icon packs Archives

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Essential Apps to Install First on Your New Android Phone

Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Five beloved Android apps we loved and then lost

This year, several essential Android applications have been abruptly retired, creating a significant void for users. Pocket, originally launched as Read It Later and acquired by Mozilla, was a popular tool for saving articles but has now shut down, leaving users without a true replacement. Omnivore, an open-source read-it-later tool favored by academics, lost its original vision after being acquired by ElevenLabs, which shifted its focus to AI-enhanced reading. Syncthing's official Android app was withdrawn due to non-compliance with app store policies, despite the technology's capabilities. Kiwi Browser, known for allowing desktop-style Chrome extensions on Android, was archived to develop an extension store for Microsoft Edge, losing its independent essence. Nova Launcher, a highly customizable home screen application, ceased updates after its acquisition by Branch, disappointing its dedicated user community. The losses of these applications highlight the challenges faced by smaller teams in maintaining their products amidst changing regulations and corporate acquisitions.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Warm Snow, Venture Towns, Beastie Bay DX, more

A selection of popular titles on Google Play includes Venture Towns, Beastie Bay DX, and Final Frontier Story, all available at reduced prices. There is a noteworthy offer on Warm Snow and free icon packs. Google’s Moonstone Pixel Buds Pro 2 are at an all-time low price. Amazon's Fire TV Stick is available from a low price, and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge has a significant discount. Additional Android app deals are available, with various categories offering discounts. Subscribing to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel provides updates on tech deals.

AppWizard

September 3, 2025

Top 15 Best Android Apps

As of September 2025, the Android ecosystem offers a variety of applications aimed at enhancing productivity, customization, entertainment, and more. Key apps include: Productivity Tools: - Photo to Calendar: Converts photos/screenshots of schedules into calendar entries automatically. - Compose PDF: Merges PDFs and images offline without watermarks or internet dependency. - Forstop Helper: Manages device performance by force-stopping apps with a single tap. Customization and Utility Apps: - Installer X Revive: Advanced APK installer with features like auto-permissions and batch installations. - Material Capsule: Turns camera cutouts into functional widgets for notifications and controls. - Tap Tap Lock: Locks the phone with a tap gesture using an invisible widget. - Nothing Glyphify: Enhances glyph light functionality for Nothing Phone users with customizable notification patterns. - Icon Theming Hack: Aligns home screen icons with Material You themes using third-party icon packs. Photo and Media Management: - Photo Swooper: Organizes photos in the gallery using swipe-based actions. - Convert It: Converts audio files across multiple formats. Entertainment and Lifestyle: - Awake: An interactive alarm clock requiring puzzle-solving to turn off. - Score Peak: Displays live sports scores on the always-on display. - Widgetify for Spotify: Customizes Spotify widgets for easy access to playlists and albums. Creative Tools: - Draw Anywhere: Allows annotation or drawing over any app or content on the screen. Smart Home Integration: - Edge Smart Things: Integrates smart home controls into the Samsung edge panel for easy access.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

How I Turned My Super Slow Android Phone Into a Speed Machine

Android users can enhance device performance and extend lifespan by making several adjustments: 1. Delete unused apps to free up storage and remove unnecessary permissions. 2. Eliminate old files using the device's file management app to manage storage effectively. 3. Tweak home screen settings for a refreshed appearance without additional downloads. 4. Optimize device settings, such as enabling dark mode and managing app icons on the home screen. 5. Review and customize privacy settings to control app permissions and enhance security.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Google is working on AI-powered custom icon themes for your Pixel phone

Google is enhancing the customization capabilities of its Pixel phones, particularly regarding app icons. The current "Themed icons" feature only works well with monochromatic icons, leading to mismatched visuals for many popular apps. To improve this, Google is reportedly developing new AI-powered options for icon customization, which may allow users to create custom icon themes independently of app developers. The new options discovered in the Android Canary build include: - Default: Keeps app icons unchanged. - Minimal: Displays monochromatic versions of app icons. - AI icon: Utilizes AI to generate a custom icon style automatically. - Create: Empowers users to design their own custom icon styles. Additionally, Google is working on allowing users to customize icon shapes. The timeline for these features is uncertain, but they may be part of a broader theme support initiative. Third-party Android launchers that support custom icon packs are available for users seeking immediate personalization options.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I’m fed up with ads on my Google TV, so I got rid of them with this third-party launcher

The transition from Android TV to Google TV has led to mixed reactions from users, primarily due to the increase in sponsored content and ads, which can be frustrating for those who have invested in hardware. Unlike Apple TV 4K, which is ad-free, Google TV users can utilize a third-party launcher, such as Projectivy Launcher, to eliminate ads and enhance their viewing experience. Projectivy Launcher is customizable, allowing users to reorder apps, hide unused ones, and create personalized categories. It offers features like adjustable icon sizes, dynamic wallpapers, and the ability to sideload APKs. It also includes parental controls and is free to use, with some premium features available for a one-time payment. Google TV provides an "App-only" mode to reduce clutter, but Projectivy is considered a better option for a streamlined experience.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.