Google Maps is developing a power-saving mode to address battery drain issues during navigation. This feature, found in version 25.44.03.824313610 for Android, will prioritize essential information like upcoming turns and estimated time of arrival, reducing visual clutter to minimize power consumption. Users can activate this mode easily by pressing the power button during navigation, and it will work for driving, walking, and two-wheeler routes, though not for public transit. The mode operates independently from Android's system-wide battery saver, allowing activation at any time. However, it may not support landscape mode and could transition to a monochrome display, which might affect visibility for certain elements. An official release date is not yet announced, but it is expected to appear in a future beta version.
Most Android devices now have an always-on display (AOD) feature, which allows users to view the time and notifications without unlocking their phones. Google is developing a new feature called "Min Mode" for Android 17, which will enable apps to integrate with AOD by rendering minimal user interfaces on the low-power display. Min Mode will not replace the traditional AOD but will function as an additional mode, allowing for a full-screen application surface while maintaining low brightness and refresh rates. Apps can activate Min Mode by defining a MinModeActivity in their AndroidManifest and communicating with a MinModeProvider in SystemUI. This feature aims to provide glanceable, battery-efficient experiences for applications that typically drain battery life. Early indications suggest that Google Maps may be the first app to implement Min Mode, with relevant code already identified. The feature is expected to be available in Android 17, as it is currently disabled at the system level and is not anticipated to be included in Android 16 QPR3.
Google Docs is set to receive enhancements that include three new document search filters: by type (spreadsheets, presentations, text documents), by people (files owned by specific individuals), and by modified date (last seven days or custom ranges). The platform will adopt the Material 3 Expressive design language, updating the floating action button to a bolder appearance with a pill-shaped container. Additionally, the formatting tool will be relocated from the top of the screen to the bottom toolbar, which will include a horizontal scroll function for easier access to formatting options, especially in portrait mode. These updates are based on findings from an APK teardown and may change before the public release.
The Google Phone app has begun to occasionally transition into landscape mode during calls, a feature that has surprised users, particularly in the Reddit Pixel community. This behavior varies across devices; some allow landscape use during calls based on auto-rotate settings, while others restrict it to portrait mode. Historically, Google has used a portrait-only interface for in-call experiences, leading to speculation about whether this change is intentional or a glitch. There are suggestions that the feature may be linked to server-side account settings managed by Google, but the conditions for its activation remain unclear.
The OnePlus Pad 3 features a sleek design with a 13.2-inch display and eight speakers, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It includes a full-sized keyboard and a wide kickstand, enhancing its usability for productivity tasks. Users can access Google Docs through the Chrome browser, which offers a more comprehensive experience compared to the Android app. While Android has improved support for tablet apps, some applications, like Reddit, still face compatibility issues. The Pad 3's larger screen encourages web usage and facilitates multitasking. Overall, it resembles a laptop in functionality and design, despite some ergonomic challenges.
YouTube's Android app has introduced a feature called Auto Zoom, which automatically activates in landscape mode to zoom in on videos, often cropping important content without an option to disable it. This feature differs from the user-controlled "Zoom to fill screen" option and has caused frustration among users due to its inconsistent activation. A button labeled “Auto Zoom” appears when the feature is engaged, allowing users to revert to the original view. Recent analyses of the app's code suggest that Google is developing a toggle to disable Auto Zoom, which may be added below the "Zoom to fill screen" setting in a future update.
