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Google’s Pixel Watch 3 receives three years of updates and Pixel 9 Pro XL faces screen tap issues

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Google Pixel Watch 3 FCC

Key Points:

  1. Pixel Watch 3 Updates: Guaranteed software updates until October 2027.
  2. Wear OS 5 Enhancements: New features and health metrics introduced.
  3. Pixel 9 Pro XL Issue: Inconsistent screen tap recognition in certain areas.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Update Plan

Google has committed to providing software updates for the Pixel Watch 3 until at least October 2027. This three-year update period is consistent with what was offered for the earlier Pixel Watch models. Notably, this timeline remains the same even though the Pixel Watch 3 launched a month earlier than expected.

In contrast, Google’s Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, is guaranteed updates until August 2031, even though these devices won’t be available until September 4. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are grouped, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is listed separately, which seems unusual given their similarities.

Wear OS 5: What’s New

Wear OS 5, which is based on Android 14, brings several new features and improvements. The app launcher now includes a denser grid-based layout, with the traditional list view still available. Additionally, the new Watch Face Format version 2 introduces preset configurations, making it easier for users to customize their watch faces.

Other notable updates include:

  • Goal Progress Complication: Helps users track and exceed goals like step counts.
  • Weather Conditions: Provides current weather updates and forecasts for the future.
  • Heart Rate Data Source: A new system data source for heart rate tracking.
  • Media Output Switcher: Allows users to choose where media should play, with additional details about the currently playing content.

On the health front, Wear OS 5 introduces more detailed running metrics, such as ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation. These features are designed to offer more precise insights into users’ running form and overall performance.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Screen Tap Issue

Some users have reported problems with the Pixel 9 Pro XL not registering taps on the corners of the screen, particularly when trying to close the Gboard keyboard using the chevron icon in the bottom-left corner. While the icon has a wide touch target, it often requires a direct tap to work properly, which has been a source of frustration for users.

This issue appears to be a software glitch rather than a hardware problem, as other functions in the affected area work consistently. Users have found that restarting the device temporarily resolves the issue. For now, using the back gesture on the screen’s edge is a reliable alternative for closing the keyboard.

Google is expected to address this problem in a future software update.

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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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