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Google updates messages with a new send button and rollout ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones for Pixel devices

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Google Messages

Top 3 Key Points:

  1. Google Messages gets a redesigned send button with a bolder look.
  2. New ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones and alarms, inspired by African wildlife, are now available on Pixel devices.
  3. These updates aim to enhance user experience and well-being through thoughtful design and soundscapes.

Google has made a small yet noticeable update to its Messages app for Android. The send button within conversations has been redesigned to be more prominent. Previously, the paper airplane icon was displayed against a light or dark background, depending on the theme. Now, the roles have been reversed—the icon appears in a light or dark color, while the background is themed using Dynamic Color or one of the eight preset Custom Bubble themes. As usual, the RCS end-to-end encryption (E2EE) lock icon or Gemini sparkle remains visible in the corner of the button.

This new design is currently available in the Google Messages beta channel (version 20240813_00_RC00) and seems to be widely accessible. This update follows Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience, including recent work on a new read receipt system.

In addition to this update, Google has also introduced a new collection of ringtones and alarm sounds called “Sound Matters,” initially launched with the Pixel 9 series. These sounds are now rolling out to earlier Pixel devices. The “Sound Matters” collection features a variety of bird songs recorded in the wild areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe during the rainy season of late 2023. Google collaborated with an award-winning wildlife sound recordist to capture these sounds, emphasizing their significance in reflecting a healthy ecosystem.

The collection includes six ringtones and alarm sounds, such as “Limpopo Savannah at Dawn” and “Zimbabwe Savannah at Dawn,” as well as four notification sounds like “Meyer’s Parrot at Dawn” and “Crested Francolin at Dawn.” To access these, Pixel users can navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration.

For those who want more, Google has also released a 1-hour recording of the “Sound Matters Dawn Chorus” collection, which will be available in the Fitbit app. Research indicates that the sounds of birds can positively impact mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and improving mood.

The latest version (3.1, build 642123347) of Google’s Sounds app is rolling out now via the Play Store for Pixel 4 and later models, following the introduction of the “Gems” collection last year.

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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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