Pixel devices Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 might finally fix Android’s most embarrassing camera problem

Android 17 introduces support for vendor-defined camera extensions, allowing manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi to share unique camera features with all Android applications. This enhancement aims to improve photo and video quality in apps like Instagram and Snapchat. The implementation depends on collaboration with Google's hardware partners and requires app developers to adapt their applications. Updates for Android 17 are expected to roll out in the summer, with speculation about enhancements for Google's Pixel devices, particularly the upcoming Pixel 11 in August.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel

Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, introducing Platform Stability, which finalizes internal and external APIs and app-facing behaviors for developers. Key enhancements include full activation of bubbles for multitasking, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, customizable photo picker grid view, support for 14-bit per pixel RAW images, vendor-defined camera extensions, Bluetooth LE audio hearing aids, reduced wakelocks for idle alarms, a system-provided location button, post-quantum cryptography hybrid signing, widget support on external displays, desktop interactive picture-in-picture, VPN app exclusion settings, and dynamic system font fallback. Feedback can be submitted through the Android Beta Feedback tool, and system images are available for various Pixel devices.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

5 Android Apps That Are Probably Slowing Down Your Phone

The optimal range of RAM for smartphone performance is generally considered to be 8GB to 12GB. Power-intensive applications can create challenges, but managing cache, clearing storage, and restricting background usage can help. Certain apps, especially those using location data, require specific permissions and background activity. Users can check battery usage by app in their device's battery health settings, where higher battery consumption often indicates increased CPU and data usage, potentially leading to sluggish performance. Replacing resource-heavy apps with lighter alternatives or limiting background activity may improve device performance. TikTok requires a significant data cache for seamless playback, and its processing power demand can cause performance slowdowns, especially when streaming high-definition videos. TikTok Lite offers a less resource-intensive alternative. Google Photos functions primarily as a cloud-based storage solution, which can affect device performance during image indexing and backups. Spotify's aggressive caching can lead to storage issues, and using Battery Saver mode may throttle CPU performance. Google Maps relies heavily on GPS and runs in the background, increasing data usage and potentially slowing down devices. Instagram can drain battery life through notifications and preloading media, which may lead to storage issues if the cache is corrupted. Reducing notification frequency and managing alerts can help alleviate performance strain.

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.

BetaBeacon

March 18, 2026

Google’s March system update adds Wi-Fi sharing and free game trials for Android

- Play Services version 26.10 introduces Wi-Fi Sync, which automatically shares known networks between devices - Play Store version 50.6 offers free trials for select premium games before purchase - Wear OS devices now display animated placeholders while Play Store pages load - Google has made it easier to update systems on Pixel devices with a new mechanism in Settings

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Google’s Android boss talks Android 17, sideloading drama, and why he hates phone cases

MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona is a significant event for the tech industry, where companies unveil new hardware and showcase emerging ideas. At MWC 2026, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, discussed the evolution of Android, particularly focusing on Android 17, which aims to transition from an operating system to an intelligent system. This version will integrate AI capabilities through Gemini, allowing for more intuitive task management. Android 17 will introduce early agentic capabilities, initially available in a beta feature for select devices, enabling users to automate multi-step tasks. Samat confirmed that Google has no plans to remove sideloading, despite concerns about app security. Upcoming changes to sideloading will focus on verifying app identities to protect users from malicious apps while still allowing power users to install unverified software. He emphasized the importance of balancing openness and safety in the Android platform. Samat expressed excitement about current Android phones, highlighting trends in foldable devices and praising models from brands like Motorola and Nothing for their appeal to younger consumers. He mentioned using a Galaxy Z Fold 7 for work and a Pixel 10 Pro for personal use, noting the beauty of the devices and his preference not to use cases.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Your Pixel just lost a handy Recents trick in the March update

Google introduced the stable Android 16 QPR3 update, known as the March 2026 Pixel update, for Pixel devices. A change in the Recent apps screen has caused discontent among users, as the ability to easily save images directly from the Recents screen has been removed. Previously, users could long-press or use the Select tool to save images directly to Photos, but now they only have options to Copy, Share, and Edit. A workaround to save images involves using the share sheet to select “Upload to Photos,” but this is less intuitive and more time-consuming. Additionally, alternatives for Google Lens functionality are available, but they lack the convenience of the previous interface.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Facebook colored text bug makes posts unreadable on Android app

A bug in the Facebook Android app has caused users to experience visual and readability issues, where posts display partial text against vibrant backgrounds, and tapping "See more" results in the text disappearing. This issue began in early March following a recent app update. A workaround involves rotating the device to landscape mode after tapping on a post, which temporarily restores the text visibility. The problem is confined to the Android app, with desktop and browser versions unaffected. Standard troubleshooting methods have not consistently resolved the issue, and Meta has not officially acknowledged it or provided a timeline for a fix. Users are advised to avoid using colored backgrounds in their posts until the issue is resolved.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Check out the bold new look for Pixel Weather icons

Google's Pixel Weather app is being updated to version 1.1.20251230.875325825.release, featuring new forecast icons with bold, uncomplicated designs and high-contrast colors for better clarity. The app's user interface will adopt a higher-contrast aesthetic with white backgrounds, and the widgets will align with this new design. Additionally, the update simplifies the management of saved locations, allowing users to reposition cities with up and down arrows or remove them with a tap, alongside retaining the long-press and drag feature.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Android’s March update is all about finding people, apps, and your missing bags

Google's March Pixel Drop introduces several enhancements for Pixel devices, including: - Integration of live location sharing in Google Messages, allowing users to share real-time location within chats. - Introduction of short app preview videos in Google Play for users to quickly assess app functionality before downloading. - Enhanced Find Hub app for recovering lost luggage by generating a secure tracking link for tagged bags, which can be shared with participating airlines. The tracking links expire after seven days and can be stopped at any time. Over ten major airlines, including Ajet, Air India, and Lufthansa Group, support this feature, with Qantas expected to join soon. Google collaborated with SITA and Reunitus to integrate this feature with baggage systems used by many airlines worldwide.