Recent apps Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

I tested Android 17 on my Pixel 9 Pro – its app bubbles are a multitasker’s dream

Android 17 has been released for Pixel devices, introducing several new features: 1. Desktop Mode allows users to connect their phones to an external monitor for a desktop-like experience with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. 2. App Bubbles enable seamless multitasking by allowing users to bubble apps for quick access from the home screen. 3. The selfie camera can be enabled during screen recordings, allowing users to narrate actions while appearing on screen. 4. The recent apps page now displays full app names and includes a drop-down menu for options like pinning, splitting the screen, taking screenshots, or clearing recent apps. 5. Early support for running GUI Linux applications is introduced, paving the way for future advancements in Linux environments on devices. 6. Enhanced HDR brightness allows users to customize the display of HDR content for a more dynamic viewing experience. The update process for Pixel 9 Pro took approximately 30 minutes, and the rollout for other Pixel devices is expected soon. Other Android users will need to wait for their respective device updates.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

I Tried Android 17’s ‘Bubbles’ and It Makes Multitasking Way Easier?

Android 17 introduces a feature called Bubbles for Pixel phones, enhancing user experience by allowing users to create floating shortcuts for frequently used applications. Bubbles can be positioned anywhere on standard smartphones and docked in the bottom right corner on foldable devices, acting as a mini launcher for quick access to apps without interrupting ongoing tasks. Users can create a bubble by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Bubble. Bubbles can be repositioned and removed easily, but not all apps support this feature. When a bubble is selected, the app appears in a smaller overlay window, allowing interaction without disrupting the current workflow. This feature improves multitasking efficiency by reducing the number of swipes and taps needed to access applications.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

New Android Phone? Change These 4 Settings Right Away

In 2026, Android phones introduced a refined setup process that allows for extensive customization. Users can enhance performance by discovering hidden settings and decluttering home screens by removing pre-installed apps. Key adjustments include turning off adaptive brightness, increasing screen timeout, enabling screen pinning for security, and locking the SIM card for protection. Additional recommendations involve enabling the Find My Device service, customizing the quick settings tray, installing new apps like Gboard and Google Messages, using privacy-focused browsers, and disabling RAM Plus on devices with over 8GB of RAM for better performance.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I hated multitasking on my Pixel — until I tried Android 17’s app bubbles

Software experience significantly influences smartphone appeal, with Google's Pixel series noted for its seamless interface. The recent Android 17 introduces features like app memory limits, enhanced controls, and improved location transparency, leading to the installation of its beta version on the Google Pixel 10a. A poll on multitasking preferences revealed that 17% prefer split screen, 57% switch between apps, and 27% barely multitask. The introduction of the bubbles feature in Android 17 enhances multitasking by allowing users to pin up to five apps simultaneously, facilitating quick access and seamless transitions between tasks. The user's setup includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Chrome, Slack, and YouTube Music, promoting a balanced work-life integration. The Pixel 10a is characterized by a flush camera design, good performance and battery life, strong cameras, and a promise of excellent software support. It features the Tensor G4 chip, a vibrant 120Hz display, and is priced at .99, with a commitment to seven years of software updates.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

How I found the Android launcher that finally rivals the Google Pixel experience

The Pixel Launcher is built on three foundational features: visual consistency through Material You, simplicity with a minimalistic interface, and fluidity with smooth animations. However, it has limited customization options compared to other launchers. Lawnchair is an open-source project that enhances the Pixel experience by restoring customization options removed by Google, such as hiding widgets, supporting icon packs, and allowing user-defined grid layouts. Lawnchair maintains a clean interface while offering extensive control over app visibility and layout, effectively addressing the limitations of the Pixel Launcher. Lawnchair 15 provides a refined version of the Pixel experience, making it accessible to users of non-Pixel devices.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Your Pixel just lost a handy Recents trick in the March update

Google introduced the stable Android 16 QPR3 update, known as the March 2026 Pixel update, for Pixel devices. A change in the Recent apps screen has caused discontent among users, as the ability to easily save images directly from the Recents screen has been removed. Previously, users could long-press or use the Select tool to save images directly to Photos, but now they only have options to Copy, Share, and Edit. A workaround to save images involves using the share sheet to select “Upload to Photos,” but this is less intuitive and more time-consuming. Additionally, alternatives for Google Lens functionality are available, but they lack the convenience of the previous interface.