voice search Archives

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

6 Free Android TV Apps You Need To Install Before Google Removes Sideloading

Developers are now required to register their applications before users can sideload them on Android devices, a change aimed at reducing malware risks associated with unverified apps. This policy is particularly significant for Android TV users who often rely on sideloading for niche utilities and unofficial streaming tools. The risk of malware is reportedly 50 times higher when apps are installed from outside the Play Store. Google has promised to create a workflow for experienced users to sideload unverified apps despite the new restrictions. Sideloading allows users to install apps not available on the Play Store, but it comes with increased risks of data-stealing malware. Users can sideload apps by transferring APK files to their devices and adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources. SmartTube TV is an unofficial YouTube client that offers an ad-free experience and integrates features like SponsorBlock, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Aptoide TV is a community-driven app marketplace that provides access to apps not available on the Play Store, though caution is advised due to potential malware risks. Leanback Launcher is an open-source launcher that enhances performance and customization options for Android TV. RetroArch allows users to emulate classic gaming consoles and requires legal copies of games. Syncler organizes and streams shows and movies from user-selected providers without hosting content itself. AdAway is an open-source ad blocker that filters ads at the device level using host files. The selection of these apps focuses on enhancing the Android TV experience through performance improvements, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of categories including streaming, gaming, customization, and privacy.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

Google app redesigning voice search on Android

The Google app is updating its voice search feature with a new interface that includes a prominently displayed ‘G’ logo and a “What’s on your mind?” prompt. The previous compact waveform has been replaced by a dynamic arc that vibrates with the user's voice. A new shortcut, “Search a song,” has been added, replacing the globe animation with a “Play Sing Hum” option. The sound cues for microphone activity have also been refreshed. This redesign is not yet widely available on Android devices.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Google is testing out a whole new vibe for voice search in its Android app

Google is experimenting with a new voice search interface in its app, featuring a redesigned song identification section similar to Shazam. The changes are visible in the beta version 16.36.40.sa.arm64 of the Google app, where users can activate voice search by tapping the microphone icon. The new interface displays a “listening…” prompt without recent searches and offers search suggestions below it. When searching for a song, users see an animated page prompting them to play, sing, or hum the tune. The design removes previous and suggested searches, introducing a main voice search screen with a pulsing animation. The song search interface highlights a prominent “Play Sing Hum” message. The rollout is server-side, meaning not all users will have immediate access. Additionally, the Play Store has received a redesigned voice search interface similar to the one being tested in the Google app, indicating a trend towards a unified AI Mode interface across Google’s platforms.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

These are the 6 Android widgets I simply can’t live without

Megan Ellis shares her essential Android widgets that enhance productivity and streamline daily tasks. 1. TickTick: A to-do list application with widgets for creating new tasks and displaying overdue/upcoming tasks, helping Megan stay organized and manage stress. 2. Google Calendar: A functional calendar widget that allows Megan to monitor upcoming events and meetings, particularly useful for significant events. She appreciates its dark mode feature. 3. Vocabulary: An app that provides a new word daily through its widget, allowing users to expand their vocabulary without opening the app. 4. Clock/Weather: The default Weather app widget combines time, date, and weather forecasts, streamlining her morning routine. She uses Google automation for evening updates and IFTTT notifications for temperature changes. 5. Brave Search: A search widget that offers quick access to search queries and voice search, enhancing her browsing experience with a cleaner, ad-free environment. 6. Xiaomi Home: An alternative to Google Home, this app provides widgets for quick access to smart home devices, allowing Megan to monitor and adjust settings remotely.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 Beta redesigns the Pixel Launcher search bar, adds AI Mode

In Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, the Pixel Launcher features a redesigned search bar that aligns with the Google app's updated homescreen widget. The new design includes a more compact search bar with an AI Mode icon on the right, a magnifying glass in four Google colors, and a darker background for better organization. The redesign is limited to the search bar and does not affect the top of the app launcher. Currently, users have limited customization options for the search bar shortcut, while the Google app offers various shortcuts that integrate with Google Lens. The redesign is visible on one device following a server-side update, and a new gradient G logo was introduced recently.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

How to enable voice search on Amazon app for Android

The Amazon app includes a section in the settings menu for managing voice-related features, labeled as "Voice" or "Alexa." Users can customize settings for voice command recognition and processing, allowing for a more personalized and efficient interaction with the app. This includes options to adjust sensitivity and modify command preferences.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Latest Market Trends for Android TV App Development in 2025

The smart TV market is projected to grow from USD 225.43 billion in 2023 to USD 252.41 billion in 2024, reaching USD 623.62 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.97% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by increased global internet penetration and better access to high-speed broadband, allowing consumers to stream content on smart TVs. The rising popularity of smart TVs is attributed to the convenience of accessing various applications for streaming, gaming, and fitness. Businesses are investing in smart Android TV app development to engage customers effectively, as audiences spend more time on screens. Key trends in Android TV app development for 2025 include the use of AI and ML for personalized experiences, AR and VR for immersive interactions, 5G technology for enhanced performance, instant apps for improved user experience, cross-platform development, on-demand applications, and blockchain technology for security. The cost of developing an Android TV app ranges from ,000 to ,000, depending on complexity, with more intricate applications potentially exceeding 0,000.

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.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Google Search widget now lets you set a custom shortcut on Android

The Google app has introduced a feature for Android users that allows customization of shortcuts within the Search widget. Users can access this by going to the Google app settings and selecting "Customize Search widget," where they can adjust the theme and transparency settings. The new “Shortcuts” feature offers nine options: None, Translate (text), Song Search, Weather, Translate (camera), Sports, Dictionary, Homework, and Finance. The shortcut icon appears to the left of the microphone and camera icons in a 3×1 layout, and in a compact 2×1 view, it shows only the ‘G’ icon. This update is available for non-Pixel devices as well as Google phones and tablets, and it is part of version 16.3.34 of the Google app, which was rolled out in the stable channel.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

Google’s working on a conversational way to help you get the most out of Search (APK teardown)

Google is developing an AI-powered voice search feature for its Android app that will allow users to ask follow-up questions and refine search queries in real time. Recent findings from an APK teardown of the beta version (15.43.36.28) indicate that the feature is in early development, with code suggesting a conversational search experience. Strings like “Ask a follow-up…” and “Listening…” point to a design focused on interactive communication, although the microphone functionality is not yet operational. New user interface elements have been identified, suggesting that the feature will be accessible through the Google app and Google Search widget. Further updates are expected to provide more insights into the capabilities of this voice search tool.