Latest news with #UIupdate
The Verge
23-06-2025
- The Verge
Microsoft's Xbox UI update lets you pin games and customize your homescreen
Microsoft is rolling out a new update to its Xbox Home UI that allows Xbox owners to pin apps and games on the homescreen. It's part of a number of customization changes to the Xbox Home UI, including the ability to hide system apps and reduce the number of apps and games listed in the most recently used section. You can pin up to three of your recently launched games or apps to the homescreen, and these will stay at the front of the recently used section even if you launch other apps or games. You can also turn off system apps, like Settings and the Store, from even showing up on the Xbox Home UI altogether. If you really want to hide more of these recently used apps or games, you can also reduce the amount listed to just four tiles. There are options to pick between four and up to the nine that Microsoft shows by default. All of these new customizations are part of the June Xbox dashboard update rolling out today, and can be found in Settings > General > Personalization > Games & apps. Microsoft first started testing these new customizations last month, so it's a particularly quick rollout to all Xbox users this week.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Daily Mail
WhatsApp has made a subtle change that has left users FURIOUS - as one vents it's 'hurting my eyes'
It's the everyday messaging app used by millions of people around the world. But WhatsApp has made a subtle change that has left users furious. The popular encrypted messaging service has launched an updated user interface for its web browser version. The update includes an all-black look and redesigned tabs for switching between different chats. This brings the web version much closer to the mobile app most users would be familiar with. However, some have been outraged by the new look for the iconic messaging service. Flocking to social media to share their complaints, one user vented that the redesign was 'hurting my eyes'. While another added: 'What the f*** is the new WhatsApp web look.' This update is entirely cosmetic and doesn't introduce any new features or change the way that messaging works. Upon opening the updated website for the first time, users are presented with a message which reads: 'Starting today, we're introducing a brand new design for WhatsApp Web. 'You'll notice that some things look completely different but everything works the same as before.' The most obvious difference is that the website's blue-grey background has been changed to a much darker colour, closer to that of the mobile app. The column of tabs on the left-hand side of the website no longer has lines to separate different chats and only highlights the currently open tab with a green outline. Additionally, a new 'Communities' icon has been added to the toolbar running along the far left of the screen. Although the changes are subtle, some fans have been upset to see the differences in their favourite messaging service. On X, formerly Twitter, one commenter raged: Another company ruining their apps. The new look is STRAIGHT UP BAD.' Compared to the old design (pictured), the new look is closer to the current aesthetics of the mobile app A commenter complained that the new WhatsApp look was 'STRAIGHT UP BAD' Another user suggested they were not convinced by the new darker look for WhatsApp Web 'New WhatsApp web look, OMG!', exclaimed another. While one commenter chimed in: 'Not sure I like the look of WhatsApp Web.' But not every WhatsApp user was unhappy to see the old design go as some fans took to social media to share their enthusiasm. One commenter wrote: 'I love this new WhatsApp web look and feel.' 'The new WhatsApp we ui is soooo beautiful,' another wrote. Another added: 'WhatsApp web UI updated almost a decade!!! Now it's clean and smooth.' However, the new update does not include many of the features that WhatsApp Web still lacks from the mobile version. Unlike the app, WhatsApp Web cannot upload status updates or change chat backgrounds. Another user said that they 'love' the new design But this is not the first time that a WhatsApp update has frustrated the service's users. Last month, WhatsApp's vast user base threatened to delete the app altogether after a particularly controversial change. The Meta-owned app said that it would start to introduce adverts for the first time. WhatsApp said adverts will be rolled out to all its users 'slowly over the next several months', regardless of what country they're in. However, the announcement caused an outpouring of rage as users branded the move Meta's 'dumbest idea ever'. One furious commenter wrote on X: 'WhatsApp is bringing ads. Its time to get back to Nokia 3310.' BEST WHATSAPP ALTERNATIVES If you're considering deleting WhatsApp, you'll be happy to hear that there are several alternative apps to choose from: 1. Telegram With more than 400 million users, Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives. While it looks very similar to WhatsApp, what sets it apart is the fact that it gives the option to set messages to self-destruct after a given period of time, leaving no trace. Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption. However, as a WhatsApp spokesperson pointed out, Telegram 'does not offer end-to-end encryption by default so it's not necessarily more secure than WhatsApp'. 2. Signal Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps, thanks to the fact that it is open-source. This means that the code for the app is publicly available to view, making it near-impossible for the app's creators to sneak in any backdoors that could allow governments or hackers to spy on your messages. 3. iMessage If you use an iPhone, you may consider simply switching to iMessage, Apple's own messaging app. The app has a number of impressive features included no character limits, the ability to send pictures and videos, and of course Apple's animated emoji feature, Animoji. Unfortunately, iMessage is only available for iPhone users, so you'll struggle to interact with anyone using an Android. 4. Google Messages Google's answer to iMessage is Google Messages, an Android-only messaging service. The app replaces your standard SMS app, and integrates with all of Google's apps and services, making it easy to share images or use Google Assistant. 5. Facebook Messenger If you were put off using WhatsApp due to its sharing of data with Facebook, Facebook Messenger may not be the best option for you.
Android Authority
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Android Authority
Android Automotive update will make it easier to talk to Gemini in your car
TL;DR The Android Automotive 16 update introduces several subtle UI changes to the home screen, launcher, and notification panel. Key adjustments include a redesigned volume panel, a taller media card, a new voice assistant button, and a more legible app grid. The update also adds a toggle for Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a key component of Android's digital car key feature. Just like with Android on phones and tablets, Google pushes out yearly updates to its OS for cars, Android Automotive OS (AAOS). Unlike on mobile devices, these updates are typically smaller in scope; for safety, the in-car platform is intentionally more limited. While the upcoming Android Automotive 16 update won't be as feature-packed as Android 16 for phones, it still introduces several subtle UI changes to the home screen, launcher, and notification panel, as well as makes it easier to launch the digital assistant. Before we dive in, it's important to clarify a few things. First, Android Automotive OS isn't the same as Android Auto. Android Auto is an interface projected to your car's infotainment screen from your phone, while AAOS is the native operating system that runs directly on the car's hardware. Second, because AAOS is open-source, automakers can customize it heavily. The changes we're highlighting are from the baseline version of the OS, meaning the final UI in your vehicle may look different. Even cars marketed with 'Google built-in' aren't guaranteed to adopt these specific changes, as that branding primarily refers to the inclusion of Google's apps. With that out of the way, here's everything new we spotted in the Android Automotive 16 release. What's new in Android Automotive 16 On the home screen, the Weather card has been removed, allowing the Media card to become much taller. Additionally, the system bars at the top and bottom now match the UI's background color instead of being permanently black. The quick access volume button moves from the bottom right corner to the top left, positioning it next to the brightness control. In its place, you'll find a new dedicated voice assistant button. This change makes launching the digital assistant more accessible and could be laying the groundwork for Gemini's arrival in cars with Google Built-in. Home screen in Android Automotive 15 Home screen in Android Automotive 16 Speaking of volume, the pop-up volume panel has been redesigned. It's now fully expanded by default and no longer stretches across the entire display, instead appearing as a more compact overlay with a dimmed background. Each audio stream (like media or navigation) gets a clear text label above its corresponding slider. A new button at the top of the panel launches the media output switcher, while a shortcut to the main sound settings now sits at the bottom. Lastly, there's a new dedicated slider for navigation volume, and 'ringer volume' has been renamed to the more descriptive 'in-call volume.' Sound settings in Android Automotive 15 Sound settings in Android Automotive 16 Volume panel in Android Automotive 15 Volume panel in Android Automotive 16 The notification panel now features a fully opaque background, a departure from the dimmed transparency in the previous version. This subtle tweak should make notifications easier to read on the road. Notification panel in Android Automotive 15 Notification panel in Android Automotive 16 In a similar move for legibility, the app drawer grid has been adjusted from 5×3 to 4×3. While this shows fewer icons per page, it gives app labels more space and prevents them from being cut off. Connected device settings in Android Automotive 15 Connected device settings in Android Automotive 16 Finally, we spotted a new toggle for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) in Settings > Connected devices. UWB is the radio technology that powers the existing Android digital car key feature. The radio allows your phone to securely act as your car key, letting you lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without ever taking the device out of your pocket or bag. App drawer grid in Android Automotive 15 App drawer grid in Android Automotive 16 None of these UI changes are splashy, especially when compared to the big Material 3 Expressive overhaul that Google recently announced for mobile devices. It makes sense why we aren't seeing big UI changes in Android Automotive, though. Your primary focus while driving should be on the road, not on your infotainment unit. AAOS was designed to minimize distractions, which is why it avoids fancy animations and bold colors. It was also designed to be heavily customized by car makers, however, so it's unlikely we'll see many vehicles ship with this interface as is. That's everything we spotted while testing the open-source version of Android Automotive 16. Our thanks go to Snapp Automotive, a firm that specializes in developing infotainment software for cars running AAOS, for sharing the emulator images. You can try these images for yourself by following Snapp Automotive's instructions on GitHub. I wish there was more to say about Android Automotive 16, but even Google's official release notes confirm how minor this year's update is. In contrast, last year's Android Automotive 15 release brought far more substantial changes. Android Automotive 25Q2 (Android 16) Release Notes AAOS Framework Audio and radio: Audio control HAL improvements : To configure car audio features, use APIs instead of XML file. High definition (HD) radio Emergency Alert System (EAS) : Pass EAS information to radio applications with an API. This applies to HD Radio (North America) and DAB EWS (European Union). AAudio built-in library : AAudio AAudio supports OEM-defined Audio Attributes tags to customize app behavior. For example, audio routing and volume management. Power management: Power state notifications to built-in processes : The availability of power state notifications to OEM built-in processes (beyond Android apps) is extended. Car framework: Dynamic configuration of vehicle properties : Support the dynamic configuration of minimum and maximum and of supported values in vehicle properties. Connectivity Networking: Minimal Telephony : A subset of the Android Telephony Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for automotive OEMs to allow OEMs to use Android telephony on data-only devices (including TCUs). This reduces fragmentation and provides support for telephony functionality. Connectivity Messaging Upsell API : Enhanced SubscriptionManager to provide APIs that can expose a user's mobile data subscription status. For example, active, inactive, trial, and expiration date. Projected app support : Added support to let automotive OEMs configure the complete set of parameters not available through the Android APIs. Added a disconnect reason to the SoftApCallback API so that OEMs can learn why clients disconnected from a Local Hotspot (LOHS). These features improve support for projected apps and reduce fragmentation. AAOS System UI & Experiences ScalableUI : This AAOS windowing framework provides OEMs with configurable components that let OEMs meet windowing requirements and facilitate custom experiences. VHAL properties Vehicle properties: Added new vehicle properties to communicate vehicle characteristics and state. Updated vehicle property constants from @SystemApi to public APIs to consolidate generated documentation at VehiclePropertyIDs. Any previously defined and documented permissions are still required to access vehicle property data. Third party-accessible vehicle properties : This features makes eight existing vehicle properties relevant to navigation, voice assistant, weather, and driving state available to third party app developers. To learn more, see Integrate with Google apps and services. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
16-06-2025
- Android Authority
Gemini overlay tries out a new look with a splash of Google colors (APK teardown)
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR A teardown of the Google app's recent beta shows Gemini's overlay UI may soon adopt Google's brand colors. It replaces Gemini's current two-tone colors with Google's trademark red, blue, green, and yellow colors. The colors accent the mic button and highlight the chat box for interacting with Gemini. Google has gradually refined how Gemini appears over the past few months. The assistant's interface has become more polished, and more integrated, with features like the compact floating overlay and subtle animations. Now, Google appears to be testing another visual update, and it could make Gemini feel more like Google and less like a disembodied chatbot. Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. Digging into the new Google app beta release, we were able to get the app to give us an early look at a new visual treatment for Gemini's overlay. Rather than the muted two-tone colors in the current iteration, this version swaps them out for Google's brand palette of red, blue, green, and yellow. When you activate Gemini or use the Ask about screen feature, the overlay currently appears in muted colors that match the Gemini logo. These changes may soon show users a more vibrant UI, with colors framing the mic button, highlighting the interaction bar, and visually letting everyone know this is Google's AI at work. This update hints at more branding consolidation, a project Google has been working on for a while now. This helps bring more consistency across Google's products. It is a visual reminder that you are using Google Gemini, not another AI tool. These changes aren't live right now, and currently just seem to be something Google's evaluating internally. However, if and when it ships, expect a more colorful Gemini experience. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
13-06-2025
- Android Authority
Google Clock starts drip-feeding its big Material 3 Expressive makeover
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Google Clock v7.14 brings small but noticeable visual updates to the alarm and settings toggles. The refreshed toggle design is part of Google's shift toward Material 3 Expressive. A full redesign is expected with version 8 of the Clock app. Google's Clock app is still waiting on its big Material 3 Expressive makeover, but a more minor update is already starting to move the visuals in that direction. Version 7.14 of the app introduces some subtle UI tweaks, and you can already check them out. The most obvious change is in the app toggle switches. They've been refreshed with a chunkier, more rounded design, an outline that shows in the off position, and a slightly brighter color scheme. You'll see the new look in the alarm list and the settings menu, giving the app a more modern feel without overhauling the core layout. It's a small tweak, but one that fits neatly into Google's evolving design language. Alarms before redesign Settings before redesign Alarms after redesign Settings after redesign These changes lay the foundations as Google preps a much more dramatic revamp of the Clock app. Back in May, we got a look at the full redesign expected in Version 8, showcasing some of the boldest Material 3 Expressive visuals yet. That version includes oversized fonts, an updated alarm creation panel, redesigned buttons for dismissing alarms, and a wallpaper-based background to replace the old blank canvas. None of those larger changes are live yet, but today's update shows Google is setting the stage. Clock v7.14 may not be a huge leap forward, but we'll keep a close eye out for the complete revamp in future versions. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
