WhatsApp is reportedly working on incorporating support for notification bubbles, a feature that allows conversations to be displayed in a floating format, enabling users to switch between chats and other applications easily. This feature is currently in early beta versions and is not yet available to the general public. Unlike Facebook Messenger, which uses a semi-custom solution for bubbles on non-Pixel devices, WhatsApp aims for a more cohesive implementation that aligns with Android's native bubble functionality. There is no official timeline for the rollout of this feature to all users.
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will introduce notification bubbles on Android devices, enhancing user experience by allowing easier access to conversations without fully launching the app. The notification bubbles will function as floating icons, appearing when a new message arrives and showcasing the contact or group’s profile picture alongside the WhatsApp logo. Users can tap the bubble to access a compact chat window for reading and responding to messages instantly. This feature will be compatible with devices running Android 10 and above, with optimal performance on Android 11 and newer versions, and users will have the option to disable it. Additionally, WhatsApp plans to redesign its top app bar, replacing the app name with the official logo. The rollout of these features will first go to select beta testers before wider availability.
The Google Play Store is testing a redesigned Games tab that includes genre-specific shortcut bubbles like Simulation, Puzzle, and Life to streamline the user experience and make it easier for gamers to navigate and explore games.
Meta is testing 49 chat themes for WhatsApp Web, introducing customization options for the desktop interface. The themes will change not only the background but also the color of message bubbles. These custom themes will be local to each user, meaning that the design choices will not be visible to others. There is no official release date for this feature, and it has not yet appeared in beta versions. Users are advised to check the Settings menu under the Theme section for updates.
Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.
The Minecraft Java snapshot, named Chaos Cubed, introduces the Sulfur Caves biome, featuring Sulfur Springs and blocks of Sulfur and Cinnabar. It includes a new block called Potent Sulfur, which generates gas bubbles causing nausea and can be crafted from nine regular Sulfur blocks. A new mob, the Sulfur Cube, can absorb nearby blocks and transform into a ball-like state, with nine behavior types affecting its interactions. Adjustments have been made to Beds and Slime Blocks, allowing Slime Blocks to continuously bounce mobs when air drag is removed. The rendering system has transitioned from OpenGL to Vulkan for optimized graphics processing, while OpenGL remains available for older hardware. The snapshot is available for Java edition users and can be tested in the Bedrock preview, with a full release expected in June.
The Minecraft Chaos Cubed update has been released for the Java edition, introducing the Sulfur Cube mob and the Sulfur Caves biome. Players can find Sulfur Springs in the Overworld, leading to vibrant underground landscapes with Cinnabar and Sulfur blocks. A unique block called Potent Sulfur generates gas bubbles that can induce nausea. Crafting Potent Sulfur requires nine regular Sulfur blocks. The Sulfur Cube can absorb nearby dropped blocks and transform into a 'ball-like' entity, with nine distinct behavior archetypes affecting movement dynamics. Mojang has also adjusted the behavior of Beds and Slime Blocks upon collision, allowing Slime Blocks to bounce mobs indefinitely. The update transitions from OpenGL rendering to Vulkan for improved performance, while OpenGL remains available for older hardware. The Minecraft 1.26.2 snapshot is live, with a full release expected around June.
- The upcoming release is titled "Chaos Cubed."
- Players can explore the Overworld and sulfur caves, seeking sulfur springs and new resources.
- A new mob called the Sulfur Cube has been introduced, which absorbs blocks and can be interacted with using Shears.
- The Sulfur Cube can detect nearby block items and will follow players holding absorbable blocks.
- Upon defeat, the Sulfur Cube splits into two smaller versions, which can be fed to grow larger.
- New Cinnabar and Sulfur block sets have been added, including various variants like Polished and Bricks.
- The sulfur caves biome has been added, featuring sulfur pools and the Sulfur Cube mob.
- Potent Sulfur is a new block that produces nausea-inducing gas when placed under water.
- Sulfur Springs generate naturally above the sulfur cave biome in various sizes.
- Vulkan support has been added for improved visual experience, with a new "Graphics API" option in Video Settings.
- Players can toggle between OpenGL and Vulkan, with Vulkan being the default if supported.
- New attributes related to bounciness and friction have been introduced for entities.
- New sounds and textures for Sulfur, Potent Sulfur, Cinnabar, and the Sulfur Cube have been added.
- Various bugs have been fixed to improve gameplay stability.
Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 3, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include:
- App Bubbles: Floating shortcuts for easy access to applications, allowing for multitasking with multiple messaging apps.
- Separate Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Toggles: Users can now toggle Wi-Fi and mobile data independently in the Quick Settings menu, improving efficiency.
- Assistant Volume Control: A distinct volume level for virtual assistants can be set independently from media volume, enhancing user experience.
- Hide App Names on Home Screen: Users can hide app names next to icons for a cleaner interface, allowing for greater customization.
The full public release is expected around June 2026.
