search app Archives

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Voice search in the Google app is leaning hard into the Gemini aesthetic

The Google app is receiving a visual update to its voice search interface, featuring a new microphone icon and the text "Ask anything," replacing the previous cartoon face and "Listening..." prompt. This update introduces a design with softly glowing colors and an elegant horizon-shaped animation, replacing the traditional four-dot animation. The song search feature has also been enhanced, with a streamlined prompt now reading "Play/Sing/Hum." Users can access the updated interface through microphone icons in the app and home screen widgets. The update is being rolled out to users on version 17.1 and beta version 17.2 of the Google app.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Recap: Expressive Android, but Material ‘3.5’ apps

Both Apple and Google plan significant redesigns of their operating systems for 2025. Google's Material 3 Expressive has received positive feedback for its implementation across devices, aiming for a more unified interface across Android versions, though updates to first-party applications are seen as incremental rather than transformative. The redesign includes a taller search app bar in Google Workspace apps, but inconsistencies arise as some applications cannot utilize the new design. A transition back to a shorter bottom navigation bar in some apps does not improve content space. A floating toolbar in Google Chat raises usability concerns, and the overall interface appears more cluttered due to increased use of containers. Buttons have become larger, with mixed reactions regarding their proportions. The new motion-physics system introduces appealing animations, but the functionality of Google apps remains largely unchanged, leading to a sense of familiarity rather than a transformative experience.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

What Google Material 3 Expressive redesigns are rolling out [Updated]

In May, Google introduced its new design language, Material 3 Expressive, which is being implemented across various applications following the launch of the Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR1. Rolling out: - Gmail II: New layout with messages in containers and subtle borders. - Google Chrome: Segmented Material 3 progress indicator, circular containers for actions in the overflow menu, new tab button and switcher in Tab Grid, and thematically colored Tab Group cards. - Google Wallet: App logo change, thicker cards for passes, containers on various pages, enhanced NFC tap-to-pay animation, and new overlay for Pixel users activated by double-tap of the power button. Recent launches: - Google Drive II: Edge-to-edge aesthetic with no main list view container. - Quick Share: Fullscreen experience embracing Material 3 Expressive. - Google Maps: Listings use M3 Expressive containers and actions carousel at the bottom. Fully launched (in alphabetical order): - Digital Wellbeing: Main page refreshed with M3 Expressive elements and thicker donut graphs. - Files by Google: Animated Material 3 carousel on the homepage, pill-shaped toolbar for Quick Share and document scanning, revamped navigation rail, and dedicated toolbar for image editing. - Gmail: Structured layout for email list and messages, swipe gestures trigger pill-shaped animation, redesigned search app bar. - Google Calendar: Time slots in rounded containers, solid background layer for visibility, and FAB menu for creating various items. - Google Meet: Large cards for calls on the homepage, oversized buttons for voice and video calls, and user information in a pill shape. - Google Messages: Organized conversation list and message threads in containers, redesigned 'plus' menu with pill-shaped buttons. These updates aim to provide a more cohesive and visually appealing experience across Google's applications.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

The window is closing for Windows 10 users

Support for Microsoft Windows 10 will officially cease on October 14, marking a decade since its launch. Approximately 45 percent of Windows users globally still use Windows 10. Microsoft is offering an additional three years of security support for Windows 10, available at a cost per computer for businesses, with a one-year extension available for individual consumers for purchase or free through Microsoft Rewards points. Users can also receive a complimentary one-year extension by activating the Windows Backup service. Windows 11, which debuted in 2021, requires devices to have Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Secure Boot technology, introduced in 2018. Microsoft provides a program to check compatibility for Windows 11, and bypassing compatibility checks will result in a lack of official tech support.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Google launches App for Windows to search online, local files and Google Drive

Google has launched an experimental app for Microsoft's Windows operating system to improve web and file searches. Users can access the search interface using the keyboard shortcut Alt-Space, allowing them to search the Internet, local files, installed applications, and Google Drive. The app features Google Lens for interacting with text and visuals on screens, enabling tasks like translating images or assisting with homework. It also includes an AI Mode for deeper responses and follow-up inquiries. Currently, the app is available to English-speaking users in the United States through Google's Search Labs initiative. Users can opt-in but may have privacy concerns regarding local file access, though permission settings are adjustable. The app's long-term viability remains uncertain.