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 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
Android
Pixel Watch gets better media controls, and Android tests bubble bar for phones

Google is rolling out two new updates that aim to improve the experience on Android devices, including the Pixel Watch and Android phones.
First, the Pixel Watch is getting upgraded media controls. With the new update, users can now swipe between different media apps like Spotify and YouTube Music more easily. Instead of going back and forth through menus, you can just swipe left or right to switch apps. The update also adds a shortcut to quickly launch the full media app right from the watch. This makes listening to music or podcasts much smoother and faster.
Meanwhile, Google is testing a new feature for Android phones called the “bubble bar.” This new feature is meant to replace or enhance the current taskbar and app dock. It looks like a small floating bar with app icons, similar to bubbles. Users can easily switch between apps without going back to the home screen. The bubble bar could be especially helpful for larger-screen devices like foldables or tablets, making multitasking simpler.
These updates show how Google is working to make Android more user-friendly across different devices. While the Pixel Watch update is starting to roll out now, the bubble bar is still being tested, so it may take a while before it becomes available to everyone.
Android
Android Auto weather card not working for many users

Android Auto has recently had a small but annoying problem—its weather card isn’t showing up for many users. Usually, this feature shows the current temperature and weather condition in the top corner of the dashboard, which is helpful while driving. But now, for a lot of people, it’s either missing or just showing a blank space.
Reports about this issue have been popping up on Google’s support forums and Reddit over the past week. Some users say the card disappeared after a recent Android Auto update, while others noticed it went away without any changes to their apps or settings.
What’s odd is that Google hasn’t confirmed if this is a bug or a planned change. As of now, there’s no official fix or update. Some users tried restarting their phones, clearing cache, or reinstalling the app, but these steps didn’t work for everyone.
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Android Auto has had similar issues with the weather card in the past, which were usually fixed through updates. Until Google releases a fix or gives more info, users will just have to wait and hope the card comes back soon.
If you’re affected, it’s a good idea to keep your app and phone updated in case a fix rolls out.
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