Tag: android

Android Google

Google Photos share menu could be replaced in Android 14

Android apps, for a while, were adopting their own custom sharing menus, but that’s slowly going back to the way it should be. Android 14 revamps the share menu, and Google Photos seems to be preparing to replace its custom option with the system default.

Android 14’s new system share menu is more capable than it ever has before, and that’s partially aiming to stop the “fragmentation” that’s happened with Android apps that employ their own share menus. Google Chrome, for instance, has run a custom share menu for a while, and recently moved to the native Android share menu on Android 14.

Google Photos appears to be preparing to do the same thing.

As uncovered by folks in the Google News Telegram group this week, the Google Photos app is also preparing to move to Android 14’s native share menu in coming updates. The functionality isn’t live for all just yet, but screenshots show that the new menu will take advantage of Android 14’s app-specific actions to retain functions such as sharing backed up photos & videos as a link, sending content via Google Photos’ built-in messaging, and using albums. That’s alongside options for sending to contacts and other apps.

It looks great overall, but as for when this will actually arrive, we really don’t know yet. Android 14, though, should be coming out soon.

More on Android 14:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

link … Read More ...

Android Google

The Microsoft Designer Android beta is now available in the Google Play Store

Microsoft designer

Microsoft Designer is expanding its reach beyond the web and Windows. The company quietly posted a beta version of Microsoft Designer for Android in the Google Play Store last week.

microsoft designer android

The Google Play Store listing for the beta version of the app (via MSPoweruser) may not be visible yet on all Android smartphones. While we found the listing while searching on the web version of the store, we were unable to find a listing for the app on our own Android smartphone. It’s possible Microsoft is limited access to the Designer beta app to a select number of devices.

Microsoft Designer was first announced in October 2022 as a new design tool powered by generative AI features, It finally launched as a public preview version on the web in April 2023. In August, Microsoft Designer was added as an integrated part of Microsoft’s Edge browser.

As with the web versions, the Android app has been developed to allow users to create graphic art designs by just typing in a few text prompts and then allowing its generative AI features to create the content. You can use it to create things like blog posts, websites, digital postcards, and more.

The Android version of the app is also designed to make it easier to not only create content but to share it across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and more with just one tap on your smartphone or tablet.

If you can access the beta version of the Android app, you can use it for free on your Microsoft account. However, Microsoft has already hinted that when the public preview of Designer ends, the company may charge extra for accessing certain features.

Speaking of which, Microsoft has also said it will add additional features to Designer in the future, including

… Read More ...
Android Google

Android TV Is Getting a Google TV Like Refresh On More Devices

If you haven’t already, you’re more likely to start seeing the Google TV-style home screen makeover on your Android TV.

The interface tweak was initially limited to select countries like the US. Today, 9to5Google spotted a Reddit post that said the update has expanded to more regions like Malaysia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Guatemala.

Google has historically had two operating systems for streaming players: Android TV and Google TV. Both are still around, but now Android TV’s OS is well on its way to mirroring Google TV’s interface. The Google TV interface was originally meant to fully replace the Android TV interface last year. The update began rolling out in 2021, showing that Google was working to better assimilate Android TVs into its brand.

The refresh would include a Discover tab with content recommendations, ads, watchlist support, a new apps section and featured content recommendations in the top half of the screen. Users got a look at the new interface with the preview of Android TV 12 in February 2021. The following summer, Nvidia Shield Android TVs were given the Google refresh as well, followed by some Hisense and Sony TVs as well.

The modified Android TV user interface was first introduced in 2020 on the Chromecast with Google TV streaming device and offered a smoother navigation experience. Google TV is compatible with thousands of Android TV apps, further easing the transition.

Google wasn’t immediately available for comment.

link … Read More ...

Android Apps

How to Transfer Data From iPhone to Android

Setting up a new smartphone can be a pain, but switching from one platform to another is downright intimidating, especially if you have a lot of apps and photos. Many people switch from Android to iPhone, but some do the opposite, moving from iPhone to Android in search of more hardware and customization options. If you’re a longtime iPhone owner who wants to explore Android, here’s how to become a green bubble (without losing your stuff in the process).

What you’ll need

How long it will take

The length of the transfer depends on how many apps and how much data you need to move. For example, I moved a total of 56 GB across four different email accounts, and it took about 30 minutes from start to finish. If you’re transferring 200 GB of data or more, it could take an hour or longer.

Before you begin

To get started, back up all of your iPhone’s data. You can use iCloud, use the Google One storage app, or store everything on a computer.

Next, turn off and deregister iMessage in order to properly send and receive text messages on your new Android smartphone. Go to your iPhone’s Settings menu, tap Messages, and turn off iMessage. In addition, while you’re in your iPhone’s Settings menu, tap FaceTime and turn off FaceTime. Then, to deregister iMessage, visit Apple’s support page for iMessage and scroll down to the “No longer have your iPhone?” section. Enter your phone number, click the confirmation link, and enter the code that Apple sends to your phone to complete the process.

Once you’ve disabled iMessage on your iPhone, you can start transferring your information and app settings to your new Android phone. You can do this in a few different ways, namely by using a direct connection

… Read More ...
Android Google

Google Camera 9.0 update rolls out for Android 14 ahead of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro releases

Google has now pushed its next major Camera update, which is rolling out as Google Camera 9.0. Previously, the update was rumoured to arrive after the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, pre-orders for which will open on October 4. Instead, Google has issued the new update a few weeks ahead of schedule, albeit with some caveats.

As always, Google restricts its Camera app to Pixel devices. Additionally, Google Camera 9.0 will only officially run on Android 14. As such, the sole way to experience Google Camera 9.0 is by enrolling your Pixel smartphone on the Android 14 Beta Program, which is currently on Android 14 Beta 5.3. However, Android 14 is expected to reach stable status this month for Pixel smartphones or early October at the latest.

Thus, Google Camera 9.0 is likely to be one of the first app updates that a recent Pixel smartphone downloads after it finishes installing Android 14. In summary, Google Camera 9.0 adds a photo/video switcher, changes up the list of default shooting modes and removes the rounded corners from the viewfinder. Moreover, Google has inverted the shortcuts for accessing the default gallery app and Locked Folder. Please see the screenshots below for what to expect from Google Camera 9.0 and how it differs from its predecessor, Google Camera 8.9.

link … Read More ...

Android Apps

One UI 6 lets you choose which apps to update when installing new Android versions

Summary

  • In the latest One UI 6 beta update, Samsung now allows users to choose which system apps they want to update alongside the Android OS.
  • This new feature gives Android users more control over their smartphones, allowing them to customize their device to their preferences even further.
  • While opting out of app updates may speed up the OS update process, it’s important to note that apps can still update on their own depending on your settings in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.


Android smartphones are renowned for the level of control people have over the OS. Whether that’s from gaining root access and really changing the look and functionality of your phone, or simply getting to place apps in specific places on the home screen grid, the possibilities are basically endless. Samsung added a very small touch to its latest One UI 6 beta update adhering to user control, as people can now choose whether to update specific apps alongside Android updates.

Previously, Samsung simply updated system apps — the preinstalled ones that weren’t downloaded from Google Play or sideloaded — in bulk only alongside software updates, and there was nothing you could do about it. Now, users can pick and choose which system apps get updated when installing a new Android version.

Tucked away in a small section of the Software update screen when installing One UI beta 3 is a box that reads, “Some apps can be updated along with this software update.” Underneath is an option that lets you Choose apps to update. Tap that, and you’re directed towards a new settings screen with a list of all Samsung system apps. Here, you can select which ones you want to update along with the system update. Any not chosen will need to be

… Read More ...
Android Google

SamMobileGoogle Chrome to get iPhone-like smooth scrolling on Android 14 (One UI 6.0)Google has leveraged the nanosecond API in Android 14 to offer a two-times smoother scrolling of web pages with Chrome. – SamMobile..1 day ago

SamMobileGoogle Chrome to get iPhone-like smooth scrolling on Android 14 (One UI 6.0)Google has leveraged the nanosecond API in Android 14 to offer a two-times
smoother scrolling of web pages with Chrome. – SamMobile..1 day ago
link … Read More ...

Android Google

Google TV and Finance widgets are now on Android phones

The Google TV and Finance Watchlist widgets ostensibly announced for Android tablets in June are now seeing wide availability on phones. 

The app-esque Google TV widget has a top bar (of sorts) to open the app, or go directly to search and the remote control. Underneath that is a feed of movie and television recommendations with cover images that include the title, while availability is noted below that.

Tapping directly opens the show/film page with 10 suggestions offered. It can take up your entire homescreen with a 2×5 grid used in that layout. 

If you don’t see the widget on your phone, Force stop Google TV 4.39.1090.x from App info.

Google TV Finance widgets
Google TV Finance widgets

We’re also seeing that the Finance Watchlist, which also debuted on tablets, is now available on smaller devices with the latest beta (version 14.37). Part of the Google app, stocks are synced with Search and google.com/finance. The “Featured investment” is shown at the top and gets a large chart. You can select any stock, index, or cryptocurrency manually, or have the “Top mover” — biggest gain or loss — automatically highlighted.

Sorting options let you arrange by Name, Symbol, or Day % change, as well Ascending or Descending alphabetically. To access these settings, long-press on the widget and tap the pencil icon in the bottom-right corner. There are several sizing options, while it’s notable how this widget is also available on Z Flip 5’s cover display with Samsung actively showcasing it.

Wide availability of the Google TV and Finance Watchlists widgets join other recent Material You updates for the Google News, Calendar, and At a Glance homescreen objects. 

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

link … Read More ...

Android Apps

This app lets you use one of the best iOS 17 features on Android

What you need to know

  • iOS 17 introduces StandBy Mode for iPhone models, providing a smart display-like experience when charging. 
  • While some Android phones offer a similar interface, it’s not as feature-rich as what iOS 17 brings.
  • StandBy Mode Pro emulates this iOS 17 feature but includes a lot more customization than even what Apple will offer.

When Apple introduced iOS 17, there really weren’t a lot of “game-changing” features unless you’ve never used an Android phone before. But in my time testing out the iOS 17 beta on my iPhone 14 Pro Max, I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy the “new” StandBy Mode. 

Basically, this turns your iPhone into a smart display of sorts, complete with a digital clock and various widgets to show things like your calendar, upcoming tasks, or the weather. This is nothing new in the Android space, as Samsung phones offer something similar thanks to the always-on display, but it doesn’t really “hit the spot.”

As you might suspect, a bunch of apps hit the Play Store shortly after iOS 17 was unveiled, which aimed to bring StandBy Mode to all Android phones. But there’s one app that I’ve been relying on for a while now, and it’s slowly turning into one of my favorite apps of the year.

Aptly named StandBy Mode Pro, the app “turns your phone or tablet into a Smart Display while it charges.” But instead of just imitating the different clocks and widgets that you’ll find on the iPhone running iOS 17, there are quite a few more options to choose from. You can opt for the “Duo” mode, which splits your screen in half and places scrollable widgets on either side. 

Taking things even further, StandBy Mode Pro borrows the “night mode” from iOS 17, putting a red tint on

… Read More ...
Android Apps

How to use iMessage on Android and Chromebooks with Beeper

The debate about “blue bubbles vs. green bubbles” doesn’t seem like it’s going to end anytime soon. And there are plenty of people out there who prefer to use Android phones paired with a Mac but don’t want to be left out of group chats just because Apple hasn’t gotten on board with RCS just yet.

There are a few different solutions that have already been available for some time, but we’ll touch on those later. Instead, we’re going to walk you through the steps you need to take if you want to use iMessage on Android with Beeper!

What is Beeper?

Beeper promo hero render

(Image credit: Beeper)

Beeper got its start all the way back in 2020, with the company’s founder giving us our first tease in January 2021. Those who have been in the Android space for some time might recognize the person in charge of Beeper. Eric Migicovsky is at the helm of Beeper but was also the founder of Pebble smartwatches. 

What Beeper tries to do is consolidate many of the most popular messaging services into a single app. Currently, there is support for 15 different services, ranging from iMessage to Signal, and more recently, Beeper added support for Google’s RCS messaging platform. Here’s the current list of the different messaging apps that are supported by Beeper. 

  • iMessage
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Instagram
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Signal
  • Google RCS
  • Android SMS
  • Google Chat
  • Twitter
  • Slack
  • Discord
  • LinkedIn

Instead of installing a bunch of different apps and throwing them into a folder, Beeper wants to take the headache out of messaging. There are pros and cons to doing so, as you’ll miss out on some app-specific features, but if you only care about seeing and responding to messages, then Beeper is the one-stop shop you’re looking for.

It’s also worth pointing

… Read More ...