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Connecting to a mobile hotspot on Android is a fairly simple process. The default settings, though, limit the WiFi speed you can use. The default speed for Android hotspot uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. It leaves out the 6 GHz frequency that the newer Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support. The reason is that most devices can’t connect to 6 GHz Wi-Fi networks. There is also the restriction of such frequency in some regions, like the US. Some regulations previously prohibited smartphones from creating 6 GHz Wi-Fi hotspots.
That isn’t the case anymore. Many devices now use 6 GHz Wi-Fi. Even regulations that once restricted the usage have been altered to allow the use of this frequency for mobile hotspots in the US. With these changes, Google recently launched an update to Pixel phones that unlocked the 6 GHz frequency for Wi-Fi hotspots. Pixel owners can now adjust their WiFi speed to a 6 GHz Wi-Fi hotspot. They can do this by going to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > Speed & compatibility and choosing the “6 GHz” option under “Preferred frequency.”
The 6 GHz band delivers faster speeds than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands because of its wider channels, but it still has its limitations. It suffers from a shorter range because the higher-frequency waves are more easily blocked by objects. Another is the lack of 6 GHz frequency WiFi support for many devices, so they can’t even connect to the hotspot. Pixel users using the 6 GHz option will have to accept these limitations.
Google has found a way around these drawbacks by introducing a new Wi-Fi hotspot option that combines the 2.4 GHz band’s broad compatibility with the 6 GHz band’s superior throughput. As seen in the latest Android Canary release, the company has added a “2.4 and 6 GHz” option to the ‘Speed & compatibility’ settings page. With this dual-band mode, users get the benefits of both options — fast speeds of the 6 GHz option and compatibility with legacy devices through the 2.4 GHz band.
We expect to see the option live in the beta release soon, since it’s already in the latest Canary build . It might roll out in the next beta update for the Android 16 QPR3 release.
Author:Obiajulum Ndubuisi
Obiajulum is a tech enthusiast passionate about writing. When she isn’t writing about gadgets, she will probably be playing badminton, watching a movie, or surfing the internet.
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Google has recently been updating its apps with useful features, mostly centred on Gemini integration and improving user experience. After upgrading the pinning limit of conversations to 20 , Google plans to improve the Messages app with minor but useful upgrades.
A recent beta build code spotted by Android Authority reveals these upcoming changes. While the features aren’t live yet, their presence in the beta code indicates that they will later make their way to the stable version.
Opening Saved Media
One of the changes in the beta version has to do with saving shared media like photos. Currently, after saving a media file, a pop-up message confirms that the file has indeed been saved. An added feature is that it won’t just send a confirmatory message, but will also include a tappable Open button to let you view the file.
It’s a small but useful feature. Without the Open option, you can still view the file on the Messages app. But with the feature, you can confirm that it has actually been saved by opening it on another app.
Bigger Gemini icon
Gemini on the Messages app is denoted with a small floating icon at the bottom right. For whatever reason, Google will make the icon slightly bigger to draw your attention. The company probably hopes more people will be willing to use Gemini if it becomes noticeable to them and is not overlooked in the tiny spot it occupies. For regular users of Gemini, the larger button makes it easier to tap. It’s not much of an upgrade but it is something Google thought to include.
One-time location
The last change has to do with sharing your location. Currently on the app, after tapping the plus sign at the left of the text box, one of the options displayed is Location. That may soon be changed to ‘One-time Location’.
This may be Google’s way of making it clear that the location sharing option works for your current location and not your live location. The option in the code is described as ‘enable_live_location_sharing_extension’, making it unclear if the option shares the live location or only the user’s location at the time of sharing.
These changes are all in the beta version for now and may or may not make it to the full version of Messages. If they do materialise, we will see them on the app very soon.
Author:Obiajulum Ndubuisi
Obiajulum is a tech enthusiast passionate about writing. When she isn’t writing about gadgets, she will probably be playing badminton, watching a movie, or surfing the internet.
