Google is rolling out a significant redesign to the Android Family Link app, aiming to place the most crucial items like screen time management tools front and center. After announcing this change as "coming soon" back in February, Google has flipped the switch to bring the refreshed UI to users … [Read more...] about The promised Family Link UI update is rolling out
Apps
There are multiple different channels that apps find themselves making their way onto your Chrome OS device. At one time it was via the Chrome Web Store. In that store, you can find dedicated Chrome OS apps alongside Extensions that expand the usability of Chrome. Now that Android has come on the scene, this section of the site will expand incredibly.
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The Google Phone app is getting a UI change I absolutely cannot wait for
Google's stock Phone app, a standard inclusion on Pixel devices and increasingly common on other Android handsets, is getting a really significant UI update soon. While its minimalist approach has always been a point of focus, Google is now experimenting with a new incoming call UI that could … [Read more...] about The Google Phone app is getting a UI change I absolutely cannot wait for
A few helpful updates arrive in the latest Google Weather app
Google continues to subtly enhance the Pixel experience, and two recent updates to the Pixel Weather app, (version 1.0.20250127.729684887) showcase the fact that tiny changes can really make for a larger impact on UI. First up, Google has added dates beneath each day in the 10-day forecast. This … [Read more...] about A few helpful updates arrive in the latest Google Weather app
Gemini apps are here, but they’re not exactly new
Google has made a subtle but useful change to Gemini by rebranding "Gemini Extensions" to "Gemini Apps." This shift, already showing up in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 16.8.31.sa.arm64), looks to be the beginning of a move towards a more integrated and user-friendly experience … [Read more...] about Gemini apps are here, but they’re not exactly new
Gboard tested very rounded keys, we all hated it, and it’s been reverted
As a part of the Gboard Beta program, I recently opened up my keyboard on the Pixel 9 Pro XL to find a new setting that not only looked odd, but functionally stinks in every way: severely rounded keys. Now, don't get me wrong - in the right setting, round keyboard keys looks pretty sweet. I … [Read more...] about Gboard tested very rounded keys, we all hated it, and it’s been reverted
Google’s Family Link is rolling out some new features for parents
Keeping kids safe online while fostering healthy habits is a constant balancing act for parents. As a parent of a 10 year old and 14 year old, I live this reality every single day. For us, Family Link has been a crucial tool that allows us to give our kids autonomy while still being able to rein in … [Read more...] about Google’s Family Link is rolling out some new features for parents
Blackmagic Camera 2.0 brings live multi-cam recording to Andriod for free
Blackmagic Design has just announced yet another update to its free Blackmagic Camera app for Android, bringing a host of advanced features previously exclusive to the iOS version. The 2.0 update significantly expands the app's capabilities, including multi-camera control, tablet support, and … [Read more...] about Blackmagic Camera 2.0 brings live multi-cam recording to Andriod for free
Google Sheets is getting another big speed boost
The journey to refining its productivity suite is never done for Google, and the latest improvements to Sheets are all about speed. Following last year's significant update that doubled calculation speeds, Google has now focused on optimizing everyday actions within Sheets: which means a smoother, … [Read more...] about Google Sheets is getting another big speed boost
xAI launches a dedicated website for its Grok chatbot
Elon Musk's xAI has been making waves with its Grok chatbot, and now it's even easier to take it for a spin. While a dedicated iOS app recently launched in the US, it seems xAI has quietly rolled out a web version of Grok as well. This means you no longer have to go to X.com or even have an X … [Read more...] about xAI launches a dedicated website for its Grok chatbot
Google Messages will now let you override a contact’s photo on your device
Late last year, Google rolled out "profile sharing" in Messages. This well-meaning feature was supposed to make things easier for everyone by automatically using people's Google Account pictures in the app instead of using the contact photo you may have chosen for that contact prior. Instead, for … [Read more...] about Google Messages will now let you override a contact’s photo on your device
Google Keep is forcing users to “reload” their notes for some reason
if you're a Google Keep user, you might have noticed a little prompt nudging you to "Reload Keep" this week. I had it pop up a few days ago and didn't think too much of it, but it seems it's happening to most users across the board. It looks to be a simple update of some sort, but the front-facing … [Read more...] about Google Keep is forcing users to “reload” their notes for some reason
You can now try X’s Grok AI chatbot for free, but there are limits
Elon Musk's xAI has made its quirky chatbot, Grok, more accessible than ever. Grok, known for its humor and willingness to tackle "spicy" questions, was initially exclusive to X Premium subscribers but now X has opened it up to all users with a free tier, with some limitations. Anyone can experience … [Read more...] about You can now try X’s Grok AI chatbot for free, but there are limits
