Google Photos

AppWizard
February 5, 2025
Google Photos has introduced a feature to filter out unwanted content from third-party applications, aimed at decluttering the photo gallery. The new setting, “Show content from other apps,” allows users to manage the visibility of third-party content. Users can toggle “Hide clutter from other apps” to automatically filter out media types like GIFs and screenshots. Additionally, the “Customize by app” option enables users to specify preferences for each app, allowing them to hide or selectively display content. This update is part of version 7.14.0.720276279 of the Google Photos app.
AppWizard
February 3, 2025
Google has introduced the Deep Research feature as part of the Gemini Advanced suite, designed to assist users in conducting in-depth research. This feature is now available on the free Gemini Android app, allowing users to generate comprehensive research reports by selecting "1.5 pro with Deep Research" from the app's drop-down menu. Deep Research enables users to ask specific questions, after which the AI creates a multi-step research plan that can be approved or modified. The AI then conducts web searches and compiles a detailed report with links to original sources. Users can refine their findings with follow-up questions and export the final report to Google Docs. Gemini Advanced is part of the Google One AI Premium plan, which includes various benefits and a two-month free trial for new users.
AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Google is testing a new feature called the “Quick Edit” page in the Google Photos app, which activates when users tap the share button on a single image. This feature includes an “Enhance” button for one-click improvements and a cropping tool for easy adjustments. The “Quick Edit” page is only available for single photos; selecting multiple images will revert to the traditional share sheet. Reports of this feature emerged from a user named Alex using a Pixel 6 Pro, and it is still in the testing phase. Additionally, some users have noticed a new floating toolbar for albums.
AppWizard
December 15, 2024
The upcoming launch of Android XR, featuring headsets developed by Samsung under the codename Project Moohan, is set for next year. These headsets will enable users to transition between immersive virtual environments and the real world, enhanced by an AI assistant named Gemini. Gemini will assist users in interacting with their surroundings and managing tasks. Google is also adapting popular applications for this headset experience, allowing users to watch YouTube and Google TV on a virtual big screen, view Google Photos in 3D, explore Google Maps in an Immersive View, manage multiple virtual screens with Chrome, and use Circle to Search for information. Android XR will support existing mobile and tablet applications from Google Play, with more tailored content expected to be released next year.
AppWizard
December 14, 2024
The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.
AppWizard
December 11, 2024
Google is enhancing its Gemini technology, primarily within its ecosystem, with plans for deeper integration in Android 16 through a new API. Gemini will be integrated with third-party and OEM applications, including Samsung's Reminder app. In Android 16, Gemini-powered features may be available in various applications without needing separate extensions, benefiting browsers, email and calendar apps, clock and note-taking apps, and media management in Google Photos. Additionally, Gemini may support Quick Share for device detection and file sharing. This development indicates that Google aims to streamline user experiences and extend Gemini's functionality to non-Google applications.
AppWizard
November 30, 2024
Google Maps and Chrome emerged victorious in the semifinals of a tournament to crown the best Google app icon. Google Maps defeated Google Photos after initially trailing, while Chrome maintained a lead to win against Google Wallet. Chrome's earlier victory over Gmail's 'M' was considered unexpected.
AppWizard
November 26, 2024
Google is enhancing the desktop windowing capabilities of Android with the upcoming release of Android 15 QPR1, which will introduce features such as buttons to minimize applications and the ability to open them in new windows. The desktop windowing feature allows users to operate multiple applications in resizable windows, with a taskbar for managing running and pinned applications. Users can activate desktop windowing by dragging a fullscreen app's pill or using a keyboard shortcut. A new “multi-instance property” for developers will enable apps to launch as multiple instances, and a minimize button will allow users to minimize and reopen application windows via the taskbar. The Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 release has also introduced an “app-to-web” feature for select applications, enhancing usability.
AppWizard
November 25, 2024
Many users rely on Google-made Android applications, which can create dependency, but alternatives exist. Heliboard is an open-source keyboard that can replace Gboard after initial setup. Mozilla Thunderbird is a strong alternative to Gmail, offering a clean interface and support for multiple email providers. Mozilla Firefox is a preferred browser alternative to Google Chrome, providing extensive customization and support for extensions. Notally offers a familiar layout for note-taking as an alternative to Google Keep. Material Notes and Mixplorer are alternatives to Files by Google, with Material Notes offering a sleek interface and Mixplorer providing advanced features. Todoist is a feature-rich alternative to Google Tasks, with its own calendar solutions and voice recognition for task entry. OsmAnd and Organic Maps are navigation alternatives to Google Maps, utilizing OpenStreetMap data. Aves Gallery is a feature-rich gallery app alternative to Google Photos, while Focus Go offers a simpler experience for less powerful devices. Some Google apps, like Google Recorder and Google Messages, lack genuine alternatives.
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