YouTube TV adds resizable Miniplayer on Android and Pixel users struggle with quick phrases bug
YouTube TV for Android just introduced a new resizable, picture-in-picture (PiP) style mini player, offering a smoother and more user-friendly experience. Meanwhile, some Pixel users are battling a frustrating notification bug caused by a glitch in Google Assistant’s Quick Phrases feature. Here’s a breakdown of both updates.
YouTube TV’s Resizable Miniplayer on Android
YouTube TV is catching up with its main YouTube app by rolling out a redesigned in-app miniplayer for Android phones and tablets. This update brings a picture-in-picture (PiP)-style player that improves usability and aligns with the broader YouTube ecosystem.
What’s New in the Miniplayer?
- The new miniplayer now functions like a PiP window within the app.
- It includes play/pause buttons, 15-second rewind/skip controls, and a close option in the corner.
- A central button allows users to expand the miniplayer back to full-screen mode.
- The player supports pinch-to-zoom, letting you adjust its size and even stretch it to span the full screen width.
This upgrade is a significant improvement over the old miniplayer, which displayed only a narrow bar at the bottom with limited controls. Now, browsing through YouTube TV while watching live TV or videos feels much more intuitive.
Update Rollout Details
The redesigned miniplayer is included in version 8.47.0 of the YouTube TV Android app. This change unifies the interface across YouTube apps and makes multitasking while streaming content more enjoyable.
Pixel Phones Hit by Persistent Quick Phrases Bug
While YouTube TV is improving, Pixel users are dealing with a persistent bug linked to Google Assistant’s Quick Phrases. This issue is causing repeated and stuck notifications that interfere with regular phone use.
What Are Quick Phrases?
Quick Phrases simplify voice commands for tasks like stopping alarms or answering calls. For example, saying “Stop” can silence an alarm, and “Answer” can pick up a call—no “Hey Google” needed.
The Notification Glitch
The problem arises when Quick Phrases notifications refuse to disappear, even after completing the task. Here’s what users are reporting:
- Alarms and Timers: The “Say Stop” prompt remains on the screen after alarms are turned off.
- Incoming Calls: A toast notification asking users to “Say ‘Answer’” stays on the screen even after calls are answered or dismissed.
This issue has been spotted across various Pixel devices, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, on both stable and beta versions of Android 15.
How It Impacts Users
The stuck notifications can lock up areas of the screen, block the caller ID, or persist on the lock screen, making them not only annoying but also disruptive.
What’s Causing the Bug?
The glitch appears to stem from the Google app, which powers features like Gemini and Google Assistant. Since the issue is tied to this app, it’s not dependent on specific Pixel models or Android versions.
Workarounds and Fixes
Until Google releases a permanent fix, users can try the following solutions:
- Restart the Device: A simple reboot can temporarily clear the notifications.
- Force-Stop the Google App:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google.
- Select Force Stop to reset the app.
- Disable Quick Phrases:
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Navigate to Quick Phrases and turn them off for specific tasks.
While force-stopping offers a temporary solution, disabling Quick Phrases altogether prevents the issue from recurring.
Conclusion
With YouTube TV’s improved miniplayer, Android users get a better viewing experience. However, Pixel owners facing the Quick Phrases bug are left waiting for Google to roll out a fix. In the meantime, temporary solutions can help manage the glitch, but it’s clear that a robust update from Google is needed to resolve this annoyance completely.
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 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 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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