edge-to-edge Archives

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

ATV Launcher’s latest update brings big home screen upgrades for your Android TV

ATV Launcher has released version 0.1.41 for Android TV, introducing significant updates that enhance aesthetics and functionality. Key features include ten fixed row layouts (Spotlight, Bookends, Centre Stage, Marquee, Hero Trio), the ability to place widgets within app rows (Weather, Digital Clock, System Info, Favorite App, Watch Next, Recommended, and standard Android widgets), and the launch of the "ATV Launcher Digital Clock Widgets" companion app with 15 clock styles. Visual enhancements allow folders to display contents in various preview styles, and the Configure Tile dialog now includes a live preview interface. The Watch Next and Recommended cards feature edge-to-edge artwork and progress bars. A modular status bar lets users toggle and reorder icons, select placements, and switch TV inputs. The update is available on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Google Keep redesigns its Note collection widget on Android

Google Keep for Android has redesigned its "Note collection" widget, replacing the traditional Material You sidebar with a circular floating action button that opens a pop-up menu for note creation. This change requires an additional tap to select the note type but aligns with the design of the "Quick capture" widget. The new layout maximizes widget space, allowing for an edge-to-edge presentation of notes and reducing empty space. This update is part of version 5.26.365.x, currently being rolled out via the Play Store. The redesign aims to standardize the note creation process across widgets and improve the overall user experience.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Google rolling out per-app controls for Android Backups

Google has introduced per-app backup controls for Android devices, enhancing user experience. For Pixel users, the backup settings can be accessed through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data, now featuring a structured “App data” section that highlights the top three apps and their backed-up data. Users can toggle backup options off for individual apps, with notifications explaining the implications of disabling backups. These controls do not apply to the Device data section, which includes SMS, call history, and device settings. The rollout is confirmed for Pixel devices on stable Android versions 16 and 17 with Google Play services version 26.24, while Samsung users have not yet received these controls. Additionally, Google One for Android has been visually updated to an edge-to-edge design.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Android Auto adds video apps, Dolby Atmos and Gemini help for 2026

Android Auto will receive a major upgrade in 2026, introducing Full HD video apps at 60 frames per second for select vehicles, starting with brands like BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. Video content will be available for passengers while parked, but will switch to audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion. The platform will also enhance audio with Dolby Atmos support and a more flexible media application design. Google Maps will feature Immersive Navigation with edge-to-edge maps and live lane guidance using the front-facing camera. Additionally, Gemini will be integrated into Android Auto, offering contextual understanding and features like Magic Cue for sharing addresses. A Zoom app for Android Auto is expected to launch this year, with various enhancements for Android Automotive vehicles.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

5 New Features Coming To Android Auto In 2026

Android Auto will undergo a significant redesign in 2026, featuring a comprehensive visual overhaul that includes personal design elements, glanceable widgets, and edge-to-edge Google Maps integration using the Material 3 Expressive Google design system. The update aims to enhance the GPS experience across various screen types and introduce widget support for interactive applications on dashboard displays, promoting safer driving. Immersive navigation will shift from 2-D to 3-D views, providing clearer terrain understanding and displaying critical information for urban driving. Users will also be able to watch videos from platforms like YouTube on their car screens, with safety measures in place for when the vehicle is in motion. Popular media apps will receive visual updates, and Android Auto will integrate Gemini AI features, allowing context recognition, suggested responses, and access to vehicle information. The Magic Cue system will offer intelligent message interpretation and lane guidance using the car's cameras.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Android Auto gets a fresh take on Google Maps navigation, teases more Gemini at the Android Show

The Android Show 2026 has introduced significant enhancements for Android Auto, including an edge-to-edge experience for Google Maps and a new Immersive Navigation update featuring a dynamic 3D view. A comprehensive Material 3 Expressive redesign for the vehicle operating system has been announced, improving the user interface. Popular music streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify will also receive visual updates. Gemini Intelligence will be integrated into vehicles, assisting drivers with text messages and allowing them to order food through DoorDash. Vehicles with Google built-in will receive the same updates, including video-to-audio transitions and Immersive Navigation enhancements. The rollout of Gemini is currently underway for cars with Google built-in technology.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Auto is getting video apps, music updates, and more Gemini smarts

Google is enhancing the Android Auto experience throughout 2026 with updates that include the integration of video apps like YouTube, supporting 60fps and FHD playback in select vehicle models from brands such as BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. An audio-only mode for video apps will activate automatically when the vehicle is in motion, allowing drivers to listen without distraction. Android Auto will also introduce Dolby Atmos support for audio, a design overhaul for media applications, and immersive navigation features in Google Maps, including live lane guidance for vehicles with "Google built-in." Additionally, a Zoom app for Android Auto is expected to launch, and a new feature called Gemini Intelligence will enhance user interaction by enabling context-aware tasks, such as sending addresses and placing orders via voice commands.

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.