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Google Messages Gemini button design faces issues; Google Meet revamps personal video calling with new features

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Top 3 Key Points:

  1. Google Messages introduces a problematic design update for the Gemini button, which can now be hidden.
  2. Google Meet redesigns its video calling interface, adding text chat, screen sharing, and other new features.
  3. The updates aim to align the personal video-calling experience with standard meetings in Google Meet.

Google recently made a noticeable change to the Gemini button in its Messages app, but it hasn’t been well-received. The new design might be a bug, as it introduces two floating action buttons (FABs) that seem oversized and redundant. Previously, the Gemini button was a small, subtle icon. Now, it’s been joined by another button, resulting in two equal-sized FABs on the screen. The difference is minor, but as you scroll, both buttons shrink down to rounded squares, which feels awkward and out of place.

This new look is clunky and takes up too much space, making it harder to see the content underneath. If this change bothers you, Google has thankfully added an option to hide the Gemini button. You can do this by going to Settings > Gemini in the Messages app. The previous design, while not perfect, was at least unobtrusive. The current one, however, might be a mistake in the latest beta version of the app (20240812_01_RC00), and it’s not very user-friendly.

Meanwhile, Google Meet is undergoing a significant redesign on Android and iOS, particularly for its video calling features. These changes stem from the old Google Duo migration and aim to create a more unified experience between personal video calls and standard meetings, which usually involve joining via a link.

The updated interface includes modernized pre-call screens and new in-call controls at the bottom of the screen. Now, users can access real-time chat during video calls for sharing links or communicating when speaking isn’t possible. Additionally, there’s an audio-only mode for on-the-go calls, live captions in over 70 languages, and the long-awaited screen-sharing feature.

Expressive tools have also been enhanced, allowing users to react with emojis and apply stacked filters, effects, and accessories during calls. These updates will be rolled out gradually over the next few months, aiming to improve the overall user experience in Google Meet’s video calls.

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Google

YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

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YouTube Music

YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.

Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.

You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.

This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.

So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.

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Android

Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

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Android 16

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.

At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.

These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.

Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.

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Android

Android 16 could bring colorful always-on display to Pixel phones

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Android 16

Google is working on Android 16, and it looks like the update could bring more color to the always-on display (AOD) feature on Pixel phones. Right now, the AOD mostly shows white text on a black screen. But a new setting found in the Android 16 Developer Preview hints at the ability to add colors to this display.

The new feature is called “AOD Preview,” and it includes a switch labeled “Color AOD.” While this setting doesn’t work yet, it suggests that Google might be planning to show colorful content even when the screen is in low-power mode.

This change could make AOD look more lively, maybe by adding color to the clock, notifications, or wallpaper. So far, it’s not clear exactly what will change or how customizable it will be, but the feature seems to be in early testing.

Samsung already has more colorful AOD options on its Galaxy devices, so this update could help Pixel phones catch up. Google often introduces new features first on Pixel devices before making them available to other Android phones.

Android 16 is still being developed, and many features are not ready yet. But if Color AOD becomes part of the final release, Pixel users could get a more vibrant and useful always-on display in the near future.

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