Android
Android 15 is here, but it’s not ready for your phone yet

Top 3 Key Points:
- Developer-Only Release: Android 15 is available for developers, with public rollouts expected in the coming months.
- New Features: Includes improved multitasking, enhanced security, and AI-driven screen reader updates.
- Earthquake Alerts: Expanded to cover all of the U.S. using device accelerometer data.
Android 15 has officially launched, but it’s currently only accessible to developers. This latest version of Google’s operating system is now part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). If you own a Pixel phone, you might see support for Android 15 soon, but users with devices from other brands like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, or Nothing will need to wait a bit longer. Google has indicated that these devices will receive the update “in the coming months.”
Unlike Apple’s iOS updates, which usually come with noticeable changes, Android updates tend to focus more on enhancing how apps and devices interact. With Android 15, you’ll see improvements like single-tap passkeys, theft detection, better multitasking for larger screens, and the option to limit access to specific apps.
One of the significant features of Android 15 is an update to TalkBack, Android’s built-in screen reader. Google introduced this at its I/O conference earlier this year. The update integrates with Google’s Gemini AI, providing audio descriptions for images on your phone, making it more accessible.
Another exciting addition is the expansion of Google’s Circle to Search feature, now with a Shazam-like capability that identifies songs. After weeks of testing, you can now use this feature to find out the name, artist, and even the YouTube video of a song playing around you, whether it’s from a video you’re watching or over the speakers in a store.
Google is also extending its earthquake alert system across the entire U.S. and its territories. Previously, only residents in California, Oregon, and Washington had access to these alerts through the USGS ShakeAlert system. Now, Google uses data from Android devices’ accelerometers to detect vibrations and determine if an earthquake is happening. This feature has already been rolled out to nearly 100 countries.
Lastly, Android 15 introduces some additional features, such as Chrome’s ability to read webpages aloud and support for offline Google Maps on Wear OS 5 devices. These enhancements further solidify Android’s commitment to improving user experience and accessibility across its ecosystem.
Android
Android 16 adds small but useful changes to status bar and terminal features

Google is working on Android 16, and while big changes are still under wraps, some small updates have already been noticed. These tweaks may not seem major, but they can improve how users interact with their devices.
One of the changes spotted in the Android 16 Developer Preview is the return of the status bar clock to the left side of the screen. This layout used to be common before Android 9, but later Android versions placed the clock on the right. Now, with the new preview, the clock moves back to the left, which could make room for more icons and make the status bar easier to read—especially on phones with notches or punch-hole cameras. However, this change might not be final, as Android is still being tested.
Another interesting update is in the Android terminal tool. A new feature allows users to resize disk partitions without needing a full system reboot. This could be very helpful for developers and advanced users who need to change storage settings quickly. Instead of restarting the device, the system now supports live resizing in many cases, which saves time and effort.
Overall, Android 16 is shaping up with some practical improvements that focus on convenience and better user experience, even in the smaller details.
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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