light theme Archives

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Galaxy Books powered by Windows 11 may soon offer better battery life in dark mode

Windows 11 has introduced an upgraded dark mode in the Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 for the Dev Channel, which extends dark mode to more UI elements, including copy, move, and delete dialogs, progress bars, confirmation dialogs, and error dialogs. This enhancement aims to reduce the appearance of light-themed UI elements, decrease eye strain, and improve battery performance on OLED devices. The timeline for Samsung to roll out this upgraded dark mode to the stable channel is currently undisclosed.

Winsage

September 4, 2025

Windows 11 will finally let you switch themes based on schedule or time via PowerToys

Windows 11 will introduce an automated feature to switch between light and dark themes based on the time of day, currently being tested through a PowerToys utility expected by October 2025. Users can set custom hours or use location services for this functionality. Task Scheduler can also be used to create tasks that automatically switch themes by modifying registry values.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Android’s latest update can force apps into dark mode – how to see it now

The latest beta release of Android 16 introduces enhanced dark mode capabilities, allowing for intelligent inversion of the UI in apps that lack built-in dark mode support. This feature evaluates an app's "Light Theme" attribute to determine if inversion is necessary and applies color inversion techniques to standard Android Views, Composables, and WebViews. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 can generate themed icons for apps without their own, using a color filtering algorithm to ensure they match the user's selected theme. This functionality is aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with low vision and photosensitivity, as well as catering to users who prefer a darker aesthetic. The beta version is currently available only to Pixel device owners, with a public release expected later this year.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Windows Dark Mode finally gets dark dialog boxes

Microsoft's latest Preview build of Windows 11, version 26100.5061, has unified the dark theme by updating dialog boxes for file copying and deletion to match the dark aesthetic. However, some elements, such as buttons and certain dialogs in File Explorer, still reflect the older light theme. This update is being tested in Preview channels, with a broader rollout expected in the Windows 11 25H2 update in the latter half of 2025. Additionally, the upcoming July release will feature a redesigned black blue screen of death (BSOD), replacing the traditional blue background and sad smiley face with a black design that displays the relevant error code and driver name.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Windows 11 could finally get a finished dark mode – but I can’t believe how long it’s taken

Microsoft is working to enhance the dark mode experience in Windows 11, focusing on extending it to critical interface components like dialog boxes for file operations. Observations indicate that a preview build includes changes that promise a dark background for these dialog boxes, although some elements still reflect the traditional light theme. The updates are currently hidden and require specific user configurations to access. Despite the slow evolution of dark mode since its introduction in Windows 10, recent developments suggest that Microsoft is prioritizing its completion in Windows 11.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Microsoft finally adds dark mode for Windows 11’s legacy file operation dialogs (hands on)

Microsoft is rolling out dark mode support for legacy dialogs in Windows 11, starting with essential file operations like copying, deleting, cutting, and moving files. The latest beta build (Build 26120) integrates this feature into file operation dialogs, aligning them with the dark theme of the operating system. Testing indicates that dark mode is consistent across various dialogs, with plans to extend support to additional dialogs related to file operations. Updated dialogs include those for deleting large files, emptying the recycle bin, confirming folder merges, and notifying users of file access issues. The feature is currently being tested in the Beta and Canary channels of Windows 11 24H2, with a low likelihood of cancellation as it approaches finalization for public feedback.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Android Auto’s media apps may soon offer an upgraded UI

Google announced updates at the Google I/O 2025 event to enhance media app layouts on Android Auto, introducing two new templates: SectionedItemTemplate and MediaPlaybackTemplate. The SectionedItemTemplate allows for a more organized browsing experience with multiple sections, while the MediaPlaybackTemplate offers greater control over the Now Playing screen layout. These changes enable developers to create more personalized and innovative app experiences. Additionally, Google is working on expanding Android Auto's capabilities to support browser and video applications, as well as a new light theme for the platform.

BetaBeacon

May 14, 2025

Android Auto tests a smarter way to display games on your screen (APK teardown)

Android Auto is changing how games are displayed. Games no longer take up the whole screen when opened. Users no longer have to swipe down to see the back and exit buttons.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Google just gave the Pixel Watch app a fresh light theme makeover

Google's Pixel Watch companion app has transitioned to a light theme, moving away from its previous dark aesthetics. This change has been rolled out via a server-side update, with users noticing the new vibrant white backdrop on their Android devices. There is no option to toggle between themes in the app settings, indicating that the update was implemented without user intervention. The last official app update was version 3.4, released in April. The app operates independently of the phone's theme settings. Earlier this year, Pixel Studio also adopted a light theme, while the Clock app remains dark. The Pixel Watch is expected to receive a significant operating system update, possibly introducing Wear OS 6 based on Android 16, during the Google I/O 2025 event, but it will continue to run on Android 15 for now.