Google app Archives

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Gemini App Gets a New Android UI Ahead of Google I/O 2026

Google has begun rolling out a redesigned user interface for its Gemini app on Android devices, featuring a cleaner aesthetic, enhanced animations, and improved user experience. The updated app includes a simplified layout with better spacing and larger text, aligning with Google's Material You design language. Key enhancements include a reimagined prompt bar with clearer controls and more accessible voice input shortcuts. The new interface also offers a better dark mode, particularly benefiting Pixel smartphones. The rollout is gradual, with some users already experiencing the update and others expected to receive it soon. Google I/O 2026, starting on May 19, is expected to focus on Gemini, with potential announcements regarding smarter AI experiences, deeper Android integration, and expanded voice capabilities.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Google is bringing a long-awaited dialer update to Android

Google is testing a new feature for Android that allows users to dial contacts directly from their default phone dialer app for VoIP calls through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger. This feature, found in the Phone by Google app settings, enables third-party applications to integrate into the call history, allowing users to make VoIP calls without switching apps. It utilizes Android's telecom framework to display VoIP calls alongside traditional cellular calls. The feature is expected to be available on devices running Android 16.1 and above.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

It’s time to do some spring cleaning with the Files by Google app to free up storage on your Android phone

Many Android devices from brands like Samsung and Google still come with 128GB or less of on-device storage as we approach 2026. The Files by Google app includes a Clean tool that helps users reclaim storage by identifying and removing unnecessary files. To use the Clean tool, users can open the app, select the Clean tab, view storage usage, and choose files to delete. Deleted files move to Trash and still occupy space until permanently deleted. Users can also enable Smart Storage on Pixel devices, which automatically deletes media backed up to Google Photos that is older than 60 days. Regular storage maintenance is important to avoid running out of space for apps or photos, and the Files by Google app offers features to assist with this management.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Google Gemini is finally becoming the personal assistant we were promised

Google is developing an AI assistant named "Remy," powered by its Gemini technology, which aims to function as a digital operator managing various tasks. Internal testing is underway, and Remy will be integrated within the Gemini app to assist with work, school, and personal responsibilities while adapting to user preferences. Google employees are already engaging with Remy in trials. The Gemini app currently summarizes emails, responds to inquiries, creates documents, and interacts with Google services, with Remy's potential extending beyond these capabilities. Google has enhanced Gemini's planning and agent features, preparing Remy for more autonomous tasks. Project Mariner, an experimental browser agent, has concluded, and its technology is now part of Gemini Agent. Researchers have raised security concerns regarding AI agents due to their access to sensitive information. While an official launch date for Remy is not announced, Google suggests that 2026 will be significant for Android, with Gemini absorbing functionalities from the legacy Google Assistant. The development of such assistants raises privacy concerns as users may be uneasy about granting extensive access to their personal lives.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Circle to Search update lets Google look beyond your screen content

In the Google app beta update (v17.18.24), the Circle to Search feature has been rebranded to "Ask about screen." This update enhances user experience by allowing searches to automatically include URLs, page content, and PDF data, providing richer context for AI-generated results. Users can now see a search box labeled “Ask about screen,” which emphasizes the ability to “Search with more context.” During testing, users have successfully uploaded URLs and PDFs while using this feature in apps like Google Chrome and Files by Google. The update is currently being rolled out to beta users, with potential incorporation into the stable version depending on feedback.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Turn your PC into an Android gaming powerhouse with this Google app

Google Play Games allows users to play Android games on their computers by signing in with their Google accounts and downloading games. It synchronizes progress automatically, enabling players to continue their games seamlessly between devices. The platform supports keyboard, mouse, and controller inputs, enhancing gameplay, especially for strategy and simulation games. It offers a stable, ad-free experience compared to traditional Android emulators. The library includes over 200,000 titles optimized for PC performance, catering to both seasoned gamers and newcomers.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Google AI is creeping into every app on your phone. Here is how to disable it

Google has integrated its Gemini AI into various applications, including Gmail, Google Drive, Messages, and Google Photos. There is no universal switch to disable AI across Android devices due to varying manufacturer implementations. Users can selectively disable AI features in specific apps: - Google Messages: Disable Gemini by going to Messages settings and turning off the Gemini option. - Gmail: Turn off Smart features in Google Workspace and other Google products through the Gmail settings. - Google Photos: Disable Gemini features in Photos settings under Preferences. - Phone app: Disable AI features like Call Screen in the Phone app settings under Call Assist. - Pixel Screenshots: Disable the AI feature for searching screenshots in the Pixel Screenshots app settings. Disabling the Gemini app itself will remove its integrations and deactivate AI features on the device.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

More ‘Pixel Glow’ clues surface, and they point straight at Gemini

The Pixel smartphones may soon feature a notification system called "Pixel Glow," which could involve a color LED that cycles through red, green, and blue colors when users receive notifications or interact with the Gemini assistant. Code snippets from the Pixel Diagnostics app suggest users might be able to test the LED's functionality, with terms like “Pass,” “Fail,” and “Rerun” indicating a diagnostic process. Additional references in the code include “PixelLights,” “Gemini Glow,” and “Aurora,” hinting at advanced lighting effects. Speculation suggests the LEDs could be integrated into the rear of the device, possibly around the camera or beneath the "G" logo, but the exact design and timeline for release remain unclear.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

Gmail, Drive, and other Google apps are getting a major icon redesign

Google is redesigning the icons for its Workspace applications, including Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, adopting a gradient style and moving away from the strict use of all four Google brand colors. The new icons feature more focused color themes, with notable changes in Calendar, which is shifting to a blue-dominant palette, and Gmail, which will maintain its 'M' envelope shape but with a vibrant gradient. Google Meet is also being visually revamped with a brighter yellow theme. The new icons have not yet started rolling out to users.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Google is testing a more vibrant, organized Gemini app, and I hope it sticks

Google is testing a visual overhaul for its Gemini application on Android devices, introducing brighter colors and new icons. The redesign includes a shift from a sky-blue background to a vibrant blue with a gradient, and a revamped dark mode background. Enhancements will extend to temporary chats and the Gemini Live interface, with distinct background colors for light and dark modes. The new interface will feature minimalistic icons and may include an animated button inspired by ChatGPT’s Voice Mode. The account picker may be removed from the home screen and relocated to the sidebar, which will have tidier icons and occupy the full screen when opened. Additional modifications include new buttons for initiating chats and sharing options. Some features may not appear in the final public release.