YouTube and Google Photos: Updates and support for LA fire victims

YouTube has recently fixed some annoying visual problems in its Android app, specifically with the miniplayer. The miniplayer, which appeared after a redesign in October, had some issues where thumbnails would hide behind the bottom bar, making it hard to see. Now, with the latest update (version 20.05+), these thumbnails are displayed correctly without needing any adjustments.
For those with YouTube Premium, there’s a handy feature where you can continue watching videos from where you left off across different devices. However, the miniplayer still has sharp corners which some users might find less appealing than the previous design. Additionally, the replay button, once squashed at the end of videos, now looks normal.
On another note, Google Photos has stepped up to help those affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles. If you lost your printed photos, photo books, or canvas prints in the fires, Google Photos is offering to replace these items for free. This gesture comes at a time when many people have lost not just their homes but also irreplaceable memories captured in photos.
Here’s how you can get help:
- If you have backups enabled on your devices, you can access your photos and videos by logging into Google Photos from any device.
- If your physical prints were destroyed, you can contact Google Photos support for replacements at no cost.
Google has been running a Print store for years, offering various products like photo books, prints, and canvas prints, which are now being replaced for those in need.
In response to the disaster, Google also donated $15 million to several relief organizations including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red Cross, among others. YouTube has also pledged to provide its production facilities to help local creators and artists recover and rebuild.
These actions show how tech companies can step in to support communities during times of crisis, not just through financial aid but also by maintaining continuity in personal memories and supporting local talent.
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.
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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