Google I/O Archives

AppWizard

September 3, 2025

Google’s beloved Androidify app is back with new features for making your own Android Bot

Google has reintroduced the Androidify app, enhanced with AI to create personalized Android Bot avatars using user photos or text prompts. The app utilizes Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash and Imagen AI models for tailored avatar creation. Originally launched in 2011, it was removed from the Play Store in 2020 and announced for revival at Google I/O earlier this year. Users can create a custom Android Bot by uploading a photo or entering a text prompt, with an option for AI-generated suggestions. The app analyzes images and validates text prompts to generate avatars that reflect user likeness while adhering to brand safety protocols. Users can further customize their Bots with various backgrounds and formats, and the app is available for free on the Google Play Store and web. Additionally, users can create an 8-second video of their Bot every Friday. The app employs modern development tools and its source code is available on GitHub.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

Messaging app on your Galaxy phone gets more expressive design

Google is updating its Google Messages app with a new design called Material 3 Expressive, which began rolling out to users, especially those with Galaxy devices. The redesign features a container-centric layout, with chat threads housed in rounded containers for better organization. The interface includes a revamped emoji picker and a repositioned search bar for emojis below the tab bar. The Plus menu for adding attachments has also been redesigned with monochrome icons in pill-shaped containers. Additionally, enhancements are being made to other Google applications like Google Clock, Contacts, Phone, Gmail, and Translate for Android.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify and YouTube Music test out their sleek new look on Android Auto (APK teardown)

At the Google I/O 2025 event, Google introduced new media app templates for the Android for Cars App Library, aimed at improving the user experience on Android Auto. Developers can utilize a new Media Playback template for a streamlined "Now Playing" view, currently in closed beta testing with early access provided through Spotify and YouTube Music. The update to Android Auto v15.1.653404 activates the Templated Media UI for these apps, featuring a redesigned seekbar that aligns with the Material 3 Expressive aesthetic. Google has not confirmed a timeline for the public release of these templated media apps, and there are mixed reactions to the new desaturated color palette. An APK teardown can provide insights into potential future features, but not all may be included in public releases.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Gemini 2.5 Deep Think is finally heading to Google AI Ultra users

Google has rolled out an enhanced version of its Gemini 2.5 Deep Think model for subscribers of the Google AI Ultra plan. This upgraded model is designed to tackle complex challenges, including advanced mathematics and coding tasks, with improved speed and efficiency. It achieves a Bronze-level score in internal International Math Olympiad assessments and excels in benchmarks like LiveCodeBench V6 and Humanity’s Last Exam. The Google AI Ultra subscription, priced at per month, also includes early access to experimental video models, increased limits on tools, and 30TB of storage. An alternative, the Google AI Pro plan, is available at 0 annually.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Google’s strategy to grow Gemini seems to be working

Google's Gemini app has over 450 million monthly active users as of Q2 2025, with daily requests increasing by more than 50% since the start of the year. The app surpassed 400 million users in May 2025. Gemini has become the default voice assistant on Android devices, replacing Google Assistant, which likely contributed to its growth.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Google Play, Android ecosystem generated ₹4 lakh cr. in revenue for Indian app publishers in 2024: Google

On July 23, 2025, Google announced that its Play and Android ecosystem generated ₹4 lakh crore in revenue for app publishers and the economy in 2024, creating approximately 35 lakh jobs. India has the second largest number of active developers on Google Play, contributing over 10 lakh developer jobs. Surveys indicate that 72% of Indian users accessed the internet for the first time via an Android device, with 85% using Android phones as their primary gateway to digital public services. The open-source nature of Android has led to estimated savings of ₹25,200 crore in development and operational costs. At the Google I/O Connect India 2025 conference, Google introduced initiatives such as localizing data processing for Gemini 2.5 Flash, new AI tools in Firebase Studio, a training program with Unity, and partnerships with start-ups from the India AI Mission. Google is also working with BharatGen at IIT Bombay to develop Automatic Speech Recognition and Text-to-Speech models for Indic languages.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Google tests new looks for the search bar on the Chrome app for Android

Google is experimenting with designs for the beta version of its Chrome app on Android to optimize the placement of a shortcut for its newly introduced AI Mode, which aims to enhance user experience by streamlining the search process for complex queries. The company is redesigning the search bar within its applications to promote AI Mode, as the search bar is typically the first point of contact for users seeking answers.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Forces Gemini App Integration on Android, Sparking Widespread Privacy Fears

Google is rolling out an update to its Android operating system that allows its Gemini AI to access third-party applications by default, overriding users' previous privacy settings. This change, effective July 8, has led to confusion among users, as many received unclear email notifications regarding the update and how to disable the new feature. Google has stated that human reviewers may process app data, and conversations could be stored for up to 72 hours, even if users opt out of activity tracking. The update is part of Google's strategy to integrate Gemini more deeply into its ecosystem, replacing the Google Assistant with Gemini on mobile devices. The company plans to open its Gemini Nano model to third-party developers, further embedding AI into applications.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Spotify just dropped ‘Jam’, its most social in-car feature yet for Android Auto

Spotify has updated its Android Auto app with a new design and features, including the "Jam" feature that allows drivers to host shared playback sessions. Passengers can join by scanning a QR code and contribute to the music queue, while the host maintains control. The update also includes a "Downloaded" tab for easier access to offline music, a floating Search button for manual track selection, and a streamlined interface for safer navigation. This update is part of Google's plans to enhance media app capabilities within Android Auto, with similar updates expected for other apps. The update is currently being rolled out on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Android Auto gets redesigned Spotify app with ‘Jam’ support & more [Gallery]

Spotify has redesigned its Android Auto app with an update that includes new features such as the “Jam” functionality, which allows users to generate a QR code for others to join the music queue. The “Downloaded” section in the Library has been enhanced for easier access to offline music, and indicators for downloaded tracks have been added. A new floating Search shortcut directs users to a dedicated search page within the app, allowing for direct searches of albums or tracks. This update is part of Spotify version 9.0.58.596 for Android, available for download via the Play Store. Other media applications like Amazon Music and YouTube Music are expected to receive similar enhancements.