user interface modifications Archives

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Experience the new material 3 design in Google Contacts: What’s changed?

Google Contacts has received a Material 3 Expressive redesign, featuring container-style contact cards and larger, pill-shaped icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing. The "Contact info" label above the phone number has been removed for a cleaner presentation, and the update is available with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store. Additionally, Google is testing customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app, allowing users to display a full-screen image of the caller and personalize fonts and colors. This feature is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Android 16 is Google getting serious about foldables

Google recently launched Android 16, featuring significant user interface modifications and new animations, which have elicited mixed reactions from users. The update includes enhancements like improved network connectivity and security against malicious applications. The UI now dynamically adapts to user interactions, adding visual flair. During the Android Show, Google showcased various Android phones, with speculation about future tablet announcements at the I/O conference. The foldable phone market is currently dominated by Android devices, with expectations that foldables could become mainstream, despite challenges related to pricing and durability. Manufacturers are improving foldable designs to enhance resilience. As costs stabilize, foldables may replace traditional devices, offering multifunctional capabilities.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

The Google Home app seemingly has a few small changes for its UI in the works

Google is enhancing its Home app to simplify smart device management with user interface modifications. Upcoming updates will include a dedicated QR scanner in the Devices tab and a search bar in the Favorites section. In December, Google began a Public Preview test for the "Help me create" feature, which uses Gemini AI to help users automate their smart home systems by defining a Starter, Condition, and Action. Additionally, a separate Public Preview test for "Gemini in Assistant" aims to improve responses for Nest devices, allowing users to interrupt or request clarification from the Assistant.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

WhatsApp may soon bring an in-app call dialer for Android users

WhatsApp is introducing a new in-app call dialer that allows users to dial numbers directly from the chat application, eliminating the need to switch to the system dialer. The feature includes a floating button for direct communication with unknown contacts without saving their numbers. The in-app call dialer is currently being rolled out to select Android beta users through version 2.24.26.11. A new "Call a number" feature on the contacts page aims to reduce clutter and improve user experience. Users can enter a phone number in the in-app dialer, which will initiate a verification process before making the call. This feature is still in beta testing but is expected to be available to a wider audience soon.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft Office 2024 now available for Windows and macOS users

Microsoft has released Office 2024, targeting small businesses and consumers who prefer a standalone suite instead of a Microsoft 365 subscription. The suite includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook, compatible with Windows 10, Windows 11, and the latest three versions of macOS. Users need a Microsoft account and an internet connection for installation and updates. Two editions are available for purchase: Office Home 2024 for 9.99, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for a single PC or Mac, and Office Home & Business 2024 for 9.99, which adds Outlook and commercial use rights. New features include support for OpenDocument format 1.4, enhanced performance in Excel, closed captioning for presentations, improved search functionality, and document recovery features. ActiveX controls are disabled by default in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio for security reasons. Microsoft also launched Office LTSC 2024 for commercial and government customers. Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024 were first announced in March, with a commercial preview following in April 2024.

AppWizard

August 20, 2024

Google May Remove Search Button from Android App, Adds Offline Maps to Wear OS

Google is considering removing the search button from its Android Google app, as indicated by a leak from Assemble Debug. The analysis of the latest beta version of the app suggests that Google is experimenting with layouts that do not include the search button. This potential change may be driven by user interaction data, which could show that users are not engaging with the bottom search button. Additionally, Google is enhancing its Google Maps application by introducing offline maps support for Wear OS smartwatches, allowing users to navigate without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

AppWizard

April 11, 2024

The first Android 15 public beta is out – here’s how to download it

The Android 15 public beta has been released with enhancements based on developer feedback. The beta focuses on user interface modifications, security enhancements, and features like edge-to-edge display, end-to-end encryption in the contacts app, and app archiving. The beta is limited to select smartphones, primarily Google Pixel models.