Google I/O Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Google is preparing to make Android Settings a bit more colorful

Google is set to transform its Settings homepage in the upcoming Android 16 beta, introducing colorful icons encased in circles, replacing the current gray icons. This redesign aims to enhance the expressiveness of the Settings app and is expected to align with a new Material Design theme at the Google I/O developer conference. The colorful icons may not appear in the initial stable release of Android 16 but could be introduced in a future quarterly update or in Android 17 next year. The 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls' entry will retain its gray icon due to its origin from a separate app. Feedback from users will influence the final design.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google may introduce an expressive new Material Design theme at I/O this May

Google is set to announce a significant update to its Material Design framework, focusing on enhancing expressiveness in app development, at Google I/O 2025 next month. Developer discussions have revealed a new theme called “Material3Expressive,” and a Google engineer confirmed efforts to help developers create more engaging applications. Evidence of this update includes a patch in the AOSP Gerrit related to “I/O 2025 Expressive talk code demos,” which introduces new code for the Material 3 Compose library. The update may refine the existing framework rather than completely overhaul it, with indications of a more visually engaging interface in recent Android Settings app updates. Anticipation for Google I/O 2025 is high, but the new design elements may not be immediately available in the stable release of Android 16, with a gradual rollout expected in future updates.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini on Android Can Now Answer Queries About Google Photos

Google Photos has integrated with the Gemini app on Android, allowing users to interact with their photo libraries more effectively. This feature, known as Ask Photos, enables users to ask questions about their images and retrieve specific information. The rollout is gradual, and users can access it by navigating to the Gemini app, selecting Google Photos in the Apps menu, and toggling the switch to connect the AI chatbot with their photo library. Users can search for images using natural language prompts and ask questions about the content of the images. Gemini can identify images or albums and allow users to open them in Google Photos or drag and drop images into other applications, though it currently does not support photo editing or album management.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Google’s ‘ultimate goal’ is for Android games to work seamlessly across mobile, XR, large screens

Google is working on creating a seamless Android app experience across all form factors, including mixed-reality headsets and glasses. They are focusing on adapting apps to work well on different platforms and are investing in features like Curated Spaces and Collections on Google Play to enhance user experience. More updates are expected later in 2025.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Android Auto now supports weather apps for real time updates

Google has introduced support for weather applications on Android Auto and Android Automotive, currently in beta testing. Users can download select weather apps to check the weather while driving. This feature expands the app categories available, which previously included Media, Navigation, Messaging, POI, and IoT, with Android Automotive also supporting Video, Games, and Browsers when stationary. The weather apps allow drivers to receive real-time updates based on their location or route, aiding in trip planning and keeping them informed about changing conditions. This initiative was announced at the Google I/O event earlier this year, and several weather applications are already available for download.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Google App ‘AI Mode’ For Android Lets Users ‘Talk’ Directly to Search, Multimodal Capabilities Available

Google is developing an 'AI Mode' for its Search app on Android, allowing users to interact in a conversational manner. This feature, discovered in an APK teardown, will enable voice inputs and the submission of photos and videos, creating a more intuitive search experience. The AI Mode will be accessible through a dedicated tab represented by a 'wink' icon in the app. This development follows Google's earlier integration of generative AI into Search, including the Search Generative Experience and AI Overviews, which have been refined based on user feedback.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

Real-time Scam Detection is rolling out now in Google Phone app beta

The Scam Detection feature, powered by artificial intelligence, is now available for beta testers of the Google Phone app in the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer models. Users must manually enable this feature, which is off by default, through the app's settings. It continuously monitors incoming calls for potential scams and alerts users if a call is suspected to be a scam. The feature does not screen calls from saved contacts, and call content is not recorded or stored. If a call is identified as likely a scam, users receive a notification and can choose to continue or end the call. Google is collecting feedback from beta testers for future updates.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Your Pixel Can Now Spot Malicious Apps on Your Phone

Google has introduced a live threat detection feature within Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 devices and newer, which analyzes app activity patterns to identify potentially malicious applications, starting with a focus on "stalkerware." When a suspicious app is detected, users receive notifications to assess and take action, including removal of the app. The technology ensures user privacy by processing data without collecting personal information. Additionally, Google has launched a public beta for an AI-powered scam detection feature for Pixel 6 and newer models, which recognizes common scam tactics during phone calls and alerts users, while processing occurs on the device without transmitting personal data to Google.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Pixel phones will be able to detect and report malicious apps in real time

Google is enhancing its defenses against malware with a new feature called live threat detection, which actively monitors app behavior on devices to identify potentially harmful applications. This updated Google Play Protect service is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to extend to non-Pixel Android devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo. Live threat detection continuously evaluates app behavior post-installation, identifying dormant malware that may later engage in harmful activities. It uses the Private Compute Core for secure user data handling and provides real-time alerts for detected threats. Additionally, Google is introducing a scam call detection feature that uses on-device artificial intelligence to analyze incoming calls for potential scams. This feature is currently available to participants in the Phone by Google app’s beta program for Pixel 6 and later devices, with plans for broader rollout in the future.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Gemini API powered Android apps | App Developer Magazine

Android developers are utilizing the Gemini API for innovative features such as personalized meal planning, chat-based journaling, and AI-generated usernames. The stable version of Vertex AI will soon be launched in Firebase, allowing developers to integrate Gemini 1.5 Flash and Gemini 1.5 Pro into their applications, with inference processes managed on Google's servers. Examples of applications using the Gemini API include: - The Meal Planner app, which uses Gemini 1.5 Flash to create personalized meal plans based on dietary preferences, resulting in a 17% increase in premium subscriptions. - The Life journaling app, which features an AI assistant named "Leo" for conversational journaling, allowing users to customize the chatbot's tone and behavior. - The HiiKER app, which generates unique usernames for users based on geographical location, enhancing user engagement and retention. Developers are encouraged to explore the advanced features of the Gemini Cloud models and Vertex AI in Firebase, with resources available during AI in Android Spotlight Week.