Apps
Google Maps pins get a makeover with new shape and colors
Google Maps is rolling out a fresh redesign for its location pins with a new update. The pins are now getting a new shape and updated colors to enhance user experience.
Recently, Google simplified the Maps app’s bottom bar to provide a more cohesive and modern look. Now, the company is making the Maps more appealing with redesigned pins. The revamped pins update is currently being rolled out server-side across Google Maps for Android, iOS, and the web.
The old pointed bottom pin shape has been replaced with a shorter, rounded, and modern design. This new pin features a white background and includes an inner circle that displays the category icon, such as stars, flags, or hearts. This new design provides a cleaner and more unified look.
While most pins retain their original functionality, some have undergone color adjustments. For example, the pin for museums has shifted from teal to purple. Other subtle color changes include a lighter shade for zoo pins and corresponding text. These changes show Google’s effort to enhance the visual clarity and overall appearance of the map.
The new pin design is slightly less prominent than the previous version, which may allow more points of interest to be displayed on the map simultaneously. This design choice also follows last year’s rollout of new colors for the main map. Users can expect to see these changes reflected in their map views, enhancing the overall navigation experience.
Google Maps for Android brings simplified bottom bar interface
Apps
Samsung enhances Always On Display performance with version 8.8.02.18
Samsung is enhancing the Always On Display (AOD) app functions with the release of a new update with version 8.8.02.18. It improves user experience across Galaxy devices by enhanced features and bug fixes.
The Always On Display feature is popular among Samsung users because it lets you see important information like the time, notifications, and battery status without having to wake up your phone. Now, Samsung is making the app run smoother and more reliably with the new update.
The update fixes bugs that caused problems before and affected app performance. In addition, the update also enhances some features to make it even easier to customize how your information is shown.
To take advantage of these improvements, be sure to update the Samsung Always On Display to version 8.8.02.18 through the Galaxy Store. You just need to visit the Galaxy Store app >> Menu option >> Updates. Also, you can sideload it through the third-party app link mentioned here.
The installation package size of the latest Samsung AOD update is around 30MB. Make sure to install the latest version to enjoy new features with smoother performance.
One UI 6 Watch Beta (ZXH4) rolling out to Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 5 with Global AOD
Apps
Samsung Auto Blocker gets a boost with September 2024 update
Samsung Auto Blocker app is a valuable tool for those looking to manage unwanted calls and messages effectively. We are in September 2024, and Samsung is enhancing Auto Blocker functions with a new update with version 1.1.00.25.
The latest is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 14 based One UI 6.1 or One UI 6.1.1. It brings s enhancements to improve the user experience.
With this latest update, the app is more efficient at identifying and blocking interruptions. It means you can enjoy a better phone experience without the hassle of unwanted communications.
Along with the enhanced features, this update also fixes some issues from previous versions. Samsung has listened to user feedback and worked to resolve common bugs, making the app more reliable.
The installation package size of this update is around 5.2MB. To get the Samsung Auto Blocker September 2024 update, simply go to the Galaxy Store, click on the Menu option, and tap on Updates to check your list of apps’ updates. Alternatively, you can download the update directly from the third-party app link mentioned here.
Activating Auto Blocker on your Samsung device is too easy. First, open the Settings app on your phone > scroll down and tap on “Security and Privacy” >> look for the Auto Blocker menu >> tap on the toggle of the feature to enable its protection.
One UI 6.1: How to activate Auto Blocker feature on Samsung devices
Apps
Update your Samsung Keyboard to version 5.9.00.54 for better performance
Samsung has released a new update for its Keyboard app with version 5.9.00.54. This update is available on the Galaxy Store with a package size of 101.92MB. The update brings some improvements and fixes to enhance user experience.
The latest update improves the app’s functionality for smoother performance. It includes enhancements to some features to help users type more efficiently and with fewer errors.
Additionally, the update addresses some issues that were present in previous versions of the app. By fixing these bugs, Samsung aims to provide a more stable and reliable typing experience.
Users who have encountered glitches or performance issues with the keyboard will likely notice significant improvements after this update. However specific details of changes and fixes are not provided but users can expect a more enhanced and user-friendly performance.
To take advantage of these improvements, users should update their Samsung Keyboard app by visiting either the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store. To do so, visit Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates.
Also, you can download the Samsung Keyboard 5.9.00.54 update through the third-party app link mentioned here. Users are advised to download this update to benefit from the latest enhancements and enjoy a better typing experience on their Samsung devices.