Material You Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

Android Auto 13.7 update now rolling out, hints at new apps

Google has begun rolling out the Android Auto 13.7 update, which introduces subtle enhancements and bug fixes without significant changes in functionality. This is the second update of 2025, and it includes minor adjustments related to the integration of Material You. The app's code suggests potential future features, including "new app" notifications for applications accessible on Android Auto and those usable while parked. Google has a program launching in February 2025 to help developers adapt their apps for car displays, although the current update does not explicitly reference this initiative. The February timeline is specifically for Android Automotive OS, while enhancements for Android Auto are expected later. The rollout occurs in stages, with wider accessibility anticipated throughout the current week.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Android Auto 13.4 update rolling out, adds colorful flare with Material You accents [Gallery]

Google is rolling out Android Auto version 13.4, which incorporates its Material You design language, enhancing the visual experience with vibrant accent colors that align with users' phone settings. This update applies new accent colors to various system elements such as buttons, toggles, and backgrounds of cards and menus, extending functionality beyond music applications. Users can see these changes in the Settings menu, notifications, and notification center, but the feature does not yet apply to third-party apps. To experience the new color scheme, users must enable the setting that matches the phone’s wallpaper. There are reports of inconsistencies, with some colors not updating in real-time, necessitating a force stop of the app and reconnection to see the changes.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3.1 rolls out ahead of expected December launch

Google is rolling out Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3.1 for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel Tablet, focusing on bug fixes and system stability enhancements. The update is available automatically for users still on Android 15 QPR1, with a build number of AP41.240925.012. Key fixes include resolving media control issues, problems with Bluetooth volume control, inconsistencies in scrollbar sizing, and NFC payment failures. The update aims to improve overall user experience ahead of the public release next month.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

One of the best Pixel 9 exclusive apps made it to older devices

Android 15 has been released, introducing new features including the Pixel Weather app, which is now available on Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 devices. The update includes Theft Detection and Private Space. The Pixel Weather app features a dedicated app icon, a vertically scrolling feed with an hourly forecast and a 10-day outlook, and organized statistics such as precipitation levels and wind speed. It includes background animations reflecting current weather conditions and an AI-generated weather report. The app also provides timely notifications about weather changes and offers new widgets for displaying essential weather information.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Pixel Buds app finally gets Material You’s themed icons option

Google is updating the Pixel Buds app to align with the Material You design language found in Android 13 and beyond. The update, version 1.0.680489030, introduces themed icons that adopt the user's selected color scheme, which can be enabled or disabled through the personalization settings on Android devices. The update is currently being rolled out, and users may need to wait for the changes to appear. Additionally, Google is working on reintroducing the "Noise Control" panel in Android 15, allowing users to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and transparency mode on their Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Buds Pro. Other apps, such as Play Games, Opinion Rewards, and Google Translate, have yet to receive a design refresh.

AppWizard

October 10, 2024

Google’s Pixel Buds app now falls in line with the rest of Android

Google has rolled out an update for the Pixel Buds app that aligns with Android's Material You design, featuring themed icons. The update is part of an effort to enhance visual harmony with Android devices. Additionally, Google is reintroducing the "Noise Control" panel in Android 15, which will allow users to quickly switch between active noise cancellation and transparency modes on devices like the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new panel is expected to include a floating menu that integrates with the Pixel Buds app, and early findings suggest that users may need to select the "Spatial Audio" option to access the Noise Control interface. The information is derived from the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, with a potential release rumored for October.