Android
LineageOS 22 arrives with Android 15 and a host of enhancements
The modding community has just received a shot in the arm. LineageOS, the titan of custom Android ROMs, has officially unveiled its latest iteration: LineageOS 22. This release, based on Android 15 QPR1, brings a wealth of new features, performance enhancements, and, perhaps most excitingly, official support for the entire Pixel 9 series.
For those unfamiliar, LineageOS offers a refined, bloat-free Android experience, often extending the lifespan of devices beyond their manufacturer’s official support. With over 1.5 million installations worldwide, its impact on the Android ecosystem is undeniable. Now, Pixel 9 owners can experience this freedom and flexibility firsthand.
Pixel 9 Family Joins the LineageOS Fold
After a wait of a few months following the Pixel 9’s release, LineageOS 22 now officially supports all variants: the Pixel 9 (tokay), Pixel 9 Pro (caiman), Pixel 9 Pro XL (komodo), and even the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (comet). This means users of these devices can now unlock their full potential with a clean, customizable Android experience.
While the Pixel 9 series is still under Google’s robust support umbrella for the next six years, LineageOS offers a different kind of longevity. For enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their devices and pushing them to their limits, this release is a game-changer. It also raises an interesting question: could LineageOS extend the usable life of these Tensor-powered Pixels beyond Google’s own timeline? Only time will tell how the hardware withstands the test of time and continuous use, but the dedicated LineageOS team’s commitment offers a promising outlook.
LineageOS 22: What’s New Under the Hood?
This isn’t just a simple Android 15 port. LineageOS 22 brings a suite of improvements and additions, building upon the foundation of Android 15 QPR1. Among the highlights:
- A Brand New Music Player: “Twelve”: Say goodbye to the old “Eleven” player. “Twelve” is a complete overhaul, boasting a modern Material You design, dedicated landscape mode for tablets and foldables, and support for various music library server protocols like Subsonic and Jellyfin. This offers users greater flexibility in managing and enjoying their music collections.
Integrated PDF Reader: Addressing limitations with the Jelly browser, LineageOS 22 now includes a native PDF reader. This eliminates the need for users to download separate apps for simple document viewing.
Redesigned Download Page: The LineageOS download portal has received a visual refresh, featuring a dark theme for the first time. It also offers improved navigation for downloading device images and a new feature for verifying downloaded files, even those not directly from the official repository.
Under-the-Hood Optimizations: Beyond the visible changes, LineageOS 22 includes numerous under-the-hood tweaks and enhancements inherited from the QPR1 update. These include improvements to charging limits, pseudo desktop mode functionality (especially relevant for devices like the Pixel Tablet), and a host of other refinements that enhance the overall user experience.
A Step Ahead of the Curve
LineageOS 22’s arrival before the end of 2024 marks a significant shift compared to previous releases. This early launch allows users running LineageOS 21 to upgrade to Android 15 well ahead of the new year. The release is based on Android 15 QPR1, designated as LineageOS 22.1 rather than 22.0, aligning with Google’s “minor SDK releases” update naming scheme. The team even hinted at LineageOS 23.2 as part of the proposed Android 16 25Q4 release cycle, showing a clear commitment to staying current with Google’s updates.
A Community-Driven Effort
With over 100 devices now supported by LineageOS 22, and an additional 50 supporting the previous LineageOS 21 build, the project’s reach is impressive. This is a testament to the dedication and passion of the LineageOS development team and the vibrant community that supports it.
While downloads weren’t immediately available at the time of the announcement, they are expected to roll out in the coming days. Enthusiasts eager to get their hands on LineageOS 22 for their Pixel 9 devices can monitor the official LineageOS download pages for updates.
LineageOS 22 represents more than just a software update; it’s a testament to the power of open-source development and the desire for greater control over our devices. It breathes new life into existing hardware, offering a fresh, customizable, and often more enduring Android experience. For Pixel 9 owners looking to push the boundaries of their devices, LineageOS 22 is an exciting prospect indeed.
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 has just rolled out some exciting updates across its services and apps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new and what it means for you.
Gemini 2.5 Pro is here
Google has launched Gemini 2.5 Pro, the latest version of its AI model. This upgrade brings smarter and faster responses, making it easier for users to get helpful answers. Gemini 2.5 Pro is now available in Google’s AI Studio and Vertex AI, so developers can build even better tools and apps using this technology.
Android 16 brings more customization
Android 16 is adding new ways to personalize your phone. One of the standout features is the ability to hide the clock on your lock screen, giving you a cleaner look if you want it. This is part of Google’s push to let users make their phones feel more unique. There’s also a new animation for the power button, making the experience smoother and more modern when you turn your phone on or off.
Google Messages removes the unsubscribe button
If you use Google Messages, you might notice that the “Unsubscribe” button is gone from some business messages. Google has removed this feature, so users now have to find other ways to stop unwanted texts. This change might make it a bit harder to manage spam, but Google hasn’t said why the option was removed.
What does this mean for you
These updates show that Google is focused on making its products smarter and more personal. Whether you’re using AI tools, customizing your phone, or managing your messages, you’ll see some changes that aim to improve your experience.
Google Keep is getting a fresh look with the new Material You design, making it more colorful and easier to use on Wear OS smartwatches. The update brings bigger buttons and clearer text, so you can quickly jot down notes or check your lists right from your wrist. This makes Google Keep more handy when you’re on the go and don’t want to pull out your phone.
On another front, Android Automotive is improving how apps show information while you drive. Instead of opening full apps, you’ll see simple cards on your car’s screen that give you important details at a glance.
These cards help keep your focus on the road by showing things like music controls, navigation updates, or reminders without distractions. This new card system is designed to work smoothly with apps like media players and navigation tools, making your driving experience safer and more convenient.
Together, these updates show Google’s effort to make its apps smarter and easier to use in everyday life, whether you’re walking around with your smartwatch or driving your car. The focus is on clear, simple designs that help you get things done quickly without hassle.
In short, Google Keep’s new look on Wear OS and the smart cards in Android Automotive are small but useful changes that make tech fit better into your daily routine.
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