Google app Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

AI Mode Shortcut in Google for Android Said to Be Coming to More Users

AI Mode in Search, initially introduced as a shortcut in the Google app for Android in April, is now being rolled out to users worldwide. The AI Mode widget shortcut is becoming available to more Android users with the latest version of the Google app, version 16.28. The shortcut is integrated into the app's 4x1 widget, which now includes a third icon for AI Mode, featuring a magnifying glass and the Gemini sparkle symbol. Users can access AI Mode by long-pressing the widget or finding the icon in the Google app. The icon may also appear in the Discover feed interface, although this has not been confirmed. Currently, the rollout may be limited to users in the United States, where users also have access to the Search Live feature in AI Mode through Search Labs.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Google Photos could soon get a surprising third-party integration (APK teardown)

Google is experimenting with a new feature in its Google Photos app that allows users to edit their Memories using CapCut, a video editing tool owned by ByteDance. An "Edit in CapCut" button has been found in version 7.38 of the Google Photos app, enabling users to edit auto-generated highlight reels of past photos and videos. If CapCut is not installed, tapping the button prompts a download from the Play Store; if it is installed, the memory is sent to the CapCut editor. However, CapCut is not available in certain regions, such as India, where this feature was first discovered. The integration raises questions about Google's promotion of a non-Google app, especially one owned by a company facing scrutiny. The feature has not yet been broadly rolled out or included in the app's beta version.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Gemini overlay brings back shortcut to open full app on Android

The Gemini overlay on Android has been updated to include a new shortcut that allows users to quickly open the full Gemini app via a drag handle at the top of the overlay. This feature provides access to chat history, Gems, and settings. The updated prompt bar offers seamless access to features like Video, Deep Research, and Canvas chips, while the design of the 'plus' menu has been refreshed. The overlay shortcut is being rolled out with versions 16.27 (stable) and 16.28 (beta) of the Google app, and users may need to force stop the app to activate it. Additionally, the overlay now supports right-alignment on tablets and foldables.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Google Might Kill Circle to Search — Here’s What Could Replace It

Circle to Search is a feature in the Android ecosystem that allows users to search for related items from their screens. Google is considering phasing out Circle to Search in favor of Gemini's 'Tell Me About This' feature, which operates similarly. Gemini previously had a beta option for screen inquiries, and recent updates to the Google app have introduced a dedicated trigger button for this feature, enhancing its functionality. The transition to 'Tell Me About This' is anticipated within the tech community.

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.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Google removes an often used tab from its Android phone app but don’t worry

In a recent update to the Phone by Google app, the Favorites tab has been moved from the bottom of the screen to the top, with an arrow indicating its functionality. For beta users, tapping the down arrow reveals five favorite contacts and a button to add new favorites. This redesign improves user experience and layout, allowing more space for Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail tabs, and makes the Floating Action Button (FAB) for the dial pad more accessible. The update is available on devices like the Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR1 Beta, version 182.0.779772896-publicbeta. Users not seeing the new feature may be awaiting a server-side rollout. Pixel users can check the app version by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, locating the Phone app, and scrolling to the bottom of the App info page.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Google Phone app starts removing the ‘Favorites’ tab on Android

Google is redesigning the Phone by Google app under the Material 3 Expressive framework, phasing out the Favorites tab in favor of a "Favorites bar" at the top of the Recents feed, now rebranded as "Home." This new bar will feature a carousel of favorites with larger profile avatars and an "Add" shortcut. The app's navigation will be simplified into three main sections: Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail, along with a floating action button for quick access to the number pad. The latest beta version, 182, has been rolled out, but some users may not see the changes immediately due to server-side components. The redesign will also affect both Pixel and non-Google phones, with a streamlined bottom navigation bar consisting of Home, Keypad, and Voicemail.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Gemini Live is getting app cards for more helpful, context-aware replies (APK teardown)

Gemini Live will soon incorporate contextual cards to enhance user interactions by providing relevant information from various Google applications. This functionality was discovered through an APK teardown in the latest version of the Google app. With the activation of feature flags in version 16.25.44.sa.arm64, Gemini Live will display cards from applications such as Calendar, Keep, Maps, and Tasks during conversations. For instance, it can provide a Google Maps card when a user asks about a location and show snippets for calendar event changes. The integration aims to improve the conversational flow and verify responses, reducing errors. Additional applications, including Gmail, Google Messages, YouTube, Photos, and third-party platforms like Spotify and WhatsApp, are being explored for future integration, although timelines for these features are uncertain.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

New Google app setting disables sharing link shortener on Android

Google has introduced a feature in its Android app that allows users to disable the automatic shortening of URLs when sharing links from Google Search results or the Discover feed. Users can opt out of this feature, which is enabled by default, by navigating to Settings in the Google app and toggling the option under “Other settings.” This change aims to provide clearer links by displaying the original URL instead of a shortened format. However, this setting does not apply to links shared directly from the Google Discover feed, which will still appear as search.app links. The update is being rolled out in both the stable version (16.23) and the beta version of the Google app.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Android’s youthful new design will change the way you make and answer calls

The latest iteration of the Phone by Google app features a refreshed design aimed at enhancing user experience, currently being rolled out to select public beta users. The update includes a simplified bottom menu bar with three options: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” The Home tab displays favorite contacts in bubbles and a straightforward call log that lists each call as a distinct entry. A new gesture feature allows users to swipe horizontally to answer or decline incoming calls. The incoming call screen has a playful design with contacts in a lumpy circular frame. The update is expected to roll out in September and includes a new “Pixel VIP” widget for Pixel devices, offering enhanced details about favorite contacts.