refining user experience Archives

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut

Google is rolling out an upgrade to the Pixel Launcher that allows users to launch applications by typing part of the app's name and pressing the Enter key on their keyboard. This change eliminates the need to tap on the app icon from search results, making the app-launching process more efficient. Previously, pressing the bottom-right button on the keyboard would trigger a Google Search instead of launching the app, but the update changes this button to an arrow or Enter key when an app match is detected. This enhancement improves one-handed usability and reflects Google's commitment to refining user experience. The rollout is server-side and not tied to a specific app update, with some users already experiencing the new functionality while others have not yet seen it.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Windows 11’s November Patch Tuesday update brings new Start, battery icon improvements, and important Task Manager fix

Microsoft has rolled out the November Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, designated as KB5068861 and build 26200.7121, which is now available through Windows Update. Key features include: - A revamped Start menu interface allowing users to pin more app icons, hide the recommended feed, modify the all apps list display, toggle the visibility of the Phone Link companion, and enjoy a larger Start menu that adjusts to screen size. - An updated Taskbar battery icon that is larger, changes color based on battery and power state, and includes a battery percentage indicator. The update also addresses several critical fixes: - Voice Access issue resolved where it would fail during initial setup without a connected microphone. - Fixed a problem where selecting the desktop could open Task View inadvertently. - Corrected an issue in the HTTP.sys request parser for compliance with RFC 9112 standard. Users can download KB5068861 via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update catalog.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

Pixel Watch app update adds new icon, more M3 Expressive

Google has released an update for the Pixel Watch app for Android devices, version 4.1.0.810754319, in preparation for the Pixel Watch 4 launch. The update includes a redesigned homescreen icon that features a more photorealistic design with pill-shaped hour and minute hands, using a blue and purple color palette. Additionally, the app introduces a story-like carousel at the top of the main feed to guide users through features like Fitbit and Wallet, along with enhanced second-level menus and an updated Tiles screen that incorporate Material 3 Expressive design elements.

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

Early look: Google Docs preps search filters, one-handed tweaks, and Expressive revamp

Google Docs is set to receive enhancements that include three new document search filters: by type (spreadsheets, presentations, text documents), by people (files owned by specific individuals), and by modified date (last seven days or custom ranges). The platform will adopt the Material 3 Expressive design language, updating the floating action button to a bolder appearance with a pill-shaped container. Additionally, the formatting tool will be relocated from the top of the screen to the bottom toolbar, which will include a horizontal scroll function for easier access to formatting options, especially in portrait mode. These updates are based on findings from an APK teardown and may change before the public release.

AppWizard

September 20, 2025

Your Google TV homescreen might not look so stale, as a redesign enters testing

Google TV is testing a redesign of its home screen, which includes changes to the profile menu and the addition of a Search icon in the navigational bar. This redesign is part of version 1.0.806977084 and is currently limited to a select group of users for feedback. The update also includes a "Home Panel" feature for managing smart devices, a dedicated Sports tab, integration with Gemini, and an audio update allowing users to select their preferred audio format.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

Windows 11 just leveled up again

Microsoft has released several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including: 1. The ability to resume Android apps from the Taskbar using the "Link to Windows" app. 2. An updated battery icon on the Lock Screen that changes color based on battery status. 3. New keyboard shortcuts for typing En dashes (Windows key + Minus) and Em dashes (Windows key + Shift + Minus). 4. An updated Windows Share interface that allows users to pin favorite apps and find apps to share content with. 5. Enhanced dark mode in File Explorer, including a dark color scheme for file-related dialogs. 6. New selection options in Click to Do for Copilot+ PCs, including "Freeform Selection" and "Rectangle Selection." 7. Transition of legacy Control Panel features into the Settings app, including multiple clocks in the Notification Center and updated language options. 8. A new Braille viewer in Windows Narrator for accessibility. 9. Replacement of the "For developers" page with an "Advanced" page that introduces new functionalities.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Here’s your first look at Google Translate’s Conversation mode redesign (APK teardown)

Google is updating its Google Translate app, particularly the Conversation mode, with new features such as enhanced speaker identification, quick language-switch chips, inline translations, and visual updates. The update will introduce Gemini-based branding and a more intuitive interface, including a prominent "Built with ✦Gemini" branding and a disclaimer about generative AI errors. Users will have access to suggestion chips for quick language changes and a new auto-playback button. The interface will highlight the current speaker and improve automatic language detection visibility. The manual mode will feature two microphone icons for user control and will be visually distinct. The face-to-face conversation mode will be updated for better bilingual interaction. The manual conversation mode will require additional steps to access, as it has been moved to the Settings sheet. These changes aim to enhance functionality and user experience, although they have not yet been officially announced or rolled out.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

New Windows 11 build adds self-healing “quick machine recovery” feature

In preview build 27898 of Windows 11, Microsoft introduces features such as the automatic shrinking of Taskbar items when there are many pinned applications, a revamped pop-up system for application permissions, and the ability to add custom words to the speech-to-text dictionary. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to launch in the coming months and will share a servicing branch with the 24H2 version, featuring a unique deployment strategy where necessary code is installed but remains inactive until the official update is applied.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store Gets Smarter Search and Copilot Integration

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is being transformed with a reimagined search experience that is more intuitive and responsive to user intent, utilizing signals like app updates and ratings for improved relevance. New product page badges will highlight applications with artificial intelligence capabilities. A Copilot button will be added to product pages for users in the United States, allowing them to ask questions about apps and compare products side by side. A "Discover More" section will curate related content based on user interests, and personalized home pages will adapt to individual user habits and trends. Additionally, integration of Store apps within Windows Search will allow users to install apps directly from search results, and new app suggestions will be tested in the "Open with" context menu for Insiders on the Beta Channel.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Gemini preps a ‘Saved info’ rebrand as work on chat history search continues (APK teardown)

- The Gemini name is being phased out from headers, indicating a potential rebranding effort. - The "Saved info" feature may be renamed to "Memory" to enhance its functionality in remembering user preferences. - Improvements are being made for accessing and viewing chat history to enhance user interaction and navigation. - The latest beta version, 16.16.39.sa.arm64, reveals upcoming features, although they are not yet visible to the public. - The removal of the Gemini label from model headers is a prominent change, accompanied by a new blue background effect and a reorganization of model names and descriptions. - A search tool for chat history is being introduced, with various layouts being tested, including one that prioritizes Gems at the top. - Enhancements to the compose box are planned, potentially offering suggestions for research topics and Canvas projects.