Android
Trouble with Google Home on new Android 16 beta

It’s only been a few days since the first test version of Android 16 came out, and even though it’s not packed with problems, there are a few things that need fixing soon. These include problems when you switch between apps, some visual mix-ups, and apps that aren’t behaving properly.
The biggest issue reported so far is with the Google Home app. It’s causing a lot of trouble for people using the new Android 16 test version by not letting them control their smart homes.
I’m using Android 16 Beta 1 on my Pixel 8, and the Google Home app just won’t work. It crashes every time I try to open it, which didn’t happen with the last version, Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3. Many others are facing the same problem, as seen on Reddit and Google’s IssueTracker. Adding to the frustration, the Google Home widget doesn’t work either, showing an error message saying “widget not supported.”
Some have tried to fix it by removing and then reinstalling the app, but it doesn’t work for everyone. I’ve had the same experience – the app works for a bit after reinstalling, but then it crashes again. Others have tried stopping the app and clearing its cache, but that doesn’t solve it for me either.
One user described, “This morning my Home app keeps crashing every time I try to open it. It starts to load and then just shuts down with no error message.” Another said, “Reinstalling only helps for a short time before the app starts crashing again.”
However, it’s not all bad news. Not everyone’s Google Home app is broken with this update. Some colleagues at AP say their app still works fine, whether or not they’re in the preview program.
Google has recognized the problem, with a reply in IssueTracker dated January 23 saying, “Thank you for reporting this issue. We have passed it on to our team and will share more as we have updates.”
If you depend on Google Home for your daily smart home control, you might want to wait on installing this Android 16 beta. If you’ve already updated, keep an eye out for any new fixes coming soon.
Android
Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Android
New updates for YouTube, Gemini, and Google Home apps

Google is rolling out exciting changes to its YouTube, Gemini, and Google Home apps, making them more user-friendly and packed with cool features. These updates, announced in May 2025, aim to improve how you watch videos, edit images, and control your smart home.
The YouTube app for TVs is getting a fresh look. You’ll see better video previews, easier ways to subscribe to channels, and a smoother interface for browsing playlists and comments. Autoplay will also work smarter, keeping you hooked on your favorite content without extra clicks. These changes will hit your screens by summer 2025, perfect for binge-watching on Google TV or Android TV.
Meanwhile, the Gemini app now lets you edit images like a pro. Want to change a photo’s background or add fun elements? Just type what you want, and Gemini’s AI makes it happen while keeping the original picture intact. It even adds a small “ai” watermark to show it’s edited. This feature is available in the U.S. and works on both uploaded and AI-made images, with more countries getting access soon.
The Google Home app (version 3.32) is also stepping up. It now supports more smart devices, like cameras and doorbells, and offers quicker controls for lights and thermostats. A new “Activity” tab lets you see what’s happening with your devices in one place, making your smart home easier to manage.
These updates show Google’s focus on making its apps simpler and more powerful, whether you’re streaming, creating, or managing your home. Keep an eye out for these changes to enhance your daily tech experience
Android
Google Pixel phone and watch update for May 2025 brings fixes and a fresh app look

Google is rolling out its May 2025 software update for Pixel devices, making things smoother for phones, tablets, and the Pixel Watch app. This update is all about fixing bugs and adding a small but nice change for Pixel Watch users. It’s available for devices running Android 15, like the Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 series, and Pixel Tablet. The rollout started on May 7, 2025, and will reach devices over the next week, depending on your carrier.
For Pixel phones and tablets, the update tackles three key issues: better microphone recording, improved Bluetooth pairing, and general performance tweaks. It also includes 28 security fixes, with one possibly being targeted by hackers, so updating soon is a good idea. If you have a Pixel 6 or 8, note that this update locks the bootloader, meaning you can’t go back to older software versions.
On the Pixel Watch side, there’s no major device update this month, but the Pixel Watch app on Android now has a light theme option. This gives the app a brighter, cleaner look, making it easier to use in different lighting.
Google might share more about Wear OS at I/O 2025, but for now, the app’s new style is a welcome touch. To get the update, check your device settings. Pixel users can expect a notification soon, but you can also manually check for it. Stay updated for a better, safer experience.
-
Apps1 year ago
Gboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year ago
Samsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year ago
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News1 year ago
Satellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps12 months ago
Google’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
Apps10 months ago
Google Contacts app testing new Besties Widget