visual updates Archives

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

First look: Google’s Phone app is getting a tasty Android 16 redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Phone app has undergone significant design enhancements in its version 177.0.763181107-publicbeta-pixel2024, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive design language. Key changes include larger contact names and caller images, a transition from circular to oval-shaped buttons, and an enlarged pill-shaped end call button. Additional modifications feature the removal of the “call from” text, immediate display of the phone number after answering, and a redesigned “more” menu. The app also introduces an animation for the incoming caller’s profile picture. Similar updates are being rolled out across other Google applications, and these redesigns will be supported on earlier versions of Android as well.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft is putting AI actions into the Windows File Explorer

Microsoft is integrating AI shortcuts, called AI actions, into the File Explorer of Windows 11, allowing users to right-click on files for quick access to various AI features. Four image-related actions currently being tested include Bing visual search, background blurring, object erasure from the Photos app, and a remove background option in Paint. Microsoft plans to introduce AI actions for Office files, enabling document summarization and AI-driven list generation for Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers with a Copilot license. An "Ask Copilot" option will also be added to the right-click menu. Additionally, Microsoft is experimenting with visual updates to the widgets feature and has introduced a new power management feature that reduces energy consumption on laptops and tablets after periods of inactivity.

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

May 14, 2025

Minecraft snapshot 25w20a explained: New features and updates – The Times of India

Minecraft snapshot 25w20a introduces the ability to craft saddles using three pieces of leather and one iron ingot. It also features a new music disc titled “Tears,” composed by Amos Roddy, along with five ambient tracks for various biomes. Players can now use shears to remove saddles, horse armor, harnesses, and carpets from animals, but not if the mob has a rider or if the player is crouching. Saddles will no longer be found as loot in structures, replaced by leather. Visual updates include fog effects on 3D HUD elements and reduced fog density during thunderstorms and rain. Additionally, players using Minecraft Realms will see new region indicators on the loading screen.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google Keep is getting a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive (APK teardown)

Google is redesigning Google Keep using the Material 3 Expressive design language. An APK teardown of version 5.25.182.01.90 reveals a new search bar that is taller and narrower, with the account switcher and hamburger menu icons moved to the edges and a filter button added within the search bar. The placeholder text has changed from “Search your notes” to “Search Keep.” These updates are part of a broader strategy for visual enhancements across Google's Android ecosystem, although some features may not reach the final public release.

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer is getting visual updates, and you probably won’t even notice them

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that allows users to apply their selected accent color to the selection box in File Explorer, moving away from the traditional gray or white. Users can modify their accent color through Settings > Personalization > Colors, choosing either automatic selection based on their background or a manual option. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the visual aspects of progress bars in File Explorer, with the storage progress bar now in a darker blue shade and the file transfer progress bar redesigned to a flatter, darker green tone.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Google TV app may be getting a blue makeover and fresh features (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Google TV app with aesthetic and functional improvements. The app will feature a new color palette, replacing dark gray accents with a vibrant blue. Enhancements to the search functionality will include a list of recent searches for easier access to previous queries. Additionally, a new feature called the “Hot and New Tab” is in development, which will showcase trending and newly released content.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Windows 11 minor new features: advanced passkey manager, colourful Ctrl Alt Del UI, and more

Windows 11 is set to receive updates including an advanced passkey manager with a new "advanced options" page for better device management, synchronization of passkeys across compatible devices, and a "View passkey" dropdown menu for filtering passkeys. The Ctrl+Alt+Del screen will now reflect the user's chosen accent color. Additionally, a new keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + Minus, will allow users to toggle between zoom levels in the built-in magnifier, with broader rollout expected in early 2025.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

Blizzard’s pulling of Warcraft I & II tests GOG’s new Preservation Program

GOG has enhanced the networking code for Warcraft I and refined the DirectX wrapper for Warcraft II, improving compatibility with modern monitor resolutions. GOG's commitment to preserving classic games includes the Warcraft series and may extend to other titles facing diminishing publisher interest. However, GOG faces limitations in modifying certain games due to rights issues, which complicates ensuring compatibility with modern systems. Warcraft II: Remastered allows players to toggle between classic and remastered graphics, enhances support for widescreen monitors, and increases the number of selectable units. The 2020 release of Warcraft III Reforged received significant backlash, criticized for its execution and lack of polish, while the remastered versions of the first two Warcraft games feature numerous visual updates for the UI and improved gameplay experience.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

New Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.4440 adds revamped Windows Hello experience

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Preview Build 22635.4440 (KB5045889) to Beta Channel Insiders, featuring a redesigned Windows Hello user experience aimed at improving authentication. The update includes enhanced visuals for Windows Hello across various platforms, a new credential user experience for passkeys, and general improvements and fixes. The Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard has been temporarily disabled, and issues causing touch keyboard crashes have been resolved. The updates are being gradually rolled out, and users can enable the toggle in Settings > Windows Update to receive them.