NewApp Digest
search bot

home screen widgets

Calls Mount For 5 Essential Services To Get Android Apps
AppWizard
November 10, 2025

Calls Mount For 5 Essential Services To Get Android Apps

Android powers nearly 70% of the world's smartphones but lacks proper support for many essential web services and applications. A Google Finance app could provide real-time stock alerts and personalized widgets. CamelCamelCamel would improve price tracking for Amazon by allowing users to access price history directly through an app. Have I Been Pwned could enhance user security with push notifications for data breaches. Google Travel needs a unified app for trip planning and real-time notifications. AeroLOPA could offer detailed seat maps and offline access for travelers. Native applications on Android would provide essential features like push alerts and offline reliability, addressing the current gaps in user experience.
Exclusive: Android Auto is preparing home screen widgets — here's your first look
AppWizard
October 30, 2025

Exclusive: Android Auto is preparing home screen widgets — here’s your first look

Android Auto is set to introduce home screen widgets, codenamed “Earth,” allowing users to integrate widgets from mobile applications into the Android Auto dashboard. Currently, Android Auto features “Taskbar Widgets” for quick app controls. The new home screen widgets will enable users to select one widget to occupy one side of the home screen, taking up 35-40% of the width. To add widgets in the current beta version, users must navigate to Settings > “Customize Earth,” choose an app, confirm the selection, and manage the widget. Users need to grant permissions for widget creation, after which they can select from compatible apps. Widgets will display on the dashboard, with the Spotify widget showing playback controls but lacking song titles due to layout design limitations. Testing reveals varying performance levels among widgets, with the Pixel Weather widget functioning well when location access is enabled. Key limitations include the ability to display only one widget at a time, no option to add multiple widgets from different apps, limited size adjustment, and some widgets not functioning correctly due to design issues. Widgets that work well typically do not require opening their companion apps. Improvements and better compatibility are expected in future updates.
Android Auto Preps for the Easiest Music App Switching
AppWizard
October 29, 2025

Android Auto Preps for the Easiest Music App Switching

The latest beta version of Android Auto (v15.6.154404) suggests the introduction of a multi-card media interface that allows users to navigate audio apps more easily. This feature will enable a horizontal swipeable carousel of media cards, letting users switch between streaming services, podcasts, and audiobooks without needing to re-enter apps. Currently, Android Auto only displays a single "now playing" media card, requiring users to access the app picker to switch applications. The new interface aims to minimize interaction and enhance safety by allowing drivers to switch audio sources with fewer taps and distractions. The update is expected to retain cards for multiple recent or active audio sessions, organized by recency, and will provide controls for the next app without returning to the app itself. This development aligns with Google's initiative to simplify in-car tasks and improve user experience. The feature is still in beta and may take weeks or months before public rollout.
Luminar Mobile 2.0 for Android Brings Smarter, Faster Photo Editing
AppWizard
October 11, 2025

Luminar Mobile 2.0 for Android Brings Smarter, Faster Photo Editing

Skylum has released Luminar Mobile Version 2.0 for Android, featuring professional-grade editing tools for mobile photo editing. Key updates include the Curves tool for precise adjustments of brightness, contrast, and color; one-tap Presets for quick application of looks; a Revert to Original feature for easy experimentation; and Luminar Space for organizing and synchronizing edited images across devices. The update also introduces home screen widgets for quick access to tools and advanced Sky Enhancements for improved sky replacements. The app is available for download and existing users can update through the Google Play Store.
Google Revamps Gemini AI App on Android with Material You UI Overhaul
AppWizard
September 9, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App on Android with Material You UI Overhaul

Google's Gemini app is undergoing a user interface overhaul on Android devices, focusing on enhancing visual appeal and usability. The redesign features a pill-shaped input field with integrated icons for voice input and image uploads, aiming to streamline user interactions. Subtle animations and color adjustments align with Google’s Material You design language, while an improved model-switching mechanism allows one-handed gestures for toggling between AI models. Developers have noted bouncier animations in the Gemini overlay, inspired by Material 3 guidelines. The updates may position Gemini to manage more complex tasks and integrate further into users' daily routines with home screen widgets. Challenges remain, including integration issues reported by users. Future changes are expected to extend to tablets and smart home products, optimizing experiences for larger screens and enhancing control over smart devices.
5 Must-Have Open-Source Android Apps to Simplify Your Life
AppWizard
July 24, 2025

5 Must-Have Open-Source Android Apps to Simplify Your Life

Five standout open source Android applications highlighted for their utility, user-focused design, and privacy-conscious features are: 1. Tomato: A minimalist Pomodoro timer that helps maintain focus by dividing work into customizable intervals, offering productivity insights through visual graphs. 2. Grit: An all-in-one task and habit tracker that categorizes tasks, provides a visual habit map, supports scheduled reminders, and includes home screen widgets for quick access to daily goals. 3. Momentum: A habit tracker with a straightforward interface, calendar view, streak tracking, and an AI assistant that suggests habits, while prioritizing user privacy with offline functionality and local data storage. 4. Toolbox: A versatile utility app that includes features like a stopwatch, compass, text manipulation utilities, and advanced tools for developers, all while being lightweight and ad-free. 5. Thor App Manager: A tool for precise management of Android applications, offering features like batch installation, app freezing, and APK management, with additional controls for rooted users.
Force stopping apps in Android 15 temporarily disables widgets
AppWizard
June 15, 2024

Force stopping apps in Android 15 temporarily disables widgets

When using the force stop function in Android 15, all home screen widgets related to the app will be temporarily disabled until the app is launched directly or indirectly. This change is part of Google's efforts to ensure the force stop function remains effective for users in Android 15.
Search