beta users

AppWizard
August 15, 2025
Google Contacts has received a Material 3 Expressive redesign, featuring container-style contact cards and larger, pill-shaped icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing. The "Contact info" label above the phone number has been removed for a cleaner presentation, and the update is available with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store. Additionally, Google is testing customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app, allowing users to display a full-screen image of the caller and personalize fonts and colors. This feature is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
In the latest Google Messages beta update (version v20250811), users are experiencing a bug that causes multiple identical app icons to appear in their app drawer. This issue is linked to a recent change by Google that introduced an android.intent.category.LAUNCHER intent filter in an additional activity, resulting in duplicate icons for the messaging app. Some users have reported seeing two or even three identical icons. The package name for both the beta and stable versions remains the same, indicating that the extra icons are not due to a mix-up with the stable release. A fix for this bug is expected in a future beta update.
AppWizard
August 12, 2025
Waze has introduced a new requirement in its beta version (v5.9.90) that users must have Android 10 or higher to access future features and updates, changing from the previous requirement of Android 8.0 or higher. Support for Android 9.0 has ended, and while users on older versions can still use the app, they will not receive updates or new features. This change is expected to reach non-beta users soon, typically within one to two weeks after the beta release. As of earlier this year, only 5.8% of Android devices were operating on Android 9.0 or older.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
Google is developing a new feature for its Phone app that includes an "Unhold" shortcut in call notifications. This button will replace the existing "Mute" option when a call is placed on hold, allowing users to resume calls directly from the notification shade without returning to the main call screen. The feature is part of a Material 3 Expressive redesign and is currently available in beta version v184.0, although it has not yet been released to the public.
AppWizard
July 11, 2025
In a recent update to the Phone by Google app, the Favorites tab has been moved from the bottom of the screen to the top, with an arrow indicating its functionality. For beta users, tapping the down arrow reveals five favorite contacts and a button to add new favorites. This redesign improves user experience and layout, allowing more space for Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail tabs, and makes the Floating Action Button (FAB) for the dial pad more accessible. The update is available on devices like the Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR1 Beta, version 182.0.779772896-publicbeta. Users not seeing the new feature may be awaiting a server-side rollout. Pixel users can check the app version by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, locating the Phone app, and scrolling to the bottom of the App info page.
AppWizard
June 30, 2025
WhatsApp has introduced a built-in document scanning tool for Android devices, currently available only to beta testers. This feature is located in the attachment section and allows users to capture physical documents directly within the app. It offers both manual and automatic modes for capturing images, which are then processed locally into PDF format and can be shared. All scanned files are protected with end-to-end encryption. The feature is currently limited to specific Android beta versions, with plans for a broader rollout in the future.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
The latest iteration of the Phone by Google app features a refreshed design aimed at enhancing user experience, currently being rolled out to select public beta users. The update includes a simplified bottom menu bar with three options: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” The Home tab displays favorite contacts in bubbles and a straightforward call log that lists each call as a distinct entry. A new gesture feature allows users to swipe horizontally to answer or decline incoming calls. The incoming call screen has a playful design with contacts in a lumpy circular frame. The update is expected to roll out in September and includes a new “Pixel VIP” widget for Pixel devices, offering enhanced details about favorite contacts.
AppWizard
June 6, 2025
A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.
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