YouTube Music tests new bottom bar search feature on Android

YouTube Music is experimenting with a significant update to its Android app, making it easier for users to navigate. The latest change moves the search function to the bottom navigation bar, replacing the old “Explore” tab. This redesign aims to simplify how users find music, podcasts, and more.
Previously, the search icon sat in the top-right corner of the app, next to the notification bell and user profile. Now, it’s a two-tap process to access search from the bottom bar. The new search icon, a simple magnifying glass with a thin outline, takes the place of the former compass icon.
When tapped, it opens a familiar search page with a bar at the top for typing queries or using voice and song lookup shortcuts. Below, users can browse sections like new releases, charts, moods, genres, and podcasts, along with carousels for new albums, trending music videos, and popular podcast episodes.
This shift makes searching more accessible, as the bottom bar is easier to reach on larger screens. The change aligns with other recent YouTube Music updates, like refreshed icons and a frosted glass effect seen in the main YouTube app. While the redesign is still in testing, it shows Google’s focus on improving usability across its apps.
For now, the update is limited to Android, with no word on when iOS users might see it.The move to prioritize search reflects how users interact with YouTube Music, often diving straight into finding specific songs or artists.
By placing search front and center, the app feels more intuitive. However, some may miss the “Explore” tab’s quick access to curated content. As YouTube Music continues to evolve, this update could set the stage for more streamlined navigation in the future.
Google Photos on iOS now lets you make stickers with easy background removal

Google Photos has rolled out an exciting new feature for iOS users, making it simple to create custom stickers from your pictures. With just a tap and hold, you can now lift the main subject of a photo, remove its background, and turn it into a sticker for use in messaging apps like iMessage.
This feature, spotted in version 7.42 of the Google Photos app, brings a fun and creative way to personalize your chats.To use this tool, open a photo in Google Photos, tap and hold on the subject—like a person, pet, or object—and the app automatically isolates it from the background. Once the subject is selected, you can save it as a sticker with a single tap.
These stickers are perfect for adding a personal touch to your messages, whether you’re sharing a cute pet pic or a funny moment with friends. The process is quick and user-friendly, requiring no advanced editing skills.
This sticker creation tool builds on Google Photos’ existing background removal technology, which has been available for editing purposes. Now, iOS users can take it a step further by turning their photos into shareable stickers. The feature is currently exclusive to iOS, but Android users might see it in the future, as Google often brings updates across platforms.
For now, iPhone and iPad users can enjoy this creative addition to their photo-editing toolkit.Google Photos continues to improve its editing features, making it easier for everyone to create professional-looking results.
Whether you’re removing distractions from a photo or crafting a unique sticker, the app’s AI-powered tools simplify the process. To get started, make sure your Google Photos app is updated to the latest version. Open a photo, tap and hold, and let your creativity shine with custom stickers that make your messages stand out.
Google Pixel 10: Better battery, magnetic charging, and a smarter feed

Google’s Pixel 10 series brings exciting updates that make it stand out. With improved battery life, new magnetic charging, and a refreshed news feed, the Pixel 10 is designed to make your daily experience smoother and more convenient. Let’s dive into what’s new with this flagship Android phone.
Stronger Battery Performance
The Pixel 10 series shows off better battery life compared to older models. In recent tests, it outlasted competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 in real-world use. Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing, or gaming, the Pixel 10 keeps up longer.
While some users reported battery drain issues after a May 2025 update, Google clarified this was due to an Instagram app bug, not the phone itself. Updating Instagram fixes the problem, ensuring your Pixel 10 runs efficiently. The bigger battery sizes across the lineup also help, giving you more power for your day.
Magnetic Charging with Pixelsnap
The Pixel 10 introduces Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, a game-changer for Android users. This feature, called Pixelsnap, uses magnets built into the phone to snap onto chargers and accessories, much like Apple’s MagSafe. It ensures perfect alignment for faster, more efficient charging—up to 15W on most models and 25W on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
You can also use MagSafe accessories, like wallets or car mounts, without needing a special case. A small “lock” magnet keeps everything securely in place, making Pixelsnap a versatile addition to the Pixel 10’s design.
Smarter Daily Hub Feed
The Pixel 10’s Daily Hub, an updated version of the Discover feed, delivers personalized content right to your home screen. Powered by Google’s AI, it curates news, weather, and sports updates based on your interests. You can tweak settings to focus on what matters most, like local news or specific teams, and even block unwanted sources.
While some users want more control over the feed, its clean design and tailored suggestions make staying informed easier than ever. The Pixel 10 series blends longer battery life, innovative magnetic charging, and a smarter news feed to elevate your smartphone experience. Available now, it’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-packed Android device.
New alert screen for lost Android phones in Google’s Find Hub

Google is working on a fresh look for the alert screen that pops up when an Android phone is marked as lost through its Find Hub service. This update brings a modern design and clearer instructions to help recover misplaced devices. Here’s what’s new and why it matters.The updated alert screen is part of Google’s effort to improve Find Hub, which was previously called Find My Device.
When a phone is reported lost or stolen, this screen locks the device and shows a bold message saying, “This phone is lost,” along with the owner’s contact details. Unlike the older version, which simply said “Locked by Find Hub,” the new design uses a larger, eye-catching font to make the situation clear.
It also features bigger buttons to call the owner or reach emergency services, making it easier for someone who finds the phone to take action.
This redesign uses Google’s Material 3 Expressive style, which adds a colorful background and a more user-friendly layout. The changes aim to make the screen stand out and ensure it’s easy to understand, even for someone unfamiliar with the phone. The update is tied to Google Play Services version 25.34.32, but it’s still in testing and not widely available yet.
This means only some users might see it for now, as Google fine-tunes the feature.Find Hub itself has grown into a powerful tool for tracking not just phones but also accessories like earbuds, tracker tags, and even luggage through partnerships with airlines.
It uses a network of Android devices to locate items, even if they’re offline, by relying on encrypted location data. The new alert screen builds on this by making it simpler for finders to return lost devices.
While Google is rolling out this modern look across its apps, the update’s full release might take time, as some apps have faced issues after similar redesigns. For now, this change shows Google’s focus on making lost device recovery easier and more secure for Android users.
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