Latest news with #Android16
Phone Arena
7 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Google Messages profiles could be close to receiving a Material 3 Expressive face lift
Google has been adding a dash of the Material 3 Expressive design to several apps as part of the Android 16 QPR1 beta program. These changes will presumably reach stable Android 16 Pixel users when the next Pixel Feature Drop occurs in September. The latest Material 3 Expressive sighting shows that Google is preparing to make some Material 3 Expressive design changes to the Google Messages profile page. Found in Google Messages v20250701 beta is code that brings Material 3 Expressive to the buttons on the profile page. The buttons under the person's phone number on the profile page are changed from circles to pill or lozenge-shaped. These buttons will be highlighted and also change their shape and get wider when you press on them. When your finger is removed from the buttons, they revert back to their original size and shape. While the code was discovered in the latest Google Messages release, it is not available yet for users even those who are Google Messages beta users. Even though my Pixel 6 Pro is running the correct version of Google Messages, it is not showing the new feature as I write this. By the way, my Pixel 6 Pro is running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1. The buttons getting the Material 3 face lift are Call, Video, Contact Info, and Search. Current Messages Profile page and the one Google is reportedly working on using Material 3 Expressive. | Image credit-Android Authority Word to the wise. Just because Google has embedded this code inside the Google Messages app, it doesn't mean that the changes mentioned in this article will definitely be coming to Google Messages. However, it does indicate that Google has been working on such a feature. This might not be a game changer for Android users, but does fit within the Material 3 Expressive philosophy which is to make digital products like smartphones feel like an extension of the user This is accomplished by using the visual design and interaction of Material 3 Expressive. At the same time, this design language should deliver wonderful experiences to users. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
India Today
20 hours ago
- India Today
Pixel 6a users can claim $100 cash or $150 credit from Google under battery performance program
Google is now offering compensation to Pixel 6a users facing battery-related issues. As part of its new Battery Performance Programme, the company is giving customers the option to either get their phone battery replaced for free or claim a cash or store credit payout. The move comes after complaints of overheating and battery performance concerns linked to the Pixel prevent further battery-related problems, Google will push a mandatory Android 16 update to all Pixel 6a devices. This update is aimed at improving battery efficiency and reducing overheating risks. While free battery replacement at authorised centres was already available, Google has now added more support choices for users who prefer to move on from the to details shared by the company, affected users who don't want to go for a battery replacement can opt for a trade-in offer. Under this, Pixel 6a users can receive $100 (around Rs 8,500) as direct cash or choose to get $150 (approximately Rs 12,800) as a Google Store credit code. This store credit can be used towards buying a new Pixel phone. The final value in local currency will be based on the day's exchange rate, and Google has mentioned that cash payouts may not be available in all regions, depending on local rules. For handling payments, Google is working with Payoneer, a third-party financial platform. To process the money, users might need to share personal details like identification numbers, this will depend on the rules of the country the user is in. For example, users in the US may be asked to share their Social Security Number, while other regions may require alternate ID know if they are eligible, Pixel 6a users must visit a dedicated eligibility page set up by Google. They'll be required to enter their email address linked to the device and the IMEI number of the phone. In case someone is helping a family member or friend with the process, they can submit the details using another email ID, although Google has warned that it might ask for more information in some cases for eligibility is confirmed, users can go ahead and choose whether they want the free battery service or claim compensation. This move from Google gives users flexibility and support, especially those using older units or planning an upgrade. The combination of a required software update and hardware support shows that the company is taking battery issues on the Pixel 6a seriously while giving affected customers practical solutions.- Ends
Android Authority
a day ago
- Android Authority
Google expands Material 3 Expressive redesign to more Android settings
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR The latest Android System Intelligence app update brings Material 3 Expressive design changes to more Android settings. The build introduced revamped settings pages for Now Playing, At a Glance, Live Translate, Apps in Search, and Live Captions. These changes are live on devices running the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta update. After rolling out Material 3 Expressive design changes to several apps in recent weeks, Google is now shipping an update for the Android System Intelligence app that introduces several refreshed settings pages for various features powered by the app. The update revamps the Now Playing, At a Glance, Live Translate, Apps in Search, and Live Captions settings in line with the redesigned Settings app introduced with the first Android 16 QPR1 beta update. The new settings pages for these features include updated graphics, more rounded UI elements, bigger buttons, a few updated icons, and new toggles. The settings options are also placed within more visually distinct cards. The following screenshots showcase all the interface changes rolling out with the latest Android System Intelligence release. New Old New Old New Old New Old The Now Playing, Expressive captions, and Android System Intelligence pages now feature updated graphics, and the At a Glance page has a new feature description. Interestingly, the toggle design on these new settings pages is inconsistent. On a few pages, the toggles show a check mark when the feature is enabled and a cross when it's turned off, while on others, it's the same as before. New Old New Old New Old New Old Google has also renamed the 'Show word duration effect' option on the Expressive captions page to 'Lengthen words' and included an updated description that more clearly explains its function. Unlike the Material 3 Expressive updates for the Google Keep, Gmail, Wallet, and Google Phone apps, these refreshed settings pages are currently only available on Pixel devices running the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta release. Users not on the beta release will have to wait until Android 16 QPR1 hits the stable channel to receive these changes. Google is expected to ship the update for its Pixel lineup in September, so it might be a while before these new settings pages appear on your device. 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.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Android 16 Introduces Live Updates, Google's Answer To Apple's Live Activities
Google has officially begun rolling out Live Updates with the stable release of Android 16, offering a glimpse at its long-awaited answer to Apple's Live Activities. Live Updates are a new class of notifications designed to provide real-time updates for ongoing activities like food delivery, ride-hailing pickups, navigation, and timers. These notifications come with elevated permissions, enabling them to appear above standard alerts - including in the status bar and on the lock screen. However, the initial rollout of Android 16 only supports Live Updates in a limited capacity. Full system-level integration is expected later in 2025, ahead of support for Wear OS devices. In its current form, Android 16 allows apps to generate Live Updates using progress-style notifications, but the system doesn't treat them any differently from standard notifications. As a result, these alerts lack a fully expanded view that sets Live Updates apart. Notably, Google didn't provide a firm timeline for full Live Updates integration. The feature's absence in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 cast doubt on its rollout, but signs of progress emerged in QPR1 Beta 2 and 2.1. Android analyst Mishaal Rahman, writing for Android Authority, noted that Google is adjusting the underlying requirements for what qualifies as a Live Update - a move that may explain the staggered release. Full support is still in development, but Android users can expect the polished version of Live Updates to arrive in upcoming updates later this year.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Samsung's Android Upgrade Just Made Galaxy More Like iPhone
Samsung has never been this close to iPhone. Good news for Samsung users, with confirmation that its One UI 8 upgrade which brings Android 16 to its phones will include Google's most significant upgrade of the year. And while that has come to Pixels as well, Samsung should make it better. We're talking the new Advanced Protection Mode, which narrows the security and privacy gap to iPhone with a single click. Android Authority confirms Galaxy phones eligible for One UI 8 will get Android 16's 'powerful' new update. 'This optional mode activates various safeguards, such as blocking app sideloading, preventing USB data access, and disabling 2G network connections.' And while restricting sideloading in particular is a major issue for many diehard Android fans, it's absolutely the right move for security minded Galaxy owners. Samsung has a number of added security benefits over the stock Android 16 upgrade, including a enhanced Secure Folder with a new 'kill switch' and its Knox ecosystem, that uses reinforces the security of all your Samsung devices by creating your own mini walled garden. Again, an iPhone-like feature that has come to Galaxy. Enable Advanced Protection in One UI 8 Apple has its own Lockdown Mode, which it says its meant only for those users likely to be targeted by specific attacks — think politicians, activists, lawyers and journalists. Google's new Advanced Protection Mode is not as restrictive and should not disrupt your phone to the same extent as Apple's Lockdown Mode. As such, Google says it's for any security minded users who want to better safeguard their device and their data. As Android Authority explains, to turn on Advanced Protection Mode in One Ui 8: This is not the same as Google's Advanced Protection Program, which goes further and does restrict some of your online and on-device activities. Unlike Android's new one-click security upgrade, Google says the wider program is to protect 'users with high visibility and sensitive information from targeted online attacks.'
