phone app Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

PCSO offers new phone app to public

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has launched a new smartphone application and an updated website to improve communication with the community. The app, developed by TheSheriffApp.com, includes features such as a welcome message, inmate and jail information, registered sex offenders, school safety resources, pistol permit applications, cyber safety tips, crime tip submissions, and contact information for the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Russell Thomas stated that the app serves as an educational tool and enhances public safety engagement. The app allows citizens to access information conveniently on their smartphones, especially during emergencies or for updates like road closures.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google could be testing a ‘new’ way to answer phone calls

Google is experimenting with a new user interface for its Phone app, potentially changing the way incoming calls are handled. The testing, conducted on the beta version v166.0.735169223, suggests a shift from the traditional up-and-down swiping mechanism to a side-to-side gesture for answering calls. The proposed interface includes a pill-shaped bar at the bottom of the screen, allowing users to drag an icon left to decline or right to accept a call, with a "Message" option available above the bar for sending a text if the call is declined. This redesign could affect not only Pixel devices but also various Android phones that use the Google Phone app. Previously, Google tested a different incoming call interface that resembled Apple's design, but it was not widely adopted. The timeline for the official integration of this new feature is uncertain.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

I tried Android Auto’s latest global radio streaming app, but it’s not quite ready for drive time

Non Stop Radio is an app that launched in November 2024, providing access to international radio stations, including those from the US. It features a straightforward interface on Android and Android Auto, with two main screens for current stations and favorited stations. Users can manage favorite stations easily and explore content by genre or country, although sorting can be inconsistent. The app has a colorful interface but suffers from navigation challenges, a lack of a master search function, and UI issues like light gray text on a white background. Some stations may not work, which can be disappointing for users. Non Stop Radio is ad-free and is actively being developed, with plans for future updates to improve functionality and add more stations.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Google Pixel prepares official Scam Detection roll out for Phone and Messages

Google is introducing Scam Detection features for the Phone app on Pixel devices, powered by Gemini Nano, with a rollout anticipated for March 2025. A beta phase began in November, allowing users to test the Scam Detection capabilities, which include background monitoring of incoming calls and warning notifications for potential scams. Users will receive a red pop-up notification stating "likely scam" if a potential threat is detected, with options to end the call or report it as not a scam. The feature will be disabled by default to prioritize user privacy, but can be enabled in the app's settings. Additionally, the Messages app has been testing alerts for hazardous links since October. This update may coincide with the feature drop for Android 15 in March 2025, with ongoing testing for Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 and plans for an early Android 16 update in the second quarter of 2025.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Android’s Phone app grabs ‘Recent’ filters alongside a small Pixel change

Google is enhancing its Pixel Call Assist feature to help manage spam calls, introducing five new filters in the Phone app: All, Missed, Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam. These updates are rolling out on the new Pixel 9 series, which also features a redesigned user interface with a dedicated Call Assist button. Additional features include Live Caption for accessibility, allowing users to read spoken dialogue and type responses during calls, and Call Screen, which uses AI to handle incoming calls and transcribe spoken content. Google previously launched an Audio Emoji update and has initiated a beta program for real-time scam detection, which alerts users to potential scams with a red pop-up notification.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google Phone app gets an unexpected Android 16-inspired redesign (APK teardown)

Google is refining the Settings page for its Phone app in preparation for the segmented Settings menu design expected with Android 16. The update features a visually appealing layout with backgrounds for menu items organized under headers, enhancing visibility and usability. Rectangular sections for each menu item improve touch targets and overall user experience. This redesign was initially seen in the Android 15 Beta 3 update but was removed, only to be reinstated in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release, suggesting integration into Android 16. Screenshots show a light gray background in light theme and dark gray in dark mode, with support for dynamic theming based on user wallpaper. The redesign is not yet active in the current beta but is anticipated in future updates. Other Google applications may also receive similar enhancements as Android 16 approaches.

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 6, 2024

Here’s everything new Samsung’s Android 15 update, One UI 7, and the full changelog [Gallery]

Galaxy AI offers features for enhancing writing, including spelling and grammar correction, tone adjustment, summarization, and formatting. The Samsung Phone app includes a transcription feature for recorded calls, displaying conversations as text. One UI 7 introduces a redesigned aesthetic with new buttons, menus, notifications, and control bars. The Home screen has a new grid layout, customizable app icons, and larger folders for easier access. The Lock screen features a Now bar for essential tasks and customizable clock options. Quick settings and notifications are separated for efficient access, with customization options available. The camera interface has been improved for ease of use, with enhanced zoom controls and saved exposure settings. Users can erase unwanted objects in photos and create collages in the Gallery app. Samsung Health introduces a Mindfulness feature for stress management. One UI 7 enhances productivity with app previews and simplified alarm management. Calendar management includes drag-and-drop functionality and customizable widgets. Quick Share recommends devices for file transfers, and Knox Matrix provides a security overview. Battery settings allow users to customize power saving options and charging levels. Accessibility features include one-finger zoom and enhanced screen controls. Continuous improvements include video replay, a unified contacts list, and optimized gaming experiences.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google could soon let you bring Santa into your phone calls (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Phone app with two new festive Audio Emoji sounds for the holiday season: a New Year-themed sound featuring fireworks, a cheering crowd, and party horns, and a Christmas-themed sound with sleigh bells and Santa saying “ho ho ho.” These additions will be available in early to mid-December, following the removal of a Halloween Audio Emoji.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google Phone app could soon let you rat out that scam call (APK teardown)

The Google Phone app has introduced a feature that allows users to report calls as spam or scam, which effectively blocks unwanted communications. Users can long-press on a call log entry to access options for blocking or reporting, sending information directly to Google. An upcoming update will enhance this reporting process by allowing users to provide additional details when reporting a scam, including specific questions about the nature of the scam and what the scammer pretended to be. The Google Contacts app will also receive an upgrade with a new Lookup button for numbers not saved in the user's contact list, previously exclusive to the Phone app.