Android
Pixel’s Android 15 Back Gesture bug nears resolution
Three months after the initial discovery, Pixel users can finally breathe a sigh of relief regarding the back gesture bug on Android 15. This issue, which emerged with the stable release of the OS, made navigating back through apps a frustrating multi-swipe ordeal, particularly when swiping from right to left.
The bug appeared to stem from the new default setting of predictive back gestures, which seemed to have escaped thorough testing. While the left-to-right swipe functioned normally, the right-to-left gesture was notably less responsive.
Users had previously resorted to workarounds like toggling or adjusting the sensitivity of gesture navigation, but results were inconsistent.
Thankfully, Google has now acknowledged the problem and marked it as fixed on their issue tracker. An upcoming security update, as reported by tech blogs, is expected to include this fix.
For those still grappling with the glitch, a temporary solution involves resetting the navigation settings:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Navigation mode.
- Switch to 3-button navigation.
- Restart your phone.
- Return to Settings > System > Navigation mode and re-enable Gesture navigation.
With this fix on the horizon, Pixel users can look forward to smoother, more intuitive navigation once again.
Android
Android 16’s first beta could arrive sooner than expected
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
Android
Android 16: An early arrival and a glimpse into the future and Eclipsa Audio set to revolutionize audio experiences
The world of audio is on the cusp of a significant transformation, thanks to a collaborative effort by Google and Samsung. They’ve unveiled Eclipsa Audio, an open-source spatial audio format poised to democratize immersive sound experiences for creators and consumers alike. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a fundamental shift in how we create and consume audio.
For decades, crafting spatial audio has been the domain of seasoned professionals working in high-budget film and music productions. The tools and expertise required were simply inaccessible to the average creator. Eclipsa Audio aims to change all of that. Built on the foundation of Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), an audio format developed in conjunction with the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), Eclipsa Audio offers a royalty-free, open standard for anyone to utilize. This means that aspiring musicians, independent filmmakers, and even casual content creators can now easily incorporate rich, three-dimensional audio into their work.
Google’s Open Audio team emphasizes that while spatial audio technology has existed for over half a century, its widespread adoption has been hampered by a lack of accessible tools. Eclipsa Audio directly addresses this challenge by providing freely available tools for creating immersive audio experiences.
This includes an open-source reference renderer for standalone playback, and a Binaural Web Demo Application where users can test their Eclipsa Audio creations directly in their web browsers. Furthermore, Google plans to release a free Eclipsa Audio plugin for the industry-standard AVID Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation in the spring, further streamlining the creation process for professionals.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Imagine experiencing a live concert recording where you can distinctly hear the position of each instrument on the stage, or watching a movie where the sound of rain realistically surrounds you. This level of immersion was previously reserved for high-end setups, but Eclipsa Audio makes it accessible to a wider audience.
YouTube has already announced its support for Eclipsa Audio, paving the way for creators to upload videos with immersive soundscapes. This integration will undoubtedly usher in a new era of online video content, where audio plays an even more crucial role in storytelling. Beyond online platforms, Eclipsa Audio is also making its way into consumer electronics. Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup, including the Crystal UHD series and Neo QLED 8K models, will feature native Eclipsa Audio playback. Google has also confirmed that Chrome will support the format this year, although specific details regarding desktop and mobile support are still forthcoming. Looking ahead, Google anticipates widespread adoption of Eclipsa Audio in TVs and soundbars from various manufacturers later in 2025.
To ensure quality and interoperability, Samsung and Google are establishing a certification and brand licensing program for products supporting Eclipsa Audio. This program will provide assurance to both manufacturers and consumers that devices bearing the Eclipsa Audio logo meet the necessary standards for optimal playback.
Android 16: An Early Arrival and a Glimpse into the Future
In related news, Google is accelerating the release schedule for its next major Android platform upgrade, Android 16. The first developer preview arrived earlier than usual last November, followed by another preview build. Beta testing is expected to commence soon, and while official release dates haven’t been formally announced, a slip-up on the Android Gerrit may have revealed some key information.
According to the official Android 16 release timeline, beta testing will begin this month, with subsequent beta releases planned for February and March. However, a comment spotted by an Android enthusiast on the Android Gerrit suggests more specific dates. The comment indicates that Android 16 Beta 3 will be released on March 12th. The same comment also mentions January 22nd and February 19th, which could potentially be the release dates for Beta 1 and Beta 2, respectively.
The release of Beta 3 signifies a crucial milestone known as Platform Stability. This means that the core APIs and behaviors of the operating system are finalized, allowing developers to begin preparing their apps for the stable release. Following Beta 3, Google may release additional beta builds in April and May for final testing and refinement. The stable version of Android 16 is expected to be released to AOSP and Pixel devices in the second quarter of 2025.
Android 16 is anticipated to bring a host of new features and improvements to the Android ecosystem. While details are still emerging, early leaks and announcements hint at significant changes across various aspects of the operating system.
The convergence of Eclipsa Audio and Android 16 represents a significant leap forward in mobile technology. The combination of immersive audio experiences and a refined operating system promises to enhance the way we interact with our devices, ushering in a new era of mobile computing.
Android
Android Tablets Poised for a Multitasking Revolution: Three Apps, One Screen
For years, Android users have enjoyed the convenience of multitasking, juggling between apps with relative ease. However, the core functionality of split-screen mode has remained largely unchanged, typically limiting users to two apps at once. While manufacturers have introduced their own enhancements, a unified, system-level solution for more robust multitasking has been notably absent.
But the winds of change are blowing. Whispers from the development of Android 16 suggest a significant shift: the potential for running three apps simultaneously on tablet displays. This development promises to redefine the tablet experience, unlocking new levels of productivity and convenience.
The Current Landscape of Multitasking:
The ability to run two apps side-by-side has proven invaluable across various screen sizes, from smartphones to foldable devices and tablets. Yet, the increasing size and capabilities of tablets have created a demand for more sophisticated multitasking. Imagine seamlessly managing a video call, browsing the web, and taking notes, all on the same screen. This is the promise of enhanced split-screen functionality.
Several Android manufacturers have already recognized this need and implemented their own solutions. Samsung’s One UI, for example, allows users to split the screen into three sections – two on one side and one on the other – and even offers pop-up views for added flexibility. Lenovo’s “PC Mode” introduces a desktop-like experience with floating windows, providing a different approach to multitasking. OnePlus has also made waves with its “Open Canvas” feature, found on the OnePlus Pad and Open, which offers a highly adaptable system for arranging apps, including support for three apps simultaneously. These implementations demonstrate the potential of enhanced multitasking and the clear user desire for such features.
Android 16: A Glimmer of Hope:
Now, it appears Google is poised to bring this advanced multitasking capability to the Android operating system itself. Emerging from the development of Android 16 is evidence of a new system designed to support three apps in split-screen mode. This discovery, unearthed by diligent observers, suggests a fundamental change in how Android handles multitasking on tablets.
While still in its nascent stages, this new system appears to function similarly to OnePlus’s Open Canvas. Early indications point to an intuitive interface that prompts users to place a third app within the existing split-screen setup. Imagine effortlessly dragging and dropping apps into designated areas, creating a customized workspace tailored to your needs. This would not only enhance productivity but also provide a more engaging and immersive user experience.
The Potential Impact:
The implications of this development are significant. A native, system-level implementation of three-app split-screen would benefit a wide range of devices, most notably the Pixel Tablet. It would also set a new standard for Android tablets, encouraging manufacturers to embrace and optimize for this enhanced multitasking capability. This would lead to a more consistent and powerful user experience across the Android ecosystem.
For users, this means greater flexibility and efficiency. Imagine researching a topic online while simultaneously composing an email and referencing a document. Or perhaps watching a tutorial video while practicing the steps in a separate app and taking notes in a third. The possibilities are vast.
Looking Ahead:
It’s important to remember that Android 16 is still under development. The features currently being explored may evolve or change before the final release. However, the evidence of a three-app split-screen system is a promising sign. The development of Android 16 is ongoing, with developer previews currently available and a beta program anticipated to launch soon. As we move closer to the official release, we can expect more details to emerge about this exciting new feature and the future of multitasking on Android tablets. This potential upgrade signifies a major step forward for Android tablets, transforming them into even more powerful and versatile tools for both work and play.
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