Apps
Google Search widget brings back Custom color option on Android
Google is making it easier for users to personalize their Search bar widget on Android with a custom theme. The latest beta version 15.43 of the Google App has reintroduced the Custom color feature that many users have been looking forward to.
After introducing Dynamic Color in August, the options for customizing the widget were limited to Light, Dark, System, and Device themes. With this new update, you can now customize the Google Search Widget bar with a new custom option.
Now, you can adjust the colors of your widget using sliders for Hue and Saturation. There’s also a Transparency slider that lets you control how see-through the widget looks.
These features follow the modern Material 3 design to make them visually appealing and easy to use. In addition, a handy “Reset” button is also located at the top-right corner, which allows you to quickly return to the original settings if you want.
To access these new customization options, you need to manually place the Google Search widget on your home screen. Now open the Google app >> tap your profile picture in the top-right corner >> go to Settings >> Customize Search widget.
The custom color theme for the Google Search widget is currently in the beta version and it will be available to everyone in the stable version soon.
WhatsApp is making it easier to keep your chats organized with a new feature called Custom Lists. This allows you to sort your conversations into categories to make it easier to find what you need.
The Custom Lists feature lets you create personalized lists for your chats. You can group conversations by categories like friends, work, or family. This is a major upgrade from the old chat filters, which only allowed basic sorting. Now, you can make up to 20 different lists.
To create a list, just tap the plus button in the filter bar above your chats, select the contacts or groups you want, and your new list will show up at the top of your chat list. This makes it quick and easy to access the chats that matter most to you.
Ahead of this update, WhatsApp offered limited filtering options, such as sorting by groups, unread messages, or favorites. With Custom Lists, you can organize your chats to fit your personal or work needs to enhance your overall experience.
The Custom Lists feature is rolling out now with the latest WhatsApp version for Android and iOS. Most users should have it within the next few weeks. Install the latest WhatsApp update via Google Play Store or App Store.
WhatsApp unveils new limit of 20 lists for better chat organization
Android Auto has recently stopped working on phones running Android 8 or older. The app helps connect your phone to your car’s display for easier access to apps and navigation. Now, if you have a phone running Android 8, you can no longer use Android Auto.
Previously, you could use Android Auto with phones that had Android 6 or newer. However, in July 2022, Google raised the minimum requirement to Android 8.
Now, as of July this year, the requirement has changed again to Android 9 or higher. Many users with Android 8 phones are now seeing a message that says, “This phone no longer supports Android Auto.”
Initially, it seemed like Google was allowing Android 8 users to access the service. But now the company is enforcing the new rule, which might feel sudden for those affected.
While the features of Android Auto work well on older software, the newer versions like Android 9 include better new features and better experience. Google upgraded the support to improve the service and keep users safe with the latest features.
If you’re still using a phone running Android 8 or below, this is a good time to think about upgrading to a newer model. Staying updated is important so you can enjoy all the benefits of Android Auto.
Android Auto introduces real-time battery info and trip sharing features
November 2024 has started and Samsung is rolling out a new update for the Galaxy Store, which makes it easier and better for users. The update arrives with version 4.5.86.6 and a package size of about 78.28MB.
This new version of the Galaxy Store fixes some issues that users faced in the last update. Samsung has listened to user feedback and worked to resolve these issues. With this update, users can expect smoother performance and improved features to make navigating and using the store easier.
In addition, the November 2024 update enhances some functions of the Galaxy Store to provide a better and more reliable experience. Updating to the latest version is recommended for all users to take full advantage of the improvements and fixes.
The update is easy to install, and users can quickly download it directly from the Galaxy Store. Also, you can download the update directly from the third-party app link mentioned here. It is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 15 or below.
Notably, Samsung already announced that the Galaxy Store won’t let you download apps without a Samsung Account logged in. Now, you must be logged in to your Samsung Account to use the Galaxy Store app and service. Also, it is important to keep apps up to date.
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