Google Archives

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

I can’t get the Pixel’s Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done

The Now Playing feature on Google Pixel phones allows users to identify songs playing nearby, but Google has no plans to extend this feature to other Android devices. Shazam is a popular alternative for song identification, offering an Auto Shazam feature that works in the background on nearly all Android devices. This feature processes song identification on-device, conserving battery life and data usage. Shazam is often one of the first apps downloaded when setting up a new phone, making it a key tool for music discovery.

BetaBeacon

August 2, 2026

Classics from 3DS on smartphones: Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley and Skytree Village released on iOS and Android

Natsume Inc has expanded its legacy to mobile platforms by launching Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley and Harvest Moon: Skytree Village on iOS and Android devices. The games include all DLC and cosmetic items released for both titles and are available for 790 rubles each, with a 20% discount until August 11.

BetaBeacon

August 2, 2026

The World as a Sliding Puzzle: Puzzle-Platformer Lost Twins 2 Released on iOS and Android

Lost Twins 2 is a puzzle-platformer game where players help twins Abi and Ben reunite and find their way home through a world of unique creatures. The game features an environment rearrangement mechanic where players can move and swap tiles to create new pathways and solve puzzles. Players will encounter increasingly complex challenges, including controlling both twins and coordinating their actions. Lost Twins 2 offers solo and local co-op modes, with a "try before you buy" model allowing players to download the game for free and unlock the full version with a one-time purchase.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Every household management app I tried came up short, so I built my own with Claude

The author sought to improve household management by creating a customized app after finding existing apps inadequate. They initially planned to develop a traditional Android app but switched to a progressive web app (PWA) for quicker prototyping. The PWA evolved to include features for tracking family spending, inventory, and chores, with integration of Google Calendar and Firebase for syncing. The author repurposed an old tablet as a family hub for easy access to the app. After multiple iterations, they are now working on a native Android version, appreciating the learning experience gained from developing the PWA.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Minecraft Survival Modded Part #2

Google is refining its YouTube sign-in procedures by implementing a passive sign-in feature that allows users to bypass traditional login hurdles, aiming to enhance user experience and increase engagement. This approach reflects a commitment to user satisfaction and prioritizes accessibility in the tech industry.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Windows 11 Search is fixing its biggest annoyance, will find files in folders you actually use

Windows 11 Search is a crucial tool for users who create and download files, but it often struggles to find recently accessed files due to its indexing limitations. Microsoft is introducing a feature called “Automatically find additional relevant locations,” which will automatically identify and index folders based on user activity, reducing the need for manual indexing. Currently, Windows Search maintains an index focused on specific folders, which can lead to frustrations when files are not found. Users can manually add locations or switch to Enhanced mode for broader indexing, though this may result in irrelevant search results and increased resource usage. The new feature aims to streamline the search process by making significant folders searchable automatically while allowing users to block any unwanted folders. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Search to better recognize typos and plans to disable Bing search and ads in results. These updates are expected to be rolled out later this year.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Your Samsung phone already has something better than Android 17 App Bubbles — here’s how to use it

Android 17 introduces App Bubbles, allowing users to create floating bubbles for apps on their screen for easier access while using other applications. Samsung Galaxy phones have a similar feature called Pop-Up View, which offers a more refined multitasking experience with resizable, floating windows. Pop-Up View allows users to interact with multiple apps simultaneously without disrupting the primary app, making it useful for tasks like watching videos while chatting. Users can access Pop-Up View through the Recents menu, a swipe gesture, or the Edge Panel. The swipe gesture is preferred for its speed, though it may require practice. Pop-Up View supports individual window resizing and maintains visibility of app contents in the background, unlike App Bubbles, which can obscure the screen.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Fighting AI, one block at a time: Trenton resident recreating Pictou County in Minecraft

Logan Smith, an 18-year-old from Trenton, has been recreating iconic sites from Pictou County in Minecraft since July 18. He has already recreated several locations, including the Express Yourself Cafe, Domino’s, and Tim Horton’s. Smith shares his work on Facebook, receiving positive feedback and requests from the community. He plans to continue his project until he exhausts his passion or completes all known spots in the county, with upcoming projects including Trenton Town Hall and Sparkles Arcade/Appleseed Modern Diner. Smith uses Google Maps for reference, and his most challenging creation has been the Trenton Tim Horton’s, which required a visit for reference images. He aims to highlight familiar locations that evoke a sense of belonging rather than create an accurate map of Pictou County. Smith hopes his project will inspire others to embrace creativity in an age dominated by artificial intelligence.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Third-party app stores are about to take over Google Play. Here’s how to prepare

Alternative third-party app stores are becoming more prominent on Android, with major companies developing their own storefronts to bypass Google. These stores will be accessible for download directly from the Google Play Store in the U.S. for the first time. This shift is driven by developers' dissatisfaction with the "app tax" imposed by Google and Apple, along with international regulatory efforts like Europe’s Digital Markets Act, which require tech giants to open their platforms to competition. While this change offers more choices for users, it also raises security concerns as the Google Play Store's protective measures may be weakened, leading to potential risks from counterfeit app stores. Additionally, the rise of third-party stores may complicate subscription management and billing, as each store will likely implement its own payment system. This fragmentation could increase the risk of data breaches and complicate user experience. The future may see a competitive landscape similar to streaming services, potentially driving Google to improve its offerings.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

Google is updating its Gemini AI with a new interface that enhances user interaction on select Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The update features a blurred backdrop that separates the Gemini interface from the underlying screen, creating a more immersive experience. This redesign builds on previous updates, which included sleeker icons and Dynamic Color support, and allows for direct interactions within the overlay without needing to switch screens. The rollout is server-side controlled, meaning not all users will receive the update simultaneously, and there is currently no toggle to activate the new design.