Apps
Google Maps on Android Auto gets color palette refreshment
Google Maps has recently introduced a new color palette for its maps, which is now visible on Android Auto as well. The new colors are cooler than the previous ones, which affects both the map elements and the user interface.
The new changes aim to improve the readability and clarity of the maps, especially in areas with dense information. Now, parks and forests are shown in a mint green color, while roads are now grey. The new colors also match the Material You design language that Google is adopting for its apps and services.
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The revamped color palette of the Google Maps app also applies to the navigation mode on Android Auto, where the blue line that indicates the route, the text that shows the directions, and the card that displays the destination and the estimated time of arrival have all changed colors.
The new color palette of Google Maps has been widely rolled out across the web, Android, and iOS platforms, and it is expected to reach more users in the coming weeks.
Chrome for Android seemingly preparing to get iOS-inspired animations. Samsung is working hard on One UI 7 to rival Apple’s latest iOS 18. The upcoming update could bring iOS-inspired animations and fluency to Galaxy devices.
As Samsung preps iOS animations on One UI, Chrome for Android is also getting ready to follow the same suite. The new animation is visually appealing (as spotted by MSPoweruser) and visible on back-and-forward gesture controls.
The latest Chrome Canary update carries a flag called “back-forward visual transitions” in the experimental channel of the browser. When enabled, the toggle “adds animated gesture transitions for back/forward session history navigations.”
As you can see in the video, the back-and-forward animation has been completely revamped. The new choice introduces a way more appealing appearance than the current one. Such rich visuals make significant improvements to the user experience.
Notably, Chrome features “Back/Forward Cache (bfcache)” to render rich page transitions without any delays. Behind the scenes, the API keeps page snapshots stored, so they load faster when you go back or forward.
The change has recently become available for Beta testing. The visual tweak is now working, but there’s no tentative timeline for general availability. Google may keep it for the next version of Android which could release in Q2 next year.
One UI 7 Release Awaited
It’s December and Samsung hasn’t yet started the One UI 7 Beta. The company, at SDC24, announced that the One UI 7 Beta will start by the end of the year. We’ve entered the last month, and rumors now point to mid-December release.
Talking about Stable, you need to wait till February next year. The Galaxy S25 series could launch in late January, at the same time, the final version of One UI 7 will be introduced. We can only expect public rollout in February next year.
Samsung has released a new update for its Capture app, which brings useful improvements to make the app easier to use. This update makes tools work better and fixes some issues that users have faced.
The fresh update improves the usability of sketch conversions and smart select. These tools allow users to turn handwritten sketches into digital files or capture specific parts of the screen. The update makes these features faster and more accurate to make it making it easier for users to draw, write, or select areas on the screen.
Moreover, the update also fixes issues with phrases overlapping in certain languages. Some users experienced issues where text would overlap or not display properly, especially in languages that use different characters. Now, Samsung has improved how the app manages different languages to make the text clearer and easier to read.
Samsung’s Capture’s update also fixes icon visibility in dark mode. Many users prefer using dark mode on their Samsung devices, but in the past, some icons in the Capture app were hard to see in low-light settings. With this update, Samsung has made the icons more visible, so it’s easier to use the app even when the screen is dark.
You can download the update by visiting the Galaxy Store, tapping on the Menu option, and clicking on the Updates.
Samsung considers reintroducing Smart Select feature for One Hand Operation+
Samsung has pushed out a new update for its Galaxy Store app, now available in version 6.6.14.7. The update improves the overall performance and user experience by addressing bugs.
With the latest update, Samsung fixes issues that users may have faced to ensure that the Galaxy Store runs more smoothly. These fixes help make the app more stable, so users can enjoy a seamless browsing and downloading experience for apps, games, and other content.
In addition to bug fixes, the update is also expected to enhance some new features that will improve the app’s performance. While specific details about these features haven’t been shared, updates like these typically aim to make the app faster, easier to use, and more responsive
Samsung continues to work on improving its apps. With regular updates, the company ensures that users have a reliable platform for accessing all kinds of content on their Galaxy devices.
To get the update, Galaxy Store users simply need to go to the app and download version 6.6.14.7. They can also download the update through the third-party app link mentioned here.
Termination of Edge Panels downloads via Galaxy Store
Samsung has recently confirmed that Edge Panels will no longer be available for download from the Galaxy Store after the One UI 7 update. The company issued a notice for the termination of Edge Panels download from the Galaxy Store.
Moreover, the Korean tech giant also mentioned that if users have downloaded Edge Panels on their older devices, they will still be able to transfer and install them on new devices running One UI 7 or later. They access the panels through the “My Apps” section of the Galaxy Store.
Samsung confirms termination of Edge Panel downloads with One UI 7