All articles tagged with #app updates
Google Photos on Android now lets you speed up or slow down videos (0.5x to 2x) inside the app; the feature is rolling out gradually and isn’t yet available on iOS, addressing a long-standing gap in the gallery app.
The release of macOS 26 Tahoe caused GPU slowdowns in Electron-based apps due to the use of a private API. The Electron team has fixed the issue, and updates are rolling out to popular apps like Discord, Slack, and Visual Studio Code, but some apps still need to update to resolve the problem.
Samsung's SmartThings platform is getting new features including natural language routines, scheduling options, and enhanced app controls, aimed at simplifying home automation. These updates include a Routine Creation Assistant that allows users to create automations via simple phrases, new scheduling features, and improved app controls on Apple Watch. Additionally, Samsung is expanding its Virtual Home feature, enhancing its Find service, and broadening device setup in more countries, making smart home management more accessible and user-friendly.
Google Photos is rolling out new features exclusively for iPhone users, including a light mode, glanceable photo data, new action buttons, improved photo stack management, and quick action badges. These enhancements aim to improve user experience on iOS, with an upcoming Android release expected soon, though no specific date has been provided.
Google Photos celebrates its 10th anniversary with two major updates: a redesigned AI-powered in-app editor for quick photo edits on Android and iOS (coming later this year), and the ability to generate QR codes for faster album sharing. The updates aim to enhance user experience with smarter editing suggestions and easier sharing options, alongside other features like hiding specific memories and improved search capabilities.
Microsoft is expanding Windows Update to support third-party app updates through a new orchestration platform, allowing developers to integrate their app updates into Windows Update, primarily targeting business apps but open to all, with features like scheduled updates and native notifications.
Discord is refocusing on its gaming roots by making app improvements to enhance user experience, including faster access to conversations and better voice, video, and streaming reliability. CEO Jason Citron emphasized the shift from a broad community chat app to one that deepens friendships around games. The company also plans to extend its features to more devices and has made visual updates. This strategic pivot follows a period of rapid growth and recent layoffs, as well as increased scrutiny over child safety.
Spotify accuses Apple of blocking its app updates in the EU, despite the recent 1.8 billion euro fine imposed by the European Union commission. The Digital Markets Act now allows developers to distribute their apps to iOS users outside the App Store in the EU, and new rules ensure that developers can use alternative payment methods for in-app purchases. Spotify submitted an update to its iOS app to remove subscriptions using the App Store’s in-app purchase system, prompting users to visit Spotify’s website to subscribe, but Apple has not approved the update, leading to accusations of non-compliance with the DMA.
Google's latest Play Store version hints at a new "parallel download" feature that would allow users to download and install multiple apps simultaneously, although it currently has limitations such as lack of support for app updates and a cap of two simultaneous downloads. This feature was previously tested years ago and is now being further developed. Additionally, Google is also planning to introduce "Featured Stories" in the app details section and has made some dialogue box UI changes in the Play Store.
Apple has released the second betas of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 to developers, featuring significant changes for the European Union, including alternative app marketplaces, payment systems, and NFC access for banks. The updates also allow cloud gaming apps and introduce new emoji characters, podcast transcripts, SharePlay support for HomePod, and more. iOS 17.4 is expected to be released in March and includes preparations for next-generation CarPlay.
Google's January Pixel Feature Drop only includes app updates from the Play Store, with no accompanying Android system update. The update brings new features to apps like Pixel Thermometer and Fitbit, while also introducing a special version of the Google app for Circle to Search. Additionally, Google has started emailing 20% off coupon codes for the Mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, available in various countries. A regular February software update for Pixel users is expected to roll out in early February, but it's unclear whether it will be Android 14 QPR2.
Samsung is rolling out updates for its Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which include improvements and simplification changes. Notably, Samsung is removing its own name from several apps such as Health, Pay, Wallet, and Global Goals for the sake of simplification. The updates are currently available for carrier or LTE models and are expected to reach Bluetooth/WiFi models soon.
Developers release numerous app updates to support the latest platform features when Apple releases a major OS update like iOS 17, while Android updates are slower due to the fragmented nature of the ecosystem and lack of immediate adoption. However, Android users still receive frequent updates and new features through Google apps and Google Play services. The different update models of Apple and Google offer unique advantages, with Apple's annual big OS release being an enviable moment for apps and new features.
Microsoft is set to release its next major Windows update on September 26, featuring over 150 new features. The update includes the integration of Copilot, an AI assistant powered by ChatGPT, which can generate text, answer questions, and perform various tasks within Windows. Other notable features include an updated Photos app with iCloud Photos support, improved backup-and-restore operations, enhanced capabilities in MS Paint, an updated Snipping Tool with text redaction, and built-in support for RAR and other compressed files.
iOS 17 beta 3 has been released, bringing enhancements to Apple apps such as Apple Music, Health, Photos, and Home. Changes include the ability to view song credits and lyrics in Apple Music, aesthetic changes to the Mental Wellbeing tracking system in the Health app, a new menu in the Photos app for recovering and deleting images, preset colors for multi-colored bulbs in the Home app, and the ability to check activity history for connected security devices. These changes are currently available in the developer beta and will likely be released to the public soon.