Pixel 8 Archives

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Wi-Fi & Mobile data toggles

Google has released Android Canary channel version 2603, which includes the March 2026 security patch for various Pixel devices. Key features of this update include a redesigned screen recording interface, enhanced system UI with increased blur effects, separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, and new options for App lock and Bubbles accessible through a long-press on apps. The screen recording feature allows users to record the entire screen or a single app, with options to manage audio and touch visibility. The update aims to improve usability and functionality for developers and users.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 is here with major updates for adaptive apps, performance, and media

Google has unveiled Android 17 Beta 1, targeting developers with enhancements for app adaptability and performance. Key features include: - Mandatory app adaptability for devices with a minimum width of 600dp, requiring support for resizing and windowed multitasking. - Introduction of professional-grade camera APIs for smoother mode transitions in camera apps. - Access to metadata from all active physical camera sensors. - Enhanced audio controls for normalizing loudness and support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC). - Performance improvements, privacy and security enhancements, and connectivity updates affecting VoIP calls. - New profiles for “Medical Devices” and “Fitness Tracker” to simplify application setup. - A new engagement mode for extended reality devices. Android 17 is set to follow a release schedule similar to Android 16, with Platform Stability targeted for March 2026 and the first major stable release expected in Q2 2026. Eligible Pixel devices for the Android 17 Beta 1 update include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to fix app crashes on Pixel phones

Google has released a patch called Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to address app crashes affecting Pixel devices in the Android 16 QPR3 beta. This update focuses on restoring app stability rather than introducing new features. The issues arose after the rollout of Android 16 QPR2, which introduced system-level instability. The patch aims to prevent apps from crashing at startup and is approximately 58 MB in size. It is available to devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series and newer, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8, 9, and 10 lineups. Users can install the update through the standard over-the-air process or manually using OTA images and ADB tools.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

You can finally force most apps to dark mode on your Pixel; here’s how

Google has introduced the Expanded Dark Mode feature for Pixel phone users with the rollout of Android QPR2 in early December. This feature allows users to enforce a dark theme across most applications, even those without native dark mode support. The Expanded Dark Mode is available on all Pixel models that have received the Android QPR2 update, including Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro/9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, and 10 Pro/10 Pro XL. To enable it, users must ensure their device is compatible and running the December update (version number starting with BP4A.251205.006). They can then activate the feature by going to Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme and switching to Expanded dark mode. While the feature enhances accessibility and readability, its effectiveness varies across applications. Some apps, like Transavia, adapt well, while others, such as Amazon and certain banking apps, do not display the dark theme effectively. Mapping applications like Citymapper and IDF Mobilités also show limited improvement. The Expanded Dark Mode is considered an improvement over the previous color inversion toggle and the Override force-dark option, offering a better experience for many users, although those using graphic-heavy apps may prefer the Standard Dark Mode.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Google’s Pixels have users thinking there’s a ghost, as apps begin to struggle

Google Pixel users are experiencing a glitch where closed apps, such as Instagram, unexpectedly reopen when switching to another application. This issue has persisted for six months and affects devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Users have noted that it disrupts app-switching, and a suggested workaround is to pause briefly before selecting another app. Additionally, Pixel 10 users have reported significant Wi-Fi connectivity problems following an AirDrop-Quick Share update, with a temporary solution being to uninstall the Quick Share extension or use Bluetooth for file transfers. Furthermore, Pixel 10 users are facing issues with unresponsive or lagging speakerphone functionality in the Phone app, which has been ongoing since May and also affects earlier Pixel 9 models. Google has deemed this speakerphone issue as "won't fix (Infeasible)."

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google finally rolls out Call Recording for Pixel phones worldwide

Google has started rolling out its call recording feature in the Phone by Google app for Pixel phone users, specifically targeting Pixel 6 and newer models. The feature is now functional on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro Fold after an update to the app. Users need to have the November Pixel Drop installed to access the feature. Call recording can be activated through Settings > Call Assist > Call Recording, with options for manual and automatic recording. The app notifies users when a recording begins and informs them about legal considerations, including the need for consent in some regions.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google Ends Pixel 10 Exclusivity for Journal App in New Feature Drop

Google has extended the availability of its Journal app to users of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, in addition to the Pixel 10, as announced during the November 2025 Feature Drop. The app is currently exclusive to these devices and will not be available on non-Pixel smartphones. The Journal app functions as a personal digital diary and utilizes Google's advanced AI technology, Gemini Nano. Older models like the Pixel 7 cannot access the app due to hardware limitations. The November 2025 Feature Drop also includes notification summaries, Scam Detection for Pixel 6 and newer models in the U.S., and a “Wicked: For Good” theme with custom design elements.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows 11 tests Bluetooth audio sharing that connects two headsets at once

Microsoft is enhancing the audio experience for Windows 11 users with a new feature that enables shared audio streaming across multiple wireless devices using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec. This feature is currently in preview mode for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. Users can connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the “Shared audio (preview)” option from the quick settings menu. The shared audio feature is available on select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro, with plans for additional devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro to support it soon. Compatible devices include Bluetooth LE models such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Spotify’s having major issues on Samsung and Google phones—this is why

Users are reporting significant crashes and freezing issues with the Spotify app on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, particularly when streaming over Wi-Fi. Switching to mobile data alleviates the problem. Spotify is investigating a permanent solution, as reinstalling the app has not resolved the issues. Complaints were highlighted in a community forum thread, with users specifically mentioning problems on devices like the Pixel 9. Similar issues occurred last year with Pixel 6, 7, and 8 devices after a feature rollout. Users have attempted workarounds such as disabling notifications or clearing the app's cache. Earlier this year, Premium users experienced ads despite their subscription, which Spotify confirmed and fixed the same day.