color palette Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Google Play Store gets colorful search tab with Material 3 Expressive

The Google Play Store is updating to version 46.5.19, incorporating the Material 3 Expressive design language, which includes a new color palette for category icons in the search tab and improved clarity in sections like Explore apps and Explore games. This update is part of a broader initiative that also affects other Google applications, such as Gmail, which will feature a new look with accent colors in the search bar, bottom navigation bar, and compose button. The compose button will have a more prominent font and updated icon, contributing to a modern card-style layout in Gmail.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

The Stellar Blade PC release finally convinced me to try it out, but after its Steam Next Fest demo I’m going straight back to Elden Ring Nightreign

The Stellar Blade PC demo was released during the Steam Next Fest, attracting attention despite not topping the charts. It features an introductory cutscene, a tutorial, and a significant boss encounter, allowing players to explore its upgrade system. The demo showcases a visually appealing aesthetic but raises concerns about gameplay depth and performance issues, even on recommended settings. Design choices, such as surprise enemy ambushes and floaty physics puzzles, detract from the experience. The combat mechanics are criticized for feeling insubstantial, and comparisons to Elden Ring highlight Stellar Blade's lack of polish.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Tormented Souls II demo for PC now available

Publisher PQube and developer Dual Effect have released a demo for Tormented Souls II on PC via Steam. The demo features about 60 minutes of gameplay, starting with Caroline Walker and her sister Anna's journey to Villa Hess, a clinic in southern Chile. Upon arrival, Anna goes missing, leading Caroline to confront captors and a sinister plan involving the Wildberger twins. Caroline's character design has evolved, featuring a blood-red dress and rugged leather jacket, reflecting her growth as a protective older sister. Tormented Souls II is set to launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC in 2025.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Gmail’s new Material 3 Expressive design is secretly hitting some inboxes

Google's Material 3 Expressive style is being integrated into Gmail, featuring a new interface with lighter, raised cards and rounded edges that enhance visual appeal. The design includes a vibrant color palette, making emails appear more layered and engaging. The rollout is gradual, with some users experiencing changes like the account switcher moving out of the search bar, while others have not yet seen this update. Additionally, a new pill-shaped button animation has been introduced for swipes, providing a fluid user experience with haptic feedback during notification dismissals.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Here’s a better look at Gmail’s Material 3 Expressive makeover, rolling out to some users

Google has begun rolling out its Gmail app's Material 3 Expressive redesign through a server-side switch, allowing select users to experience the new design ahead of a broader release later this year. The update, Gmail app v2025.05.11, features a vibrant color palette and a card-based user interface with a lighter background for the message list, rounded corners, and a more visible Compose button. The account switcher has been repositioned outside the search bar for improved navigation. The email screen's card-based UI has been refined, with a full-width order summary snippet and lighter colors. A new pill-shaped button animation for swipe gestures has also been introduced. Users can expect to see these design elements on their devices soon.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Here’s an early look at Google TV app’s Material 3 Expressive overhaul (APK teardown)

Google is updating its Google TV app to align with Android's Material 3 Expressive design language, featuring a more colorful interface with accented gradients and enhanced visual elements. A beta version has shown a revamped blue color palette, a new section for recent searches, and a potential "Hot and New" tab, although these features are still in development. The latest app version (4.39.3208.761013668.5) includes updates to the For You tab, making it more vibrant with an updated search icon and larger text and buttons. The floating action button has changed from gray to blue. The rollout of these design changes is expected after the stable release of Android 16 QPR1.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

The best use for AI: You can now turn yourself into an Android Bot by uploading a photo

Google has launched the Androidify app, allowing users to create personalized Android Bots by uploading a photo and selecting a color scheme. The app utilizes the Gemini API and is designed with Google’s Material 3 aesthetic, ensuring compatibility with various devices. Unlike its previous version, which was limited to a website, the new app offers a more refined experience with plans for a specialized image generator version. Users must compile the app themselves to access its features, which may limit its reach. There are hopes for the app's availability on the Play Store in the future.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 delivers a colorful Settings app redesign [Gallery]

Android version 16 QPR1 introduces a redesigned Settings app featuring a vibrant palette of pastel colors, moving away from the previous monochromatic gray interface. This update aligns with Google's Material 3 Expressive design language, enhancing user experience through bold aesthetics. The lock screen has also adopted a bolder appearance. Each category in the Settings app is now represented by unique hues, aiding navigation, although color assignments do not follow a strict logic. The functionality of the app remains unchanged, with the redesign aimed at creating a more inviting user environment.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google just accidentally revealed Android’s new design language

Google's Material Design, launched in 2014, has evolved significantly with the introduction of "Material You" or Material 3 in May 2021, focusing on personalized and adaptive interfaces for Android users. Upcoming features of Material 3 Expressive include a vibrant color palette that adapts to user choices, varied and organic shapes for a fluid design, and enhanced animations for intuitive user interactions.