Google app Archives

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Own an Android phone? 12 settings I changed to greatly extend its battery life

Many users seek to extend battery life on Android devices, especially budget models. Here are twelve settings that can enhance battery performance: 1. Turn off the always-on display to improve battery life. 2. Enable Adaptive Battery to optimize resource management based on usage patterns. 3. Activate Battery Saver mode to limit background activity and visual effects. 4. Switch to dark mode to reduce energy consumption on OLED displays. 5. Adjust display brightness and sleep time to enhance battery longevity. 6. Remove unused accounts to prevent background syncing that drains battery. 7. Turn off keyboard sounds and haptics to conserve energy. 8. Reduce notifications to limit background activity that drains battery. 9. Turn off "Hey Google" detection to prevent unnecessary battery drain. 10. Reduce the screen's refresh rate to improve battery performance. 11. Turn off unused wireless features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services. 12. Use low-power mode to limit background activity and reduce screen brightness in critical situations.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Grok App for Android Gets Google-Like Widget for Instant Access

xAI’s Grok chatbot has launched a home screen widget for Android devices, allowing users to access core functionalities with a single tap. This feature was developed in response to feedback from the Android community. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 1.0.75 to utilize features like Chat, Imagine, and Voice. The widget appears as an elongated bar on the home screen and includes quick-access shortcuts for image-based searches and audio input. Customization options allow users to resize the widget while keeping functionalities easily accessible. Early users have reported an issue with the "Voice" button, which sometimes redirects to the main app instead of activating voice input. The development team is aware of this issue and plans to include a fix in the next app update.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Pixel phones finally get native call recording after a long wait

Google has started rolling out a call-recording feature for Pixel phones, available for Pixel 6 and newer models running Android 14. The Phone by Google app now includes a Call Recording section under Settings → Call Assist. Users can activate the feature during calls with a visible recording button and a “Stop” button to end recordings. Recordings are stored locally within the app, emphasizing privacy. The feature is linked to the November Pixel Feature Drop and requires an updated Phone app. Availability may vary by device, and legal considerations regarding call recording differ by region, prompting Google to include safeguards like audible alerts when recording starts.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google finally rolls out Call Recording for Pixel phones worldwide

Google has started rolling out its call recording feature in the Phone by Google app for Pixel phone users, specifically targeting Pixel 6 and newer models. The feature is now functional on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro Fold after an update to the app. Users need to have the November Pixel Drop installed to access the feature. Call recording can be activated through Settings > Call Assist > Call Recording, with options for manual and automatic recording. The app notifies users when a recording begins and informs them about legal considerations, including the need for consent in some regions.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

Google app redesigning voice search on Android

The Google app is updating its voice search feature with a new interface that includes a prominently displayed ‘G’ logo and a “What’s on your mind?” prompt. The previous compact waveform has been replaced by a dynamic arc that vibrates with the user's voice. A new shortcut, “Search a song,” has been added, replacing the globe animation with a “Play Sing Hum” option. The sound cues for microphone activity have also been refreshed. This redesign is not yet widely available on Android devices.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Google app possibly hints at the launch of Samsung’s tri-fold phone

Samsung's tri-fold phone has been referenced in Google's Android app, hinting at a potential launch before the end of October. Speculation suggests it may initially launch outside the U.S., possibly in South Korea, the greater Chinese market, and the UAE, with an unveiling date set for October 31. The app code includes the "tri-fold" label alongside a 2025 timeframe, indicating a broader strategy for future releases. The official name of the device is not confirmed, but it is expected to include "tri-fold" and likely carry the Galaxy branding.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Search Live in the Google app could soon let you stop cutting it off mid-conversation

In the latest beta version of the Google app (16.43.60.sa.arm64), several new features are being tested to improve user interaction with AI functionalities. 1. A new “Interrupt Live responses” toggle is being considered for Search Live settings, allowing users to control whether their interjections pause the AI's responses. 2. Live captions can be displayed at the bottom of the screen while Search Live is active, enhancing accessibility. 3. AI Mode may become a separate option in the main search bar, with a plus button (+) allowing users to attach images and activate AI Mode before searching. 4. Gemini’s image markup tools are being refined, including a new tooltip to guide users on how to sketch on images for AI transformation, and a new Text option in the markup toolbar that is still under development.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Google’s Android app is already getting prepared for Samsung’s ‘tri-fold’ phone

Samsung is set to introduce a tri-fold smartphone featuring three interconnected panels and a flexible screen, which could redefine the smartphone experience. Recent findings from an APK teardown of the Google app revealed that this device, labeled “2025 Samsung Trifold,” is included in a list of devices eligible for Google’s premium Gemini AI features. The tri-fold design allows for seamless transitions between phone-sized, widescreen, and tablet modes, enhancing multitasking and entertainment capabilities. Samsung's hardware teasers at international events have heightened anticipation for a potential launch in 2025, although details regarding the final name and availability remain uncertain.

BetaBeacon

October 26, 2025

Android Auto Games Are Back After Brief Disappearance

GameSnacks disappeared from Android Auto apps, causing concern that it was intentionally removed. However, it was just a temporary visibility issue. To get the games back, update Android Auto to version 15.3 or higher, reconnect to the car, and ensure GameSnacks is enabled in Customize Launcher. This is important for in-car entertainment as it provides approved mini-games for idle time. Google is focusing on car-friendly content that is safe and not distracting.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

These Android Apps Are Terrible For Your Phone’s Battery Life

pCloud conducted a study on battery consumption of around 100 popular Android applications, analyzing their average battery requirements while using various features. Fitbit was identified as the top battery consumer, running 14 out of 16 background processes, with four significantly draining the battery. The Verizon app ranked second, also consuming considerable battery due to its background processes related to location services. Six social media apps—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn—were noted for their battery drain, allowing 11 processes to run in the background. Dating apps like Grindr, Tinder, and Bumble were included in the findings but do not offer dark mode options. The Google app was highlighted as a major battery drain, with Gmail and Chrome also ranking high. Users can check their apps' battery impact through the Android power menu in the Settings app.