predictive back Archives

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

November 26, 2024

The Wear OS 5.1 preview is now available — and it’s based on Android 15

Google has released the first developer preview of Wear OS 5.1, based on Android 15, for testing in the Android Studio emulator. Key features include audio playback through smartwatch speakers and the new Credential Manager API. The build number for this preview is AP4A.241205.004.F1. Known issues include difficulties in adding accounts during setup, notifications not opening corresponding apps until the screen is scrolled, and potential failures in initiating exercise sessions with Wear Health Services. The audio feature allows users to listen to music or podcasts from the smartwatch's speaker, while the Credential Manager API supports password management and synchronization across devices.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 16: Eligible devices, release date, and new features

Android 15 has officially transitioned to a stable release and is being rolled out to eligible Pixel devices. Not all features from the beta testing phase have made it to the stable version, with some features like the predictive back gesture being implemented only now. Android 16 is expected to debut in preview builds by the end of February 2025 and will reach a broader range of devices than previous versions, with many brands committing to at least three Android OS updates for budget and mid-range smartphones. The Pixel 7 series will receive Android 16, while older models will continue to receive feature updates and security patches. Google has promised seven years of software updates for devices like the mid-range Pixel 8a. Android 16's internal codename is Baklava. New features in Android 16 include notification cooldown to reduce notification volume from the same app, a native desktop mode, the ability to limit battery charging to 80%, and enhanced audio sharing capabilities for casting music to multiple Bluetooth devices. Google is expected to launch a developer preview in the first quarter of the year, with public beta builds around May and a stable release anticipated in the fourth quarter.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google’s Latest OS on Your Phone

Google will unveil Android 15 on Tuesday, initially available for supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, with a broader rollout to select devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, and OnePlus in the coming months. Android 15 introduces features such as partial screen recording, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, improved in-app camera controls, low-light enhancements, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. The update focuses on enhancing security, particularly in health and finance sectors, and improves functionality for large-screen devices. Key features include: - Revamped Theft Detection Lock powered by AI. - Enhanced authentication for critical settings like SIM removal and disabling Find My Device. - A Private Space feature to conceal sensitive applications. - Customizable taskbar for foldables and tablets. - Ability to pair apps for multitasking. - Optimized in-app camera controls for low-light conditions. - Satellite connectivity for messaging applications. - Single-tap login using passkeys. Android 15 will first roll out to Pixel devices, with support for additional brands including Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Users are advised to back up their devices before installation. To download Android 15, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates on their supported device. If storage space is insufficient, users must free up space or use a computer for the update process.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 15 Is Almost Here. What You Need to Know About Google’s Latest OS

Google plans to release Android 15 in the upcoming weeks and has made the source code available through the Android Open Source Project. Android 15 will initially roll out to supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, followed by select devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and others. New features in Android 15 include partial screen recording capabilities, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, enhanced in-app camera controls, low-light boost for photography, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. Users are advised to back up their devices before updating. To download Android 15 on a compatible Pixel device, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates, check for updates, and follow the prompts to download and install. If there is insufficient storage, users will need to free up space or use a computer for installation.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 brings predictive back to keyboard apps

The first stable build of Android 15 is anticipated among users of the Pixel 9 series and other eligible Pixel devices, with Google offering the Android 15 QPR1 Beta that includes new features. A notable feature in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta is the predictive back gesture, which now provides a preview of the app or section users will return to after executing the back gesture. This feature, initially introduced in Android 14, is being integrated into keyboards, causing them to fade away when the back gesture is performed. Several applications, including Gmail, support this feature, enhancing navigation. Additionally, Android 15 QPR1 is expected to introduce new animations for Quick Settings tiles and reboot processes.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

Android 15 Beta 4 Now Available for Developers to Bring their Apps Up to Date

Google has released the final scheduled beta for Android 15, enabling developers to stabilize APIs and publish apps on Google Play. Key features include: - Package Stopped State: Apps are halted until user interaction, with pending intents canceled and widgets disabled. - 16 KB Memory Pages: New memory management improves app launch times and reduces power consumption, requiring apps using native code to be rebuilt. - Private Space Feature: Users can create secure spaces for sensitive information, halting all app activities when locked. New user experience features include: - Predictive Back Animations: Help users anticipate gesture outcomes. - Low Light Boost: Enhances camera performance in dim conditions. - Partial Screen Sharing: Allows sharing of specific app windows. - Edge-to-Edge Rendering: Provides a more immersive visual experience. Developers are encouraged to adopt these features and upgrade to Android Studio Koala for easier app modifications.

AppWizard

July 7, 2024

What Google apps support Android 15 predictive back

Android 15 now enables predictive back by default in various Google apps, providing a visual preview of the homescreen when swiping back to prevent accidental closures.