Music on your Pixel just got better with this new Android 17 feature

androidheadlines.com Jun 23, 2026

Music on your Pixel just got better with this new Android 17 feature

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google has added support for the LHDCv5 audio codec on Pixel devices with the launch of Android 17, enabling compatible devices to stream music with headphones and earbuds using hi-res audio. This update allows for better audio quality, providing a significant improvement for users who value high-quality sound. The LHDCv5 audio option is available on compatible Pixel devices, but it is hidden within the developer options. Users can access this feature by going into the settings menu, selecting System, then Developer Options, and finally Bluetooth Audio Codec. The update provides more options for users, especially those with earbuds or headphones that do not support the LDAC codec.

💡 Why It Matters

· Enhanced audio quality gives Pixel users a competitive edge in mobile music streaming, offering a unique selling point for audiophiles.
· Native support for LHDCv5 expands the range of compatible audio hardware, making high-bitrate streaming more accessible.

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I ended up using the Huion Note E Android tablet a lot…

The Huion Note E is an Android 15 tablet launched on May 20, 2026, priced at $369 on Amazon. It features an 8.4-inch paper-like IPS LCD with an anti-glare coating, a 6nm Mediatek Helio G99 processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The tablet comes with a battery-free EMR stylus and supports note-taking, drawing, and reading. Users can register their device on the Google Device Registration website to enable Play Protect and access the Play Store.

💡 The Huion Note E's unique blend of Android and E Ink-like features makes it an attractive option for users seeking a distraction-free experience. Its ability to mimic the feel of writing on paper with the stylus and native OCR capabilities set it apart from other budget tablets.

9to5google.com · Jun 23

Gemini overlay gets expanded ‘plus’ menu to do more without opening app

Google has expanded the plus menu in the Gemini overlay on Android, adding four new tools: Videos, Music, Canvas, and Guided learning. The Neural Expressive overlay now offers a total of six tools, including Images and Personal Intelligence. The update allows users to access most of the Gemini experience from anywhere on Android without opening the full app, similar to the previous Gemini overlay design. The change is rolling out with stable version 17.32 of the Google app.

💡 The expanded plus menu enhances the user experience, providing more functionality without the need to open the full app. By streamlining access to key features, Google aims to increase user engagement and retention within the Gemini platform.

9to5google.com · Jun 23

iOS 27 will add inline replies & photo reactions to Android-iPhone RCS

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update will introduce inline replies and photo reactions to Android-iPhone RCS messaging. The feature allows users to respond directly within a conversation thread, with RCS conversations supporting threading. On Android, Google Messages will display replies with the original message included above. Photo reactions will be accompanied by emojis instead of text descriptions. The update is expected to launch in September, following the introduction of end-to-end encryption for cross-platform RCS with iOS 26.5.

💡 The addition of inline replies and photo reactions to RCS messaging could significantly enhance user engagement and productivity, particularly in group conversations. By providing a more intuitive and visual way to interact with messages, Apple may be able to close the gap with Android's messaging capabilities.

androidcentral.com · Jun 22

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 leak reveals thinner bezels and a boxier…

Samsung has reportedly scrapped plans for the Galaxy Watch 9 Classic, instead focusing on a revamped Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The new smartwatch is expected to feature thinner bezels, a boxier chassis, and a more premium design. It will also come with new band designs, colors, watchfaces, and features as part of One UI 9 Watch. The Ultra variant will have a more rugged design and a wider, more flush button with a subtle orange outline accent.

💡 The cancellation of the Galaxy Watch 9 Classic signals a shift in Samsung's smartwatch strategy, prioritizing a more premium and rugged design over a mechanical rotating bezel. This move may appeal to customers seeking a more durable and feature-rich smartwatch experience.

androidcentral.com · Jun 22

Android 17 brings a surprisingly big upgrade for wireless earbuds

Google has released the stable Android 17 update, which includes a surprise addition of support for the Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec (LHDC) on Pixel phones. This means Pixel users can now take advantage of LHDC for higher-quality wireless audio, alongside existing codecs like AAC. The update also enables users to manually select LHDCv5, a newer codec for higher-bitrate audio over Bluetooth, on compatible earbuds. Several earbuds from Nothing and OnePlus support LHDC.

💡 The addition of LHDC support on Pixel phones with Android 17 unlocks better-quality wireless audio options for users with compatible premium earbuds, making it a significant upgrade for audio enthusiasts.

androidcentral.com · Jun 22

Samsung’s Privacy Display may not stay exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra…

A new leak suggests Samsung may bring the Privacy Display feature to the rumored Galaxy S27 Pro next year, expanding it beyond the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to have a 6.47-inch display with Privacy Display technology, offering a smaller form factor with premium features. The leak also mentions the Galaxy S27 Ultra will have a 6.89-inch 2K display. Samsung is reportedly planning to launch four Galaxy S27 models, including the base, Plus, Ultra, and Pro variants. The company may skip major hardware changes due to rising component costs.

💡 Samsung's potential decision to bring Privacy Display to more devices underscores its commitment to user security. A smaller flagship with this feature would cater to a wider range of consumers seeking enhanced privacy.