Google Search app on Android faces crashes in widespread bug

Key Points:
- Google Search app crashes repeatedly on Android devices.
- The issue affects various versions of Android, including 15 and 14.
- Google Assistant, Lens, and Chrome remain functional as temporary solutions.
A significant number of Android users experienced continuous crashes with the Google Search app over the weekend. The issue occurs when users try to open the app, causing it to stop unexpectedly and return to the home screen. This bug has affected users across multiple versions of Android, including the latest Android 15 and 14.
When attempting to use the Google Search bar widget, users noticed that their past searches briefly appeared before the app crashed again. While the Pixel Launcher search bar allows local device searches, any internet query leads to a brief loading screen followed by a crash. Other features like Google Discover, which is accessible from the left of the home screen, and Voice Search also stop working due to this bug.
The bug seems to affect both the stable version (15.35) and the beta version (15.36) of the Google app, and it persists in older versions as well. Despite this issue, Google Assistant, Gemini, Google Lens, and Google.com accessed via Chrome continue to work normally. This makes them viable workarounds for users facing difficulties.
No other Google services or platforms, such as YouTube, Drive, or Docs, have been affected, which points to this being a Google Search app-specific issue on Android. Though this incident draws comparisons to the WebView bug from 2021, only the Google app appears to be affected at this time.
Google is expected to address this issue soon, given its widespread impact on Android users. For now, using Chrome for search and other voice assistant functionalities remain practical alternatives.
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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