Your personalized Android clock may soon appear in the notification panel.
Android Authority
Your Android clock customizations may soon be applicable beyond just the lock screen. Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority discovered this feature within the code of the latest Android 16 Beta. Although it hasn't been officially activated yet, he managed to demonstrate the feature briefly.
The first noticeable change is the separation of the Quick Settings and Notifications panels. Swiping from the right reveals Quick Settings, while swiping down from the left shows Notifications. You can also switch between the two by tapping icons located at each corner of the screen.
There's an added benefit to this adjustment. It creates additional space in the Notifications panel, allowing your customizations to be applied there. However, Rahman notes that the appearance might differ; his activation could look different than the final version.
FIRST LOOK: Hands-on with the redesigned Quick Settings in Android 16!
Further testing showed that the Notifications panel displays the same clock as the lock screen, along with any themes you customize. However, not all features transfer perfectly; most clocks display correctly, but Rahman mentioned the weather clock doesn't appear completely.
This is an exciting development that enhances customization options in Android 16. That being said, it’s unlikely to be available in the next update. Since this feature is tied to the separate dual panels—which are still in development—it probably won't be released until later. Nevertheless, Google could easily incorporate it into one of the quarterly updates for Android 16.
One of the key attractions for Android users is the greater level of customization available compared to other platforms (especially iOS). Updates like this can attract new customers seeking more control over their devices. With the additional useful features on the way with Android 16, it seems set to surpass iOS 18.
Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's...
October 15 might be the day Android enthusiasts have been anticipating.
The official release of Android 15 has been delayed longer than expected, but now we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. According to a report from Android Headlines, the next version of Android is set to launch on October 15.
This marks a significant change from Google’s previous launch practices. Typically, the latest Android version coincides with the latest Pixel release, but this year, that didn’t happen with the August launch of the Google Pixel 9. In some ways, Android 15 is being released on schedule; the Pixel simply came out early.
Read more
Organizing your Google Photos library is about to become much simpler.
As reported by Android Authority, the Google Photos app for Android is anticipated to receive an update with new organizational tools. These enhancements could streamline photo management for those who frequently back up images and videos from third-party apps to Google Photos.
The latest report indicates that an APK teardown of Google Photos v6.99 has revealed a new setting in the app’s “Show content from other apps” section called “Only show backed-up content.” Selecting this option allows you to view images from third-party apps that have been backed up or are pending backup, giving you greater control over what appears in your main photo feed.
Read more
RCS messages on your Android phone may soon have a new look.
You might notice a change in how messages appear on your Android device. Google Messages is implementing a modification in the display of message types. Currently, it indicates either "Text message" or "RCS message" at the bottom; the new update will shorten these to just (Text) or (RCS).
9to5Google's Abner Li reported this change and suggested that the phrasing could be simplified to either Text or RCS to provide a cleaner appearance and reduce technical jargon. However, only a small number of users have reported the change thus far. Given Google's tendency to roll out updates gradually, this isn’t unexpected.
Read more
Other articles
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake displays renewed signs of activity.
Details regarding the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake have been sparse, but Saber Interactive's COO has reassured fans that the project is still in progress.
Don’t miss out! The 85-inch Samsung The Frame is now available with an incredible $1,300 off.
The Samsung 85-inch The Frame 4K QLED is available for $3,000 today. This remarkable LED-LCD is crafted to display professional art prints and photographs.
Amazing footage of a solar eclipse observed from the moon reveals a lunar surface bathed in red.
While Earth experienced a lunar eclipse last night, the Blue Ghost lander on the moon witnessed a solar eclipse.
Michael Fassbender reminisces about his 'terrible' audition for Mad Max: Fury Road.
Did you know that Michael Fassbender nearly portrayed Mad Max? The Oscar-nominated actor amusingly reminisced about his "terrible" audition for Fury Road in front of George Miller.
Leaks reveal the character list for The Odyssey: Discover which actors will portray the legendary characters.
Matt Damon is set to portray Odysseus in The Odyssey. The cast list for Christopher Nolan's epic has been revealed. Check out who will be taking on each role.
Woot is offering the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for just $50.
Today, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are available for just $50. These comfy in-ear headphones deliver excellent sound quality and have a long battery life, but this $50 price won’t last, so make your move quickly!
Your personalized Android clock may soon appear in the notification panel.
A feature found in the most recent Android 16 beta indicates that additional customization choices are forthcoming.