Android
Rejoice: Android 14 copies One UI’s volume control panel
Samsung One UI software is way too intelligent. Google further solidifies the smartness of One UI by copying its volume control panel for the upcoming Android 14 operating system. This move comes after stealing a number of One UI features for the next version of Android.
According to the information, Android 14 could let Pixel phone users access new notification and ringtone volume control panel, which is already available in One UI. With the next OS, Pixel users will be able to set different volume levels for ringtone and notifications.
Earlier, Google enabled the separate volume and notification sliders on Pixel phones running Android 14 Developer Preview. But within a short time, the company pulled the new adjustment panel from Android and everything turned back to the previous.
Several users are reporting that the "ring & notification volume" sliders have been suddenly split into "ring volume" and "notification volume" in Android 14 DP2.
This is WITHOUT them flipping any flags, which was previously required to enable separate ring/notification volume. pic.twitter.com/eTTsnZI61K
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) March 17, 2023
Esper’s Mishaal Rahman quotes that the company has been working on separating the notification and ringtone volume since the Android 13 QPR2 beta. While the ringtone and notification sliders are not linked, both are muted if you put your phone on vibrate.
Since the feature seems to be under development, Pixel smartphones are eagerly waiting for this basic One UI feature on Google’s Android OS. It’s likely that the Stable version or future Public Beta builds may eventually add separate volume control sliders.
One UI Vs Android 13
It’s worth mentioning that the One UI already allows Galaxy users to turn notifications sound to silent, keeping the ringtone sound loud, or vice versa. And as far as the report is concerned, Pixel users might enjoy another One UI feature on the next version of Android later this year.
Apart from the volume panel, Android 14 reportedly brings screen flash notifications, and Auto confirm unlock features, inspired by One UI software. It isn’t true that the One UI is perfect, but Google’s features collection for Android 14 is highly inspired by Samsung’s Android skin.
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Google is preparing to bring contextual video search support to the Circle to Search feature. AndroidAuthority spotted strings in the latest Google app for Android suggesting the potential arrival of contextual video search support.
In the recent past, Google significantly improved the Circle to Search feature. It added quickly sharing clipped on-screen items, song search, and QR code scanning support. Now, Circle to Search is preparing to upgrade with video search support.
Google’s AI-powered Circle to Search tool will allow you to search within any video. You will be able to trigger Circle to Search on locally stored videos apart from those available on the internet and social media.
Earlier this year, Samsung debuted the Circle to Search feature with the Galaxy S24 series. The company announced that the function will remain exclusive to select Galaxy and Pixel phones till October 2024.
In the meantime, Samsung and Google updated their Galaxy and Pixel phones with Circle to Search feature. Galaxy phones received it with the One UI 6.1 update, while Pixel phones added it with the June 2024 Feature Drop.
Recently, Samsung released Circle to Search for Galaxy A55 and A35. The AI-powered search tool is now available on a wide array of Pixel and Galaxy phones. Google is also preparing to optimize it for Android so a vast audience can make use of it.
Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.