Apps
Android Auto adds a new feature to show which apps work only when parked
Google is enhancing some functions of the Android Auto app through a new update. The app allows you to use your smartphone apps on your car’s display. Now, the latest update of Android Auto comes with a new feature that shows which apps are only functional when the car is parked.
Some apps on Android Auto, such as GameSnacks, are created to provide entertainment or utility when the vehicle is stopped and parked. However, these apps are not accessible when the car is in motion, and you would get an error message if you tried to open them.
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To make it easier for users to identify which apps are park-only, Android Auto now displays a “P” icon on the app icons. This way, you can avoid tapping on apps that won’t work while driving.
This feature is available in Android Auto version 11.4, which was first spotted by SmartDroid. The update is rolling out so you need to check the Play Store to install it. Android Auto is compatible with most Android phones and cars that support it.
Quick Share could soon get Nearby Share’s “use mobile data” toggle. Earlier this year, Google announced the merger of Android’s Nearby Share with Samsung’s Quick Share. Now, the unified version is preparing to retain a useful feature.
AndroidAuthority discovered that Quick Share could soon add a “use mobile data” toggle for even faster file sharing. The latest Google Play Services Beta brings a toggle to enable file transmission over mobile data.
Android’s Nearby Share had a mobile data file-sharing toggle. When enabled, it allowed a “Data may be used for small files” as part of making sharing faster. The unified Quick Share removed the toggle, but it will finally return to the function.
Quick Share intelligently utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for file sharing. If the file’s size is not much, it would be transmitted over Bluetooth. Larger files usually transfer through Wi-Fi by pairing both devices with each other via Hotspot and Wi-Fi.
Sometimes, the lack of a proper network or functional glitches ruin the sharing experience. In that case, the accessibility to mobile data would work as a bridge, allowing Quick Share to use an internet connection for data and file transmission.
The toggle is currently barred by strings and flags within the app’s code. Tinkering those flags would immediately make the new toggle accessible. However, general availability will remain due with a future release of the app.
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.
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.
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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.
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