The anticipation for the quarterly Pixel Feature Drop is palpable among owners of eligible Pixel phones, as each update has the potential to breathe new life into their devices. As a former Pixel 6 Pro user myself, I vividly remember yearning for a Face unlock feature to alleviate the hassle of dealing with the finicky optical under-display fingerprint sensor.
According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, writing for Android Central, the upcoming March Feature Drop promises some exciting additions, some of which have already been unveiled in the Android 14 QPR2 Beta releases.
One eagerly awaited feature will streamline the process of switching Bluetooth devices directly from the Quick Settings page. Demonstrated in a screenshot captured from my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 14 QPR 2 Beta 3.1, tapping the Bluetooth tile now prompts a convenient pop-up, facilitating seamless device switching, pairing, or disabling of Bluetooth.
Another noteworthy enhancement involves screen recording options. Users will soon have the flexibility to choose between recording the entire screen or just a specific app. This is particularly handy for scenarios where users wish to avoid capturing sensitive notifications during screen recordings or when mirroring their screen to Chromecast-compatible displays.
Moreover, the update introduces a revamped full-screen page that provides real-time status reports on app access to the Camera and Microphone, allowing users to promptly identify and close any intrusive apps. Additionally, sharing Wi-Fi connections will become hassle-free through a streamlined process accessible from the Quick Settings menu, complete with identity verification via fingerprint or facial recognition.
Furthermore, users can expect improvements on the lock screen, where upcoming alarms and Do Not Disturb status will be conveniently displayed alongside weather information.
Mark your calendars for March 4th, as it could mark the release date for the highly anticipated March Quarterly Pixel Drop. Furthermore, Google has already initiated the beta phase for the June Feature Drop (Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1), indicating a continuous commitment to enhancing the Pixel user experience.
Apple has effectively tackled the overheating issues plaguing the iPhone 15 Pro through an iOS update, but for the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro, they’re opting for a more robust solution.
Despite the temporary fix provided by the software update, the fundamental challenge persists: as processors handle more tasks, they generate more heat. Even with the situation under control post-update, the iPhone 15 family still exhibits higher operating temperatures compared to previous models.
As smartphones evolve with each generation demanding greater performance, the forthcoming iPhones are expected to take a significant leap. Alongside the customary enhancements, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) will necessitate enhanced computing capabilities. Apple aims to cater to this demand with the anticipated A18 chipset, which will process a substantial amount of personal data locally.
Efficient thermal management is paramount in the design process. Drawing inspiration from innovative solutions seen in Android-powered gaming phones, Apple is exploring various options. These include active cooling mechanisms like fans and vents, larger vapor chambers, and thermoelectric cooling utilizing the Peltier Effect.
Recent discussions point towards Apple’s potential utilization of graphene in the next iPhone to effectively dissipate heat from the chipset. Research highlights the advantages of utilizing a boron nitride crystal substrate to augment heat transfer efficiency. This solution offers a thinner profile compared to conventional heat pipe networks and vapor chambers, avoiding additional bulk in the handset—an aspect Apple’s design ethos typically eschews.
Apple has demonstrated a willingness to introduce novel materials into their iPhone lineup, as evidenced by the titanium chassis featured in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Integrating graphene into the iPhone could be the game-changing innovation that unlocks its true performance potential, possibly earning it the iconic “one more thing” status characteristic of Apple’s product reveals.