design language Archives

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Android 16 is sprucing up the Pixel Camera app with a slick new look

Google is implementing its Material 3 Expressive design across various applications, with the Pixel Camera set to undergo a transformation. The Settings menu has been updated with warm brown tones, white accents, and rounded controls for a more inviting interface. The new toggle design features a checkmark for the “on” state and an “x” for “off.” The Pixel Camera app will align with other apps like Gmail and Google Messages that have already adopted this design. An official launch date for the updated Pixel Camera has not been announced, but it is expected to coincide with the rollout of Android 16 later this year.

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 8, 2025

I found an Android weather app that looks like Google made it

Google overhauled its weather app, replacing the weather frog with a new Pixel Weather app for the Pixel 9, which can now be accessed through Google Search. Users expressed dissatisfaction with the need to search for the frog, leading to the emergence of a third-party app called Weather Master. In a poll, 59% of users reported using whatever weather app is pre-installed on their phone, 38% used a third-party app, and 3% did not use a weather app at all. Weather Master features an animated frog, displays current temperature and forecasts, offers a Quick Summary section, and provides clothing and activity suggestions. It allows for customization and includes a radar function, though it has limitations in depth of information and visual data transitions. Despite its flaws, Weather Master is considered user-friendly and has become a preferred choice for some users over Google's official offering.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally tidying up the Search options in the Windows 11 Settings page

Microsoft is updating the Settings page in Windows 11 by merging the "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" settings into a single page to improve navigation and visual appeal. This change, discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, is currently in development and not yet available on the main Windows 11 branch, but can be previewed by users on Insider builds 26200.5622/26120.4230 by enabling feature ID 57471391. An official rollout is expected soon.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Google’s Android redesign is available to some already – just check your Messages

Google's Material 3 Expressive design initiative is being introduced in the Google Messages beta, with a broader rollout expected with Android 16 or shortly thereafter. The design features lozenge-shaped buttons replacing round buttons, larger sizes for a refined aesthetic, and a redesigned “+” menu for adding emojis and stickers. The updates are currently mixed in visibility among users, particularly in the UK. The adoption of Material 3 Expressive may vary among manufacturers, with brands like Motorola likely to embrace it fully, while Samsung may implement it less comprehensively. In markets like China, brands such as Xiaomi and Honor may continue using their existing design languages, potentially leading to inconsistencies with Google apps.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Google’s Phone App Is Getting a Makeover in Android 16

Google is preparing to release Android 16, which will feature a redesign of its Material Design language, now called Material 3 Expressive. The Phone app will allow users to choose how to answer calls, with options for "Answer" and "Decline" buttons, as well as horizontal swipe gestures. The redesign will also include larger, pill-shaped buttons that change shape when tapped and a new animation for caller profile photos. Other Google applications, such as Google One, Google Meet, and Google TV, will also receive updates in line with the Material 3 Expressive design.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Android 16 beta testers get a look at its Advanced Protection security bastion

Google is rolling out the Advanced Protection feature for Pixel devices enrolled in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 program, which includes browsing safeguards, app protections, and USB transfer restrictions. This feature aims to enhance device security and protect against online threats. The Advanced Protection Program was originally launched for users at risk of data breaches and was expanded last year to include passkeys and a simplified enrollment process. Additionally, an "Intrusion Detection" feature was noted, designed to log user activity for suspicious behavior. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update was released on May 20, 2025, and introduced a new design language called Material 3 Expressive.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

First look: Google’s Phone app is getting a tasty Android 16 redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Phone app has undergone significant design enhancements in its version 177.0.763181107-publicbeta-pixel2024, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive design language. Key changes include larger contact names and caller images, a transition from circular to oval-shaped buttons, and an enlarged pill-shaped end call button. Additional modifications feature the removal of the “call from” text, immediate display of the phone number after answering, and a redesigned “more” menu. The app also introduces an animation for the incoming caller’s profile picture. Similar updates are being rolled out across other Google applications, and these redesigns will be supported on earlier versions of Android as well.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft is ruining Windows customization

Customizing a Windows PC has become increasingly complex and frustrating due to several factors. Microsoft has introduced more locked-down UI elements with Windows 10 and 11, which complicates the customization process. Frequent and substantial updates alter UI elements and introduce new features, creating challenges for developers of customization tools to maintain compatibility. Microsoft has also removed certain legacy features that facilitated customization, limiting the capabilities of these applications. Additionally, some customization apps are labeled as malware, discouraging users from installing them and hindering the customization ecosystem. As a result, many users feel that the joy of customizing their Windows experience has diminished, as streamlined interfaces lack the flair and personality of earlier versions.

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.