News
Weekly Headlines: Google beats Samsung, March 2024 Update, Circle to Search, Pixel Watch 3 UWB and more

Welcome to Weekly Headlines at I M Judge!
I guess, you may have installed the latest Feature Drop on your Pixel. So it’s the third week of our Weekly Headlines streak that takes you to all the latest and breaking insights about Google and Android. I will try to put useful and interesting topics as much as possible.
1️⃣ Pixel March 2024 Feature Drop
As expected, Google rolled out the March 2024 Feature Drop for Pixel phones on the first Monday of the month. The update is available for Pixel 5a 5G and all other Tensor-powered Pixel devices and brings features namely:
- Improved Call Screen
- HDR: Pixel Camera x Instagram
- Circle to Search
2️⃣ Circle to Search for Pixel 7 & 7 Pro
Google announced the expansion of Circle to Search feature to 2022’s flagship phones – Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Read more here:
3️⃣ March 2024 Android Fixes
Earlier this month, Google started rolling out the March 2024 update to Pixel devices, bringing the latest security fixes, enhancements. The software improves Bluetooth and WiFi, Camera, Display and Graphics, UI and more:
Google Pixel March 2024 update improves Camera, Display, UI and more
4️⃣ Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2
Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, bringing fixes for 8 major issues, rolled out to Google Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 resolves 8 major issues:
5️⃣ Pixel Watch 3 UWB
Google is reportedly working to fuel ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in the Pixel Watch 3. It might supercharge the Watch Unlock feature with the inclusion of ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity.
6️⃣ Threads x Pixel: Ultra HDR/10-bit HDR
Threads quietly added support for Ultra HDR images and 10-bit HDR videos on Google Pixel devices. With the March Feature Drop, Google announced an HDR upgrade for Instagram, which also applied to Threads.
7️⃣ Google outshines Samsung in Japan
IDC reported that the Japanese smartphone market’s growth declined by 11% year on year. Google Pixel scored an outstanding growth of 527% in Japan in 2023. Google with a 10.7% share outshined Samsung (6.3%).
The next Weekly Headlines will be more thrilling. Help me make it more user-centric and useful by giving feedback and taking a bit of your precious time through comments.
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Android
Android’s Find My Device speeds up with UWB coming soon

Google’s Find My Device network for Android has gotten a big boost, making it much quicker to locate misplaced items. Recent checks show it’s now four times faster than it used to be, keeping up with Apple’s AirTags in crowded spots like malls or events. For instance, at CES 2025, a tracker tucked in a bag updated its location just as fast as an AirTag nearby. This speed-up is thanks to more Android users turning on tracking for all locations, not only busy areas, which helps the system spot items more reliably.
In less crowded places, the network can still have trouble since fewer Android phones are nearby to share location signals. But Google’s working on this by nudging users through app alerts to enable tracking in quieter spots. Plus, recent updates to tracker software and apps have made connections more stable and accurate.
Looking ahead, Google’s gearing up to roll out ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. This will let you find items with pinpoint accuracy, even within a room, using cool augmented reality (AR) visuals, much like Apple’s setup. The Moto Tag, a tracker ready for UWB, is already available, just waiting for Google to activate this feature. Not all Android phones support UWB yet, but future models like the Pixel 10 might include it. These changes prove Google’s determined to make its Find My Device network a top choice for tracking lost stuff.
Gmail and Google Photos get new design and useful updates

Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.
First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.
Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.
Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.
These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.
Android
Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
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