Google app Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini’s rumored automated tasks might borrow from the competition

Google is developing a feature called "Scheduled Actions" for its Gemini app, which will use a card-based interface to manage tasks with status markers like "Completed" and "Paused." This feature aims to automate task management and may integrate elements from Google Tasks and OpenAI's ChatGPT. The introduction of "Scheduled Actions" could change how users handle reminders and tasks on Android, especially as it appears to draw inspiration from OpenAI's similar feature for managing tasks with AI capabilities. The development of this feature is still in early stages, and its final form may change before release.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

AI Mode takes the spotlight in the Google app’s latest revamp

Google Search has introduced AI Mode in its Android app, enhancing the user interface with shortcut icons for voice input and Lens, along with quick access to features like translation and homework assistance. AI Mode is being prioritized, with plans to replace existing shortcuts in the main Search bar with a dedicated icon for this feature. This change is currently in a limited testing phase and aims to streamline the interface by condensing options into three essential features. AI Mode has improved in summarizing complex information into digestible formats, although it may not yet fully replace traditional Google Search for all users.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Google Removes Assistant Settings from Android App: Here’s What’s Changing

Google is removing direct access to Assistant settings from the Google app on Android devices as part of a strategy to transition users to its AI-powered platform, Gemini. Users will now need to use the Google Home app or system settings to manage Assistant preferences. This change was implemented in Google App version 16.12, where the Google Assistant option was removed from the profile menu settings. Features previously accessible through the Google app, such as routines and voice settings, will now require navigation through the new methods. The rollout of Gemini is occurring in phases, starting with Pixel smartphones.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Google app removing Assistant settings on Android

The Google app version 16.12+ has removed the link to "Google Assistant" from the profile menu under Settings, affecting how users access Assistant settings. Users can still manage Assistant settings through the Google Home app or by navigating through System Settings on their mobile device. Some users have also noted that "Gemini" is not present in the Google app settings, which primarily focuses on Google Search functionalities.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Pixel Weather is my favorite weather app; there’s just one problem with it

Google's Pixel Weather app was launched alongside the Pixel 9 series and is noted for its user-friendly design and comprehensive data offerings. It provides hourly and 10-day forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, humidity levels, visibility, air quality, and UV index, all presented in an easily digestible format. The app features an AI Weather Report for quick summaries and has a visually engaging design with bold temperature displays and animated backgrounds. Customization options allow users to rearrange tiles and widgets according to their preferences. Currently, Pixel Weather is exclusive to Pixel devices, limiting its accessibility compared to other essential apps available to all Android users. There is a suggestion for Google to make Pixel Weather available on the Play Store for all Android devices, potentially retaining some exclusive features for Pixel users.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

Song search history finally comes to Google app in beta (APK teardown)

Google is rolling out a song history feature in its app for Android users, allowing them to access a record of previously identified songs directly within the app. This feature is part of the 16.13.38 beta release and includes a history icon in the song search interface. Users can view thumbnails, song and artist information, and timestamps of searches. Engaging with an entry initiates a Google Search for the song. This update enhances the user experience but does not change the accuracy of Google's song recognition capabilities. Further improvements in song recognition are also anticipated.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

How to use the Files by Google app to free up storage on your Android phone

Many Android devices, including those from Samsung and Google, often come with 128GB or less of internal storage, highlighting the need for effective storage management. The Clean tool in the Files by Google app helps users manage storage by identifying outdated files for deletion. Users can access the Clean tool by opening the app, selecting the Clean tab, and following prompts to delete unnecessary files. To permanently free up space, users must also delete files from the Trash tab. Pixel phone users can enable Smart Storage, which automatically deletes media backed up to Google Photos that is older than 60 days. Regular storage maintenance is important to prevent running out of space, and the Files by Google app provides tools for monitoring and managing storage effectively.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Google may finally stop forcing you to manually ask to ID songs (APK teardown)

Google is refining its music identification capabilities on Android devices, with potential upgrades revealed through an APK teardown. Currently, users can identify songs using features like Circle to Search and Now Playing, but the process often requires manual prompts. The latest version of the Google app (build 16.12.39.sa.arm64) shows signs of automatic music detection, changing the interface to "Searching song..." upon recognition, although users still need to tap a button to view results. The absence of the typical pulsing-sphere visual element indicates that this feature is still in development.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Gemini could be the next Google service reimagined for kids

Google is developing a child-friendly version of its AI chatbot, Gemini, as indicated by code references found in the Google app for Android version 16.12.39. This version may include a welcome screen for children and features such as story creation, question answering, and homework assistance. Google has implemented protective measures for teenagers using Gemini, including strict content policies to prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material. The company has also introduced other child-friendly features, such as Google Wallet for kids, and has previously collaborated with Samsung on the Galaxy Watch for Kids and offers the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch for children.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google app mysteriously shows up on Android Auto

Android Auto 14.1 beta has introduced a feature allowing users to play select Android games on their vehicle's display. Additionally, the Google app has appeared within the Android Auto interface for some users, displaying a message stating “no new messages during this drive.” This occurrence coincided with the stable release version 16.11.37 of the Google app. Attempts to replicate the presence of the Google app on other devices have been unsuccessful. Its purpose remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from a glitch to a potential connection to future features or notifications related to user interests.