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Google gives new life to old Pebble Watches with source code release

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Google

Even though Pebble watches are no longer made, many people still use them because they last much longer on a single charge than most new smartwatches. For years, the community has worked hard to keep these watches running, but they couldn’t do much without the watch’s original software details. Now, Google has decided to share that software, known as source code, with everyone.

Pebble started back in the early 2010s with watches that had screens that worked like e-paper books – they were easy to see even in bright sunlight and didn’t need much power. This meant Pebble watches could go for a week without charging. They were simple but useful, and people liked them for their straightforward design and battery life. The software was also open, so many developers made apps and custom watch faces for these watches.

However, Pebble didn’t become as popular as big names like Apple or Samsung, and by 2016, it had to sell its tech to Fitbit due to money issues. After that, Fitbit didn’t make new Pebble products, and the original software remained locked away. This made it tough for fans and developers who wanted to keep the watches going or even improve them with new software.

A group called Rebble, made up of Pebble fans, tried to bring the watches back to life but struggled without the original code. Then, Pebble’s old CEO, Eric Migicovsky, convinced Google, who now owned Pebble’s tech after buying Fitbit, to make the source code public. Google agreed, and put it on GitHub, a place where developers share and work on code.

The code release includes almost everything needed to make the Pebble OS work again, like notifications, music controls, and fitness tracking. But some parts, like how the watch connects to phones via Bluetooth, were left out because they’re not theirs to share. So, developers will still have some work to do.

This move by Google could mean new life for these old watches, perhaps even leading to new gadgets using the same old Pebble software. It’s exciting to see such a beloved piece of tech get a new chance, especially since even today, Pebble watches have some advantages over newer models.

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Android

Android 16 adds small but useful changes to status bar and terminal features

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Android 16

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.

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YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

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YouTube Music

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.

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Android

Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

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Android 16

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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