Google Pixel Now Playing fix, Android 16 Beta enhancements, and industry design inspiration

Google fixes Pixel’s Now Playing woes with upcoming update

Google Pixel owners have something to look forward to: the company has announced that issues plaguing the popular “Now Playing” feature have been resolved, with a fix set to roll out in an upcoming update. For months, users have reported inconsistent performance, including ambient song identification failing to activate and manual searches coming up short. While the root cause remains a mystery, Google’s response via its Issue Tracker on February 26 brought good news: the problem is “fixed,” and relief is on the way.

The Now Playing feature, a fan-favorite for its ability to identify music playing in the background and display it on the lock screen, has been a staple of the Pixel experience. The Issue Tracker thread originally focused on manual search hiccups, but broader complaints about ambient identification suggest the fix might address multiple aspects of the feature. Google hasn’t specified an exact release date, leaving some wiggle room with the phrase “upcoming release.” However, anecdotal reports from some users indicate that Now Playing has already started performing more reliably in recent days. Have you noticed a difference? We’d love to hear your experiences.

Android 16 Beta 2.1 hits Pixel devices with key fixes

On the software front, Google is rolling out Android 16 Beta 2.1 to Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program. This incremental update, tagged BP22.250124.010 with the February 2025 security patch, targets a range of bugs reported by testers since Beta 2 dropped two weeks ago. Weighing in at just 11.60 MB on the Pixel 9, the over-the-air (OTA) update is now available for a wide array of devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8a/7a models.

Key fixes in Beta 2.1 include:

• • Doze mode glitch: Resolved an issue that prevented devices from entering the battery-saving Doze mode.

• • Choppy animations: Smoothed out animations during live wallpaper configuration.

• • Unexpected reboots: Fixed a bug causing random restarts.

• • System stability: Addressed various issues impacting connectivity, performance, and overall reliability.

This update reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to polish Android 16 ahead of its stable release. For Pixel users in the beta program, this is a welcome step toward a smoother, more dependable experience. If you’re enrolled, check your device for the OTA update now.

Nothing Phone (3a) borrows a page from Pixel’s design playbook

While Google fine-tunes its Pixel lineup, competitor Nothing is making waves with its upcoming Phone (3a) series, set to launch on March 4. In a recent teaser, Nothing unveiled the design of the standard Phone (3a), and it’s hard to miss the resemblance to Google’s Pixel camera aesthetic. Sporting a transparent back and three “Glyph” lighting modules, the Phone (3a) echoes Nothing’s futuristic vibe — but its camera module screams Pixel inspiration. This comes amid rumors that the iPhone 17 Air might also borrow the iconic Pixel camera design.

Unlike the larger, more prominent camera bump on the Phone (3a) Pro, the standard model opts for a subtler design with a new third sensor, aligning closely with the clean, horizontal camera bar seen on recent Pixel devices. This isn’t a criticism — borrowing from Pixel’s playbook could be a smart move for Nothing as it aims to carve out a niche in the mid-range market.

Meanwhile, leaks about Nothing’s “Essential Space” software feature add intrigue. Described as an AI-driven tool for organizing screenshots, voice notes, and other content, Essential Space promises to streamline user workflows. Features like “Camera Capture” (snapping photos directly to the app via an “Essential Key”), “Smart Collections” (AI-sorted media), and “Flip to Record” hint at a thoughtful integration of hardware and software — something Pixel fans might recognize as a hallmark of Google’s own approach.

While Essential Space is still in development, a version will reportedly debut with the Phone (3a) series next week. For now, Nothing’s Pixel-esque design and innovative software tease a compelling alternative in the Android space.

The past day has been a busy one for Google Pixel developments. With the Now Playing fix on the horizon, Android 16 Beta 2.1 refining the OS, and even competitors like Nothing drawing inspiration from Pixel’s design language, it’s an exciting time to be in the Pixel ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates as Google continues to roll out enhancements and we get closer to Nothing’s March 4 reveal.