The Pixel Pulse: Pixel gains momentum in India, more widget wizardry, and a dual SIM RCS hack!

Hey Pixel fans! It’s time to catch up on some exciting developments that’ll make you love your Pixel even more. From India’s premium smartphone scene to some nifty tweaks in the Pixel Launcher, and a cheeky trick for dual SIM RCS – let’s dive right in!

Google Pixel is making waves in India’s premium smartphone segment, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. According to a report by Canalys, Google’s Pixel lineup grew from a modest 1% market share in 2023 to a commendable 5% in 2024. That’s a fivefold increase! Meanwhile, OnePlus saw its market share tumble from 21% to just 6%.

What’s fueling this growth? Partly, it’s the Pixel 8, which is now being manufactured in India, making it more accessible and attractive to local buyers. The Pixel’s global success also plays a role, with 2024 marking its best sales quarter ever. While Apple still dominates with a whopping 56% market share in India, it’s heartening to see Pixel steadily carving out its own space.

Love widgets but overwhelmed by choices? Google’s got your back. A recent APK teardown of Android 16’s developer preview reveals an upcoming tweak in the Pixel Launcher. Soon, your widget list will show a filtered set of widgets by default, hiding the rest behind a neat “Show all” button.

Currently, the widget list displays every single option, which can be a bit much. With the new “tiered widgets” feature, only system-recommended widgets will greet you initially. Want to explore more? Just tap that “Show all” button. Though this feature isn’t live yet, we’re excited about the cleaner, more organized experience it promises.

Struggling with dual SIM RCS support? Here’s a trick that might just solve your woes. Some savvy users have discovered that by joining the beta programs for Google Messages and Carrier Services, you can get dual SIM RCS up and running on your Pixel.

Here’s how it works: head to the Google Play Store, opt into the beta for both apps, update them, and voilà – dual SIM RCS should appear in your Messages settings within 24 hours. This trick has been a lifesaver for many, and if you’re juggling two SIMs, it’s worth giving it a shot. While we wait for a full rollout, this hack could be your ticket to seamless communication on both numbers.

That’s all for now, Pixel aficionados! Keep an eye out for more updates, and as always, stay playful and curious with your tech. Until next time, happy Pixel-ing!