Google has resolved a pesky notification problem in Android 16 and rolled out a vibrant new design for Chrome’s stable version. These updates bring smoother experiences and a modern feel to Android devices, particularly for Pixel users. Here’s what’s new and how it impacts you.

Android 16 Notification Fix

A recent bug in Android 16 was causing notifications to act up, especially for Pixel users. Some notifications wouldn’t show up properly, while others appeared repeatedly or didn’t clear when dismissed. This was frustrating for users relying on timely alerts for apps like messaging or email.

Google quickly identified the issue and released a server-side fix, meaning no manual update is needed. The solution started rolling out recently, and most Pixel devices running Android 16 should now display notifications correctly. If you’re still facing issues, restarting your device or checking for system updates might help. This fix ensures you stay on top of your alerts without annoying glitches.

Chrome’s New Vibrant Design

Google has also given Chrome for Android a fresh makeover with the Material 3 Expressive design. This update, now available in Chrome’s stable version, started rolling out over the weekend. The new look adds more color and flair to the browser.

For example, tab groups now have bright, full-color cards instead of just a small colored dot, making them easier to spot. The page loading bar has rounded edges, and icons in the menu (like Bookmark or Refresh) sit in neat circular containers.

There’s also a fun, bouncy animation when you open a new tab. These changes make browsing feel more lively and engaging, aligning with Google’s push for a bolder, more dynamic Android experience.

What This Means for You

The notification fix is a big win for Android 16 users, especially those on Pixel devices, as it restores reliable alerts. Meanwhile, Chrome’s updated design adds a splash of personality to your browsing.

Both updates show Google’s focus on improving user experience with quick fixes and eye-catching visuals. If you’re using a Pixel phone or Chrome on Android, you’ll notice these changes soon, if you haven’t already. Keep an eye out for more apps getting the Material 3 Expressive treatment as Google continues to refresh its ecosystem.

Google Drive’s document scanner on Android has received a stylish update, making it easier and more visually appealing to digitize your documents. Alongside the broader Material 3 Expressive design refresh for the app, the scanner’s editor interface has been revamped to improve usability and add new features, ensuring a smoother experience for users.

The updated scanner editor now features a cleaner, more modern layout. After scanning a document, you’ll notice a simplified preview screen with easy-to-use tools like crop, rotate, and filter options. These allow you to adjust your scans effortlessly, whether you’re tweaking the edges, rotating the image, or applying filters like color, grayscale, or black-and-white.

A new “Clean” tool helps remove unwanted marks, such as smudges or shadows, making your scans look polished and professional. The interface also supports multi-page scans, letting you add more pages with a single tap, which is perfect for longer documents like contracts or receipts.Google has also made the scanner smarter. Using machine learning, the app can suggest relevant titles for your scans based on their content.

For example, if you scan a receipt, it might include the store name and date in the title, saving you time. You can still save your scans as PDFs or JPEGs, and the automatic “Enhance” feature, introduced late last year, improves lighting, contrast, and sharpness with one tap, ensuring high-quality results without manual adjustments.

This redesign aligns with Google Drive’s broader adoption of Material 3 Expressive, which brings vibrant colors, rounded edges, and a more intuitive feel to the app. The scanner’s floating action button (FAB) remains a quick way to access the tool, with options for auto or manual capture to suit your preference.

Available to all Google Drive users, including those with personal accounts, this update makes scanning documents faster and more user-friendly than ever.

Samsung has exciting news for Galaxy A36 users! The company has officially launched the One UI 8 Beta Program for the Galaxy A36, letting owners try out the latest Android 16 features before the official release.

This beta program, which started in India and is now available in South Korea, the UK, and the US, follows the same rollout for other A-series phones like the Galaxy A54 and A35.

If you own a Galaxy A36, you can join the beta through the Samsung Members app and download the update from your phone’s Settings under Software Update. The first beta update, with build number A366EXXU4ZYHD, is about 2.1GB and includes the September 2025 security patch.

While it may not have all the fancy features of Samsung’s flagship phones, it still brings some neat AI tools and improvements for a smoother experience.

On top of that, Samsung’s ClockFace app is making lock screens more fun and personal. This app, part of the Good Lock suite, lets you customize your Galaxy phone’s lock screen with tons of clock styles, colors, and designs. Whether you want a sleek digital clock or a playful design like one inspired by Totoro from Studio Ghibli, ClockFace has something for everyone.

A recent update added 10 new clock styles, including a classic LCD look and a starry constellation design, plus some bug fixes for better performance. To use ClockFace, you need to have Good Lock installed, then download the module from the Galaxy Store. It’s super easy to use, making it a great way to give your phone a fresh, unique look without any hassle.

Both the One UI 8 Beta and ClockFace updates show Samsung’s focus on giving Galaxy A36 users more ways to enjoy their phones. The beta program lets you test new features early, while ClockFace offers creative ways to make your lock screen stand out. If you’re a Galaxy A36 owner, now’s the perfect time to dive in and explore these updates!