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Android to gain performance boost with more RAM and 16 KB page size

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Google

Key Points:

  1. Android’s switch to a 16 KB page size offers a 5-10% performance boost but uses 9% more memory.
  2. Google is working to make Android adaptable to different page sizes, improving app launch times, power efficiency, and system boot time.
  3. Full support for the 16 KB page size is expected in future Android devices with more RAM.

Google is enhancing Android’s performance by supporting a 16 KB page size, a change that’s now undergoing broader testing. This update, focused on memory management, could significantly speed up Android devices.

Every CPU has a memory management unit (MMU) that translates program addresses to physical memory locations, and this translation occurs based on page size. When the page size is larger—like 16 KB instead of the traditional 4 KB—the system has to do less work, reducing overhead. This leaves more processing power for tasks like rendering videos, playing games, and running applications smoothly.

Historically, Android was designed to run on a 4 KB page size. However, Google has discovered that switching to a 16 KB page size can lead to an overall performance improvement of 5-10%, although this does increase memory usage by about 9%. Here are some specific benefits:

  • Faster App Launches: Under memory pressure, app launch times improved by an average of 3.16%, with some apps seeing up to a 30% boost.
  • Lower Power Consumption: During app launches, devices used 4.56% less power on average.
  • Quicker Camera Start: Hot starts were 4.48% faster on average, while cold starts improved by 6.60%.
  • Improved System Boot Time: Boot times saw a 1.5% improvement, saving approximately 0.8 seconds.

With the upcoming Android 15, Google has redesigned the operating system to be flexible with different page sizes, allowing it to function well whether the device uses a 4 KB or 16 KB page size. However, developers will need to recompile their apps to take full advantage of the 16 KB page size, although the same app can still run on both 4 KB and 16 KB devices.

Developers can start testing this feature with the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. However, this “Boot with 16KB page size” option requires wiping the device and unlocking the bootloader, making it impractical for everyday use.

Google is collaborating with its SoC and OEM partners to extend this option to more devices soon and is also providing an x86_64 emulator for testing.

Although there are no Android devices currently in production or expected in the immediate future that support a 16 KB page size, Google anticipates that this change will align with the development of devices featuring larger amounts of RAM. As these devices emerge, the adoption of the 16 KB page size, and potentially even larger sizes, will become more common, leading to even greater performance improvements in Android devices.

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Android

Google apps and Android Auto get fresh looks and smart updates

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Android Auto

Google is bringing a cleaner and more modern design to many of its apps with the latest Material You changes. Apps like Google Calendar, Contacts, and others now have rounded corners, better spacing, and improved colors. These small updates make the apps look more polished and easier to use, especially on tablets and foldable phones. Google is quietly adding these updates through server-side changes, so users don’t need to download anything extra.

At the same time, Android Auto is also getting a helpful new feature. Google is testing built-in climate controls that let you adjust your car’s temperature and fan settings directly from the Android Auto screen. A demo shown by Google includes a new “Climate” button on the screen, which opens controls like temperature, fan speed, and even seat heaters.

This update is meant to reduce distractions while driving, as drivers won’t need to switch between different screens or reach for physical buttons. Google says the feature will work on cars that already support digital climate control systems.

Together, these changes show how Google is making its software not just prettier, but smarter and more user-friendly. Whether you’re checking your calendar or driving to work, these improvements are designed to make daily tasks easier and safer.

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Android

Google Pixel Weather app now shows pollen info in the US

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Google

Google is adding a new feature to its Pixel Weather app. Now, users in the United States can see pollen levels in their area. This update is especially helpful for people who have allergies and need to know when pollen is high.

In the Weather app, there’s a new section under the daily forecast that shows pollen conditions. It uses simple labels like “low,” “moderate,” and “high” so it’s easy to understand. This new feature pulls information from the same source that Google Search uses for pollen updates.

However, the new pollen section in the Pixel Weather app is only available in the US for now. If you’re outside the US, you won’t see the pollen data yet. Also, not every user may get it immediately, as Google is still rolling out the update.

To use the feature, you need to have the latest version of the Pixel Weather app, which comes built into Pixel devices. Google may expand this feature to more countries in the future, but there’s no official date yet.

Overall, this small update can make a big difference for users who want quick and easy access to local pollen conditions without searching separately.

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Android

Google updates Gboard emoji kitchen and Android Auto with new features

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Android Auto

Google is bringing some fresh updates to make Gboard and Android Auto even better.

Starting with Gboard, the Emoji Kitchen now has a new “Browse” section. This makes it easier for users to find different emoji sticker combos. You can tap on any emoji and instantly see all the creative mixes available. Plus, there’s a search bar to help you look for specific stickers. This new feature is rolling out first to Pixel devices, with other Android phones expected to get it in the coming months.

On the other hand, Android Auto is now getting the 14.3 beta update. Although there are no big changes yet, this version mainly focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance. Testers have noticed slight speed improvements, but no new features have been spotted so far. Google might be preparing for bigger changes in future updates.

Both these updates show that Google is working hard to make its apps smoother and easier to use. Gboard’s new browsing tool will make messaging more fun, while Android Auto’s small fixes are important for a better driving experience.

If you have a Pixel phone or are part of the Android Auto beta program, you might already see these updates. Otherwise, they should be available to more users soon.

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