Google simplifies access to play collections with new app shortcut

Google has made it easier to access Google Play Collections without cluttering your home screen with a widget. Now, you can use a simple app shortcut to get to your favorite collections. Before, you could only open the Watch, Game, Read, Listen, Food, Shop, and Social feeds by adding a widget to your home screen. These widgets could be as small as a bar showing four shortcuts or as large as taking over your entire screen to display a unified feed.
Now, by long-pressing the Google Play Store icon, you’ll see a new option labeled “Collections” right above “My apps”. Tapping this will open your collections instantly. You can also drag this shortcut to your home screen for quick access or use your device’s search function, like on the Pixel Launcher, to find “Collections” easily.
This feature is starting to appear with Google Play Store version 44.8.15 but remember, it’s controlled by server-side settings, so it might not be available to everyone just yet. Additionally, with the upcoming version 44.9 of the Play Store, this feature will be available for Android 10 to 12 users in the US.
Google first introduced Collections last July, with a broader rollout in the US happening that September. This new shortcut makes accessing these curated collections much simpler and more convenient for users.
New Google Calendar widget makes life simpler

Google recently added a fresh look to its Calendar app with a new widget for Android users. This update brings a handy tool that lets you peek at your schedule right from your phone’s home screen. It’s perfect for anyone who likes staying organized without opening the app every time.
The widget comes in a small size, showing your next event or task in a clean, easy-to-read layout. You can place it anywhere on your home screen, and it updates on its own to keep you in the loop. Whether it’s a meeting, a birthday, or a quick reminder, you’ll see what’s coming up without extra taps.
What’s cool is how simple it is to use. Unlike older widgets, this one cuts out the clutter—just the basics you need. It pulls info straight from your Google Calendar, so everything stays connected. If you’ve got multiple calendars, like one for work and one for home, it can handle that too.
Adding it is a breeze. Just long-press your home screen, pick “Widgets,” find Google Calendar, and drop it where you want. You can’t resize it yet, but its small shape fits nicely with other apps or icons. Some users might wish for more size options or extra details, but this keeps things light and fast.
This update shows Google’s focus on making tools that save time. It’s not about fancy extras—it’s about getting your day in front of you quickly. If you’re an Android user who loves staying on top of things, this widget is worth a try. Check it out and see how it fits into your routine!
Pixel 9a Breakdown: A peek inside Google’s latest phone

Google’s Pixel 9a isn’t even out yet—it launches next week—but someone’s already taken it apart! A video by PBKreviews gives us a sneak peek at what’s inside the Obsidian-colored model. You can open it from the front screen or the back, but the video focuses on the back.
To swap the screen, you just heat it, lift the top, undo one screw, and unplug the cable—no extra steps needed. Inside, there’s a plastic back plate and a cover for the main board, held by 16 screws. You’ll spot a thin graphite layer over the wireless charging and NFC parts, plus a big LED flash.
The battery, a hefty 5,100 mAh, has pull tabs to remove it, though they’re not much better than before. Underneath, there’s a copper cooling system—something fancy that used to be only in the pricier Pixel 9 Pro. The main board shows off the cameras: one for wide shots, one for super-wide shots, and one for selfies.
The video also points out a neat detail—if you accidentally poke the SIM tool into the wrong hole, no worries! The microphones and filters are placed safely above, so they won’t get damaged. This early look hints at what’s coming with the Pixel 9a. It’s got some cool upgrades, like that cooling system, and keeps things simple for repairs.
Plus, Google’s adding a new “Battery Health Assistance” feature to help the battery last longer. But it’s missing a few things, like Satellite SOS and some AI tricks, because of an older modem and less memory. Stay tuned for the full scoop when it hits stores!
Android
Android 16 Is Coming: New features to get excited about

Google is already working on Android 16, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting update for Android fans. Even though Android 15 just rolled out, the next version is in the early stages, with clues popping up in software code. This shows Google isn’t slowing down when it comes to improving its popular mobile system.
One big hint about Android 16 comes from changes in how audio works. The code suggests that the update might bring better support for music and sound tools. This could mean clearer audio, smoother playback, or even new ways to enjoy songs and videos on your phone. For people who love music or watch a lot of content, this could make a real difference.
Another cool feature in the works is something called “host image copy.” It’s a fancy term, but it basically means Android 16 might let apps share pictures or screenshots more easily. Imagine taking a photo or grabbing a screen image and sending it to another app without extra steps. This could save time and make things like editing or sharing way simpler.
These early signs show Google is focused on making Android 16 practical and user-friendly. The audio upgrades could improve how we listen, while the image-sharing trick might speed up everyday tasks. Since it’s still early, not everything is set in stone, but the ideas are promising.
For now, Android fans can look forward to a system that keeps getting better. Google’s fast pace means we won’t have to wait too long to see what’s next. With Android 16 already cooking, it’s clear the tech giant wants to keep its users happy with fresh, helpful updates.
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