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Android Updates: Improved cameras, phone app, lock screen, and Gemini performance

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Several updates are coming to Android, impacting cameras, the Phone app, lock screen customization, and Gemini’s capabilities.

Enhanced Low-Light Photography with Android 16

Android 16 will introduce a “Night Mode Indicator API,” helping camera and social media apps better detect low-light conditions. This API will provide apps with three states: “Unknown” (if lighting conditions can’t be determined), “Off” (sufficient light), and “On” (low light, suggesting Night Mode). This will allow apps like Instagram to automatically recommend Night Mode when needed, improving photo quality in dark environments. This feature could be integrated into apps as early as June 2025, coinciding with Android 16’s expected release.

Pixel Phone App Gets Prominent Audio Emoji Button

Google is testing a more prominent placement for audio emojis in the Pixel Phone app. A large “Audio Emoji” button is being tested above the keypad, making it easier to access during calls. This change is currently in beta testing and may not be immediately available to all users.

More Lock Screen Customization Coming to Android

Android is preparing more granular lock screen clock customization. Beyond the current options for clock style, color, and size, future updates will allow users to adjust weight, width, roundness, and slant. This enhanced customization is being developed in the latest Android 15 beta, although a release date is not yet confirmed.

Gemini “2.0 Experimental Advanced” Offers Improved Performance

Gemini Advanced subscribers now have access to “2.0 Experimental Advanced,” a new model offering significantly improved performance on complex tasks like coding, math, reasoning, and instruction following. This model, designated “Gemini-Exp-1206,” is designed for tackling complex coding challenges, solving mathematical problems, and providing detailed instructions. It’s currently at the top of the Chatbot Arena LLM Leaderboard. It may not function perfectly as an experimental feature and lacks real-time information access and compatibility with some Gemini features. This is available through the $19.99/month Google One AI Premium subscription.

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Android

Android 16 may let you see notifications and settings side by side

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Android 16 Image

A new leak shows that the next big update to Android, called Android 16, might change how you look at your phone’s alerts and controls. Right now, when you pull down the top of your screen, you see either your notifications or the quick settings panel, but not both at the same time. The leak suggests Android 16 could let you see both together, side by side, when you swipe down from the top.

This new look would be helpful for people who want to check their messages and change settings quickly. It would mean less swiping and more info at a glance. The leak comes from someone who looks at Android’s code and shares new features before they are officially announced. The images in the leak show a split view, with notifications on one side and quick settings on the other.

This idea is still in testing, so it might not make it to the final version of Android 16. But if it does, it could make using your phone a bit easier and faster. The update is expected to come out later this year, and more details will be shared as we get closer to the launch. For now, this leak gives us a peek at what might be coming next for Android phones.

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Android

Android Automotive now lets you use video and audio apps more easily

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Android Automotive

Google has made it easier for people to use video and audio apps in cars that run Android Automotive. Now, car makers can let drivers and passengers use more types of media apps, making car rides more fun and useful.

Before, Android Automotive only allowed certain apps for music, podcasts, and radio. With the new updates, car makers can now add video apps like YouTube and other streaming services. This means you can watch videos when the car is parked, such as while charging an electric vehicle or waiting for someone. Google is also letting more audio apps work in cars, so you can listen to audiobooks, news, and other audio content.

To keep everyone safe, video apps will only work when the car is not moving. Audio apps, on the other hand, can be used while driving, as long as they don’t distract the driver. Google is working closely with car companies to make sure these apps run smoothly and safely.

These changes are part of Google’s plan to make Android Automotive a better system for both drivers and passengers. By adding more ways to enjoy music, videos, and other content, car rides can be more entertaining and comfortable for everyone.

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Android Auto gets better music and podcast apps after Google IO 2025

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Android Auto

Google recently announced some big improvements to Android Auto at Google I/O 2025, especially for people who use music and podcast apps in their cars. These changes are meant to make it easier and safer to listen to your favorite songs and shows while driving.

Now, media apps on Android Auto will look and work more like the apps on your phone. For example, you’ll see bigger album covers, better controls, and more helpful information on the screen. If you use apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Audible, you’ll notice that it’s simpler to find and play what you want.

Another cool update is that Android Auto will now show suggestions for things you might want to listen to next, based on your habits. This means you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your drive.

Google also made it easier for app developers to update their apps for Android Auto. This should mean more apps get these new features soon.

Overall, these updates are designed to make listening to music and podcasts in your car smoother and more enjoyable, so you can focus on the road and have a better driving experience.

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