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Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 delivers fix for persistent Galaxy Watch connection problems
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 delivers fix for persistent Galaxy Watch connection problems

Android Authority

timean hour ago

  • Android Authority

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 delivers fix for persistent Galaxy Watch connection problems

Andy Walker / Android Authority TL;DR Galaxy Watch owners have been experiencing issues when attempting to use their wearable with a device running any version of the Android 16 QPR1 beta. Reports say the issue results in connection drops, compatibility problems, and crashes. The recently released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 update appears to fix the bug. As with beta, there's always the threat of running into a bug. That's exactly what happened recently to some Android 16 beta testers who own a Samsung smartwatch. Thankfully, a recent update seems to have fixed the issue. There have been a growing number of reports of Samsung's smartwatches not playing well with devices running on any version of the Android 16 QPR1 beta. Specifically, the bug would cause problems like connection drops, crashes, and compatibility issues. The problem is said to be related to the connected phone trying to download Samsung's Watch Manager plugin and failing. At the time, the only fix was to go back to a stable version of Android 16. If your Galaxy Watch was affected by this bug, there's now another solution to fix the problem. Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 last week, which includes the July 2025 security patch and several bug fixes. According to 9to5Google, this rollout solves the issue blocking the Galaxy Watch Manager plugin from installing. The outlet states that after installing the update, their Pixel 9 Pro Fold was able to switch a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic paired on a Galaxy S25 over, without resetting. So if you don't want to go back to the stable channel, you'll want to make sure to download Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3. Once it's installed, your smartwatch should start working like normal again. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.

Google says bug removed media playback button from Maps, says working on a fix
Google says bug removed media playback button from Maps, says working on a fix

Time of India

time13 hours ago

  • Time of India

Google says bug removed media playback button from Maps, says working on a fix

Google has addressed reports of the media playback button missing from its navigation app – Google Maps. In a statement to 9to5Google, the tech giant confirmed that the disappearance was just a bug and Google is 'actively working to fix an issue that is affecting media playback controls on Google Maps.' Notably, the publication was the first to report the disappearance of media playback controls for YouTube Music and Spotify on Android devices from Google Maps. The changes were first spotted in the stable Google Maps 25.28 version and 25.29 beta version. Media control in Google Maps The media controls in Google Maps are made to work with apps like YouTube Music and Spotify. While using navigation, a bar would appear at the bottom showing the album cover, song name, and artist on the left. On the right, users could play, pause, or skip songs and see nine song suggestions to quickly switch tracks. There is also a shortcut to open YouTube Music straight from Google Maps. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Luxurious:2/3 BHK Apartments - At Prime Location of Chennai Brigade Morgan Heights Click Here Undo In a related news, Google Maps rolled out a new feature for iPhone users. With this new feature the navigation app simplifies the process of saving places. Google Maps users on iPhone can now directly save locations to their Google Maps by scanning the screenshots. The feature now removes the need to manually search for the locations users captured while on the go or while searching the web. The feature leverages Google's image recognition technology to identify location details within a screenshot. When a user takes a screenshot of an address, a map, or a location within another app, Google Maps can analyse the image and extract relevant information. The app then prompts the user to save the location, which is added to their saved places within Google Maps. Google Pixel 10 Series Launch: Everything Coming on August 20 AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

Samsung's next Galaxy Buds FE allegedly wants to look like the Buds 3 Pro
Samsung's next Galaxy Buds FE allegedly wants to look like the Buds 3 Pro

Yahoo

time15 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Samsung's next Galaxy Buds FE allegedly wants to look like the Buds 3 Pro

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. What you need to know A tipster posted an alleged render of the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on X, which seem to mirror the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro design. The earbuds feature black silicon tips in a supposed white color with Samsung's new "Blade design." Rumors about Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Galaxy S25 FE suggest we could see a launch "shortly," which could mean an August/September debut. Samsung is seemingly preparing another earbud surprise, as rumors allege an FE device is in the works. An alleged render of the product was posted on X by tipster Evan Blass, which has since been removed (via 9to5Google). The publication was able to snag the image before the takedown occurred. Blass suggests that the device will feature a design that mirrors what Samsung launched with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. While it's a very Apple reminiscent design (something execs have criticised), the company appears to want a continuation of it, at least for now. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE could see the same stick stabilizer to help when worn, with silicon tips, just like the Buds 3 Pro. Samsung called this a "Blade design" when the Buds 3 series launched last year. The buds are shown off in white, although it's unclear if they will be glossy like the base Galaxy Buds 3 or more matte, like the 3 Pro. Blass didn't allege anything like specs or potential pricing. The original Galaxy Buds FE debuted two years ago for $99. However, considering Samsung might pack in its Galaxy AI (and probably Gemini), there's no telling if that price will go up a little whenever it launches. FE for the rest? There's also another major distinction between the Buds 3 Pro and the base model: Samsung's blade lights. The Pro variant offers "Blade Lights" along the stabilizer that act as a bit of extra flair. Users can have these lights on continuously (stable) or have them fade in and out. Samsung's base 3 Pro doesn't offer this extra flair, so it remains to be seen if the Galaxy Buds 3 FE bring that in. Although considering the "FE" tag, perhaps not. Additionally, we can likely expect the same blade design media and call controls to remain, just like its flagship counterparts. You might've missed this, but Samsung recently dropped a pair of cheap earbuds, dubbed the Galaxy Buds Core, overseas in India and other regions. It's unclear if these buds will see a global launch or make their way to the U.S., but considering we're seeing Galaxy Buds 3 FE rumors, maybe there are other plans. A more recent leak dropped renders for the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 FE. It seems both devices are in for some subtle design changes, such as an Infinity-U camera cutout for the Tab S11 Ultra's front camera and the potential removal of its S Pen slot on its back. For the S25 FE, it looks like Samsung is bringing its shiny silvery rings to its camera lenses, instead of the black rings like the Galaxy S25 series. There's speculation that the Korean OEM is looking to debut its tablet series "shortly" following Unpacked, and this could bring the S25 FE with it. These earbuds could find their way into the mix. Only time will tell. Earbuds deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell

Google Gemini's Android app is almost ready to roll out this basic feature
Google Gemini's Android app is almost ready to roll out this basic feature

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Google Gemini's Android app is almost ready to roll out this basic feature

Google Gemini is arguably one of the most popular AI chatbots you will find today. Its feature set has evolved significantly over the last couple of months, thanks to new features powered by recent inclusions like Veo 3. Similarly, Google also introduced a chat search feature in recent weeks, enabling users to search their chat history with Gemini, albeit only on the web and iOS. It now looks like the feature is almost ready to land on Android smartphones. Thanks to screenshots posted by a Reddit user, we know the chat search functionality is on the way for Android. However, the feature was not live on a couple of Android devices I've checked, while comments below the Reddit thread also suggest it isn't widely available (via 9to5Google). Gemini for Android Search Chat Historyby u/JosefTor7 in Bard The search feature works exactly as you would expect, and helps you locate your older conversations with Gemini, provided you remember some of the keywords. Of course, if you use Gemini on an Apple iPhone, you can already search through your chats, which is somewhat frustrating for Android smartphone owners. There are ways to get Gemini chat search on your Android phone Meanwhile, if you can't wait to try out chat search on your Android phone, one of the simpler workarounds involves using the web version of the app, i.e., using Gemini ( from your smartphone browser. It's identical to the experience you'd get on the app, but with the inclusion of some visual changes that haven't made it to the app yet. Away from this search feature, Gemini is also working on giving its logo a bit of a glow-up to align with Google's brand identity. The updated logo currently appears in a couple of places across the Gemini app, including in the Google Play Store listing. Newer reporting suggests Google is keen on bringing the familiar blue, red, green, and yellow colors to more elements of Gemini. Earlier this week, 9to5Google dug up evidence of the onscreen Gemini overlay (triggered by long-pressing the power button) incorporating these four colors for a more consistent experience. Are you seeing the chat search option in the Gemini app? Let us know. Google Gemini Google LLC PRODUCTIVITY Price: Free 4.5 Download

Google Maps just took a weird step backward on Android
Google Maps just took a weird step backward on Android

Phone Arena

timea day ago

  • Phone Arena

Google Maps just took a weird step backward on Android

Google Maps is easily one of the most widely used navigation apps out there, but just like with any app, updates come and go – and not all of them are for the better. Earlier this year, users already felt the sting when Google pulled the plug on Assistant Driving Mode, which also meant losing its built-in support for music apps. In its place, Google added a floating action button (FAB) for playback, which you could toggle on through "Show media playback controls" in the settings. But now, it seems like even that feature might be on its way out. According to a recent report, Google has removed the playback bar in Maps version 25.28 for Android. That playback bar used to appear at the bottom of the screen while you were navigating, letting you play, pause, or skip music and podcasts without leaving the app. Now, both the controls and the toggle to enable them seem to be gone. Show media playback controls seem to be gone – before (left) and now (right). | Image credit – 9to5Google Interestingly, the playback feature is still available on iOS – at least for now. I can still see it on my iPhone 13 mini, which makes the Android removal all the more confusing. It's unclear if this is a bug or a deliberate move by Google, but if it is the latter, it is kind of a head-scratcher. The whole point of having playback controls in your nav app is to make things safer and more convenient. Without them, users have to leave Maps entirely, switch over to their media app, make a change, and then jump back. Even in the best-case scenario, that's a solid 10 to 20 seconds where your attention isn't fully on the if Google really did remove this on purpose, it's not just inconvenient – it's potentially dangerous. And it could push some users toward alternatives like Waze, which happens to be owned by Google, too and still includes built-in media said, Google Maps hasn't been standing still. It's rolled out a few new features recently that might help it stay on top. iPhone users, for example, recently got a handy screenshot recognition tool that can identify locations from saved images.

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