Android
Android 13 themed icons feature is awesome, One UI 5.0 should include it
Android 13 is the next big thing and Google is working to release this new Android version for smartphone and tablet devices. Samsung is also internally working on the Android 13 beta dubbed One UI 5.0. So far, the South Korean tech giant has remained silent on the whereabouts of this upcoming One UI version and there’s more that we yet to know.
However, there’s one feature that has caught my eye on the stock Android 13 and it’s called Themed icons. This feature is also powered by the Material You library and has already been introduced with Android 12.
But Android 13 has taken this feature to the next level and introduced some tweaks. Hence, I want these changes to be also adopted on Samsung One UI 5.0. Why? let’s find out.
First, let’s take a look at the working terminology of the themed icons:
Similar to Android 12, the Themed icons feature is also included in the core user interface personalization features for Android 13. While you should know that the feature was in beta mode in Android 12 and now it’ll come with full mode under the latest Android installment.
Speaking of which, the themed icons features color palettes, which generate in different combinations after you choose and set a new wallpaper on your phone’s home screen or lock screen. These color palettes include a primary and a secondary color for the entire user interface along with an accent and a dark theme color.
Once selected, you can choose a wallpaper-derived color palette for your smartphone, which appears throughout the user interface. That’s not it, you can also opt into the themed icons feature to convert supported app icons into a monochrome appearance.
You can see such an example mentioned below.
Once you enable themed icons, you will see the two-color icon throughout the app home screen. As compared to the One UI 4.x versions, the stock Android variant of the themed icons looks way better.
If we talk specifically about the design of the Samsung One UI 4.x stock apps are not supporting this concept completely, because of the lack of these monochrome icons. However, with Android 13, developers can submit their own version of the monochrome app icon to support the features of the themed icon.
(Comparison of One UI 4.0 with colored icons – Before and After)
Dark Mode:
If you think I will stop explaining the beautiful themed icons here, then don’t worry, there’s one more thing I want left to cover up.
The user interface also has a different yet very simple approach. Once you turn on the night mode, the user interface reverses the primary and the secondary color of the icon, which is the sweet and simplistic approach to harnessing and enhancing the power of themed icons.
We’re approaching One UI 5.0 beta and since Google has delayed Android 13 for the time being, we are excited to know, whether this new feature will get an enhancement of the new themed icons.
Android
Google unveils Android 16 Developer Preview with exciting features
Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.
The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.
Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.
The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.
Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Android
Google’s Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update is now available
Google has released the first beta of Android 15 QPR2 for Pixel users. The update can be identified via build version BP11.241025.006. However, users are also waiting for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 in December this year.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update comes with the November 2024 security patch. It is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases are updates that bring more noticeable changes and new features compared to the usual monthly bug fixes. These updates are perfect for testing out bigger UI changes or new features that don’t need to wait for a full Android version release.
The QPR2 Beta 1 is the second major update for Android 15, with the final version expected to launch in March 2025 (via 9to5Google). This update brings the usual bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features to test.
Users participating in the beta program are advised to report any issues via the Android Beta Feedback app, easily accessible through the app drawer or Quick Settings. Install the update now to get an enhanced experience.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Android
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google is reportedly going to bring an interesting change with Android 16, which will no longer require two fingers to pull down the Quick Settings panel. Previously, there were concerns that users would need to swipe down with two fingers to bring up the Quick Settings. Fortunately, Google has decided to simplify this process.
With Android 16, accessing the Quick Settings will only require a single-finger swipe down on the right half of the status bar. The one-finger swipe access aligns it more closely similar to other Android manufacturers, like OnePlus and Samsung, have designed their systems.
Several users didn’t like the idea of needing two fingers to swipe down, as it felt more awkward and less convenient. By switching to a single-finger swipe for Android 16, Google will make it easier for users to manage their settings with less effort. A well-known tipster Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted the code for this Quick Settings change.
However, the new design still lacks the ability to swipe seamlessly between the notifications and Quick Settings panels. Hopefully, Google will add this feature before the official release.
In addition to the swipe change, Android 16 will introduce resizable Quick Settings tiles and better categorization to help users find specific settings more easily.
However, these features are still being worked on and may not be fully ready in the current beta. They are expected to roll out in the final Android 16 release, which is expected in mid-2025.