Google account Archives

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

Activity? Journeys? Library? Google just can’t stop renaming this history view (APK teardown)

The Google Android app has rebranded its "Saved" feature to "Activity" and is currently testing new labels such as "Journeys" and "Library" for the historical view of user search history and saved items. Users on the beta version 16.30.59.ve.arm64 have reported these changes, and an APK teardown has revealed potential alternative names including Activity, Hub, Journeys, Library, Recents, You, and Your Space. This experimentation has resulted in different labels appearing for the same Google account across devices. Additionally, there are indications that Google may introduce new functionalities, such as a section for "Recent Song Searches," integrating song search history with web history.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

I’m not upgrading to Windows 11, but I’m not tolerating Linux either

The author has been using an HP Pavilion laptop for a decade, but its performance on Windows 11 has declined due to modern applications and web standards. The laptop's 4th-gen i5 processor struggles with current operating system demands, leading to slowdowns during simple tasks. Attempts to optimize Windows 11 provided only marginal improvements. The author considered switching to Chrome OS Flex for its lightweight nature but found its reliance on web applications and lack of support for certain software limiting. Linux was also considered but deemed too complicated and incompatible with essential Windows-native applications. Ultimately, the author decided to install Chrome OS using the Brunch Framework, which allowed the aging laptop to run more efficiently and support the Google Play Store, improving overall performance and user experience.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2025

My search for a great Android emulator for my new Mac took me down a rabbit hole

The fact described in the text is that Mumuplayer is the first Android emulator for Macs fully optimized for M1-based computers, offering customization options and a smooth experience for basic Android games, but with limitations for more demanding games and apps.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Android’s Apple-inspired Handoff feature is moving closer to completion (APK teardown)

Android is developing a Handoff functionality aimed at enhancing cross-device file sharing and app access for users linked to the same Google account. Recent findings from an APK teardown of Google Play Services version 25.29.31 indicate new options for file and media sharing, as well as notification sharing. Although these features are not yet active, they suggest that users will eventually be able to access files and run apps installed on other devices. The code hints at the ability to continue tasks and access apps, media, and notifications across devices, potentially improving productivity and user convenience. The timeline for public release of these features is currently uncertain.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Gmail brings one-click appointment booking right to your inbox

Gmail users can now integrate Google Calendar booking pages directly into their email drafts using a new Calendar icon, making it easier to share real-time appointment slots. This feature aims to reduce the back-and-forth communication typically involved in scheduling. Users can access existing booking pages or create new ones by clicking the Calendar icon at the bottom of their email drafts. The feature is available to Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google account users, though some advanced scheduling features are limited to paid subscriptions. The rollout for Rapid Release domains has begun, with a wider release scheduled for July 28. Additionally, Gmail has introduced features like the Gemini AI assistant for summarizing emails and the ability to react to emails with emojis.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

How to disable Gemini AI on Android and keep control of your apps

Google is integrating its AI, Gemini, with Android systems, allowing access to applications like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone, starting July 7, 2025. This integration may override existing privacy settings unless users disable Gemini. Users can restrict Gemini's access to apps through the Google Gemini app settings or uninstall it. If Gemini is not pre-installed, it will not be automatically installed on devices. Disabling Gemini maintains previous privacy settings, but conversations may still be reviewed by human reviewers for AI training, with data retention lasting up to three years. Users are advised to avoid sharing sensitive information in Gemini chats.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Breathing new Life into Old Devices with Windows 11 on Amazon WorkSpaces

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025, prompting businesses to consider alternatives like desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solutions, such as Amazon WorkSpaces, due to many devices being incompatible with Windows 11. Organizations are repurposing older devices as clients for DaaS desktops to reduce costs and promote sustainability. Amazon WorkSpaces offers secure, cloud-based virtual desktops, enhancing security and business continuity while facilitating remote work. It has been recognized as a leading DaaS provider by Gartner. AWS announced compatibility with ChromeOS Flex in March 2025, making it suitable for repurposing older laptops. ChromeOS Flex requires minimal hardware specifications and simplifies IT management. Testing showed that a repurposed Dell E7440 laptop could effectively connect to a Windows 11 WorkSpaces desktop. The integration of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise on Amazon WorkSpaces allows users to utilize existing licenses at no extra cost. Amazon WorkSpaces operates on a pay-as-you-go model, supporting sustainability and cost savings while providing secure access to virtual desktops.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Google Gemini app gains automatic Android access to phone and messaging data

On July 7, 2025, Google Gemini app users experienced automatic activation of permissions for accessing phone calls, messaging services, WhatsApp, and system utilities on Android devices, following a privacy policy update on June 11, 2025. This change affects millions of users globally and allows user data to be reviewed by humans for AI training. Users can disable these permissions through the app's settings, but the option to opt-out is criticized for being difficult to find. Legal experts have raised concerns about compliance with GDPR regulations due to the lack of explicit user consent for these changes. The data collected supports machine-learning development and may be retained for up to three years, even after users delete their activity.

BetaBeacon

July 4, 2025

Download FarmVille 2: Country Escape (free) for Windows, Android, APK and iOS

FarmVille 2: Country Escape is a free game that can be played on Android devices and iPhones.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

How to Run Android Apps on Linux with Waydroid

Waydroid is a container-based architecture that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop with near-native performance. It boots a complete Android system directly on the Linux machine using Linux containers (LXC), optimizing resource usage and enhancing application performance. Waydroid is compatible with various Linux distributions and CPU architectures, utilizing Android’s Mesa technology for improved graphics performance. To install Waydroid, users must ensure their system is running a Wayland session and is up to date. The installation involves adding the official Waydroid repository and executing installation commands specific to the Linux distribution being used. After installation, users can launch Waydroid and set it up by downloading an Android image, choosing between a Vanilla image or a GAPPS image for Google Play Services access. To register the device for Google Play Store access, users need to retrieve their Android ID using a command in the Waydroid shell and complete the registration process on the Google Uncertified Device Registration page. Once registered, users can install and manage Android apps directly from the Google Play Store or manually using APK files.