Google’s latest Android 16 update brings some exciting changes for Pixel phone users, but it also has a few hiccups. One of the coolest additions is the “Hearing Wellness” feature, which helps protect your ears when using headphones. This tool keeps an eye on how loud your audio is and can automatically lower the volume if it’s too high for too long.

It’s designed to prevent hearing damage, especially since so many people use earbuds these days. You can find this feature in the Sound & Vibration section of the Settings app on Pixel devices. It includes two options: Sound Exposure Notifications, which alerts you when the sound is too loud, and Hearing Health, which adjusts the volume to safer levels.

These were introduced in Android 14 but didn’t have a clear way to turn them on or off until now. In some places, this feature is on by default and can’t be switched off, which might annoy some users, but it’s all about keeping your hearing safe.On the other hand, Android 16 was supposed to make accessing Google Wallet easier with a new shortcut.

The idea was to let you double-tap the power button to open your default wallet app, like Google Wallet, instead of the camera. This would be super handy for quick payments, especially if you don’t take a lot of photos.

You could set it up in Settings under System > Gestures. However, some Pixel users have noticed this feature is missing, even though it was promised. It showed up in Android 16 Beta 2, but it’s not in the stable version for everyone.

This has left some folks frustrated, as they were looking forward to the convenience of tapping to pay without unlocking their phone or digging through apps.Overall, Android 16 offers useful updates like Hearing Wellness, but the missing wallet shortcut is a letdown for some.

Google might fix this in future updates, so keep an eye on Settings for changes. For now, you can still access Google Wallet through the app icon or Quick Settings, but it’s not quite as fast as a double-tap would be.

Android devices are getting smarter and more user-friendly with every update, and the latest features make them even better for parents, daily users, and creative minds. These improvements focus on keeping kids safe, making your home screen more useful, and enhancing how you edit screenshots.

Let’s dive into what’s new and how these updates can make your Android experience smoother.For parents, Android’s built-in parental controls have become more flexible, especially for families with unique setups, like separated or blended households. The new “local supervision” feature lets you manage a child’s device without needing everyone to share the same Google Family account.

You can set up a PIN directly on the device to control screen time, block apps, or filter content. This PIN can be shared with trusted adults, like grandparents or babysitters, so they can adjust settings without needing your Google password. This makes it easier and safer to manage a child’s device while keeping Google Family Link as an option for remote monitoring.

On the home screen, Google’s At a Glance widget for Pixel phones is getting a big upgrade. Now, it shows more helpful info, like live sports scores, weather updates, and even details about your next Uber ride or flight. You can customize it to fit your needs, choosing what shows up and where it appears on your screen.

This makes your phone feel more personal and keeps important details right at your fingertips.For those who love capturing and tweaking screenshots, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 brings exciting changes to Pixel’s point-and-shoot editing. You can now circle or highlight parts of a screenshot with a single tap, add text, or crop images more easily.

These tools make editing quick and fun, whether you’re marking up a photo or creating a meme to share. The interface is smooth, and you can even undo changes if you make a mistake.These updates show Android’s focus on making devices more practical and enjoyable.

From better parental controls to smarter widgets and easier screenshot editing, your phone is becoming a more powerful tool for everyday life. Whether you’re a parent keeping tabs on screen time or someone who loves personalizing their device, these features make Android more versatile than ever.

Google recently released Android Canary 2508, the third update in its new testing program for Pixel devices. This update brings some handy changes for users, making their experience smoother and more customizable. It’s available for a wide range of Pixel models, including the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.

You can install it using the Android Flash Tool, and future updates will roll out directly to devices. The update, labeled ZP11.250728.008, includes the August 2025 security patch, keeping devices safe and up to date.One exciting addition is the ability to adjust flashlight brightness.

By long-pressing the Quick Settings Tile or tapping the larger tile’s right side, users can now slide to control how bright the flashlight is. However, it resets to medium brightness after being turned off, which might need tweaking in future updates. Another change is the new two-tab widget panel, splitting widgets into “Featured” and “Browse” sections for easier access.

While this is already in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, lockscreen widgets are still missing but might arrive later.Alongside this, Google is replacing the Pixel Tips app with a new “My Pixel” app. This update aims to help users get the most out of their Pixel devices with better tips and guidance.

The rollout started recently, bringing a fresh look and improved features to make learning about your phone easier.These updates show Google’s focus on improving user control and experience.

The flashlight brightness slider and widget panel changes make everyday tasks more convenient, while the My Pixel app offers a friendlier way to explore your device’s features. As Google keeps refining these updates, Pixel users can expect more practical improvements in the future.