Android XR

BetaBeacon
May 28, 2025
Google's success is driven by its hardware platforms Android and Chromebooks, which generate revenue through targeted ads. Samsung's strength lies in hardware, not software, making it unlikely to save Android XR from failure. The success of Android XR will depend on consumer interest in AR/VR products, which currently seems low.
AppWizard
May 24, 2025
The Google I/O event this year focused heavily on artificial intelligence, with the introduction of the Google AI Ultra plan priced at per month. This subscription includes access to the Gemini 2.5 model, Flow with Veo 3, early access to Project Mariner, 30TB of Google One storage, and YouTube Premium. The event's presentations were primarily aimed at developers, with limited consumer-facing innovations. Key topics like Android and Wear OS were presented in a pre-recorded video, suggesting a shift in focus towards AI and Search initiatives. The high subscription cost may deter average consumers from engaging with these new offerings.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Instagram is testing a new feature that introduces an immersive 3D experience for users interacting with photos on the platform, utilizing Meta's Reality Labs and the Meta Quest VR headset. A select group of testers will soon experience this functionality, which aims to enhance visual exploration and engagement with Instagram's content.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Wear OS 6 was announced at I/O 2025, featuring a Pixel Watch 3 with a new Material 3 Expressive design and revamped Tiles. The update includes a 10% battery boost and improved performance over Wear OS 5, despite a more complex user interface. The redesigned Tiles are more dynamic, maintaining visual consistency with a 3-slot layout. Developers can customize the main content slot for various functions. Wear OS 6 introduces dynamic theming that integrates colors from watch faces, although some limitations exist with older faces. The Pixel Watch 3 is described as more engaging and dynamic compared to its predecessor, with further optimizations for apps and watch face stores pending.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Samsung's DeX feature allows users to transform their smartphones into a desktop experience by connecting to an external display. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S8, DeX has evolved, and Google is collaborating with Samsung to enhance it for Android 16's Native desktop mode. This mode aims to improve Android's desktop functionalities, which have previously been limited. Samsung's recent "New DeX" mode, introduced with One UI 6.0 and Android 14, allows for resizable app windows, but Google may choose to adopt a design inspired by the classic DeX experience instead. The future of desktop mode in Android remains uncertain, particularly regarding external display options.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
A tipster discovered hints of a Material 3 Expressive redesign in Google Photos' code, featuring a new card for creating memories with a collage-style layout. Following I/O 2025, Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixels, showcasing the new design language. The redesign includes a revamped user interface, an updated notification shade, an expanded quick toggle section, and a significant redesign of Gmail. Additionally, advancements in Gemini AI and collaboration between Google Search and Project Astra were highlighted.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Google is unveiling key features ahead of the Google I/O event, including Material 3 Expressive (M3), which focuses on enhancing user experience through color, shape, size, motion, and containment. M3 will introduce a vibrant UI for smartphones and wearables, featuring a new "tear away" notification system and playful animations. The Pixel Watch will have animations that follow the display's curvature, and Wear OS 6 will allow users to customize color schemes and watch faces. Google's Gemini AI will be integrated into more devices, replacing Google Assistant and enhancing interactions on Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto, and Android XR. Gemini will provide hands-free assistance for Wear OS users and facilitate natural conversations in Android Auto. It will also improve content discovery on Google TV and offer real-time planning assistance in Extended Reality devices. To combat online scams, Google is introducing privacy tools with Android 16, including enhanced warning systems in caller and Google Messages apps, AI-driven detection of fraudulent messages, and a Key Verifier program for secure end-to-end encrypted communication. Google Play Protection will implement live threat detection for malicious app changes.
AppWizard
May 13, 2025
Google has announced updates to enhance security and privacy for Android users, including: - Enhanced scam protection for calls and text messages. - Updated Factory Reset protections limiting phone functionality if reset without owner consent. - Upgraded Live Threat Detection in Google Play Services to identify malicious applications. - Introduction of the Key Verifier feature for verifying identities in conversations using public encryption keys, launching this summer for Android 10 and higher. - Expansion of the Identity Check feature to more devices with the upcoming Android 16 release. - Concealment of one-time passwords on the lock screen in Android 16. - Extension of the Advanced Protection program to a broader audience. - Rollout of live threat detection capabilities in Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 and newer devices and other smartphones. - Announcement of Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).
AppWizard
April 28, 2025
The Android Show will air a special I/O edition on May 13 at 1 p.m. ET, hosted by Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, and featuring members of the Android team. This episode will provide an early look at innovations leading up to the Google I/O event, including details about Android 16. The show will be pre-recorded and streamed live on YouTube. Google has also released a schedule for the Google I/O event, which will cover topics such as Android's new UX design, Material 3 Expressive, and Gemini in Chrome and Android XR.
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