Topic: android authority
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Google Pixel Call Recording: How It Actually Works
A native call recording feature is now available on Google Pixel 8 Pro and later models, operating directly within the Phone app for users in legally permitted regions. The feature includes an automatic audible notification to all call participants about the recording and saves files locally with...
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Google's Final Android 16 Beta Is Here: Pixel Drop QPR2 Beta 3
The third and final beta of Android 16 QPR2 is now available for Pixel 6 series and newer models, including the Pixel 10, through the Android Beta program. Installing this beta locks users into the beta pathway, preventing a return to stable software without a full data wipe until the official QP...
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Google Accidentally Reveals Upcoming Nest Cams and Doorbell
Google inadvertently revealed three new Nest products—Nest Cam Indoor (3rd gen), Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd gen), and Nest Doorbell (3rd gen)—via its Home app. The devices are expected to feature enhanced 2K video resolution, new color options, and integration with Gemini for Home AI assistant. These ...
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Google's Next Android Tablet Upgrade Supercharges Multitasking
Google is developing a new multitasking feature for Android tablets that allows users to launch any app in a floating, resizable bubble window through a simple drag gesture from the taskbar. This enhancement aims to address the historical weakness in Android's multitasking capabilities, potential...
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Users Are Abandoning Plex for Its Rivals, Survey Finds
Plex's evolution from a simple media server to a commercialized platform has alienated users who valued a seamless, self-controlled hub, prompting many to reconsider their loyalty. A significant user exodus is underway, with over 30% having already switched to competitors and nearly half actively...
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Pixel's Motion Cues Feature Renamed in Latest APK Teardown
Google has rebranded its upcoming wellness feature from "Motion Cues" to "Motion Assist," a move likely intended to differentiate it from a similar Apple tool. The feature aims to reduce motion sickness by displaying on-screen animations to help sync a user's visual perception with a vehicle's mo...
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Android 17's 'Cinnamon Bun' Codename Confirmed by Canary
The next Android version, internally known as Android 17, has had its dessert codename "CINNAMON_BUN" officially confirmed through code in a recent Canary build, validating earlier rumors. Android 17 is assigned a temporary API level of 10000 during development, but it is expected to become API l...
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Google Photos and Maps Get a Fresh Look with New Icons
Google is redesigning app icons for Google Photos and Maps with gradient color schemes as part of a broader visual refresh and AI-first strategy. The new icons feature softer gradients and retain familiar shapes while symbolizing Google's evolution in the AI era and deeper integration of AI funct...
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Google Pixel's Persistent Notification Delay in 2026
Google Pixel users across multiple models, including the latest Pixel 10 series, are experiencing persistent and significant delays in receiving notifications from apps like Google Home, security cameras, and messaging services. The issue is primarily attributed to Android's Doze and App Standby ...
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Google's Pixel 10 GPU Upgrade: What It Actually Means
Google has confirmed plans to release further GPU driver updates for the Pixel 10, incorporating improvements through regular monthly and quarterly system updates. There is uncertainty about whether these updates will be major overhauls or minor refinements, as users await a new driver version li...
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Google Photos May Let You Turn Yourself Into a Meme
Google Photos is developing an AI feature called "Me Meme" that will allow users to insert their faces into popular meme templates for personalized humor. The tool requires a clear selfie from the user's cloud library to analyze facial features and superimpose them onto chosen meme formats for ea...
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Android 16 QPR2's Sideloading UI Gets a Major Visual Upgrade
Google has updated the Android Package Installer's visual design in Android 16 QPR2, aligning it with the Material 3 design language for a more cohesive system experience, though it requires a full OS update. The redesign features a centered app name and icon for clarity, and introduces distinct ...
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Android's December 2025 Security Patch: A Major Update
Google's December 2025 Android Security Bulletin details numerous critical vulnerabilities, including a severe flaw in the Android Framework that could enable remote denial-of-service attacks without special privileges. The update addresses high-severity system and kernel-level vulnerabilities th...
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Google's Aluminium OS: An Android Alternative for PC
Google is developing a new AI-centric operating system called Aluminium OS (ALOS), which is Android-based and aims to unify Android and ChromeOS into a single platform for various devices. The project signals a strategic shift, with plans to eventually phase out ChromeOS in favor of Aluminium OS,...
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Google Relaxes Android Sideloading Restrictions
Google is introducing an "advanced flow" to give experienced Android users more control over sideloading apps, balancing safety and freedom with clear, repeated warnings about risks. The company is requiring developer verification for apps distributed outside the Play Store to combat security thr...
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Google's Surprise October Update for Pixel Users
Google released an unexpected second October 2025 software update for Pixel smartphones, extending support for recent models while excluding older devices like the Pixel 6 series. The update addresses unspecified issues, following an initial October release that fixed problems such as screen flic...
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Your Galaxy Phone's Next Update Is Unbelievably Different
Samsung and Netflix have launched a free, limited-time *Stranger Things* theme and wallpaper pack for Galaxy phones, celebrating the show's final season. The pack, available globally until February 22, includes a full theme and five live-action wallpapers inspired by Season 5, requiring the Netfl...
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Your Pixel May Have a Surprise Update
Google has released an unexpected second software update for Pixel phones in December, likely containing a critical fix, though no official details have been provided. The update is currently reaching newer Pixel 8, 9, and 10-series models and is unusually small, suggesting a targeted hotfix rath...
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Google's Android 17 to Boost Controller Gaming Experience
Google is developing native controller remapping for Android 17, enabling users to customize button layouts system-wide without third-party tools. This feature addresses accessibility needs, competitive gaming optimization, and compatibility for retro gaming, as current remapping options are limi...
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Google Pixel 10 to Receive GPU Updates Soon
Google will enhance Pixel 10's graphical performance by incorporating GPU firmware updates in future software releases, addressing the outdated PowerVR GPU firmware currently in use. The company is rolling out these improvements through regular monthly and quarterly updates, with recent security ...
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OnePlus 15 Design Leak Hints at Launch Date
OnePlus may have revealed an October 27 launch date for the OnePlus 15 through official images, aligning with existing rumors and pre-orders in China. The device features a new "Sand Dune" color, an aerospace-grade "Nano-ceramic Metal" midframe for comfort, and is confirmed to include the Snapdra...
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Unlock a Secret $200 Pixel 10 Pro Discount with Google Play Points
A targeted $200 discount for the Pixel 10 Pro series is available to select Gold-tier U.S. members of the Google Play Points program, and this perk is stackable with other promotions. To claim the offer, users must log into the Google Store with the same account linked to their Play Points member...
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MKBHD's Panels App Shuts Down: What's Next?
MKBHD's popular Panels wallpaper app is shutting down permanently at month's end, citing challenges in maintaining a development team aligned with its long-term vision. Current users must download desired wallpapers before the shutdown, as functionality will cease; all subscriptions will receive ...
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Innovative Smartphone Brand Launches in the US
Fairphone, a European brand focused on sustainability and repairability, has entered the US market by launching the Fairbuds XL headphones through Amazon to establish its brand before introducing phones. The company plans to launch a Fairphone handset, likely the Gen 6 model, in the US, motivated...
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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: A Detailed First Look
Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold, showcased in a new video, features an exceptionally thin profile when fully open and a controlled thickness when folded, continuing the refined design of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The device shares key design elements with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, including a triple rear camera...
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Google Pixel Drop Leaks Early: November Features Revealed
Google's next Pixel Drop software update is expected to launch on November 4, earlier than anticipated, introducing new features for Pixel smartphones. The update will include the first official Pixel theme pack, starting with "Wicked," and enhanced animation tools in Pixel Studio for creating vi...
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Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 Returns: Google Confirms Release Date
Google is resuming the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 release this week after fixing a critical bug that caused system crashes in desktop mode. The updated version, QPR2 Beta 3.1, resolves the desktop mode issue and includes improvements like fixing Google Play System update failures and battery drain pr...
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Google Home App Gets a Major Gemini-Powered Redesign
The Google Home app is being redesigned with Gemini integration to enhance conversational control and provide a more intuitive user experience through natural language interaction. A new "Ask Home" search bar allows users to type or speak commands to control devices, review video history, and che...
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YouTube Adds Fun Animations When You Like a Video
YouTube has introduced themed animations that play when users click the 'like' button, enhancing engagement and visual appeal on the platform. There are twenty unique animations tailored to specific video genres, such as cars or education, adding a personalized touch to liking content. All animat...
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Smarter Pixel Always-On Display Saves Battery Life
Google is developing an intelligent Always-on Display feature for Pixel phones that automatically turns off the screen when no user activity is detected, aiming to extend battery life. This new setting, found in the Android Canary build, will offer more control over battery usage by powering down...
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Google's Android Canary Now Available for All Pixel Phones
The latest Android Canary 2510 build is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, offering user-facing enhancements and interface refinements as part of Google's monthly updates for enthusiasts. Key improvements include a redesigned flashlight brightness control with a more intuitive layout and th...
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Samsung's New Foldable Outshines the Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Samsung W26 is a China-exclusive premium edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, featuring satellite calling, a gold-accented design, and enhanced memory tailored for the local market. It includes significant hardware upgrades such as 16GB of RAM across storage options and exclusive Galaxy AI softwar...
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Indiegogo's 'Express Crowdfunding' Gets Products to You Faster
Indiegogo is launching an "Express Crowdfunding" model that allows creators to ship products to backers while a campaign is still active, aiming to speed up delivery and improve the backer experience. The change addresses limitations of the traditional process, which includes a mandatory gap betw...
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Android's New 'Min Mode' Always-On Display Can Run Apps
Android's upcoming "Min Mode" will enable limited versions of apps to run directly on the lock screen, transforming the always-on display into an interactive tool. This feature requires developers to declare "MinModeActivity" support and includes burn-in protection, allowing apps to use the full ...
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Samsung Reportedly Cancels Galaxy S26 Edge: Here's Why
Samsung has canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge due to significantly lower-than-expected sales and will focus its flagship lineup on the S26 Pro, Plus, and Ultra models. The decision follows the poor market performance of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which sold only 1.31 million units, far less than other model...
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Google Home users hack Gemini onto devices via URL trick
A workaround using a specific URL allows some Google Home users to potentially activate the Gemini AI assistant early, though success is inconsistent and often results in only a voice change. The method may trigger a prompt for a Google Home Premium trial, which is required for Gemini's advanced ...
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Android 17 May Enable Full-Screen Apps on Always-On Display
Android 17 will introduce "Min Mode," enabling full-screen apps to run on the Always-On Display for richer, glanceable experiences without major battery drain. Min Mode functions as a distinct AOD version, allowing apps to display simplified, persistent interfaces by registering a special activit...
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OnePlus 15 Price Leak Reveals Surprising Good News
The OnePlus 15 may be more affordable than its predecessor, with a potential £50 price reduction for the top-tier model in the UK, starting at £949 for the 16GB/512GB variant. It will feature high-end specifications including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a 7,300mAh battery with fast char...
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Pixel Call Recording Returns for Select Users in US and UK
Google is preparing to reintroduce native call recording for Pixel smartphones in select markets, offering an alternative to the AI-based Call Notes feature for capturing conversations. The feature is currently in limited beta testing, appearing for some users on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro with...
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