Android
Google enhances Android multitasking with floating bubbles for all apps
Google is refining its approach to multitasking by expanding the use of its “bubbles” feature, which could soon allow any app to float on your screen, making Android even more flexible for users. Initially designed for messaging apps, the bubbles feature may evolve into a broader tool, offering more accessibility across different types of applications.
What Are Android Bubbles?
Originally, Google introduced “bubbles” to keep messaging apps readily accessible by allowing them to float over other apps. This means you can view and respond to messages without leaving the app you’re currently using. However, this functionality, while helpful, often gets overlooked. It’s linked to notifications, meaning you’d only see a bubble if a message or notification appeared.
The Next Big Step for Bubbles
A significant upgrade may be on the way. According to reports from Android Authority, Google is working on a feature—likely for Android 16—that will let users run any app in a bubble. This enhancement would allow apps to float on top of other windows, making multitasking easier and more dynamic. You could keep an app like a calculator, music player, or social media feed open while navigating other apps, improving productivity and ease of use.
This advancement was discovered in Android 15 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1), and the feature appears to be fully functional, suggesting that it could be rolled out sooner than expected. It may arrive in a future update before Android 16 officially launches.
How Would This Work?
For users of Pixel devices, the new feature might involve a “bubble button” on the app’s homescreen icon. By tapping this button, the app would switch to floating mode, placing it within a bubble that can hover over other applications. This transforms the bubbles from a messaging-only feature into a more comprehensive multitasking tool.
Google is also exploring a “bubble bar” for Android tablets, which would further streamline and organize these floating apps. This could make tablets an even more powerful platform for those who rely on multitasking, providing an efficient way to manage various applications simultaneously.
When Will This Feature Be Available?
While the timeline for this feature is not entirely clear, the fact that it’s fully functional behind the scenes hints at a possible earlier release. It could be part of an upcoming QPR update on Android 15, which typically introduces new features and refinements between major Android releases.
This visual upgrade represents Google’s continued push to improve user experience by making Android a more versatile and powerful tool. With the introduction of bubbles for all apps, multitasking on Android could be significantly enhanced, especially for those who rely on multiple apps at once.
Android
Android 15 QPR1 Bug: Mixed-up icons
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
Android
Google extends Android updates for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold, plus new fixes for Pixel 9 with Android 15 QPR1
Google has announced a significant extension to its Android OS update policy for the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold. These devices will now receive Android OS updates for five years, aligning them with Google’s commitment to long-term software support.
Extended Updates for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold
When Google introduced the Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 series, it expanded its software support to five years, including three years of OS updates and two additional years of security patches. However, the newer Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series offer seven years of updates. This raised questions about whether the Pixel 6 and 7 generations would get extended support.
Google has now confirmed that these devices, including the Pixel Fold, will receive five full years of OS and security updates. This policy applies from the date the device first launched on the Google Store in the U.S.
Updated Support Policy Summary:
- 7 Years of Updates: Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and future models.
- 5 Years of Updates: Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold.
- 3 Years of OS Updates, 5 Years of Security Updates: Pixel Tablet.
The change was hinted at earlier when Android 16 Developer Preview listed support for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Android 15 QPR1: New Fixes for Pixel Devices
Google has also started rolling out the first Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1) update for Android 15. This update brings fixes and improvements across various Pixel models. OTA and factory images are now available for supported devices, though on-device updates may take a bit longer to appear.
Fixes and Improvements
The Android 15 QPR1 update includes 16 fixes across multiple areas:
- Audio: Stability improvements and fixes for USB audio-related reboots.
- Bluetooth: Enhanced range for Pixel 9 devices.
- Camera: Stability improvements in certain scenarios.
- Display & Graphics: Fixes for green screen tint issues.
- System: General stability and performance improvements.
- Telephony: Improved network connection reliability.
- User Interface: Fixes for lockscreen wallpaper issues, dark mode stability, swipe actions, and notification background colors.
- Wi-Fi: Improved wireless performance and stability.
Device-Specific Builds
Global updates have been released for all supported Pixel devices, including localized builds for certain regions (e.g., Telstra in Australia and EMEA countries).
Final Thoughts
With extended update support and continuous fixes, Google is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing user experience across its Pixel lineup. These changes ensure that even older devices remain relevant and secure for longer periods, aligning with the company’s focus on sustainable and reliable technology.
Android
Google’s December Feature Drop: A roundup
Google has rolled out a new feature drop for Pixel devices, bringing several exciting updates to improve your user experience.
Pixel Screenshots: Smarter Than Ever
Pixel Screenshots is now more intelligent and helpful. It automatically categorizes screenshots into different groups like music, places, and products. You can easily search within these categories and take actions like adding events to your calendar or searching for products.
Gemini: A Versatile AI Assistant
Gemini is getting smarter with new features:
- Spotify Integration: You can now use voice commands to search and play music on Spotify.
- Chess Champ Gem: This new feature lets you play chess with Gemini, providing you with tips and strategies.
Google Contacts: A Fresh Look
The Google Contacts widget has a new design with circular avatars and more information displayed. It’s more visually appealing and easier to use.
These updates are designed to make your Pixel experience more efficient and enjoyable.
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