Google Docs Archives

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Gemini can now generate PDFs, Word, and Excel files so you don’t have to

Google's Gemini now allows users to create and download files directly within chat conversations, including PDFs, Microsoft Word and Excel files, and Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Users can generate files in various formats instantly without needing to copy and paste content. Supported formats include Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDF, DOCX, XLSX, CSV, TXT, RTF, and Markdown. While users can export work to Google Slides and download it as a PPT file, direct export to Microsoft PowerPoint is currently unavailable. This feature is rolling out to all Gemini users, though some may experience a gradual implementation.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

Many Google apps could pick up a fresh gradient icon redesign

Google is redesigning its app icons to adopt a more vibrant and gradient-centric aesthetic, moving away from its traditional minimalist style. Key changes include: - Gmail will retain its 'M' envelope shape but will feature a predominantly red hue with accents of yellow, green, and blue. - Google Drive will eliminate red and introduce a rounded triangle filled with green, yellow, and blue. - Google Docs will keep its vertical paper motif. - Google Sheets and Slides will transition to a landscape orientation. - Google Calendar will replace its four-color container with a blue-centric flip-style icon. - Google Meet will adopt a bold yellow hue. - Google Chat will feature a new green, pill-shaped bubble. - Google Keep will highlight a light bulb icon without a background page. - Google Tasks will maintain a prominent checkmark within a button-like shape. - Google Voice will have a more rounded phone icon, keeping its light green color. These updates have not yet been rolled out, and no server-side updates or beta versions are currently available.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Workspace Intelligence is Google’s agentic AI era for true assistance with Gemini

Google unveiled Workspace Intelligence at the Cloud Next 2026 event, integrating advanced AI capabilities into its applications like Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Chat. This feature aims to enhance productivity through automation and real-time insights tailored to user needs. The updates include the Gemini AI engine, which can create infographics, manage images, enhance data visualization, and generate visually appealing presentations. Google Chat now includes an "Ask Gemini in Chat" feature for direct AI engagement, while Gmail has introduced an AI Inbox to prioritize important emails for Google AI Ultra subscribers.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

The author switched from a MacBook Air to a nine-year-old ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, which does not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to its 7th-gen Intel processor. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October, leaving many devices like the ThinkPad considered "obsolete." The author installed Linux Mint on the ThinkPad, which is compatible with older hardware and provides a user-friendly experience. The ThinkPad has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and was purchased for 0. Despite some challenges, such as reduced battery life and minor driver issues, the device remains functional for everyday tasks. Linux Mint is free and open source, requiring no mandatory agreements for installation.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

I ditched Google Drive and Photos for this privacy-focused app, and I couldn’t be happier

Rita El Khoury is transitioning from Google Drive to Proton Drive due to privacy concerns. A poll indicated that 62% of respondents would consider moving away from Google Drive for security reasons. El Khoury values Proton Drive's end-to-end encryption, which ensures only users can access their files, unlike Google Drive, which lacks this feature. She appreciates Proton Drive's unified interface and minimalist design in Proton Docs, but notes its limitations, such as fewer convenience features and only 5GB of free storage compared to Google Drive's 15GB. The choice between the two services depends on individual priorities regarding privacy and features.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Is the tide turning? Jury holds YouTube and Meta accountable for addictive apps

A jury has found YouTube and Meta liable for millions due to negligent and addictive app design, following a lawsuit by K.G.M., who experienced severe mental distress linked to her use of these platforms during her teenage years. K.G.M. filed her lawsuit in 2023, citing struggles with body dysmorphia and self-harm as a direct result of her experiences on these platforms. TikTok and Snap settled out of court, while YouTube and Meta contested the claims. The jury's ruling mandates that Meta and YouTube pay millions in compensatory damages, with Meta responsible for the majority. A spokesperson for Google disagreed with the verdict and stated intentions to appeal.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

5 of the best productivity apps on Android for getting organized and getting stuff done

Perplexity allows users to access multiple AI models with cited sources for verification. Google Docs enables collaborative document creation and editing with features like commenting, automatic cloud saving, and offline access. Notion serves as a hub for to-do lists, notes, documents, and project management, with AI capabilities for transcribing and summarizing notes. Microsoft To Do offers a user-friendly interface for creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and collaborating with others, while syncing across devices. Proton Drive provides end-to-end encryption for file security, automatic backups, and additional security features like PIN or biometric protection and secure file sharing options.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Google Keep gets ready to follow Drive and Docs with this new UI look

Google is updating the floating action button (FAB) design in Google Keep to align with its Material 3 Expressive design language. The new design will feature a larger, more visually striking FAB with an × symbol in a circular design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. This update is currently in version 5.26.071.01 for Android, but has not yet been activated for users. Developers are preparing for the rollout, although some anticipated features may not be included in the final public release.

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 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.