Recent Android updates to Pixel phones have given them a noticeable boost in GPU performance. Users with Pixel phones running the latest Android updates, including the Android 16 beta, are seeing better results in Geekbench GPU tests.

Even those on the stable Android 15 update are reporting improvements. The reason for this boost is likely due to updated GPU drivers. Several Pixel users are noticing higher scores in their GPU tests, especially when using the Vulkan graphics API.

For example (via Android Authority), the Pixel 7a saw a 62% improvement, the Pixel 8 showed a 31% increase, and the Pixel 9 had a 32% boost. Even older models like the Pixel 6a, running Android 15, experienced up to a 23% performance gain. This suggests that new GPU drivers are improving performance across different Pixel models.

Image via Android Authority

The main factor behind these improvements is the newer GPU drivers included in Android updates. Pixel phones use ARM Mali GPUs, and while they didn’t come with the latest drivers at launch, Google has been updating them in regular software releases.

The updated GPU drivers were first released by Arm in late 2023 and early 2024. The Android 16 beta includes even newer versions. However, further testing is needed to evaluate the full impact of these changes across different apps and use cases.

Recent Android updates have made Pixel devices more capable, especially for gaming and other graphically demanding apps.

Android Auto to add climate control features for cars

Google has released a new update for the Android Auto app with version 14.0.1511, showing that it might soon offer several new climate control features. The update includes options like turning the AC on or off, defrosting windows, and controlling seat temperatures.

In the latest version of the Android Auto, @AssembleDebug spotted new features with codes. Some of the new features found in the app include modes like “auto” and “sync.”

The Auto mode will probably adjust the temperature inside the car based on what you like. The Sync mode will likely make the temperature settings the same for both the driver and the passenger, so there’s no need to adjust them separately.

Image via Android Authority

The app also shows controls for adjusting fan speed, turning on seat ventilation, and controlling the heating of side mirrors and the steering wheel. In addition, there are mentions of options for defrosting both the front and rear windows.

Along with these features, the app shows new icons for things like recirculation and windshield defrosting. These could make it easier to manage your car’s climate settings from Android Auto.

First Look at Google’s Gemini Live on Android Auto [Video]

Google has been working to make RCS, which allows people to send more than just text messages, like pictures and videos, and works similarly to iMessage. But until recently, RCS messages between Android phones and iPhones weren’t fully secure.

Now, things are changing. The GSM Association (GSMA), which helps manage RCS, has released a new update (Universal Profile 3.0) that will bring end-to-end encryption to RCS messages between Android and iPhones. This means that when you send an RCS message, it will be fully encrypted.

The new update makes it much harder for anyone, including hackers or phone carriers, to read your messages. End-to-end encryption works by ensuring that only the person who sends the message and the person who receives it can see its contents.

Image – SammyFans

Previously, Android phones had this protection, but RCS messages between Android and iPhones were not as secure. With the new system, both platforms will now have the same level of security.

This upgrade uses a protocol called Messaging Layer Security (MLS), which started being implemented in September 2024. Apple has said it is working on adding this feature to its devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, in future software updates.

Google is also excited about this change and is working quickly with other phone companies to make sure that end-to-end encryption is available to all users. With this update, RCS messages between Android and iPhone users will be as secure.

Google Messages bringing ‘Delete for Everyone’ option to RCS chats

Quick Share is a feature for sharing content between Android devices. Now, the company is taking Quick Share a step further into QR code integration. New information claims that Google is making QR codes available by default for a seamless experience.

Initially, Quick Share allowed users to share content by generating a QR code, but it required tapping a button to manually request the code. However, a recent APK teardown by AssembleDebug (via Android Authority) reveals that Google is testing a new feature for the Quick Share app.

The change is currently in development for the Quick Share app, which eliminates the need for users to actively request a QR code. Instead, the Quick Share interface now displays the QR code automatically, located beneath the nearby device window.

Image via Android Authority

Through this, Google aims to streamline the sharing process and make it even easier for users to transfer files. When devices aren’t automatically discoverable for wireless sharing, QR codes are helpful.

Previously, Quick Share focused mainly on wireless discovery to connect nearby devices. While this approach worked, it sometimes required additional setup for devices that weren’t properly configured. With the new interface, the presence of a QR code by default offers a faster, more consistent way to share files, especially when wireless discovery fails or isn’t set up.

The redesigned interface optimizes the space on the screen to ensure that both device discovery and the QR code are visible without messing with the layout. This change isn’t publicly available yet but is expected to soon be available for all. Once released, these features will be rolled out to all Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy devices.

Samsung Quick Share app now supports internet file sharing

Google is testing a new feature that could bring your lock screen clock to the notifications panel on Android. This feature isn’t available yet in the latest Android 16 Beta, but it could arrive in a future update, possibly one of the quarterly releases.

Currently, the lock screen clock only appears on the lock screen itself and does not appear elsewhere in the system UI. Google is now exploring (via Android Authority) showing the lock screen clock at the top of the notifications panel.

The new improvement would make it easier to see the time while checking your notifications. However, this clock would only appear in the new split notification panel that Google is working on for Android 16.

Image via Android Authority

The panel separates notifications and Quick Settings, similar to how phones from Samsung are organized. The new split panel is not yet fully active in the Android 16 Beta 3 but will be available in a future update.

It’s not yet clear if Google will bring the lock screen clock to the old, combined notifications panel, but this new feature could offer more ways to customize your phone. If you enjoy customizing your phone with new clock styles, this upcoming change could be an amazing addition to Android.

As Samsung currently offers a separate panel design in One UI 7, the next One UI update could put the lock screen clock on the notification panel.

Android 16 will bring the One UI 7 feature that will improve in One UI 8