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Simplified searching with Circle to Search now works without Google Assistant and Google Drive updates homepage

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Google

Key Points:

  1. Circle to Search no longer requires Google Assistant or Gemini.
  2. Google Drive’s new homepage shows both suggested folders and files.
  3. Machine learning powers personalized file and folder suggestions on Google Drive.

Simplified Search with Circle to Search Now Works Without Google Assistant

The Circle to Search feature, available on Samsung and Google devices, simplifies how users search their screens. Previously, you would need to take a screenshot and open Google Lens to search for information. Now, with Circle to Search, you can just press and hold the home button, draw over any word or image, and instantly search it. However, the feature was initially tied to Google’s digital assistant services, like Google Assistant or Gemini, limiting its flexibility.

Initially, if Google wasn’t set as your default assistant, Circle to Search would not function. This was because it relied on Android’s Assist API, which allows apps to take screenshots—a key part of Circle to Search. Only the default assistant app had permission to use this feature, which meant you couldn’t use it with alternatives like Samsung Bixby.

Recently, Google has quietly updated Circle to Search to work even when Google Assistant or Gemini isn’t set as the default assistant. Users can now enjoy Circle to Search while using other assistant apps like Samsung Bixby. This improvement has been confirmed on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9.

Interestingly, it’s still unclear how Circle to Search manages to work without relying on the Assist API, which was previously thought to be essential. Nonetheless, this update is a welcome change, giving users more flexibility in choosing their preferred digital assistant while still benefiting from Circle to Search.

Google Drive Homepage Now Shows Both Suggested Folders and Files

In a separate update, Google Drive has refreshed its homepage design to offer users a more unified view of their content. Previously, you had to choose between viewing either suggested folders or files on your Drive homepage. Now, Google displays both on the same page.

The new layout starts with suggested folders at the top, showing up to six, which can be expanded to 12. Below that, suggested files (up to 10) are listed, with an option to view more if needed. This design leverages machine learning to make personalized suggestions based on recent activity, shared files, and even Google Calendar events.

Google Drive’s new homepage also features a prominent search bar with advanced filters for file type, people, and location. While this redesigned homepage is set as the default, users can still switch back to the “My Drive” view if preferred. The update is rolling out to all Google Workspace customers, including personal account holders, in the coming weeks.

This streamlined interface aims to help users quickly find what they need, saving time and boosting productivity.

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Android

Android 16 adds small but useful changes to status bar and terminal features

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Android 16

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.

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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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