Pixel phones Archives

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Google’s ‘Pixel Glow’ might have several lights as laptop animation surfaces [Video]

“Pixel Glow” is a forthcoming feature for future Pixel phones that will use subtle light and color on the back of the device to notify users of significant notifications while the phone is face down. It will be compatible with Gemini and will notify users of calls from favorite contacts. The Pixel Diagnostics app includes a “Color LED Check” to test the functionality of the LEDs, which will illuminate in red, green, and blue hues. Google is incorporating eight LEDs for the “Pixel Glow” feature, with a system designed to detect hardware failures. An animation has been discovered that shows an LED strip along the inner edge of an upcoming Pixel laptop, potentially illuminating in colors similar to the Gemini interface.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

10 awesome Shizuku apps I use to level up my Android experience

Shizuku is an open-source tool that connects elevated Android functionalities with third-party applications, enabling access to previously restricted features. Canta allows users to uninstall any app, including bloatware and system applications, on devices like Samsung, providing guidance on safe uninstallation. ColorBlendr enhances control over Android's color-picking system, allowing users to select colors from wallpapers and standard palettes. Essentials is a toolkit for Pixel and other Android devices that unlocks hidden settings for granular adjustments and includes tools like a real-time distance calculator. Smartspacer extends the At A Glance widget's functionality beyond Pixel devices, integrating information from various sources. ShizuWall is a firewall that prevents selected apps from accessing the internet without needing a VPN or Private DNS. aShell You allows users to run ADB commands directly on their device, featuring a list of commands and bookmark support. Install With Options streamlines APK installation with modifications like bypassing SDK limits and downgrading apps. Adaptive Theme automatically switches between Dark and Light modes based on ambient light levels. SD Maid SE is a storage-cleanup tool that identifies and removes unnecessary files, with enhanced capabilities when used with Shizuku. Shappky enables users to terminate any running app, including system apps, with a simple tap.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Google’s most basic app has turned my dad into a Pixel super-fan

The author's family recently transitioned to Google Pixel phones, which has particularly pleased the author's father due to the Pixel Weather app. The switch was motivated by the need for easier remote troubleshooting and a consistent user experience. The father's fondness for the app stems from its clarity, straightforward design, and absence of ads, making it more enjoyable to use. The app provides accurate weather forecasts for their hometown in Lebanon and features a large, readable font that caters to the father's visual needs. The family has a longstanding interest in weather information, and the app's customization options have enhanced the father's smartphone experience.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

Google’s New $3 USB Kit Converts Old Windows 10 PCs to ChromeOS Flex Machines

Google, in collaboration with Back Market, has launched a USB kit for installing ChromeOS Flex on aging Windows 10 PCs for a fee. This kit simplifies the installation process, allowing users to replace their existing Windows system easily. ChromeOS Flex is compatible with various PCs and some Macs, focusing on cloud-based tasks and supporting browser-based and Android applications only. A study indicated that ChromeOS consumes 19% less energy than similar systems. For every USB drive produced, an equivalent weight of electronic waste is recycled. Google plans to provide software updates for Chromebooks for 10 years and for Pixel phones for 7 years. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, with Microsoft offering a free extended security update until October 2026. Approximately 32% of the market still uses Windows 10, with 121 million enterprise devices estimated to be operating on it. The ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is considered a pilot program, with potential for increased production based on demand.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

The latest Pixel update tackles Android 16’s early stability woes

Google has released its April 2026 security patch for Pixel phones, addressing issues such as app crashes in banking and third-party applications. The update improves app performance across the Pixel lineup, from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10a, and includes a fix for gaming performance on Pixel 10, Pro, and Pro XL models. It also resolves the disappearing Quick Search Bar issue and reinstates the Backup menu for older devices like the Pixel Fold and Pixel 8. The rollout includes essential security updates and is occurring in phases, with users advised to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to check for updates in Settings.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Pixel users report Now Playing app is finally working as it should

The Pixel's “Now Playing” feature has become a standalone app following the March Pixel Drop, improving music discovery and allowing users to manage their song history. Users reported issues such as the missing “Tap to see what’s playing” feature on the lock screen and syncing problems with Now Playing history. Google has issued an update to address these glitches, and some users have confirmed the return of the lock screen feature, although not all have benefited from the update. Google provided a troubleshooting guide for users facing difficulties, including steps to enable necessary services, ensure song identification, and restore missing song history. The app requires a full 24 hours to set up correctly, and many issues are linked to the March software update.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Google is optimizing Android’s core to make your phone feel faster

Google is implementing Automatic Feedback-Directed Optimization (AutoFDO) within the Android kernel to enhance the performance of Android devices. The Android kernel accounts for approximately 40% of CPU time, and improvements in this area can significantly boost overall performance. AutoFDO uses real-world data to optimize code based on actual smartphone usage patterns, rather than general assumptions. Tests conducted on Pixel phones analyzed kernel usage with the top 100 popular Android applications, identifying frequently accessed code segments for targeted optimization. This approach is expected to lead to faster app launches, smoother transitions, and improved battery life. The kernel AutoFDO is currently being deployed in the android16-6.12 and android15-6.6 branches, with plans to extend optimizations to additional kernel components and hardware drivers.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Google turns Pixel’s Now Playing into a standalone app — and it’s a big deal

Google's Now Playing feature is now a standalone app available for download on the Play Store. It uses an on-device database for music identification without sending audio to the cloud. Google is testing a refreshed user interface for Now Playing, which will include clearer album art, updated controls, and smoother navigation. This transition allows for quicker updates and enhances the user experience.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

I never worry about photo composition thanks to this Google Pixel 9a trick

Google Pixel phones offer AI-powered photography tools, including the Magic Editor and Auto Best Take in Google Photos. A notable feature is Auto Frame, introduced with the Pixel 9 series and available on the Pixel 9a, which automatically crops and resizes images for better composition. This tool helps users focus on capturing moments rather than technical details. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series utilize the rule of thirds in photo arrangements, enhancing visual appeal and teaching users about composition. Auto Frame can be used in real-time or for editing older photos, making it useful for quick shots. It employs generative AI for minor adjustments but primarily focuses on cropping and resizing. Auto Frame is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 10 series, and the A-series model.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Android 17 Fixes Long-Standing App Orientation Frustrations

Android 17 Beta 1 has launched for Pixel phones, introducing significant changes in app orientation and resizability restrictions. It eliminates the option for developers to opt-out of these restrictions on larger screens (width greater than 600 dp), disregarding five specific attributes and APIs for applications on large screens or games. This aims to improve user experience on Android tablets, foldable phones, and Chromebooks, addressing issues with apps that lock into a single orientation. Developers must adapt their applications to comply with the new standards set by SDK 37, ensuring compatibility with the phase-out of certain manifest attributes and runtime APIs from Android 16. Users will retain control over their app experience through aspect ratio settings. The upcoming Aluminum OS will require Android applications to operate seamlessly in landscape mode, indicating a push for a more unified Android experience.