Google Pixel gets a new battery helper starting with Pixel 9a

Google is adding a handy new feature called “Battery Health Assistance” to its Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 9a. This tool is designed to help your phone’s battery last longer by keeping it in good shape over time. It’s a smart move for people who want to use their devices for years without worrying about the battery wearing out too fast.
This feature comes with Android 16 Beta 3 and includes a special “Battery Health” page. Here, you can see useful details like how much charge your battery can still hold and tips to make it last longer. For example, it might suggest charging your phone to only 80% instead of 100% to reduce stress on the battery.
This is perfect for anyone who keeps their phone plugged in a lot or uses it heavily every day. The Pixel 9a will be the first to get this update, but Google plans to bring it to other Pixel models later. It’s all about giving you more control and helping your phone stay strong for the long haul.
With this, Google is showing it cares about making devices that don’t just work well now but keep going strong over time. So, if you’re someone who hates replacing phones too often, this could be a game-changer for you!
Google Photos gets new quick edit tool, while Google Maps shows off new design on Android

Google is rolling out two helpful updates for its popular apps — Google Photos and Google Maps — aiming to make things faster and easier for Android users.
First, Google Photos is introducing a new “Quick Edit” feature that lets you quickly tweak your photos without fully opening the edit menu. A small pencil icon now appears at the bottom of each photo. Tapping it brings up suggested edits powered by AI, letting you apply improvements with just one tap. This tool is especially handy for small fixes like lighting or color adjustments. While it’s starting to roll out, not everyone will see it immediately. Some changes might still open the full editor depending on the photo.
At the same time, Google Maps is testing a fresh look for its place sheets — the bottom panel that shows up when you tap on a location. The new design includes more rounded corners, a cleaner layout, and easier access to options like directions, saving, or sharing a place. This redesigned panel also keeps the location’s name, rating, and category in clearer view. It feels more modern and easier to navigate.
Both updates are gradually rolling out, so it might take a little time before they reach all Android users. These changes show Google’s ongoing efforts to make its apps more user-friendly and visually appealing.
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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