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Check out the new Material You interface for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
It won't make your documents prettier, but at least browsing through them will be
As the release of Android 12 creeps closer, Google is spreading out its new Material You design language to all the corners of its software kingdom. As of this weekend, that includes the Android version of Google Docs, and its associated Sheets and Slides tools. We're seeing the staggered rollout come in from multiple sources and tipsters.
Google's new Material You design language, first debuting with Android 12, is steadily making its way to all the company's other services. Today it's coming to the Google Photos app for at least some users, spreading out subdued pastel hues and rounded interface elements while keeping most of the basic structure the same. So far the changes are appearing primarily for Android 12 devices, but a few users on older Android versions are telling us they're seeing it, too.
Our eyeballs have been patiently waiting for a darker version of Search on the web for years. While a few users got a peek at it earlier this summer, as of today the option for a dark-themed Google search should be coming to everyone. You can try it out now. Right now! Go! Do it! Why are you still here?!
Android 12's Material You Clock app works on older versions (APK Download)
Too bad those new widgets don't
Unless you have a spare lying around to be your real phone, I wouldn't recommend installing beta software on a device that you depend upon. But that's what we're here for! Android 12's version of the reliable Clock app is looking good in the latest beta. And it turns out that it looks pretty good on Android 11, too, because you can install the new APK from the updated version on older builds.
What's new in Chrome 92 (APK Download)
Better performance meets more security and tons of new features
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Google releases new Chrome builds every six weeks, and the latest version to launch is Chrome 92. The new browser is available for download since yesterday, and it comes filled to the brim with interface experiments, security improvements, web app enhancements, and performance upgrades. Here's what you need to know.
Google is working on a simpler homescreen for Duo
A combined button will let you start an new call, call home, or create a new group
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Have you found that the homescreen interface is confusing when you've used Duo? Actually, maybe I should back that up: have you used Duo? Google would really appreciate it if you at least tried it out. To that effect, it's listening to some users about ways to make the homescreen easier to use.
Everything is Workspace now, even your free Gmail account
Even you. Look in the mirror. You're Workspace now.
It seems like Google is kind of bullish on its "Workspace" label lately. Originally a replacement for G-Suite, as in the paid upgrade to standard Google services for companies and corporations, the Workspace label is now apparently being applied to everyone that uses Gmail. That's an odd expansion, since previously we've seen that you need to opt into the Workspace interface on Chat and Meet.
Android 12's revamped Internet tile lets you switch between Wi-Fi or mobile networks anywhere
Quick tap the Quick Settings tile to switch networks, long tap to dive into the full Settings menu
With the latest beta of Android 12, Google is diving deep into some of its more substantive interface changes. One is the new "Internet" Quick Settings tile, which replaces both Wi-Fi and mobile (5G/LTE/3G) connection tiles. This one opens up a pop-up menu of local connections, allowing the user to quickly swap between them.
No questions asked: Google is shutting down the 'Q&A on Google' feature in Search soon
The interface is disappearing at the end of June, and is primarily visible in India
Have you noticed that when you phrase a Google query as a direct question, you'll sometimes see full-on questions in the results, asked and answered by regular old users like you? After June of this year, you won't see them anymore. According to an updated Google support page, the "Questions & Answers on Google" feature will be removed from Search on June 30th.
Android 12 will make it harder to use a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi hotspot
It's all but a legacy option in DP3, with a separate "maximize compatibility" toggle to enable it
Frequent travelers know that Android's ability to create a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere is a lifesaver. But it's also best to use 5GHz Wi-Fi if at all possible, because the close quarters of use for a laptop result in higher speeds. The latest change spotted in Android 12 Developer Preview 3 really steers users towards that choice, going so far as to hide the 2.4GHz setting in another sub-menu.
Samsung tries to lure iPhone users with a web-based demo of Android
"If you owned one of our phones, you'd be playing Fortnite right now!"
The very first time I ever used Android, it was loaded up as a live bootable partition on a MicroSD card shoved into my HTC Fuze. I'm sure the Windows Mobile installation on the phone's internal storage felt very jealous, because the rest is history. Samsung is hoping for something similar with its latest project: an interactive, web-based demonstration of Android made specifically for iPhone users.
Here's how to use the new Google Play Store interface that's arriving now
Say goodbye to the hamburger menu
If you take a look at the Google Play Store on your phone today, you may notice things have shifted around a bit. A new version of the interface has been appearing for a small number of users over the last week or so, but seems to rolling out more quickly now. This slight shift to the UI gets rid of the familiar hamburger menu (the three horizontal bars that used to be on the left of the search bar at the top), and instead has you tapping on your Google profile icon to get to more of the non-obvious elements of the Store.
Amazon app picks up new UI with bottom bar navigation and better Whole Foods integration
It appears to be a server-side change, so you may not see it right away
If you rely on Amazon's dedicated shopping app to peruse the digital aisles, you might have noticed a change recently. The dedicated Android app for Amazon's storefront is seeing some significant tweaks, most notably a new general navigation bar on the bottom of the screen. The updated interface doesn't seem to be tied to a specific version of the app (we tried one on multiple phones), so this may be a server-side switch.
Google really likes icons that are just outlines. After the multicolored makeover for all of Google's service app icons, it redid the YouTube interface, replacing the standard look with line art. Now that shift has made its way to the desktop/web version of YouTube. So yeah, that's a thing.
Spotify outlines plans for a more useful Home page
Some of the features will be locked behind Premium accounts
Heavy Spotify users know that its interface is functional, but a long way from elegant. The streaming service is planning a few targeted updates to the app's home screen, hopefully making it simpler to get to the content you're looking for. The changes are focused on exploring the songs you've already enjoyed, and podcasts. Because of course, podcasts.
New YouTube TV store tab shows off subscription options on smart TVs
It seems to be rolling out slowly to the app on smart TV platforms and set top boxes
YouTube TV is already fairly pricey, as cable-cutting services go. But if you want even more content on top of its standard live TV channels and on-demand video, you can add on more packages (just like old-fashioned cable TV, for better or worse). An interface tweak is making it easier to find these options on television, without having to search for them on a phone app or the web.
New Google Photos interface tweaks make it easier to access Lens tools
Tap the Lens icon or scroll down to easily spot your options
The Google Lens tool is fantastic for quickly grabbing relevant info from photos. Now it's getting a little easier to use if you're a Google Photos devotee. Our readers have spotted a few new tools when you tap the Lens icon while viewing a single item in the official Google Photos app, or when you scroll down to use the more expanded photo info panel. It's hard to pin down when these features went live, but it appears to be within the last couple of weeks.
Gmail for Android makes it easier to copy and paste email addresses
The tweak seems to be rolling out to some users and not others
Copying and pasting on a touchscreen has never been a seamless experience, but a recent change to the Gmail Android app appears to be making that a little bit easier. We've spotted a small interface tweak that more easily introduces a "copy" button to email addresses in the Compose text fields.
Android TV is now receiving its Google TV-inspired facelift (APK Download)
Say hello to a new three-tab interface
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Following a minor facelift of the Play Store TV interface and the completely new Google TV UI, the regular Android TV experience is in for an overhaul. After announcing a new three-tabbed look for Android TVs earlier this month, Google's beginning to start updating devices.
Google's well known for extensively and silently testing different UI tweaks, sometimes for years before settling on something. So, it's nice when the company outright announces an upcoming redesign — we know what to expect and look for before it's thrust upon us. Just earlier today, Google teased us with what it calls a "bubblier," "bouncier," and more Googley refresh of Search on mobile. It's expected to roll out in the coming days (though some folks may already have it) and honestly, it looks pretty good.