Google elevates Pixel experience with advanced HDR editing and a fun Weather app update

Google has recently made significant advancements in its photo editing technology for Pixel devices, allowing users to fully edit HDR (High Dynamic Range) images without losing critical details. This innovation ensures that even after complex edits, the quality of HDR photos remains intact. At the same time, Google is working on a playful new feature for its Pixel Weather app that aims to bring a more interactive and enjoyable experience for users. Let’s dive into both updates in detail.
Enhanced HDR Editing on Pixel Phones
HDR images have always been known for their superior quality, capturing a broader range of colors and light levels. However, editing these images in apps like Google Photos often led to a loss of image data, reducing the visual appeal of the final result. Google has now addressed this issue with a new machine learning (ML) model that preserves the full quality of HDR images during the editing process.
Until recently, when users edited HDR photos, the images would revert to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) once saved. With the latest update, Google has made it possible for users to save HDR images in the space-saving JPEG format while maintaining the full range of HDR data. This breakthrough was made possible through the introduction of “Ultra HDR” in Android 14, which stores more data in conventional JPG files, making HDR editing feasible.
Machine Learning Powers Better HDR Edits
The heart of this update lies in the advanced machine-learning model that powers the new HDR editing capabilities. According to Google, the ML model is trained to predict HDR image metadata that often gets lost during editing. This allows the software to maintain the HDR quality of the photo, even after heavy editing. On Pixel 8 and newer devices, this model works in the background within Google Photos, ensuring that users can edit their HDR images freely without worrying about quality degradation.
This new approach to HDR editing, introduced specifically for Google Pixel devices, offers a seamless and powerful photo editing experience. Whether you’re making subtle tweaks or applying complex edits, the software guarantees that your final image retains its vibrant colors and enhanced detail.
Pixel Weather App Adds an Entertaining Feature
While Google’s advancements in HDR editing are serious and practical, the company is also adding a touch of fun to its Pixel Weather app. Google is preparing to roll out an update to the app that includes a feature called “Immersive Weather Vibrations,” which allows your device to vibrate in sync with the weather animations on the screen.
Although the feature hasn’t yet been officially announced, Android Authority discovered this new option in version 1.0.20240910.678970266 of the app. This playful update is purely for entertainment, adding an immersive layer to the weather updates you see on your phone.
Interactive Vibration and Audio Features
The new vibration feature is accompanied by several audio files designed to enhance the overall experience. These audio files sync with the visual weather animations, offering an interactive and engaging way for users to check the weather. It’s a small but fun addition that shows Google’s commitment to enhancing the user experience in creative ways.
Conclusion
Google’s latest updates for Pixel devices bring both practical and playful enhancements. The advanced HDR editing feature is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts, allowing users to preserve the full quality of their photos even after editing. At the same time, the fun new update to the Pixel Weather app introduces an element of interaction that adds a new dimension to weather updates.
These innovations reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to improving user experiences across its suite of apps and services, balancing cutting-edge technology with a touch of lighthearted entertainment. Whether you’re editing your next HDR masterpiece or enjoying an immersive weather forecast, Pixel users have more reasons to enjoy their devices than ever before.
Android
Android 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
Alphabet’s earnings rise in Q1 2025 with help from ads and AI growth

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, showing strong growth thanks to advertising and its AI efforts.
From January to March 2025, Alphabet earned $80.5 billion in revenue, which is up 15% compared to the same period last year. Net profit reached $23.7 billion, a big jump from $15 billion in Q1 2024.
Google’s advertising business played a major role in this success. YouTube ads brought in $8.1 billion, growing 21% year over year. Meanwhile, Google Search made $46.2 billion, showing steady demand.
Google Cloud also performed well, making $9.6 billion, a 28% increase from last year. Profits for the Cloud division came in at $900 million, compared to $191 million in the same quarter last year.
Alphabet also announced a major stock buyback plan worth $70 billion. This move usually helps increase shareholder value by reducing the number of shares on the market.
CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the company’s focus on AI, especially tools like Gemini, which are now used in Google products and services. He said AI is a key part of Google’s future and will continue to shape its products.
Overall, Alphabet started 2025 strong, with solid earnings across ads, cloud, and AI — proving its business is still growing in the right direction.
Google Photos gets new quick edit tool, while Google Maps shows off new design on Android

Google is rolling out two helpful updates for its popular apps — Google Photos and Google Maps — aiming to make things faster and easier for Android users.
First, Google Photos is introducing a new “Quick Edit” feature that lets you quickly tweak your photos without fully opening the edit menu. A small pencil icon now appears at the bottom of each photo. Tapping it brings up suggested edits powered by AI, letting you apply improvements with just one tap. This tool is especially handy for small fixes like lighting or color adjustments. While it’s starting to roll out, not everyone will see it immediately. Some changes might still open the full editor depending on the photo.
At the same time, Google Maps is testing a fresh look for its place sheets — the bottom panel that shows up when you tap on a location. The new design includes more rounded corners, a cleaner layout, and easier access to options like directions, saving, or sharing a place. This redesigned panel also keeps the location’s name, rating, and category in clearer view. It feels more modern and easier to navigate.
Both updates are gradually rolling out, so it might take a little time before they reach all Android users. These changes show Google’s ongoing efforts to make its apps more user-friendly and visually appealing.
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