edge-to-edge Archives

BetaBeacon

January 29, 2026

The RedMagic 11 Air works your cash harder than anyone else right now

The RedMagic 11 Air offers a vibrant 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 144Hz, excellent gaming performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a 7,000mAh battery for solid battery life.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

LineageOS 23 brings Android 16 to over 100 devices despite Google’s holdups

LineageOS has released version 23.0 based on Android 16, available for over a hundred devices. The version is labeled 23.0 instead of 23.1 due to the absence of QPR1 updates from Google. New features include predictive back navigation, edge-to-edge display, improved app scaling, Ultra HDR and RAW capture capabilities, Jellyfin integration, and a new ad-free TV launcher called Catapult. Support for the older 21.x series is being phased out, with updates continuing under version 22.2 (Android 15) while the focus shifts to expanding the 23.0 lineup. The official Changelog 30 details these updates and architectural enhancements.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

What Google Material 3 Expressive redesigns are rolling out [Updated]

In May, Google introduced its new design language, Material 3 Expressive, which is being implemented across various applications following the launch of the Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR1. Rolling out: - Gmail II: New layout with messages in containers and subtle borders. - Google Chrome: Segmented Material 3 progress indicator, circular containers for actions in the overflow menu, new tab button and switcher in Tab Grid, and thematically colored Tab Group cards. - Google Wallet: App logo change, thicker cards for passes, containers on various pages, enhanced NFC tap-to-pay animation, and new overlay for Pixel users activated by double-tap of the power button. Recent launches: - Google Drive II: Edge-to-edge aesthetic with no main list view container. - Quick Share: Fullscreen experience embracing Material 3 Expressive. - Google Maps: Listings use M3 Expressive containers and actions carousel at the bottom. Fully launched (in alphabetical order): - Digital Wellbeing: Main page refreshed with M3 Expressive elements and thicker donut graphs. - Files by Google: Animated Material 3 carousel on the homepage, pill-shaped toolbar for Quick Share and document scanning, revamped navigation rail, and dedicated toolbar for image editing. - Gmail: Structured layout for email list and messages, swipe gestures trigger pill-shaped animation, redesigned search app bar. - Google Calendar: Time slots in rounded containers, solid background layer for visibility, and FAB menu for creating various items. - Google Meet: Large cards for calls on the homepage, oversized buttons for voice and video calls, and user information in a pill shape. - Google Messages: Organized conversation list and message threads in containers, redesigned 'plus' menu with pill-shaped buttons. These updates aim to provide a more cohesive and visually appealing experience across Google's applications.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Google Home app fixes edge-to-edge Routines bug on Android

Users of the Google Home app on Android 16 experienced a bug in the Routines creator and editor, which was resolved with the release of Google Home version 3.37. The update restored accessibility to buttons at the top and bottom of the Routines interface, allowing users to navigate to the Automations tab and access options for Household or Personal routines. The close ‘x’ and “Save” buttons are now available, improving user experience. The three-dot overflow menu, which includes actions like the Script editor and Help, has also returned. Previously, page titles were obscured by the front-facing camera, and users faced challenges with actions like “Remove action.” The issue originated from Android 16's restrictions on apps targeting the latest version. The resolution was implemented via a server-side rollout with no visible changes in the initial release of Google Home 3.37.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

The evolution of Android: Decades of transformation

Android was acquired by Google in 2005, marking a significant turning point for the platform. It evolved from an open-source operating system that encouraged diverse hardware options to a dominant mobile OS, adapting to consumer demands for larger screens and advanced features. Between 2018 and 2020, manufacturers began adopting edge-to-edge displays, leading to innovations like the "notch" and "punch-hole" designs. From 2021 onward, foldable phones emerged, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip redefining the smartphone form factor. Google introduced optimizations for large screens and improved multitasking capabilities to accommodate these changes.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15: All the new features, eligible devices, and release date

Android 15 has officially been released on October 15, 2023, starting its rollout to eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer models. The update will be available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Major manufacturers like Honor, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, iQOO, Nothing, Realme, Lenovo, Sharp, and Tecno are preparing to adopt Android 15 for their devices. Key features of Android 15 include: - Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI and the phone's accelerometer to secure devices during theft attempts. - Private Space, allowing users to lock sensitive applications with additional authentication. - Notification cooldown, which reduces notification volume from the same app when received in quick succession. - A system-wide toggle for keyboard vibration and a slider for haptic feedback intensity. - Haptic feedback for the brightness slider. - Partial screen recording for capturing specific applications. - Enhanced Bluetooth tile functionality for easier device management. - Support for edge-to-edge displays in applications. - Improved continuity and multitasking for foldable devices. - Introduction of the Android Dynamic Performance Framework for better optimization. - High-quality webcam mode for video calls. - An always-active taskbar for Pixel Fold and Android tablet users. - Capability to share audio across multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The stable version of Android 15 is rolling out to Pixel devices, with other manufacturers expected to follow suit.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Android 15 releases to AOSP | App Developer Magazine

Android 15 has been officially released and is now available through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It will soon be accessible on supported Pixel devices and select models from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi. The release includes new features such as the ApplicationStartInfo API, updated ProfilingManager API, StorageStats API, enhancements to PdfRenderer APIs, and improvements in OpenJDK and SQLite APIs. Typography and internationalization have also been enhanced with the FontFamily API and support for variable fonts. Media and camera functionalities have been improved, including HDR and SDR content control and low light boost. User experience enhancements include split-screen app combinations and edge-to-edge display. Privacy and security features include a Private Space for sensitive apps and passkey sign-in. Developers are encouraged to update their SDKs and tools for compatibility with Android 15.

Winsage

August 27, 2024

Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ review: A capable AI PC, but Windows on Arm issues remain

Dell has released a new version of the XPS 13 optimized for Microsoft's Copilot+ AI initiative, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip, transitioning to an Arm-based architecture. This model is expected to offer improved battery efficiency and enhanced AI performance due to its robust neural processing unit (NPU). However, users may face compatibility issues with older x86 applications, which may run slowly or fail to launch. The Copilot+ program requires devices to have at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an NPU capable of 40 tera-operations per second (TOPS). The XPS 13 performs well in productivity tasks and benchmarks compared to its Intel counterpart but has average battery life and some performance lags in specific applications. It features a Snapdragon X Elite chip with 12 cores, operating at speeds up to 3.4GHz, and a dual-core boost of 4GHz. The design includes a minimalist aesthetic with an "invisible" touchpad and edge-to-edge key layout, though usability issues have been noted with the trackpad. The starting price for the XPS 13 is approximately ,300, with a promotional price of ,199 currently available.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

Android 15 Beta 4 Now Available for Developers to Bring their Apps Up to Date

Google has released the final scheduled beta for Android 15, enabling developers to stabilize APIs and publish apps on Google Play. Key features include: - Package Stopped State: Apps are halted until user interaction, with pending intents canceled and widgets disabled. - 16 KB Memory Pages: New memory management improves app launch times and reduces power consumption, requiring apps using native code to be rebuilt. - Private Space Feature: Users can create secure spaces for sensitive information, halting all app activities when locked. New user experience features include: - Predictive Back Animations: Help users anticipate gesture outcomes. - Low Light Boost: Enhances camera performance in dim conditions. - Partial Screen Sharing: Allows sharing of specific app windows. - Edge-to-Edge Rendering: Provides a more immersive visual experience. Developers are encouraged to adopt these features and upgrade to Android Studio Koala for easier app modifications.