Google’s spooky Halloween audio emoji and Google Search’s new recipe feature

Google is gearing up for exciting updates, bringing a fun twist to its Phone app and a practical new feature to Google Search. With Halloween around the corner and AI-driven improvements in search functionality, here’s what you can expect.
Spooky Sounds on Google’s Phone App
Earlier this year, Google introduced an interesting “Audio Emojis” feature in its Pixel 8a phone app. This feature acts as a soundboard, adding playful sound effects to phone calls. Over time, it expanded to other Pixel devices, and now, as Halloween approaches, Google is adding a spooky new sound to celebrate the season.
A Halloween-themed Audio Emoji has been spotted in a beta version of the Google Phone app (version 149.0.682953539-publicbeta-pixel2024). This eerie sound effect includes a sinister laugh, a shrieking cat, and the crash of thunder, all designed to give your phone calls a creepy twist. When activated, it temporarily replaces the “party sound” in the Audio Emoji menu, though it’s unclear if this change will be permanent once the sound officially rolls out.
While there’s no confirmed release date, the spooky sound will likely be available to users ahead of Halloween on October 31. This update adds a fun, seasonal touch to your phone calls, making it something worth trying out before the end of the month.
Google Search is Testing Recipe Integration in Feed
In addition to the fun updates to its phone app, Google is also working on something more practical in Google Search. The company has been experimenting with ways to present more useful information directly within the search results, without requiring users to click through to different websites. One of the latest features being tested is a new way to display full cooking recipes directly within the Google Search feed.
This test builds on Google’s broader effort to make search results more interactive and AI-driven. For tasks like finding a recipe, users can now get all the details they need directly from the feed, saving them time and reducing the need to visit external sites. It’s part of Google’s push to keep users engaged within their platform while offering more immediate value.
The AI-powered feature, once known as the AI Overview, was an earlier attempt to enrich the search experience but didn’t quite hit the mark. Now, Google appears to be focusing on practical applications like cooking recipes as the next step in refining how people use Search.
No Rollout Date Yet, But Changes Are Coming
The recipe feature is still in its testing phase, so it’s hard to say when (or if) it will roll out widely. Like many experimental features, it could see several changes before its official release, and there’s no confirmed launch date yet. But if Google’s tests are successful, this could be a useful addition for anyone looking to streamline their cooking or meal-planning processes.
What’s Next for Google?
As Google continues to innovate and integrate AI into its products, users can expect more useful, engaging features in their favorite apps. Whether it’s seasonal sound effects in your calls or full recipes at your fingertips, Google is finding new ways to make technology both fun and practical.
In conclusion, whether you’re excited for the spooky sounds on Halloween or looking forward to easier access to recipes, Google is working to enhance your experience in ways both big and small. Keep an eye out for these updates as they roll out.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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