gesture navigation Archives

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025

Users have been asked to identify the best Android app that has integrated into their daily lives in 2025, amidst a competitive landscape with hundreds of billions of global downloads. Key characteristics of standout apps include reliability, simplicity, and the ability to fill existing gaps without unnecessary complexities. Privacy is a major concern, with users encouraged to scrutinize app permissions and seek transparency in business models. Cross-device compatibility is increasingly important, especially with the rise of tablets and foldable devices. Notable apps mentioned include: - Octopi Launcher: Favored for its widget-rich interface and tag-based search. - LocalSend: Allows direct file transfers across local networks without accounts or cloud services. - Banana Browser: Known for its minimalist design and built-in media controls. - Niagara Launcher: Celebrated for its minimalist, one-handed design. - Organic Maps: Provides efficient offline navigation using OpenStreetMap. - RethinkDNS: Blocks trackers and enforces on-device firewall rules. - Obsidian: A note-taking app known for its vault-style organization and cross-device syncing. When choosing an app, users should assess transparency in the business model, data export options, and app permissions. Performance in real-world scenarios, such as offline functionality and multitasking, is also important. Users are encouraged to share their top app recommendations to help others enhance their Android experience.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

QuickStep App: Android’s Default Launcher Guide

The QuickStep App is the default launcher on many Android devices, managing the home screen interface and app interactions. It allows users to open and switch between apps, customize the home screen, add widgets or shortcuts, access the app drawer, and use gestures for quick actions. QuickStep is pre-installed, integrates with the system for smoother performance, is battery efficient, and receives consistent updates from Google or device manufacturers. It is essential for maintaining an easy-to-use interface, faster multitasking, smoother animations, and reducing app crashes. Users should not uninstall QuickStep, as it is a core system component, although they can set a different launcher as default. To optimize the QuickStep experience, users are advised to keep their Android updated, use gesture navigation, organize apps, customize widgets, and avoid clutter.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

These two AI shortcuts have become an invaluable part of my Android experience

Android Central's Editor's Desk discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in Android devices, highlighting features like Gemini and Circle to Search that enhance user experience. These features are easily accessible from the bottom of the screen, with Circle to Search allowing users to capture on-screen content for quick searches, and Gemini enabling a swipe gesture to activate the AI assistant. The setup process for these features varies by brand: - Pixel: Settings > System > Navigation mode > Gesture navigation settings > Swipe to invoke assistant. - Motorola: Settings > Gestures > System navigation > Gesture navigation settings > Swipe for Assistant. - OnePlus: Settings > System & update > System navigation > Gestures > Digital Assistant from Google. Samsung has removed the swipe-to-assist feature in One UI 7, leading to user confusion, as the power button is now used for this function, complicating phone shutdown. Alternatives like back tap or voice activation exist but are less convenient. The One Hand Operation Plus module in Good Lock allows for a new gesture but lacks the simplicity of the original swipe. The absence of the swipe gesture in Samsung's interface is seen as a puzzling decision, and the article notes that many consumers are still cautious about AI technology.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Replace Google Assistant with a smarter app on Android

The Meta AI app is an alternative digital assistant for Android users, requiring version 230.0.0.36.164 or later to function. To set it as the default assistant, users must navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant and select Meta AI from the list. The app does not provide a dedicated interface for voice or text queries but allows for voice input via the keyboard. Users can generate photos, videos, and Reels for Instagram and Facebook through its integration with Meta's ecosystem. Accessing Meta AI can be done by long-pressing the power button or using gesture navigation. For tasks like setting timers or alarms, users must open the Clock app directly. Gemini is noted as a strong competitor, capable of handling such tasks and providing a versatile digital assistant experience.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

One UI 8 finally expands support for an Android 15 feature sorely missed on One UI 7

The latest beta version of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25 series introduces support for Android 15’s predictive back gesture in various Samsung applications, including Clock, Calculator, Weather, Settings, Voice Recorder, and Contacts, which was not available in One UI 7. However, it remains unavailable in some apps like Calendar and Reminders. The update also improves access to the predictive back animations toggle in the Developer Options menu. Users must disable the One Hand Operation+ Good Lock module and enable gesture navigation to use the expanded predictive back gesture. Google plans to extend predictive back support to three-button navigation in Android 16.