Apps
Google revamps Circle to Search with app drawer and chunkier design
Google has introduced a new design for its Circle to Search feature, which lets you quickly search and take action on things you see on your screen. This revamped interface is a part of the Google app version 15.45.43.ve.arm64 beta update, bringing some noticeable changes.
The update brings a new look to the Circle to Search interface. The design is now chunkier, with a rounded box around the search bar and buttons to encase the elements.
The most important change is the replacement of the Translate and Google Lens buttons with an app drawer button, spotted by Android Authority. This means that instead of having those features directly in the search bar, you’ll need to tap the app drawer to access them. This change comes after Google removed the Lens button from the search bar a few weeks ago.
While some users might find the extra tap annoying, the app drawer helps Google make space for more features in the future. The search bar has already been getting smaller over time, and the app drawer helps prevent it from being messy.
Moreover, the Music Search button stays in its place next to the search bar, but users are hoping Google will allow them to customize which shortcuts they want to show.
The new design may take some time to get used to, but it looks like Google is making room for even more features in the future.
Aside from this, Google is also reportedly working on a feature that will let you use Circle to Search with videos, though it’s still unclear which platforms will support this feature.
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Apps
Google Authenticator 7.0 introduces new way to copy 2FA codes
Google has just recently released a version 7.0 update of its Google Authenticator app, which arrives with some helpful changes that make using the app simpler and more user-friendly. Along with a fresh look, there are some changes to how you manage your 2FA (Two-factor authentication) codes on Google Authenticator.
Previously, you had to long-press on the six-digit code to copy it to your clipboard. Now, with the new version, a single tap on the code is all you need to copy it. While long-pressing still works sometimes, tapping is the new default way to copy codes to make it faster and easier.
The app’s design has also been updated with a fresh update. In the 6.0 version, you had to long-press to access options like editing, deleting, or rearranging your accounts.
In version 7.0, you can now swipe right to rename an account, swipe left to delete it, and drag to reorder your accounts. These 7.0 changes make it quicker and more intuitive to manage your list of 2FA codes on the Google Authenticator app.
Moreover, the update also includes Dynamic Color support, which allows the app to match your phone’s theme for a more personalized look. It also adds a Privacy Screen for additional security.
Furthermore, the update brings a new account search feature to make it easier to find specific codes if you have many accounts. The update is available on Play Store, you can install it now to enjoy fresh changes.
Google Messages rolls out ‘Double tap to heart’ for easy reactions
Apps
New Samsung Email update brings B2B features, bug fixes
Samsung has rolled out a new update for its Email app with version 6.1.95.14, which brings some improvements to enhance both functionality and security for users. The update is available on the Galaxy Store with a package size of 57.76MB.
The fresh update focuses on making the app more stable, fixing security issues, and adding new features for business users. It overall improves the overall performance of the app.
Samsung Email 6.1.95.14 Update
The update enhances the stability of the Samsung Email app. Users can expect smoother operation, with fewer crashes and interruptions while managing emails. In addition, Samsung patches several vulnerabilities to make the app more secure for both personal use and corporate email managing.
Moreover, the update introduces B2B features to Samsung Email for enhanced professional environments. These B2B enhancements may include improved integration with corporate email systems, better management of multiple accounts, and tools that make it easier for businesses to manage email communications securely and efficiently.
Aside from this, it also fixes some minor issues that users encountered in the previous version for smoother performance.
You can install the fresh update of the Samsung Email through Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. Alternatively, you can download the update through the third-party app link mentioned here.
WhatsApp adds animated confetti emoji reactions for New Year
WhatsApp is bringing a fun new feature to its app just in time for New Year celebrations. The latest update for WhatsApp beta users arrives with version 2.24.24.17, which introduces animated confetti reactions for certain emojis.
At the moment, the animated confetti emoji reactions are available to some WhatsApp beta testers on Android. It will likely be rolled out to everyone in the coming week with the stable update, obviously, ahead of the new year.
The fresh beta update adds a playful twist to your reactions. When you use the Party Popper, Partying Face, or Confetti Ball emojis to react to a message, colorful confetti will burst out of the emoji to create a lively and celebratory animation.
The confetti animation is powered by Lottie, a framework that helps create smooth and high-quality animations. This ensures the effects don’t slow down the app or use too much memory to make it run smoothly without affecting performance.
The new feature is perfect for marking moments of joy or sharing the excitement of the holiday season. If you’re a beta tester, you can try it out by reacting to a message with one of the festive emojis and watching the confetti burst to life.
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