Google's New 'Spotlight-esque' Desktop Search App for Windows.

Google is shaking up the desktop search game with a new, experimental "Google app for Windows." This native desktop application is currently available through Google Labs and is designed to bring a powerful, unified search experience directly to your PC. It's a rare move for the company to launch a dedicated desktop app, which signals this tool's potential importance in how we interact with our computers.

The app's standout feature is its "Spotlight-esque" functionality. Simply pressing Alt + Space, a search field pops up, allowing you to search for anything instantly. This isn't just a web search, though; it’s a comprehensive tool that scans your local files, apps, and even your Google Drive. This makes finding what you need incredibly fast and efficient, eliminating the need to open multiple applications or browser tabs.

Results are presented in a clean, organized manner. The app can even provide "Knowledge Panel-esque" answers right away, similar to what you'd see in a standard Google search. From the search results, you can perform quick actions, such as launching an app, opening a website, or accessing a file or Google Drive document with a single click.

Another impressive feature is the built-in Google Lens capability. This allows you to highlight text or an image on your screen and quickly translate it or copy it, all without leaving your current application. This integration of search and utility is what makes the new Google app for Windows so compelling for users who value productivity and speed.

While this new app is a significant development, it's important to remember that it is still in its experimental phase. Currently, it's only available to a limited number of users in the US who have a personal Google Account. It requires Windows 10 or newer and is available exclusively in English. These limitations are typical for a Google Labs product, and as a blogger, you'll want to keep an eye on future updates as Google refines this promising new tool.

Android 16 to Force Themed Icons on All Apps, Bypassing Developers.

Google is making a major push for a more consistent and cohesive visual experience on Android, and this time, there's no way for app developers to opt out. The upcoming Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 and a new legal requirement in the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) will ensure that all app icons can be automatically themed to match a user’s wallpaper and system colors.

For years, Google has encouraged developers to provide their own themed icon assets for the Material You design system, but a large number of apps have never adopted the feature. This led to a fragmented home screen experience where some icons would match the theme while others remained their original color, creating a jarring look.

Now, Google is taking matters into its own hands. The Android 16 update will use a new color-filtering algorithm to automatically generate a monochromatic version of any app icon that doesn't already have a themed variant. This ensures every icon on the home screen can seamlessly integrate with the user's chosen theme.

Credit: Android Authority

A Legal Mandate for Visual Consistency.

To back up this technical change, Google has updated its binding legal contract with all developers on the Play Store. The revised clause in the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) now explicitly states:

"You grant to the user a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to perform, modify color of, or add themes to, your Product icons, display (including with the color and theme modifications), and use the Product."

This legal change, which went into effect immediately for new developer accounts and takes effect on October 15, 2025, for existing ones, gives Google the authority to alter an app's icon presentation without the developer's consent, ensuring a uniform look across the Android ecosystem.

For users, this means that enabling the themed icons feature will finally result in a consistent home screen, regardless of whether a developer has provided the necessary assets. For developers, it marks a significant shift in Google's design policy, prioritizing system-wide consistency over individual branding.

Gboard’s AI Writing Tools Spotted on Pixel 8 Pro, Signaling Wider Rollout.

Google is continuing its push to bring on-device AI to more users, as the highly anticipated Gboard Writing Tools feature has been spotted on the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This suggests that the powerful AI-driven proofreading and rephrasing capabilities, previously a highlight of the newer Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, are now making their way to older flagship devices.

The feature, which uses on-device AI to help users write more effectively, was first reported by a user running a beta version of Gboard (v15.9.1). While Google’s official support page has not yet been updated to include the Pixel 8 series, this sighting indicates that a gradual rollout is underway.

The move is particularly interesting given that a previous footnote on Google’s support page had suggested the feature would be limited to devices with "Gemini Nano v2 or higher." The removal of that footnote, combined with this new sighting, points to a broader expansion of Gemini-powered features to a wider range of hardware.

While the feature is still in the beta channel for some users, it’s a strong sign that the Pixel 8 Pro will soon join a growing list of devices that officially support this next-generation on-device AI functionality.

Google Play Points Levels Up with New Rewards and a Mini-Game in the UK.

Google is raising the stakes for its most loyal users in the UK. The company has announced that its Google Play Points rewards program is getting a significant upgrade, introducing new perks that go beyond app purchases, including exclusive merchandise and a new mini-game.

The biggest news is the introduction of a new way to redeem points: collectibles and merchandise. In a collaboration with partners like Android, YouTube, and Chrome, users will soon be able to use their hard-earned points to get their hands on exclusive apparel and accessories.

Adding to the fun, the popular "Diamond Valley" treasure hunt mini-game is finally making its way to the UK. Previously a hit in Korea, Japan, and the U.S., the game will allow players to search for diamonds to win exciting prizes, including Pixel devices, exclusive merchandise, and bonus points.

How to Play?

The game will have an early access period for Google Play Points Gold+ members, starting on November 3. These top-tier players will also receive a 500-diamond bonus to kick-start their hunt. The game will then open to all Play users on November 10. The higher a user's status in the program, the more benefits they'll unlock.

For those who haven't joined yet, getting started is easy. Simply go to the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select "Play Points," and tap "Join for free."

Google Redesigns Gemini's Tools Menu for a Cleaner Mobile Experience.

Google is rolling out a redesigned "Tools" prompt bar for the Gemini app on Android and iOS, bringing a cleaner and more streamlined experience to mobile users. The update, which follows a similar change on the web, aims to reduce clutter and make it easier to access Gemini's powerful features.

The most notable change is the removal of the old "standalone chips" and the three-dot overflow button. The previous design often had two items on some devices, or a single button that led to an overflow menu, which could be cumbersome to navigate.

The new interface introduces a single "Tools" menu, accessible via a new icon on Android. Tapping this icon now opens a simple and compact sheet that presents options without the previous icons or descriptions. This change creates a cleaner look and reduces the risk of accidental taps, a common issue on mobile screens.

Furthermore, the new design introduces a series of pre-written suggestions like "Create Image," "Write," and "Deep Research." These suggested prompts are now always visible beneath the "Hello" greeting, giving users a quick way to get started. These suggestions disappear automatically as soon as the user starts typing.

The redesign is now widely available for both stable and beta users of the Google app on Android and iOS, signaling a more unified and user-friendly direction for the Gemini experience across platforms.

Also Read:

• Google Breaks Down Gemini's Usage Limits for Free and Paid Users.
• Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.
• Create Custom Storybooks in the Gemini App.

Scan and Create Document From Images in Google Drive.

Do you often find yourself needing to quickly digitize a paper document, but are left with a blurry photo on your phone? In an increasingly paperless world, having a fast and reliable way to convert physical files into high-quality digital PDFs is essential. While many third-party apps exist for this purpose, they often come with a catch, from intrusive ads to questionable privacy practices.

Fortunately, you don't need a separate app to get the job done. Hidden in plain sight within the Google Drive mobile app is a powerful, built-in scanner. This simple tool lets you use your phone's camera to create clean, professional-looking document scans in seconds, all while ensuring your files are instantly backed up to the cloud. 

Best of all, it’s completely free, ad-free, and you can trust that your data is handled with the security you expect from Google.

What is Google Drive In-app Scanner?

The Google Drive in-app scanner is a feature built directly into the Google Drive mobile application for Android and iOS. It allows users to use their smartphone's camera to capture a physical document, receipt, or whiteboard and save it as a high-quality digital PDF.

Unlike simply taking a photo, this tool is designed specifically for digitizing documents. It automatically detects the document's edges, corrects for perspective, and enhances the image for readability. This saves you from having to use a separate scanning app, as the functionality is seamlessly integrated with your Google Drive cloud storage.

Tasks the Google Drive Scanner Can Do:

The scanner can perform several key tasks to streamline your document workflow:

• Digitize Physical Documents: Its primary function is to convert paper documents, like receipts, contracts, letters, or handwritten notes, into a clean, digital format.
• Create Multi-Page PDFs: You can easily add multiple pages to a single scanning session, resulting in a single, unified PDF file. This is perfect for scanning multi-page documents like reports or invoices.
• Auto-Crop and Perspective Correction: The scanner intelligently identifies the document's boundaries and automatically crops out the background, straightening the image to make it look like it was scanned on a flatbed scanner.

How To Use Google Drive as a Document Scanner?

To use Google Drive's built-in document scanner, you only need two things:

• A Google Account.
• The Google Drive app is installed on your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS).

This guide will walk you through the process, from finding the feature to saving your final PDF. The steps are nearly identical for both Android and iOS devices.

Step 1: Open the Google Drive App.

Launch the Google Drive application on your phone or tablet. Make sure you are signed in to the account you want to save the scanned document to.

Step 2: Start a New Scan.

On the home screen of the app, look for the "Add" button, which is typically a floating "+" icon located in the bottom-right corner. Tap it to bring up a menu of options. From this menu, select "Scan".

Tip: You can also navigate to the specific folder where you want to save the document before starting the scan.

Step 3: Capture Your Document.

Point your phone's camera at the document. The app will automatically detect the edges of the document and outline it with a blue box. When it has a clear view, it will automatically take the picture.

For best results, place your document on a flat, contrasting background and ensure there's good, even lighting to avoid shadows. You can also switch to manual capture if you prefer.

Step 4: Review and Edit Your Scanned Document.

After the photo is taken, you will see a preview. The app automatically crops the image and corrects the perspective, but you can refine it using the tools at the bottom of the screen:

• Crop & Rotate: Tap this icon to manually adjust the corners of the document for a perfect crop.
• Filter: This allows you to change the color mode of the scan. Options typically include Black & White, Color, and a grayscale filter to improve readability and reduce file size.
• Clean: This tool helps to remove smudges, spots, or unwanted fingers that might have appeared in the photo.
• Add: If your document has multiple pages, tap the "Add" button to scan the next page. It will be automatically added to the same PDF file.

Step 5: Save Your Scan.

Once you are satisfied with the result, tap "Next". A final screen will appear where you can customize your file. Here, you'll have the option to give your document a name and select its file type. PDF is the recommended format for the document, but you can choose another option if needed.

Finally, tap "Upload". Your new, high-quality PDF will be uploaded to your Google Drive and is ready to be accessed from any of your devices.

There is no other free Document Scanner tool that is more secure than Google Drive to keep all your important documents safe and secure in your personal Google Drive.

Google Drive Scan Shortcut Widgets.

For even faster access, you can add a "Drive Scan" widget directly to your home screen. Tap and hold a blank area on your screen, select "Widgets," find the "Drive scan" widget, and drag it to your home screen. This creates a one-tap button that goes straight to the scanner. Google Drive will also give you an option to choose a folder in which you want to upload all your scanned documents.

The ability to quickly and securely digitize documents is more important than ever. While countless third-party apps exist, they often introduce risks, ads, or clunky workflows. The Google Drive in-app scanner is the perfect solution for this problem, offering a powerful, integrated tool that you likely already have on your phone.

Google Pay and Google Wallet Officially Launch in Saudi Arabia.

Google has officially announced the launch of Google Pay and Google Wallet in Saudi Arabia, bringing a new era of simple and secure payments to the region. The service, which will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks, is set to transform how people pay for goods and services using their Android phones.

The rollout is a significant step for the tech giant in the Middle East, with the service initially partnering with the national payment system, mada, as well as major financial institutions Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank. More banks are expected to join the service over time.

How It Works

At its core, the service provides a secure "Tap to Pay" experience in stores, enabling users to add and manage their Mada cards, Visa, and Mastercard credit cards directly within the Google Wallet app. The platform uses industry-standard tokenization, a security measure that replaces a user's actual card number with a device-specific virtual number, or token, during transactions. This ensures that a user's sensitive payment information is never shared with the merchant.

In addition to in-store payments, Google Pay will also be integrated into apps and on the web, offering a seamless and secure checkout process. Beyond payments, the Google Wallet app provides a convenient way for users to securely store and access digital items such as loyalty cards, boarding passes, and event tickets.