Pixel devices

AppWizard
July 25, 2025
Google has introduced a dedicated app icon for the Now Playing feature in the latest Android Canary build for its Pixel lineup. This icon directs users to the Now Playing history page within the Android System Intelligence app, which was previously accessible via a widget shortcut. The feature identifies songs playing in the background and allows users to review a history of recognized tracks. Currently, the app icon is disabled by default, and there are no plans to extend the Now Playing functionality beyond the Pixel devices.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft is testing new features for its Phone Link application to improve integration between Android devices and Windows PCs. Upcoming updates will allow users to remotely lock their PC and access its clipboard from an Android device. Users must enable specific features in Windows settings to utilize these functions, such as using an Android phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. Recent observations indicate a new toggle for accessing the PC's clipboard, enabling a connected Android phone to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, though this feature currently works only in one direction. Two-way clipboard synchronization options are available through SwiftKey and Phone Link, but the latter is not available for Google Pixel devices. The Link to Windows app is also being enhanced, including a history of copied items and a remote lock PC button, which requires enabling the "Remote PC controls" toggle.
AppWizard
July 18, 2025
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first non-Pixel smartphone to support Google's Linux Terminal app, which allows users to run Linux programs within a virtual machine. This feature is not available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Terminal app operates on a modified version of Debian within the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced with Android 13 and categorized as an Android 16 feature for Samsung devices. The app's availability is dependent on specific technical requirements related to the chipset; the Galaxy Z Flip 7 uses the Exynos 2500, which supports the necessary non-protected virtual machine, while the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 use the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is limited to secure virtual machines. Future updates from Qualcomm may address this limitation. The Terminal app currently does not support graphical applications, but there are indications that such features may be developed in the future.
AppWizard
July 14, 2025
In a recent survey, Pixel Weather was identified as the most favored weather app, receiving 47% of the votes. It is exclusively available to Google Pixel users. The next closest competitors were Wunderground with 12.51%, Today Weather with 10.42%, Weather and Radar with 10.13%, and Ventusky with 4.02%. Users also suggested alternative weather applications such as Weawow, Samsung Weather, AccuWeather, Windy, MyRadar, and ForecastAdvisor. For non-Pixel users, Weather Master can replicate some features of Pixel Weather, and tech-savvy users can sideload the Pixel Weather APK onto other devices.
AppWizard
July 14, 2025
A new "Parental controls" feature has been identified in the Android Canary build for Pixel devices, aimed at establishing digital ground rules, setting screen time limits, and filtering content for child safety. This feature was discovered on a Pixel 8 Pro and is currently non-functional. It is expected to align with the "Supervision" tools from Android 16 Beta 4. The upcoming Pixel 10 series, launching on August 20, will include the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, all equipped with stable Android 16.
AppWizard
July 10, 2025
Google has introduced the Android Canary Release Channel, a new testing environment for developers to access early test builds and upcoming features of Android. This channel is available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, and offers tools for developing features in Wear OS 6. Developers can flash the latest Canary build or use the Android Emulator via Android Studio, with future updates expected to roll out monthly. Opting out of the channel requires a complete data wipe of the device. The Android Canary channel will have a more measured update schedule compared to Chrome Canary, which receives daily updates.
AppWizard
July 10, 2025
Google is redesigning the Phone by Google app under the Material 3 Expressive framework, phasing out the Favorites tab in favor of a "Favorites bar" at the top of the Recents feed, now rebranded as "Home." This new bar will feature a carousel of favorites with larger profile avatars and an "Add" shortcut. The app's navigation will be simplified into three main sections: Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail, along with a floating action button for quick access to the number pad. The latest beta version, 182, has been rolled out, but some users may not see the changes immediately due to server-side components. The redesign will also affect both Pixel and non-Google phones, with a streamlined bottom navigation bar consisting of Home, Keypad, and Voicemail.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Google has begun rolling out the July 2025 update for Android 16, specifically for Pixel devices, with the build number BP2A.250705.008. This over-the-air (OTA) update focuses on bug fixes and performance enhancements, particularly for network connectivity and app rendering. The Pixel 6a is now part of the Google Battery Performance Programme, which aims to improve battery longevity and safety by introducing background controls that limit charging speed and capacity after around 400 charge cycles. Users may qualify for free repairs, partial refunds, or trade-in bonuses for battery-related issues. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series receive performance enhancements, especially in app visuals and Wi-Fi stability. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series see general stability improvements, while the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold experience app optimization for display orientation. Notably, the update does not include the July Android security patch or a list of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The update is available for the Google Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6, 6a, Fold, and Tablet.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
63% of respondents in a recent poll prefer Google’s Pixel UI over Samsung’s One UI, which received 37% support. Users favor Google’s camera app for its intuitive design and image processing capabilities, finding it easier for everyday photography compared to Samsung’s more complex camera app. Google’s Pixel UI is appreciated for its simplicity, offering a single app for each function, while Samsung’s devices often come with multiple pre-loaded applications, leading to a cluttered interface. Users find Samsung’s One UI settings overwhelming, whereas Pixel UI provides a clean layout for quick adjustments. Unique features like Now Playing and Call Screen on Pixel devices enhance user experience, and Google’s speed in rolling out software updates is faster and more reliable than Samsung’s, contributing to user trust in the Pixel ecosystem.
AppWizard
June 30, 2025
The Android 16 update will feature a status bar chip displaying essential information, with the option to tap for full notifications, although this will not be available at launch. The update is part of a two-phase rollout, with a more substantial update expected later in the year. Historically, new Android versions are released in the fall, but Android 16 is being divided into two updates, with a smaller one featuring API adjustments to follow at year’s end. Anticipated features like the Material 3 Expressive UI and desktop windowing capability are currently in testing and expected to debut later. Updates to Google applications will support Material 3, but changes may be subtle for non-Pixel devices, as brands like Samsung and OnePlus have diverged from Google's interface.
Search