Android
Google launches new Android features – Reading mode, emoji mashups, security alerts and more
On December 1, Google launched plenty of new features for Android devices, including phones and tablets. Starting Pixel phones, these newly debuted Android features will soon be available on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet, as well as Galaxy Watch (with Wear OS).
According to the information, Google introduced new features for Android including Reading mode app for web pages, improved Google Cast, Digital Car Keys via Wallet, new collage styles in the Google Photos app, replies to specific messages in Google Messages, new emoji mash-up by Gboard, and better security alerts.
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Security alerts
When it comes to security, Google apps will now start showing safety alerts along with recommended actions so your account stays secure against every kind of threat. In case any of your phone’s apps, webpage, or service is possibly a threat to your account, you will get prompted by Google.
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Reading Mode
Starting Reading mode, this new Android feature can be grabbed by installing the app from Google Play Store. It works under the accessibility function of the operating system, which extracts text from web pages and select compatible apps and presents without ads and pop-ups. [Download Reading mode]
For even better readability, the Reading mode allows you to adjust the font, font size, line spacing, and background color, and switch between dark and light modes. In case you don’t want to read a big article, the Android’s Text to Speech feature can be used and you can hear the text.
Gboard
If you love using Google’s keyboard app – Gboard on your Samsung device, the Emoji Kitchen also has new emojis you can mash up into creative sticker combos. With the holiday season update, you can now add some extra holiday flair to your messages with compatible emojis.
Google Photos
Google Photos adding new collage styles from two new artists — Australian husband-and-wife visual duo DABSMYLA and renowned watercolor artist Yao Cheng. You just need to select your photos, finalize the design and rearrange the layout with simple drag-and-drop controls.
Google Wallet
Samsung Wallet already gained the availability to store the digital car and home keys, however, Google Wallet is now getting support as well. Following the holiday season update, the Google Wallet app lets you easily share Digital Car Keys without compromising security.
Google TV
Aside from this, Google updated the Google TV app, which allows you to cast any video with a single tap and continue browsing other content. Moreover, you can also use the mobile application to operate compatible Android TV or Google TV-based smart TV. [Download Google TV]
Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.
The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.
Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.
The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.
Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google has released the first beta of Android 15 QPR2 for Pixel users. The update can be identified via build version BP11.241025.006. However, users are also waiting for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 in December this year.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update comes with the November 2024 security patch. It is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases are updates that bring more noticeable changes and new features compared to the usual monthly bug fixes. These updates are perfect for testing out bigger UI changes or new features that don’t need to wait for a full Android version release.
The QPR2 Beta 1 is the second major update for Android 15, with the final version expected to launch in March 2025 (via 9to5Google). This update brings the usual bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features to test.
Users participating in the beta program are advised to report any issues via the Android Beta Feedback app, easily accessible through the app drawer or Quick Settings. Install the update now to get an enhanced experience.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google is reportedly going to bring an interesting change with Android 16, which will no longer require two fingers to pull down the Quick Settings panel. Previously, there were concerns that users would need to swipe down with two fingers to bring up the Quick Settings. Fortunately, Google has decided to simplify this process.
With Android 16, accessing the Quick Settings will only require a single-finger swipe down on the right half of the status bar. The one-finger swipe access aligns it more closely similar to other Android manufacturers, like OnePlus and Samsung, have designed their systems.
Several users didn’t like the idea of needing two fingers to swipe down, as it felt more awkward and less convenient. By switching to a single-finger swipe for Android 16, Google will make it easier for users to manage their settings with less effort. A well-known tipster Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted the code for this Quick Settings change.
However, the new design still lacks the ability to swipe seamlessly between the notifications and Quick Settings panels. Hopefully, Google will add this feature before the official release.
In addition to the swipe change, Android 16 will introduce resizable Quick Settings tiles and better categorization to help users find specific settings more easily.
However, these features are still being worked on and may not be fully ready in the current beta. They are expected to roll out in the final Android 16 release, which is expected in mid-2025.