Google updates ‘Hey Google’ activation for Pixel Buds and Assistant devices

Top 3 Key Points:
- The “Hey Google” activation for Pixel Buds now depends on the settings of your connected Android phone or tablet.
- You can no longer enable “Hey Google” on your Pixel Buds if it’s off on your phone.
- Google has renamed the Assistant setting on Pixel Buds Pro 2 to “Digital assistant,” with upcoming updates expected.
Google has recently adjusted how you activate the “Hey Google” voice command on Pixel Buds and other Assistant-enabled headphones. Previously, users could independently enable the “Hey Google” hotword on their Pixel Buds, even if it was disabled on their Android phones. However, a new update changes this setup.
Now, the ability to use the “Hey Google” command on your Pixel Buds depends on the settings of your connected Android phone or tablet. Specifically, if the hotword is turned off on your phone, it will also be disabled on your headphones. The updated system combines the settings for both devices under one toggle: “Hey Google & Voice Match” in your Google Assistant settings.
To continue using the hands-free “Hey Google” feature on your Pixel Buds, you’ll need to enable it on your Android device through the Assistant settings. This change streamlines the configuration process, ensuring your phone and headphones use the same voice command settings.
In addition, Google is preparing to roll out new features to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, including updates powered by its AI model, Gemini. As part of this preparation, Google has renamed the “Google Assistant” option in the Pixel Buds settings to “Digital Assistant.” More updates are expected shortly, making the Pixel Buds experience even more integrated with Google’s evolving Assistant technology.
This streamlined setup helps unify how users interact with Google Assistant across devices, improving overall ease of use.
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.
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.
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