Android added support for app shortcuts back in late 2016 with Android 7.1 Nougat, and depending on your habits, they're either some of the most important things on your home screen or they've gone completely unused. For the former, they offer faster and more precise use of your apps, saving you from wading through pesky navigation drawers or getting caught up in a news feed. Instagram may be a little late to the party, but app shortcuts are starting to show up on the Android app for a few lucky users.
Read More[Update: Now with swiping gestures] Xiaomi MIUI launcher finally gets a proper drawer and app shortcuts [APK Download]
One of the many reasons I don't like iOS is its lack of an app drawer. Indeed, I want things to be very organized, and dumping all icons on my homescreen just doesn't work for me. Xiaomi, however, preferred to mimic Apple and decided to go against Android standards by removing the app drawer in its MIUI launcher, which essentially meant all icons had to be on the home screen. However, the company appears to be opening up by letting users enable the drawer in MIUI.
Read MoreXiaomi File Manager gets a dark mode and launcher app shortcuts [APK Download]
Xiaomi has introduced a system-wide dark mode in version 10 of its MIUI software, but the company is still in the process of darkening all its apps, including non-system ones. The latest app to receive that treatment is the Mi File Manager, but that's not the only change in its most recent update.
Read MoreGoogle Play Games v5.14 enables Dark Theme for all, prepares Minesweeper, and... ┴┬┴┤( ͡° ͜ʖ├┬┴┬ a pointless side project? [APK Teardown]
Google Play Games is officially going dark. Well, the latest update is making its dark theme accessible to everyone. But that's not the only thing this update brings, there are now app shortcuts and a new sorting feature for achievements coming soon. A teardown also shows the team is preparing to add Minesweeper to the built-in games repertoire. Oh, and we're heard from the dev team, and we've got a hunch they're having a good time.
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The best Android power user features you may have forgotten about
Android has now been around for over a decade, and every single update has brought new features. Some functionality is unknown to the vast majority of smartphone owners, either because the options aren't well-advertised, or because their uses are limited.
In this post, we've compiled some of the best power user features that Android has to offer.
Read MoreChrome OS 70 rolling out with UI tweaks, floating keyboard, and app shortcuts
Chrome 70 was released on desktop platforms and Android earlier this month. Now it's time for Chromebooks to get the update, with a few added enhancements — like a new UI geared at tablet use and support for Android app shortcuts.
Read MoreChase app update adds adaptive icon, app shortcuts, a revised UI, and more
If you've got a Chase account, you may have noticed quite a few changes to the Android app within the past few days. Those include an adaptive icon, app shortcuts, and an updated interface with a lot more functionality.
Read MoreChrome OS gets Android app shortcuts in the dev channel
Google has worked to make Android apps feel at home on Chrome OS, and we've certainly come a long way. Your apps will be even more integrated soon with support for app shortcuts on the Chrome OS desktop. This feature is only in the dev channel right now, but it should eventually filter down to beta and stable.
Read MoreGoogle working on improved Chrome address bar, revamped Bluetooth stack and Android app shortcuts for Chrome OS
Chrome OS has been rapidly evolving over the past few months, mostly in regards to Linux application support. There are even more improvements in the works, from minor UI changes to a major reworking of Chrome OS' Bluetooth functionality.
Read MoreGoogle Wifi adds app shortcuts, prepares batch testing and something called port opening in BV10144 update [APK Teardown]
If your home or business is keeping wireless devices connected through a Google Wifi, you'll be getting an update to the companion app today. The new version brings a pair of app shortcuts for those of us using it on Android 7.1 or above, but that's about it for visible changes. A teardown adds to the subject with hints of a new batch testing feature and settings for something called "port opening."
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Blast from the Past
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1 Year Ago Today
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2 Years Ago Today
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3 Years Ago Today
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4 Years Ago Today
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