home screen widgets Archives

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 15, 2026

Latest Pixel Feature Drop Expands Access to Scam-Text Detection

Google has released a feature update for Pixel phones that enhances existing functionalities and introduces new elements. The update expands scam-text detection capabilities to chat applications using Gboard, compatible with devices as old as the Pixel 6, and is available in multiple countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Japan, and Singapore. It also improves VIP notifications by allowing users to add home-screen widgets for designated contacts and includes a new navigation menu for easier contact switching, available for Pixel 6 and newer models. Additionally, a Harry Potter-themed pack with wallpapers, icons, and audio effects is offered, along with a two-month free subscription to Audible. For Pixel Watch users, the update introduces a one-handed pinch gesture for easier access to notifications and improved functionality for the raise-to-talk gesture on newer models.

AppWizard

August 24, 2026

The best Android weather app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app for Android that is not available on the Play Store due to the developers' decision to avoid listing fees and personal identification requirements. To download Breezy Weather, users need to visit its GitHub page, download the APK file, and enable installation permissions on their device. Alternatively, users can download it from F-Droid, which is a Play Store alternative for free and open-source applications. Keeping Breezy Weather updated requires manual checks or enabling notifications for updates, while F-Droid offers a more seamless update process. Obtainium is a sideload manager that can simplify the update process by monitoring apps for new versions. Breezy Weather allows users to customize their experience with 50 different weather data sources and 13 widget options, providing extensive functionality without ads.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Mesh, Automattic’s CRM for everyone, comes to Android

Mesh, a personal CRM acquired by Automattic, has launched on Android, allowing users to manage their networks with features like notes, reminders, and real-time synchronization. The app includes enhancements for Android, such as split-screen views, keyboard shortcuts for foldable devices, in-app search, and home screen widgets. Mesh is currently in early access with Nexus AI, which helps users navigate their networks. It prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version for up to 1,000 contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes, and it is available for download on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Automattic has introduced the Mesh app for Android

Automattic has launched the Android version of its app, Mesh, which helps users manage personal and professional contacts with privacy. Mesh allows users to visualize their network, add notes, and set reminders. The Android version utilizes features like split-screen mode, pop-up windows, and supports keyboard shortcuts on foldable devices. It includes in-app search, home screen widgets, and real-time synchronization. Mesh partially integrates with Automattic’s Beeper messenger for streamlined communication. Currently in early access, Nexus AI enhances user experience by enabling intuitive queries about contacts. Mesh prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version with a limit of 1,000 contacts and paid tiers for unlimited contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes. The app, formerly known as Clay, is available on Google Play and compatible with various devices.

BetaBeacon

August 1, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this August

A new app called Messages by OzarksMade aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via integration with Google Messages.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Pixel testers are getting Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5: this is what’s important

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5, which includes the June security patch and fixes for disappearing widgets. The update is available for enrolled Pixel devices with the build number vCP31.260608.007. It addresses issues related to the Game Dashboard, download functionalities, and camera corrections. Despite these improvements, Pixel users have reported problems with 5G connectivity and display performance. The previous Beta 4 introduced May's security enhancements and a new feature called Screen Reactions for content creators. Users experiencing issues are encouraged to report them through the Issue Tracker.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Android 17 is off to a rough start with new Pixel touchscreen complaints

Android 17 has caused touchscreen issues for Pixel users, including unresponsive taps, dead zones, and reversed scrolling, affecting models such as the Pixel 10, 9, 8, and 7 series. Google is aware of the problem, but initial fixes have not worked for all users. Clearing the cache of the Pixel Launcher has shown inconsistent results. Users have reported erratic touchscreen behavior, with taps being ignored and swipes misinterpreted. The issue has been documented in Google's IssueTracker and affects the entire modern Pixel lineup, occurring across different applications. Google suggested clearing the Pixel Launcher cache as a troubleshooting step, but many users found it ineffective. Some users reported success by disabling the “Smooth Display” feature, while others found toggling it off and on resolved scrolling issues. Google has not provided a timeline for a permanent fix, and users are advised to hold off on upgrading to Android 17 until a bug-fix update is released.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Android 17 woes continue with Pixel users losing 5G connectivity

Pixel users are experiencing 5G connectivity issues after the Android 17 update, with many devices defaulting to LTE. Some users have found a workaround by using Repair Mode and restarting their phones to restore 5G capabilities. Additionally, there are reports of missing home screen widgets following the update, and Google is working on a fix for this issue.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Android 17 is making Pixel widgets vanish, but Google already has a fix in the works

Users of Android 17 have reported that home screen widgets are disappearing after the latest stable update, specifically on devices with a work profile. Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, which may be included in the next month's security update. Currently, there is no effective workaround other than removing the work profile, which allows users to restore their widgets by restarting the device and re-adding them.