raccoon Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Google goes in-depth, and a bit NSFW, on Noto 3D emoji as Android rollout expands

Google Design has introduced Noto 3D, expanding its use beyond Pixel devices. Each character in Noto 3D was hand-drawn and sculpted to maintain the essence of emojis while incorporating dimensionality. The design emphasizes "emotional clarity," focusing on preserving the "vibe" of each symbol through a blend of 3D elements and illustrative techniques. Research indicated that intricate details could hinder emotional processing, leading to a design choice of minimal facial geometry and limiting each emoji to three essential details for effective identity conveyance. The team also found that complete silhouettes enhance empathy in animal representations, prompting a shift from floating heads to full animal forms. Noto 3D is being rolled out across various Google applications, Android devices, and select partners, including Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, vivo, iQOO, HONOR, TECNO, Infinix, itel, and Motorola.

AppWizard

September 12, 2026

Google Releases Android Auto 17.7 for All Users, Here’s How To Install It

Google has launched Android Auto version 17.7, available through the stable channel. Users can manually install the update by downloading the APK installer. The update includes a new green icon for Android Auto, particularly for Google Pixel 10 Pro XL users, but lacks significant front-facing changes. Previous features, such as a new weather experience with an animated raccoon character, are still in development and not included. A more substantial update is expected by the end of the year, introducing widgets and support for video applications. The complete build for the current update is Android Auto 17.7.6636.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto may finally have a solution for weather info on smaller screens: Jimothy, the raccoon

The latest Android Auto beta, version 17.6.66, introduces a new weather experience featuring an animated raccoon named Jimothy, who will appear on the music player interface with a bubble displaying current weather conditions. The weather visuals will change based on the user's location, showing elements like rain, clouds, or sunshine. To access this feature, users must go to Settings > Theme and switch modes or activate Android Auto. There are concerns about Jimothy's visibility during critical weather alerts due to its small size. Additionally, Google is working on a new green icon for the Android Auto app, suggesting further visual enhancements.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto Will Show Weather Information in a Funny but Unusual Way

Google has introduced an animated raccoon named Jimothy in Android Auto version 17.6 to display weather information. Jimothy will present the current temperature in a playful manner, moving across the screen over the music card in the Coolwalk interface. The character's size has raised concerns about visibility and readability for drivers. Initially, weather information was only available on portrait screens, and Google plans to extend this functionality to landscape displays. Weather updates were previously shown in the status bar, and this new approach is still in the experimental phase.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

I let two AI apps track every bite I ate for three days straight to help me count calories and get back into shape. Here’s the most accurate one

The author decided to improve their fitness by maintaining a food diary on their smartphone and explored two AI-powered calorie-tracking apps, BitePal and SnapCalorie. Both apps allow users to log meals by taking pictures and integrate Google Health data to track food intake and physical activities. BitePal features a charming design and user interface, while SnapCalorie offers a more extensive food library and projected an earlier completion date for the author's weight loss goal compared to BitePal. The author chose to trust SnapCalorie for their fitness journey.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Jimothy, a particularly round raccoon and the internet’s latest sensation, has now broken into games

A round raccoon named Jimothy has become a viral sensation in Seattle, attracting attention from various brand accounts. His unique appearance, possibly due to a spine condition, has led to collaborations with popular video games. World of Warcraft depicted Jimothy as a potential in-game pet, while RuneScape created a nostalgic illustration of him. Dead by Daylight featured a dramatic version with glowing eyes and tentacles, and Mouse: P.I. For Hire illustrated him in a vintage 1930s film noir style. The Sims presented a controversial version that confused some viewers, while Halo showcased Jimothy in Spartan armor and placed him in iconic game settings. Speculation exists about a potential Jimothy skin in Fortnite, humorously imagining him in a mech suit.