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Google is working on an 'Enhanced HDR brightness' setting that lets you control how much HDR content brightens your Pixel's screen This new setting will be found under Settings > Display & touch > Enhanced HDR brightness and includes a toggle to disable HDR support entirely as well as a slider to adjust the HDR effect's intensity. The page includes a standard image and a HDR image to compare the before/after. This setting isn't available in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 but will likely be available later. 🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-enhanced-hdr-brightness-setting-3563653/

Google is working on an 'Ambient AOD' feature that shows the lock screen wallpaper on the always-on display Many Android smartphones can show the lock screen wallpaper on the AOD, but Pixel phones currently cannot. Google experimented with this feature way back with the Pixel 3 but dropped it in future devices. Now, Google looks to be testing an 'Ambient AOD' feature in Android 16 QPR1 that blurs the lock screen wallpaper and shows it on the AOD. This feature will be optional and controlled by a new "show lock screen wallpaper" setting. However, it may not be available on current Pixels due to a screen flickering problem, so it could be a Pixel 10 exclusive. You can see the feature in action at the video linked below or read the source article for more information. 📹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFvtV2uvIxE 🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/wallpaper-on-aod-android-16-qpr1-3563717/

🎨 Google is working on a Pixel themes feature The new Wallpaper & Style app in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 has a hidden "Themes" button with the description "Discover Pixel themes." It's uncertain what and how many themes will be available, as well as whether Google will only provide preset themes or let you create and share your own, but this is exciting nonetheless. More details can be found in the source link. 🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-themes-leak-3562392/

📱Google is still working on splitting Android's notifications & Quick Settings panels, but it'll be optional Last week's release of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 brought a new Quick Settings panel design, but it didn't bring the previously leaked split panel design. However, Google hasn't abandoned the split panel design, as Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 has a hidden settings menu for choosing the panel layout. The current layout is called "combined (classic)" and it allows you to "swipe down from the top of your screen to access the classic panel that combines notifications and Quick Settings." The new layout is called "separate" and it lets you "swipe down from the top right to open Quick Settings. Swipe down from the top left to open notifications." More background info can be found in the source link. 🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-split-quick-settings-3562165/

Pixel devices will finally get native flashlight strength adjustment. While Android has had an API for flashlight brightness control since Android13, Google only used it in the Camera and Magnifier apps. Until now, Pixel owners had to rely on third-party apps that utilizes this API to adjust Pixel's flashlight intensity. But that could change soon, as Google is working on integrating a "Flashlight Strength" slider directly into the quick settings tile. When active, the tile will even show the current brightness percentage. The brightness adjustment menu is invoked by either tapping the right side of the tile (for the wide variant) or holding the tile (for the shortened tile variant), which immediately turns on the flashlight. We'll probably see this change in Android 16 QPR1. 😎 Google News | En

Pixel devices may get updated system sounds. 🔊 In future system updates, Google may change the system interaction sounds, which include: unlock/lock screen, screenshot, tap on the screen, tap on keyboard elements, and charging connection / low battery. The new sounds will likely be introduced in one of the quarterly updates. 😎 Google News | En

Pixel devices will get the option to choose the vibration pattern of ringtones and notifications. In the upcoming March Pixel Drop, the Pixel Sounds system app will get a new 'Vibrations' tab. Here you'll be able to choose the way your phone vibrates separately…

Pixel Watches are getting a November security patch. Pixel Watch 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation devices are getting a November 2024 software update. For Pixel Watch 3 and others who have already managed to update to Wear OS 5, this update only contains a security…

The March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop based on the stable Android 15 QPR2 has been released. As always, the quarterly update introduces new features in Google apps in conjunction with the release of Android 15 QPR2. The official list of new features: • Connected…

Pixel Recorder app will automatically generate transcripts for your recordings in the cloud. With the new update to version 4.2.20241220, the app has received an 'Auto transcribe' option for audio files copied to the cloud with missing transcript. This feature builds on the previously added “Transcribe again” feature, which transcribes text using cloud-based algorithms rather than local device models. The feature is part of the March Pixel Feature Drop and is available for Pixel 6 and newer. 😎 Google News | En

📷 Pixel 9 series has gained the ability to connect external cameras. The new Connected Cameras feature allows for seamless capture or live streaming using remote cameras. A camera selection tool will appear on the screen to switch between them. • Devices you can connect as a remote camera: Pixel 6 and newer, GoPro 10 and newer (with updated software) • Supported apps: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok You can activate the feature under Settings / Connected Devices / Connected preferences / Connected cameras. The latest versions of the Pixel Camera Services app (v.2.2) and Cross device Services are required. Important Clarifications: • Available only for Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. • You can only connect to devices that are authorized with your Google Account. • You can only connect to one remote camera at a time, to connect another remote camera, you’ll need to disconnect the first remote camera. • Audio is sourced from the camera that is currently in use. • Using a Bluetooth audio source may degrade the streaming quality. The feature may take a few weeks to become available. 🔗 Support Page 😎 Google News | En

The March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop based on the stable Android 15 QPR2 has been released. As always, the quarterly update introduces new features in Google apps in conjunction with the release of Android 15 QPR2. The official list of new features: • Connected…

The March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop based on the stable Android 15 QPR2 has been released. As always, the quarterly update introduces new features in Google apps in conjunction with the release of Android 15 QPR2. The official list of new features: • Connected Cameras for the Pixel 9 series - the ability to connect a GoPro HERO10 or Pixel 6 and newer models as external cameras to stream from different angles. • Automatic transcribe in Recorder for cloud recordings. • Location sharing with trusted contacts in Find My Device. • Scam Detection in Google Messages. • Scam Detection for calls on the Pixel 9 series with Gemini Nano. • Dual-screen preview for video mode for Pixel Fold. • Dual-screen preview for Add Me mode for Pixel 9 Pro Fold. • Generating images of people in Pixel Studio for the Pixel 9 series. • Pixel Screenshots now automatically suggests screenshots to add to your collection. And it's now available in work profiles [Pixel 9 series] • Messaging via satellite for Verizon and T-Mobile carriers [Pixel 9 Series] • New regions with access to Satellite SOS: Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and Canada [Pixel 9 Series] Also added some new features along with Android 15 QPR2, which will be covered in a separate post. Build number: BP1A.250305.020 Security Patch: March 2025 Available for Pixel 6 and newer devices. 🔗 Google Announcement 🔗 Pixel Help Post 🔗 Android Security Bulletin 🔗 Pixel Update Bulletin 🔗 Factory Images 🔗 OTA-images 😎 Google News | En

🌐 Google I/O 2024 will take place on May 14! The annual I/O 2024 event will kick offwith a main keynote hosted by CEO Sundar Pichai live from the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. It will be followed by a keynote for developers and on…

January 2025 Android 15 security patch for Pixel devices has been released. This update only applies to the Android 15 stable update channel. Patch updates for the 15 QPR2 betas will be released in a separate beta. Fixed issues: Audio • Fix for audio…