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AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Google AI is creeping into every app on your phone. Here is how to disable it

Google has integrated its Gemini AI into various applications, including Gmail, Google Drive, Messages, and Google Photos. There is no universal switch to disable AI across Android devices due to varying manufacturer implementations. Users can selectively disable AI features in specific apps: - Google Messages: Disable Gemini by going to Messages settings and turning off the Gemini option. - Gmail: Turn off Smart features in Google Workspace and other Google products through the Gmail settings. - Google Photos: Disable Gemini features in Photos settings under Preferences. - Phone app: Disable AI features like Call Screen in the Phone app settings under Call Assist. - Pixel Screenshots: Disable the AI feature for searching screenshots in the Pixel Screenshots app settings. Disabling the Gemini app itself will remove its integrations and deactivate AI features on the device.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Meta’s Threads is going live with chats for big moments, like the NBA Finals

The NBA Playoffs are currently ongoing, and Threads is introducing Live Chats for its NBA Community, allowing users to engage in real-time discussions. Initially, this feature will be available to select creators within the NBAThreads Community, with plans for wider access in the future. Users will see a red ring around their profile icon when participating in Live Chats. This feature is being launched during the playoffs and the Finals, following a previous update that allowed users to customize their feeds through the "Dear Algo" feature, which lets them tailor content preferences.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

YouTube finally gives us a way to turn off Shorts, sort of

YouTube has introduced a feature allowing users to set their Shorts usage limit to zero minutes, effectively blocking access to the Shorts tab on the home feed. This setting can be found under Time management in the app's settings. Once the limit is reached, users will receive a notification when attempting to access the Shorts tab. Shorts will still be accessible through subscriptions and shared links. Initially available for parents, this feature is now being rolled out to all users.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

These 16 Car Brands Just Got A Huge New Android Auto Feature

Google Maps is rolling out an update (version 25.44) for Android Auto users that will provide battery status monitoring for electric vehicles (EVs). This feature will support over 350 car models from 16 manufacturers, offering AI-driven recommendations for charging needs during long journeys. Users can enter their destination to receive insights on battery level upon arrival and estimated time of arrival (ETA), including necessary charging stops. To use this feature, users must add their EV to Google Maps by entering details such as make, model, year, and trim. The feature will not maintain a live connection to the vehicle, and its accuracy depends on the information provided by the user.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

How to update the OS and All Apps on a Google TV or Android TV device

To ensure optimal performance of streaming devices, both the operating system and applications need to be updated. Users often update the operating system but may overlook app updates, which can lead to issues, especially after setting up a new device or performing a factory reset. An example of a problematic app is the outdated WebView, which can cause downloading errors in applications like Downloader. Operating System Updates: 1. Go to Settings > System (or Device Preferences on Android TV) > About > System update to check for and install OS updates. App Updates: 1. Open the Google Play Store, click the round Profile Icon in the upper-right corner, select Manage apps & games, then Updates, and choose Update all if updates are available.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Copilot App on Windows: Opening web links alongside your conversations begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft has introduced significant enhancements to the Copilot App on Windows, allowing users to open links in a sidepane next to their ongoing conversation. With user consent, Copilot can access the context of opened tabs, enabling users to ask questions, summarize information, and receive assistance with tasks. Opened tabs will be saved alongside conversations, and there is an option to sync passwords and form data. The update improves speed and reliability and includes features like Podcasts and Study and Learn mode. The rollout of these updates for Copilot app version 146.0.3856.39 and higher is currently underway across all Insider Channels, with availability varying as it expands globally.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Don’t Make These Mistakes After Updating Your Android Phone

Keeping system software on Android devices updated is essential for security, bug fixes, and performance improvements. After a significant update, users should review device settings as some may revert to defaults. Clearing the device's system cache and rebooting is recommended to optimize performance, as temporary files can accumulate during updates. To clear the cache, access the Android Recovery menu and select "Wipe Cache Partition." Following an update, it's also important to check for individual app updates in the Google Play Store. Users should verify available storage, as updates can consume significant space, and maintaining at least 10% free storage is advised. If issues persist, rebooting the device in safe mode can help diagnose problems by disabling extra apps and widgets.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

Google is quietly making Search a little more colorful

Google is piloting a feature called 'Color your Search,' which introduces soft pastel hues to the Search interface, allowing users to personalize their search environment. Users can choose from ten muted color options that change the top bar and overall theme of the Search interface. Currently, this feature is exclusive to larger-screen devices, such as tablets and foldable smartphones, and is not available on standard smartphones or desktop devices. Users can access the feature by tapping the color palette icon in the top-left corner of the Search interface on a large-screen mobile device. The rollout appears to be selective, and there is speculation about future integration with Android's Material 3 Expressive design.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

How to delete your OpenAI account in the Android app: Step-by-step guide to permanently remove data, manage subscriptions, and protect your privacy | – The Times of India

OpenAI accounts provide access to the ChatGPT API and related services. Users can delete their accounts through the ChatGPT Android App, but this action is irreversible, meaning all data will be permanently removed and the email address cannot be reused for new accounts. Account deletion ensures the removal of personal information, chat logs, and API usage records, although some data may be retained for legal reasons. The deletion process involves several steps: accessing the app menu, navigating to settings, going to data controls, and confirming the deletion. Users must cancel any active subscriptions separately, as account deletion does not automatically terminate them. After deletion, users will lose access to all OpenAI services, and their account information will be erased within 30 days, except for legally required data retention. Best practices before deletion include backing up important data, canceling subscriptions, and reviewing linked services.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Four Google Play Store Features That Change How App Installs and Updates Work

The Google Play Store has introduced several enhancements to improve the app installation and update experience for users. Key features include: 1. Per-app auto-update control: Users can now enable or disable auto-updates for individual apps, allowing essential apps to remain on stable versions while less critical ones update automatically. 2. Built-in download manager shortcut: A new circular icon on the Apps and Games pages provides access to a list of recently installed or updated apps, showing timestamps and allowing users to launch apps directly from this list. 3. Auto-open when ready: A toggle that, when activated, launches an app automatically after installation, accompanied by a notification with a countdown timer for user intervention. 4. Viewing changelogs without opening app pages: Users can now view update changelogs directly from the app management screen without navigating to each app's store listing, enhancing efficiency in reviewing updates. These features collectively enhance user control and transparency in app management.