Google essentials debuts on windows with new features; instant Google Store credits for one subscribers

Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Essentials app launches on Windows, starting with HP devices.
- Instant Google Store credits are now available for One subscriber after the purchase ships.
- Google Essentials offers easy access to Google apps and services on Windows.
Google is making it easier for Windows users to access its services with the launch of a new app called Google Essentials. This app allows you to easily find and install Google’s key apps on Windows devices. Currently, it’s available first on HP’s consumer and gaming laptops, including Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, Victus, and HP brands, with plans to expand to more devices soon.
What is Google Essentials?
Google Essentials helps Windows users discover and install Google apps like Play Games, Google Photos, and Google Messages. It also provides shortcuts to popular Google services such as Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar. Although Quick Share, a file-sharing feature, is visible in the app’s promotion, it wasn’t specifically mentioned in the official announcement.
The app also offers a special perk: a 2-month free trial of 100GB Google One storage for eligible users. You can launch Google Essentials directly from the start menu and seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop.
One convenient feature of Google Essentials is that it’s fully removable, so if you don’t find it useful, you can uninstall it along with any other Google apps you’ve downloaded.
Google Store Credits: Now Instant for One Subscriber
In a less-publicized but significant update, Google One subscribers now receive Google Store credits immediately after their orders ship, rather than waiting up to a month as before. This means if you order a new Pixel 9 or any other Google product, your Store credit will be ready to use almost instantly once the item is on its way to you.
Previously, these credits could take up to a month to appear in your account. Now, with the Pixel 9 series and other Google products rolling out globally, this update could be a great incentive to make your next purchase.
However, these credits are only available in certain regions, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Credits expire 365 days after being issued, so make sure to use them within a year.
If you’re a Google One subscriber, you might want to check your Store credit balance. Simply go to the Google Store page, tap your profile image, and select “Your Google Store credit” to see what’s available.
YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

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

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

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.
-
Apps1 year ago
Gboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year ago
Samsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year ago
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News1 year ago
Satellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps11 months ago
Google’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
News1 year ago
Google Pixel evolves as Europe’s third best selling flagship