Identity Check arrives on Pixel, voluntary exits for Android team, and Quick Settings may go retro

Another day, another batch of updates, leaks, and drama in the world of Google Pixel! If you’ve been wondering what’s been cooking over the past 24-48 hours, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, we don’t judge) and let’s dive into the latest happenings in Pixel land.

If you’ve ever worried about getting mugged and forced to hand over your Pixel, Google’s got your back. The new Identity Check feature is rolling out to Pixel devices, adding an extra layer of security when making crucial system changes outside of trusted places.

Setting it up is a breeze — just head to Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock > Theft protection > Identity Check and designate your safe zones, like your home or office. If you’re outside these zones, you’ll need both biometrics and your PIN/password to access saved passwords, change your PIN, disable Find My Device, or even factory reset your phone. In short, if someone tries to mess with your Pixel after swiping it from you, they’re in for a frustrating time.

For those rocking Samsung devices, don’t feel left out — Google says Identity Check is coming to One UI 7 and will be available more broadly on Android devices in 2025.

Mergers are always messy, and Google’s grand unification of its Pixel and Android teams is no exception. To smooth things over, Google is offering a voluntary exit program to U.S.-based employees in its Platforms & Devices division. If you’re an engineer who isn’t feeling the new direction, Google is basically saying, “No hard feelings, here’s a severance package.”

This move comes after Google merged its Pixel and Android teams last year, aiming to improve efficiency and speed up decision-making. While this program won’t affect Google’s product roadmap (so no, the Pixel 9a isn’t suddenly in jeopardy), it does raise eyebrows about what’s next for Google’s hardware ambitions. Let’s just hope this is more about streamlining and less about subtle layoffs.

Ah, Quick Settings — the panel we all instinctively swipe down on a hundred times a day. Google is cooking up some changes for Android 16, including a return to an old-school way of expanding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tiles.

Right now, tapping these tiles pops open floating panels. But back in Android 5.1 through 8.1, they used to expand within the Quick Settings panel itself. Google’s latest Android 16 beta suggests this behavior might be coming back, which should feel more natural for long-time Android users.

Of course, Google’s Quick Settings redesign is still a work in progress, and given how rough the beta build looks, we might not see this feature ship until a later Android 16 update — or even Android 17. But hey, at least Google is thinking about usability, even if it occasionally enjoys keeping us on our toes.

While the internet is buzzing about the OnePlus Open 2 potentially getting a telephoto macro mode, let’s talk about what really matters — will Google bring this feature to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?

Telephoto macro support would allow the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s periscope lens to double as a macro shooter, meaning crisper close-ups without needing to shove your phone inches from your subject. Imagine capturing intricate details of flowers, textures, or even your cat’s nose (because why not?) without worrying about blocking light or scaring your subject away.

Google’s Pixels already deliver some of the best computational photography magic, but a telephoto macro lens could give the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a real edge in versatility. Samsung and Apple still haven’t cracked this one, so if Google pulls it off, it could be a serious bragging point for Pixel fans.

That’s all for now, Pixel lovers! Whether it’s fortified security, corporate shake-ups, old-school UI revivals, or potentially groundbreaking camera features, there’s never a dull moment in the Pixel ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep your Pixels charged and your software up to date!