Material You Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google just accidentally revealed Android’s new design language

Google's Material Design, launched in 2014, has evolved significantly with the introduction of "Material You" or Material 3 in May 2021, focusing on personalized and adaptive interfaces for Android users. Upcoming features of Material 3 Expressive include a vibrant color palette that adapts to user choices, varied and organic shapes for a fluid design, and enhanced animations for intuitive user interactions.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google accidentally reveals details about its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive

Google will introduce a new version of its Android design language called "Material Design 3 Expressive" at the upcoming Google I/O developer conference. This update will focus on creating emotionally resonant user interfaces and is expected to feature a bold use of shape and color. The design system has evolved from the previous "Material You" (or Material 3) introduced in 2021, which allowed for personalized interfaces based on wallpaper colors. The new design aims to enhance usability, particularly for older adults, while still requiring developers to follow established design standards. The session titled “Build next-level UX with Material 3 Expressive” will provide insights into new emotional design patterns and offer developers access to files and alpha code for experimentation before the public release.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

How to get Silence Armor Trim in Minecraft

Players can obtain the Silence Armor Trim in Minecraft by exploring Ancient City chests, which have a spawn rate of approximately 1%. These cities are located in fully eroded canyons, primarily in the snow mountains biome. In Creative Mode, players can access an unlimited supply of Silence Armor Trims by entering the command /gamemode creative. To craft or duplicate the trim, players need to combine it with seven Diamonds and one Coobled Deepslate at a crafting table. Diamonds can be obtained by smelting Diamond Ores or breaking down a Block of Diamond, while Coobled Deepslate can be mined from Deepslate blocks found in Ancient Cities. To personalize armor with the Silence Armor Trim, players must use a Smithing Table, combining the trim with an armor piece and a crafting material, which affects the color of the final product.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Google Calculator 8.7 rolling out with a spacing tweak

Google has released version 8.7 of its Android Calculator app, which includes an increase in spacing between the last row of buttons and the gesture navigation bar to alleviate visual confusion. This adjustment is consistent across both portrait and landscape orientations. The update is currently being rolled out through the Play Store, with limited availability, and sideloading options are available for eager users. The previous significant overhaul of the app occurred in 2022, introducing a two-column user interface and a Quick Settings Tile.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google updates Play Books with Dynamic Color

In February 2024, Play Books adopted the Material You redesign, introducing Dynamic Color theming, which enhances its user interface by moving away from a static blue accent color. The new design features Dynamic Color across various elements such as the bottom bar, background, and current tab indicator, while maintaining unchanged reading options. The Library tab showcases the best implementation of the new design, despite some padding issues in other areas. Other Google applications, including Google, Play Store, Google Maps, and Google TV, have not yet adopted the Dynamic Color feature.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google is preparing a big redesign of Android’s Settings app, and we have a first look

The Android Settings app is set for a significant redesign aimed at simplifying navigation. Key features of the new design include: - Updated Material Design 3 elements with new switches featuring an X or checkmark icon. - Each setting item will be displayed within its own distinct card for better organization. - Small arrow icons will indicate when a setting has additional subpages. - Headers will be placed at the top of most pages to allow users to view more items at a glance. The new design has been seen in Android 16 Beta 3 but is unlikely to be included in the stable release of Android 16; it may appear in future quarterly updates or in Android 17. The redesign aims to enhance user experience by addressing navigation challenges.

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.