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AppWizard

March 4, 2026

March builds on Google Home automations, expands Nest’s Yale Lock support

Google Home is implementing significant updates in March, including improvements to the Gemini voice assistant's interaction with smart home devices through room-level commands. Users can now issue commands like "turn off the kitchen," targeting specific devices. The update introduces new automation triggers, such as "Security system is armed" and "Device is plugged in." Google is also expanding its partnership with Yale Smart Lock, allowing users to view lock history and receive notifications through the Google Home app. The Gemini update enhances voice assistant capabilities, utilizing users' home addresses for contextually relevant responses, and improving accuracy for commands related to notes, reminders, calendars, and alarms. Additional features include enhanced responses for informational queries, fewer interruptions during speech, increased reliability for automations, improved accuracy in playing new songs, and a new “Live Search” feature for Google Home Premium subscribers. A software patch for Nest Wifi Pro is also set to enhance security and performance. Gemini for Home was first unveiled in late 2022, with early access starting in October, and users have reported positive experiences with features like "Ask Home."

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Google Home is finally making devices easier to add

Google has introduced a new feature in the Google Home app that allows users to manually search for smart home devices when QR code scanning or automatic pairing fails. The feature, labeled "Add a different way," includes a curated list of supported brands and a search bar for easier device location. The updated pairing flow also incorporates device images for visual confirmation. This feature is being rolled out with the Google Home app version 4.6.55.1 and will reach a broader user base shortly. Users are advised to update their app to access the new feature, which may be rolled out gradually.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

Google Home app update finally makes moving devices from Nest app less painful

Google updated its Google Home app on December 10, allowing users to transfer multiple Nest devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app with a single tap. This update simplifies the process, which previously required transferring devices one at a time. Users can now transition Nest cameras, thermostats, locks, and smoke alarms from 2015 into the Google Home ecosystem. This feature is part of Google's strategy to consolidate Nest devices within the Google Home app and is currently available only to users in the Google Home Public Preview program.

Winsage

December 16, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include: - Full screen experience (FSE) for handheld devices is now available on more devices, enhancing gaming through the Xbox app. - The Click to Do context menu has been redesigned for easier access to actions like Copy and Save. - Enhancements to the agent in Settings for quicker modifications and more search results. - Windows Studio Effects now supports additional cameras beyond integrated ones. - Drag Tray feature supports multi-file sharing and intelligent app suggestions. - Dark mode improvements in File Explorer for consistency across various dialogs. - Users can manage mobile devices from the Settings under Bluetooth & Devices. - New context menu options for Windows Spotlight backgrounds. - More keyboard settings transitioned to Settings, including character repeat delay and cursor blink rate. - Updates to Game Pass branding in Settings. - New OneDrive icon in Accounts and Homepages within Settings. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) will perform a one-time scan for solutions. - Virtual Workspaces can now be activated in Advanced Settings. - Various fixes for issues in File Explorer, Settings, Taskbar, Start menu, internet connectivity, display and graphics, login and lock screens, Narrator, Windows Update, Task Manager, and app responsiveness. Additionally, Paint version 11.2511.281.0 introduces a collapsible toolbar feature.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Google just killed a key Home app feature, and parents are going to miss it

Google has removed the "Call Home" button from the Google Home app, a feature introduced in 2019 that allowed users to connect with their smart displays from smartphones. This change disrupts communication for many users, particularly parents, who relied on it to check in on their children. The only alternative now is to use Google Meet, which requires setting up unique Google accounts for each device, making it cumbersome. Google has not provided a clear explanation for the removal, and users are left uncertain about the future of the "Call Home" feature.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Google’s Gemini App Revamp: Inside the Android Redesign Reshaping AI Interfaces

Google has updated its Gemini app for Android, introducing a redesigned homepage, a true black dark theme, and a new ‘My Stuff’ feature. The update aims to enhance user experience by making interactions more intuitive and organized, following a previous redesign in September. The gradual rollout starts with select users on Android. The black dark theme is optimized for OLED screens, reducing eye strain and improving battery efficiency. The ‘My Stuff’ hub centralizes user-generated content, addressing organization issues from earlier versions. The update aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, integrating with services like YouTube and Google Maps. The app now supports better organization tools, including a refreshed conversation view. Users have praised the dark theme and streamlined interface. Analysts suggest these updates could be pivotal in the AI race, enhancing Gemini's competitiveness against rivals like OpenAI. Some users have noted minor rollout delays, indicating a need for wider availability.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Minimal AF: This app rids your Android phone of all distractions

The Olauncher app has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 60,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. It features a minimalist interface that displays applications as plain text in a vertical list, allowing users to add only eight apps to their home screen. The app minimizes distractions by showing only the date, time, and total screen time, with a daily-changing background wallpaper. Users can lock the screen with a double-tap and access a settings menu by long-pressing an empty area. Olauncher integrates with Android’s Digital Wellbeing settings, allowing users to set daily time limits for specific applications. It is open-source, ad-free, and available for free download on the Play Store and F-Droid store, with a commitment to user privacy and no data collection.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Fitbit App Gets Material 3 Expressive Overhaul with Fluid Animations and AI Health Coach

Google is fully embracing Fitbit following its acquisition, as demonstrated by the announcement of the Material 3 Expressive redesign for the Fitbit app. This update features a streamlined bottom navigation bar, a pull-down sync gesture, a distinctive loading indicator, and a linear progress bar for syncing. The redesign includes visual enhancements such as checkmarks for completed goals, unique sheet designs for Today, Fitness, and Sleep feeds, and detailed cards with color coding. The app does not currently support Dynamic Color, maintaining a default blue accent for certain UI elements. The navigation experience is described as seamless, with smooth loading charts and the introduction of an AI-powered Personal Health Coach. The Material 3 Expressive update is set to launch next year, with a current public preview limited to users in the United States.

Winsage

November 2, 2025

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 released with “Ask Copilot” feature

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 is being rolled out to testers in the Insider Program, introducing new features including the 'Ask Copilot' feature on the taskbar, which allows users to search the internet, local files, and AI resources using text and voice commands. Users can activate it via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. A new full-screen experience for Xbox is now available to all handheld device owners, which can be enabled through Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience. The update also includes "shared audio" support for Bluetooth, allowing audio streams to be transmitted to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. ARM PCs will see improved performance with expanded support for more 64-bit x86 applications under emulation. These features will roll out to all users in the coming weeks, with early access available through the Beta or Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels receive the same 25H2-based updates. The update introduces the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar, allowing users to interact with their PC using text or voice commands. The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices, designed for console-style navigation. A preview of shared audio is being rolled out, enabling two users to share audio from connected devices. The update also includes improvements to Prism, enhancing compatibility for 64-bit x86 applications. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with USB devices, the Start menu, File Explorer, lock and login screens, and Settings. Known issues include problems with the Start menu and system tray for some users. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.