Pixel 8 Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Pixel Phones Get a Taste of Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 Beta

Google I/O 2025 has concluded, and the Android 16 QPR1 Beta has been launched, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update is the first Quarterly Platform Release following the stable Android 16 Beta program and is primarily aimed at developers and testers. It enhances user experience with a fresh visual design, which will also extend to Wear OS 6. Key features of the update include a redesigned user interface with increased space for widgets and apps, new system icons in the status bar, a colorful quick settings panel, expanded customization options, and enhanced controls for home and lock screens. The beta is available for various Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series, as well as Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Endurance, One Deck Dungeon, Paths & Danger, more

The Amazon Memorial Day sale and the OnePlus early summer sale have begun, offering significant discounts. The wireless 144Hz Samsung The Frame Pro is discounted by up to 0, and the unlocked Pixel 8 Pro has price reductions of up to 3. Acer’s Predator Helios Neo 14 gaming laptop is also available at a substantial markdown. The game "Endurance: Infection in Space" is highlighted as a recommended action-packed space-shooter with a mystery story.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to use Bluetooth audio sharing on a Google Pixel phone

Android 16 will introduce Auracast, allowing Google Pixel users with compatible devices to connect multiple Bluetooth headphones to a single Pixel phone for audio sharing. This feature can be accessed on Google Pixel 8 series or newer devices, and it relies on Auracast technology. Users can enable audio sharing through Developer Options, which is also available on Android 15 devices. Compatible earbuds or headphones must support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, with examples including Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro. To initiate audio sharing, users must access the Audio sharing page in the Settings app and follow specific steps to create a broadcast. The public debut of this feature is confirmed for Pixel phones with the release of Android 16, but the exact timeline is uncertain.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Google requiring Android apps support 16 KB memory page size to improve performance

Android is transitioning to a 16 KB page size, which will become mandatory for applications in the Google Play Store by November 1, 2025. This change replaces the previous 4 KB page size and aims to enhance performance by improving memory management and reducing overhead. The introduction of Android 15 has been refactored to support this larger page size, with testing currently available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 devices. Expected performance improvements include faster app launches (3% to 30% faster), improved battery usage (average gain of 4.5%), quicker camera starts (4.5% to 6.6% faster), and speedier system boot-ups (approximately 8% faster). Apps without native code should remain compatible, while those using libraries or SDKs with native code may need updates. Apps containing native code might require recompilation and review for compatibility. Developers can check memory page size support through the Play Console.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google won’t bring Android 16’s Battery Health page to older Pixels

Android 16 will introduce a Battery Health page for Pixel phone users, displaying estimated battery capacity as a real-time percentage. This feature will be available only on the Pixel 8a and newer models, including the Pixel 9 series, while older models will not have access due to product limitations. The Battery Health page will be integrated into the Settings app and will provide detailed analytics on battery performance, including a status indicator and links to support articles. Newer Pixel devices can endure up to 1,000 charge cycles, while older models are rated for a maximum of 800 charge cycles. The feature is currently available in Beta 3 for the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 devices.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s overlooked Android launcher showed me everything Pixel Launcher is missing

Microsoft Launcher is an Android launcher developed by Microsoft, offering extensive customization options that surpass those of the default Pixel Launcher. It features up to ten customizable gesture options for enhanced usability, particularly for one-handed operation. The launcher includes a component called Your feed, which consists of Glance and News; Glance allows users to curate a personalized experience with scrollable cards from Microsoft apps, while the News section serves as a shortcut to MSN News but is criticized for excessive ads. Users can customize the home screen layout by removing or rearranging default widgets, and the app drawer has a spacious 5×8 grid layout with an alphabetical jump list. However, users may experience occasional animation glitches typical of third-party launchers on Pixel devices. Overall, Microsoft Launcher is considered a superior option for Pixel users seeking more features and customization.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out a quick March security patch to join its big Pixel update

In March 2025, Google began rolling out a security update for eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet. The update versions are BP1A.250305.019 for Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Fold, and BP1A.250305.020 for Pixel 9 series and Tablet. The update addresses various issues, enhancing display stability and performance, and includes fixes for camera and WebView stability. An audio issue with Bluetooth call volume is resolved, except for the Pixel 6 series. The changelog includes fixes for launcher theme misalignment, transparent home screen icons, app-switching issues with third-party launchers, and themed icon display problems. The update also introduces nine high-severity framework fixes and 21 system fixes for security, including two notable vulnerabilities. The rollout started on March 4, following a Pixel feature drop that added functionalities like Loss of Pulse detection and scam detection alerts.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Qualcomm and Google just announced a major update to Android updates

Qualcomm has partnered with Google to provide up to eight years of software updates for devices with Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets. Devices like the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and Asus ROG Phone 9 will receive this extended support. Google's Pixel 8 series will offer seven years of updates with its Tensor chipsets. The implementation of these updates is determined by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung and OnePlus. Qualcomm aims to enhance user experiences and provide flexibility for OEMs, potentially allowing mid-range devices with 7-series chips to receive similar support as premium models. Older devices without the latest chipsets will not benefit from this initiative. Qualcomm will continue to work with OEMs to support legacy platforms.

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

These apps aren’t on the Play Store, but I always sideload them on my Pixel

Google Pixel users are increasingly sideloading applications from third-party repositories, enhancing their devices' functionality. The Smartspacer app improves the At a Glance widget by integrating with third-party apps and Google services, offering advanced control and enhancing the Always-On Display. Smartspacer is available on GitHub, along with various plugins. Obtanium helps users manage and update sideloaded apps, providing a centralized hub for tracking updates, and is accessible on GitHub and F-Droid. Breezy Weather is a highly regarded weather app that offers customizable features and integrates well with Pixel's design, available on F-Droid and GitHub, and can also be updated using Obtanium.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Streets of Rage 4, Super Onion Boy 2, Botanicula, more

The Google Play store is offering discounts on various Android games and apps, along with significant price reductions on Pixel devices. The Pixel 9 Pro is available at a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a vibrant display of digital offerings, today's selection of Android game and app deals presents an enticing opportunity for tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Google Play store is buzzing with discounts, complemented by significant price reductions on Pixel devices that are sure to catch the eye of many consumers. Pixel Device Discounts Among the standout deals, the Pixel 9 Pro is available at a remarkable 0 off, while the Pixel 8 sees a generous 0 discount. For those looking for even greater savings, the Pixel 7 Pro is now 0 less than its original price. This array of discounts extends to the Pixel Tablet, which starts at an appealing 9, alongside attractive offers on official Pixel 9 cases. Game and App Highlights On the gaming front, a selection of popular titles is now available at reduced prices. Notable mentions include: Streets of Rage 4 Super Onion Boy 2 Botanicula Samorost 3 CHUCHEL These games, among others, are perfect for those looking to enhance their gaming library without straining their wallets. For a more detailed look at these enticing offers, interested parties are encouraged to explore further." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] discount, the Pixel 8 has a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a vibrant display of digital offerings, today's selection of Android game and app deals presents an enticing opportunity for tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Google Play store is buzzing with discounts, complemented by significant price reductions on Pixel devices that are sure to catch the eye of many consumers. Pixel Device Discounts Among the standout deals, the Pixel 9 Pro is available at a remarkable 0 off, while the Pixel 8 sees a generous 0 discount. For those looking for even greater savings, the Pixel 7 Pro is now 0 less than its original price. This array of discounts extends to the Pixel Tablet, which starts at an appealing 9, alongside attractive offers on official Pixel 9 cases. Game and App Highlights On the gaming front, a selection of popular titles is now available at reduced prices. Notable mentions include: Streets of Rage 4 Super Onion Boy 2 Botanicula Samorost 3 CHUCHEL These games, among others, are perfect for those looking to enhance their gaming library without straining their wallets. For a more detailed look at these enticing offers, interested parties are encouraged to explore further." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] discount, and the Pixel 7 Pro is now [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a vibrant display of digital offerings, today's selection of Android game and app deals presents an enticing opportunity for tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Google Play store is buzzing with discounts, complemented by significant price reductions on Pixel devices that are sure to catch the eye of many consumers. Pixel Device Discounts Among the standout deals, the Pixel 9 Pro is available at a remarkable 0 off, while the Pixel 8 sees a generous 0 discount. For those looking for even greater savings, the Pixel 7 Pro is now 0 less than its original price. This array of discounts extends to the Pixel Tablet, which starts at an appealing 9, alongside attractive offers on official Pixel 9 cases. Game and App Highlights On the gaming front, a selection of popular titles is now available at reduced prices. Notable mentions include: Streets of Rage 4 Super Onion Boy 2 Botanicula Samorost 3 CHUCHEL These games, among others, are perfect for those looking to enhance their gaming library without straining their wallets. For a more detailed look at these enticing offers, interested parties are encouraged to explore further." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] less than its original price. The Pixel Tablet starts at , and there are attractive offers on official Pixel 9 cases. Popular games on sale include Streets of Rage 4, Super Onion Boy 2, Botanicula, Samorost 3, and CHUCHEL.