Google apps Archives

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Chrome will borrow Gemini’s cross-app powers in upcoming agentic upgrade

Google Chrome is set to introduce a significant upgrade with a feature called Gemini, which will enhance user experience through "Personal Intelligence." This feature will allow users to access information from various Google apps directly within the browser and perform tasks autonomously, such as clicking links and typing. Personal Intelligence has already been rolled out in mobile applications and will be integrated into Chrome to provide tailored responses by synthesizing context from multiple Google apps. Users will be able to draft emails in Gmail using information from web pages without switching windows. Personal Intelligence will be an opt-in feature, allowing users to control their data connections. The enhancements will initially be available on desktop versions of Chrome, with previews for Google AI Pro and Ultra users in the U.S. expected in the coming months.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Gemini keeps asking me to turn on Personal Intelligence, but I’m keeping it off

Gemini has introduced a feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows users to customize the data accessed from Google services like Gmail and Google Photos. This feature is opt-in and was launched on January 14. Users receive prompts to enable it and can choose to defer or start using it. Personal Intelligence replaces the previous feature, Personal Context, which is still active by default. Users can connect various Google apps to Gemini to enhance their experience, with the ability to control which data sources contribute to Personal Intelligence. Google emphasizes that app connections are off by default, and users have control over their data sharing.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Best AI apps for Android

Artificial Intelligence is significantly impacting Android, enhancing user experiences in writing, studying, photo editing, web searching, and task management. Notable AI apps for Android in 2026 include: 1. ChatGPT for Android: A popular app for writing, learning, coding, and answering everyday questions, assisting with emails, article summaries, math problems, code generation, and exam preparation. 2. Google Gemini App: Google's official AI assistant, integrating with Gmail, Google Docs, Maps, and Search, aiding in email writing, summaries, and idea generation. 3. Microsoft Copilot: An AI tool for Office users, providing writing, summarization, and image generation features, particularly useful for Microsoft Word, Excel, or Edge users. 4. Perplexity AI: An AI-powered search tool that offers accurate answers with citations, preferred by users over traditional Google Search. 5. Adobe Firefly: An AI image creation and design app that allows users to generate images, remove backgrounds, and apply AI effects using text prompts. 6. Otter AI: Designed for voice recording and transcription, it provides live voice-to-text, speaker detection, and AI-generated summaries. 7. Notion AI: A paid add-on for note-taking, planning, and writing, assisting with content rewriting, note summarization, and brainstorming. 8. Lensa AI: A paid app for photo enhancement and avatar creation, popular on social media. Free AI apps are suitable for casual users and basic tasks, while paid apps cater to professionals and creators who require more advanced features.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI Android App with Dynamic Floating Input Bar

Google is refining the user experience of its Gemini app on Android devices by transitioning from a static prompt bar to a fluid, floating pill-shaped design. This update is currently available in beta versions and aims to address user feedback regarding visual clutter. The new design condenses input options into a sleek bar that expands when the keyboard is activated, hiding some tools behind a ‘+’ menu to streamline interactions. The redesign reflects Google’s commitment to making AI interactions more intuitive and aligns with broader trends in minimalism among AI interfaces. Additionally, the update could influence third-party integrations and may be part of a strategy to fully replace Google Assistant with Gemini by 2026. User reactions to the redesign are mixed, with some expressing excitement over the modern look while others are concerned about hidden features complicating usability.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

3 weeks in Japan: this Android app saved my trip more than Google Maps

Traveling in Japan can be challenging due to language barriers, as English speakers are scarce, even in major cities. The Google Translate app, particularly its voice input feature, proved essential for communication, allowing users to translate spoken Japanese instantly. Google Lens also facilitated understanding written Japanese by translating text captured through the camera. While apps are helpful, learning basic Japanese phrases is recommended for situations when technology fails. Engaging with locals in Japanese is encouraged, as it enhances the travel experience.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Recap: Expressive Android, but Material ‘3.5’ apps

Both Apple and Google plan significant redesigns of their operating systems for 2025. Google's Material 3 Expressive has received positive feedback for its implementation across devices, aiming for a more unified interface across Android versions, though updates to first-party applications are seen as incremental rather than transformative. The redesign includes a taller search app bar in Google Workspace apps, but inconsistencies arise as some applications cannot utilize the new design. A transition back to a shorter bottom navigation bar in some apps does not improve content space. A floating toolbar in Google Chat raises usability concerns, and the overall interface appears more cluttered due to increased use of containers. Buttons have become larger, with mixed reactions regarding their proportions. The new motion-physics system introduces appealing animations, but the functionality of Google apps remains largely unchanged, leading to a sense of familiarity rather than a transformative experience.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

5 Underrated Google Apps You Need To Try On Your Android Phone

Photomath allows users to scan math questions and provides answers with step-by-step solutions, catering to all educational levels. It includes a built-in calculator for additional support. Lookout assists visually impaired users by reading text aloud, identifying objects, and interpreting currency, with various modes for different contexts. Read Along by Google helps children develop reading skills through stories that adapt to their reading level, featuring a reading assistant named Diya that provides feedback and encouragement. Chrome Remote Desktop enables users to access their computers remotely from Android devices, allowing for task management across devices. Google Arts & Culture offers a platform to explore art and history through virtual museum tours, interactive games, and various cultural content. These apps were selected based on their performance in the Play Store, each having fewer than 100 million downloads and a minimum rating of 4.0 stars.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

5 apps I recommend you use instead of Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a free tool that integrates with other Google services like Gmail, Drive, and Tasks, and recently added integration with Gemini for creating calendar entries. However, it lacks visual appeal, does not support natural language processing for date and time input, and raises data privacy concerns among users. Proton Calendar offers end-to-end encryption for privacy, a simple design with purple accents, and limited third-party integrations, with a free version allowing three calendars and a subscription for more features. Notion Calendar integrates with existing Notion databases, supports shared calendars and scheduling links, and offers pop-up notifications, but is most beneficial for Notion users. Any.do combines task management with calendar functionality, integrates with major calendar providers, and has a user-friendly design, though some features require a premium plan. Business Calendar 2 features a professional design, includes a dedicated Birthday view, integrates a Tasks section, and offers a customizable floating action button, with a free version and a premium subscription for additional features. One Calendar supports various calendar services, has a unique task management system requiring a separate app, and allows for custom themes, with both free and premium versions available.

BetaBeacon

October 22, 2025

Samsung Galaxy XR: Price, specs, games, controllers, and everything you need to know

Samsung Galaxy XR is a mixed reality headset designed for augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, primarily used for productivity and entertainment such as making videos, working with virtual monitors, watching movies in a virtual theater, and playing games on a virtual screen. The headset features a design similar to Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro, with the option to wear it with or without light blockers. It can be used with motion-tracked controllers sold separately. The device includes cutting-edge hardware like micro-OLED panels, pancake lenses, eye tracking, and high-resolution cameras. The software is powered by Android XR, allowing for mixed-reality passthrough and compatibility with Google apps like Google Photos, Google Maps, YouTube, and Chrome.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Introducing Galaxy XR, the first Android XR headset

The Galaxy XR features an expansive screen for exploring applications and includes the Gemini assistant for intuitive navigation using voice commands, hand gestures, and eye movements. It runs on Android and provides access to a wide range of applications from Google Play, including streaming services like Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock, enhanced Google apps, games from various studios, and over 50 new XR experiences from brands like Adobe and MLB. The device supports open standards such as OpenXR and WebXR, and the Gemini assistant enhances user interaction by understanding visual and interactive context for streamlined assistance across applications.