Google Pixel battery health, Android 16’s foldable smarts, and AI Search

Hello Pixel pals! We’ve got a fresh batch of updates hot off the Android 16 Beta press, and there’s plenty to be excited about. From keeping your battery in tip-top shape to smoothing out the creases on your foldable, and even letting you chat with AI right from your home screen, Google is busy making your Pixel experience even better. Let’s dive in!

Ever found yourself wondering if your Pixel’s battery is truly living its best life? Android 16 Beta is rolling out a brand-new Battery Health settings page designed just for that. Tucked away in Settings > Battery > Battery Health, this handy feature lets you:

• Check your battery’s current capacity: See an estimate of how much charge your battery can hold compared to its brand-new self.
• Get actionable tips: From enabling Adaptive Charging to avoiding extreme temperatures, you’ll have all the advice you need to extend your battery’s life.
• Optimize your charging: A quick shortcut to charging optimization helps you keep things running smoothly.

There’s also a cool recalibration process in the works — think of it as a little spa day for your battery. While the recalibration may take a few weeks to complete, you’ll eventually see updated measurements that help you stay ahead of any surprises. So, if your battery starts feeling a bit sluggish, you’ll know exactly what’s up!

Foldables have changed the game, offering you the best of two screens in one device. But if you’re rocking a Pixel Fold or Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a magnetic case, you might have noticed that the sensor sometimes gets confused. Good news: Android 16 Beta is testing a robust open/close detection feature that promises to sort this out.

Here’s the scoop:

• Better sensor accuracy: The new setting helps your Pixel Fold accurately determine when it’s open or closed — even if magnetic accessories are in play.
• Energy considerations: If you’re not using a magnetic case, remember to turn this feature off to save battery life.
• Where to find it: Look for the setting in the Display & Touch section of your Settings app once it goes live.

So, whether you’re enjoying a big screen for binge-watching or a compact one for on-the-go convenience, your foldable will know exactly what you’re doing!

Google is upping its search game by infusing it with a splash of generative AI magic. Imagine flipping a switch on your Pixel home screen to get AI-powered search results tailored just for your quirky, open-ended questions. With the upcoming AI Mode for Google Search, powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.0, that dream is about to become reality.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Seamless toggling: A nifty shortcut in the Google Search app lets you flip between regular search and the new AI Mode. Plus, an AI Mode icon is making its way to the Pixel Launcher’s search bar!
• Conversational answers: Ask a question, follow up, and get more detailed info — all in a conversational style that makes searching feel like chatting with a knowledgeable friend.
• Future-ready search: While the feature is still being tested internally, we expect to see it roll out before the year’s end. It’s all about making your search experience as dynamic as you are!

That’s a wrap for this edition of our Pixel news roundup. Whether you’re checking your battery’s health, perfecting your foldable experience, or gearing up to chat with AI, Android 16 is bringing some seriously cool innovations to your fingertips. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Happy Pixel-ing!

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