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Android 17 Fixes Long-Standing App Orientation Frustrations
AppWizard
February 18, 2026

Android 17 Fixes Long-Standing App Orientation Frustrations

Android 17 Beta 1 has launched for Pixel phones, introducing significant changes in app orientation and resizability restrictions. It eliminates the option for developers to opt-out of these restrictions on larger screens (width greater than 600 dp), disregarding five specific attributes and APIs for applications on large screens or games. This aims to improve user experience on Android tablets, foldable phones, and Chromebooks, addressing issues with apps that lock into a single orientation. Developers must adapt their applications to comply with the new standards set by SDK 37, ensuring compatibility with the phase-out of certain manifest attributes and runtime APIs from Android 16. Users will retain control over their app experience through aspect ratio settings. The upcoming Aluminum OS will require Android applications to operate seamlessly in landscape mode, indicating a push for a more unified Android experience.
Google preps a fix for what's probably the Phone app's most annoying trait
AppWizard
December 19, 2025

Google preps a fix for what’s probably the Phone app’s most annoying trait

Google is testing a significant update for its Phone app on Android devices, which includes a new "Controls" toggle in Display settings to maintain portrait mode during calls. This feature addresses user complaints about the app's inconsistent adherence to auto-rotation preferences. The beta also introduces an option to mark calls as "urgent" and refreshes the user interface by removing the Favorites tab and consolidating frequently contacted individuals into a horizontal row in the "Recents" section. Additionally, the dedicated "Frequents" list has been removed, encouraging users to actively favorite their most-called contacts. Another feature, "Expressive Calling," allows users to select a "call reason" when dialing, enhancing communication awareness.
Running Android apps on your Windows 11 PC is about to feel slightly better
AppWizard
December 13, 2025

Running Android apps on your Windows 11 PC is about to feel slightly better

Microsoft has released an update for Phone Link, version 1.25112.33.0, which introduces an expanded view option for streaming Android apps on Windows 11. This feature allows users to stretch Android applications beyond the phone-sized window, improving usability on larger monitors. The expanded view includes a small icon next to the window controls that enables users to widen the app. While some apps like VLC and Amazon adapt well to this feature, others like Uber remain limited in functionality. The expanded view does not improve font resolution, which may result in blurry text, and the window cannot be maximized, defaulting to snap to the left edge. Additionally, Microsoft is implementing other upgrades for Windows 11, including streamlined app updates, new privacy safeguards, and a new Themes section for personalization.
Microsoft stops breaking Windows 11 – instead it just made Phone Link even better with Android apps
AppWizard
December 11, 2025

Microsoft stops breaking Windows 11 – instead it just made Phone Link even better with Android apps

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Phone Link that allows users to stream Android apps on Windows 11 in an 'expanded view,' which enlarges the app window for a better desktop experience. This feature is still in testing and may have performance issues, such as limited expansion for certain apps like Uber and slightly blurry text. Users can currently use screen mirroring to rotate their phone display to landscape mode as a workaround. The streaming feature is compatible with select smartphones, including models from Samsung, Asus ROG, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Basic phone mirroring is supported on a wider range of devices.
Google Maps is testing a battery-saving mode you've always needed
AppWizard
October 31, 2025

Google Maps is testing a battery-saving mode you’ve always needed

Google Maps is developing a power-saving mode to address battery drain issues during navigation. This feature, found in version 25.44.03.824313610 for Android, will prioritize essential information like upcoming turns and estimated time of arrival, reducing visual clutter to minimize power consumption. Users can activate this mode easily by pressing the power button during navigation, and it will work for driving, walking, and two-wheeler routes, though not for public transit. The mode operates independently from Android's system-wide battery saver, allowing activation at any time. However, it may not support landscape mode and could transition to a monochrome display, which might affect visibility for certain elements. An official release date is not yet announced, but it is expected to appear in a future beta version.
Android 17 Min Mode turns AOD into a live app canvas
AppWizard
October 31, 2025

Android 17 Min Mode turns AOD into a live app canvas

Most Android devices now have an always-on display (AOD) feature, which allows users to view the time and notifications without unlocking their phones. Google is developing a new feature called "Min Mode" for Android 17, which will enable apps to integrate with AOD by rendering minimal user interfaces on the low-power display. Min Mode will not replace the traditional AOD but will function as an additional mode, allowing for a full-screen application surface while maintaining low brightness and refresh rates. Apps can activate Min Mode by defining a MinModeActivity in their AndroidManifest and communicating with a MinModeProvider in SystemUI. This feature aims to provide glanceable, battery-efficient experiences for applications that typically drain battery life. Early indications suggest that Google Maps may be the first app to implement Min Mode, with relevant code already identified. The feature is expected to be available in Android 17, as it is currently disabled at the system level and is not anticipated to be included in Android 16 QPR3.
Early look: Google Docs preps search filters, one-handed tweaks, and Expressive revamp
AppWizard
September 23, 2025

Early look: Google Docs preps search filters, one-handed tweaks, and Expressive revamp

Google Docs is set to receive enhancements that include three new document search filters: by type (spreadsheets, presentations, text documents), by people (files owned by specific individuals), and by modified date (last seven days or custom ranges). The platform will adopt the Material 3 Expressive design language, updating the floating action button to a bolder appearance with a pill-shaped container. Additionally, the formatting tool will be relocated from the top of the screen to the bottom toolbar, which will include a horizontal scroll function for easier access to formatting options, especially in portrait mode. These updates are based on findings from an APK teardown and may change before the public release.
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