Google Clock introduces new timer widget and Google app tests handy search shortcut

Top 3 Key Points:
- New Timer Widget: Google Clock adds a “Timer Starter” widget for quick access to custom timers.
- Enhanced Search Feature: Google app beta tests a shortcut to easily recall recent searches.
- Future Rollout Expected: The new features are expected to be widely available soon.
Google has recently rolled out a new feature in its Clock app, particularly for users on Pixel devices. This update introduces a “Timer Starter” widget, which allows you to quickly set timers with just a few taps. The widget includes default timer settings of 1, 5, and 10 minutes, but you can easily customize these to suit your needs. Once the widget is added to your home screen, any timers you set will be readily accessible for future use.
The design is intuitive, with the widget displaying up to three timers in a list format by default. On Pixel tablets, the layout shifts to a side-by-side view in landscape mode, offering a more flexible interface. The widget’s appearance adapts to your device’s Dynamic Color settings, providing a seamless look that matches your overall theme.
When you start a timer, the app switches to a full-screen view, ensuring you can monitor your countdown without distractions. This new feature is available with version 7.9.1 of the Google Clock app, and while it’s rolling out widely, it’s currently more consistently visible on tablets than on phones.
In addition to the Google Clock update, Google is also experimenting with a new feature in its Google app aimed at making search more efficient. In the beta version of the app, a new shortcut has been discovered that helps users quickly recall their most recent searches. After performing a search, a small, rounded popup appears, showing the previous search query.
This feature is designed to be helpful, especially when you’re multitasking or need to revisit a previous search without retyping it. The popup is unobtrusive, disappearing after a few seconds, but it can be easily dismissed with a tap if it’s not needed.
Currently, this feature is only available in the beta version of the Google app, but it’s expected to be released to the general public soon, given its potential to improve user experience.
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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.
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