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

Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

Published

40 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Carter

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.

Android

Google improves Translate, Assistant, TV, and Chrome with new updates

Published

41 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Carter

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.

Android

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

Published

10 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Tom Carter

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.