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WhatsApp could be among the first to support Google's 'Pixel Besties' feature
AppWizard
February 11, 2025

WhatsApp could be among the first to support Google’s ‘Pixel Besties’ feature

Google is developing a feature called "Pixel Besties" to consolidate conversations from various messaging applications into a single interface. It is expected to debut with the upcoming Pixel QPR update, with WhatsApp likely being the first third-party app to participate. The feature may be part of a dedicated application called "Pixel Relationship," which could include a home screen widget for easy access. Users will be able to curate a list of important contacts, and all interactions with designated "Pixel Besties" will be aggregated in one space. The latest beta version of WhatsApp suggests a central hub for this feature, supported by a new API for communication between apps. Initially, it will integrate data from Google Messages and WhatsApp, with potential future additions from other platforms like Messenger.
Nothing's new home screen widget revives Nokia's classic Snake game
BetaBeacon
December 5, 2024

Nothing’s new home screen widget revives Nokia’s classic Snake game

- Nothing collaborated with its community to create a new Snake game widget - The widget pays tribute to Nokia's iconic Snake game - Users can download the widget from Nothing's Community Widgets app - The game can be played directly from the phone's home screen - The widget aims to bring back memories of classic mobile gaming - Users control the snake by swiping the screen and can pause by double tapping - The objective is to eat red dots to increase the snake's length - The game ends if the snake hits itself - Nothing plans to curate a collection of community-created widgets for the PlayStore
Audile: Open Source Shazam Alternative for Android
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Audile: Open Source Shazam Alternative for Android

Audile is an open-source music recognition app for Android, operating under the GPL-3.0 License and powered by AudD and ACRCloud services. Previously known as MusicRecognizer, it allows users to identify songs and provides links to streaming platforms through the Odesli service. The app includes features such as track information, a library for managing recognized songs, a search function, and customizable preferences. Users can perform a maximum of five music recognition tasks every 24 hours with the AudD API, with a paid option and a 14-day free trial available for more extensive access. Audile can be downloaded from F-Droid or its GitHub releases page, which also contains the source code.
Data Monitor: The Sleek Open-Source Android App to Track Data Usage
AppWizard
August 23, 2024

Data Monitor: The Sleek Open-Source Android App to Track Data Usage

Data Monitor is a free and open-source Android application designed for tracking data usage. It features an elegant chart view for visualizing data usage, a customizable home screen widget, live network speed monitoring, personalized data usage limits, notifications for approaching limits, and the ability to exclude specific apps from tracking. Users can customize the reset date for data limits and set daily quota limits for data allocation. The app includes a Diagnostics feature for network speed tests and prioritizes user privacy. Data Monitor is available on F-Droid, the Google Play Store, and can be downloaded as an APK from its GitHub page.
New Google Play feature called Collections brings new widget, less app overload
AppWizard
July 25, 2024

New Google Play feature called Collections brings new widget, less app overload

Google Play Collections is a feature that automatically organizes apps into categories on your home screen based on your interests. The feature includes categories such as Watch, Food, Listen, Shop, Read, Social, and Game, with more categories like Health & Fitness, Sports, Travel & Events, and Dating coming soon. Users can also create their own categories in the future. The Collections widget makes it easier to access and browse through the content in each category. The feature is currently being rolled out to Google Play users in the United States, with plans to expand to users outside the US soon.
I've already ditched the new Google Home widget and watch tile
AppWizard
July 16, 2024

I’ve already ditched the new Google Home widget and watch tile

- Google Home team took a long time to release a home screen widget to control smart home devices - To use the widget, users have to join the Preview program, which may render Chromecasts inaccessible - The widget only allows an all-or-nothing approach for favorites, limiting controls for devices - Some devices show a small arrow indicating more controls, but this is not available for all device types - The widget lacks scene or routine support and has buggy behaviors like disappearing icons and slow updates - The Google Home Wear OS tile allows for shortcuts to favorite devices but lacks names or indications of what each controls - The Wear OS tile is not useful for users with multiple devices of the same type in different rooms - The author finds the widget and Wear OS tile not worth keeping due to limitations and lack of usability.
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