home screen widget Archives

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Grok App for Android Gets Google-Like Widget for Instant Access

xAI’s Grok chatbot has launched a home screen widget for Android devices, allowing users to access core functionalities with a single tap. This feature was developed in response to feedback from the Android community. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 1.0.75 to utilize features like Chat, Imagine, and Voice. The widget appears as an elongated bar on the home screen and includes quick-access shortcuts for image-based searches and audio input. Customization options allow users to resize the widget while keeping functionalities easily accessible. Early users have reported an issue with the "Voice" button, which sometimes redirects to the main app instead of activating voice input. The development team is aware of this issue and plans to include a fix in the next app update.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

3 widgets I can’t wait to try on Android Auto

Google is introducing home screen widget support for Android Auto, currently codenamed “Earth.” This feature is in early stages and has limitations, such as not supporting all widgets or allowing multiple installations simultaneously. Among the potential widgets is Fuelio, which tracks refueling expenses and locates gas stations, offering Quick Actions for logging refueling and Trip Control for journey recording. The Google Home Favorites widget allows users to control smart devices from their car. The KWGT app enables users to design custom widgets for personalized functionality.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

6 free Android apps I use to learn something new every day

Megan Ellis reflects on her educational journey, transitioning from a childhood interest in encyclopedias to using modern learning apps. She navigates various platforms to learn in bite-sized lessons due to time constraints. In a poll, 75% of respondents use only one learning app at a time, with none using multiple simultaneously, and 25% do not use any learning apps. 1. Mimo is a coding app that offers concise lessons tailored to individual learning paths. Ellis is taking an introductory Python course to enhance her coding skills. 2. Drops is a vocabulary app for language learning that allows users to select specific topics. It has a daily time limit unless users subscribe to a premium version. Ellis uses it to supplement her Mandarin vocabulary. 3. The Vocabulary app helps users expand their English vocabulary by allowing them to choose types of words to learn, including slang. It sends daily notifications and has a home screen widget for reminders. 4. Primer requires a subscription or scholarship for access. Ellis received a scholarship and explores short lessons in computer science and other topics of interest. 5. Reddit provides value through its communities, where Ellis joins subreddits related to her professional interests and other topics like zoology and history. 6. The Facts app offers daily trivia tailored to user interests, with customizable topics and a widget for easy access. Some content is subscription-based, but it aligns with her desire for quick learning experiences.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Pixel VIPs app makes an early appearance on the Play Store

The Google Pixel VIPs app has launched on the Play Store for select Pixel phone users, serving as a precursor to the upcoming Pixel VIPs home screen widget. This widget aims to consolidate information about preferred contacts into a single interface. The app allows users to connect with important contacts, view their last call and message, real-time location, and activity suggestions. It also enables selected contacts to bypass Do Not Disturb mode. The widget will support up to eight contacts, include birthday reminders, and offer notes functionality, with indications of WhatsApp integration. However, downloading the app does not currently provide access to the Pixel VIPs widget, which will require a future update or server-side change.

BetaBeacon

May 27, 2025

These iOS & Android Apps are Free for a While

Android Apps and Games are available for free for a limited time, including apps like Fake Call Screen, Stabilize Video, Simple Quote Widgets, Number to Word Convert, and Quick Volume Control.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

This potential Pixel Screenshots update could really put the app in the spotlight

Google is developing a home screen widget for its Pixel Screenshots app, which will allow users to display the latest screenshot on their home screen for quick sharing or editing. The widget currently shows a single screenshot without customization options and is expected to be exclusive to the Pixel 9. The Pixel Screenshots app utilizes Google's Gemini Nano AI to organize and search through screenshots by text, dates, or specific details. Future updates are anticipated to introduce widget support and enhanced customization options.

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.

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

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.

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.