widget Archives

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

10 awesome Shizuku apps I use to level up my Android experience

Shizuku is an open-source tool that connects elevated Android functionalities with third-party applications, enabling access to previously restricted features. Canta allows users to uninstall any app, including bloatware and system applications, on devices like Samsung, providing guidance on safe uninstallation. ColorBlendr enhances control over Android's color-picking system, allowing users to select colors from wallpapers and standard palettes. Essentials is a toolkit for Pixel and other Android devices that unlocks hidden settings for granular adjustments and includes tools like a real-time distance calculator. Smartspacer extends the At A Glance widget's functionality beyond Pixel devices, integrating information from various sources. ShizuWall is a firewall that prevents selected apps from accessing the internet without needing a VPN or Private DNS. aShell You allows users to run ADB commands directly on their device, featuring a list of commands and bookmark support. Install With Options streamlines APK installation with modifications like bypassing SDK limits and downgrading apps. Adaptive Theme automatically switches between Dark and Light modes based on ambient light levels. SD Maid SE is a storage-cleanup tool that identifies and removes unnecessary files, with enhanced capabilities when used with Shizuku. Shappky enables users to terminate any running app, including system apps, with a simple tap.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Google Wallet now lets you track flights from your lock screen

Google has introduced a new lock screen widget for Android 16 that provides real-time updates on flight progress, including departing and destination airports, estimated arrival time, and a visual progress bar. Users can access this feature by adding their boarding pass to Google Wallet, which will automatically display the widget shortly before takeoff. Google Wallet, which transitioned from Google Pay in 2024, is the primary platform for managing credit cards and digital documents on Android devices.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Google’s most basic app has turned my dad into a Pixel super-fan

The author's family recently transitioned to Google Pixel phones, which has particularly pleased the author's father due to the Pixel Weather app. The switch was motivated by the need for easier remote troubleshooting and a consistent user experience. The father's fondness for the app stems from its clarity, straightforward design, and absence of ads, making it more enjoyable to use. The app provides accurate weather forecasts for their hometown in Lebanon and features a large, readable font that caters to the father's visual needs. The family has a longstanding interest in weather information, and the app's customization options have enhanced the father's smartphone experience.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s New Xbox Mode is Now Available for More Insiders

Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, to more Insiders, including those on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The new Xbox Mode can be activated through the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11, providing a full-screen interface for PC games. The Canary build 29570.1000 also introduces a new Touchpad setting for adjusting the right-click zone size and expands lock screen widget personalization options. For Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, the build 28020.1863 addresses a sign-in issue without introducing new features. The Dev and Beta Channels are receiving updates focused on reliability, including improvements to File Explorer and Windows Hello. The Release Preview Channel is previewing an upcoming optional April update that includes the new Xbox Mode, File Explorer enhancements, haptic feedback for certain pens, a rebranded Drop Tray, taskbar monitoring for AI agents, and revamped voice typing features. Additional reliability enhancements are included for various Windows components.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTube adds Android Auto support for background play controls

YouTube has rolled out support for Android Auto, allowing limited interaction with the platform. Users can access basic features like play/pause and skip to the next video through the dashboard media widget, but cannot play videos or use comprehensive media controls. A YouTube Premium subscription is required for background play, with a new Premium Lite plan available starting February 2026 for .99 per month, which will also include background play.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Spotify and Android Auto are fumbling one of the app’s best features

Spotify users are experiencing issues with locally stored tracks disappearing from playlists when accessed through Android Auto, despite these tracks remaining intact on their devices and functioning normally within the Spotify app. This problem has been reported by multiple users, indicating a potential communication issue between Spotify and Android Auto. Additionally, album art on the Android Auto screen is also missing, although it appears correctly in the task widget. Standard troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issue, and there is no acknowledgment or solution provided by either Spotify or Google. This situation coincides with ongoing connectivity issues and bugs affecting Android Auto, leading to user frustration. The root cause of the problem—whether it lies with Spotify or Android Auto—remains unclear.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel

Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, introducing Platform Stability, which finalizes internal and external APIs and app-facing behaviors for developers. Key enhancements include full activation of bubbles for multitasking, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, customizable photo picker grid view, support for 14-bit per pixel RAW images, vendor-defined camera extensions, Bluetooth LE audio hearing aids, reduced wakelocks for idle alarms, a system-provided location button, post-quantum cryptography hybrid signing, widget support on external displays, desktop interactive picture-in-picture, VPN app exclusion settings, and dynamic system font fallback. Feedback can be submitted through the Android Beta Feedback tool, and system images are available for various Pixel devices.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

A Slack Android upgrade worth finding

The latest update to Slack has introduced an Android widget that allows users to manage their Slack status directly from their home screen. This feature enhances accessibility by enabling users to view and reset their status without navigating through the app. The widget aims to improve mobile usability, despite some quirks in scrolling, and is designed to help busy professionals stay connected more efficiently.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Our commitment to Windows quality

- Enhanced Taskbar Customization: Users will be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. - Intentional AI Integration: Copilot will be integrated thoughtfully across Windows, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad. - Streamlined Windows Updates: Users will have more control over updates, including options to skip updates during setup, restart without installing updates, and pause updates. - Improved File Explorer: Enhancements will lead to quicker launches, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance. - Widget Control and Personalization: Widgets will have quieter defaults and improved personalization options. - Simplified Windows Insider Program: The program will be made more accessible with clearer channel definitions and enhanced engagement opportunities. - Revamped Feedback Hub: The Feedback Hub will be updated to streamline the process for submitting feedback and engaging with the community. - System Performance Improvements: Resource usage will be reduced to enhance performance, resulting in faster app launches and improved memory efficiency. - Fluid App Interactions: Core experiences will transition to the WinUI3 framework to minimize interaction latency. - File Explorer Optimization: Efforts will be made to lower latency for search and navigation. - Elevating the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Performance and integration for developers using Linux tools will be enhanced. - Windows Insider Program Enhancements: Expectations for each Insider channel will be clarified, and the quality of builds will be raised. - OS, Driver, and App Reliability: Improvements will be made to system stability and driver quality. - Windows Update Experience: Updates will be streamlined to minimize disruptions and provide clearer control over timing. - Windows Hello Improvements: Biometric authentication will be enhanced for a more reliable sign-in experience. - Start and Taskbar Enhancements: These areas will be made more reliable and personalized. - Focused User Experience: Distractions will be reduced to help users maintain focus. - Search Enhancements: Faster, more accurate search results will be delivered across Windows surfaces. - Commitment to security enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

These are my 7 favorite Android weather apps that I think you’ll love too

Meteogram Weather Widget presents weather data through graphical meteograms, allowing users to visualize multiple conditions simultaneously and offers a range of data sources for accuracy. Breezy Weather features a user-friendly interface with animated backgrounds and customizable options, balancing simplicity and functionality. Weather Master combines aesthetic appeal with practical insights, offering customizability and detailed forecasts. Weather & Radar excels in real-time tracking with a graphical interface and radar view for current conditions. Zoom Earth focuses on true-to-life imagery for tracking weather phenomena and provides historical satellite imagery. Tropical Hurricane Tracker offers detailed storm information and simplifies complex terminology for users in tropical regions. Avia Weather specializes in METAR data for precise forecasts, particularly useful for travelers.