Google Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Samsung’s Gallery App is Getting New Google Photos Sync Feature

Samsung is replacing the OneDrive integration in its Gallery Android app with Google Photos, following Microsoft's announcement that OneDrive photo backup will cease after September 30, 2026. The new cloud sync feature with Google Photos is being rolled out to select Galaxy users, who must update their Gallery Cloud Sync, Samsung Cloud, and Samsung Gallery apps. The integration does not support supervised personal Google accounts or Google Workspace accounts. Users can back up their camera roll, specific albums, and local device folders to Google Photos, but edited photos will appear as separate items, and some Google Photos features will not be accessible for synced photos. Samsung's Gallery app will continue to operate alongside Google Photos, and the company is developing its own web browser for Android and Windows.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Google Contacts could soon support a smart new way to share Calling Cards

Google's Contacts app is developing a feature that will allow users to share their Calling Cards with new acquaintances without needing an initial phone call. The latest version of the app (4.88.28.981523105) is integrating Calling Card images into Virtual Contact File (VCF) files, enabling seamless sharing of visual business cards. Users can select the “Share contact” option, which will display the Calling Card image prominently. A new toggle for the Calling Card option will be included by default when choosing details to share. Users can send the enriched VCF file via platforms like Quick Share, WhatsApp, or email. This feature applies to both the user's own Calling Card and those of any contacts in their address book. Recipients can easily import the VCF file in Google Contacts, where the Calling Card image will be displayed. However, recipients need the Google Contacts app to fully import the Calling Card data.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Greak Memories of Azur, Fernz Gate, Legna Tactica, more

Today's Google Play offers notable mobile app deals, including: - Greak: Memories of Azur - Heroes Infinity Premium - Element TD - Premium RPG Fernz Gate - SRPG Eldgear - Premium RPG Asdivine Hearts 2 - SRPG Legna Tactica - Premium Marenian Tavern Story Additionally, hardware discounts include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at up to 0 off and the Ultra Fold 8 with a 0 reduction.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

The Pixel Weather widget now lets you catch up on the forecast with a single tap

Google has updated the Pixel Weather app, introducing a refresh button on the home screen widgets that allows users to manually update weather information. This button is located in the top-right corner of the larger Weather widget and also refreshes the smaller widget if both are in use. Additionally, the app's design has changed, removing tiny arrow buttons for navigating hourly and daily forecasts, allowing users to swipe left or right over the cards instead.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

GrapheneOS Isn’t Happy With Google Over Pixel’s Widening Head Start

Google's September 2026 Pixel Update Bulletin includes patches that affect standard Android platform code, relevant to both Pixel and non-Pixel devices, which have not been included in the regular monthly Android Security Bulletin. GrapheneOS has noted that Android 17 QPR1 introduced new developer APIs not present in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for the first time since Android Honeycomb, with one new package and modifications to sixteen others. GrapheneOS is backporting Pixel firmware and drivers from QPR1 onto Android 17 but lacks permissions to distribute this work. Additionally, there has been a delay in Google’s compliance with a GPL source request, with access granted over two weeks after the initial request. Starting in 2027, Google will require all Android app developers to register with them and provide legal identification and signing key evidence, complicating the process of sideloading unverified apps. GrapheneOS and other organizations are advocating for the Keep Android Open campaign against these developments, which may restrict competition and tighten Google's control over the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

No RCS, no problem: Chat themes in Messages are now available for standard texts

Google Messages has expanded its customization capabilities to include standard SMS conversations, allowing users to set custom chat themes. This feature, which was previously available only for RCS chats, has been quietly rolled out, enabling users to access chat themes in non-RCS chats. Users can find the chat themes option in the three-dot menu or by navigating to the contact info page. The customization applies only to the individual who sets it, rather than affecting all participants in a chat. This update enhances the visual appeal of SMS conversations without imposing changes on others.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android Auto update might fix cellular signal icon – is it back for you?

Users of Android Auto have experienced a glitch where the cellular signal icon in the status bar disappears sporadically for about four to five months. The issue seems to have been resolved with the rollout of Android Auto version 17.8, as many users reported that the update restored the icon. Clearing the app cache after the update may further enhance the likelihood of the icon returning.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android users are getting important Google system updates

Google has released system updates designated as Google System Updates 26.36 for September 2026, applicable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, Android TV, Google TV, Android Auto-compatible vehicles, and Wear OS gadgets. - Bug fixes have improved stability in account management services for smartphones. - Location sharing capabilities have been enhanced in account management for smartphones and Wear devices. - New features for developers have been introduced to facilitate better integration with Google Maps on smartphones. - Devices can now be set up regardless of their operating system for a streamlined onboarding process. - Developers have new features to enhance device connection processes within their applications for smartphones and Wear devices. - New functionalities for location- and context-based processes have been added for developers on smartphones. - Bug fixes related to system management and diagnostic services have been addressed across cars, PCs, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - Updates to system management services have improved device updateability for cars, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - The update allows real-time price adjustments in the shopping basket for PC and smartphone users during checkout. - Smartphone users switching to a new device will receive a notification to re-add their Google Wallet cards for mobile payments. These updates are distributed through the Play Store and are set to automatically install on Android devices. Users can manually initiate the download through Settings > System > Software Updates > Google Play system update.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Samsung Gallery finally gets Google Photos sync — here’s what you need to do

Samsung is ending its OneDrive integration on September 30 and will instead offer direct Google Photos backup within the Samsung Gallery app. The update, version 15.9.01.7, introduces a "Sync photos and videos" option that allows users to connect a personal Google account for photo and video backup. Users can selectively sync specific local folders or disable main camera roll uploads. This feature is available only on devices running Android 13 or later and requires a compatible Samsung device. Users can disable the Google Photos sync if they prefer not to use it, while still accessing previously backed-up photos via Google Photos.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Survey says loads of Google Messages users aren’t keen on this incoming feature

Google Messages is introducing a feature to notify users about updates and enhancements, which has received mixed reactions. A poll of over 1,800 participants showed that 52.3% are skeptical about the feature, fearing it may create "unnecessary bloat." In contrast, 20.6% view it as a "promising addition," while 27.1% are cautiously optimistic. Users have expressed a preference for other enhancements, such as additional font settings and improved contact categorization, over the notification system. Concerns have been raised about the potential for a cluttered user experience similar to past messaging platforms.