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3 Big Changes Coming To Google Messages In 2026
AppWizard
July 10, 2026

3 Big Changes Coming To Google Messages In 2026

Google Messages is set to introduce several improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, particularly in sharing and forwarding messages. The app will allow users to share content with both individual contacts and groups, recognizing pre-existing groups to simplify the process. Additionally, it will issue warnings when sending multimedia to mixed groups of RCS and MMS users. Another upcoming feature is the ability to forward multiple messages at once, including images, with a preview option before sending. These enhancements are currently in beta testing and may change before their official release.
Minecraft - Official Dappled Forest Biome Overview
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

Minecraft – Official Dappled Forest Biome Overview

The Dappled Forest biome is a new addition in Minecraft, featuring unique elements such as a Straw Bed, Shelf Mushroom, and an Abandoned Camp. These additions are available in both Java Snapshot and Bedrock Preview & Beta versions of the game.
Google's got a quick Android 17 Beta 4.1 rolling out to address issues before launch
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Google’s got a quick Android 17 Beta 4.1 rolling out to address issues before launch

Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 4.1, focusing on issues related to hearing aids and the status bar. The update is available for devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 and the Pixel Tablet, with two firmware numbers for different models. The beta aims to resolve issues before the official Android 17 launch, expected in mid-2026. Key features include app memory limits to reduce RAM usage and improvements in performance and battery life. Google is also testing the first quarterly patch release for Android 17, following Beta 3, which focused on bug fixes and interface enhancements.
Google's wallpaper-based Gemini redesign is finally rolling out to users
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Google’s wallpaper-based Gemini redesign is finally rolling out to users

Google is rolling out wallpaper-based theming for Gemini within the Google app, transitioning from hidden manual activation to a beta version accessible to users, including those on the Pixel 9 with version 17.27.33.sa.arm64. This update aligns Gemini with the Material You design philosophy, allowing the interface to dynamically adjust to the user's wallpaper colors, moving away from the previous static color scheme. Currently, changes are visible in Gemini's floating overlay UI, which adopts a tint reflecting the system theme, while the main interface has not yet fully implemented dynamic theming, indicating a phased rollout approach.
Windows 11's new update actually makes your PC faster. Here's how to get it
Winsage
May 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new update actually makes your PC faster. Here’s how to get it

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, designated as KB5089573, aimed at enhancing the operating system's performance. This update introduces a feature called the “Low Latency Profile,” which improves responsiveness, particularly for essential tasks. The feature temporarily boosts CPU clock speeds to maximum capacity for up to three seconds to eliminate lag. Insider testers have reported performance improvements, with potential boosts of up to 70% for opening flyouts and 40% for launching applications. The update is currently in a preview phase and can be manually installed. It also includes enhancements to audio, the Task Manager, and the Camera app, with a broader rollout expected in June 2026.
Android 17 comes with a more convenient media app switcher
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

Android 17 comes with a more convenient media app switcher

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3, featuring a redesigned media app switcher that replaces the previous carousel format. The new switcher condenses media apps into compact cards that expand when tapped, improving user convenience and clarity. However, this design reduces the size of the active music app tab and player controls. Further modifications to the media player switcher are expected before the stable launch of Android 17.
Videogame 'beta versions' are anything but, says veteran RPG dev—real games are 'sh***y, sh***y, sh***y, sh***y, slightly less sh***y, and it skyrockets' at the end
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

Videogame ‘beta versions’ are anything but, says veteran RPG dev—real games are ‘sh***y, sh***y, sh***y, sh***y, slightly less sh***y, and it skyrockets’ at the end

Prokop Jirsa, the lead designer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, argues that the term "beta" in video game marketing often misrepresents the actual state of game development. He points out that what players experience in public betas is typically much more polished than the internal alphas or betas, which are less refined. Jirsa humorously suggests that these pre-release versions could be more accurately labeled as gammas or deltas. He emphasizes the non-linear progression of game quality, noting that significant time and effort are required to achieve a polished final product, which can take months or even years. Jirsa reflects on the challenges faced during the development of the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, given the limited resources and tight timelines.
Many Google apps could pick up a fresh gradient icon redesign
AppWizard
April 27, 2026

Many Google apps could pick up a fresh gradient icon redesign

Google is redesigning its app icons to adopt a more vibrant and gradient-centric aesthetic, moving away from its traditional minimalist style. Key changes include: - Gmail will retain its 'M' envelope shape but will feature a predominantly red hue with accents of yellow, green, and blue. - Google Drive will eliminate red and introduce a rounded triangle filled with green, yellow, and blue. - Google Docs will keep its vertical paper motif. - Google Sheets and Slides will transition to a landscape orientation. - Google Calendar will replace its four-color container with a blue-centric flip-style icon. - Google Meet will adopt a bold yellow hue. - Google Chat will feature a new green, pill-shaped bubble. - Google Keep will highlight a light bulb icon without a background page. - Google Tasks will maintain a prominent checkmark within a button-like shape. - Google Voice will have a more rounded phone icon, keeping its light green color. These updates have not yet been rolled out, and no server-side updates or beta versions are currently available.
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