Android
Samsung’s Circle to Search AI tool to get video search support

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.
Android
Android 16 launch date announced but Samsung fans can’t be excited

Google has already released some early versions of Android 16, including two developer previews and a beta version. However, the official reveal is still to come. Just recently, Google has officially revealed the date of the stable Android 16 update release.
Through a blog post, Google has confirmed that its annual event, Google I/O, will be held on May 20-21, 2025, at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, so people all over the world can watch the announcements.
While Google hasn’t specifically mentioned Android 16, they will talk about the new operating system at the event. In previous years, Google has used Google I/O to introduce new Android versions to the public, so it’s expected that Android 16 will be featured.
Android 16 is set to bring many exciting enhancements and new features, which we’ve seen a bit of in the developer previews and beta versions. At Google I/O, Google will likely share more details about what’s new, especially with AI and other tech innovations.
Once Android 16 is announced, Samsung will roll it out for Galaxy devices as One UI 8. Right now, Galaxy device users are still waiting for the stable One UI 7 update. However, the update has already been available for the Galaxy S25 series last month.
This free app lets any Android user enjoy Samsung SmartTag features
Android
One UI 8 to get new Measurement system powered by Android 16

One UI 7 has been announced alongside the Galaxy S25 series, bringing a host of exciting new features. Samsung is currently getting ready to roll out this update to more Galaxy devices. At the same time, we’ve started to hear about features like a new Measurement system that could arrive with One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16.
A well-known tipster @MishaalRahman (via Android Authority) spotted a new Android 16 Beta 1 feature. The update is introducing some new features that give users more control over how their device looks and feels, especially when it comes to regional settings.
Android 16-based One UI 8 may soon add the ability to choose your measurement system separately from the language on your phone. This means you can switch between different systems, like metric, US imperial, or UK imperial, without having to change your phone’s language.

Image via Android Authority
Previously, Android would automatically adjust things like dates, measurements, and numbers based on the language you set. Like, if you were in Japan but had your phone set to English, the system might still show measurements in US-style units like Fahrenheit or miles per hour.
In Android 16, you can now set your language to English while selecting Japan as your region. So your phone will show things like temperature and currency in Japanese formats, but keep the language you understand.
Moreover, Android 16 also updates the “regional preferences” section to make it easier to personalize your settings. There’s now a “measurements” page where you can choose the system that works best for you.

Image via Android Authority
With One UI 8, you may be able to keep your phone in your preferred language while getting region-specific settings for things like temperature and currency. These features aren’t fully live in Android 16 Beta yet, but we can expect them in the stable release. Stay tuned for more information.
Android 16 (One UI 8) to upgrade Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids
Android
Android 16 (One UI 8) to bring dark mode for more apps

Android 16 may soon make it possible to use dark mode in more apps, even those that don’t have it built-in. A new feature automatically changes light-themed apps into dark mode to make them easier on the eyes, especially at night.
Recently, a new feature has been spotted in the first Android 16 Beta update by Mishaal Rahman (Android Authority). The new feature would let Android force some apps into dark mode, even if the app doesn’t have its dark theme.
Several popular apps like Twitter and YouTube already have a dark mode, but some big apps, like Fitbit, PayPal, and Amazon, still don’t offer it. Users find these bright screens uncomfortable to use in low light, so Google is working on a solution to resolve it.
The “make all app dark” feature was first noticed in Android 15. In Android 16 Beta 1, it has been renamed to “make more apps dark” and moved to the Display and Touch section of settings. Right now, it’s hidden in the beta, but it’s expected to appear in the final version.

Image via Android Authority
This feature works by adjusting the app’s colors, not just inverting them, which should make the dark mode experience look better. It will likely work better than the current “force dark” option, which sometimes leads to color issues in apps.
Currently, it’s not clear when Android 16 will officially be released but codes in the beta update show Google is still developing this feature. Samsung might also bring this feature to Galaxy devices with One UI 8. Stay tuned for more information.
Android 16 (One UI 8) to upgrade Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids
Android
Google Play System January 2025 update rolling out to Samsung devices

Google has started rolling out the January 2025 update of the Play System for Samsung devices. The fresh update improves Google Play Store and Play Services to provide a better experience.
January 2025 Google Play System update brings several improvements for Android users. The Android WebView update includes new features for developers to display web content better in apps, with improvements to security and privacy.
Moreover, the Google Play Store v44.7 has an update for Play Protect to offer better support for Advanced Protection. Google Play Services v25.03 fixes device connection issues and introduces a new feature for casting to devices with updated Terms of Service. The Wallet feature improves the tap-to-pay experience on Android V+ devices.

Image via A2Z Tech Explorer
The Google Play Store update also allows users in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal to use their local currency for purchases. The updates also include improvements to search results and VPN badges for verified apps.
January 2025 Google Play System update has been spotted on Samsung Galaxy S23 series phones and will soon be available for more devices.
You can easily install the update on your Samsung device, just need to head to Settings >> Security and Privacy >> Updates >> Google Play System Update. The update is being rolled out gradually, it may take a little while before it appears on all devices. Be sure to install it to ensure your phone stays secure and protected.
One UI 7 will bring Google’s Identity Check feature to all Galaxy devices
Android
Android 16 (One UI 8) to upgrade Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids

Android 16 is making hearing aids work even better for those using LE Audio, the latest Bluetooth audio standard. LE Audio offers better sound quality, longer battery life, and smoother compatibility with different devices. And now, Android 16 is adding some new features to improve the experience for hearing aid users.
The fresh update brings the ability to control the sound from your surroundings. With LE Audio hearing aids, users can adjust how much of the background noise they want to hear.
If you’re in a noisy place, you can turn down the external sounds, or if it’s too quiet, you can turn them up. You can control each earbud separately or both at the same time. Also, there is an option to mute or unmute the surroundings quickly. This makes it much easier to hear clearly in different environments.

Image via Android Authority
Moreover, Android 16 also adds a feature that lets you switch microphones during voice calls. If you’re in a noisy place or your hearing aid’s mic isn’t picking up well, you can switch to your phone’s mic.
This switching feature is especially useful if the battery on your hearing aids is running low, as using your phone’s mic can help save power.

Image via Android Authority
Android already supports LE Audio and these new updates make it even more user-friendly. Hopefully, Google will add more features like Fast Pair soon to make connecting hearing aids even easier.
If you have LE Audio hearing aids and are using Android 16 Beta, you can try these new features. Once features are available with a stable version, Samsung might also provide it with One UI 8 based on Android 16 for Galaxy devices.
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