Roku users are facing a significant hiccup with their YouTube TV experience, particularly when it comes to fast-forwarding through recorded content. Over the past few weeks, a growing number of subscribers have encountered an issue where attempting to skip ahead in their DVR recordings results in the playback freezing entirely.

This glitch has dampened the appeal of YouTube TV’s recording feature, a highlight for many subscribers who rely on the ability to control their viewing experience. The issue seems to be exclusive to Roku devices, with no similar reports from those using Google TV or other platforms.

YouTube TV has acknowledged the problem and is actively investigating. While waiting for an official fix, some users have shared makeshift solutions. One popular workaround involves fast-forwarding in small increments; however, this method has its limits and can only prevent freezing for a few steps before the issue reappears. Another suggestion involves switching the video quality settings, which sometimes restarts the playback.

These temporary fixes are far from ideal, leaving many hopeful for a prompt and permanent solution from Google to restore the smooth functionality of their service on Roku devices.

Google is in the process of rolling out a fresh redesign for the Gemini overlay on Android, which has started appearing to more beta testers as of this Monday morning. This update brings a more compact and user-friendly interface to the forefront.

Previously, the Gemini overlay would appear when users activated it with phrases like “Hey Google,” or by long-pressing the power button or swiping up from the screen’s corners. The new design significantly reduces the overlay’s size, aligning it neatly with the Google Search bar on Pixel devices. It now features a simple text field with only a ‘plus’ menu, a microphone icon, and a shortcut to Gemini Live.

The redesign introduces a distinctive blue/purple glow around the overlay, enhancing its visual appeal. The voice input button has been updated to a circular design, and the text input option is activated by tapping “Ask Gemini.” The camera shortcut, previously more prominent, has now been integrated into the ‘plus’ menu for a cleaner look.

Notably, Google has eliminated the traditional greeting messages and removed the direct shortcut to the full app, making the interface less cluttered. The overlay can now expand to accommodate up to four lines of text for longer queries, providing flexibility without sacrificing screen space.

The Gemini app’s homepage has also seen changes, with the camera shortcut now tucked into the ‘plus’ menu alongside options like Gallery, Files, and Drive, the latter two being exclusive to Gemini Advanced users. The Gemini Live feature has been streamlined into a thinner pill-shaped bar, and the animation for text input has been simplified to a basic circle around the microphone.

This redesign is visible after force stopping the Gemini or Google app on several Pixel devices running the Google app beta version 16.1.43, but it hasn’t yet reached devices on the stable channel or non-Pixel devices like Samsung or OnePlus. This update is available across free Google accounts, Gemini Advanced, and Workspace accounts, promising a more intuitive experience for users.

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Android 15 has just hit the market, yet the buzz around Android 16 is already palpable. Google surprised everyone by releasing the developer preview for Android 16 back in November, setting the stage for an earlier-than-usual beta rollout.

According to a recent report, the first beta of Android 16 might be just around the corner, potentially launching on January 22nd. This news, while exciting, should be taken with caution as release dates can shift. The information stems from a conversation on the Android Gerrit, where a mention of “Beta 2 changes due for Jan 22” suggests the first beta could indeed be imminent.

Further details from the same discussion indicate that Beta 2 is slated for February 19th, with Beta 3 following on March 12th. The commentator appears to be closely connected to the development process, lending credibility to the timeline.

This potential release date aligns intriguingly with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 event, also scheduled for January 22nd. This overlap might overshadow Google’s announcement, although given Google and Samsung’s close partnership, it’s likely not coincidental.

Don’t expect groundbreaking features from this initial beta; it’s more about ensuring stability and compatibility. Still, the anticipation for what Google has in store with Android 16 keeps the tech community on its toes.

Android 16 Release Date Leaked! Coming in Quarter 1 of 2025 🌟

1) Beta 1: Jan 22nd 2025
2) Beta 2: Feb 19th 2025
3) Beta 3: March 12nd 2025 pic.twitter.com/Z7n2FS784j

— Tech Mukul | hyperosinsider.com (@TECH__MUKUL) January 19, 2025