Google enhances Search widget customization and Android Studio Gemini tools for developers
In recent updates, Google has brought back custom color options to its Search bar widget on Android, providing users more control over the widget’s appearance. In addition, Android Studio is advancing its AI-driven features to support app development more effectively. These changes reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to provide enhanced customization options for users while offering more robust tools for developers.
Google Search Widget Customization
In August, Google updated the Search widget to support Dynamic Color. Now, Google has reintroduced “Custom” color options in its latest beta update (Google app version 15.43). The customizable theme offers advanced options for hue and saturation, alongside transparency adjustments, in line with Google’s Material 3 design. This new design includes pill-shaped sliders with separated handles, allowing precise control over the widget’s appearance.
Users can find these new settings under the “Customize Search widget” option in the Google app, accessed by tapping the profile icon in the top-right corner and navigating to Settings > Customize Search widget. The new Custom color options are expected to be available in the stable release within a few weeks.
Additionally, Google may soon allow users to add shortcuts for Translate, Song Search, Weather, and Finance directly next to Google Lens and voice search icons, expanding the widget’s utility. This update also includes visual tweaks, such as changing the Song Search widget icon to a blue musical note on a white background for better visibility.
Enhanced Android Studio Features with Gemini
Android Studio, Google’s primary development platform, has introduced more capabilities powered by Gemini, an AI tool designed to support developers throughout the app development lifecycle. With Gemini, developers can now access features like:
- Code Transforms: Refactor and modify code easily within the editor.
- Automatic Commit Messages: Gemini can automatically generate descriptive commit messages.
- Rename Assistance: Efficiently rename classes, methods, or variables.
- Prompt Library: Quickly access and save frequently used prompts.
- Compose Preview Generation: Instantly generate previews for composable elements.
- Documentation Generation: Easily produce documentation for complex code.
- Unit Test Scenarios: Create comprehensive test cases to ensure code quality.
- Build and Sync Error Insights: Access insights to troubleshoot build and sync errors more effectively.
- App Quality Insights: Identify and resolve issues from Android Vitals and Firebase Crashlytics.
These Gemini features are currently available in the Android Studio canary channel, with a full release expected in December alongside the Ladybug Feature Drop.
New Google Play Store Features
To enhance app discovery and improve the user experience, Google Play is introducing a new fullscreen portrait video player for app listings. This new design includes a prominent “Install” button and app details at the bottom of the video, increasing user engagement with a reported 7% increase in total watch time, 9% increase in video completion rate, and a 5% boost in conversions.
In addition, Google has been actively encouraging users to set up payment methods through various prompts during account creation, device setup, and Play Store navigation. This has led to a doubling in the number of purchase-ready accounts, now exceeding half a billion users. Biometric authentication is also being promoted to enhance security, with a notable increase in adoption this year.
Users in the U.S. can now also add Cash App as an eWallet payment method. Google Play will display inline “Still interested?” reminders, nudging users who’ve shown interest in a product but haven’t yet completed the purchase.
Security Advancements with Play Integrity API
On the security front, Google will soon let developers opt into improved Play Integrity API verdicts for Android 13 and newer devices. These verdicts will use hardware-backed security and other enhanced signals to improve app and device verification, making it more challenging for attackers to bypass protections. This update aligns with Google’s commitment to faster, more reliable, and privacy-focused security measures.
These updates underscore Google’s dual focus on offering user-friendly customization and security improvements while providing developers with the tools they need to create high-quality apps.
Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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