Google services Archives

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Don’t have any AI apps? These are the 5 you need to install right now

AI is increasingly integrated into daily life, with many people preferring chatbot interactions over traditional Google searches due to the nuanced responses provided by AI. ChatGPT from OpenAI has evolved significantly, with a recent Android app update that includes image generation and an interactive audio mode, making interactions feel more conversational. Gemini from Google processes information across various Google applications, offering users control over memory retention from previous interactions, although it may have privacy concerns. Claude from Anthropic has introduced the Claude 4 models in its mobile app, enhancing its coding capabilities and including voice features for all users. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI, offers free access and low-cost options, excelling in web search and deep reasoning, with an open-source version available for private use. PocketPal is a downloadable Android app that operates independently of the cloud, allowing users to access open-source AI models, with smaller models like Qwen3 designed for older devices. The landscape of smartphone AI chatbots is evolving, with major Android manufacturers investing in enhancing device capabilities.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Find My Device is out—Google’s new Find Hub is officially in

Google has rebranded its Find My Device tool to Find Hub, which is now located in Android Settings under Security & privacy > Device finders. This change is part of the rollout with Google Play services version 25.20.37, replacing all mentions of "Find My Device." The updated Find Hub allows users to locate both devices and people, featuring distinct tabs for each. Google is enhancing Find Hub's functionality with Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for precise location tracking and plans to introduce satellite connectivity for use in remote areas without cell service.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Google’s Android redesign is available to some already – just check your Messages

Google's Material 3 Expressive design initiative is being introduced in the Google Messages beta, with a broader rollout expected with Android 16 or shortly thereafter. The design features lozenge-shaped buttons replacing round buttons, larger sizes for a refined aesthetic, and a redesigned “+” menu for adding emojis and stickers. The updates are currently mixed in visibility among users, particularly in the UK. The adoption of Material 3 Expressive may vary among manufacturers, with brands like Motorola likely to embrace it fully, while Samsung may implement it less comprehensively. In markets like China, brands such as Xiaomi and Honor may continue using their existing design languages, potentially leading to inconsistencies with Google apps.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

I switched to indie apps for privacy, and now my workflow is a mess

The attempt to send a file from an Android device to a Windows 11 PC highlighted the challenges of using independent applications instead of major tech tools. The user replaced several Google services with alternatives, including Sync for cloud storage, Obsidian for note-taking, ToDoist for task management, Elemental for chat, Kobo for ebooks, VLC for music, Firefox for browsing, Ecosia for search, and Fastmail for email. Fastmail was noted for its efficiency and privacy, while Sync was criticized for its reliability. The user found the experience of using multiple independent apps to be fragmented and cumbersome, leading to higher costs than anticipated. Despite ethical concerns about Big Tech, the integration and convenience they offer were acknowledged as significant advantages. Ultimately, Fastmail and ToDoist were retained, while the user returned to Google for some services, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining a fully independent digital life.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Google App launches ‘Activity’ tab for Android users: What’s inside

Google has introduced an “Activity” tab in its Android app, replacing the previous “Saved” tab, as announced on May 25, 2025. The new tab is organized into three sections: History, which displays the four most recent searches and accessed websites; Saved items, which presents saved content in a carousel view; and Collections, which offers groupings of saved items. Users can still access the old layout through the “Saves & Collections” option in the account menu. Additionally, adjustments have been made to the Home tab’s space carousel. The “Activity” tab integrates with Web & App Activity for managing user interactions across Google services.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

NotebookLM is my favorite AI tool, but wow, its Android version is bad!

NotebookLM is Google's AI tool that allows users to curate and manage information by dictating sources for insights. The recently launched NotebookLM Android app offers a functional experience with features like smooth animations and the ability to switch between Google accounts, but lacks essential functionalities such as robust note creation and the Discover feature available on the web. Users have reported slower processing times for Audio Overviews on the app compared to the web interface. Despite initial disappointment, there is hope for improvement and users are optimistic about future updates that may enhance the app's capabilities.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google Calendar is getting closer to its Material 3 Expressive makeover (APK teardown)

Google is updating its Calendar app by integrating elements from the Material 3 Expressive design language, with a full rollout expected with Android 16. Recent changes in version 2025.19.0-757507108-release include: - Rounded corners for a softer interface. - Thicker lines separating days for better visibility. - The introduction of the Google Sans Flex font. - Full names of the days of the week instead of single-letter abbreviations. - A redesigned floating action button (FAB) that now includes 'Birthday' as an option and features text within the button itself. These updates aim to enhance the user experience across Android and Wear OS platforms.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Google’s May 2025 Pixel update is here with bug fixes and a critical security patch

The May 2025 security update for Google Pixel devices began deployment on May 6, addressing a critical zero-day security vulnerability (CVE-2025-27363) and including three bug fixes along with 28 security patches. The rollout may take about one week to reach all devices, depending on models and carriers. The update prevents devices from reverting to older, vulnerable versions of the bootloader. It also resolves specific issues for Google Pixel 6 and newer devices, including improvements in microphone recording quality, resolution of Bluetooth pairing issues with certain smartwatches, and correction of secondary language display issues in quick settings. Users are advised to check for the update in the Settings app under System > Software update.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s overlooked Android launcher showed me everything Pixel Launcher is missing

Microsoft Launcher is an Android launcher developed by Microsoft, offering extensive customization options that surpass those of the default Pixel Launcher. It features up to ten customizable gesture options for enhanced usability, particularly for one-handed operation. The launcher includes a component called Your feed, which consists of Glance and News; Glance allows users to curate a personalized experience with scrollable cards from Microsoft apps, while the News section serves as a shortcut to MSN News but is criticized for excessive ads. Users can customize the home screen layout by removing or rearranging default widgets, and the app drawer has a spacious 5×8 grid layout with an alphabetical jump list. However, users may experience occasional animation glitches typical of third-party launchers on Pixel devices. Overall, Microsoft Launcher is considered a superior option for Pixel users seeking more features and customization.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft president reflects on 50-year anniversary, AI, innovation and community impact

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