Android
Android 16 Beta 3.1 boosts Pixel speed and fixes bugs, Wear OS 5.1 hits LTE Pixel Watches

Just days after its big launch, Google has started sending out Android 16 Beta 3.1 to Pixel phones and tablets. This update tackles some annoying problems that were messing with everyday use.
The update, labeled BP22.250221.013, comes with the March 2025 security fix. It works on tons of Pixel models, like the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
It fixes a bug that made the Settings app crash over and over when the phone wasn’t set to English. Another fix stops the screen brightness from jumping between app settings and the phone’s auto or manual settings. It also solves a battery-draining issue caused by the processor working too hard and stops memory leaks that slow things down. On a Pixel 9, the update is a tiny 6.70 MB download.
If your device is in the Android Beta for Pixel program, you’ll get this update wirelessly. Meanwhile, the Wear OS 5.1 update is now rolling out to LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 3 and 2, plus the first Pixel Watch. Two weeks back, it hit a third of devices, but now it’s ready for more. Before this, only the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Pixel Watch 2 and 3 had it. Built on Android 15, this update also reaches LTE models and the older Pixel Watch.
For the watches, the update codes are BP1A.250305.019.W2 for the Pixel Watch 1 and BP1A.250305.019.W3 for the 2 and 3. The delay might be because of carrier checks, and the first watch uses an older chip. Wear OS 5.1 brings easier logins with passwords or services like Google Sign-In.
Apps can now play music through the watch speaker. Google swapped the yellow accent color for gray in some spots and added a simpler Settings > Modes menu. There’s also a new option for developers to keep the clock clear when the wrist is down. Other perks, like better health tracking and YouTube Music controls, are coming through app updates.
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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