Google Messenger gets a widget and support for GIFs

No matter how you say it, GIFs are awesome. They come in handy all the time. You can use a GIF to convey your current emotion, share a clip from a funny moment on TV, or watch that amazing dunk over and over again. Now you can even send GIFs via SMS with the latest update to Google’s standalone Messenger app.

After you update the app you’ll be able to select GIFs from your local storage to send. You’ll also be able to view GIFs that have been sent to you, tap on the them to view larger, and save to your gallery. Google has also added a nice big scrollable widget for your home screen, as well as the usual performance fixes. If you’re not a fan of Hangouts this is a great simple and clean alternative. Download Google Messenger for free below.

Messenger | Google Play Store

HTC Sense Home brings themes, intelligent widget, and more to the One M8/M7

It’s not Sense 7, but HTC is bringing HTC One M8 and M7 owners a taste of some of the new features touted in the HTC One M9. By updating their BlinkFeed app in the Google Play Store — now officially renamed “HTC Sense Home” — HTC is giving the One M8/M7 on Lollipop the ability to apply a handful of themes we took a look at on the One M9.

Not every theme is available, as some require Sense 7 to function, but there’s enough here that it should wet your appetite until a future software update arrives. But you can get started building your own themes on-the-go, even publishing your favorites for others to download, or following your favorite designers. We also recently told you about HTC’s online tool for building your own themes, so you can check that out as well right here.

Aside from themes, HTC’s Sense Home Widget has also been added. Sense Home Widget is a little folder that intelligently delivers commonly used applications based on your location. It even offers suggestions for apps you haven’t downloaded yet.

HTC BlinkFeed has also been updated (One M9/M8/M7), now pulling in Tumblr feeds if you’d like. Oh, and as Android Forums member SolApathy points out, if you don’t like using the stock HTC launcher (Sense Home) but enjoy BlinkFeed, you can create a custom shortcut to quickly access BlinkFeed in most 3rd party launchers. For more details, head to his post right here.

The lock screen has also received some small, Sense 7 like UI tweaks with a different font style and weather widget that mirrors the HTC One M9. All in all a pretty substantial update, one we didn’t see coming. This, foks, is why HTC threw their system apps on the Play Store: no need to wait around for full system updates to enjoy great new software features.

For the HTC One M9, HTC One M8, and HTC One (M7), you can update via the Google Play Store link down below.

Thanks for the M7 confirmation, Ben!

HTC BlinkFeed (Playboard) | HTC BlinkFeed (Play Store)

Nokia’s Z Launcher adds Android widget support in latest update

The folks at Z Launcher have announced an update for their home screen replacement app that brings support for one of their most requested features: Android widgets. We know, it’s almost crazy to think that any Android launcher could launch without support for widgets, they are an Android staple after all.

But remember, Z Launcher is still in beta and continually evolving based on user feedback. As it stands, Z Launcher has a pretty big following, with users raving about its unique adaptive and gesture-based app launching that learns your usage habits. Basically, Z Launcher learns what apps you use the most and brings them front and center for easy access. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Simply draw out the first letter of the app on anywhere on the screen and you’ll see it magically appear. Doesn’t get much more easy than that.

Widgets can now be found on their own separate page by swiping left from the edge of the display. From there you can long press to add widgets, reposition, and resize them like you would with any other launcher. The only difference is this screen is delegated to widgets-only — no app icons allowed, not even in the dock.

Z Launcher says they’ve also hammered out some big fixes and have added a few performance improvements, which is to be expected. If you’d like to give your input or request a specific feature, you can make your voice heard by jumping on over to Z Launcher’s feedback forum at zlauncher.com where you an submit your own idea, or vote on others. If you’d like to give Z Launcher a shot, it can be found free on the Google Play Store via the link below.

Z Launcher Beta (Playboard) | Z Launcher Beta (Play Store)