Pixel 9 Archives

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

I’ve only spent a few hours with Android 16’s overhauled design, and I already love it

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta was available for download immediately after the Google I/O 2025 Keynote. The beta features a visually appealing font change and a revamped Wallpaper & Style settings interface. Users encountered bugs, including missing Home Screen layout options and issues with selecting wallpapers from Google Photos. Desktop Mode is not yet available, as connecting to an external monitor only allows screen mirroring. The app switcher now displays app labels with a context menu for split-screen mode and other functionalities. Gemini introduced new sharing options, and Quick Tiles in the Notification Shade can now be resized. The overall design emphasizes personalization, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive theme.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google’s best-kept secret needs to be a standard Android 16 feature — and it could be game changing

The text discusses the potential for smart glasses to be used as a monitor for Android desktop mode, making a stronger case for their adoption.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Conquistadorio, Sadhana, Homo Machina, more

A new selection of Android game and app deals is available on Google Play. Best Buy and Amazon have started their Memorial Day sales early, offering significant discounts on various tech gear. Notable discounts include: - Nothing Ear: unspecified discount - Galaxy Watch 7: unspecified discount, plus a complimentary band valued between unspecified amounts - Pixel Watch 2: originally priced at 0, now available for 0 - Google Pixel 9/Pro devices: discounts reaching up to unspecified amounts Highlighted Android apps include: - Conquistadorio - Sadhana - Homo Machina - Super Onion Boy 2 Conquistadorio is described as a point-and-click adventure game that involves unraveling mysteries, solving puzzles, and overcoming challenges.

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 16, 2025

Google Maps has stopped showing alternate routes on app, Android Auto for some

Users are currently unable to view alternate routes on Google Maps for both mobile applications and Android Auto, a functionality that typically shows faster or slower route options. This issue has been reported by numerous users on forums and social media, and tests confirm that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold also does not display these suggestions when connected to Android Auto. The cause of the problem is unclear but may be related to recent software updates. There are also reports of lagging issues with Google Maps on CarPlay, although it is uncertain if the alternate route problem affects that platform.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google is about to unleash Gemini Nano’s power for third-party Android apps

Google is expanding its Gemini Nano AI model by introducing new ML Kit GenAI APIs, expected to be unveiled at the I/O 2025 event. These APIs will allow developers to integrate features such as text summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description generation into their applications. Gemini Nano operates on devices, enhancing privacy by processing data locally. The ML Kit GenAI APIs will support various languages and functionalities, including generating concise summaries, correcting grammar, transforming chat messages, and providing image descriptions. Unlike the experimental AI Edge SDK, the GenAI APIs will be in beta, allowing for broader device compatibility beyond the Pixel 9 series, including other Android devices. Public documentation for the ML Kit GenAI APIs is now available for developers.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Going contactless? Here’s how to set up Google Wallet on Android

Google Wallet is a digital wallet application for Android users that stores payment cards, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and more in a secure interface. Setting it up involves downloading the app, adding payment cards, and enabling contactless payments, with a smooth transition for existing Google Pay users. The app also allows users to check battery health and manage personal data visibility in Google searches. For Pixel users, it integrates with the Google Pixel 9's Reimagine AI feature for enhanced photo editing.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google talks smarter security against fraud and theft in The Android Show

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

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 7, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Streets of Rage 4, Roundguard, Front Armies, more

The afternoon features various Android game and app deals, including a significant discount on the 1TB unlocked Pixel 9 Pro XL. The device is now available at a notable price reduction. Additionally, Spigen’s Lite Fit fabric Galaxy Watch Ultra Band is offered at an attractive price. Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S10 FE/+ is also highlighted for its performance and functionality. Notable app deals include "Streets of Rage 4," "Roundguard," and "Front Armies."