The Pixel Launcher's search bar just got a major redesign with the latest Android 16 beta — one that puts more emphasis on AI Mode

Android 16 now features iOS-style live notifications on the lock screen for real-time updates and Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design language. There are new capabilities for safeguarding against theft and scams, along with an updated advanced protection mode to maintain security and privacy for public figures.

Google is rolling out a segmented Pixel Launcher search bar in Android 16 QPR1 beta 2 that resembles the recently updated search bar home screen widget.

In other words, the mere existence of a magnetic Pixel 10 case doesn't necessarily rule out built-in magnets. But it does call the next Pixel flagship's Qi2 support into question. It also raises a new possibility, however outlandish, of my own personal hell: Qi2.2 Ready.

Currently, if you manually toggle dark mode on or off, schedules stop working. The only way to get them back is to set up your schedule again and then never toggle dark mode. Google initially marked this as " intended behavior ," but a more recent bug report was accepted as a valid issue.

Head to Amazon to get the Google Pixel Tablet for just $299, down from its usual price of $399. That’s $100 off and a discount of 25%.

A future Android 16 build will finally introduce native flashlight brightness controls for Google Pixel phones. More details here.

Google is preparing to tell a deeper story with the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, one which reveals the direction in which it plans to push the Android ecosystem.