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Android 15 introduces true variable refresh rate support, but there are limitations

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Android 15

Android 15 Brings True Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Support

Most modern Android smartphones, including mid-range and flagship devices, come equipped with high-refresh-rate displays. These screens often operate at fixed rates like 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz. Even some budget phones now feature refresh rates above the standard 60Hz. However, while many phones boast this feature, they lack true variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. Despite manufacturers marketing VRR support through LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) displays, Android itself didn’t fully support VRR until the release of Android 15.

What Is Adaptive Refresh Rate in Android 15?

With Android 15, Google has introduced Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR), a form of VRR, directly into the operating system. Previously, Android could switch between different fixed refresh rates like 60Hz and 90Hz based on the display mode. However, this was not a true adaptive system. The operating system would switch modes based on content but couldn’t seamlessly adjust refresh rates within a single mode.

In Android 15, ARR dynamically adjusts the refresh rate according to the content’s frame rate without needing to change display modes. This ensures a smoother user experience by adapting the screen refresh rate on the fly, whether you’re watching a video or playing a game.

Benefits of True Variable Refresh Rate in Android 15

Google highlights two main benefits of the ARR feature in Android 15:

  1. Power Efficiency: By allowing the display to operate at lower refresh rates when high refresh rates aren’t necessary, the device consumes less power. It ramps up the refresh rate only when the content requires it, reducing unnecessary battery drain.
  2. Improved Performance: Since ARR eliminates the need to switch between different display modes, it reduces potential “jank” or stuttering issues that occur during mode transitions, offering a smoother visual experience.

Why Wasn’t True VRR Supported Before?

Although smartphone manufacturers have promoted variable refresh rate features with LTPO displays, these implementations were limited. LTPO displays allowed for a broader range of refresh rates, from as low as 1Hz or 10Hz up to 120Hz. However, this was achieved by toggling between fixed display modes rather than dynamically adjusting within a single mode.

For example, on many Android devices with LTPO OLED panels, the refresh rate could drop to 10Hz during static content like reading, then jump to 120Hz during gaming. However, these changes were still tied to pre-defined modes and didn’t dynamically adapt based on real-time content needs, unlike true VRR seen in PC gaming monitors.

Technical Advancements in Android 15

In previous Android versions, some OEMs tried to implement VRR-like features at the kernel level. However, this approach required custom logic for each device, making it difficult to standardize due to Android’s Generic Kernel Image (GKI) requirements. The kernel, responsible for managing hardware, lacked deep insights into the content being displayed, limiting its ability to adjust the refresh rate effectively.

Android 15 addresses this by implementing VRR at the Hardware Composer (HWC) HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) level, specifically with the introduction of version 3 of HWC HAL APIs. This allows the operating system to make more informed decisions about when to adjust the refresh rate based on the content displayed. It offers a unified method for OEMs to implement adaptive refresh rates without needing complex customizations at the kernel level.

Device Compatibility and Challenges

While Android 15 introduces true VRR support, not all devices will be able to use it right away. For a phone to take advantage of this feature, it must have support for the updated HWC HAL version 3. Currently, devices like the Google Pixel 7 and newer models, as well as those powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, have this version. However, older devices, including the Google Pixel 6 series and phones using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, do not support the necessary HAL version.

Additionally, even if a device receives an update to Android 15, it may not support ARR due to hardware limitations or the effects of Google’s Requirements Freeze (GRF) program. This program prevents mandatory hardware changes in updated devices, so phones designed before the release of HWC HAL version 3 may not fully support Android 15’s adaptive refresh rate features.

Future Impact and Expectations

If Android 15’s adaptive refresh rate feature is widely adopted, it could lead to better performance and battery efficiency in everyday use. For instance, it may help devices reduce the refresh rate to 30Hz or 24Hz when playing films, rather than defaulting to 60Hz, which could conserve battery life.

However, it’s important to note that Android 15’s implementation is not the same as the true VRR seen in gaming PCs, where the refresh rate matches the frame rate of the game. Instead, Google’s documentation indicates that the adaptive refresh rate in Android 15 only supports rates that are divisors of the display’s native refresh rate to prevent tearing effects.

This means that while Android 15’s ARR feature offers significant improvements, it may not provide full synchronization between game frame rates and display refresh rates, as seen in PC monitors with NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync.

Looking Forward

As more details emerge and updates roll out, it will be interesting to see which existing devices fully adopt Android 15’s adaptive refresh rate capabilities. Google’s future Pixel devices are likely candidates for early adoption, but broader support will depend on how quickly OEMs implement the necessary hardware and software changes.

In conclusion, Android 15 marks a significant step forward in providing true VRR support at the operating system level. While the feature is promising, its real-world impact will depend on device compatibility and OEM adoption. Users can look forward to a smoother experience and potentially better battery life, making it a long-overdue but welcome addition to the Android ecosystem.

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Google Home Gemini extension expands and new Android gesture in development

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Google is rolling out new updates for its smart home ecosystem and Android users. The Gemini’s Google Home Extension is now widely available, providing enhanced control over smart home devices using conversational commands. Meanwhile, Google is also developing a new gesture for Android that addresses the removal of a popular assistant invocation method, making it easier for users to access their digital assistants.

Google Home Gemini Extension: Enhanced Smart Home Control

In late September, Google introduced a new extension for its Gemini platform that integrates Google Home controls. This week, the Google Home Extension has expanded its availability, particularly for Android users. Here’s what you need to know about this new feature:

  1. Accessing the Extension:
    • To use the Google Home Extension, navigate to Gemini > Extensions on your Android device. Look for the “Google Home” option marked with a green “Public Preview” label. Note that this extension is currently not available on iOS or the web version of Gemini.
  2. Smart Home Device Control:
    • With this extension, users can control various smart home devices like lights, switches, thermostats, fans, window shades, and media systems. Instead of using standard Google Assistant commands, this extension offers more natural, conversational interactions.
    • For example, saying, “The sun is too bright in the living room” will close window blinds, while “Help me clean up the kitchen” activates a robotic vacuum.
  3. Interactive Google Home Card:
    • The results from Gemini will now include an interactive Google Home card, displaying device tiles. Users can manually toggle and adjust settings directly from this card.
  4. Safety Restrictions:
    • For security reasons, the extension cannot control certain devices like cameras, locks, gates, or garage doors. Instead, the app will provide a link to open the Google Home app directly for controlling these devices.

Commands Supported by Google Home Gemini Extension

The following commands showcase the capabilities of the Google Home Extension, making it easier to manage your smart home setup:

  • Lights and Power Control:
    • “Turn on/off [light name].”
    • “Set [light name] to 50%.”
    • “Dim/Brighten the [room name] lights.”
  • Thermostat Control:
    • “Set the temperature to [value].”
    • “Turn on cooling mode.”
    • “Increase/decrease the temperature by 2 degrees.”
  • Fans, A/C Units, and Heaters:
    • “Turn on/off [device name].”
    • “Increase fan speed.”
  • Window Coverings:
    • “Open/close [curtains, blinds, shutters].”
  • Media Devices:
    • “Turn on/off [TV or speaker name].”
    • “Increase volume on [device name].”
  • Other Devices:
    • “Start/Stop [vacuum, washing machine, coffee maker].”

New Android Gesture: Addressing the Loss of Home Button Shortcut

With recent updates, Google introduced Circle to Search, a feature that allows users to quickly search content by long-pressing a gesture button or the home button. However, this change removed a widely used method to invoke the default assistant by long-pressing the home button.

To resolve this, Google is developing a new gesture specifically designed for devices using the traditional three-button navigation system.

  1. Gesture Invocation Options:
    • Android provides several ways to access the default assistant, such as using voice commands like “Hey Google” or “Hi Bixby,” pressing the power button, or swiping up from the bottom corner on gesture navigation devices.
  2. Issue with Circle to Search:
    • When Circle to Search was introduced, it took over the long-press action of the home button. Disabling Circle to Search does not restore this function, making it impossible to use the home button for assistant access in the three-button navigation mode.
  3. New Gesture in Development:
    • In the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3, Google is testing a new corner swipe gesture for three-button navigation. This gesture allows users to swipe diagonally from the left or right bottom corner to invoke the assistant, similar to the existing gesture navigation system.
    • Although this feature is not yet available in the public beta, it has been tested internally and is expected to roll out soon.
  4. Possible Rollout and Adoption:
    • This new gesture might be included in the second quarterly platform release of Android 15, with a potential toggle option similar to other navigation gestures.
    • Some manufacturers like OnePlus are already ahead, implementing their own version of this corner swipe gesture in OxygenOS 15, indicating a trend towards faster adoption across Android devices.

Conclusion

With the wider rollout of Google Home Gemini Extension and the development of a new gesture to simplify assistant access, Google is actively enhancing user experience. The extension offers improved smart home control, making interactions with devices more intuitive and conversational. At the same time, the new Android gesture aims to resolve user frustration caused by the removal of the home button shortcut, providing a seamless experience across different navigation modes.

Overall, these updates showcase Google’s commitment to refining its ecosystem, making it more user-friendly and integrated with modern smart home setups. Keep an eye out for these features as they continue to expand and roll out across Android devices.

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Pixel 9 Pro Fold Repair Costs: A detailed breakdown

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Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google’s latest foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, comes with a hefty price tag for repairs, especially its inner screen. The replacement of this ultra-thin LTPO OLED display, which includes the frame and hinge, costs between $899.99 and $1,199.99. This is due to its advanced design, featuring a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels. The outer screen is more affordable at $189.99.

For other repairs, iFixit offers parts like the rear camera assembly ($249.99), the front cameras ($79.99-$89.99), and a USB-C charging port for $59.99. Battery replacements are priced at $66.99 each for both the base and flip batteries.

The repair process for the inner display is complex, requiring 199 detailed steps and around 3-4 hours to complete. This reflects the intricate design and build of Google’s latest foldable, catering to users who may encounter issues with this sophisticated device.

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Google’s Gemini AI expands file management and smart home widget capabilities

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Google is enhancing its Gemini AI with new features, making it more capable for users who want a versatile virtual assistant. Gemini, which initially offered basic document assistance and image generation, is now gearing up for deeper integration with user files and smart home devices.

Gemini Live for Document Interaction

Google is currently testing a feature called Gemini Live, aimed at making file management more interactive. With this update, users can upload various file types, such as text documents or spreadsheets, and conversationally engage with Gemini. Instead of just reading or summarizing the files, the AI can modify them based on user commands. For example, you could ask Gemini to extract key data points from a spreadsheet or summarize a lengthy document, making it much more efficient for professionals managing multiple files.

This enhanced feature, identified in recent updates of the Google app, hints at a more dynamic interface where users might soon be able to directly talk to Gemini about their files. Although not fully active yet, the development suggests a future where file-based tasks become much simpler, allowing users to ask for changes or information directly in real-time conversations with the AI​.

Google Home’s Smart Widget

In parallel, Google is enhancing its smart home experience through the Google Home app. A new widget, internally named Home Summary, is under development to offer a streamlined overview of all smart devices connected to the Google ecosystem. This widget aims to use AI capabilities, possibly powered by Gemini, to present a summarized view of device statuses, such as temperature adjustments from Nest Thermostats or activity detected by Nest Cameras.

This move is part of Google’s effort to simplify smart home management, addressing user feedback on the current complexity when controlling multiple devices. The widget aims to provide a concise, AI-generated summary right on the home screen, giving users a quick glance at their smart home’s status without diving into the app. Although still in the testing phase, this feature reflects Google’s push to integrate AI deeply into daily digital experiences, making smart home management more intuitive and responsive​.

What’s Next for Users?

Both features, Gemini Live and the Home Summary widget, are designed to be rolled out initially as part of Google’s testing programs. Users who subscribe to Gemini Advanced or participate in Google’s Public Preview may get early access. These updates are a significant part of Google’s strategy to expand its AI ecosystem, enhancing the utility of its apps and making everyday tasks easier for users.

Expect to see these features rolling out more broadly as Google continues to refine its offerings, likely with a focus on deeper integrations across its various apps and smart devices.

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