Google is working on Android 16, and it looks like the update could bring more color to the always-on display (AOD) feature on Pixel phones. Right now, the AOD mostly shows white text on a black screen. But a new setting found in the Android 16 Developer Preview hints at the ability to add colors to this display.

The new feature is called “AOD Preview,” and it includes a switch labeled “Color AOD.” While this setting doesn’t work yet, it suggests that Google might be planning to show colorful content even when the screen is in low-power mode.

This change could make AOD look more lively, maybe by adding color to the clock, notifications, or wallpaper. So far, it’s not clear exactly what will change or how customizable it will be, but the feature seems to be in early testing.

Samsung already has more colorful AOD options on its Galaxy devices, so this update could help Pixel phones catch up. Google often introduces new features first on Pixel devices before making them available to other Android phones.

Android 16 is still being developed, and many features are not ready yet. But if Color AOD becomes part of the final release, Pixel users could get a more vibrant and useful always-on display in the near future.

Google has started rolling out Android 16 Beta 4, and it comes with a few noticeable changes and updates. One of the biggest highlights is that the Pixel 9a is now officially part of the Android 16 Beta program. If you own this device, you can now enroll and try out the latest beta version.

In this beta, the media player on the lock screen and notification panel has been updated. It now uses a darker color style, making it easier on the eyes and better suited for dark mode. The background shade becomes even darker when the album art has a black or dark tone, giving the media player a cleaner look.

Another small but nice change is seen in the Always-on Display (AOD) clocks. They now show a new color for the time when your phone is locked. For instance, in Beta 4, the clock on the lock screen now appears in blue, while the AOD clock changes to a yellowish shade. This helps make the time more readable at a glance and adds a bit of style.

Android 16 Beta 4 is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6 and newer models, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Google is expected to release more updates leading up to the final Android 16 release later this year.

If you’re using a Pixel phone and want to test out the new features, this beta might be worth trying.

At a recent event in San Francisco, Google gave a first look at some exciting new AI and hardware projects. One of the main highlights was Gemini 2.5 Flash, a lighter and faster version of its Gemini AI model.

Gemini 2.5 Flash is designed for quick tasks and works better with live data like charts, tables, and videos. It’s not as powerful as Gemini 2.5 Pro, but it’s much faster and uses fewer computing resources, making it ideal for real-time experiences. Google plans to release Flash for public use soon on the Gemini API and in Vertex AI. It’s also available now in preview through Google AI Studio.

Alongside this, Google also gave a live demo of its new Android-based XR (extended reality) smart glasses. These glasses can recognize people and objects in real time and display useful information right in front of your eyes. During the demo, someone wearing the glasses looked at a person, and the glasses showed the person’s name, job title, and location — all using Gemini AI. This shows how well Gemini can understand the world visually and provide helpful info instantly.

These announcements give a peek at how Google is blending AI with new technology — making it not just smarter but also more useful in everyday life. From faster AI models to smart glasses that help you understand your surroundings, Google’s new tools are shaping the future of how we interact with tech.