Key points:

• Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
• This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
• The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.

Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.

Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.

For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.

While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.

Key Points:

1. Google is adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and AR to enhance indoor tracking in Find My Device.
2. The Find My Device app may soon offer AR-based directions to locate lost devices with high precision.
3. Google plans to simplify managing Trusted Places for extended unlock with a new toggle feature.

A few months ago, it was revealed that Google was developing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and augmented reality (AR) support for its Find My Device network. Today, new details have emerged about these exciting features, which aim to improve the way you locate your devices.

UWB Support: Precision Indoor Tracking

Google’s Find My Device will soon incorporate UWB technology, which is designed to enhance precision when tracking lost devices indoors. This improvement would allow Google to compete more directly with Apple’s Find My service, which already uses similar technology. UWB enables highly accurate location tracking, helping you pinpoint devices within close range, even when they’re hidden behind objects like furniture.

AR Directions: Guiding You to Your Device

Another upcoming feature is the addition of ARCore support in Find My Device. This integration could mean that AR directions, such as “turn left” or “the device is behind you,” would guide users to their lost devices in real-time, similar to how Samsung’s SmartTag 2 works with SmartThings. These AR-based cues could make finding misplaced items much faster and more intuitive, using visual overlays on your phone’s display.

While these features were first uncovered months ago, they haven’t gone live in the app yet. It’s important to note that, as with any app update, there’s no guarantee of when or if these additions will be officially released.

Simplified Trusted Places Management

In addition to the updates in Find My Device, Google is working on making its “Trusted Places” feature easier to manage. Trusted Places allows your phone to stay unlocked in secure locations, such as your home, for up to four hours. This feature is part of the Extended Unlock option in Android, but until now, it has been difficult to manage when you want to make temporary changes.

A new beta version of Google Play Services (v24.37.31) includes a convenient toggle that lets users turn the Trusted Places feature on or off without deleting the saved locations. Previously, if you wanted to disable Trusted Places, you had to remove all your trusted locations, which was inconvenient for short-term changes.

This update streamlines the process, making it easier to enable or disable the feature. There’s also a revamped location picker interface to help users set up Trusted Places more efficiently.

What’s Next?

Although these updates aren’t fully rolled out yet, they align with Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance Android’s security and usability. With the new UWB and AR capabilities in Find My Device, and the simplified Trusted Places management, users will have more control and convenience in keeping their devices secure and easy to locate. Keep an eye on future updates for these exciting improvements.

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Pixel 10 Codenames Revealed: Codenames for the Pixel 10 series include ‘Frankel’, ‘Blazer’, and ‘Mustang’.
2. Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 Release Timeline: Pixel 9a is expected in May 2025, and Pixel 10 series is set for Fall 2025.
3. Commitment to Compact Pro Models: Google plans to continue with smaller Pro models, following Pixel 9 Pro’s success.

The next generation of Google Pixel phones is already making waves, even before the current lineup fully hits the market. We now have insider details on the codenames for Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series, which are expected to launch in Fall 2025.

Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 Codenames

The upcoming Pixel 9a, expected around Google I/O in May 2025, will carry the codename ‘Tegu’. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 series will introduce a variety of devices, each with its codename. The Pixel 10 itself is codenamed ‘Frankel’, while the larger Pixel 10 Pro is dubbed ‘Blazer’. For those who prefer an even bigger screen, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will go by the codename ‘Mustang’.

Not to be left out, foldable fans can look forward to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, codenamed ‘Rango’. Just like previous foldable models, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will launch alongside the rest of the Pixel 10 series in the fall.

Compact Pro Phones Remain in the Lineup

Google’s decision to release a smaller flagship phone, the Pixel 9 Pro, in 2024 was well-received. Unlike Apple’s iPhone Mini models or Sony’s Xperia 5 series, Google’s compact Pro phone doesn’t cut corners—it offers the same premium features as its larger counterpart, with only minor differences in screen size and battery capacity. The success of the Pixel 9 Pro has encouraged Google to continue offering this option in the Pixel 10 series.

While other brands like Samsung offer smaller flagship phones, they often lack the full specs of their larger counterparts. Google’s smaller Pixel Pro stands out by maintaining flagship-level performance in a compact form, ensuring it meets the needs of users who want power without the bulk.

What’s Next for Google Pixel?

As we look ahead to 2025, the Pixel 10 series seems poised to continue Google’s trend of offering powerful, innovative smartphones. While the Pixel 9a will arrive in early 2025, the fall launch of the Pixel 10 lineup promises to deliver something for every type of smartphone user, from compact models to foldable devices.

Google’s commitment to providing high-performance phones across a range of sizes shows a clear focus on meeting diverse user preferences, ensuring the Pixel series stays competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone market.

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