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visual update

Does your Google Photos app look different today? Here's what's changed
AppWizard
January 29, 2026

Does your Google Photos app look different today? Here’s what’s changed

Google Photos has updated its Memories carousel with vibrant colors and playful card designs. The "X years ago" memories now feature bold, number-shaped cutouts against vivid backgrounds, while other categories like "on this day" have abstract shapes and varying background colors. The update is primarily aesthetic, with no significant changes to functionality. The rollout of the new design is gradual across various devices and countries, with many users already experiencing the update.
Voice search in the Google app is leaning hard into the Gemini aesthetic
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.
Chrome for Android just got its long-awaited dose of Google’s latest redesign
AppWizard
October 27, 2025

Chrome for Android just got its long-awaited dose of Google’s latest redesign

The Material 3 Expressive redesign has launched on Chrome for Android with version 141, featuring a modern aesthetic that aligns with other Google applications. Key updates include a redesigned three-dot menu with circular icons for actions like bookmarking and refreshing, a transformed Tab Grid with rounded elements and clearer groupings, and a dynamic color theme that adapts to the user's wallpaper. Additional enhancements include a segmented progress indicator with rounded corners and a star icon with a rounded square background for bookmarks. The update is server-side, meaning it may not be immediately available even if the Chrome version is 141 or higher. Users can try force-stopping the app to prompt the update.
Battlefield 6 reveals Season 1 plans, but its battle royale mode is MIA
AppWizard
September 30, 2025

Battlefield 6 reveals Season 1 plans, but its battle royale mode is MIA

Battlefield 6 Season 1 is set to launch on Tuesday, October 28, featuring three acts: Rogue Ops, California Resistance on November 18, and Winter Offensive on December 9. New maps will include Blackwell Fields on day one and Eastwood during California Resistance, with a visual update for the Empire State map in Winter Offensive. The season will introduce new weapons, including the Mini Scout sniper rifle, and the return of the Battle Pickups feature. Two new game modes, Strikepoint (4v4) and Sabotage (8v8), will also debut. The roadmap does not mention a battle royale mode, which EA has hinted at but not detailed. Season 1 will be a free update for all players.
Google is giving Android's headphone and earbud notifications a fresh new look
AppWizard
August 11, 2025

Google is giving Android’s headphone and earbud notifications a fresh new look

Google is enhancing the user experience on Android devices with a visual update for headphone and earbud battery status. The updated notification features color-coded rings around icons for each earbud and their charging case, allowing for quick assessment of battery status. Dynamic icons indicate whether the earbuds are charging and if the case is discharging power. This redesign replaces the previous method of displaying a battery icon with a percentage. The update will be available with the rollout of Android 15 QPR2 on Pixel devices.
I put McAfee and Avast in an antivirus head to head, and these were the results of my testing
Tech Optimizer
July 18, 2025

I put McAfee and Avast in an antivirus head to head, and these were the results of my testing

Investing in a robust antivirus solution is essential as cyber threats become more sophisticated. McAfee and Avast are two reputable antivirus providers, both offering effective defenses against malware with overlapping feature sets. McAfee employs advanced real-time threat detection using machine learning, while Avast continuously monitors application behavior and online activities for threats. McAfee's firewall blocks suspicious connections but has limited configuration options, whereas Avast's firewall allows for greater customization. McAfee’s ‘Premium’ subscription includes identity theft protection features, while Avast One’s ‘Gold’ subscription offers less extensive identity protection. McAfee includes a VPN with no data caps across all tiers, while Avast's VPN has a data cap in its free version but offers more locations in premium plans. McAfee includes a True Key Password Manager, while Avast does not have a password manager. McAfee provides robust parental controls, unlike Avast. Both antivirus solutions have additional features, such as file shredders. McAfee is noted for its resource efficiency, scoring 2.6 in impact tests, while Avast scored 3.8. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with McAfee being sleek and organized, and Avast having an intuitive design. In malware protection tests, McAfee achieved a 99.6% online detection rate and a 99.96% online protection rate, while Avast had a 99.3% online detection rate and a 97.7% offline detection rate. Pricing for McAfee ranges from .99 per year for one device to .99 for the ‘Ultimate’ plan, while Avast offers a free tier and premium plans starting at .88 for three devices.
Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11
Winsage
March 24, 2025

Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11

Amazon has reported that the Surface Laptop 7 is frequently returned by customers. Mojang has introduced a "Vibrant Visuals" update for Minecraft, enhancing the game's aesthetics while keeping its gameplay mechanics intact. Microsoft is developing a Steam filter for the Xbox app on PC, suggesting deeper integration with Steam. HP announced 25 new PCs at its Amplify conference, including the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and the OmniBook 7 Aero 13. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld received a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its performance and features.
When is Vibrant Visuals Coming to Minecraft? Release Date Tracker
AppWizard
March 23, 2025

When is Vibrant Visuals Coming to Minecraft? Release Date Tracker

Mojang has announced the Vibrant Visuals update for Minecraft, which will enhance the game's visual elements such as reflections, sunlight, water, and draw distances. The update is expected to significantly change the game's appearance while preserving its core essence. The release date is currently unconfirmed, but players on select devices in beta programs can experience it early. Key features of the update include improved shadows, volumetric fog, directional lighting, infinite clouds, thousands of crafted elements, accurate light rays, enhanced glow effects, and more realistic water visuals. The update will follow the upcoming Minecraft Spring to Life update, and players can also expect a new dried ghast that evolves into a happy ghast.
Here's an early video preview of the upcoming Google app Search AI Mode in action (APK teardown)
AppWizard
March 12, 2025

Here’s an early video preview of the upcoming Google app Search AI Mode in action (APK teardown)

Google is introducing a new AI Mode as part of the Gemini project, which aims to enhance user interaction across its applications. An early preview of this feature has been released, showcasing its integration into the Google app. The current beta version (16.9.39.sa.arm64) reveals that Voice Search and Lens options have been repositioned to accommodate the AI Mode. The interface now includes a floating Search bar that allows users to access the AI Mode easily, which generates detailed responses to queries with links to source material. The AI Mode supports various input methods, including text and voice queries, and integrates with Google Lens, which has received a visual update. The feature is not yet publicly accessible, but anticipation for its launch is growing.
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