Google Photos Archives

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

How I learned to manage my emotions with Google’s Journal app

The author initially did not find journaling appealing but began using Google's Journal app, also known as Pixel Journal, to process emotions during a tumultuous year filled with mental challenges. The app serves as a safe space for unloading burdens and offers AI-powered prompts that encourage introspection. It features a built-in calendar for revisiting past entries, customization options for tagging emotions, and integration with Google Photos. Privacy is prioritized with password protection and local AI processing. The author finds the app to be a comforting tool for managing emotions, especially as the new year approaches.

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.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

More Android phones could feel the Magic Cue as this leak spots early signs

Google is planning to extend its Pixel 10-exclusive Magic Cue feature, potentially rebranded as "Contextual Suggestions," to a wider range of Android devices. This feature provides tailored recommendations based on users' activities and locations, utilizing data from apps like Gmail, Google Photos, and Calendar. It can suggest actions, such as retrieving a screenshot from Google Photos during a conversation or checking flight details from Gmail. Participation in this feature is optional, and users can control their data and delete any information they choose. Google ensures that data processing prioritizes security and privacy, using its Gemini technology.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Samsung phone users may finally get a proper locked folder in the Gallery app

Samsung is introducing a built-in Private Album feature in the Gallery app as part of the One UI 8.5 update, aimed at enhancing privacy for sensitive photos. This feature simplifies the process of managing private images, allowing users to easily move photos to the Private Album without the need for the Secure Folder. Access to the Private Album is secured by fingerprint or screen lock, and screenshots are disabled within this section. Currently, the feature is in beta and has limited functionalities, such as sorting files only by date. The official rollout is pending for users to fully experience the feature.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

3 Windows frustrations Microsoft PowerToys finally fixed for me

Windows 11 has a sleek interface but comes with some quirks. Integrating Microsoft PowerToys can alleviate minor irritations and improve productivity. FancyZones allows users to create custom layouts for window management, enabling better organization of the desktop. PowerToys Peek lets users preview file contents in File Explorer using the shortcut Ctrl + Space, reducing the need to open multiple files. Advanced Paste enables pasting text as plain text or Markdown, helping maintain consistent formatting and eliminating issues with unwanted formatting from web content. PowerToys may not be necessary for users with basic computing needs, as the built-in features of Windows 11 might suffice. However, for daily users, the tools provided by PowerToys can enhance workflow and efficiency by addressing small annoyances that accumulate during multitasking.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

NotebookLM is so great, Google is adding even more ways to access it

Google is enhancing its Gemini platform by integrating it with applications like Google Photos and Messages, and is considering adding NotebookLM as a Connected App. Currently, Gemini connects with YouTube Music and various Google Workspace applications. The anticipated NotebookLM feature may allow users to import notebooks into the Gemini chatbot, enabling interaction with notebook content without returning to the NotebookLM interface. Google is also exploring linking notebooks as attachments in the text input box of the chatbot. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility and productivity across devices.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google Play announces its best Android apps and games of 2025

Google Play has announced its best Android apps and games for 2025. The Best App award goes to Focus Friend, created by Hank Green, which is a gamified focus timer that combines productivity with playful design. The Best Game award is given to Pokémon TCG Pocket, an adaptation of the trading card game featuring new designs and booster packs. The Best Multi-Device App is Luminar, which offers AI-powered photo editing tools for Google Photos and Photoshop users. The Best Multi-Device Game is Disney Speedstorm, a kart racing game featuring Disney characters and settings.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

12 apps I urge non-techies to install on their Android phones

The preinstalled Android apps on smartphones may not meet the needs of all users, especially those who are less tech-savvy. Alternative apps can enhance the smartphone experience. TeamViewer allows remote troubleshooting by connecting to others' devices for assistance. Vivaldi offers a customizable browsing experience with ad-blocking and privacy features, while Microsoft Edge is a good option for Windows users. Google Wallet simplifies mobile payments and serves as a digital wallet for various cards. Nobook is a lightweight alternative to the Facebook app, providing faster load times and a streamlined experience. Bitwarden is a password manager that securely stores passwords with one master password, promoting the use of complex passwords. Google Authenticator provides multi-factor authentication by storing 2FA codes securely. Localsend facilitates large file transfers over Wi-Fi networks. Google Photos offers 15GB of free storage for image backup, and Google Gallery helps manage images easily. Tubular provides an ad-free YouTube experience, while Files by Google simplifies file management with categorization and a secure Safe Folder. Gboard enhances typing efficiency with features like autocomplete and swipe typing.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Here’s what the redesigned Google Photos and Maps icons look like

Google is updating the icons for its Maps and Photos applications, moving away from the traditional four-color palette to a gradient color redesign. The Photos app will have a more minimalistic change with slightly wider petals, while the Maps icon will undergo a more significant transformation, appearing stout with a seamless blend of colors. These updates reflect a broader branding strategy initiated in May, aligning with the introduction of a new "G" logo. The updated icons were first observed on the Apple App Store, suggesting they will soon be available on the Play Store.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Google Photos could get an ‘Ask’ button to make finding memories effortless

A new "Ask" button may soon be added to the Google Photos photo viewer, allowing users to query their library without switching screens. This feature, currently in testing, uses AI to interpret conversational prompts for searching photos. Additionally, there are references to a potential "Outfits collection" that could organize wardrobe photos, possibly linked to Google’s Doppl virtual try-on technology. The Ask Photos feature is currently limited to users in the United States and accessible through a separate tab in the Photos app for eligible users. The shortcut button and the Outfits collection remain unconfirmed for a broader rollout.