Android
Android July 2023 update rolling out
Google is rolling out the Android July 2023 update for Pixel devices. The new update is released for Pixel 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, and 7a. In addition to this, Pixel Tablet is also getting the latest update.
Users of these devices can identify the latest update with firmware version starting with TQ3A.230705.001. Google Android July 2023 security update fixes 26 security issues to make your device more secure.
The update also doesn’t change much across devices. The only device that has received some noticeable improvements is the Pixel tablet, which had some issues with its display and battery.
If users own one of these devices, they will receive a notification to download and install the update. It is small in size and doesn’t take up much time to install.
Aside from this, Google also has one more device called Pixel Fold. It also operates on Android 13 and the company says there’s an update for the Pixel Fold as well, but it’s not ready yet so it will be released later.
Google has released the November 2024 Play System Update for Android devices including phones, Wear OS, Android TV, Google Auto, and PCs. This update makes your device faster, safer, and more reliable.
This update brings changes to the Play Store so that users will now see more relevant content when they install or update apps. This means the Play Store will better recommend apps based on your interests and usage.
In addition to the Google Play Store, the November 2024 Play System update also improves your device’s overall performance. It includes updates to system management services that help with things like device connectivity, network usage, security, and stability.
There are also bug fixes for system management and diagnostics which help keep your phone running smoothly and improve the process of downloading future updates.
In addition to the Play Store and Play System updates, other Google apps are also getting improvements. Apps like Android System Intelligence, Android WebView, and Device Health Services have been updated to provide better performance.
What’s New
Google Play Store v43.5 (2024-11-04)
- [Phone] You’ll find more relevant content when you install and update apps on Google Play.
Google Play system update (2024-11-04)
- [Phone] Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, security, stability and updatability.
- [Phone] Bug fixes for System Management and Diagnostics-related services.
October 2024 Google Play System update rolling out to Samsung devices
Android 16 could be released early in 2025, paving the way for faster One UI 8 arrival. Per the official announcement, Google plans to release Android 16 in Q2 2025, rather than the conventional Q3 timeframe.
Recently, Baklava surfaced as Android 16’s codename, suggesting a major shift in dessert and internal naming strategy. It seems the naming strategy isn’t only changing, but Google is preparing a faster Android debut, starting in 2025.
Early Android 16 debut could help Samsung deploy One UI 8 earlier than the One UI 7. Google believes early OS launch will “better align with the schedule of device launches across our ecosystem, so more devices can get the major release of Android sooner.”
The strategic change will also help Android vendors to launch their latest devices with the most updated OS from day one. Those Android flagships won’t have to wait for a major upgrade to adopt new changes and features.
Google revealed that there will be a major release in Q2, along with a minor SDK release in Q4. It indicates that the Android 16 could launch in the second quarter, while Android users can expect a big feature drop in the fourth quarter.
Google’s proposed new schedule could make it easier for non-Pixel Android vendors to release new devices with the latest capabilities available on day one instead of waiting for future updates to add things like Circle to Search.
Aside from this, the company disclosed improvements to the Play Store. Users will be able to share preferences for better recommendations on new apps. More Gemini AI features also coming to Android Studio to “write, refactor, and document” code in apps.
Google could bring a Dynamic Island-like rich notifications feature to Android 16. Smartphone vendors have recently started the Android 15 rollout. However, the company is already working on the next version of Android.
According to AndroidAuthority, Google may bring a new API, letting apps create Dynamic Island-like Rich Ongoing Notifications in Android 16. These notifications will appear as chips in the status bar, sharing a similar look as Apple’s Dynamic Island.
Android phones usually feature the modern punch-hole cutout display for selfie cameras. Apple’s Dynamic Island is a stunning visual creation that manages to hide the large pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone display.
Rich Ongoing Notifications would mark the return of pill shape notifications on Android. Before Apple’s Dynamic Island, Android debuted chips for ongoing notifications, but an improved version is likely to come next year.
Rich Ongoing Notifications (Mock)
- Google Clock: An alarm is about to go off in 10 minutes
- Uber: Ride will arrive in 5 minutes
- United Airlines: Flight will board in 9 minutes
This means, not only Google apps but third-party apps will also be able to display rich notifications. It’s a great visual upgrade to be welcomed, potentially offering an even more dynamic user experience to Android users.
Should Samsung adopt?
Android 16 could come to Galaxy phones with One UI 8 upgrade. Samsung is already running late in Android 15 adoption and distribution to consumers. Therefore, discussing One UI 8 of 2026 is like a crime for the time being.
Well, there’s the possibility of this rich notifications feature’s arrival on Galaxy phones. Samsung has its own One UI skin based on Android. The company isn’t forced to adopt any visual change, but it should consider bringing rich notifications.