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Android 16 Screen-Off Fingerprint Feature Expands to Older Google Pixel Phones
Abubakar Mohammed
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Android 16 Beta 3 update didn't bring any major changes, but it enables the screen-off fingerprint feature on other Pixels. The Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock option in the Fingerprint Unlock settings menu allows users to unlock the phone with the screen off. This means, unlike previously where users had to tap to wake up the screen and then use the fingerprint to unlock, they can now just press on the fingerprint sensor region to unlock the phone.
Google Pixels Get a Massive GPU Performance Boost with Android 16 Beta 3
Abubakar Mohammed
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Earlier today, reports of Pixels gaining massive improvements in GPU benchmarks piled up on the r/pixel_phones subreddit. Users are reporting an almost 25% to 60% increase in GeekBench 6 GPU tests on all Tensor-powered Pixels. Out of all the devices, the Google Pixel 7a seems to have gained the most performance, almost doubling the compute score. Android expert Mishaal Rahman believes it's due to the latest ARM Mali GPU drivers that Google is shipping with Android 16 Beta 3. With Google bumping the Mali GPU Kernel driver version to r52p0, which was released in October last year.
Google has stuck to Corning Gorilla Glass 3 this year, which is not the best protection the industry has on offer. Hence, you may want to install a screen protector on your Pixel 9a for maximum protection. Some of the best tempered glass screen protectors you can buy for your Pixel 9a are dbrand Prism 2.0, Ringke Easy Slide, Spigen, Ferilinso, amFilm, OtterBox Premium Glass, and ZAGG InvisibleShield.
Want a new case for your Pixel 9a? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the best cases across different categories and use cases that you should pick for the Pixel 9a.
YouTube may introduce a new feature allowing users to control sound quality in videos. The feature, found in the latest YouTube Beta app, will offer three audio presets: Auto, Normal, and High. However, it may be exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers, which could be a disappointment for non-subscribers.
Google now lets you use Gemini without signing in with a Google account. While signed out, users can still chat with Gemini, but features like chat history, image generation, and attachments are unavailable. This option is only available on the web version of Gemini.
Google Is Retiring Assistant on Android, Will Be Replaced by Gemini This Year
Abubakar Mohammed
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Google has confirmed in an official blog post that it's killing Google Assistant on most devices later this year. All the Android devices with Android 10 and above and 2 GB+ RAM will switch to Gemini and no longer have the option to use the Assistant. The inherent switch is all thanks to the number of features Gemini on Android has gained since its launch. It supports various app extensions like Google Workspace, WhatsApp, Spotify, YouTube/Music, and many utilities. Google also rolled out Gemini Live on the app for a natural conversation feel, and will be rolling out more in the coming months.
In an FAQ published on the Android Developers Blog, Google has confirmed that lock screen widgets are coming to AOSP for tablets and smartphones after Android 16 QPR1. For those wondering when the update will hit AOSP, it's scheduled for late Summer 2025, which probably means sometime in September this year. Android expert Mishaal Rahman enabled Lock Screen Widgets on his device. The widgets can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen, just like on the Pixel Tablet.
Google Search Gets a Dedicated ‘AI Mode’ Despite AI Overviews’ Hallucinations
Arjun Sha
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Google Search has received a new AI Mode that is designed to handle multi-part questions where further exploration is required. It's powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.0 model. Currently, the feature is rolling out to Google One AI Premium subscribers.
Google’s March Pixel Drop Brings Scam Detection and Improved AI Features
Anshuman Jain
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Google has released the latest Pixel Drop update for March 2025, and it brings substantial changes for Pixel devices. It features the new Modes option that replaces Do Not Disturb, Notification Cooldown, AI enhancements, spam call detection and loss of pulse detection for Pixel Watch 3.
Qualcomm is now allowing up to 8 years of Android updates on their latest Snapdragon processors. This decision, made in collaboration with Google, will enable devices to receive 8 years of security patches and updates without requiring additional effort from manufacturers.
YouTube's parent company Alphabet is planning to introduce a lower-priced subscription option, called "Premium Lite," which will offer an ad-free experience for non-music content at a reduced price. The new plan is expected to be available in the US, Australia, Germany, and Thailand.
One of the things that really sends people is when trying to get rid of a page, which could be both straightforward and confusing at the same time. But fear not! In this guide, let's go through all the possible ways and edge cases you may encounter when deleting a page in Google Docs. On Google Docs website, you can delete a page using the delete key or adjusting margins, line spacing. On the app, you can do the same or delete the page breaks.
While Google has rolled out dark mode to most of its products, Google Docs is yet to get dark mode on PC. Dark mode for Google Docs is available on Android and iOS apps. Regardless of the platform, if you're a frequent Google Docs user, you can turn on dark mode on Google Docs app by going to the hamburger menu > Settings > Theme. On PC, you can download the Dark Reader extension to force Google Docs to go into Dark Mode.
The latest Android 16 Beta 2 update reveals a potential battery health feature, allowing users to view their battery's current capacity compared to a new one. The feature will be available in Settings > Battery > Battery health, and also includes options for charging optimization and recalibrating battery measurements.
Google is infamous for data collection, by using another Google service, we're essentially giving Google easy access to see and assume what's happening in our lives. Therefore, we'll show you some of the best privacy-focused and better alternatives to Chrome. Some of them include Firefox, Waterfox, Brave, Safari, and many more.
While enthusiasts were expecting big UI improvements like the revamped Quick Settings panel to hit Android 16, that's unfortunately not the case. Android 16 Beta 2 brings a few features but they are mostly minor like a switch user widget, changes to the measurement system, and double press power button to open Wallet.
The Google I/O 2025 is scheduled for May 20 and 21. While it's too soon to know what Google might showcase, the firm's post says "you'll learn more about Google's new products, technologies, and innovations in AI, Android, and more". Google may reveal more about Android 16 and its features followed by improvements in Gemini, Wear OS, Android XR, and more.
The Pixel 9a will come in four colorways — Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and Rock Blue. The colors do pop off and look great, especially the Peony and the Blue. The latter is slightly closer to the iPhone 16's Ultramarine shade. Besides, we also get a look at the design, which suggests the previous leaks were indeed true.
One of the easiest ways to hide apps on a Google Pixel is by using Private Space. Some of the other methods involve using a third-party launcher like Lawnchair or Niagara launcher, using a third-party app called Amarok Hide, or by disabling the app you want to hide.
Pebble Watches Are Making a Comeback as Google Open-Sources PebbleOS
Abubakar Mohammed
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PebbleOS was the heart of Pebble smartwatches and Google making it open-source means Pebble is back from the dead. Pebble's founder Eric posted that he and his small team have already started working on the next Pebble smartwatch and shared a feature set the watch will come with. This includes an Always-on e-paper screen, longer battery life, and dedicated buttons to control music.
Duplicate notifications can be annoying but Google has a workaround on Pixel devices where dismissing the notification on one Google Pixel phone will also dismiss it on another Pixel say, the Tablet. The setting can be found on the Notifications settings page on Pixels and can be toggled on. The feature will dismiss duplicate notification on your main device if the same notification is dismissed on another Pixel device. Some of the other ways to dismiss duplicate notifications is by disabling certain notification channels of the app that keeps sending you duplicate notifications.
The Galaxy S25 is the newest device to continue the legacy. If you're in the market for a small phone, the S25 and Pixel 9 are your best bets. The Galaxy S25 is a better small phone on paper all thanks to its slimmer chassis, smaller design, lighter weight, and more pocketable overall size. The only areas Pixel 9 takes the edge are in the camera department and battery, although by just a slight margin.
We have compiled all the new features, updates, and changes that we have seen in the latest Android 16 Beta 2. This includes features like Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock, Notification Cooldown, Bluetooth Audio sharing, and a revamped settings page.
Android 16 Beta 1 Arrives on Google Pixel Devices, Here’s What’s New
Anshuman Jain
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Google has dropped the Android 16 Beta 1 update, and this brings several new changes like force app resizeability will be enabled by default for tablets, support for live updates, Samsung's APV codec and predictive back gesture in third party apps.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: A Battle of Android Supremacy
Abubakar Mohammed
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Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your needs. If you need great performance and customization with the added flexibility of an extra telephoto camera, it might be worth spending extra and getting the S25 Ultra. However, if you love the Pixel experience, couldn't care less about the performance, and want solid, consistent cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro XL or even the Pixel 9 Pro are solid devices.
Leaked Google Documents Reveal Pixel 10a and Pixel 11’s Bear-Themed Codenames
Abubakar Mohammed
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Google is working on four Pixel 11 models all bearing (pun intended) bear-themed codenames. The codenames for Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold are cubs, grizzly, kodiak, and yogi. The Pixel 10a's codename is stallion. The Pixel 11 series is supposed to come out in Q2 2026.
There are multiple ways to factory reset a Pixel, and each can be used depending on the context of the issue. The easiest way to do is is from Settings. You can also factory reset a Pixel from the recovery, from Find My Device, and using Android Flash Tool.
Google introduced Audio Magic Eraser in the Pixel 8 series and it's one of the easiest ways to fix issues like wind noise, enhance speech, and reduce the overall noise. All you need to do is go to Photos > Settings > Audio Eraser.
Gmail’s New “Insert” Tool Makes It Easier to Add Gemini Responses to Your Email
Anshuman Jain
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Gmail has introduced a new "Insert" option in Gemini-generated replies, allowing users to easily add AI-generated text to their message drafts. This feature, available in the latest version of the Gmail app. It saves time by eliminating the need to copy and paste text.
Stuck in a Game? Google’s Circle to Search Could Soon Help with That
Anshuman Jain
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Google is expanding its Circle to Search capability with a new Get Game Help feature. This will allow users to bring up Circle to Search, and use it to reverse image search a screenshot of your current game screen. However, it brings up a lot of questions related to its functionality and how effective it will be in practical use.
There are two ways to export bookmarks from Chrome — as an HTML file to later import it manually or by importing bookmarks automatically on your new browser. The latter is easier but exporting manually is a universal method that works regardless of whether your new browser supports importing from other browsers.
Google is adding a "Daily Listen" feature to the Discover feed that generates an AI podcast based on your news feed and interests. It's like a daily briefing, covering all the top stories from around the world.
From a new form factor to an improved software experience, there's a lot that Pixels did right this year, but there were a few things I was expecting from them that didn't happen. Things like better charging speeds, better performance, improvements to Pixel Watch's Fitbit integration, etc. Here are all the improvements I want in Pixels in 2025.
Google is introducing an "AI Mode" for search, showcasing AI-generated results as a separate option. This change may replace AI overviews on the search results page. The AI Mode will feature a chat window-like interface, links to sources, and a search box for follow-up questions.
Google Proposes to End Mandatory App Bundling on Android in Antitrust Case
Arjun Sha
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In the antitrust case, Google is proposing some remedies to end its monopolistic practices. It will unbundle Google apps and Android device manufacturers will have the freedom to choose Google apps individually. However, Google also maintains that it must be allowed to do deals with companies like Apple and Mozilla.
YouTube is testing a new voice comment feature, allowing users to record and share voice messages with a play button and transcript option. However, it's only available to a limited set of creators in the US, and they can only use it to reply to other comments in their videos.
Google is rolling out a new feature in ChromeOS M131 called Safety Reset. Using it will reset Chrome settings and shortcuts, disable extensions, and delete cookies. Although, Bookmarks, History, and Saved Passwords won't be affected.
Google is reportedly switching from Samsung to MediaTek modems for the Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 10 series. This change aims to improve network capabilities, a long-standing issue with the Pixel series. The Tensor G5 will also be manufactured by TSMC, replacing Samsung.
Google Announces Android XR OS, Teams Up With Samsung for “Project Moohan”
Abubakar Mohammed
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Google has finally unveiled its entry into the emerging market of virtual and augmented reality with Android XR OS. The new and upcoming OS will be powered by Gemini and will have a variety of Google apps. Android XR OS is a product of Google's collaboration with Samsung and Qualcommm.
Google Pixel 9a Full Specifications, Price Leaked Months Ahead of Launch
Anshuman Jain
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The Google Pixel 9a is rumored to feature a 6.285-inch Full HD plastic AMOLED display, Tensor G4 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128/256GB storage. It will have a dual-camera setup, 5,100mAh battery, and IP68 rating. The device is expected to be released in March with a price of $499 for the 128GB variant.
Sagnik Das Gupta
Gmail lets you send group emails by using both Google Contacts and Google Groups. To know how, take a look at this step-by-step guide here!