Android
Android 16 Beta 3 brings simple notification summaries, a fun easter egg update, and more

Google’s Android 16 Beta 3 is here, and it’s quietly working on some handy new features. One of the coolest additions is “notification summaries,” which aim to tidy up your alerts without copying Apple’s bumpy version of the same idea.
Smarter Notifications Made Easy
In this beta, Google is testing a way to shorten conversation notifications from apps. Code snippets show you’ll be able to switch summaries on or off for each app. For example, you can let the system group and quiet down similar alerts or keep some apps’ messages as they are. It’s all about giving you a calmer phone experience. Unlike Apple’s attempt, which sometimes messes up or repeats useless info, Google’s version sticks to chats only—like texts or messaging apps. A new settings page might pop up soon to control this, though it’s not fully live yet.
A Playful Easter Egg Gets an Upgrade
Android 16 reuses the space-themed Easter egg from the last two versions, where you steer a spaceship around. This time, Beta 3 adds an “autopilot” twist. Turn it on, and the ship flies solo, hunting for planets while you watch its journey via a notification tied to Android’s new Live Updates feature. It’s a small, fun touch—though after three years of the same game, a little more sparkle would be nice. Live Updates aren’t finished yet, so expect some tweaks before the final release.
A Fresh Way to Close Apps
Another small but useful change: a “Close” button for apps. In the recent apps menu, tap an app’s icon, and you’ll see this new option alongside “Split screen.” It’s a quick way to shut down an app without swiping, though it’s not as strong as a full “force stop.” It’s simple but feels like a bonus in a beta without huge updates.
Battery Health for Pixels
Pixel fans get a treat too—a “Battery health” page under Settings > Battery. It shows how your battery’s doing with a green check if all’s good, plus tips like avoiding heat or using Adaptive Charging to keep it strong. So far, it’s spotted on Pixel 9 and 8 Pro devices. Android 16 Beta 3 keeps things low-key but promising. Stay tuned for more as it rolls out!
Android
Android 16 Beta 3.2: What’s new and improved

Google has just rolled out Android 16 Beta 3.2, a small update that fixes some bugs and boosts performance for testers. This version comes after Beta 3, focusing on making the system smoother and more reliable. It’s part of Google’s plan to get Android 16 ready for everyone later this year.
This update tackles a few annoying issues. It fixes a glitch that made notifications act weird, like not showing up right or disappearing too fast. It also solves a problem where apps would crash when trying to open certain files. Plus, it improves how the battery lasts by tweaking how apps use power in the background.
For people testing this beta on Pixel phones, the update is easy to grab. Just head to the settings, check for updates, and download it. It’s about 500 MB, so it won’t take long. Google says this is one of the last beta versions before the big launch, so it’s a good chance to see what’s coming. Android 16 is shaping up to be faster and more user-friendly. With these fixes, Google is working hard to make sure it runs great when it finally arrives!
Android
How to stop phone link from hiding private notifications

If you use Phone Link to connect your Android phone to your Windows PC, you might notice some notifications don’t show all the details. This happens because of a security feature that hides sensitive info, like message content, to keep it safe. But if you trust your setup and want to see everything, you can tweak it easily.
First, open the Phone Link app on your Windows computer. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to go to Settings. Next, find the “Features” section and pick “Notifications.” Look for an option called “Show notification details” or something similar—it might say “Hide sensitive content” instead. Turn this off by flipping the switch or unchecking the box.
Now, your notifications should show all the info, like full text messages, right on your PC screen. Just remember: if your computer isn’t private, anyone nearby might see these details too. So, only do this if you’re okay with that risk. This simple change lets you enjoy Phone Link without missing out on what’s in your alerts!
Android
Android 16 beta update brings a small clock glitch

Google recently rolled out Android 16 Beta 3.1, a small update meant to fix bugs and tweak performance for testers. However, it accidentally added a quirky issue: the lockscreen clock now looks thicker and bolder than before. This wasn’t planned—it’s a little hiccup that slipped through the cracks.
The change isn’t a big deal for everyone, but some users have noticed it right away. The clock’s new chunky style stands out compared to the sleek design Android usually goes for. People testing the beta shared their thoughts online, with a few pointing out how it messes with the lockscreen’s clean look.
Others don’t mind it much, but it’s still a surprise from a tiny update like this. This beta version is part of Android 16’s early testing phase, where Google tries out new ideas and squashes problems before the final release. Small updates like 3.1 are supposed to polish things up, not add fresh bugs.
The thicker clock might be a quick fix in the next patch, though Google hasn’t said anything about it yet. For now, testers are stuck with the bold clock unless they roll back to an older version or wait for a new update. It’s a reminder that beta software can be a bit unpredictable—even with something as simple as a clock! If you’re trying out Android 16 Beta 3.1, have you spotted this change? Let us know what you think!
-
Apps1 year ago
Gboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year ago
Samsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year ago
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News1 year ago
Satellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps10 months ago
Google’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
News1 year ago
Google Pixel evolves as Europe’s third best selling flagship