Google’s spooky Halloween audio emoji and Google Search’s new recipe feature

Google is gearing up for exciting updates, bringing a fun twist to its Phone app and a practical new feature to Google Search. With Halloween around the corner and AI-driven improvements in search functionality, here’s what you can expect.
Spooky Sounds on Google’s Phone App
Earlier this year, Google introduced an interesting “Audio Emojis” feature in its Pixel 8a phone app. This feature acts as a soundboard, adding playful sound effects to phone calls. Over time, it expanded to other Pixel devices, and now, as Halloween approaches, Google is adding a spooky new sound to celebrate the season.
A Halloween-themed Audio Emoji has been spotted in a beta version of the Google Phone app (version 149.0.682953539-publicbeta-pixel2024). This eerie sound effect includes a sinister laugh, a shrieking cat, and the crash of thunder, all designed to give your phone calls a creepy twist. When activated, it temporarily replaces the “party sound” in the Audio Emoji menu, though it’s unclear if this change will be permanent once the sound officially rolls out.
While there’s no confirmed release date, the spooky sound will likely be available to users ahead of Halloween on October 31. This update adds a fun, seasonal touch to your phone calls, making it something worth trying out before the end of the month.
Google Search is Testing Recipe Integration in Feed
In addition to the fun updates to its phone app, Google is also working on something more practical in Google Search. The company has been experimenting with ways to present more useful information directly within the search results, without requiring users to click through to different websites. One of the latest features being tested is a new way to display full cooking recipes directly within the Google Search feed.
This test builds on Google’s broader effort to make search results more interactive and AI-driven. For tasks like finding a recipe, users can now get all the details they need directly from the feed, saving them time and reducing the need to visit external sites. It’s part of Google’s push to keep users engaged within their platform while offering more immediate value.
The AI-powered feature, once known as the AI Overview, was an earlier attempt to enrich the search experience but didn’t quite hit the mark. Now, Google appears to be focusing on practical applications like cooking recipes as the next step in refining how people use Search.
No Rollout Date Yet, But Changes Are Coming
The recipe feature is still in its testing phase, so it’s hard to say when (or if) it will roll out widely. Like many experimental features, it could see several changes before its official release, and there’s no confirmed launch date yet. But if Google’s tests are successful, this could be a useful addition for anyone looking to streamline their cooking or meal-planning processes.
What’s Next for Google?
As Google continues to innovate and integrate AI into its products, users can expect more useful, engaging features in their favorite apps. Whether it’s seasonal sound effects in your calls or full recipes at your fingertips, Google is finding new ways to make technology both fun and practical.
In conclusion, whether you’re excited for the spooky sounds on Halloween or looking forward to easier access to recipes, Google is working to enhance your experience in ways both big and small. Keep an eye out for these updates as they roll out.
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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