Android
A sneak peek at live updates in Android 16

Google recently shared that Android 16 will bring a cool new feature called Live Updates. These are handy alerts for things happening right now, like tracking rideshare, getting food delivery updates, or following navigation. The magic happens with a new kind of notification that shows a progress bar—sometimes split into parts—moving as the task goes on. Google hasn’t shown us what these look like yet, but I’ve dug into it and made my own video to give you a first look at Live Updates in Android 16.
Earlier, we mentioned that Live Updates might appear as small tags in the status bar or stay visible on the always-on display. But in Android 16 Beta 2, this isn’t fully working yet. The tools to make these progress notifications exist, but the system still treats them like regular alerts instead of Live Updates.
I switched on the hidden Live Updates feature in Android 16 Beta 2 to see it in action. Using a test app from developer Viktor Mykhailiv, I created a progress notification. To make it show up boldly on the always-on display and as a tag in the status bar, I tweaked the app to mark the notification as “ongoing”—a must for Live Updates. I also used a new Android 16 tool to add short, key text for the status bar tag.
With these fixes, the app showed real Live Updates, not just basic progress alerts. My video shows how they look in the status bar, notification area, and always-on display. When a Live Update pops up as a tag in the status bar, other icons disappear. Tapping it pulls up the full alert below. In the notification list, it sits above other alerts but below the music player.
On the always-on display, it shows fully outlined, unlike regular alerts that stay as icons. On the lock screen, it’s the only alert not tucked away in Android 16’s new notification shelf. Apps can start using Live Updates without you doing anything—they’ll work automatically for ongoing alerts with short, important details. If an app overuses it, you can turn it off in Settings under “show live info.” The look might still change, but with the next beta being more stable, big shifts seem unlikely before Beta 3.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

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.
Android
Google’s New Updates: Gemini 2.5 Pro, Android 16 features, and Messages change

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.
Android
Here’s what’s new with Google Keep and Android Automotive apps

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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