Google One Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

All Android users just got an important backup feature

Google is introducing a selective backup feature for Android users, allowing granular control over app data management. This update is initially rolling out to Pixel devices and users of Google Play Services version 26.24. Users can now selectively manage backups for each app, which helps conserve cloud storage space. The feature is available for those using Android 16 and Android 17, with other manufacturers expected to adopt it soon. Once activated, data is securely backed up to the cloud, but users should be aware that disabling backup for an app will permanently delete its previously backed-up data. To manage backups, users can go to their device’s settings under Google Services > Backup > Backup details. The rollout is gradual, primarily targeting Google Pixel smartphones. Most users will receive the update automatically, and they can check their version of Google Play Services in the settings.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Google rolling out per-app controls for Android Backups

Google has introduced per-app backup controls for Android devices, enhancing user experience. For Pixel users, the backup settings can be accessed through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data, now featuring a structured “App data” section that highlights the top three apps and their backed-up data. Users can toggle backup options off for individual apps, with notifications explaining the implications of disabling backups. These controls do not apply to the Device data section, which includes SMS, call history, and device settings. The rollout is confirmed for Pixel devices on stable Android versions 16 and 17 with Google Play services version 26.24, while Samsung users have not yet received these controls. Additionally, Google One for Android has been visually updated to an edge-to-edge design.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

7 photo gallery apps you should use instead of Samsung Gallery

Samsung's Gallery app will discontinue support for OneDrive syncing by September 30. Users can still access syncing in older app versions, but newer versions have removed this feature. Alternatives for photo backup and gallery applications include: - Google Photos: Designed for cloud storage, accessible from any device, with editing tools and AI features; offers expanded storage with a Google One subscription. - Amazon Photos: Recently updated with a better interface and natural language search; Prime members get unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5GB for videos; free-tier users have 5GB shared across formats. - Piktures: A user-friendly third-party app with cloud integration and a Secret Space feature for privacy; ad-supported with an option to remove ads via payment. - Microsoft OneDrive: Offers basic photo backup; allows continued use of Samsung Gallery for viewing while handling backups. - Focus Go: Minimalist app that organizes images by folder with essential functionalities like fingerprint lock and HDR rendering. - Aves Gallery: Features a statistics page for tracking user habits and enhanced search functionality. - Fossify Gallery: A customizable fork of Simple Gallery with a straightforward UI and various functionalities for photographers. - Google Gallery: A minimalistic gallery experience for users in Google's ecosystem, supporting Android 8 and higher.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Samsung’s Gallery App on Android Will Soon Lose its OneDrive Integration

The Samsung Gallery app will end its integration with Microsoft’s OneDrive on September 30, 2026, meaning it will no longer display photos stored on OneDrive. Users can still access their photos through the OneDrive Android app and web interface, but must adjust camera backup settings in the OneDrive app to ensure new photos are backed up. Microsoft has provided steps for users to update their camera roll settings to maintain backup of new photos and access existing ones. The OneDrive app features a dedicated Photos tab, but may not match the capabilities of Google Photos, which offers advanced search and AI-driven editing tools. Google recently expanded its storage options, introducing a plan for 5 TB of Google Drive storage for a .99 monthly fee with a Google AI Pro subscription.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

The old Fitbit app is becoming Google Health in under two weeks — here’s what to know

The Fitbit app will transition to the Google Health app on May 19 through an automatic update, ensuring all Fitbit data carries over. Google Fit users will be able to migrate their data later this year. Fitbit Premium is rebranded as Google Health Premium, with an annual subscription price increase. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in over 30 countries will receive this premium service at no extra cost. The updated Google Health app will feature enhanced leaderboards for step tracking and cardio load, improved cycle tracking, and a flagship feature called Health Coach, which requires a Google Health Premium subscription. Basic features like activity tracking and health monitoring will remain available for free, while premium functionalities will be powered by AI. The Health Premium subscription will be complimentary for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, expanding access compared to the previous Fitbit Premium availability.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

You can now get YouTube Premium for half price with Google AI Pro

Google is offering a 50% discount on the annual YouTube Premium subscription for new subscribers to the Google AI Pro plan, reducing the yearly cost significantly. This promotion follows recent price hikes for YouTube Premium in the U.S. and aims to attract users to the AI Pro subscription, which has increased its storage capacity from 2TB to 5TB at no extra cost. The discounted rate will continue upon renewal, but it is only available to the Google One plan manager or family organizer, not to other family plan members. Subscribers will receive features like background playback, offline downloads, ad-free viewing, and access to Gemini-powered functionalities.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google AI Pro just got a massive storage upgrade for free

Google has increased AI Pro storage from 2TB to 5TB at the same monthly rate, exclusively for AI Pro subscribers. This upgrade is being rolled out globally, although there may be a slight delay in users seeing the new limits. The additional storage can be used across various Google services, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos backups. Standard Google One plan users will not receive this increase and will remain at their existing limits. The storage increase represents a 150% boost for the same price.

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

February 28, 2026

Six Google Apps Emerge As Irreplaceable On Android

Many Android users seek alternatives to default applications, but six Google apps are deemed indispensable due to their speed, reliability, and integration. Google Keep allows for quick note-taking with features like labels, checklists, and real-time syncing across devices, boasting over 1 billion installs. The Google app serves as a central hub for various functions, providing seamless integration that enhances the Android experience. Google Maps excels as a navigation and discovery tool, with over 10 billion installs and features like offline maps and user-generated content. Android Auto offers a user-friendly interface for driving, becoming a standard feature in new vehicles. Google Photos backs up images effortlessly, with over 5 billion installs, and provides powerful search capabilities. NotebookLM allows users to input documents and web clippings for research, functioning as a research assistant. These six apps stand out for their unique combination of speed, scale, and integration, making them essential for Android users.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Essential Apps to Install First on Your New Android Phone

Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.