Material You Archives

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google

Files by Google is a free and lightweight file management application for Android that helps users manage files, clean up duplicates, and free up storage space. In a recent poll, users reported their preferences for file management apps: Files by Google (15%), Mixplorer (4%), Material Files (12%), Solid Explorer (23%), Cx File Explorer (12%), Fossify File Manager (12%), and another app (8%). Mixplorer is noted for its versatility, integrating various storage solutions and supporting symlinks, with a customizable design and a dropdown breadcrumbs menu. It is available for free via XDA, with a paid version, Mixplorer Silver, on the Play Store. Material Files features an intuitive interface influenced by Material You, adapting to device color themes, but lacks Google Drive browsing capabilities. Solid Explorer offers a polished UI with a two-pane file management system and real-time folder size displays, along with fingerprint security for storage access. Cx File Explorer focuses on managing storage with analysis tools that highlight storage usage and a clean design. Fossify File Manager is a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy, allowing users to lock files and folders, with a user-friendly interface and customizable themes.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

I still love VLC, but this lightweight video player changed the game for me

VLC Player has been a popular video application since the early days of Windows XP and is available on both desktop and mobile platforms. Next Player is a simpler alternative that offers a visually appealing design and user-friendly interface, making it easy to access content quickly. It features customizable home screen options and readily accessible controls, including a lock icon to prevent accidental taps. Next Player provides a smoother navigation experience compared to VLC, which can feel sluggish and has hidden controls. However, VLC remains superior for tasks like browsing NAS video files, streaming media, and creating playlists, which Next Player does not support.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

5 of the best new Android apps and games to try this August

Luck By Chance is a free app developed by Nishan Devaiah that helps users make decisions through features like a digital coin flipper, number generator, recipe picker, workout generator, bucket list idea creator, and trivia question selector. It requires no permissions and collects no data. Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition is a turn-based strategy game priced at .99, developed by Chucklefish, featuring pixel art and an expansive 20-hour campaign with multiplayer capabilities for up to four players. Yet Another Habit Tracker is a free app developed by zaved707 that allows users to create multiple habits, set frequencies, and track progress with a polished interface and Material You aesthetics. Widdle Reader is a premium audiobook player priced at .49, developed by Widdle Studios, offering chapter navigation, playback speed adjustments, and library management tools in a clean design. Bloomtown: A Different Story is a free RPG with in-app purchases starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Keeping pace with the ever-evolving landscape of Android applications can be a formidable challenge. However, this month brings a curated selection of intriguing new entries, featuring a blend of classic pixel art aesthetics and innovative functionality. Here’s a closer look at some standout apps and games that deserve your attention in August 2025. Luck By Chance Decisions are hard. Get your phone to make them for you. Price: Free Developer: Nishan Devaiah Remember the days of consulting a Magic 8 ball for guidance? While those days may be behind us, the spirit of decision-making assistance lives on in the form of Luck By Chance. This app serves as a digital coin flipper, number generator, and even a recipe picker. Beyond these fun features, it also includes a workout generator, a bucket list idea creator, and a trivia question selector, all designed to help users navigate moments of indecision. Notably, the app requires no permissions and collects no data, making it a guilt-free addition to your digital toolkit. Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition A sequel to the 2019 classic is now available on Android. Price: .99 Developer: Chucklefish Following its successful launch on the Switch, Wargroove 2 has made its way to Android in a “Pocket Edition.” This turn-based strategy game retains the charm of its predecessor, featuring delightful pixel art and an expansive campaign that spans approximately 20 hours. With multiplayer capabilities for up to four players, it promises engaging gameplay. While the price tag of .99 may raise eyebrows, the depth and quality of the game justify the investment. Yet Another Habit Tracker A fresh habit tracker that nails the basics. Price: Free Developer: zaved707 Despite its somewhat unassuming name, Yet Another Habit Tracker stands out as a favorite this month. This app offers a polished interface and effectively covers the essentials of habit tracking. Users can create multiple habits, set frequencies, and easily mark their progress. The app’s use of Material You aesthetics enhances the visual experience, making it both functional and appealing. Though still in its early stages, its simplicity and effectiveness are commendable. Widdle Reader A premium audiobook player with a Material-infused design. Price: .49 Developer: Widdle Studios Widdle Reader emerges as an intriguing option for audiobook enthusiasts, featuring a clean and attractive design. It encompasses all the essential functionalities, including chapter navigation, playback speed adjustments, and library management tools. Launched recently, it comes with a small upfront cost, which may deter some users accustomed to free alternatives. However, for those seeking a refined user interface, Widdle Reader could be worth exploring. Bloomtown: A Different Story Gravity Falls meets Stardew Valley. Price: Free, in-app purchases from .99 Developer: Twin Sails If you’re in search of a cozy RPG to embrace the fall season, Bloomtown: A Different Story offers a delightful blend of narrative and gameplay reminiscent of both Gravity Falls and Stardew Valley. Initially launched on Steam and consoles in 2024, it has recently made its debut on Android. The game features rich environments and a captivating storyline, complete with turn-based combat and a variety of monsters to encounter, making it a charming addition to any mobile gaming library. Have you discovered a new Android app or game that should be on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for being part of our community. Please review our Comment Policy before posting." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99, developed by Twin Sails, featuring a blend of narrative and gameplay inspired by Gravity Falls and Stardew Valley, with turn-based combat and various monsters, recently launched on Android after its initial release on Steam and consoles in 2024.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Early Google Photos code might’ve shown off its ‘Expressive’ new look

A tipster discovered hints of a Material 3 Expressive redesign in Google Photos' code, featuring a new card for creating memories with a collage-style layout. Following I/O 2025, Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixels, showcasing the new design language. The redesign includes a revamped user interface, an updated notification shade, an expanded quick toggle section, and a significant redesign of Gmail. Additionally, advancements in Gemini AI and collaboration between Google Search and Project Astra were highlighted.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Pixelify Your Android Smartphone with This Wallpaper App

Doodle is a Java-based open-source wallpaper application developed by Patrick Zedler, featuring the original Doodle wallpaper collection from the Pixel 4 and unreleased Material You static wallpapers from the Pixel 6. The app allows users to explore wallpapers organized into three categories, select variants, add accent colors, set daily random wallpapers, and toggle night mode. Doodle includes three live wallpapers with interactive features like "Swipe" and "Tilt" effects. Users can customize live wallpaper animations and app color themes through various settings. During testing on a Samsung smartphone with Android 14, some features like the "Swipe" effect and Accent Colors were non-functional due to compatibility issues with the default launcher. The app's live wallpaper occasionally malfunctioned during the lock/unlock process, and transitioning between light and dark modes required relaunching the app. The source code is available on GitHub under GPLv3 licensing, and the app can be downloaded from F-Droid and the Play Store.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Android and Wear OS are getting a big refresh

The introduction of Material 3 Expressive enhances customization options for Android devices, allowing for a more personal expression of style. It features natural animations that create delightful interactions, such as adjacent notifications responding when one is dismissed and providing tactile feedback through haptic rumble. This design evolution emphasizes both functionality and the emotional connection users have with their devices.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google reveals vibrant Material 3 Expressive, coming soon to a Pixel near you

Google has unveiled its new Android design refresh, Material 3 Expressive, which will debut with the Android operating system and extend across the Google app ecosystem. This design builds on the previous Material You system and features "springy" animations, brighter colors, and innovative shapes. The development was informed by user research involving over 18,000 participants, indicating that users can locate important buttons up to four times faster than with older interfaces. Future Android iterations will emphasize playful animations, a bolder color scheme, improved typography for better contrast, a wider variety of button shapes, and more legible status bar icons.

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.