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New Pixel Phone Update Brings Awesome Level of Color Customization
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

New Pixel Phone Update Brings Awesome Level of Color Customization

The Pixel line received an update with Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3, introducing enhanced color customization options in the "Wallpaper & style" settings. Users can now use a color slider to select their preferred hue for the system theme and choose from four styles: Neutral, Soft, Bright, and Bold. The update allows users to refine their color choices and personalize their device's aesthetic. The rollout began on Friday, and users can enroll in the Android Beta Program to access these features, with the stable version expected for non-beta testers in December 2026.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

Sharing between Pixel phones just got a whole lot simpler

Google has introduced a feature for compatible Pixel phones that allows users to share contacts, photos, videos, and more by bringing two devices close together. This feature enables two-way contact exchange directly from the home screen and simplifies media sharing through the Share Sheet. It is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 to follow soon. Google plans to expand this tap-to-share feature to a broader range of Android devices by the end of the year.
I can't get the Pixel's Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

I can’t get the Pixel’s Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done

The Now Playing feature on Google Pixel phones allows users to identify songs playing nearby, but Google has no plans to extend this feature to other Android devices. Shazam is a popular alternative for song identification, offering an Auto Shazam feature that works in the background on nearly all Android devices. This feature processes song identification on-device, conserving battery life and data usage. Shazam is often one of the first apps downloaded when setting up a new phone, making it a key tool for music discovery.
Pixel phones are getting a handy upgrade for ringtone, alarm, and notification controls
AppWizard
July 13, 2026

Pixel phones are getting a handy upgrade for ringtone, alarm, and notification controls

Google is enhancing the user experience on Pixel phones by integrating volume sliders into the ringtone, alarm, and notification selection screens within the Sounds app. This feature allows users to adjust volume directly while selecting sounds. The functionality was discovered in an unreleased Pixel 11 firmware build. Additionally, there are indications of a potential new "Vibrations" tab that may include various vibration patterns, although it is currently non-functional. Previous discoveries suggested Google aims to let users customize sound and vibration patterns independently.
Pixel Studio is dead, but there are still a few ways you can make fun stickers on your Pixel phone. Here's how
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

Pixel Studio is dead, but there are still a few ways you can make fun stickers on your Pixel phone. Here’s how

Google has discontinued its Pixel Studio image generation feature. Pixel phone users can still create custom stickers using the Google Photos app and other alternatives like the Gemini app and WhatsApp. To create a sticker in Google Photos, users need to locate an image, open a chat in Google Messages, tap the smiley face icon, select Photomoji, and send the sticker. The Gemini app allows users to transform images into stickers by providing specific instructions, though the output will have an opaque background. In WhatsApp, users can convert images into stickers by selecting the stickers option and tapping the "create sticker" button. Users are advised to update their phones and applications for the latest features.
Pixel phones are reportedly choking on basic games after Android 17
BetaBeacon
July 2, 2026

Pixel phones are reportedly choking on basic games after Android 17

Pixel phones are facing gaming performance issues after the Android 17 update. Some affected games include Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, and Hill Climb Racing 2. Users have tried makeshift solutions but are waiting for an official resolution from Google. The Pixel 10, Pixel 9, and Pixel 8 series are the most impacted. The exact cause of the problem is unclear, with some pointing to the Android 17 update or recent Play Services updates. Users have suggested clearing the cache for Google Play services and adjusting GPU driver preferences as potential solutions.
Google's Pixel home screen organizer looks almost ready for prime time in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Google’s Pixel home screen organizer looks almost ready for prime time in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5

The fifth beta release of Android 17 QPR1 has introduced advancements in the home screen organizer feature for Pixel phones, allowing users to create, delete, and rearrange home screens. The feature suggests automatic population with relevant apps and widgets based on categories derived from the Google Play Store, including Most Used, Games, Health & Fitness, Productivity, Travel, and Social. Users can choose from three layout options for arranging apps and widgets. Additionally, a new folder creator feature has been added, enabling users to group apps into folders and eliminate duplicate icons from the home screen.
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