Google has released Android 16 Beta 4.1, just a week after the Beta 4 update. This version focuses on fixing bugs and making the system more stable before the official Android 16 release, which is expected in the coming weeks.

One major issue that’s been fixed is with the “Continue using apps on other devices” feature. This tool lets users continue tasks from one device to another, like moving from a phone to a tablet. In Beta 4, it wasn’t working properly on tablets. That issue is now resolved.

Another fix in Beta 4.1 addresses a problem where some phones couldn’t connect to a cellular network, making calls and mobile data unavailable. That bug is now patched. Additionally, Google has fixed crashes that happened when opening the Wallpaper & Style settings and other small stability issues.

Android 16 is still in the platform stability phase. That means developers can test their apps with confidence that most features are now set and won’t change much. Google is getting closer to the final version, which should arrive by June or July.

The Beta 4.1 update is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold. Users already in the beta program will get it automatically. If you’re not part of the program, you can sign up through the Android Beta website to try it early.

This small update may not bring new features, but it helps make Android 16 more polished before its full launch.

Google’s new Pixel 9a is not only more affordable, but it’s also more repair-friendly, especially when it comes to replacing the battery. A recent teardown by YouTube channel PBKreviews revealed that the Pixel 9a’s battery is much easier to remove compared to previous models.

Instead of needing to pry and struggle with glue, the Pixel 9a includes pull tabs under the battery. These tabs let you safely lift the battery without damaging it. This is a big improvement from the Pixel 8a, which didn’t have these pull tabs, even though Google had added them to other Pixel 8 series models.

The teardown also showed that while the back of the phone is made of plastic and easy to open, you still need to take off the screen to reach the battery. Once inside, the Pixel 9a’s internal layout is simple, and many parts are held down with standard Phillips screws. That makes the phone more repairable overall.

In terms of performance, the Pixel 9a scored 7.5 out of 10 on the repairability scale from PBKreviews. That’s a solid score and shows Google is moving in the right direction when it comes to making its phones easier to fix.

In short, if you’re someone who likes to keep your phone longer or wants to repair it yourself, the Pixel 9a could be a great choice. Google seems to be taking steps to support right-to-repair, and that’s good news for users.

Google is rolling out a fresh design to many of its apps, thanks to the Material 3 Expressive update. Apps like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Drive are starting to show brighter colors and more personalized themes. Instead of sticking to the usual blue, Google is letting app icons and screens reflect your chosen background color. This makes the whole experience feel more modern and consistent across Android devices.

For example, Gmail’s red color might now shift to match your phone’s wallpaper style, whether it’s a bold or soft theme. Calendar, Docs, and Drive are also adopting these changes, giving users a cleaner and more dynamic look that feels more in sync with Android’s overall design.

Along with the design refresh, Google is also making it easier to use different Gemini AI models inside its apps. There’s a new “model picker” in the side panel of apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail. This feature lets you switch between the regular Gemini 1.5 model and Gemini 1.5 Pro, depending on your needs.

The model picker clearly shows which version you’re using and gives a short explanation of each one. While it’s currently available for those with Gemini for Workspace, a wider rollout is expected soon. With these updates, Google is making its apps not only look better but also smarter and more flexible for users.

Source/Via