Google app Archives

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Google’s Song Search may borrow inspiration from Pixel’s Now Playing to get out of your way

The Google app is introducing a background listening feature for its Song Search capability, allowing it to identify songs while users switch to other applications. In version 17.56.14, users can now multitask without keeping the app open, as the microphone will remain active for a limited time to identify songs. If a song is not identified within that time, users will receive a notification to restart the search. Upon successful identification, users will be redirected to an AI Mode result instead of the traditional search results page. Early testing shows the feature functions smoothly, though the rollout timeline is uncertain.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

How To Disable Gemini On Your Android Phone

Gemini is Google's latest digital assistant, designed for a more conversational interaction compared to the classic Google Assistant. Users may prefer Google Assistant for its simplicity and efficiency in handling routine tasks like setting reminders and controlling smart home devices. Gemini offers advanced capabilities for complex tasks but can feel excessive for everyday use. Users can revert to Google Assistant easily if desired. To stop Gemini's data collection, users can adjust settings in the Gemini app, but Google retains chat data for up to 72 hours. To uninstall the Gemini app, users must navigate to the main Settings menu, go to Apps, and either disable or uninstall it. Samsung Galaxy users may need to adjust their power button settings to avoid AI interactions.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

5 Minimalist Android Phones Actually Worth Buying In 2026

Many individuals are turning to minimalist phones to achieve a balanced digital life, seeking alternatives to traditional smartphones that reduce distractions while still offering essential functions. The Minimal Phone, successfully crowdfunded with over 7,000 from nearly 2,000 backers, runs on Android 14 and includes built-in apps for email, messaging, calls, maps, and music. It features a 4.3-inch black-and-white e-ink display, is priced at 9, and is set to ship in 2025. A Kickstarter campaign for the Minimal Phone 2 is currently underway, promising a smaller design and an OLED display with shipping expected in December 2026. The Mudita Kompakt has a similar 4.3-inch e-ink display and operates on a custom OS without Google services, ensuring user privacy. Priced at 9, it offers a six-day battery life and includes a dedicated offline button to disable distracting features. The Light Phone III, released in March 2025, features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, is priced at 9, and runs on LightOS, allowing users to customize their app menu. It supports sideloading apps and has a Qualcomm chipset with 128GB of internal storage. The F1 Horizon Bluebird, priced at 9, runs on BasicOS and supports calling and texting while limiting access to social media and web browsing. The Jelly Star, while not strictly a minimalist phone, has a compact 3-inch screen, runs on Android 13, and features a MediaTek chipset, discouraging excessive use due to its small size. The selection of these minimalist Android phones focuses on devices that maintain essential smartphone capabilities while incorporating features designed to mitigate smartphone addiction.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

First look: Google is working on another new animation for Search Live

Google is refining its Search Live feature in the latest beta version of the Google app (v17.55.8) by introducing a new animation with a vibrant gradient at the bottom of the screen, replacing the previous design of tiny, blurry blobs. The user interface will also see changes, including the removal of labels and repositioning of icons, with the microphone icon becoming the focal point, accompanied by a waveform animation that activates when users speak. These updates aim to enhance both the aesthetic quality and functionality of the app, although the timeline for public release is uncertain.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Gemini could take a leaf out of ChatGPT’s book for this design update

The Google Gemini app is testing a new camera interface in version 17.55.8, which will allow the viewfinder to occupy half of the screen while keeping chat contents visible. This design is inspired by the ChatGPT mobile app and includes a floating viewfinder, a handle for expanding or minimizing the viewfinder, and a redesigned camera shutter key. The camera switcher will be relocated to the three-dot menu. Additionally, the '@' menu is being revamped to potentially hide disabled apps and may be renamed "Connectors," featuring a wider layout and an option to "Connect apps." The Avatars section will allow users to showcase existing avatars and add new ones. These updates are currently in testing and may not be rolled out to the public.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

This feature keeps distracting spam calls away while using Android Auto

Google's Call Screen feature allows users to manage unknown calls by delegating the initial interaction to Call Assist, which identifies the caller and provides context. This feature is now integrated with Android Auto, although the screening process itself remains a function of the phone. Call Screen operates in two modes: manual, where users can choose to screen calls, and automatic, which silently screens certain unknown calls and hangs up on spam. Call Screen works directly on the device without needing Wi-Fi or mobile data, and call audio and transcripts are not stored in the user's Google Account. To set up Call Screen, users must do so through the Phone by Google app. Compatibility with Android Auto and Call Screen varies by phone model and geographical location, with automatic screening primarily available on Pixel phones in the U.S. Manual screening is accessible in several countries, and some selected Android devices may also support it. Not all call screening features are the same across different brands, and practical limitations exist for automatic Call Screen, such as functionality issues when connected via Bluetooth or while roaming.

AppWizard

August 24, 2026

Google Gemini is becoming easier to access across Android

A recent update to the Google app has introduced the Ask Gemini button within Android's text selection menu, simplifying the process of querying the Gemini AI. This feature allows users to engage with Gemini by long-pressing the power button on most Android devices, and upon tapping the Ask Gemini option, selected text is automatically pasted into the Gemini app for immediate use. The feature is available in versions 17.51.19 and 17.51.18 of the Google app and can be found in the context menus of various browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, as well as third-party applications like WhatsApp and Slack. The Ask Gemini option enhances user interaction with the AI across different platforms and has been rolled out through a server-side update.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

What is the ‘Android Pulse’ app that just appeared in Google Play Store updates?

Users may have noticed an app named “Android Pulse” in their Google Play updates, which appears as a blank square. This is a first-party Google application for "Defining anomalies for debugging," aimed at facilitating rule distribution for anomaly detection related to critical system resource consumption within the Android operating system and its applications. The app is integrated into Pixel devices as “Pulse” and has a heart rate-inspired green icon. “Android Pulse” has been available since March, with over 10 million downloads, and this is the first time it has appeared in the Play Store for manual installation.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

I found an Android magnifier app for my aging eyes that beats camera zoom

The Magnifier + Flashlight app has over 10 million downloads and a 4.9-star rating from nearly 250,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. It functions as a digital magnifying glass, allowing users to enlarge text and images. Key features include the ability to freeze images on the screen, a color inversion option for easier reading, and a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. The app has been tested in various settings, successfully helping users read small print on medicine bottles, nutrition labels, and signs. While it lacks a reference window found in the built-in Google Magnifier, it is free to use with ads, and a paid ad-free version is available for .99 per year.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

First Pixel and Samsung, now another brand could get Google’s Scam Detection

Recent findings indicate that Google’s Scam Detection feature may soon be available on vivo smartphones, making vivo the third Android manufacturer to adopt this technology, following Google and Samsung. The feature, which uses on-device AI to identify potential scams during phone calls, has recently been introduced on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. A teardown of the Phone by Google app revealed internal references to the codename “Sharpie,” linked to Scam Detection, suggesting its upcoming availability on vivo devices. While it is unclear which vivo models will support this feature, speculation points to the vivo X500 series as the likely first recipient, with the X300 series possibly following. It remains uncertain whether vivo will integrate Scam Detection into its own dialer app or use the Phone by Google app. The technology enhances user awareness by monitoring for suspicious patterns during calls, such as requests for payment via gift cards, and provides alerts for potential scams, excluding calls from saved contacts. The anticipated expansion of Scam Detection to vivo reflects a growing trend among Android manufacturers to enhance user safety against scams.