Android
Google Updates: Android Auto fix, Contacts enhancements, YouTube redesign, and AI search on iOS

Google is rolling out several updates across its platforms, addressing issues and introducing new features.
Android Auto Fixes Wireless Stuttering
Some Android Auto users have reported experiencing audio stuttering with wireless connections. Google has stated that the Android Auto 13.2 update, and subsequent versions 13.3 and 13.4 (beta), address these issues. While initial reports suggest the fix isn’t universally effective in 13.2, newer versions are expected to resolve the remaining problems.
Google Contacts Streamlines Video Calls
A future update to Google Contacts will simplify initiating video calls. Currently, users can start calls through their carrier or connected apps like WhatsApp. The upcoming update will allow users to set a default video calling app. Long-pressing the video call button will present a choice of available apps. Selecting a default app will then initiate calls directly through that app with a single tap. If a contact isn’t available on the default app, the button will indicate a carrier call will be made. This streamlined process aims to improve user experience by reducing steps.
YouTube Tests Improved Landscape Layout
YouTube is testing a redesigned landscape layout for phones, tablets, and foldables. The current layout simply rotates the portrait view, resulting in inefficient use of screen space. The new layout moves channel updates to a left-hand navigation rail, with videos displayed in a more organized two-column format. This change improves navigation, reduces wasted space, and provides a better overall viewing experience in landscape mode. The feature is currently in testing and not yet widely available.
AI-Powered Search Suggestions Coming to Google App on iOS
The Google app on iOS is testing AI-powered search suggestions. A new pencil icon in the search bar opens a page with a text box and initial suggestions. As users type, Gemini generates further suggestions to refine the search. These suggestions act like filters, allowing users to quickly narrow down their search by selecting relevant keywords. For example, when searching for a gift, suggestions like “budget,” “gift occasion,” and “relationship to recipient” could appear. This feature is currently in beta testing and may not be fully functional yet.
Android
Android 16 adds small but useful changes to status bar and terminal features

Google is working on Android 16, and while big changes are still under wraps, some small updates have already been noticed. These tweaks may not seem major, but they can improve how users interact with their devices.
One of the changes spotted in the Android 16 Developer Preview is the return of the status bar clock to the left side of the screen. This layout used to be common before Android 9, but later Android versions placed the clock on the right. Now, with the new preview, the clock moves back to the left, which could make room for more icons and make the status bar easier to read—especially on phones with notches or punch-hole cameras. However, this change might not be final, as Android is still being tested.
Another interesting update is in the Android terminal tool. A new feature allows users to resize disk partitions without needing a full system reboot. This could be very helpful for developers and advanced users who need to change storage settings quickly. Instead of restarting the device, the system now supports live resizing in many cases, which saves time and effort.
Overall, Android 16 is shaping up with some practical improvements that focus on convenience and better user experience, even in the smaller details.
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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