Google

WhatsApp’s new video playback features come with a key limitation for Android users

Published

6 months ago

October 15, 2024

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, continues to improve its services, especially for media sharing. Known for connecting users across different platforms, WhatsApp allows seamless communication between iOS and Android users. One of its standout features is the ability to send images and videos without noticeable quality loss. The app also benefits from end-to-end encryption, ensuring security and privacy. Now, WhatsApp has enhanced its media playback with a new update, though it comes with a catch for some users.

Video Playback Updates on iOS

WhatsApp has introduced a new set of video playback controls, but they are currently available only on iOS. This is the “big catch” for Android users eagerly awaiting similar upgrades. The update, listed by WABetaInfo for iOS version 24.20.78, gives iPhone users the ability to change video playback speeds. There are three speed options: normal (standard speed), 1.5x speed (fast), and 2x speed (faster). This feature is particularly helpful for users who want to quickly skim through videos, especially tutorials or content they are already familiar with. The speed control option is conveniently located next to the playback bar, making it easy to switch speeds without interrupting the video.

Picture-in-Picture Mode Adds Flexibility

In addition to the playback speed controls, WhatsApp has also added a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode for videos on iOS. This mode allows users to continue watching a video while multitasking on their phone. You can resize the video window, move it around the screen, and still keep up with other activities such as messaging or browsing without stopping the video. What makes this even better is that the PiP mode also includes the new playback speed options. This means you can speed up or slow down a video while using other apps, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience without losing progress on the video you’re watching.

Accessing the New Features on iOS

iPhone users can get these new features by updating WhatsApp to the latest version available on the App Store. However, not all users may see the update immediately, as WhatsApp often rolls out new features gradually. If the update doesn’t appear right away, it should become available in the coming weeks. In the meantime, make sure you’re using the most recent version of the app to ensure compatibility once the features roll out in your region.

What About Android Users?

While iOS users are enjoying these new tools, Android users are still waiting. WhatsApp has not yet provided a release date for Android, but updates to both iOS and Android tend to happen around the same time. So, Android users should expect similar features soon. Given that WhatsApp often synchronizes feature rollouts across platforms, likely, Android users won’t have to wait long before they can also take advantage of faster video playback and PiP functionality.

Conclusion

WhatsApp’s latest video playback enhancements on iOS bring useful features like adjustable playback speeds and picture-in-picture mode, making it easier for users to multitask while watching videos. However, Android users will have to wait for these improvements, though it’s expected that they will be available soon. These upgrades show that WhatsApp continues to evolve, offering a more efficient and user-friendly experience, especially for media sharing.

For now, iOS users can enjoy these new features while Android users keep an eye out for the update. Whether you’re looking to quickly scan through videos or multitask while watching, WhatsApp’s new features promise to make the media experience even better—just with a little patience for Android users.

Google

YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

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

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

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

Published

19 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

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.