Apps
Google App unveils ‘Activity’ tab for quick access to your search history
Google is introducing a new feature in the Google App called the “Activity” tab, which makes it easier for users to view and manage their search history and saved items. The tab is currently under testing and will replace the old “Saved” tab.
The new “Activity” tab is now at the bottom of the Google app. It gives users a simple, more organized way to access their search history and saved content.
Now, instead of going to different sections, users can manage everything in one spot. You can view, delete, or even share items from your search history directly from the tab.
Moreover, this new feature gives users a smoother and more integrated experience compared to the old web-based layout. It allows for quicker actions, like saving or deleting specific items, without leaving the app.
This feature has been under development for a couple of months, and some users are already seeing it on their devices. However, not all users have access yet.
Even though the latest version 15.44.27.29 of the Google app is available on other devices, the “Activity” tab hasn’t appeared on all phones yet. If you don’t see the new tab just yet, don’t worry, it should be rolling out to more users in the coming days or weeks.
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will make status updates more interactive and fun. In the latest beta (version 2.24.23.21) update for Android, WhatsApp is working on a new sticker prompts feature for status updates.
The “Add Yours” sticker lets users create interactive challenges or prompts in their status updates to encourage friends and contacts to share their own content.
This feature is similar to Instagram’s sticker but with a unique twist. When you use the “Add Yours” sticker, you can ask your contacts to share something specific.
For example, a user might create a prompt asking everyone to share a picture of their garden. When someone taps the sticker, they can add their status update related to the prompt. This brings a fun and creative way to engage with friends.
Since WhatsApp status updates are end-to-end encrypted, your contacts won’t be able to see who started the challenge or who has participated. It means your responses stay private, and only the people you’ve chosen to share your status with will see your content. It ensures that interactions stay secure and confidential.
The sticker prompts feature is currently being tested in the WhatsApp beta for Android and will be available in a future update. Keep an eye out for more updates as WhatsApp continues to improve its app.
WhatsApp to let users pick their preferred main color for app interface
Samsung has rolled out a fresh update for its Auto Blocker app with version 1.1.00.28. The update brings a new layer of security as it introduces the “Maximum restrictions” option for users who require extra protection against potential threats.
The fresh update is rolling out for Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1.1. It offers different conditions for One UI 6.1.1 and the upcoming One UI 7. Notably, the upcoming One UI iteration will provide enhanced security with Auto Blocker.
The fresh update of Samsung Auto Blocker adds the “Maximum restrictions” mode, which offers stronger protection for sensitive data. When activated, this mode restricts certain features on the device to limit exposure to unauthorized access.
The update turns on the “App protection” feature, which blocks the activation of device admin apps and work profiles. Additionally, some Samsung apps, including Samsung Messages and Gallery, will have limited functionality when this mode is enabled.
What’s new for One UI 7 devices?
With One UI 7, the “Maximum restrictions” mode will receive even more robust protections. When the Auto Blocker turns on, it blocks USB connections and prevents devices from connecting to your phone for purposes other than charging. In addition, the update also blocks 2G networks and prevents automatic reconnection to non-secure Wi-Fi networks.
Aside from this, Samsung has already started rolling out One UI 7’s Auto Blocker maximum restrictions conditions to Galaxy devices through a new update. Currently, some Galaxy flagships received its support and will expand to more soon.
US unlocked Galaxy S24 gets advanced Auto Blocker with November 2024 update
Google is testing a new design for its Messages app that makes the Magic Compose button easier to access. This change is being tested in the latest beta version of Google Messages, and users may see it in future updates.
The Magic Compose feature helps you rewrite your messages in different styles. It used to be hidden behind a small arrow when you typed, which made it hard to find. But now, with the new design, Magic Compose moves to the same row as smart reply suggestions.
The new place of the Magic Compose button on Google Messages makes it visible all the time, even when no reply suggestions are shown. Talking about the appearance, it has a button, which is pill-shaped with a sparkle, located on the far right of the smart reply row. It also changes color to match the send button, thanks to Android’s Dynamic Color feature.
Now, the Magic Compose button changes to Magic Rewrite (via 9to5Google) when you start typing in the message box. The rewrite feature shows a pencil icon with a sparkle, letting you quickly rewrite your message. The feature still works the same way to offer different ways to phrase your message with just a tap.
The change is designed to make the app cleaner and easier to use. In the old design, there were multiple buttons like the “plus” menu, gallery, and Magic Compose, all in the bottom row. Now that Magic Compose is moved into the smart reply row, the text box is bigger and there’s less clutter on the screen.