The latest Google Phone update is out, but you're probably not going to spot anything too special right out of the gate. The changes worth noting are to the upcoming dark mode, which appears to be complete as of this version. It still hasn't gone live, but it probably could at any time. There's also text describing a tweak that would allow blocked phone numbers to be shared between apps.
Read MoreGoogle Phone v25 may be ready to roll out Dark Theme, prepares to share blocked numbers with other apps [APK Teardown]
Facebook Messenger 4's simplified user experience is rolling out worldwide starting today
A common complaint about Facebook's apps (and, really, apps in general) is that they suffer from feature creep: the tendency for products to add more and more often unwanted features on top of the core functionality they originally became popular for. Messenger is a prime example of this trend, having gone from a simple instant messaging app to sort of a bloated mess. Facebook wants to make that right with the simplified Messenger 4, which is rolling out to everyone starting today.
Read MoreGoogle News 5.5 brings a dark theme to the entire app [APK Download]
The march of the dark themed apps continues. After YouTube, Android Messages, the new Google Discover feed, Gboard, and teasers for several other apps, Google News is the lucky recipient of a dark theme update in version 5.5.
Read MoreGoogle Phone v24 beta includes first pieces of Dark Mode [APK Teardown]
As many people had hoped, Google has been progressively adding dark modes to some of its core apps. Last month, there was even a teaser added to the Play Store changelog for the Google Phone app that promised to give users a choice between the all white look that has become so common, or a dark look that promises to be easier to the eyes, especially at night. The latest version is out, but unfortunately, this update won't be the one to enable dark mode. However, with a bit of tinkering, it's possible to see what the new theme looks like in its current state.
Read MoreThe YouTube TV web app now has a dark mode
At long last, the mobile YouTube apps added a dark mode back in July. The YouTube TV mobile app is still as bright as ever, but if you use the web app version at all, you're in luck. Late last month, a YouTube TV support article was updated that points out the new dark mode feature.
Read MoreUpdate Notes for YouTube, Duo, Drive, the Google app, and more (September 16, 2018)
Every week, I examine somewhere in the neighborhood of a hundred app updates while looking for changes. The most interesting things turn into APK Teardowns or Download posts. Many of the remaining updates are unremarkable, amounting to a few bug fixes, routine updates to libraries, or even just pixel-level adjustments to layouts and images. However, there are usually a few updates that land somewhere in between. I don't want to spam readers with dozens of short posts, but I hate to ignore things that people might want to know about, so I'm going to wrap up the leftovers for a little weekend reading and call it Update Notes.
Read MoreInBrief
YouTube's long-awaited Dark Theme is now rolling out
We've been talking about a dark mode in YouTube for ages, ever since it emerged in a teardown almost a year ago. Then iPhone users were treated to it back in March, and even a small number of lucky individuals were granted early access a couple of months ago. But it looks like today is the day that everybody else on Android can finally watch YouTube in a dark room without searing their eyes on white backgrounds. YouTube's Dark Theme appears to be rolling out to everybody.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Android Messages for Web gets its own Material UI overhaul too
Android Messages has been teasing us lately with a new Material UI overhaul and a dark mode: it rolled out, was removed, then rolled back again with the latest update to the app. Now the web interface is following suit by donning its own sexy look with an even sexier updated dark theme to boot.
Read MoreGoogle teases dark mode for Phone app in Play Store update notes
The Google Phone redesign from earlier this month was met with some conflicting opinions. While many liked the more modern UI, others couldn't stand all of the white that was added. Some hoped that Phone might soon get a dark mode, and it looks like those prayers have been answered. Google has just confirmed that Phone will indeed be getting a dark mode.
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