The article provides essential initial setup tips for new Google Pixel users, including enabling safety features like Emergency SOS and Car Crash Detection, customizing call-related features in the Phone app, adjusting Quick Settings tiles, personalizing the lock screen clock, enabling Screen Protector mode, and managing display resolution for optimal use and safety.
Google is developing new Android features to manage satellite connectivity, including a Quick Settings tile and a dedicated menu that lists compatible apps like WhatsApp, Maps, and weather apps, which may soon support satellite data and calling. Currently hidden behind developer options, these features aim to enhance connectivity in areas without cellular service, with broader availability expected in future Android updates.
Samsung will adopt Google's new resizable Quick Settings feature with its upcoming One UI 8.5 update, expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series, allowing extensive customization of the Quick Panel, including toggle sizes and orientation.
The reviewer praises Android 16 on the Pixel 10 for its vibrant and responsive interface, highlighting improvements like customizable Quick Settings and better multitasking, but also notes areas for further enhancement such as quicker access to settings, more customization options, and additional multitasking features. Overall, Android 16 is a positive step forward, though some features common on other Android devices are still missing on Pixels.
Google Pixel phones are expected to finally receive native flashlight brightness controls in the next Android 16 update, allowing users to adjust the flashlight's intensity directly from the Quick Settings panel, a feature long available on other Android devices and iPhones.
Google Pixel devices are set to receive a new Quick Settings tile for the Now Playing feature, allowing users to manually identify songs on demand, enhancing the current automatic detection and lock screen options. This update, found in Android System Intelligence, is not yet live but promises to improve user experience by making song identification more accessible and intuitive.
An APK teardown suggests Google is developing a Now Playing Quick Settings tile for Pixel phones, allowing users to manually identify music tracks, a feature that has been missing from the passive automatic detection currently available. This addition would provide a more flexible way to use Now Playing, especially for users experiencing issues with automatic detection.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, teased images of the upcoming Nothing Phone 3, showcasing a redesigned Quick Settings menu and hinting at a new action button on the device's edge. The images suggest the phone will maintain a minimalist design with circular icons replacing pill-shaped buttons. The potential action button, similar to the iPhone 15's, has sparked speculation and excitement among tech enthusiasts.
In the latest beta update of Android 14, QPR2, Google is simplifying the process of sharing Wi-Fi passwords by adding a "Share Wi-Fi" button to the Quick Settings. This new feature allows users to quickly access the Wi-Fi password sharing option, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple settings menus.
The Pixel Watch 2 allows users to register swipes from the always-on display (AOD), enabling quick access to Quick Settings and notifications. Swiping from anywhere on the AOD, including the curved perimeter, saves users from having to tap the screen before swiping. While this addition is underrated, it may lead to accidental launches when tapping the watch face. The article suggests that more parts of Wear OS 4 should support the AOD, particularly for audio controls.
Android is set to make it easier to switch between active SIM cards with the introduction of a new Quick Settings tile. Currently, users have to navigate through the Settings app to switch between SIMs, which can be time-consuming. Google has confirmed that this feature will be added in a future build of Android, allowing users to quickly switch between active SIMs for data purposes. The exact release date for this update is unknown, but it may be included in Android 14's QPR1 release.