Android 16 Beta 2: Easier screen dimming for Pixel 9 users
The best Android phones offer super dim screens for comfortable night-time use. However, not all phones can dim that low, which is where Android’s “Extra Dim” feature comes in. It uses clever software to make the screen look darker, but until now, you had to manually switch it on and off. This could be annoying if you forgot to turn it off, leaving your screen too dark during the day. Android 16 is changing this for the better, at least for the Pixel 9 family.
“Extra Dim” works by changing how colors appear on your screen, making everything less bright. Before, you had to activate it from the settings menu or add it to your quick settings, or use gestures like a two-finger swipe or double-pressing the volume keys. Once on, it stayed on until you turned it off or restarted your phone.
With Android 16 Beta 2, “Extra Dim” is now part of the brightness slider. When you slide the brightness all the way down, “Extra Dim” automatically kicks in. This change means you’re less likely to leave it on by accident because you adjust brightness often or let the phone do it automatically.
This update is only for the Google Pixel 9 series at the moment. It’s on by default but can be turned off if you prefer. The old quick settings shortcut for “Extra Dim” now just tells you about the new setup.
Unfortunately, if you have an older Pixel phone, you won’t see this feature yet. It might have to do with how the software works with the phone’s hardware. The new “Extra Dim” could be using features only available in the latest hardware versions.
We’ve been waiting for this update since last April when it was called “even dimmer.” Now, although you can’t adjust how dark “Extra Dim” makes your screen, you also don’t have to remember to turn it off. It’s a small but thoughtful change that should make using your phone in low light more intuitive.
Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.
First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.
Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.
Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.
These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.
Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
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