Material You Archives

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android

Google is updating its Gemini app for Android to reduce visual clutter and enhance user engagement. An APK teardown indicates a redesign of the app’s input box from a static sheet to a dynamic, floating pill-shaped bar in version 16.51.52 beta. This floating bar expands when users start typing, improving one-handed operation on larger devices. The update also introduces a ‘Tools’ menu that consolidates options like image upload and voice input, streamlining workflows for power users. Additionally, hints of ‘Gemini Labs’ suggest an experimental section for users to test upcoming features. The redesign aims to make AI interactions feel more natural and accessible while addressing user feedback about previous designs. Mixed reactions to Gemini's automotive rollout indicate some praise for hands-free capabilities, though interface glitches remain a concern. User privacy is emphasized, with guides available for opting out of tracking. Feedback from beta testers suggests improved multitasking capabilities. The redesign aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, emphasizing intuitive updates and competitive pressures in the AI market. Developers have noted similarities to past Google designs, and the potential rollout timeline is speculative, with expectations for a gesture-based interaction model. Overall, these changes position Gemini as a leading AI assistant, focusing on a decluttered interface and user-centric design.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

December Sees The Arrival Of Five New Apps For Android

- Comet is a new mobile browser built on the Chromium engine that offers features like instant answer cards, ad and tracker blocking, and a global dark mode, enhancing news consumption with concise summaries that can expand into detailed articles. - Sift is a recipe management app that allows users to choose their preferred AI provider for parsing and suggestions, excels in importing recipes from various websites, and features a minimalist design without social media distractions. - Escape Launcher is a minimalist home screen app that includes a clock, favorite contacts, and a searchable app drawer, promoting Digital Wellbeing by helping users regain focus and control over their app usage. - Red Dead Redemption is available on Netflix Games for mobile, providing an ad-free experience without in-app purchases, allowing players to explore the open world as John Marston, including the Undead Nightmare expansion pack.

BetaBeacon

October 31, 2025

Android 14 Easter Egg Launches Space Game

- Any phone or tablet that has been updated to Android 14 can access the new Easter egg, which is a space game that works offline and does not require special permissions.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

How to change your Google Pixel Watch theme

Wear OS 6 introduces ten distinct color themes for the Google Pixel Watch, enhancing its visual appeal and allowing for extensive customization. The available color options are Moonstone, Ivy, Porcelain, Iris, Lemongrass, Jade, Indigo, and Peony. Users can change their watch theme through the Settings app by selecting Display and then Color theme. The update applies to Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4, featuring a new domed display that enhances the vibrancy of the color themes.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Top 10 AI Chatbot Apps for Android in 2025 – Try Free

In 2025, AI chatbots have become essential daily companions for millions of Android users, assisting with various tasks such as content brainstorming, travel planning, language learning, and engaging conversations. The Google Play Store features numerous innovative AI companions that integrate well with mobile devices, most offering free or freemium access. Key trends include optimization for mobile use, support for multiple AI models, and affordable access to generative AI. The top AI chatbot apps for Android in 2025 include: 1. ChatGPT by OpenAI: Best overall experience with fast responses and a memory feature. 2. Google Gemini: Deep integration with Google services, ideal for productivity. 3. Claude AI by Anthropic: Best for writing and reasoning, with a focus on long-form content. 4. DeepSeek AI: Lightweight and completely free, popular in emerging markets. 5. Nova AI Chatbot: Allows switching between multiple AI models in one app. 6. Meta AI Assistant: Integrated within social media platforms for casual use. 7. Chatbot AI: User-friendly with multi-model support, ideal for beginners. 8. Replika AI: Focuses on emotional support and companionship. 9. Brave Leo AI: Privacy-first chatbot that does not collect personal data. 10. Chatbox AI: Feature-rich with support for various interactions across multiple models. The selection criteria for evaluating these apps include performance, user interface, model variety, free access, privacy and security, and Android optimization. Future developments in AI chatbots may include on-device processing, contextual memory, distinct voice personas, and enhanced tool integration.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Android 16 Revolutionizes App Icons with Material You Customization

Google's Android 16 update introduces innovative app icon customization features, allowing users to modify app icons with various shapes, styles, and thematic integrations. The QPR2 beta mandates monochrome filters for all applications, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across the home screen. Users can choose from five distinct icon shapes, addressing feedback on rigid designs. The update also includes forced dark mode and auto-theming for legacy applications, enhancing the overall user experience. Customizable Quick Settings panels and live notifications improve efficiency for power users. Starting October 15, 2025, developers will be required to provide adaptive icons due to new mandatory theming rules. Privacy features, such as protections against SMS one-time password hijacking, are also included.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

The Must-Have Android Apps for October 2025 (Don’t Miss These!)

The Android ecosystem in October 2025 features a variety of applications designed to enhance convenience, productivity, and creativity. Notable apps include: - Co-Reply: An AI messaging app with context-aware reply suggestions. - Panda: A hands-free navigation tool for multitasking. - Audio Output Switcher: A quick settings tile for switching audio sources. - TMPAD: An app that optimizes older devices for gaming. - Hackne: A ride-hailing price comparison tool for Uber and Lyft. - LTE Cleaner Foss: An open-source app for clearing cache and junk files. - Nora: A social media aggregator for consolidating platforms. - Floating Notes: Customizable sticky notes for reminders. - Shap Key: A battery optimization tool for managing background processes. - Weather Master: A visually appealing weather app with detailed forecasts. - Pixel Play: An offline music player with advanced playback options. - Virtual Shuffle: A tool for randomizing Spotify playlists. - Androidify Update: An AI-enhanced app for creating personalized avatars. - Taii: An AI text editor for refining grammar and generating content. A controversy in the app review community involves accusations of plagiarism against a well-known reviewer, highlighting ethical dilemmas and the need for integrity and collaboration among reviewers. Additional tools mentioned include Network Switch for toggling between 4G and 5G networks and Shizuku Dependency for unlocking advanced app functionalities. The importance of user involvement and support for indie developers is emphasized in fostering a vibrant Android community.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App on Android with Material You UI Overhaul

Google's Gemini app is undergoing a user interface overhaul on Android devices, focusing on enhancing visual appeal and usability. The redesign features a pill-shaped input field with integrated icons for voice input and image uploads, aiming to streamline user interactions. Subtle animations and color adjustments align with Google’s Material You design language, while an improved model-switching mechanism allows one-handed gestures for toggling between AI models. Developers have noted bouncier animations in the Gemini overlay, inspired by Material 3 guidelines. The updates may position Gemini to manage more complex tasks and integrate further into users' daily routines with home screen widgets. Challenges remain, including integration issues reported by users. Future changes are expected to extend to tablets and smart home products, optimizing experiences for larger screens and enhancing control over smart devices.

AppWizard

September 3, 2025

Top 15 Best Android Apps

As of September 2025, the Android ecosystem offers a variety of applications aimed at enhancing productivity, customization, entertainment, and more. Key apps include: Productivity Tools: - Photo to Calendar: Converts photos/screenshots of schedules into calendar entries automatically. - Compose PDF: Merges PDFs and images offline without watermarks or internet dependency. - Forstop Helper: Manages device performance by force-stopping apps with a single tap. Customization and Utility Apps: - Installer X Revive: Advanced APK installer with features like auto-permissions and batch installations. - Material Capsule: Turns camera cutouts into functional widgets for notifications and controls. - Tap Tap Lock: Locks the phone with a tap gesture using an invisible widget. - Nothing Glyphify: Enhances glyph light functionality for Nothing Phone users with customizable notification patterns. - Icon Theming Hack: Aligns home screen icons with Material You themes using third-party icon packs. Photo and Media Management: - Photo Swooper: Organizes photos in the gallery using swipe-based actions. - Convert It: Converts audio files across multiple formats. Entertainment and Lifestyle: - Awake: An interactive alarm clock requiring puzzle-solving to turn off. - Score Peak: Displays live sports scores on the always-on display. - Widgetify for Spotify: Customizes Spotify widgets for easy access to playlists and albums. Creative Tools: - Draw Anywhere: Allows annotation or drawing over any app or content on the screen. Smart Home Integration: - Edge Smart Things: Integrates smart home controls into the Samsung edge panel for easy access.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Google Tasks gets one M3 Expressive tweak, now in web app launcher

Google Tasks has been updated on Android to align with the design of other Google applications, introducing a more organized interface known as the M3 Expressive tweak. The details page for tasks has been restructured to group key elements such as title, details, date/time, and subtasks together. The status bar has been redesigned, featuring a "Mark completed" button in a pill shape for better visibility. While the homepage remains unchanged, users are requesting a redesign of the Google Tasks homescreen widget. Additionally, a new shortcut has been introduced for the web app launcher, linking directly to tasks.google.com.