Material 3 Archives

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android Auto to get a major design change, widgets, better music apps

At the Google I/O 2026 event, Google introduced an updated version of Android Auto, featuring a new design that adapts to various display sizes and supports widgets. The interface will utilize the Material 3 Expressive design, allowing personalized fonts and wallpapers from Galaxy phones. A floating app row will be positioned based on the steering wheel's location, and the interface will overlay Google Maps for integrated navigation. The updated Android Auto can display air conditioning controls if supported by the vehicle and allows users to place widgets like Clock, Contacts, Google Home, Photos, and Weather on the infotainment screen. It will also support video streaming from platforms like YouTube when parked, with Full HD resolution and up to 60fps. This feature will be available in select vehicles from manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. The music streaming interface will be redesigned with tabs at the top and will support Dolby Atmos in compatible vehicles. Popular music streaming services like Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, Spotify, TuneIn, and YouTube Music will adopt this new design, with functionalities depending on device compatibility.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

5 New Features Coming To Android Auto In 2026

Android Auto will undergo a significant redesign in 2026, featuring a comprehensive visual overhaul that includes personal design elements, glanceable widgets, and edge-to-edge Google Maps integration using the Material 3 Expressive Google design system. The update aims to enhance the GPS experience across various screen types and introduce widget support for interactive applications on dashboard displays, promoting safer driving. Immersive navigation will shift from 2-D to 3-D views, providing clearer terrain understanding and displaying critical information for urban driving. Users will also be able to watch videos from platforms like YouTube on their car screens, with safety measures in place for when the vehicle is in motion. Popular media apps will receive visual updates, and Android Auto will integrate Gemini AI features, allowing context recognition, suggested responses, and access to vehicle information. The Magic Cue system will offer intelligent message interpretation and lane guidance using the car's cameras.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Android Auto gets a fresh take on Google Maps navigation, teases more Gemini at the Android Show

The Android Show 2026 has introduced significant enhancements for Android Auto, including an edge-to-edge experience for Google Maps and a new Immersive Navigation update featuring a dynamic 3D view. A comprehensive Material 3 Expressive redesign for the vehicle operating system has been announced, improving the user interface. Popular music streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify will also receive visual updates. Gemini Intelligence will be integrated into vehicles, assisting drivers with text messages and allowing them to order food through DoorDash. Vehicles with Google built-in will receive the same updates, including video-to-audio transitions and Immersive Navigation enhancements. The rollout of Gemini is currently underway for cars with Google built-in technology.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

The Android Show I/O Edition: All the biggest announcements

Google recently held The Android Show: I/O Edition, showcasing innovations ahead of Google I/O 2026, focusing on Android updates and upcoming Gemini AI features. Key announcements included the introduction of the Googlebook, a new class of laptops developed with partners like Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer, featuring advanced AI capabilities and a Magic Pointer for contextual actions. Android Auto received enhancements with Material 3 design, custom widgets, and updates to Google Maps, including a 3D view and HD video support for parked vehicles. Google plans to introduce "Gemini Intelligence" features throughout 2026 for devices like Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, including tools like Rambler for speech-to-text and automatic form-filling. The Pause Point feature helps users manage distractions by prompting them to reconsider opening marked apps. Pixel devices will introduce Screen Reactions for recording user reactions, while Instagram will add Ultra HDR and video stabilization features. Adobe Premiere will launch on Android with templates for YouTube Shorts. Chrome for Android will receive Gemini support, including image generation and webpage summarization features.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Google brings agentic AI and vibe-coded widgets to Android

Google introduced new AI features under the Gemini Intelligence brand at its Android Show: I/O Edition event. These features allow users to perform tasks across applications, navigate the web, fill out forms, dictate speech, and create personalized Android widgets using natural language. Gemini's capabilities now include managing multi-step processes, such as copying a grocery list and adding items to a shopping cart, with user confirmation required before checkout. A web browsing feature that allows Gemini to book appointments is being rolled out to Android devices, and by late June, it will be integrated into Chrome on Android. Gemini can also fill out forms using insights from Personal Intelligence, with an opt-in option for users. Additionally, Gemini will be integrated into Android's Gboard keyboard, featuring a tool called Rambler that transcribes speech while removing filler words. Users can create Android widgets through natural language descriptions, and Gemini will follow Google's Material 3 design language. The rollout of these features is expected to start this summer on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, with wider availability later in the year.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Auto is getting a massive Material 3 makeover with new widgets, video apps, and more

Google unveiled updates for Android Auto at the Android Show: I/O Edition 2026, including: - Material 3 Expressive: Introduces expressive fonts, fluid animations, and customizable wallpapers, enhancing the interface for various screen sizes. - Home screen widgets: Users can access essential information and actions directly from the car's display, including shortcuts to contacts and real-time weather updates. - Support for video apps: Android Auto will support video applications like YouTube, allowing Full HD playback at 60 fps in select vehicles while parked, with automatic transition to audio-only mode when driving. - Dolby Atmos: Introduces spatial sound in select vehicles, along with visual updates for media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify. - Gemini Intelligence: Enhances functionality by understanding user context and automating tasks through voice commands. - Features for cars with Google built-in: Vehicles equipped with Google built-in will receive these enhancements, including improved media applications and Immersive Navigation with live lane guidance. These features will gradually roll out throughout the year.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Grab a seat: Google’s next Android Show premieres soon, and there’s major hype

Google has announced an upcoming Android Show: I/O 2026 Edition, scheduled for May 12 at 10 am PT/12 pm ET, just before I/O 2026. The show is expected to reveal significant updates about Android 17. I/O 2026 will take place on May 19-20, focusing on advancements in AI software and updates for Chrome.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

Inware now tells you even more about your Android device with expressive makeover [Gallery]

Inware 7.0 is set to be released this week, featuring a Material 3 Expressive design and new functionalities. The update is available for free on the Play Store and enhances the app's ability to provide comprehensive data about Android devices, including metrics like storage capacity, memory usage, camera specifications, and display characteristics. New insights include monitoring thermal throttling, 6GHz Wi-Fi utilization, Thread connectivity, and battery cycle count. The app interface has been redesigned with visually appealing tiles for key information, and it incorporates the Google Sans Flex font for improved readability. Additionally, the update includes better language translations and an overhaul of the app's architecture for a smoother user experience.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Google App Replaces Pixel Launcher Search: What You Need to Know

Google has replaced the Pixel Launcher search interface with the search experience from the Google app, leading to user dissatisfaction due to the omission of features like app search and shortcuts to frequently used applications. The new interface lacks the modern design and convenience that users expected. Users can still access the old Pixel Launcher search through the app grid or by enabling a specific feature, but this may disrupt their established habits. Many are hoping for a future update that could improve the Google app's search interface and restore the previous features.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Gemini could finally catch up to other Google apps with this visual upgrade

Google is exploring the integration of wallpaper-based theming within its Gemini feature in the Google app, aiming to unify the visual experience across applications and phase out the white-and-blue color scheme. The experimentation is underway with version 17.12.51 of the Google app, where users have noticed changes in the Gemini overlay that adapts to the user's wallpaper. The overlay now features a subtly tinted bar and a darker button for Gemini Live, reflecting the system's theme. However, other elements like button shapes remain unchanged. The main Gemini app still displays its traditional colors, indicating that the rollout of the theming feature is in its early stages. Insights from an APK teardown suggest potential future features, but some may not reach public release.