
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Google rolled out many new software program options and apps with the Pixel 10, together with a brand new diary app known as Journal. Whereas it’s believed to be unique to the brand new telephone line, that’s not solely true. I downloaded the APK and put in it on my Samsung Galaxy telephone with out a lot hassle. In the event you’re searching for a easy, fast journal app, I recommend you attempt it in your telephone too.
Do you intend on utilizing Pixel Journal?
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How one can set up Google Journal on a non-Pixel telephone

Andy Walker / Android Authority
For a lot of, Google Journal isn’t seen on the Play Retailer, nevertheless it comes preinstalled on Pixel 10 units. Nevertheless, it’s not locked to Google units even when it makes use of on-device Gemini Nano to unleash its full potential. It could actually due to this fact run on telephones from different producers. To put in it, observe these steps:
- Earlier than you possibly can set up Google Journal, you’ll want a break up APK installer. Since we’re grabbing the APK file from APK Mirror, chances are you’ll as effectively use APKMirror Installer. Obtain it from the Play Retailer on the hyperlink.
- Subsequent, open your net browser. Go to the Google Journal itemizing on APK Mirror and hit the orange Obtain APK bundle icon.
- Now, open APKMirror Installer > Browse information, go to your Obtain folder, and also you’ll discover the Journal set up file with a inexperienced APKM brand beneath it. Choose it, then faucet Set up package deal.
- APKMirror Installer does have advertisements, sadly. So you possibly can both subscribe to take away the advertisements or Watch advert and set up app. I like to recommend the latter.
- After the advert completes, a pop-up will seem asking if you wish to set up Journal. Select Set up.
- As soon as the app is put in, faucet Open app to get journaling.
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With out the AI, Google Journal nails the fundamentals

Andy Walker / Android Authority
If there’s one factor Google Journal does effectively, it’s the fundamentals. Which may not sound optimistic, 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 current opinion that this AI characteristic, which creates writing prompts primarily based on previous entries, exercise information, and pictures, is why he gained’t use the app. This characteristic makes use of Gemini Nano on-device and at the moment solely works on the Pixel 10. You don’t have this AI situation on non-Pixel units.
Utilizing Google Journal on a Samsung telephone is an AI-free expertise.
Certain, Google Journal is so simple as a pigeon nest, however I see this as a optimistic. 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 a couple of ideas. Journal’s simplicity permits me to clear my head and simply write.

Andy Walker / Android Authority
After all, you should utilize 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 pictures and maps in an entry shortly. It may additionally work as a mind dump software, a meals log, or a extra centered undertaking document software.
Total, I feel Google did a great job with Journal. It’s a fledgling app, nevertheless it appears nice in its Materials 3 Expressive design and provides just about every little thing I may need in a quick-fire journal app.
There are nonetheless higher choices for journaling on Android

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
I’d like Journal’s simplicity, however you won’t. There are extra established journaling choices on Android in case you want extra options. As an illustration, Journal doesn’t have a voice observe characteristic, which appears unusual. It additionally lacks behavior monitoring, a characteristic many bullet journal fanatics think about important.
Listed here are a couple of Google Journal alternate options (or helpful companions) you would possibly 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 concentrate on moods, Daylio helps join each day actions with psychological well being. Like Journal, you possibly can add pictures, 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 units.
- Day One: In the event you want a collaborative journal shared with household or associates, Day One is a good choice. It contains customized writing templates and a clear interface.
- Notion: Not strictly a journaling app, Notion is extremely adaptable and customizable. It provides devoted journal templates with behavior monitoring choices, or you possibly can construct your personal.
In the event you don’t personal a Pixel 10 telephone, I recommend putting in Journal. The app works effectively with out its built-in AI options and will get to the core of journaling. This is likely to 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.
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