Pixel devices Archives

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Future Android Update Could Make Your Notifications More Private Than Ever

Android Authority has reported on a forthcoming App Lock feature expected to debut with Android 17, which will enhance user privacy by allowing management of app notification content. Code found in the January developer build of Android Canary 2601 indicates that while apps protected by App Lock will still send notifications, sensitive content will be obscured. Notifications may only show generic alerts like "New message" or "New notification." Users can secure individual apps with a password, PIN, or biometric lock, and can choose to disable notifications from locked apps entirely. This feature is anticipated to first appear on Google Pixel devices, with uncertain availability on other brands. App Lock will function even when the phone is unlocked, distinguishing it from existing privacy features like Private Space, which requires apps to be relocated to a secure area. Currently, developers implement their own app locks, but App Lock aims to provide a universal solution for securing any app on a device.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Did the Pixel Weather app let you down during the snowstorm? You’re not alone.

Users of the Pixel Weather app have reported significant inaccuracies during a recent major snowstorm in North America, which has led to widespread frustration within the Pixel community. The app, launched in 2024, consistently underestimated snowfall amounts, with users noting discrepancies between its forecasts and data from the National Weather Service (NWS). A poll revealed that 60% of users felt the app did not provide correct forecasts during the storm. Specific user experiences included predictions of 0.5 inches of snow when actual amounts were expected to be between 7-11 inches, and incorrect temperature readings, such as stating it was 46 degrees when it was actually 5 degrees. Users also criticized the app's use of the term "flurzy," which appears to be a fabricated word. Despite some users reporting that the app functioned correctly, the overall feedback has raised concerns about its reliability, particularly in severe weather conditions. Inquiries have been made to Google for clarification and potential improvements.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 makes Settings easier to navigate and squashes plenty of bugs

Google has released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, focusing on stability improvements and bug fixes for Pixel phone users. The update addresses critical crashes, notification shade glitches, charging limit issues, and slow Wi-Fi connectivity. It also features a revamped System Settings layout with grouped sections for easier navigation. The beta is available as an OTA update for enrolled users and is compatible with Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup. Users can also manually flash factory images if preferred. The stable release of Android 16 QPR3 is expected around March 2026.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

How to set up Android Parental Controls on your kid’s phone

Google has enhanced parental control features for Android users through the Family Link app, which allows parents to manage their children's device usage. A significant update in December 2025 introduced a dedicated parental controls settings page within the Settings app for Google Pixel devices running Android 16 or newer. This update streamlines the process, allowing parents to implement controls easily without using a separate app. Parents can access both Family Link and device limits from one location, with options to password-protect settings. The setup process includes selecting a supervising Google account and reviewing various control options. The integration with the Family Link app remains, allowing further management from a parent's device. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as a device that supports these enhanced parental controls, featuring a triple-camera setup and a powerful Tensor G5 chip.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Google’s AI Android Updates Spark Phone App Glitches on Pixel Devices

The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?

At the I/O 2025 event, Google presented Project Astra, showcasing its AI, Gemini, which can control Android devices to perform tasks like retrieving web content, playing YouTube videos, managing emails, and making phone calls. The demonstration illustrated Gemini's ability to navigate PDFs and transition between apps. Google introduced a Computer Use model for developers, enabling Gemini to interact with user interfaces in a human-like manner, currently optimized for web browsers. Apple is also enhancing Siri's capabilities to perform actions across multiple apps using voice commands. Google's approach is more generalized and not reliant on prior integrations, aiming to improve user interaction. The new Google Assistant, introduced in 2019, promised to allow voice operation of phones and multitasking across apps but faced challenges and limited adoption. Advancements in generative AI may enable more conversational command issuance, potentially addressing previous limitations. The integration of this technology could significantly impact wearable devices, allowing for phone control and information relay from secondary devices. The future of voice control as a primary interaction method for smartphones remains uncertain.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 Fixes App Crash Issue on Pixel Devices

Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to fix a bug causing certain applications, including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and various banking apps, to crash upon launch. The update is available for eligible Pixel phones in the Android Beta Program, starting with the Pixel 6 series. Most users will receive build CP11.251114.007, while the Pixel 7a has a different variant. The OTA package is about 60MB. Initial feedback shows that the update has resolved crashes for most banking applications, but some Microsoft apps still have launch issues. Users are cautioned that opting out of the beta after installing this update may risk data corruption.

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 24, 2025

Google starts rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 is rolling out with an important fix

Google has started rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 for Pixel devices, focusing on stability and addressing a bug that causes certain apps to crash at startup. The update is 58MB in size and is available for Pixel models from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 for users enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The previous Android 16 QPR3 beta introduced features like disabling the At a Glance widget and adjusting flashlight brightness. Users can receive the update via OTA download, sideload it, or manually flash the factory image, with a stable release expected in the first quarter of 2026.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android

Google is updating its Gemini app for Android to reduce visual clutter and enhance user engagement. An APK teardown indicates a redesign of the app’s input box from a static sheet to a dynamic, floating pill-shaped bar in version 16.51.52 beta. This floating bar expands when users start typing, improving one-handed operation on larger devices. The update also introduces a ‘Tools’ menu that consolidates options like image upload and voice input, streamlining workflows for power users. Additionally, hints of ‘Gemini Labs’ suggest an experimental section for users to test upcoming features. The redesign aims to make AI interactions feel more natural and accessible while addressing user feedback about previous designs. Mixed reactions to Gemini's automotive rollout indicate some praise for hands-free capabilities, though interface glitches remain a concern. User privacy is emphasized, with guides available for opting out of tracking. Feedback from beta testers suggests improved multitasking capabilities. The redesign aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, emphasizing intuitive updates and competitive pressures in the AI market. Developers have noted similarities to past Google designs, and the potential rollout timeline is speculative, with expectations for a gesture-based interaction model. Overall, these changes position Gemini as a leading AI assistant, focusing on a decluttered interface and user-centric design.