Google’s Gemini overlay gets a sleek new look in beta

Google is in the process of rolling out a fresh redesign for the Gemini overlay on Android, which has started appearing to more beta testers as of this Monday morning. This update brings a more compact and user-friendly interface to the forefront.
Previously, the Gemini overlay would appear when users activated it with phrases like “Hey Google,” or by long-pressing the power button or swiping up from the screen’s corners. The new design significantly reduces the overlay’s size, aligning it neatly with the Google Search bar on Pixel devices. It now features a simple text field with only a ‘plus’ menu, a microphone icon, and a shortcut to Gemini Live.
The redesign introduces a distinctive blue/purple glow around the overlay, enhancing its visual appeal. The voice input button has been updated to a circular design, and the text input option is activated by tapping “Ask Gemini.” The camera shortcut, previously more prominent, has now been integrated into the ‘plus’ menu for a cleaner look.
Notably, Google has eliminated the traditional greeting messages and removed the direct shortcut to the full app, making the interface less cluttered. The overlay can now expand to accommodate up to four lines of text for longer queries, providing flexibility without sacrificing screen space.
The Gemini app’s homepage has also seen changes, with the camera shortcut now tucked into the ‘plus’ menu alongside options like Gallery, Files, and Drive, the latter two being exclusive to Gemini Advanced users. The Gemini Live feature has been streamlined into a thinner pill-shaped bar, and the animation for text input has been simplified to a basic circle around the microphone.
This redesign is visible after force stopping the Gemini or Google app on several Pixel devices running the Google app beta version 16.1.43, but it hasn’t yet reached devices on the stable channel or non-Pixel devices like Samsung or OnePlus. This update is available across free Google accounts, Gemini Advanced, and Workspace accounts, promising a more intuitive experience for users.
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.
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.
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