Google removes an often used tab from its Android phone app but don't worry
Google changes where you'll find your Favorites on the phone by Google app. | Image credit-PhoneArena With the change, the Favorites tab at the bottom of the screen is no more, which means that there is more room for the Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail tabs. It also gives the Floating Action Button (FAB) for the dial pad more room to be spotted by the user on the screen. The new look for your Favorites in the Phone by Google app appears on my Pixel 6 Pro running the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta. More importantly, the version of the Phone by Google app I'm running is 182.0.779772896-publicbeta.
The latest update for the Phone by Google beta was released yesterday. However, if you don't have the new feature even if you're running the correct version of the app, this could be a server-side update, and you're just waiting for Google to flip the switch. If you have a Pixel, you can check which version of the Phone by Google app is on your phone by going to Settings > Apps > See all xxx apps . Scroll down to the Phone app, tap the listing, and scroll down on the Phone's App info page to the very bottom of the display. That is where the version of the app is listed.
Google continues to work on the Android UI, trying to take the clutter out while making the operating system more intuitive.
Secure your connection now at a bargain price!
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GSM Arena
2 hours ago
- GSM Arena
Google Search will show you more content from your Preferred Sources
Vlad, 12 August 2025 Today Google is launching Preferred Sources in Search for everyone in the US and India. This basically lets you tell Google what your preferred sources for information are, and it will then show you more content from those sources in the Top stories part of Google Search. The rollout is expected to take a few days. To select your Preferred Sources, click on the icon to the right of "Top stories". You can then search for sources and select the ones you want. Then, refresh your results and you'll instantly get more from your favorite sites, and your preferences are saved for the future of course. You'll see content from your Preferred Sources both in Top stories and a dedicated "From your sources" section on the search results page. You will still see content from other sites - your Preferred Sources will just be featured more prominently and more often. You can of course change your source selections at any time, and you can select as many Preferred Sources as you like. Source
GSM Arena
2 hours ago
- GSM Arena
Google Search will show you more content from your Preferred Sources
Today Google is launching Preferred Sources in Search for everyone in the US and India. This basically lets you tell Google what your preferred sources for information are, and it will then show you more content from those sources in the Top stories part of Google Search. The rollout is expected to take a few days. To select your Preferred Sources, click on the icon to the right of "Top stories". You can then search for sources and select the ones you want. Then, refresh your results and you'll instantly get more from your favorite sites, and your preferences are saved for the future of course. You'll see content from your Preferred Sources both in Top stories and a dedicated "From your sources" section on the search results page. You will still see content from other sites - your Preferred Sources will just be featured more prominently and more often. You can of course change your source selections at any time, and you can select as many Preferred Sources as you like. Source
Phone Arena
3 hours ago
- Phone Arena
The app Google Messages replaced as default on Galaxy phones might offer a life-saving feature
Samsung Messages is no longer the default messaging app on Galaxy phones. Despite being demoted and losing its default status, Samsung Messenger is not being phased out by Sammy. In fact, while analyzing apk version 16.1.02.2 of Samsung Messages, Reddit user Adriaaaaaaanoooo discovered a couple of strings of code that indicate Samsung's desire to add an emergency satellite texting feature to the app. The strings of code read: satellite_network_mode title samsung_message-only-support_sms_when-satellite-network-mode Samsung Messages lost RCS support as Samsung started taking the necessary actions to phase out Samsung Messages in favor of Google Messages. While completely removing Samsung Messages from its handsets was never fully realized by Sammy, in the middle of last year the South Korean manufacturer removed the app from its foldable phones. But even though the company did decide to replace Samsung Messages with Google Messages as its default messaging app, Samsung apparently wants to keep it alive. Samsung is even working on other new features for its Messaging app including: Birthday reminders Emoji reactions Live location sharing Now Brief support Sticker reactions The ability to send emergency text messages by satellite is a feature offered by multiple U.S. carriers. Those on T-Mobile's highest-priced plans have the T-Satellite feature added to their service for free while those on less expensive plans or using other wireless providers can pay monthly for the service. Verizon has a similar service available on a limited number of devices. Verizon subscribers packing an eligible device do not have to pay for the service which gives them the ability to send an emergency text by satellite in areas with no cellular connectivity. Apple also offers Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone 14 and later models; it is supported by all three major U.S. carriers and is free for two years after the activation of a new iPhone 14 and later. Since the release of iOS 18, this feature is now available to send and receive text messages with friends and family when cellular service in unavailable. Samsung could decide to eventually make Samsung Messages the default messaging app on Galaxy devices once again. And this time it could have the ability to get you out of a jam even if you're stuck in an area that doesn't have any cellular service. If you have a Galaxy device, you can install Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store by clicking on this link.
