Google Messages enhances group search and Pixel Camera 9.5 offers more control and better astrophotography

Key Points:
- Improved Group Search: Google Messages now allows searching group chats directly in the New Conversations screen.
- Enhanced Pixel Camera: The Pixel Camera 9.5 update brings manual sensor selection and improved astrophotography.
- Creative Features: New camera options include a flexible timer and night vision for panoramic shots.
Google has introduced a valuable enhancement to its Messages app for Android, making group chat searches easier on the New Conversation screen. Previously, the “To” field in the Start Chat > New Conversation section only showed individual contacts. Now, a new “Group chats” section allows users to search for conversations involving multiple participants.
This update includes the ability to search by group names or participants, displaying the last sent message as a preview with a chevron icon that takes you directly to the chat. This group search feature is currently being tested in the latest Google Messages beta (version 20240820_00_RC00) but isn’t available yet in the stable version.
Earlier in October 2023, Google removed the “Top contacts” section from this screen, and the conversation picker and share UI received updates a few weeks ago.
In addition to updates in Google Messages, Google has also introduced new features in its Pixel Camera with the latest version, 9.5, providing users with greater creative control. This update is particularly exciting for photography enthusiasts, offering new tools even for older Pixel models, not just the latest Pixel 9 series.
One of the standout features in Pixel Camera 9.5 is the ability to manually select the camera sensor on Pro models. Previously, the software would automatically choose the optimal sensor based on the zoom level. Now, users can manually select whether to use the ultra-wide angle, wide angle, or telephoto lens, offering more control for professional photographers.
The “Best Moment” function has also seen improvements. When HDR+ is activated, the camera now detects when your eyes are open and captures that precise moment, resulting in more natural and expressive portrait photos.
Astrophotography mode, another highlight of this update, can now be manually activated. Previously, this mode would only turn on under specific conditions, such as complete darkness and a static smartphone. Now, users can decide when they want to capture the starry sky, providing more flexibility for night sky photography.
Additional improvements in Pixel Camera 9.5 include a flexible timer that now offers a 5-second option alongside the existing 3 and 10-second timers, quick access to the Guided Frame feature, which provides tips and instructions for taking perfect shots, and a new Panorama mode with night vision, allowing users to capture stunning panoramic shots even in low light. The “Add Me” feature, available on the Pixel 9 series, seamlessly integrates users into their selfies.
With these latest updates, Google continues to enhance the Pixel Camera, offering users more control and creative options for their photography.
YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.
Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.
You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.
This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.
So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.
Android
Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.
At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.
These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.
Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.
Android
Android 16 could bring colorful always-on display to Pixel phones

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.
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