Latest news with #AndroidShow
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Nothing Phone 3: Launch Date Confirmed for Company's 'First True Flagship'
Plucky British tech startup confirmed the launch date on Tuesday for its major phone launch of the year. The Nothing Phone 3 will make an appearance on July 1, the company confirmed in a press release. Nothing's founder and CEO Carl Pei loves to drop hints about his company's upcoming product launches, and in this sense, it's business as usual with the Nothing Phone 3. Speaking last month during Google's Android Show event, Pei confirmed the Nothing Phone 3 would be the company's "first true flagship" and would cost around £1,000 (£800). He also promised that the phone would feature "premium materials, major performance upgrades and software that levels things up." Nothing's take on AI -- a feature called Essential Space that we first saw on the Nothing Phone 3A Pro -- has been one of our favorite uses of AI from Android phone makers so far. We're keen to see how Nothing will up its game with this latest phone. Competition remains strong as ever between Android phone makers, but Nothing has been one of the most exciting companies to break into the market in the past five years. Its design-led strategy is a breath of fresh air in the landscape of very similar looking devices. The company, which released earbuds as its first product, also announced a partnership with British audio maker KEF last month. Together, they promised that they already had "several acoustically co-developed products already in the works and launching later this year." It looks like 2025 might be the biggest year yet for Nothing, so put the July 1 date in your diary now to make sure you don't miss one what could be one of the more interesting phone launches of the summer.
News18
22-05-2025
- News18
Google Brings Android 16 Beta Update With New Material Design: How To Install, Which Phones Supported
Android 16 Material Expressive design is now rolling out with the new beta update for select devices. Android 16 was part of the Android Show earlier this month, where we got a closer look at the new Expressive UI which is the evolved version of the Material design language. The new update is available if you have been part of the Android 16 beta program from day one, and the design upgrades are finally coming to the eligible devices through official channels.
CNET
21-05-2025
- CNET
The New Android 16 Beta Has a Big Visual Overhaul. Here's How to Install It on Your Pixel
If you hadn't heard already, Android is about to get a lot more "jelly-like" thanks to a design overhaul called Material 3 Expressive. Its official launch will likely be alongside the next Pixel devices, but the latest beta build of Android 16 now includes several pieces of the new look that existing Pixel owners can play around with right now. Last month's Android 16 beta 4 marked the end of the beta program this year, but that doesn't mean new Android 16 builds will stop releasing. As it historically has, the beta program has transitioned to Quarterly Platform Release updates. These releases are still betas, but they are more stable than the preceding builds and offer a look at more features that will eventually come to devices in future Feature Drops. Among all of this week's Google I/O 2025 announcements, Android didn't take up much space outside of a few mentions. That's mostly due to the fact that a majority of what's new for the OS this year was announced during The Android Show last week, with the new design at the forefront. Announced on Reddit during the I/O keynote, the QPR1 update includes some of the new Material 3 Expressive design elements that very much change the way the OS "feels" -- even if not every piece of the redesign is in place yet. If you held off from the beta program but don't want to wait for the official release to get your hands on Material 3 Expressive, now's your chance. Below, we'll show you how to install it on your Pixel device. For more, don't miss our Google I/O 2025 recap. What's new in Android 16 QPR1? Here's a look at the overhauled Settings menu, quick settings menu and multitasking menu tweaks. Blake Stimac/CNET The big news here is that this QPR build includes several pieces of the Material 3 Expressive design overhaul. It's a fresh take on the OS while still looking like a natural progression of what was there before. It's easier to find important actions within the OS, and the new design will eventually make its way to apps when developers adopt the new design language. Google has already shown off a few of the apps it plans to update with Material 3 Expressive, including Gmail, Fitbit and Google Photos. While the public release will include more of Material 3 Expressive, the biggest visual changes are present here. The launcher, notifications, quick settings and lock screen all "pop" like never before. According to the Reddit post, in addition to Material 3 Expressive, the QPR1 update also includes "new platform features, bug fixes, performance optimizations, and the August 2025 security patches." Specifics aren't given in the release notes, but the security patch on the Reddit post differs from what the release notes say, so expect to still have the May 5, 2025, security patch after the update is installed. What Pixel devices can install the Android 16 QPR1? In order to install the Android 16 QPR1, you'll need a compatible Pixel. Here's the full list of supported devices. Pixel 6, 6a, and 6 Pro Pixel 7, 7a, and 7 Pro Pixel Fold Pixel Tablet Pixel 8, 8a, and 8 Pro Pixel 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold How to install the Android 16 QPR1 You can enroll any of your compatible Pixel devices to receive beta updates with a few clicks. Google/CNET Installing the Android 16 QPR1 build is easy. If you're running the last Android 16 Beta release, and have a compatible device, you don't need to do anything. You should be able to check for a system update and the QPR should begin to download. If you're new to installing Android 16 on your device, here's how to get things moving: Go to the Android Beta site and log in to your Google account. Click or tap on "View your eligible devices" or just scroll down to the section. You should see the devices associated with the Google account you've logged in with. Under the device on which you'd like to install the Android 16 update, click or tap the "+ Opt in" button. Agree to the terms of the beta program and click or tap "Confirm and enroll." Once your device is enrolled, you can check to see if the update is waiting for you. It typically doesn't take long. On your Pixel, go to your Settings menu. Tap System. Tap Software updates. Tap System update. From there, the Android 16 QPR1 build should start downloading to your device. If it continues to say "Your Pixel is up to date," give it a few more minutes or try restarting your phone, then try again. Moreover, if the update that appears is the Android 16 Beta 4 for whatever reason, download and install that, and check for updates again once your Pixel restarts. Alternatively, you can flash the update to your Pixel. For more, check out why Android 16 is being released earlier this year.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Google's Sergey Brin on Google's 'biggest flop gadget': Didn't know ...
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has acknowledged to making "a lot of mistakes" with the original Google Glass (biggest flop gadget of the company), admitting the challenges that let to its initial struggle. Speaking at Google's annual developer conference — Google I/O 2025 , Brin said that he didn't fully understand the consumer electronics supply chain when developing the product. This in-turn led to manufacturing and pricing challenges which finally doomed the wearable. What Google co-fonder Sergey Brin said about Google Glass In an interview with Big Technology Podcast's Alex Kantrowitz, Brin conceded that Google Glass, first introduced in 2013, was perhaps 'ahead of its time'. He also pointed out that lack of understanding of consumer electronics supply chain and difficulties in making an affordable smart glasses were some missteps. 'Didn't know anything about consumer electronic supply chains, or how difficult it would be to build smart glasses at a reasonable price point,' said Brin. Despite the past setbacks, Brin still believes the fundamental form factor of Google Glass was "pretty cool" and now sees it as the "perfect hardware" for AI. Google brings smart glasses out of shade with Android XR Following last week's Android Show, where Google previewed some Android 16 features, I/O provided more details on Google's mixed reality plans. The company unveiled its Android XR platform for augmented, mixed, and virtual reality devices. The most interesting development is Project Aura , a prototype of Android XR-powered smart glasses developed with Xreal. These glasses will feature Gemini integration and a large field of view, along with built-in cameras and microphones. Google is also partnering with popular eyewear brands including Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to create more stylish options. Android XR will support features like live translation, directional navigation via a mini Google Maps display, and the ability to view immersive 360-degree videos. After Google Glass and previous AR attempts, this feels like the company's most serious push yet into wearable computing. Google commits $150 million toward the development of AI-powered glasses At the Google I/O 2025, the tech giant confirmed that it will commit 150 mullion to the consumer eyewear company Warby Parker for the development of AI-powered smart glasses . As part of this collaboration, Google has committed up to $75 million for Warby Parker's product development and commercialization costs. In addition, Google has committed to investing up to $75 million in Warby Parker, at Warby Parker's option and subject to reaching certain collaboration milestones. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Phone Arena
20-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Google makes Wear OS 6 official — and it could completely change your smartwatch experience
After treating us to a sneak peek during the Android Show last week, Google just officially introduced Wear OS 6. While a lot of the behind-the-scenes talk at Google I/O focuses on tools for developers, there are quite a few changes everyday users will actually notice and appreciate. From a refreshed look to better battery life and smarter features, this update is shaping up to be one of the most user-friendly versions of Wear OS you already use a Wear OS smartwatch, or if you're thinking of picking one up later this year, here's what to know about what's coming to your wrist: Material 3 Expressive on Wear OS 6. | Image credit — Google Wear OS 6 brings in a major visual update thanks to the new Material 3 Expressive design language. This new look is built with round watch screens in mind, so apps and tiles now look and feel more natural on your smartwatch. It's not just about nicer colors and fonts either, as Google has redesigned motion, layout, and spacing so that everything from scrolling through lists to tapping buttons feels more fluid and of the big improvements is dynamic color theming. Your watch interface will now match your chosen watch face, automatically pulling colors to give everything a more unified and personal look. This will be especially noticeable on the Pixel Watch 3 , where the system adapts to your style without any extra setup. Wear OS 6 dynamic color theming. | Image credit — Google The great part is that all of these design upgrades don't come at the cost of battery life. In fact, Google says smartwatches upgrading from Wear OS 5 to 6 could see up to 10 percent better battery performance. That's a big deal if you often find yourself reaching for the charger before the day ends. Thanks to more efficient software and platform-level tweaks, watches can now handle animations, sensors, and background tasks better while using less power overall. Wear OS 6 notifications. | Image credit — Google Tiles are those glanceable cards you can swipe through on your smartwatch to check things like the weather, heart rate, or calendar events. In Wear OS 6, these tiles are getting a major refresh with a new layout that includes a title, a main content area, and an optional bottom slot. This structure makes tiles easier to read and interact with at a glance. Google also introduced new components designed for round screens, like the Edge Button, which hugs the edge of your display and makes it easier to tap without taking up too much space. There are also new scroll indicators and list animations that help you navigate your watch more of this makes everyday tasks feel faster and more natural. Wear OS 6 tiles. | Image credit — Google For anyone who listens to music or podcasts using their watch, media controls just got a lot more useful. With Wear OS 6, you can now fast-forward, rewind, shuffle, or repeat tracks right from your wrist. You'll also be able to access your playlist more easily through a new menu. These features work right away on devices like the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 , as long as they're running Wear OS 6 or version 5.1 or later. Wear OS 6 media controls. | Image credit — Google Google is also bringing the Credential Manager to Wear OS, starting with devices like the Pixel Watch 3 . This means you'll now be able to use passkeys and sign in with Google on your smartwatch, just like you would on your phone — and without needing to have your phone makes logging into apps on your watch faster and more secure, while still letting you keep other methods like passwords as a backup if needed. What to expect next Wear OS 6 is currently available as a developer preview, but users should start seeing it roll out later this year. If you have a newer watch — like the Google Pixel Watch 3 , Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 , or OnePlus Watch 3 — there's a good chance you'll be among the first to get the update. Even the little ones can get in on the action with the Galaxy Watch experience for kids. And if you're planning to buy a new watch this fall, there's a strong possibility it will come with Wear OS 6 right out of the box. At the end of the day, Wear OS 6 is about making your smartwatch feel more modern, more personal, and more useful, without compromising battery life or ease of use. Whether you're already wearing one of these watches or looking to upgrade soon, this update is one to look forward to.
