Google introduces ‘Hold Close to Cast’ for UWB Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet

Google is enhancing its multi-device experience by rolling out a new feature called “Hold Close to Cast” for its UWB-supported Pixel devices. This update allows users to easily cast media between Pixel Pro phones and the Pixel Tablet, making media sharing smoother and faster.
What is “Hold Close to Cast”?
Originally announced at CES in January as part of Google’s push towards seamless multi-device functionality, “Hold Close to Cast” (also known as tap-to-cast) simplifies media transfer between devices. Users can now bring their Pixel Pro phone near a Pixel Tablet to instantly cast media content, such as music or videos. This feature works in both directions, meaning users can transfer media back and forth between their phone and tablet. While the feature is intended to be widely compatible, it is currently supported by apps like YouTube Music and Spotify, though not all media apps are guaranteed to work at this stage.
Leveraging Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology
The “Hold Close to Cast” feature relies on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, in addition to other wireless protocols. UWB offers precise, short-range communication between devices, making the process of transferring media faster and more accurate. However, not every Pixel phone supports this feature. It’s only available on the Pro models, including the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, to use this feature, your Pixel Tablet must be docked, and both devices should be connected to the same private Wi-Fi network.
How to Enable “Hold Close to Cast”
If you have a compatible device, enabling this feature is simple. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Pixel device.
- Navigate to Google > All Services.
- Select Cast Options to turn on “Hold Close to Cast.”
Though the name might sound a bit technical, it’s designed to describe the core function—casting media by bringing devices close together.
Availability of the Feature
This new functionality is being rolled out gradually with version 24.42.32 of Google Play Services. However, it may not be available for all users just yet, as Google is still expanding the rollout. Keep an eye on updates to make sure you get access to the feature as soon as it’s available.
By introducing “Hold Close to Cast,” Google is moving a step closer to making seamless device integration a reality, allowing users to easily share content across their Pixel ecosystem. This feature, combined with the powerful UWB technology, is set to enhance media sharing and syncing, offering a more connected and integrated experience across devices.
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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