applications, enabling access to previously restricted features. Canta allows users to uninstall any app, including bloatware and system applications, on devices like Samsung, providing guidance on safe uninstallation. ColorBlendr enhances control over Android's color-picking system, allowing users to select colors from wallpapers and standard palettes. Essentials is a toolkit for Pixel and other Android devices that unlocks hidden settings for granular adjustments and includes tools like a real-time distance calculator. Smartspacer extends the At A Glance widget's functionality beyond Pixel devices, integrating information from various sources. ShizuWall is a firewall that prevents selected apps from accessing the internet without needing a VPN or Private DNS. aShell You allows users to run ADB commands directly on their device, featuring a list of commands and bookmark support. Install With Options streamlines APK installation with modifications like bypassing SDK limits and downgrading apps. Adaptive Theme automatically switches between Dark and Light modes based on ambient light levels. SD Maid SE is a storage-cleanup tool that identifies and removes unnecessary files, with enhanced capabilities when used with Shizuku. Shappky enables users to terminate any running app, including system apps, with a simple tap.

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.