Android

Your Android lock screen clock might move to notifications, plus a brighter battery icon

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

One thing Android fans love is how much you can change your phone. From the home screen to the lock screen, you can make it your own. Different phones offer different options, but Android generally gives you enough control to feel personal. For example, on Pixel phones, you can pick a cool style for your lock screen clock. Right now, that style only shows on the lock screen, but Android 16 might bring it to other spots, too.

After Android 16 Beta 3 came out, we checked it out to see if Google improved the Quick Settings panel. They’ve been working on splitting notifications and Quick Settings into two separate screens, like some other brands do. It’s not fully ready in Beta 3, but we got it running for a sneak peek. One big change? The clock in the notifications panel is way bigger now.

In Android 15, it was just a small thing in the corner. In the new setup, it gets its spot above the media player, matching your lock screen clock style. It’s not in the Quick Settings panel, though—that space has buttons for users, settings, and power instead.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. But when I switched my lock screen clock style in the Pixel wallpaper app, the notifications panel clock updated too. It copies whatever look you choose, including colors or themes. Some styles look odd there, and others, like the weather clock, don’t show fully. Still, it’s a neat touch, and I’d love to see Google keep it.

This feature isn’t ready yet, so don’t expect it in the main Android 16 release. It’s tied to the new two-page design, which needs more work. It might pop up in a later update, like Android 16 QPR1, alongside other tweaks Google’s planning. Meanwhile, they’re also jazzing up the status bar. In Beta 3, we found a new battery icon with fun colors—white when full, red when low, and green when charging. It’s a fresh look, and even if it’s not final, it shows Google’s still playing with ways to make Android feel new.

Android

Pixel Watch gets better media controls, and Android tests bubble bar for phones

Published

13 hours ago

April 24, 2025

Tom Carter

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

Published

14 hours ago

April 24, 2025

Tom Carter

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.

Android

Android 15 and AI upgrades expected at Google I/O 2025

Published

1 day ago

April 23, 2025

Tom Carter

Google I/O 2025 is coming on May 14, and it’s expected to bring big news about Android 15 and Google’s AI tools. This year, the focus will likely be on making Android smarter and more useful.

Android 15 has already started showing up in early previews. It’s expected to improve how your phone runs in the background, add better support for satellite connectivity, and make foldable phones work even more smoothly. Google might also show off new features focused on privacy and speed.

Artificial Intelligence will likely be the main highlight at this year’s event. Google is working hard on Gemini, its new AI system, which might get even more updates. We could see AI features added directly into Android, like smarter replies in messages or better voice commands.

Google might also talk about new Pixel products, especially the Pixel 8a. This phone is expected to offer premium features at a lower price. Along with that, updates to Wear OS for smartwatches and Android TV could also be announced.

Overall, Google I/O 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting event for Android users and developers, especially with the growing role of AI in mobile experiences. We’ll know more once the keynote goes live on May 14.