Android
New notification style coming to Android 16: Live Updates

If you’re waiting for your Uber ride, you might find yourself checking the app often or looking at your notifications to see how close the driver is. But iPhone users have it easier; they can use Live Activities to keep track without opening the app. Android doesn’t have this yet, but that’s about to change with Android 16‘s Live Updates.
Live Activities on iOS show live updates right on your screen, like tracking a flight or a food delivery. They appear at the top of the screen or on the lock screen. Android has notifications too, but they pop up and then go away, which isn’t as handy for ongoing events. Live Updates in Android 16 will solve this by keeping you updated without the hassle.
Google hasn’t given all the details about Live Updates yet, as it’s still being developed in Android 16 Beta 1. This update brings a new kind of notification that shows progress, like how close your Uber is or how far until your next turn in navigation apps. It’s like what Uber does, but now it’s easier for any app to do the same.
These new notifications will stand out more on your lock screen, especially since Android 16 is introducing a new way to show notifications where they’re tucked away until you tap them to see more. Live Updates won’t hide like that; they’ll be right there for you to see.
From what I’ve found in the Beta 1 code, Live Updates might always show up on your lock screen. The system calls them ‘live notifications’ for now, but it seems to be the same thing. These notifications might also appear as little icons in your status bar, making them even more noticeable, even when your screen is off.
This idea matches with some earlier news about a new way for apps to send ongoing notifications. I saw some test notifications that looked like small icons in the status bar, which is cool but still in the works. We might have to wait for more updates to see how Live Updates will work fully, but it’s clear Android is trying to make notifications both more useful and less annoying.
Android
Android 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
Android
Pixel Watch gets better media controls, and Android tests bubble bar for phones

Google is rolling out two new updates that aim to improve the experience on Android devices, including the Pixel Watch and Android phones.
First, the Pixel Watch is getting upgraded media controls. With the new update, users can now swipe between different media apps like Spotify and YouTube Music more easily. Instead of going back and forth through menus, you can just swipe left or right to switch apps. The update also adds a shortcut to quickly launch the full media app right from the watch. This makes listening to music or podcasts much smoother and faster.
Meanwhile, Google is testing a new feature for Android phones called the “bubble bar.” This new feature is meant to replace or enhance the current taskbar and app dock. It looks like a small floating bar with app icons, similar to bubbles. Users can easily switch between apps without going back to the home screen. The bubble bar could be especially helpful for larger-screen devices like foldables or tablets, making multitasking simpler.
These updates show how Google is working to make Android more user-friendly across different devices. While the Pixel Watch update is starting to roll out now, the bubble bar is still being tested, so it may take a while before it becomes available to everyone.
Android
Android Auto weather card not working for many users

Android Auto has recently had a small but annoying problem—its weather card isn’t showing up for many users. Usually, this feature shows the current temperature and weather condition in the top corner of the dashboard, which is helpful while driving. But now, for a lot of people, it’s either missing or just showing a blank space.
Reports about this issue have been popping up on Google’s support forums and Reddit over the past week. Some users say the card disappeared after a recent Android Auto update, while others noticed it went away without any changes to their apps or settings.
What’s odd is that Google hasn’t confirmed if this is a bug or a planned change. As of now, there’s no official fix or update. Some users tried restarting their phones, clearing cache, or reinstalling the app, but these steps didn’t work for everyone.
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Android Auto has had similar issues with the weather card in the past, which were usually fixed through updates. Until Google releases a fix or gives more info, users will just have to wait and hope the card comes back soon.
If you’re affected, it’s a good idea to keep your app and phone updated in case a fix rolls out.
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