I put in Google Journal on my Samsung, and you need to too

Google rolled out many new software program options and apps with the Pixel 10, together with a brand new diary app referred to as Journal. Whereas it’s believed to be unique to the brand new telephone line, that’s not completely true. I downloaded the APK and put in it on my Samsung Galaxy telephone with out a lot hassle. In the event you’re on the lookout for a easy, speedy journal app, I recommend you strive it in your telephone too.

For a lot of, Google Journal isn’t seen on the Play Retailer, nevertheless it comes preinstalled on Pixel 10 gadgets. Nevertheless, it’s not locked to Google gadgets even when it makes use of on-device Gemini Nano to unleash its full potential. It could possibly subsequently run on telephones from different producers. To put in it, observe these steps:

1. Earlier than you’ll be able to set up Google Journal, you’ll want a break up APK installer. Since we’re grabbing the APK file from APK Mirror, you could as nicely use APKMirror Installer. Obtain it from the Play Retailer on the hyperlink.
2. Subsequent, open your net browser. Go to the Google Journal itemizing on APK Mirror and hit the orange Obtain APK bundle icon.
3. Now, open APKMirror Installer > Browse recordsdata, go to your Obtain folder, and also you’ll discover the Journal set up file with a inexperienced APKM emblem beneath it. Choose it, then faucet Set up bundle.
4. APKMirror Installer does have advertisements, sadly. So you’ll be able to both subscribe to take away the advertisements or Watch advert and set up app. I like to recommend the latter.
5. After the advert completes, a pop-up will seem asking if you wish to set up Journal. Select Set up.
6. As soon as the app is put in, faucet Open app to get journaling.

If there’s one factor Google Journal does nicely, it’s the fundamentals. That may not sound constructive, however let me clarify. Google emphasizes the app’s AI options, however many are restricted to the Pixel 10. On different telephones, the absence of those options is definitely helpful.

My colleague Joe talked about in a latest opinion that this AI function, which creates writing prompts primarily based on previous entries, exercise information, and images, is why he gained’t use the app. This function makes use of Gemini Nano on-device and at present solely works on the Pixel 10. You don’t have this AI difficulty on non-Pixel gadgets.

Certain, Google Journal is so simple as a pigeon nest, however I see this as a constructive. Whereas extra highly effective diary apps have habit-tracking, multi-journals, and common availability, these options could be overwhelming. Even Notion and Obsidian can really feel extreme after I need to jot down just a few ideas. Journal’s simplicity permits me to clear my head and simply write.

After all, you should use Journal as a journal, nevertheless it has different potential makes use of. It may very well be a helpful journey log, permitting you to incorporate a number of images and maps in an entry rapidly. It might additionally work as a mind dump software, a meals log, or a extra targeted venture report software.

Total, I believe Google did a very good job with Journal. It’s a fledgling app, nevertheless it appears to be like nice in its Materials 3 Expressive design and presents just about every part I might need in a quick-fire journal app.

I’d like Journal’s simplicity, however you may not. There are extra established journaling choices on Android in the event you want extra options. For example, Journal doesn’t have a voice observe function, which appears unusual. It additionally lacks behavior monitoring, a function many bullet journal fans think about important.

Listed below are just a few Google Journal alternate options (or helpful companions) you may need to take a look at:

• Habitica: Gamifying chores and duties, Habitica encourages customers to carry out duties and develop habits. It’s not strictly a journaling app, however enhances an app like Journal very well.
• Daylio: With a colourful interface and a give attention to moods, Daylio helps join every day actions with psychological well being. Like Journal, you’ll be able to add images, choose a temper, and write a short entry.
• Journey: Journey is like Journal all grown up, with extra organizational options like tagging, a built-in temper tracker, and platform availability past Pixel gadgets.
• Day One: In the event you want a collaborative journal shared with household or mates, Day One is a superb choice. It contains customized writing templates and a clear interface.
• Notion: Not strictly a journaling app, Notion is extremely adaptable and customizable. It presents devoted journal templates with behavior monitoring choices, or you’ll be able to construct your individual.

In the event you don’t personal a Pixel 10 telephone, I recommend putting in Journal. The app works nicely with out its built-in AI options and will get to the core of journaling. This could be my manner again into journaling, and I’m excited to see how Google develops and hopefully broadens the app’s availability within the coming years.