Pixel Watch update and Quick Phrases bug

Google Pixel Watch’s New Concentric Face Still Missing, but Hints Appear Again
Google recently showcased an updated version of the Concentric watch face for the Pixel Watch, but it hasn’t officially launched yet. This refreshed design first appeared in October during the unveiling of the Pixel Watch 3 and features a ring of complications—something missing from the current fullscreen Dial I and Dial II layouts.
Last week, Google teased this updated Concentric face again during its Black Friday promotions, this time in always-on display (AOD) mode. The design appears nearly identical to the existing version but adds functionality for up to four complications.
Why the Concentric Face Matters
Complications are small widgets that display useful information, like weather, heart rate, or battery status. Adding these to the Concentric face transforms it from a purely aesthetic option to a more practical one, which could make it a favorite for daily use.
This isn’t Google’s first attempt at redesigning Pixel Watch faces. Earlier this year, they revamped the Track face and introduced new ones like Active and Field. While the Track redesign brought more complications, some users felt it strayed too far from Google’s Material You design philosophy.
The delayed release of the Concentric update, despite being shown months ago, is surprising. Some speculate it could arrive with the next Pixel Feature Drop. However, the recent random launch of the Performance Loop Band suggests Google’s rollouts can be unpredictable.
Google Assistant’s Quick Phrases Bug Frustrates Pixel Users
Meanwhile, a growing number of Pixel users are reporting issues with Google Assistant’s Quick Phrases feature. Introduced with the Pixel 6, Quick Phrases let you perform simple actions without saying “Hey Google.” For example:
- Say “Stop” or “Snooze” to control alarms and timers.
- Say “Answer” or “Decline” for incoming calls.
Recently, users have noticed that the on-screen Quick Phrases prompts—like “Say ‘Stop’ or ‘Snooze’”—linger even after the command is recognized. In some cases, the prompt appears randomly, sometimes after an alarm or while using apps like Gboard.
Troubleshooting and Workarounds
Users have tried disabling Quick Phrases under Google app > Settings > Google Assistant > Quick Phrases, but results are mixed. Restarting the phone temporarily clears the issue for some, but the problem often reappears.
Reports suggest the bug is present across multiple versions of Android, including stable Android 15, QPR1 Beta 3.1, and QPR2 Beta 1. It seems linked to the Google app itself, with both stable (version 15.46) and beta (15.47) versions being affected. Since Google Assistant is powered by the app, this is likely an app or server-side issue.
Quick Phrases: A Feature in Need of Updates
Since its launch, Quick Phrases haven’t received significant updates. The last major addition came a year ago, enabling call controls for the Pixel Buds Pro. This lack of updates and the recent bug underscore the need for Google to enhance and stabilize the feature.
What’s Next for Google Users?
- Pixel Watch Users: Stay tuned for the next Feature Drop, which could finally bring the updated Concentric face. In the meantime, new bands like the Performance Loop Band are available to enhance the watch’s functionality and style.
- Pixel Phone Users: If you’re experiencing Quick Phrases issues, temporary workarounds might help, but a fix will likely require a Google app update.
Google’s hardware and software ecosystem continues to grow, but these hiccups show there’s room for improvement in ensuring seamless updates and bug fixes.
Source – 9To5Google, 9To5Google
New Gemini 2.5 Pro: A sneak peek at Google’s latest experiment

Google has just rolled out an early version of Gemini 2.5 Pro, and it’s already making waves. This new model is still in testing, but it’s showing off some impressive skills. People who’ve tried it say it’s faster and smarter than earlier versions, especially when handling tricky questions or big chunks of information.
The Gemini 2.5 Pro is built to tackle all kinds of tasks—like writing, coding, and even figuring out complex stuff. What’s cool is how quick it responds, which makes it feel more helpful for everyday use. Google says this is just a starting point, and they’re working to make it even better based on what users think.
Right now, only a small group of testers can play with it through Google’s experimental platform. They’re digging into how it works with things like text, numbers, and code. Early feedback hints that it’s a step up from older models, though it’s not perfect yet. Some say it shines brightest when dealing with detailed or creative jobs.
Google hasn’t shared all the details about what’s under the hood, but they’re hinting at big upgrades in how it processes info. The goal? To make a tool that’s super sharp and easy to use for everyone. As testing goes on, we’ll likely hear more about what Gemini 2.5 Pro can do. For now, it’s an exciting glimpse at what’s coming next from Google!
Android
Android Auto’s new update gets Ready for Gemini

Google recently rolled out Android Auto version 14.0, and it’s paving the way for something big—Gemini integration. This update doesn’t bring flashy new features for users to play with right away, but it’s doing important behind-the-scenes work.
The main focus? Getting the app ready to team up with Google’s Gemini AI system. According to experts who peeked into the update’s code, Android Auto is setting up to use Gemini’s smarts down the road. This could mean better voice commands, sharper answers, or even a more helpful driving buddy.
For now, though, things look the same when you connect your phone to your car. The changes are mostly hidden, preparing for a future where Gemini takes the wheel—figuratively, of course!
This update also keeps Android Auto running smoothly with the latest Android phones. It fixes small bugs and makes sure everything works like it should.
While there’s no official word yet on when Gemini will fully join the party, this step shows Google’s big plans for smarter driving tech. If you’ve got Android Auto, your phone might already have this update—or it’ll show up soon through the Google Play Store. It’s a quiet one, but it’s laying the groundwork for exciting stuff ahead. So, next time you plug in, know your car’s system is getting a little brainier, even if it’s not showing off just yet!
Google’s “Pixie” Assistant might have turned into something else

Back in 2023, there was a buzz about Google working on a new helper called “Pixie” for its Pixel phones. People thought it would launch with the Pixel 9, but that didn’t happen. Now, a fresh report from The Information says Pixie was real—an AI tool meant to handle tricky tasks across different apps using Google’s Gemini tech. It was supposed to be a Pixel-only feature, making life easier by pulling info from stuff like Gmail and Maps.
But here’s the twist: Google changed its plans. The big bosses, including Sundar Pichai, didn’t want Pixie to steal the spotlight from Gemini, their main AI assistant for all Android devices. So, they shrank Pixie’s role. Instead of being a full-on helper, parts of it seem to have morphed into “Pixel Screenshots,” a handy app (package name: com.google.android.apps.pixel.agent) that organizes and sums up your screenshots.
Another rumor mentions “Pixel Sense,” which might also borrow from Pixie’s ideas but focuses on smart suggestions rather than being a chatty assistant.
While Pixie’s grand dreams got toned down, its spirit lives on in these smaller, useful features. Google seems keen on keeping Gemini as the star while sprinkling Pixie’s magic into Pixel-specific tools. We’ll have to wait and see if more of Pixie pops up in future updates!
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