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Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut
AppWizard
January 8, 2026

Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut

Google is rolling out an upgrade to the Pixel Launcher that allows users to launch applications by typing part of the app's name and pressing the Enter key on their keyboard. This change eliminates the need to tap on the app icon from search results, making the app-launching process more efficient. Previously, pressing the bottom-right button on the keyboard would trigger a Google Search instead of launching the app, but the update changes this button to an arrow or Enter key when an app match is detected. This enhancement improves one-handed usability and reflects Google's commitment to refining user experience. The rollout is server-side and not tied to a specific app update, with some users already experiencing the new functionality while others have not yet seen it.
Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android
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.
Android 16 QPR2 removes this handy way to save pictures from apps
AppWizard
December 9, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 removes this handy way to save pictures from apps

Android's Recents screen allows users to share content from various applications, including copying URLs from Chrome and sharing images. With the upcoming Android 16 QPR2 update, Google is repositioning the link-sharing icon in Chrome to a more accessible location at the bottom of the screen. However, the update will also reduce image-related functionalities, limiting users to only sharing or copying images and removing the ability to save files locally.
Google is secretly testing a feature on Circle to Search for effortless follow-ups
AppWizard
November 27, 2025

Google is secretly testing a feature on Circle to Search for effortless follow-ups

Google is refining its Circle to Search feature by introducing a follow-up search bar at the bottom of the screen to enhance user interaction. This simplified interface includes a new AI Mode that allows for voice input and context-specific queries. The feature is currently in beta testing and is not yet available to all users. The design aims to make follow-up queries more seamless, allowing users to explore further information without losing sight of initial results. The feature is being tested in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 16.47), with an uncertain timeline for a wider release.
Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025
AppWizard
October 28, 2025

Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025

Users have been asked to identify the best Android app that has integrated into their daily lives in 2025, amidst a competitive landscape with hundreds of billions of global downloads. Key characteristics of standout apps include reliability, simplicity, and the ability to fill existing gaps without unnecessary complexities. Privacy is a major concern, with users encouraged to scrutinize app permissions and seek transparency in business models. Cross-device compatibility is increasingly important, especially with the rise of tablets and foldable devices. Notable apps mentioned include: - Octopi Launcher: Favored for its widget-rich interface and tag-based search. - LocalSend: Allows direct file transfers across local networks without accounts or cloud services. - Banana Browser: Known for its minimalist design and built-in media controls. - Niagara Launcher: Celebrated for its minimalist, one-handed design. - Organic Maps: Provides efficient offline navigation using OpenStreetMap. - RethinkDNS: Blocks trackers and enforces on-device firewall rules. - Obsidian: A note-taking app known for its vault-style organization and cross-device syncing. When choosing an app, users should assess transparency in the business model, data export options, and app permissions. Performance in real-world scenarios, such as offline functionality and multitasking, is also important. Users are encouraged to share their top app recommendations to help others enhance their Android experience.
Readers Share Three Weird Android Apps I Love
AppWizard
October 27, 2025

Readers Share Three Weird Android Apps I Love

Stellarium is an advanced stargazing app that provides a detailed celestial map and visibility planning features for optimal viewing times of celestial bodies. Fooview enhances multitasking with a customizable floating command interface, allowing quick gestures for various actions without interrupting current apps. Ampere displays charging metrics, helping users evaluate charger and device performance, and offers a cool-down feature for older battery packs. Each app has specific requirements, such as permissions for Fooview's overlays and approximate measurements for Ampere's data.
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review - a great gaming handheld, but not because of Xbox
AppWizard
October 15, 2025

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review – a great gaming handheld, but not because of Xbox

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and is priced at 9/£799. It has a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The device includes 24GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery. It weighs 715g and has dimensions of 290 x 121 x 27.5 - 50.9mm. The controls follow an Xbox layout and include various I/O options. The device offers exceptional gaming performance, reliable battery life, and an ergonomic design but has a Windows interface that is not optimized for handheld use, a higher price point, and disappointing Xbox app features. Battery life ranges from under two hours in high power mode to four to six hours in less demanding scenarios.
Gemini could soon bring more tools right to your fingertips
AppWizard
October 7, 2025

Gemini could soon bring more tools right to your fingertips

Google's Gemini AI digital assistant is set to receive updates that include a Tools icon in the overlay for easy access to features like AI image generation, Veo videos, Deep Research, and Canvas. Users can tap the Tools icon to quickly access these functionalities without switching applications. Additionally, a potential Circle to Select feature may be integrated, allowing users to circle an area on their screen to capture it. Google is also refining the user interface for generated images, moving the Sharing and Download icons to the bottom of the image view and adding a Copy Image feature. Updates will also enhance the three-dot menu in the chat with Copy and Download options for generated image responses. These features are still in development and their availability may vary in future releases.
Android users may have a better time writing in Google Docs if the leaks are true
AppWizard
September 24, 2025

Android users may have a better time writing in Google Docs if the leaks are true

Google is enhancing its Docs app for Android users by testing several updates, including a redesign of the formatting tool for better one-handed usability and improvements to the search functionality with new filters. The app recently introduced Gemini, an AI feature that helps users summarize documents and answer inquiries. These updates were discovered through an APK teardown of version 1.25.381.00.90, but there is no timeline for their official release. Gemini is also integrated into other Workspace applications, providing personalized suggestions based on user data.
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