Apps
Google brings ability to show Play Store app installation progress, similar to iOS
Finally, Google has successfully completed testing its new feature which is similar to Apple iOS – i.e. showing app installation progress on your smartphone’s home screen. No doubt! This is a really useful feature to check the status of apps that are actively downloading or installing.
Starting today, this iOS-like feature is now available on Android 11+ devices. Users who are downloading the app from the Google Play Store can now see an indicator displaying the installation progress on their home screen.
Google brings ability to show Play Store app installation progress!
As reported by 9to5Google, the Android 11 or later OS users can see the new installation progress indicator when downloading the app from the Play Store. In addition, users can download only one app at a time, for those who have multiple apps installed at once, the pending label will appear below the apps in the queue.
The users are allowed to move the Gray-out icon before installing it. So they can customize their home screen without having to wait. However, these gray icons only appear on the home screen and not in the main app list.
Not only Google, but Android smartphones users also welcomed this feature. This is because it gives a better view of the progress, especially useful for large downloads and/or slow internet connections. Users with a lot of alerts may notice this homescreen indicator more than a normal notification.
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WhatsApp introduces new shortcut feature for contacts and group chats
WhatsApp for Android is releasing a new beta update, which includes a new feature that helps to manage contacts and group chats. This new update is available with version 2.24.21.35 via the Google Play Beta Program.
The fresh update of WhatsApp adds a new shortcut feature that will allow users to quickly add contacts and group chats to personalized lists. This feature can be accessed directly from the chat info screen. It simplifies the process and eliminates the need to navigate through settings.
Additionally, WhatsApp plans to introduce a similar shortcut in the top app bar during active conversations. This top bar shortcut will provide an easy way to organize contacts and groups while chatting. The company aims to enhance the overall user experience.
In an earlier version 2.24.19.25, WhatsApp was working on improving how users organize their contacts and groups. The new shortcut will allow users to quickly add people and groups to lists directly from the chat info screen.
Currently, WhatsApp is developing this new shortcut feature. It is expected to be included soon in the final version and available for Android users. Stay tuned, we will keep you updated on any new information regarding the release of this feature as it becomes available.
Apps
Google App bringing back Material 3 design for bottom bar
Google App is updating its bottom navigation bar by bringing back a more modern design called Material 3. This change introduces a new pill-shaped indicator that shows which tab you’re using.
The revamped bottom navigation bar arrives with the latest beta version 15.40 of the Google App, thanks to 9to5Google. With the fresh design, Google aims to make it easier for users to navigate.
Instead of just highlighting the tab icon you’re on, the new design surrounds the icon with a pill shape to make it clearer and more appealing. Google app initially introduced this design in 2023 but later decided to revert to its previous look. Now, after some changes, the app has once again been back with the updated look.
Aside from the testing new design, the company is also looking into a new verification feature for its Search function. This feature would give verified businesses a blue checkmark, similar to what you see in Gmail to help users easily identify trustworthy sources online.
Not everyone has access to Google App’s latest beta update yet, but users can force-stop the app through their device settings if they don’t see the new look right away. With the return of Material 3 design and new features on the way, users can look forward to a more enhanced experience in the Google App.
Google retracts report suggesting MediaTek chip in Galaxy S25
Apps
Samsung phones getting new Google Wallet Tile in One UI Quick Settings
A new Google Wallet Tile is rolling out to Samsung phones on One UI. Google is continuously upscaling the Wallet experiences. It’s not only adding support for more banks and cards but also fostering the features’ availability.
9to5Google discovered the new Google Wallet Quick Settings Tile on Samsung Galaxy phones. With the latest Play Services update, Google is bringing the new Wallet Tile. Meanwhile, the feature’s rollout is taking place sequentially.
Once your Galaxy installs Play Services version 24.39, you will be able to access the new Tile in Quick Settings. If you have pre-applied settings for toggles, you may need to edit the section and add the Google Wallet toggle on the page.
Google Wallet offers easier and seamless payment functionality. The new Tile will offer quicker access to the Wallet dashboard for bus passes, plane tickets, and more. Digital IDs would also be accessible in supporting territories through Wallet.
Keep the Google Wallet updated to the latest 24.38 version on your Galaxy. Visit the Google Play Store and update the app if the new version is available. You should wait rather than sideloading an APK to keep your Galaxy’s security up to the mark.
Samsung has recently launched the Tap to Transfer feature on its Wallet app. It is Samsung’s answer to iOS 18’s Apple Cash feature. Leveraging on the NFC technology, it allows instant money transfer between Galaxy devices.