Pixel Screenshots update adds simplified design and useful shortcuts
The latest update to Pixel Screenshots introduces several user-friendly features and visual tweaks designed to improve accessibility and organization, while also streamlining the app’s interface. This update (version 0.24.373.08) simplifies the main screen and removes the separate “All screenshots” view, integrating these options into the main homepage for easier access.
Enhanced Grid Density Control
In previous versions, users accessed a fullscreen “All screenshots” page with a density adjustment feature. Now, the app includes these density controls directly on the homepage, letting users choose between viewing four or three smaller previews, or two larger rectangular thumbnails. These different sizes make it easier to find what you’re looking for, especially if you take many screenshots.
Simplified Screenshot Management
The updated homepage layout enables users to long-press on images, allowing for a quick selection of multiple items. This change makes it easier to share, add screenshots to collections, or delete them in one go without navigating through extra menus.
Improved Collections and App Shortcuts
Pixel Screenshots’ Collections feature now has a Floating Action Button (FAB) for easier navigation, replacing the older “Select screenshots” button. From this button, users can add new screenshots and organize their collections. Additionally, an overflow menu simplifies actions like “Edit title” or “Delete,” improving overall usability.
The update also adds two new app shortcuts for “Take a photo” and “Add image,” which you can now access directly from your home screen. This removes the need to open the app each time to take a quick screenshot or add an image, saving users time and reducing clicks.
Convenient Screenshot Viewing and Note-Taking
Another notable improvement is the streamlined screenshot view. When viewing a screenshot, Pixel Screenshots now truncates long descriptions or transcriptions, preventing excessive scrolling and making it easier to access options like “Add a note” or “Add to collection” at the bottom of the screen.
Voice Commands and October Feature Drop
Coinciding with Google’s October Feature Drop, Pixel users now have the option to use voice commands for quicker access. For instance, by saying “in Screenshots,” you can search for a saved screenshot from anywhere on your phone, a helpful addition for fast access and search.
The update to Pixel Screenshots (version 0.24.373.08) is now rolling out via the Google Play Store, bringing new convenience and functionality to Pixel users.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
Google is rolling out new features for its AI-powered Gemini app and Pixel Weather app, aiming to improve user experience and functionality. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming:
Gemini Extensions: More Options and User Input
Google has expanded the availability of Gemini Extensions, tools that connect Gemini with other apps and services to perform tasks. These Extensions enhance Gemini’s capabilities as a phone assistant, allowing it to control devices without relying on Google Assistant.
Currently, Gemini supports these first-party Extensions:
- Google Flights, Google Home (Public Preview), Google Hotels, Google Maps
- Google Workspace apps (like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks)
- Messages, Phone, Utilities, YouTube, and YouTube Music
Third-party integrations include Spotify and WhatsApp, making a total of 13 Extensions for Android users (compared to 7 on iPhone and the web).
On X (formerly Twitter), Gemini’s team asked users for suggestions: “Is there something you wish Gemini could do with other apps or services?” This move highlights Google’s interest in tailoring Extensions to user needs.
Gemini Live could benefit from these additions by enabling conversations around personalized information and hands-free interactions, such as through Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Pixel Weather App: Easier Unit Adjustments Coming Soon
The standalone Pixel Weather app introduced a simple design and AI-generated summaries, but changing measurement units has been a hassle. Currently, adjusting wind speed, pressure, or visibility units requires changing your system language—an inconvenient solution.
Recent updates hint at a fix. A new Weather Units page is in development, spotted in app version 1.0.20241108.700112341.release. This feature will likely let users customize units for:
- Temperature (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
- Wind speed (km/h or mph)
- Pressure and visibility
This update will simplify measurement adjustments, aligning the app with other weather apps that offer flexible unit settings.
Why These Changes Matter
- Gemini Extensions: Expanding compatibility ensures Gemini becomes more versatile, handling tasks seamlessly across apps.
- Pixel Weather App: The ability to change units without affecting the system language will enhance usability, especially for users who stick with specific regional settings for features like Gboard’s Smart Compose.
With these updates, Google continues to refine its AI tools, focusing on user feedback and practical solutions. Stay tuned for more enhancements in the coming weeks.
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