Google applications Archives

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

How do you use Android app shortcuts?

App shortcuts were introduced with Android 7.1 in October 2016 and have seen user interface changes while retaining their functionality. They provide quick access to specific tasks within applications. Commonly used app shortcuts include Chrome's New Tab, Play Store's My apps, Gmail account shortcuts, Fitbit's Log Water, Files by Google: Downloads, Google Calendar: New task, Google Keep: New text note, Google Maps: Home and Work, and Pixel Camera: Take a selfie and Take a video. Users can access shortcuts by long-pressing application icons rather than cluttering their homescreen. Improvements suggested include the ability to hide unused shortcuts, a more compact presentation, and a layout without text labels for easier one-handed use. There are currently limitations on the number of shortcuts per app, and some users find the long-press action on Pixel Launcher and Samsung’s One UI distracting.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google updates Play Books with Dynamic Color

In February 2024, Play Books adopted the Material You redesign, introducing Dynamic Color theming, which enhances its user interface by moving away from a static blue accent color. The new design features Dynamic Color across various elements such as the bottom bar, background, and current tab indicator, while maintaining unchanged reading options. The Library tab showcases the best implementation of the new design, despite some padding issues in other areas. Other Google applications, including Google, Play Store, Google Maps, and Google TV, have not yet adopted the Dynamic Color feature.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Annoying Google Play bug complains about a missing update that doesn’t even exist

Some Android users are experiencing a persistent error notification indicating that certain Google applications, such as Messages and the Google app, require an update, despite no updates being available in the Play Store. This issue affects both stable and beta versions of Google Play Services across various devices. Reports include a Pixel 9 Pro and another device running different versions of Google Play Services, indicating the bug is widespread. The affected applications continue to function normally, and updating to Google app version 16.19.36 may resolve the notification issue, though the effectiveness of a newer version of Google Messages is unconfirmed. Inquiries have been made to Google for clarification.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google may soon give you more control over how your Calendar data is shared (APK teardown)

Android has long enforced permissions for applications accessing calendar data, and Google Calendar is enhancing user control over data sharing. A recent APK teardown indicates that Google is developing a new toggle in Calendar settings to allow users to control whether their Google Calendar data is shared with other applications. When this option is disabled, third-party calendar apps cannot access Google Calendar entries. Additionally, Google Calendar is experimenting with a new font called Google Sans Flex, which features heavier lines with rounded ends.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google prepares huge Gemini app updates for ‘personalization’ with more to try out

Google has announced updates to its Gemini app, including the introduction of the 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, which enhances its ability to handle complex queries. The app now features a "personalization" experimental option that tailors responses based on user history across Google services. Users can upload files directly into the app, and Gemini can break down prompts into manageable steps for more accurate responses. The app integrates with services like Calendar, Notes, Tasks, and Photos, allowing users to perform multi-step queries seamlessly. Additionally, the Deep Research feature has been improved to help users explore complex subjects more effectively, with real-time insights into Gemini's processes. Access to the Deep Research feature will be limited to a few trials each month for general users, while Gemini Advanced users will have expanded access.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Google tracks Android users before they open apps, report says

A study by D.J. Leith at Trinity College Dublin found that Google begins tracking users on Android devices even before they interact with them, creating at least 14 cookies and trackers without user consent. These tracking mechanisms operate immediately upon device setup and continue to collect data even when the device is idle, following a factory reset. The sign-in process with Google accounts automatically connects users to various preinstalled applications, raising concerns about user autonomy. Notable trackers include the DSID cookie and the Google Android ID, which persist through factory resets. Users face challenges in managing tracking settings, as there is no straightforward way to opt out or delete these tracking elements. Additionally, Google's recent installation of SafetyCore on devices occurred without user consent, while the Results About You tool for managing data removal from Google Search was more positively received.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Google’s Pixel Weather app adds clarity to forecast with day & date labels

The Pixel Weather app has been updated to version 1.0.20250127.729684887.release, enhancing its 10-day forecast feature by displaying both the days of the week and the corresponding month and date. This change aims to help users keep track of the calendar more easily.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Google Silently Tracks Android Device Even No Apps Opened by User

Recent research by Professor D.J. Leith from Trinity College Dublin reveals that Google collects significant amounts of user data on Android devices, even when users do not engage with Google applications. The study shows that pre-installed Google apps can track users without consent or opt-out options. Measurements were taken using a Google Pixel 7 with Android 14. Findings indicate that Google servers store multiple tracking identifiers immediately after a factory reset, before any user interaction. Collected identifiers include advertising analytics cookies and persistent device identifiers. This data collection raises concerns about compliance with EU data privacy regulations, such as the e-Privacy Directive and GDPR. Specific tracking technologies identified include the Google Android ID, DSID cookies, and NID cookies. User interaction data is also transmitted to Firebase Analytics servers. Users have limited control over the data stored on their devices, with disabling Google Play Services or the Google Play Store being impractical options.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google Phone app gets an unexpected Android 16-inspired redesign (APK teardown)

Google is refining the Settings page for its Phone app in preparation for the segmented Settings menu design expected with Android 16. The update features a visually appealing layout with backgrounds for menu items organized under headers, enhancing visibility and usability. Rectangular sections for each menu item improve touch targets and overall user experience. This redesign was initially seen in the Android 15 Beta 3 update but was removed, only to be reinstated in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release, suggesting integration into Android 16. Screenshots show a light gray background in light theme and dark gray in dark mode, with support for dynamic theming based on user wallpaper. The redesign is not yet active in the current beta but is anticipated in future updates. Other Google applications may also receive similar enhancements as Android 16 approaches.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

Google Play Store not showing Android system app updates [U]

The Google Play Store is experiencing an issue where updates for system-level applications are not appearing in the Pending downloads section, despite users receiving notifications for available updates. Users can still find the "Update" option when visiting the app's listing directly in the Play Store. This problem affects several common Google applications, including pre-installed apps like YouTube and the Google Partner Setup application, which is essential for devices using Google Mobile Services and cannot be disabled or deleted. Devices running Android 7 or earlier will not receive updates for this app. Additionally, the Data Restore Tool requires direct access via a link on the Play Store for updates, as it does not show in the Installed list. The issue suggests a potential change in how Google manages updates for system applications, similar to the automatic updates for Google Play Services. Users who have disabled auto-updates must manually check for updates through the app listings.