Google app Archives

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Got a Pixel phone? Grab these 5 Google apps because they’re not installed by default

A curated list of recommended Google apps for Pixel phones includes: - Chrome Beta: Offers multiple account support, allowing seamless management of different Gmail accounts without logging out. - Google Maps Go: A lighter version of Google Maps that enables simultaneous navigation and exploration for nearby places. - Gallery: An efficient alternative to Google Photos that organizes media files offline and includes light facial recognition. - Google Translate: Translates text, audio, and images across languages, supporting offline translations, useful for travelers. - Google Go: A lightweight app for less powerful devices that includes features like incognito searching and a built-in reader mode. Honorable mentions include Google News, Google Tasks, Google Fit, Find Hub, and Photoscan.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Google testing Generative AI weather summaries for Search

Google is testing a generative AI weather summary to enhance user experience for weather updates, providing a comprehensive overview between hourly and 10-day forecasts. This feature is currently limited to Southern California, including cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, and is accessible only to users signed into their Google accounts via the Google app and mobile web searches. It does not extend to the Google Weather app. Additionally, the Pixel Weather app has introduced a pollen tracker in the U.S., featuring a five-day view of pollen levels and insights into seasonality and cross-reaction data.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

I’m hooked on this free Google app that transports me to different countries from my couch

Saeed Wazir, a daily user of Google apps, discovered the Google Arts & Culture app, which transformed his perspective on art. Initially hesitant about the Visual Arts feature, he found it engaging due to its diverse collection of artwork and user-friendly interface that allows for casual exploration. The app offers a Nature feature showcasing breathtaking locations, a Food feature highlighting unique dishes and culinary traditions, a Travel feature providing virtual visits to various landmarks, and a Design section displaying historical artifacts and inventions. Wazir appreciates the app's extensive features but notes that its cluttered interface can be challenging to navigate, and some sections may not resonate with him as much.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Google’s Phone App Is Getting a Makeover in Android 16

Google is preparing to release Android 16, which will feature a redesign of its Material Design language, now called Material 3 Expressive. The Phone app will allow users to choose how to answer calls, with options for "Answer" and "Decline" buttons, as well as horizontal swipe gestures. The redesign will also include larger, pill-shaped buttons that change shape when tapped and a new animation for caller profile photos. Other Google applications, such as Google One, Google Meet, and Google TV, will also receive updates in line with the Material 3 Expressive design.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

First look: Google’s Phone app is getting a tasty Android 16 redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Phone app has undergone significant design enhancements in its version 177.0.763181107-publicbeta-pixel2024, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive design language. Key changes include larger contact names and caller images, a transition from circular to oval-shaped buttons, and an enlarged pill-shaped end call button. Additional modifications feature the removal of the “call from” text, immediate display of the phone number after answering, and a redesigned “more” menu. The app also introduces an animation for the incoming caller’s profile picture. Similar updates are being rolled out across other Google applications, and these redesigns will be supported on earlier versions of Android as well.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

The Google app might bring an ‘Images’ feed to help you find inspiration

Google is developing an "Images" feed within its main app to enhance personalization, allowing users to select preferred topics for a tailored image experience. Additionally, the Google Photos app is set for a significant redesign aligned with the Material 3 Expressive design language, featuring a modernized interface for Memory cards and a "create memory" button for easier memory creation. The new "Images" tab will function like a search feature, and the integration of Gemini technology aims to improve the shopping experience by enhancing product exploration and inspiration.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

First look at Google’s new ‘Images’ tab: A Pinterest clone in the making (APK teardown)

Google is developing a new feature for its app that will include an "Images" tab, similar to Pinterest. This feature will allow users to select topics of interest, such as "Women’s fashion," "Food & Drink," and "Home Decor," to receive a personalized feed of curated images. Users can interact with images by sharing, saving, or using Google Lens for further exploration, and they can hide images that do not match their preferences. The feature is still in development, and early tests show a mix of images across various topics rather than strictly adhering to user-selected interests.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Google’s most important new app may finally be getting tablet friendly (APK teardown)

Google is working on a redesigned user interface for its AI tool, Gemini, to better accommodate larger displays on tablets and foldable devices. An APK teardown suggests the new layout will include a collapsible side menu, accessible via a hamburger button, allowing users to navigate past queries without sacrificing screen space. This initiative aims to enhance user experience as foldable Android phones become more popular. The timeline for a public release of these enhancements is currently uncertain.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Google App launches ‘Activity’ tab for Android users: What’s inside

Google has introduced an “Activity” tab in its Android app, replacing the previous “Saved” tab, as announced on May 25, 2025. The new tab is organized into three sections: History, which displays the four most recent searches and accessed websites; Saved items, which presents saved content in a carousel view; and Collections, which offers groupings of saved items. Users can still access the old layout through the “Saves & Collections” option in the account menu. Additionally, adjustments have been made to the Home tab’s space carousel. The “Activity” tab integrates with Web & App Activity for managing user interactions across Google services.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

NotebookLM is my favorite AI tool, but wow, its Android version is bad!

NotebookLM is Google's AI tool that allows users to curate and manage information by dictating sources for insights. The recently launched NotebookLM Android app offers a functional experience with features like smooth animations and the ability to switch between Google accounts, but lacks essential functionalities such as robust note creation and the Discover feature available on the web. Users have reported slower processing times for Audio Overviews on the app compared to the web interface. Despite initial disappointment, there is hope for improvement and users are optimistic about future updates that may enhance the app's capabilities.