Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.

For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.

This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.

While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.

In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.

Google is rolling out new features for its AI-powered Gemini app and Pixel Weather app, aiming to improve user experience and functionality. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming:

Gemini Extensions: More Options and User Input

Google has expanded the availability of Gemini Extensions, tools that connect Gemini with other apps and services to perform tasks. These Extensions enhance Gemini’s capabilities as a phone assistant, allowing it to control devices without relying on Google Assistant.

Currently, Gemini supports these first-party Extensions:

• Google Flights, Google Home (Public Preview), Google Hotels, Google Maps
• Google Workspace apps (like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks)
• Messages, Phone, Utilities, YouTube, and YouTube Music

Third-party integrations include Spotify and WhatsApp, making a total of 13 Extensions for Android users (compared to 7 on iPhone and the web).

On X (formerly Twitter), Gemini’s team asked users for suggestions: “Is there something you wish Gemini could do with other apps or services?” This move highlights Google’s interest in tailoring Extensions to user needs.

Gemini Live could benefit from these additions by enabling conversations around personalized information and hands-free interactions, such as through Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Pixel Weather App: Easier Unit Adjustments Coming Soon

The standalone Pixel Weather app introduced a simple design and AI-generated summaries, but changing measurement units has been a hassle. Currently, adjusting wind speed, pressure, or visibility units requires changing your system language—an inconvenient solution.

Recent updates hint at a fix. A new Weather Units page is in development, spotted in app version 1.0.20241108.700112341.release. This feature will likely let users customize units for:

• Temperature (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
• Wind speed (km/h or mph)
• Pressure and visibility

This update will simplify measurement adjustments, aligning the app with other weather apps that offer flexible unit settings.

Why These Changes Matter

• Gemini Extensions: Expanding compatibility ensures Gemini becomes more versatile, handling tasks seamlessly across apps.
• Pixel Weather App: The ability to change units without affecting the system language will enhance usability, especially for users who stick with specific regional settings for features like Gboard’s Smart Compose.

With these updates, Google continues to refine its AI tools, focusing on user feedback and practical solutions. Stay tuned for more enhancements in the coming weeks.

Google is testing a new AI-powered feature called “Help me create” in the Google Home app. This tool is designed to simplify creating custom automations for managing smart home devices more effectively. At the same time, the December 2024 Feature Drop brings significant updates to the Pixel Camera app, including the return of “Quick access controls” and exciting enhancements for Pixel Fold devices.

“Help Me Create” for Custom Automations

“Help me create” uses AI to help users craft custom automations without needing technical knowledge. Unlike standard Personal Routines, these automations involve three main components:

1. Starters: Define when the automation begins, such as specific times or device states.
2. Conditions: Optional restrictions that refine when the automation can start, with two modes:
   • Any: Starts if any condition is met.
   • All: Starts only if all conditions are met.
3. Actions: Specify what the automation will do, like dimming lights or locking doors.

Users can activate this feature by joining the Google Home Public Preview and enabling “Experimental AI features.” Afterward, navigate to the Automations tab and select “Help me create” to type or speak desired commands, such as:

• “Turn off all lights at sunset.”
• “Set a reminder for meditation time.”
• “Lock the doors when everyone leaves.”

This feature is currently in testing, supports only US English, and has limited device compatibility.

Pixel Camera 9.7 Brings Back Quick Controls

The latest Pixel Camera update restores user-favorite “Quick access controls” for brightness, shadows, and white balance adjustments. Previously, these controls were hidden behind a secondary menu, which many users found inconvenient.

Now, by enabling this feature in the settings, users can directly adjust these parameters by tapping on the viewfinder. This brings back the intuitive interface where sliders for brightness and shadows appear on the right, and white balance adjustments are on the left.

Additional Camera Updates for Fold Devices

For the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a new Dual Screen Portrait Mode allows subjects to preview their photos on the external display. A fun feature called Made You Look entertains kids with characters like Joy from Inside Out, though Joy is exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and available only until December 3, 2025.

Other Updates

• Instagram users on Pixel devices can now capture photos in Ultra HDR using the app’s viewfinder.
• Snapchat has started using the system Photo Picker for a more integrated experience.

The Pixel Camera 9.7 update is rolling out via the Google Play Store. However, it is not yet available for manual sideloading.

These updates demonstrate Google’s efforts to blend AI innovation with user-friendly designs for its smart home and Pixel devices.