Android
Android 16 and 17 will elevate the way apps work on tablets and foldables

Google is working to improve apps for foldables and tablets with Android 16 and Android 17. At the moment, several apps don’t look good on big screens as they may only work in portrait mode or have black bars around them. Now, Google is aiming to fix that.
Android 16, launching in mid-2025, will remove some restrictions that let developers lock their apps to specific screen orientations or sizes. Android 17, expected in 2026, will take it further by completely removing these restrictions.
With the next Android OS upgrades, developers will have to design apps that adjust well to different screen sizes and shapes, like foldable phones and tablets.
For example, the animation app FlipaClip improved its design for tablets and saw 54% more users. Google is helping developers with tools like the Espresso testing framework and Jetpack Compose testing APIs to make it easier to create apps for larger screens.
These changes will also improve how apps look in Samsung’s DeX mode, which runs apps in a window. Apps that are optimized will work smoothly in landscape and portrait modes, handling split-screen, full-screen, and Windows modes much better.
If developers don’t update their apps, Android 17 will stretch them to fit the screen, which might not look good. This will encourage developers to improve their apps to take full advantage of bigger screens for a better experience.
With Android 16 and Android 17, foldables and tablets will have better-looking and more functional apps to provide a next-level experience. This will make large-screen devices more enjoyable and useful for users.
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.
Android 16 and 17 will elevate the way apps work on tablets and foldables
Android
New Google Maps layout on Android Auto causes issues

Google‘s Android Auto update brought changes to the Google Maps interface, causing frustration among users. The update rolled out with Android Auto version 13.6, which centered the map on the screen, which was previously right-aligned.
Users of Android Auto are facing an issue with the destination box, which appears when navigation is disabled. Before the update, this box didn’t take up too much space because the map was shifted to the right.
But now that the map is centered, the destination box covers a portion of the route, making it harder to see where you’re going.
Some users have mentioned that you can minimize the destination box, but this doesn’t seem to be a permanent fix. The box doesn’t stay minimized, so it keeps blocking the route as you use the app.

Image via Reddit (SteelBreeze9)
Several users took to the Reddit platform to express their frustration about the change. Some say it feels like another unnecessary tweak to the app’s layout. The update was supposed to improve stability and bug fixes, but it’s causing new issues.
Google has yet to respond to this Android Auto issue raised by users, we can hope the company will fix it in future updates. Stay tuned for more information.
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