What you need to know

• YouTube is reportedly planning to launch audiobooks for its Premium subscribers.
• Audiobooks could arrive for the platform's ad-free $16 subscription plan in 2027 if this goes without a hitch for Google/YouTube.
• YouTube would run into competition with the likes of Spotify (audiobooks arrived in 2023) and Audible.

Audiobook-enjoyers might have something to celebrate on YouTube. There are rumors that the platform is looking to enter a new market for its Premium subscribers.

A post by the Wall Street Journal (paywalled) highlighted rumors that YouTube Premium could soon offer audiobooks in one of its subscription plans (via GSMArena). Supposedly, Google has been "talking with publishers" about bringing audiobooks onto the platform in 2027.

Early reports allege YouTube Premium would offer audiobooks in its ad-free plan, which currently runs consumers $16 a month. What's interesting is that this could solve an issue: piracy. GoodEReader brought this up in its coverage, highlighting data that shows "45% of listeners" consume "audiobooks" on YouTube. The air quotes (and literal quotes) are warranted here, as the publication states these are AI-narrated, not authentic.

Audiobooks in YouTube Premium would give users the best experience possible, away from false creations. However, it's worth remembering that these are rumors, and nothing's been confirmed by YouTube yet.

YouTube's branching out

Many should be well-acquainted with Audible's audiobook offerings. In recent history, Spotify has joined that market, taking the fight directly to Audible with over 200,000 "free" titles. That was how it all started, anyway. When audiobooks launched for Spotify Premium in 2023, the platform gave its subscribers in the U.S. and the U.K. 15 hours of listening per month.

After you exceeded your limit, you could pay an additional $12.99 to get 10 more hours "or buy them a la carte." Spotify's library exceeded that initial 200,000 for Premium subscribers. But if you wanted more, you'd have to buy them individually. Spotify then launched its "Audiobook Access" tier for $9.99, giving users the same 15 hours of listening per month deal.

It goes without saying that YouTube will have its work cut out for it by stepping into this new world.

What you need to know

• Google is notifying AI Plus subscribers that access to Pro models in Gemini and AI Mode will change on November 13.
• Users on the $5 Google AI Plus plan will lose the ability to select Pro models but can continue using Flash models.
• Keeping access to Gemini's Pro models will require Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month, four times as much.

Google has started notifying users that they'll soon have to pay more if they want to continue using Gemini's Pro models in both the Gemini app and Google Search.

Currently, the Google AI Plus plan is a pretty good deal. For just $5 per month, you get a generous 400GB of cloud storage alongside access to some of Google's latest and most powerful Gemini models. But now, Google wants users to pay more if they want to continue using the Pro models in the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search.

As spotted by a Reddit user (via Droid-Life), Google has started emailing Google AI Plus subscribers, informing them that the ability to select Pro models in both the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search will move behind the more expensive Google AI Pro subscription starting November 13, 2026.

Essentially, this means Google AI Plus subscribers will no longer be able to manually select the Pro models in either service after that date. Instead, users who want to continue accessing those models will need to upgrade to Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month in the U.S.

Google does mention in the email that AI Plus subscribers will continue to have access to its Flash models, so it's not like Gemini is going away entirely for those on the cheaper plan. But if you've been using the more capable Pro models for complex tasks, reasoning, or research, you'll now need to pay for the higher tier to keep using them.

Of course, Google is also offering several other benefits with its AI Pro subscription to make the higher price a little easier to justify.

Alongside access to its latest and most capable Gemini models, Google AI Pro also includes benefits such as YouTube Premium Lite, Google Home Premium, Google Health Premium, and 5TB of cloud storage that can be shared across Google services.

Those are some pretty useful additions, especially if you're already paying for several of Google's services separately. But that doesn't change the fact that users who were previously getting access to Gemini's Pro models for $5 per month will now have to spend four times as much to retain that functionality.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out several updates for Search AI (AI Mode and AI Overviews) to help fuel user confidence when searching.
• Search AI will now feature inline source links higher in responses, while also displaying "more engaging" links with thumbnail photos.
• Timely news articles in Search AI will be housed in a carousel for quicker perusal.

AI Mode and AI Overviews are two prominent features in Google Search nowadays, but they're far from flawless. Google states it's rolling out updates to improve its inline source links.

This morning (Oct. 15), Google announced that it's rolling out updates to how AI Mode and AI Overviews help users discover the right information. No matter which feature you're using, Google's AI offers links back to its sources; however, it's never been perfect. According to the post, Google is moving its inline links "higher up in responses more frequently."

Users will find quicker access to true, verified sources for information across their searches. Additionally, if you're diving deeper into topics with AI Mode, Google says it's now displaying "more engaging and prominent" links. Users will notice links with thumbnail photos and a more click-encouraging design.

Elsewhere, the company detailed a test it's preparing to run for its AI responses. Some users may notice a new display at the top of some responses under a "Quick results from the web" category. Google says these links will feature a quick explanation of why they're the "best" sources for what you've searched.

These changes should help Search AI

Aside from your standard searches, Google is updating how published news stories appear. Preferred Sources helps users find content from websites they enjoy much more easily in Search. Google says it's rolling out a "prominent carousel" of news stories for timely articles. If you've searched for a recent event or a breaking news story, you will likely see this carousel of articles ready for your perusal.

Elsewhere, Google has now rolled out clickable creator and publisher profiles in video results. This will send users to their Search Profile, which holds the full scope of their content and more. Search Profiles gave us social media vibes when Google launched the feature in June. Primarily for your Discover feed, creators and publishers will feature a "Follow on Google" button in their knowledge panel.

Their profile will host their articles, social media posts, and videos.

These updates to Google's Search AI will roll out throughout October, so keep an eye out

What you need to know

• YouTube Music will label AI-generated songs to help listeners identify AI involvement.
• YouTube combines partner disclosures with AI detection tools to identify tracks, even when creators leave disclosure fields blank.
• YouTube plans to bring AI labels to its main video platform, extending transparency beyond music streaming.

YouTube Music is rolling out new labels that tell listeners when generative AI played a big part in making a song, the company announced Wednesday. The labels will appear directly on the music player, providing users a more transparent idea of what they are listening to without having to sift through descriptions or wonder if a track was created by a human artist or an AI model.

The feature covers music created largely with AI, including songs where generative models contribute both the composition and vocals. Tap a label, and a menu appears with more information about the song’s AI participation. YouTube says the labels will eventually reach its main video platform as well.

The move comes as generative AI makes it easier to produce music at scale. The challenge for streaming services is to help listeners distinguish between AI-assisted work and AI-made work, without treating all uses of AI the same.

YouTube pairs creator disclosures with detection tools

YouTube is using a mix of disclosure from its music partners and its own detection tools instead of relying on artists and music distributors to flag AI-created content. Partners can identify delivered tracks as “Fully Gen AI”, “Partly Gen AI”, or “No Gen AI” through supported metadata workflows.

This distinction is important since an artist using AI to help in a certain part of the production is not the same as a fully AI-generated song. The labels are not intended to lump every AI-assisted track into one category but rather to provide more context for listeners about that difference.

YouTube's help page says it may use additional signals when partners don't provide AI information. If the platform can detect that a track has content created by AI, it could be marked as fully or partially AI-generated. Therefore, not entering anything in the disclosure field is no guarantee a song won’t be tagged.

Not an AI-free listening experience, but transparency

The new labels are not a prohibition on AI-generated music. Instead, YouTube is providing listeners with more information on how tracks were made and letting them choose what belongs in their playlists.

That approach puts the spotlight on transparency as AI music becomes more prevalent across streaming platforms.

I would love to see AI labels become the standard for everything I consume online, from music and videos to news articles and social media posts. I’m not necessarily against content produced by AI, but I want to be told that I’m hearing or seeing it before I decide what I think about it.

YouTube Music adding these labels is moving in the right direction, and I’d welcome the additional transparency. I just hope the labelling on YouTube is accurate; a disclosure system is only useful if listeners can trust it.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a new Shop Devices section in the Play Store for browsing Pixel and Samsung Galaxy hardware.
• The new option appears in the Play Store's profile menu and redirects users to Google's existing hardware storefront.
• The portal lists devices like the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 4, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google TV Streamer, and more.

Google is rolling out a new Shop devices option in the Play Store, allowing users to buy not just apps and games, but also smartphones and other hardware directly through the app.

For years, the Google Play Store has been the go-to storefront for downloading apps, games, books, and more. But now, Google wants to expand that experience to hardware as well. As spotted by 9to5Google, the company has added a new "Shop devices" section within the Play Store that lets users shop for not only Google Pixel phones and Pixel Watches, but also Samsung Galaxy devices.

The new Shop Devices option appears when you tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Google Play Store. Selecting it opens the Google Store where you can browse and purchase Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.

Currently, the portal lists several devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra, alongside Google's own products like the Pixel 10a, Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google TV Streamer, Pixel 11, and Pixel 11 Pro.

Other devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, are also listed. However, it doesn't appear to be a complete storefront for either brand just yet, with only select devices available for now. Google could expand the selection as more products are added to the portal.

It's worth noting that eligible Google One subscribers can also take advantage of the 10% Google Store credit benefit when purchasing supported devices through the portal. You can then use the 10% credit towards any other future Google Store purchase.

But perhaps the more interesting part is that Google doesn't seem to have updated the prices of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series in the new shopping section.

For those unaware, Samsung recently increased the prices of the Galaxy S26 lineup in the U.S. by $100, meaning the base Galaxy S26 now starts at $1,000, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,400.

However, the Shop Devices portal still shows the older, lower prices for both phones. So, at least for now, you may be able to pick up the Galaxy S26 or Galaxy S26 Ultra for less than Samsung's revised pricing, although it's worth checking the final price at checkout.

That said, if you're specifically looking for a deal on the Galaxy S26 series, it's still worth comparing prices with retailers like Amazon, where you might find better discounts than what's available through Google's new shopping portal.

What you need to know

• Google is developing new Pixel diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data.
• The new tools appear under Device Health & Support, alongside existing battery, Bluetooth, and touchscreen diagnostics.
• Pixel phones could soon identify connectivity problems and either attempt a fix or guide users through troubleshooting..

One of the issues we regularly run into on Android phones, unfortunately, is related to mobile data, Wi-Fi, and overall connectivity. But it looks like Android 17 could soon be able to diagnose and fix some of these problems for you.

Google has been building out its Pixel troubleshooting and diagnostics tool for a while now. Pixel phones can already check for issues related to battery health, connectivity, Bluetooth, and even touchscreen problems. But now, it looks like Google is expanding these tools to help users fix calling, Wi-Fi, and mobile data issues as well.

As spotted by Android Police, the recently released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, alongside the latest Google Play Services beta, introduces new diagnostic tools designed to troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. The new options appear under the Device health & support section.

So, if you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, experiencing dropped calls, or your mobile data suddenly stops working, you'll be able to open the relevant diagnostic tool and have your Pixel check what's going wrong behind the scenes.

Depending on the issue, the tool could either attempt to fix the problem automatically or guide you through the necessary steps to get things working again. This could save users from having to manually dig through network settings or reset their connections every time something stops working.

For now, these new tools have only been spotted in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 with the Google Play Services beta, so they aren't widely available yet. However, considering they're already showing up in testing, there's a chance Google could introduce them with the stable Android 17 QPR3 release early next year.

Given how frequently Pixel owners have complained about connectivity issues over the years, having built-in tools that can actually help diagnose and fix those problems could be a pretty useful addition.

What you need to know

• Google officially replaced Assistant with Gemini in September, but a Redditor has found a way to bring it back.
• The workaround involves uninstalling Google app updates and reopening Google Assistant through the Play Store.
• Users can reportedly decline the Gemini switch and set Google Assistant as their default digital assistant again.
• You'll need to disable automatic Google app updates to keep the workaround working.

A Redditor seems to have found a new trick to get Google Assistant working again on Android phones, even after Google officially shut it down.

Last month, Google pulled the plug on Google Assistant for Android phones on September 4, 2026, replacing the good old assistant with Gemini. Gemini is now the default assistant on Android smartphones, whether you like it or not. However, a new workaround discovered by a Redditor (via Android Police) claims to bring back the Google Assistant experience.

According to the Reddit post, the user managed to get Google Assistant working again by uninstalling updates to the Google app on their Android phone. They then opened the Google Assistant listing on the Play Store, after which the old assistant reportedly started working again.

When Google Assistant launches, a prompt appears asking users to switch to Gemini. But according to the Redditor, there's still an option to decline the switch and continue using Google Assistant instead.

Selecting that option reportedly lets users set Google Assistant as their default digital assistant again, restoring the familiar experience Google discontinued last month. Of course, there's another step you'll need to follow if you want to keep Google Assistant working through this method.

You'll have to disable automatic updates for the Google app on the Play Store. Otherwise, the app could update itself to the latest version and replace Google Assistant with Gemini again. To do this, open the Google Play Store and search for the Google app. Open its listing, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and uncheck Enable auto-update.

And that's it. If you've been missing the good old Google Assistant experience on your Android phone, this workaround appears to offer a way to bring it back, at least for now.

Of course, there's no guarantee it'll continue working. Google could disable the workaround through a future update or server-side change at any time. But if you still prefer Google Assistant over Gemini, or simply want to give the old assistant another go for nostalgia's sake, this might be worth trying.>

What you need to know

• Vehicles with Google built-in are getting a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and improved YouTube playback over the next few weeks.
• The updated Play Store will make its catalog of apps easier to browse, with featured picks, new releases, and curated collections.
• YouTube will automatically switch to audio-only playback when drivers shift into drive, letting videos continue without distracting visuals.

Google is rolling out a more useful entertainment experience for cars with Google built-in, including a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and a YouTube upgrade that lets you keep listening after shifting into drive. Drivers will not have to do anything themselves to install it, as the changes will come automatically over the next few weeks.

The Play Store refresh is meant to make the app-finding process less painful. Google notes that there are already more than 700 available apps on compatible vehicles, but the new interface should help make browsing that catalog a lot easier. You'll see featured apps, new releases, and useful app details directly on the homepage, and curated collections will help you find options depending on whether your car is parked or moving.

Google is also moving on from one-size-fits-all interfaces. The new storefront will be able to adapt to the size, shape, and orientation of each vehicle’s infotainment display. One-tap downloads will make it easier and quicker to get new apps.

And there’s more to come. STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar are coming to the in-car app lineup, giving you more ways to stream shows, browse the web, and play games while you’re parked. These additions should make the charging stops and waiting periods more useful for passengers and drivers taking a break.

YouTube finally makes driving less annoying

The bigger improvement might be YouTube’s new background playback behavior. Previously, starting a drive would stop YouTube playback. In the new update, you can watch a video while parked and automatically switch to audio-only playback as you shift into drive.

That means podcasts, interviews, and other videos can continue to play without distracting visuals on the dashboard. The catch is, you’ll need a YouTube Premium subscription to take advantage of the feature.

Google has talked about this park-to-driving functionality before, but the latest announcement confirms it’s coming to YouTube on cars with Google built-in. Don’t confuse this with Android Auto, which shows compatible phone apps on a car’s display. Google has not said if the same automatic background playback feature is coming to Android Auto.

The updates will be pushed automatically to eligible vehicles over the next few weeks.

What you need to know

• Threads is reportedly starting a test in the U.S. called "Gems."
• These are badges that the platform's algorithm will reportedly hand out to posts and replies that spur conversation with original thoughts, perspective, and more.
• Earlier this year, Threads rolled out "Dear Algo," which puts users in the driver's seat of their algorithm for content they want to see more of.

Meta is starting a new test in the U.S. on Threads to spotlight posts and comments from users that get the conversation going.

Meta published an "About Gems on Threads" document this week, highlighting the test (via Android Headlines). The company states a "Threads Gem" will appear on "public posts and replies that started or continued these (standout) conversations." An automated system within the Threads app is responsible for dishing out these purple badges.

Gems are given based on the level of conversation, "not on how many followers a profile has." The company clarifies that Gems are decided based on a few factors, such as "Perspective." If a conversation or comment brings a fresh take (or a hot take), that could be the catalyst for a Gem badge. Originality is another key player in deciding these new badges.

Threads will also factor in the level of discussion, which seems like the bar for something like this. It states that if the post or reply facilitates "real back-and-forth dialogue" that progresses the thread, that might warrant a Gem.

Everything isn't fair game for Gems on Threads. The document says content is only eligible if you've posted on Threads and you're directly replying to the original post (if you're replying to a reply, that won't count). If you're given a Gem badge, it'll appear publicly for everyone to see, and you'll receive a notification about it.

You're a Gem

Threads has had a couple of updates worthy of discussion. If we're talking about discussions on the internet (oh boy), you can't leave out the hottest of hot takes. Threads rolled out "ghost posts," otherwise known as disappearing posts. Users can set a ghost post to disappear in 24 hours. Threads says it rolled out ghost posts for "fresh takes/thoughts." Users can post their hot takes and more without "the pressure of permanence or polish."

However, since these are active for a time on the platform, others can reply. If this happens, all replies are sent to your DMs.

Threads had another update earlier this year called "Dear Algo." This is a system that puts users in the driver's seat of the algorithm. You can control what you see on Threads for up to three days via a "request." Users can share their algorithm requests with others to share the vibes.

What you need to know

• Reports on Reddit from the Google Messages and Pixel communities state the Messages app is failing to send media in RCS.
• One report states the app will fail outright or "randomly send all the files at once" in their experience.
• Google is reportedly aware of the issue and is rolling out a fix; however, it could take a couple of weeks.
• This problem mirrors another media-related issue Google Messages had last year when media texts failed to send in RCS.

Google Messages has been suffering from a major problem these past few days: If you're one of the (un)lucky, you might've noticed that you can't send photos.

Over the past few days, users on the Google Messages subreddit reported issues sending photos and other media (via SamMobile). One user with a Pixel 10 Pro Fold said they started encountering problems after the August update. They state that the app will enter a "weird cycle" of "undeliverable media and then randomly all the files send at once."

The user said the Messages app will suffer from this for anywhere from two to four days at a time.

As others joined the discussion, it was revealed that these problems occurred over RCS in the app. SamMobile discovered a similar thread on the Pixel subreddit, where one Pixel 8 owner says they're unable to send links, as well as other media (photos, videos). Users attempted to troubleshoot and rectify the issue on their own, but to no avail. One report states the user tried a hard reset of their phone "several times." While this worked (once), the issue has returned.

Good news comes via Android Authority who received a statement from Google about the problem. The company is reportedly aware "of a bug affecting a subset of Google Messages users that can lead to disrupted RCS message delivery." A Google spokesperson informed the publication that a fix is rolling out, but you might have to wait a couple of weeks before you see it.

Similar problems

The current Messages app issue reminds us of another media-related problem that RCS chats encountered. At one point, users couldn't send media messages to others with RCS active, encountering one of two issues: either the message would outright fail, or it would be slow to send. A Google Community manager said the company was aware and "working toward" a fix for users.

And a fix did arrive, thanks to a server-side patch. We're likely looking at a similar situation again. Earlier this year, Samsung Galaxy users ran into a snag with the Messages app after using Smart Switch. Widespread RCS chat failures were reported after users swapped to a new phone. Many received error code 3100 when trying to enable RCS or send a message.

Google confirmed to Android Central in April that it was aware and working with phone carriers to fix the problem. Google has been pretty timely with its fixes for major issues like this. So hopefully anyone experiencing problems this week (or last week) will see them gone soon.

What you need to know

• Google Maps has added a new McLaren F1 car that you can select as your driving avatar during navigation.
• The new avatar celebrates the United States Grand Prix and will only be available to select until November 23.
• You can find the McLaren F1 car under Settings > Your vehicles > Driving avatar in the Google Maps app.

Google Maps has added a new McLaren F1 car vehicle icon for users.

Google has allowed users to customize the vehicle icon in Maps for quite a while. The icon that appears during navigation used to be the standard blue arrow, but you can now customize its color or replace it with different vehicle types, including trucks and sports cars. And now, Google has added another option in collaboration with McLaren.

In the Google Maps app, if you head to your profile icon > Settings > Your vehicles > Driving avatar, you'll now see a new McLaren F1 car among the available options.

The icon looks quite close to the actual McLaren F1 car, and once selected, you can use it as your driving avatar in Google Maps. So, the next time you start turn-by-turn navigation, the usual vehicle icon will be replaced by the F1 car as you move around the map.

Google says the new avatar has been added to celebrate the United States Grand Prix and is only available for a limited time. You'll be able to select the McLaren F1 avatar until November 23, 2026, after which the option will presumably disappear.

I'm currently seeing the feature live in Google Maps on my iPhone Air, but it hasn't appeared on my Pixel 11 Pro just yet. Both devices are running the latest version of Google Maps, so this appears to be a server-side rollout rather than something tied to a particular app update.

If you don't see the McLaren F1 car on your Android phone yet, it may simply be worth checking again later as Google expands the rollout.

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 is rolling out to Pixel phones ahead of its expected stable release next year.
• Google is fixing a long list of issues, including crashes, fingerprint freezes, eSIM problems, Wi-Fi failures, battery drain, and Bluetooth audio glitches.
• A stable release is targeted for March 2027.

Google just released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, and if you have a Pixel, you will want to check this out. The update was rolled out to Pixel testers today with builds for everything from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 family. Most devices are getting DP11.260918.006, while Pixel 11 owners are getting DP11.260918.005.

For the uninitiated, these QPR updates ride on top of Android 17's initial launch and deliver fixes and performance tweaks every three months. They avoid breaking changes to the API, so developers are able to test with confidence.

So what's been fixed? Quite a bit. Google killed 20 bugs this round, including a nasty fingerprint unlock freeze, an eSIM profile that quietly flipped back to off, and a camera bug that spun your video feed 90 degrees during desktop-mode calls. Here is the complete list of fixes Google is pushing out.

• Audio output device cannot be switched while playing audio from apps without active media controls. (Issue #259180936)
• Apps crash when attempting to start a foreground service from a Quick Settings tile. (Issue #299506164)
• Application icons in the app menu display with excessive spacing. (Issue #316288379, Issue #300758716)
• App previews fail to display in the recent apps screen. (Issue #515091621)
• NFC service crashes with DeadObjectException and stops detecting tags after the initial scan on Android 16. (Issue #456078994)
• Device freezes and becomes unresponsive when unlocking with the fingerprint sensor. (Issue #490719716, Issue #514867650, Issue #523022829)
• Device crashes when selecting the require eyes to be open option in Face Unlock settings. (Issue #466618368, Issue #522677686)
• MediaPlayer crashes when handling non-ASCII audio attribute tags. (Issue #552043106)
• Applications freeze and trigger an Application Not Responding (ANR) error when launched. (Issue #484969809, Issue #475406236)
• Camera feed is rotated 90 degrees when using video calling apps on an external display in desktop mode. (Issue #432390710)
• User interface issues when navigating back to the home screen from an app. (Issue #566639975)
• Unexpected dot displayed on the Mobile Data icon in Quick Settings. (Issue #551150806)
• Front camera fails to function while screen recording is active. (Issue #523313834)
• Calling apps crash with ForegroundServiceStartNotAllowedException when handling calls immediately after device reboot. (Issue #409069722)
• eSIM profile cannot be enabled and silently reverts to off in Settings. (Issue #541436675)
• Excessive battery drain during idle when Flip to Shh is enabled. (Issue #560036427)
• Settings app crashes when opening battery settings. (Issue #554603197)
• Audio playback stops on active LHDC v5 Bluetooth devices when a second connected device disconnects. (Issue #554992287)
• com.android.phone crash loop and complete loss of cellular service when the modem reports unexpected SIM slot indices. (Issue #554049220)
• Wi-Fi fails to automatically reconnect during background wakes when hardware PNO scans fail or are unsupported. (Issue #551970385)

QPR3 should see the final, stable release by early next year. Want to jump back to the stable channel without completely wiping your phone? Don't install this update yet and wait for the public QPR2 launch by unenrolling from the Android Beta Program.

What you need to know

• Google is testing a requirement for fingerprint or face scans before Chrome autofills saved passwords.
• After testing and pulling the feature over a year ago, Google revived it in the latest Chrome Canary build.
• The extra verification could prevent someone with an unlocked device from accessing all your saved website passwords.

Chrome on Android might soon be a little less trusting with password autofill.

It looks like Google is testing a biometric check for stored passwords in Chrome that would require your fingerprint, face unlock, or another supported method of confirming that it’s really you before Chrome auto-fills the password.

That change is back in the latest Chrome Canary build, with Google adding a “Biometric reauth for password filling” flag, first spotted by @Leopeva64 on X.

When enabled, tapping a saved credential can trigger authentication before Chrome hands over the password. Thus, unlocking your phone may no longer be enough to unlock your entire password vault.

That extra step closes a security hole in Google Password Manager. While this security check is already available in apps for filling passwords with biometric protection, Chrome has handled autofill in the browser differently in the past.

Google previously teased this protection was coming to Chrome soon, and the Canary test shows the company is still working toward it.

In fact, Google has been circling this idea for a while. The feature was tested over a year ago but vanished before it got to Chrome's stable channel. Now Leopeva64 has seen it again in Canary, with a flag for it, indicating the project is back on the table.

Interestingly, there is already biometric authentication for password autofill in iPhones. On Apple's devices, Face ID or Touch ID can authenticate Password AutoFill when you fill saved usernames and passwords in Safari.

The difference is that the potential Chrome feature from Google seems to be targeted at bringing in biometric reauthentication at the point when Chrome goes into a saved password. Apple already has biometric authentication built into its password management and AutoFill system.

If Google does ship the feature, it would mean stealing an unlocked phone wouldn’t automatically provide you with access to every saved website password. For now, though, Chrome Canary is the testing ground, and Google hasn't announced a stable release date.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly informing users that the Sound app will shut down on March 31, 2027.
• While early, Samsung is already encouraging users to shift their devices to SmartThings, which is where the Sound app's features will live on next year.
• Samsung has a history of app closures in 2026: Messages, Quick Measure, and AR Doodle apps.

Samsung's streak of app shutdowns continues this week. The company is rolling out a new alert for users regarding an app for managing its speakers.

Samsung is preparing to shut down an app it launched earlier this year, SamMobile reports: Samsung Sound. A warning has started appearing in the app stating that it will remain available "until March 31, 2027." Samsung states this shutdown is to produce a "more convenient and unified experience." And here's the important part: Samsung says the Sound app's features are moving into SmartThings.

During its brief life, the Sound app helped users control Samsung's soundbars and other speakers. Considering the impact this shutdown will have, Samsung detailed how users can migrate over. The in-app alert is as follows: "Simply register your sound device in the SmartThings app to continue using your existing settings."

We're still several months away from this happening, but it doesn't hurt to get a head start. But this latest app closure is another dot on a string of recent shutdowns from Samsung.

Shut down history

One of the bigger shutdowns this year happened in July when Samsung Messages disappeared. July 2026 was the cutoff for the app, although it didn't affect everyone: Samsung said that users on Android 11 or earlier won't have to worry about it. Everyone else will be moved to Google Messages. Samsung made it relatively easy for users to switch, which we also detailed.

But fast-forward to September, when Samsung started shutting down even more apps. The company announced its plans to get rid of the Quick Measure and AR Doodle apps. While "inconvenient," Samsung said it was committed to returning those apps "with improved services." There's a good chance we can see features from both appear in other places, similar to the Sound app in SmartThings.

Android Central's Take

All of this sounds like house cleaning to me. There's usually big moments for that in a real home. Typically, we're always cleaning up, but there are times when the deep cleaning tools come out—spring, fall, yadda-yadda. Samsung right now is cutting off some fat. These apps probably don't have a ton of traffic, but there are features users enjoy. Moving them or vowing to "improve" their services, is a good move. It keeps them around, but gives them new life.

What you need to know

• Google Play is bundling its biggest sales, rewards, and promotions into a weeklong event.
• Google Play Fest runs from October 13 to October 19, combining the store's biggest discounts, point boosts, and contests into a single event.
• Huge discounts across apps, games, books, devices, and select digital gift cards will be live throughout the week.

Google Play is bringing all its biggest sales and rewards in one big event, called Play Fest, that will run for a whole week. The tech giant calls this inaugural event the most rewarding week of the year, and it runs from October 13 to October 19.

Google Play Points launched all the way back in 2018 as a way to reward users for buying apps, games, movies, and books. Over time, it grew into a full-fledged loyalty program where regular spending is converted into store credit and digital perks.

The Play Fest Sweepstakes is the biggest draw here. Beginning October 13, Play Points members will be able to redeem their points for a chance to win thousands of prizes, including exclusive merchandise, premium tech gear, and tickets to major sporting events around the world.

Gamers are also given something new to chase. Google is adding Play Fest leagues to Angry Birds 2, 8 Ball Pool, and Free Fire. You can register and compete on global leaderboards for a chance to win prizes.

There’s also a broad sale covering apps, games, books, and devices from October 13 through October 19. Select digital gift card brands will get exclusive promotions as well, although those offers are available only while supplies last.

Google is also increasing the pace at which users can earn Play Points. Members can earn points faster with daily purchase boosts, and book buyers get a 15x multiplier on books from October 16 through October 18. Starting October 8, Play Pass members will earn double points and 6x boosts.

If you have an app wishlist or points you're saving, hold off until the event kicks off to get the most bang for your buck.

What you need to know

• Instagram announced the "Edits assistant" for its Edits app on Android and iOS.
• Users/creators can lean on the AI to help understand what's driving their account through such important metrics as followers, likes, shares, and more.
• The AI does not make any creative decisions for the user, a notable piece of feedback many provided to Meta.
• The Edits Assistant is free for users with a daily usage limit.

Meta saw a gap in its AI tool collection for its social media platform, Instagram, and has plugged it: Meet "Edits Assistant," which uses AI to help creators analyze performance — and it's hands-off beyond that.

This week, Instagram announced the new tool, which it calls "a creative partner that knows you and your audience." Meta says it created this AI assistant to help users with a key issue: Many reportedly said they'd prefer "a tool that handles the analysis, not one that does the creative work for them." To that end, Edits Assistant leaves every big decision to the user.

According to the post, Edits Assistant dives into your Instagram account's metrics, studying followers, views, "video retention," likes, and shares. It then uses this information against trending Instagram topics and what your audience is viewing. Elsewhere, users can lean on the Edits Assistant for inspiration. The post states the AI will help you research "concepts" that have performed well on Instagram.

Since you can attach music to your Reels or Stories, the assistant will offer suggestions on what audio could work best with your brand of content.

The Edits assistant is rolling out now in the Edits app. Meta states the AI is free for users to experiment with, although there is a daily limit. To get started, users can open the Edits app > tap the "Chat" icon > enter your prompt/question. Soon, Meta One subscribers will receive a higher limit on their daily usage.

Tools that might help

Instagram finally launched the Edits app last year, positioning it as a potential competitor to ByteDance's CapCut. This is the platform's dedicated video editing app on Android and iOS. Users will find clip-level editing features, alongside green screen tools and AI image animations. What's interesting here is that the Edits assistant will work well with the app's analytical side (which might be the point).

The Edits app lets users view real-time stats, such as user engagement on Reels and more.

Recent history has proven exciting for Android creators. While users have the Edits app for Instagram, Android 17 isn't far behind. In fact, Google rolled out features to help creators go further. The latest major OS features include Screen Reactions for users recording videos. It also now supports APV video and Premiere. However, Android 17's upload capabilities for Instagram have been enhanced.

Users should notice clearer photo and video quality.

What you need to know

• Users with Android Auto in their cars report that, if their foldable is closed, the system will fail to place a call unless they open it.
• Several reports involve Motorola's Razr series, but Gemini has also been mentioned heavily in a series of online reports.
• Motorola and Google are aware and are reaching out to users for information.

Drivers beware: A fresh Android Auto bug seems to be unfolding. The issue has drawn increased attention this week regarding a call failure bug — and user reports on social media and official OEM forums claim that the state of their foldable is the cause.

Reports are spread across Reddit, Google's Forums, and Motorola's (via Android Authority). A user reported this issue on Reddit a few months back, stating they're unable to make a call through Android Auto when their Moto Razr Ultra 2025 is closed. They must open it before their call can be placed. They questioned whether this is the result of Android 16, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Others chimed in, reiterating the same issue as the OP. A report on the Google forums sheds more light: It states that "ever since Gemini became active," attempting to place a call while the user's foldable is closed will result in an Android Auto failure. The post adds, "it pulls up the person and phone number, but doesn't process the call."

These reports share something in common: closed foldable results in failure and Gemini's wider rollout. The timing is far too close for comfort, and it seems some users clocked this, too. Back on Reddit, one user discovered that if they disabled Gemini and reverted to the old Google Assistant, their calls would go through, regardless of whether their foldable was opened or closed.

While concerning, the publication noticed that Motorola and Google have been active and watching these reports. It looks like both companies are aware of what's going on with Gemini and with the Razr foldables. All we have to do now is wait for a fix.

Android Auto woes continue

Android Auto has its issues (no one's denying that). There was a problem with the Pixel 10 that users encountered when connecting the device. According to user reports, a gray screen would appear when their phone was connected to Android Auto. What's more, there was a freezing issue that didn't get fixed when Google rolled out a patch. Elsewhere, Android Auto users had a problem in March with the signal icon.

This wasn't as terrible as what some are facing today. The signal icon for cellular connectivity was disappearing on the car's display. In short, it was a UI bug. Users reported that everything else worked perfectly fine: connectivity, calls, data, and navigation. The problem was linked back to Android Auto version 16.5. Users found relief by reverting to an older version.

What you need to know

• Gemini Gems are being phased out as Google replaces them with more flexible, reusable Skills.
• Skills roll out October 5 in Workspace and October 13 in the Gemini app, with Gems starting their exit in November.
• Multiple Skills can work together, letting Gemini combine specialized instructions for more complex tasks.

Google is swapping out Gemini's customizable Gems for a more flexible system called Skills, and the transition is now getting a firm timeline. Skills will begin rolling out to Google Workspace on October 5, followed by the Gemini app on October 13, with Gems beginning their gradual exit in November.

In case you didn’t know, Gems were basically customized versions of Gemini built to follow a specific set of instructions. Skills take that further and make those instructions reusable and modular building blocks.

Google said in a blog post that Skills can capture a company’s brand voice, templates, processes, and other reference material in a blog post and then be reused whenever a similar task arises.

The biggest upgrade is that skills can now be stacked. Instead of just one custom assistant, you might have a Skill for writing a weekly newsletter and another Skill to ensure you adhere to your brand guidelines. Gemini also has the ability to automatically recognize when a Skill applies to a prompt, so you don’t need to manually select it every time.

Built on open standards

Skills are also coming to non-work accounts on Google. When the Gemini app rollout begins, Skills will be available to users of personal Google accounts and Google Workspace customers. They're based on an open SKILL.md format using Markdown, which Google says makes Skills portable across compatible platforms.

The catch is that skills developed in Gemini and Workspace will not automatically sync between them. If you want it in both places, you will need to create the same Skill separately.

The transition happens in stages. Gems will be transferred into Gemini’s Settings on November 17, where they’ll be usable for a time. Business and enterprise accounts will not lose Gems before March 1, 2027, and education accounts will not lose Gems before June 1. Remaining Gems will eventually be converted to draft Skills.

Every parent wants to protect their kids, and while that's pretty easy to do when you're with them, how about all those times when you're not? Getting your child a kid-friendly phone or smartwatch is a great way to keep in touch (and keep tabs on them), but protecting them from the horrors of the internet is extraordinarily difficult, even with good parental controls in place.

That's why I've been using Bark since 2024 on my son's phone and just expanded it to a new Bark Watch so he can keep in touch no matter where he might be. But Bark isn't just any boring old parental control software that restricts or blocks content. It's got an AI-powered engine that understands context and sends you alerts when it thinks something might be wrong, and that's helped me keep him on the safe path online for the past 2 years.

What is Bark?

Bark offers parental controls for existing Android and iOS devices, as well as its own suite of devices. You can easily install it on your child's devices and link it to their social accounts, including Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more. Bark's AI engine regularly scans activity on the device and linked accounts and sends you alerts when something is out of the ordinary.

If you don't want to set these up on an existing device, Bark sells two phone models and one smartwatch model that have everything pre-installed and ready to go out of the box. The watch and phones are all Samsung models, so you know they're good products, but I chose something else for my son because Samsung displays use PWM dimming, which causes me health issues and could also cause problems for him. Thanks, genetics.

The whistleblower

When your child is little (read: under 10), parental controls are a de facto standard that's an expected norm, even for the kids. As they get older, things get a little trickier. My son is almost 13 now and quite a bit more independent than he was even a year ago. I want to help him grow into a functioning adult, not to need me his entire life, so I've got to help give him more independence as he ages, but that comes with obvious dangers.

You generally know who your child is talking to in real life, but that's a lot harder online. That's where Bark comes in for me. Its AI-powered engine scans everything on the phone (including text, pictures, video, etc.), runs it through a private VPN, then alerts me when something is wrong. And, of course, if I really felt the need to read all his messages, I'd just take his phone away and do it. I'm still the parent, after all.

Every so often, I'll receive an alert from Bark about a conversation my son was having on Discord, or some silly video he recorded. I get around 3 per month on average, so this isn't overwhelming to deal with, and all of them are quite useful.

Most of the time, Bark identifies conversations as containing "bullying" or "violence," but in my son's case, the flagged conversation is just adolescent boys being goofballs rather than something truly harmful. "I'm going to kill you" sounds really bad with no context, but when I realized it was while they were playing some Roblox game where you fight each other, I'm no longer worried about it.

The same goes with videos or pictures he's taken with friends. One time, I got an alert about some recorded video containing "sexual content," but when I viewed it, I realized it was just potty humor taken a bit too far. A quick conversation with him nipped that one in the bud.

Another time, he skinned his knee quite badly and sent a picture of it to some friends. I got a quick alert when he did that and knew to grab the Band-Aids and Neosporin for when he walked back inside. It works impressively well, and it makes me feel like I have a digital companion helping me better parent him in the digital age rather than having to manually snoop on every conversation he has.

Bark Assistant

Bark's proactive alerts are a phenomenal way to keep me informed without having to keep the app open all the time, but there are occasions when I want to look something up in the app. Bark does a lot, and I used to find myself fumbling through menus to find what I want, but that all stopped when Bark Assistant launched.

Assistant is launched via the center Bark button in the Bark app's navigation bar. As you might imagine, Bark Assistant is powered by an LLM and can answer any question you have about your child's account or activity. It can also make quick changes to settings or help you set up features you didn't know existed.

My favorite feature is the "who has my child been talking to" option, which generates a one-page summary of the past seven days. It's particularly helpful for kids who have access to apps like Discord, which are anonymous and can be nefariously used.

I also love the Advanced Insights tab, which uses a private LLM to summarize recent data and give you quick to-dos. In one humorous example, Bark identified a Google search my son made asking, "where is the eighth heroine?" Bark Assistant says, "the search was auto-flagged for drug/alcohol-related content because early keystrokes matched 'heroin,' but it looks like this was likely research for a book, game, or show character."

That's some fantastic insight, because the "eight heroine" is actually a puzzle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, not because my son was looking for illicit drugs. It's this kind of semantic understanding that makes Bark actually useful, rather than another app that sends me far too many annoying notifications.

Advanced Insights also gives you conversation starters for problems that it identifies. In the silly Zelda puzzle example, the Bark app suggested I double-check with my son by saying something like, "I saw you were searching for an 'eighth heroine' online -- were you looking up a character from a show or game? I'd love to hear what you were digging into." Good advice, especially if I don't want to rush in and immediately accuse him of something.

There's a lot more to Bark than these features, of course, but these are what set the service apart for me and make it truly special. It feels a bit like the difference between seeing a holistic doctor and stopping by a random clinic whenever you have a problem. Bark seems to understand the big picture, not just the things it should block or restrict, and I absolutely love that about it.

What you need to know

• Google has started warning users in Gemini Gems that it will replace this feature with "Skills."
• Gems will be replaced by Skills on November 17, 2026; however, users can continue to use Gems until they migrate.
• Skills are "reusable custom instructions" that are stackable and easier to access for users in Gemini chats.
• Google introduced Gemini Gems in August 2024.

Google is shutting down an old Gemini feature in the next couple of months. It states it will replace Gems with the next iteration of its AI tech.

In Gemini's Gems view, Google has posted an alert to inform users that Gems will be replaced by Skills on November 17, 2026 (via 9to5Google). The company's alert reads, "...we'll automatically begin migrating your Gems to skills. You will be able to use your Gems until they migrate." Learning more sends users to a support page where Google details its move from Gems to Skills.

According to the post, Skills are "reusable custom instructions" that users can utilize for automated tasks in Gemini. However, there are a few more uses. Skills are "stackable." Google states this means users can combine multiple Skills in one chat with Gemini for complex tasks. What's more, the company says you can type the Skill's name in a chat with Gemini for easier access.

It's worth noting that Google is working on a way to type "@" followed by the Skill's name for an even easier experience. Gemini's awareness of your Skills will have it "automatically recognize when a skill is relevant to your current prompt." Gemini will then apply that Skill for you without much manual input. If you've been using Gems and are curious about how to recreate them as a Skill, we suggest reading this.

The support document states Skills are available now in Gemini's chats for users over 18 years old and signed in (personal account). Google says it plans to expand Skills to work and school accounts in the future.

Watch the skills

We've had Gemini Gems for two years. Perhaps it's been a good run? Google first introduced these custom Gems in August 2024, stating they let users "create a tailor-made version of the AI for a specific need." Users can instruct the AI on its purpose and "how it should respond." Gems were available (still are, technically) on desktop and mobile. Since its introduction, Google has brought Gems to Workspace.

Google delivered a pre-made selection of Gems for Gmail, Drive, Sheets, and Slides. Users still had the ability to create their own, too. What's replacing it now—Skills—is the result of Gemini Spark. This is Google's latest proactive AI agent to help streamline users' workdays. Gemini Spark can manage tasks and workflows in the background without disturbing you. Google explains that Skills are "a set of instructions and preferences that teaches Gemini how to handle a specific type of task the way you would."

What you need to know

• Opera is adding a travel eSIM directly to its Android browser, with 3GB of free data for eligible users.
• You don't need to enter credit card details to claim the free 3GB, and the eSIM can be managed inside Opera.
• Opera's travel eSIM works across 47 destinations and stays installed on your phone for use on future trips.

Opera will now offer a free eSIM directly through its Android browser, giving users 3GB of free data to use while traveling.

Opera has quickly become one of the more interesting browsers on Android, adding features like multi-model AI search directly into the browser alongside plenty of other additions. And now, Opera is giving users another reason to give its browser a try.

The company today announced that it's integrating a travel eSIM directly into Opera for Android. Opera says eligible users will get 3GB of data for free in supported destinations, allowing them to try the service before paying anything. There's no requirement to enter credit card details to claim the free data either, and users will be able to manage their eSIM directly through the Opera browser.

Opera says that before you can browse the internet while traveling abroad, the obvious first step is getting connected in the first place. That's where the new eSIM comes in, with Opera offering connectivity across 47 destinations directly through its Android browser.

Similar to other travel eSIMs, you'll need to install the eSIM from the Opera app before traveling to your destination. Once you arrive, you can simply enable the eSIM and connect to mobile data. The eSIM also stays installed on your phone across multiple trips, so you won't need to set up a new one every time you travel.

To claim the free eSIM through the Opera app, you'll first need to make sure you're running the latest version of Opera for Android. Open the app, tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner, scroll down, and select eSIM.

You should then see a Claim button. Tap it, choose the country you're traveling to, and confirm your selection to activate the free trial.

Of course, you'll need an Android phone that supports eSIM to use the feature. But if you're using a recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another flagship Android phone, there's a good chance your device already supports it.

For now, Opera says its free 3GB data offer is available to users in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Canada, UAE, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Poland. The travel eSIM itself, however, can be purchased and used more broadly across its supported destinations.

It's a a pretty unusual feature to see built directly into a browser, but for anyone who travels frequently, having an eSIM ready to go without downloading another app could come in pretty handy.

What you need to know

• Pixel users say Google Photos is causing problems when editing images as it becomes "unresponsive."
• Many Pixel users on Reddit report similarities, as the app's UI options become useless despite the lack of an error message.
• Google responded to the thread; however, the suggested actions have not worked, and users have been encouraged to submit a proper bug report.

Pixel users are encountering a few frustrating issues late this week in Google Photos. They claim that certain actions make the entire app unresponsive.

Reports were spotted today (Sept. 25) on Reddit (via Android Authority). One report by a user with a Pixel 11 Pro XL says the app becomes unresponsive after editing a photo. In this particular instance, the user was cropping a photo of a newspaper. However, when they finished, they said, "the resulting photo becomes completely unresponsive to several actions." The user provided a video with their Reddit report.

It showed them trying to tap every button on the bottom nav bar: Share, Edit, and Trash. Nothing works. Tapping "Add To" brings up the folder menu, but that's hardly useful in this situation. They go on to say the app never surfaces an error message or a "loading indication." The app is simply stuck. This problem doesn't persist with other, unedited photos. This issue appears only after editing.

The thread is full of other users chiming in, too. Users with a Pixel 9 series device, Pixel 10, and Pixel 11 say the problem has occurred similarly to the original poster. One user said, "I did exactly what you did. Took a picture, edit, crop, save. Opened the photo gallery, none of the options are responsive."

Here's where things evolve. Google responded to the user's report, offering aid; however, nothing seems to have worked. The user states they've attempted their suggestions, as well as suggestions by Google support—nothing has worked. The user was then advised to file an official bug report, meaning this issue might require more attention.

Problems right after an update

What's unclear is whether this problem is the result of the latest Google Photos update. We covered the huge app update yesterday, which brings Gemini Spark integration into the mix for Android users. Users can write a prompt to the AI, telling it the changes they'd like to be made. If people are lingering in the background, you can remove them and brighten those that matter. Another huge part of this update was "Moods."

Moods are new styles ("more than filters," per Google) that can give your photos a different feel. If you're going for a vintage aesthetic, there are Moods to choose from. What's more, Google introduced a new "redact pen" to help users blur sensitive details in images.

Since the issues have appeared late this week, it's unlikely that a fix will arrive so soon. We might have to deal with this for now until Google can apply a proper software update.

What you need to know

• Long-pressing a message now triggers a floating menu right beside the bubble on Google Messages — complete with a blurred background and shortcuts for copying, starring, or replying.
• You can finally drag selection handles to grab specific snippets like codes or addresses instead of being forced to copy the entire message.
• Swiping left across a chat reveals all message timestamps and encryption statuses at once, while swiping right lets you reply instantly.

Google Messages is making some subtle changes to the basic gestures that Android users have relied on for years. Google appears to be changing how you copy text, check timestamps, and reply to individual messages, alongside the new long-press menu.

The biggest visual change is the new long-press menu. Google Messages now places a floating menu next to the selected bubble instead of pushing controls to a toolbar on top. You have quick access to Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, and Info, while images add options like Save and Remix, as spotted by a Reddit user (via Android Authority). As you open the menu, the background of the conversation also blurs.

Copying text is also getting a very useful upgrade, as was previously discovered through an APK teardown. Instead of copying the whole message when you just need a phone number, address or snippet, you can press again and select a specific piece of text. Google has confirmed that the touch-and-hold actions work on text, images, videos, links, files, locations and contact cards.

Gesture changes may take longer to become muscle memory. Swiping left anywhere in a conversation will now show message timestamps and the RCS encryption status, while replying requires a right swipe directly on the message bubble (via 9to5Google). Tapping a message still displays read receipts, and Messages briefly displays timestamps after a tap to tip you off to the new behavior.

One practical consequence may be easy to miss: the new timestamp gesture gives you a quick way to scan an entire conversation’s timing rather than opening message details one by one. That makes the change more useful in long threads where it’s important to figure out when messages were actually sent.

The rollout is linked to recent Google Messages builds, including 20260910_03_RC02, but it’s server-side, so all phones won’t receive the new behavior at once.

What you need to know

• Google Calendar now supports three time zones on the web.
• Three zones appear side by side in Day, Week, and Custom multi-day views.
• The rollout started September 25, covering Workspace, Workspace Individual, and personal Google accounts.

Google Calendar is making life a little easier for anyone who routinely schedules meetings across borders. Now the web version can show up to three time zones at once, so global teams can see when everyone is actually working.

Previously, Calendar allowed you to see a primary and secondary time zone. That worked well enough for two locations, but things can get messy quickly when a meeting involves people in San Francisco, New York, and Zurich, for example.

Google’s new third time zone adds a third reference right on the calendar grid, so you don’t have to keep doing the time conversions yourself.

The three zones are displayed side by side for the Day, Week, and Custom multi-day views, per Google's blog post. These will also be added to the Find a Time scheduling screen, where they’ll be visible when creating or editing an event.

You also can assign a custom label to each time zone. You could also use labels like SFO, NYC, or ZRH instead of abbreviations to make the calendar easier to scan.

There's also one more small upgrade that makes this setup less tedious: Google overhauled Calendar’s time-zone picker earlier this year, so you can now search for a city or country instead of scrolling through a long list.

The update began rolling out September 25 for Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google accounts. Rapid Release users could see it within 15 days; Scheduled Release domains begin rollout on October 12.

There is no need for an admin switch. When the extra zone reaches your account, you are able to set it up yourself.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers, aiming to fix an assortment of crashes and unexpected reboots for a few phones.
• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold experienced an unexpected reboot, thanks to a third-party app issue when trying to open the camera's viewfinder.
• QPR2 Beta 5 rolled out almost ten days ago; however, we are down the final stretch since Google achieved Platform Stability with this update.

Google continues to press ahead with its Android !7 QPR2 Beta with another update for Pixel users.

Over on the Android Beta subreddit, Google announced that it's rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers. The company states all devices are synced up on build numbers, so all users will find vCP41.260831.007. Eligible phones include the Pixel 6a up to the Pixel 10 series (10a, too). There's a handful of fixes arriving late this week, and one concerns a major Pixel 9 Pro Fold reboot problem.

This was a fairly prominent issue for Pixel testers in the QPR2 Beta. Several threads have appeared on the Issue Tracker, informing Google that their devices have experienced an "unexpected reboot." Google states the issue would occur when "initializing the camera viewfinder in third-party applications." The fix for this should hopefully alleviate any problems users have been experiencing.

Elsewhere, QPR2 Beta 6 offers a fix for a severe "system kernel crash." This problem also affected devices when a third-party app would "request simultaneous camera and microphone access" during biometric verification stages.

Clarity to the situation

• A visual regression causing letterboxed content to leak through the status bar during activity transitions
• The screensaver displays a blank screen while charging
• Locked applications could not be dismissed using swipe gestures in Recents
• An issue that caused device crashes, reboots, or hangs when scrolling

There are two things to note about Beta 6. One user reports that Google removed blurred notifications on the lock screen. This drew quick attention from Mishaal Rahman on Reddit, who clarified the situation, stating, "The product team temporarily reverted the lock screen blur effect from this recent beta release in order to fix some bugs."

Other users note that their phones (Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 7, Pixel 9) have received Kernel 6.12. Many note improved fluidity on their devices.

QPR2 Beta 5 rolled out almost ten days ago, and it seems Google is keen on getting these major fixes in as quickly as possible. A few additional Bluetooth fixes were included last week, following Android 17 QPR2's "Platform Stability" achievement. We continue our trek down the final stretch toward a full release.

What you need to know

• Meta reportedly debuted its latest gadget, the Muse Charm, which is designed to keep users connected directly to its AI via 5G connectivity.
• The Charm features a 2-inch OLED touch screen, a camera, a microphone, and speakers, with a price tag that could encroach on smartwatches.
• During the event, Zuckerberg stated, "...if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way" to talk to Muse AI.

We're winding down from Meta Connect 2026, but one thing stole the show for us (aside from AI glasses), and that's the Muse Charm.

A post by The Verge discussed this AI device called the Muse Charm, stating it will feature a "built-in 5G modem" so consumers can communicate with Meta's AI. To us, this looks like the classic Tamagotchi but for the modern age. Meta provided us with images of this device, showcasing the small, rounded size, similar to the virtual pet gadget we used to have (Tamagotchis are making a return, though).

Meta is reportedly eyeing a December launch for the Muse Charm, but there's more to this. It's been announced to have a 2-inch OLED touchscreen, a camera, a microphone, built-in speakers, and a USB-C port.

The entire point of the Muse Charm is to let consumers use Meta's AI, Muse. At least, that's the gist of the situation Bloomberg was able to glean. What's more, users can reportedly use the charm's camera to give the AI additional real-world context. By this, it seems no different than opening your camera with Gemini Live and asking, "What does this sign say?"

Some additional coverage by CNBC highlighted more about the Muse Charm. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "We’ve packed a lot of technology with this little guy. So, if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way to talk to your Muse and to show it what’s going on around you." Aside from cute avatars designed to attract the user, the publication notes that the Muse Charm is a part of Meta's bigger AI push.

Elsewhere, it's been alleged that the Muse Charm could see pricing mirroring smartwatches.

Muse will charm you

Meta Connect 2026 was packed with a bunch of reveals from the company. While it revealed new AI glasses, it had another reveal in store: VR Glasses. Meta's new device caught Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich off guard. While many VR-related devices are headsets—larger and heavier—Meta's VR Glasses strip that all away. This device is reportedly 83% lighter and 60% smaller than your typical VR headset (Apple Vision Pro).

One thing to note is that these VR Glasses are not meant to be worn all day. They're not AI glasses. Regarding their specifications, the VR Glasses feature 5K micro-OLED panels and a 37 pixels-per-degree (PPD) resolution. This level of clarity didn't come without compromise. Sutrich states Meta achieved this by narrowing the FOV (field of view). These VR Glasses are roughly 11 degrees narrower than the Quest 3S and 25 degrees narrower than the Quest 3.

Android Central's Take

I'm more than a little curious about why this is a thing. The idea of walking around with a tiny device resembling a Tamagotchi... for the sole purpose of communicating with Muse seems strange. What makes it more strange is the alleged pricing—near the levels of a smartwatch? The Charm has a camera (oh boy), a touch screen, and will reportedly play nice with Android and iOS for setup purposes. To me, it seems like a gimmick, and one that I'm unsure of the purpose it serves.

What you need to know

• Google Photos rolls out an update to help users edit their summer photos, as "Moods" gets introduced.
• With "Moods," users will find a selection of vintage styles that "automatically adapt" to your photo, solidifying Google's intent of a feature that's more than a simple filter.
• This update also brings Gemini Spark integration, giving users an easier, prompt-based way of editing their photos and removing unwanted guests.

Google Photos is rolling out a few updates to help immortalize the pictures we've taken throughout the summer. The app receives a new set of filters, as well as additional AI assistance.

Today (Sept. 24), Google detailed an update for the Photos app that begins with Gemini Spark integration. Availability is rolling out for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. The company says users can "brighten and share" photos using a single prompt with Gemini Spark. What's more, users can remove people from the photo's background, leaving those who matter.

This update is also introducing "Moods." Google says Moods brings styles that users can use to edit their photos. However, it adds that these are "more than filters." You'll find a few options such as 35mm film and 2000s digicam. When you apply a style, Google states Moods will "automatically adapt" to your photo. But users can take things a step further.

You'll find sliders to fine-tune how much a style influences your photo, as well as mixing themes from other styles. Moods are rolling out to Android users globally.

The Google Photos app is upgrading its markup tool in this September patch. The tool now provides a "redact pen" to help users blur sensitive details. Additionally, you'll find "precise thickness sliders for custom sketches and fresh fonts to make your text pop." Another new addition involves the app's Remix templates. Google is rolling out 15 Remix templates that turn your photos into photo booth-style shots, birthday cards, and more.

The redact pen and other markup tool updates are arriving to Android users globally. The additional Remix templates are arriving for Android and iOS users over 18 in "select countries."

Google detailed one final update, but it's more of an expansion. The Photos app's Wardrobe feature, which lets users curate a digital closet for clothing styles, is now rolling out in the U.S., India, and Brazil on Android and iOS.

Expanding features

If you remember Moto's Razr reveal earlier this year, Wardrobe in Photos would sound familiar. The feature evolves the static gallery into a personal stylist and daily content hub. Wardrobe can automatically identify specific pieces of clothing, helping you fill out your digital closet. Users can mix and match different outfits and share those with others. So if you're looking to coordinate fits for your next outing, this might help.

Gemini Spark is a proactive AI that Google launched in May. The AI is capable of managing tasks and workflows in the background without disturbing you. Users can think of Spark as an AI agent that gets the dirty work done for you. If connected, you can bring Gemini Spark into your Gmail, Docs, Slides, and other apps. You can automate tasks with Gemini Spark or review meeting and email summaries.

What you need to know

• Google is expanding the motion-sickness feature to more Android phones through Google Play services.
• You’ll need an Android 17 or newer device running Google Play services v26.37.
• Motion Assist uses your phone’s motion sensors to move on-screen bubbles in sync with the vehicle.

Google is taking one of the more unusual features from its September Pixel Drop and bringing it to a much wider audience. Motion Assist, the company’s attempt to reduce motion sickness while you’re using your phone in a moving vehicle, is now rolling out through Google Play services.

The feature arrived on Pixel phones a few weeks ago, but the latest update to Google Play services v26.37 extends support beyond Google's hardware. You’ll need an Android 17 or later phone and the latest version of Google Play services.

For starters, Motion Assist places small visual bubbles around the edges of the display. Then, it uses the phone’s motion sensors to move those shapes in sync with the vehicle. This works pretty much like Apple’s own take on the feature, which has long been available on iOS devices.

The idea is to provide your eyes with a visual reference that correlates more closely with what your body is experiencing. This might lessen the mismatch that can cause motion sickness.

The appearance of the feature can also be customized, including the opacity, color and shape of the bubbles. Motion Assist can turn on when your phone detects that you are in a moving vehicle, or you can turn it on manually through Quick Settings.

The September 21 update is not solely about motion sickness. Google is also working on making it easier to transfer real-time health metrics from Wear OS watches to phones, making it easier to find Driving Do Not Disturb, and creating larger, more refined system emoji fonts.

Google Play Store v53.3 also includes a few extras such as local-currency purchases in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia; changes to Wear search results; and the ability to add a pre-registered paid app or game to your wishlist after it launches.

You can find the full changelog on Google’s help page. Keep an eye out for the system update rolling out to your device over the coming days — your stomach will thank you on your next road trip.

What you need to know

• Gmail now shows a Copy Code button when an OTP or verification code arrives directly in your email inbox.
• The shortcut can appear inside the email and directly in the main Gmail inbox alongside the message preview.
• Google's new verification code shortcut is rolling out through the Gmail app on both Android and iOS.

Gmail now offers an easier way to copy verification codes directly from the app.

Android already makes it pretty easy to copy OTPs and verification codes when they arrive through the Messages app. But now, Google is bringing similar functionality to verification codes that land directly in your Gmail inbox.

The company is rolling out a new integration for the Gmail app on both Android and iOS that adds a small Copy Code shortcut whenever an OTP or verification code arrives.

Now, when an OTP lands in your inbox, Gmail shows a small card at the top of the email (below the subject line) containing the verification code alongside a Copy Code button. You can simply tap the button and paste the code wherever you need it, instead of manually typing it out or selecting and copying it from the email.

In addition to showing the shortcut inside the email, Gmail has also started displaying the Copy Code button directly in the main inbox alongside the email preview. That implementation doesn't seem to work every time just yet, but I've found the shortcut inside emails containing verification codes to appear much more consistently.

The feature has already started rolling out with the latest Gmail update on both Android and iOS. If you don't see it yet, it's worth updating the Gmail app to the latest available version.

Unlike the Messages app, though, Gmail's implementation doesn't directly integrate with Gboard for now, so you'll still need to open Gmail and manually copy the code. Nonetheless, it's a useful little upgrade that makes dealing with verification codes arriving through email much quicker.

I dabble in silly little puzzle-based Android games on the daily. Games that require sorting, untangling, or disassembling things systematically to beat a level are so soothing to my nervous system. They don't require much intellectual or emotional investment, so I can kill time on the train or while waiting at the dentist's.

Adding to a long list of quirky casual games, Meowdoku is my latest obsession. I don't know if you were being bombed with ads for the game like I was, but several friends told me they kept getting ads for it too. So, I took one for the team and gave in to the impulse.

I'm glad I did because this revamped version of sudoku turned out to be right up my alley.

The perfect cat-themed brain teaser to unwind

The game is built on the basic rules of Sudoku, but with no numbers. Instead, you get cats and colors. Just like Sudoku has a rule per column and row, Meowdoku has a similar principle: there can only be one cat per row or column.

There are other rules too: only one cat per color, and cats can't be in neighboring blocks.

Players build on these three cardinal rules and find all ten cats per level. You get three strikes for wrong cat placements, and then you've lost that level and must start over.

Some levels are easier than others, and sometimes you get one cat right at the beginning to help you out. You can also use limited hints, which can be earned back by watching ads or via the in-game reward system. Players can also participate in a daily challenge in addition to the usual levels.

I play sudoku on my phone regularly, and it's gotten a little too boring and predictable lately. Meowdoku is a fun take on sudoku, capturing the essence of the game perfectly. In fact, I have uninstalled the classic version of the game from my phone at this point!

I kept coming back to Meowdoku, despite the sheer number of ads after almost every level

I love cats, and I'm a big Sudoku fan, so it's no wonder that I love Meowdoku this much. What I despise about the app, however, is the unholy number of ads you need to watch.

Meowdoku bombards you with mandatory ads, one after almost every single level. And you know what's insane? There is no premium, ad-free version on Android. I would happily pay for an ad-free experience, but for some reason, the developer, Oakever Games, decided to skip that option.

I really hope they introduce an ad-free tier, because I'm not the only one going bonkers over Meowdoku. I came across YouTube videos, Facebook posts, Reddit threads, and even Instagram reels of people trying to find workarounds to rid themselves of the ad purgatory. Oakever Games has the opportunity to make a lot of money if they listen to what the people want.

Until then, I will be patiently grinding my teeth, sitting through the ads but refusing to stop playing the game, because I have a problem. Give the game a try and let me know if you think it's worth sitting through the ads.

What you need to know

• Google has apparently admitted that Gemini had escaped its testing environment and independently accessed systems belonging to three real companies.
• A misconfigured internet connection was the initial opening, while a matching company name added to the confusion.
• Gemini eventually stopped itself after recognizing that it was targeting real companies.
• Google initially kept the incident quiet, arguing that Gemini self-corrected and caused no damage.

Google's Gemini adds to the long list of AI models that have gone rogue.

We have already seen similar digital jailbreaks handled by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta in third-party safety testing. Now, it’s been revealed that Google’s Gemini model escaped its containment area in May, hacking its way into systems at three real companies, all on its own.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the incident took place during a “capture the flag” exercise conducted by AI security firm Irregular. Gemini was intended to test a fictional company in a closed testing environment, but an unplanned internet connection gave it an escape. The fictional company also had a real business with the same name, creating another opening for confusion.

Once online, Gemini found its way into three real companies. In one case it just kept guessing passwords until it got through. In two others, it found working credentials stored in public repositories and used them to access protected systems.

It turns out that throughout the entire process, Gemini didn’t require any exotic movie-style exploits. It just combined elementary security vulnerabilities with the ability to search, decide, and persistently try, without a human directing each and every move.

Google said Gemini stopped when it realized the targets were real companies and did not cause damage. In fact, while Anthropic’s Claude 4.7 kept going during a similar incident, Gemini backed off on its own volition. The impacted organizations were informed, although Irregular says the known testing issues were corrected weeks later.

The search giant felt the incident didn't warrant a public announcement at the time because the AI self-corrected. But third-party researchers were not told until late July, and details are only now emerging after media inquiries pushed the issue.

As AI agents gain broader access to the internet and computers, companies will need to establish tighter boundaries around what those systems can reach and clearer rules for what happens when those boundaries fail.

What you need to know

• Samsung is officially ending its long-standing OneDrive integration on September 30 in favor of direct Google Photos backup inside Samsung Gallery.
• Starting with Gallery app update 15.9.01.7, you can link your backup by tapping Menu > Settings > Sync photos and videos and connecting a personal Google account.
• You can selectively sync specific local folders (like Screenshots or Camera) or toggle off main camera roll uploads entirely.

I’ve been using OneDrive integration with Samsung Gallery for years, so seeing that setup disappear in a few weeks feels a bit strange. It was one of those Galaxy features I hardly ever thought of. I'd just take a picture, let Gallery back it up, and move on with my life. Now Samsung is giving that job to Google Photos, and frankly I’m more intrigued than irritated.

Samsung has already started rolling out the Google Photos integration with the latest Gallery app update, version 15.9.01.7, as per Ice Universe on X. Once you open the app, you may see a new “Sync photos and videos” option to connect your Google account and backup photos and videos without leaving Samsung Gallery.

The move comes as Samsung’s more than decade-long partnership with Microsoft winds down. OneDrive integration has been part of the Galaxy experience for years, allowing users to automatically upload their Gallery content to Microsoft’s cloud in a convenient way. But that arrangement officially ends September 30, after which Samsung Gallery won’t provide the same direct OneDrive sync.

Google Photos makes more sense to me simply because I already have a Google account on my Galaxy phone. That means I can use Samsung Gallery as my daily photo app and let Google handle the cloud backup.

How to enable Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync with Google

• Open the Samsung Gallery app on your Galaxy phone or tablet device.
• Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner, then tap Settings.
• Tap Sync photos and videos.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your Google Account.
• Grant Samsung permission to sync your photos and videos with Google.

The feature, however, is only available on Android 13 or later, a compatible Samsung device, and a personal Google account.

Synced albums also let you have some control over what gets backed up. You can select specific device folders like Camera, Screenshots, or Downloads, and even disable syncing of the main camera roll while still syncing other folders. You can disable syncing for individual local albums, but if Gallery Cloud Sync is enabled, Samsung Gallery will behave as a read-only cloud gallery. It will display synced media but will not upload any new photos from that device.

There's one caveat: don't expect Samsung Gallery to become a full Google Photos browser. Google's documentation says the integration is meant for backing up photos and videos, not for browsing your entire Google Photos library within Gallery.

If you’d rather not use the new Google Photos sync, Samsung makes it easy to switch off. Open Samsung Gallery > Menu > Settings, then turn off Sync photos and videos. This prevents new backups, and photos already backed up to your Google account remain accessible in Google Photos.

What you need to know

• Google has launched Android Bench 2.0 to test AI models on complex Android development tasks that can take days.
• The new benchmark includes tasks like upgrading dependencies, adding major features, and building Android apps from scratch.
• GPT-6 Astra currently leads Google's new benchmark with a 28% pass rate, while Gemini 3.8 Flash scored just 8%.

Google has announced Android Bench 2.0, an updated version of its benchmark for evaluating how well large language models (LLMs) and AI agents handle complex Android development tasks.

Earlier this year, Google introduced the first version of Android Bench to measure how AI models perform on real-world Android development work. The company has now updated the benchmark with Android Bench 2.0, which is designed to evaluate models and agents against more complex tasks that better reflect actual software development.

One of the biggest additions is what Google calls long-horizon tasks (LHTs). These are significantly more complex development jobs that could take a human engineer several days or even a week to complete.

Google says the first version of Android Bench, along with many other early AI coding benchmarks, focused primarily on smaller, incremental changes. Android Bench 2.0 is designed to raise that bar with tasks such as upgrading dependencies, adding major new features, and even building Android apps from scratch.

With Android Bench 2.0, Google has changed how models are graded. Rather than relying entirely on a binary pass-or-fail system, Android Bench 2.0 uses "continuous scoring." The company says this provides a more "meaningful indication" of how well a model performed, even when it wasn't able to fully complete a task.

Google has already tested several of the latest AI models using the new benchmark, including Gemini 3.8 Flash, GPT-6 Astra, Claude Fable 5.1, GPT-5.6 Sol, and Claude Opus 5, among others. According to the results, GPT-6 Astra currently sits at the top of the benchmark with a 28% pass rate. Gemini 3.8 Flash, meanwhile, scored just 8%.

Google says testing models against the LHT dataset should give it a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, while also providing developers with more practical guidance about which models are better suited for different Android development tasks.

The updated Android Bench 2.0 leaderboard is available now, and Google says it plans to continue expanding it with more models and results over time.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 to Pixel testers, solving several issues, such as an unexpected reboot problem.
• The company is also fixing another Bluetooth problem; however, this one involves a bug when changing device type.
• Beta 4 at the end of August marked QPR2 entering Platform Stability, meaning we're headed down the final stretch toward launch.

Get your Pixels ready. Google is rolling out another beta for its next quarterly Android 17 update.

The company detailed everything enrolled testers will find on Reddit. If you're looking for the update, you might find one of two build numbers. Google states users with a Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, or Pixel Tablet will download vCP41.260828.005.A6. If you have any other eligible Pixel device, you will find vCP41.260828.004.A8. The company is fixing a few problems users have reported throughout QPR2's testing.

One fix is coming in for a system instability issue. The patch notes state this fix should solve the "unexpected device reboots during continuous UI scrolling in media-heavy applications." Another fix aims to solve an issue with the Pixel's side buttons for volume control. Users noticed that while casting media, pressing these buttons wouldn't surface the volume slider UI. Google states a fix for this issue is rolling out.

Additionally, enhanced HDR was stuck for several users on the Issue Tracker. Google says its fix should solve the issue of the feature "remaining enabled despite being turned off in user settings."

The remainder of the patch notes is as follows:

• Changing a Bluetooth device type in settings failed to update its icon visually
• Fixed a text-rendering issue that caused unexpected background highlights to appear when typing in search fields, and resolved a navigation routing issue that prevented Private Space from unlocking correctly
• Launching Google Wallet via the power button shortcut caused the touchscreen to become unresponsive
• Camera crashes during panorama processing
• Bluetooth audio experiences noise and distortion after completing or answering a call

The Final Stretch

Beta 5 is fixing up some lingering issues, but it was QPR2 Beta 4 that we were really excited about. The end of August saw Android 17 QPR2 enter the Platform Stability phase. This is a standard milestone for Google's software development. It locks in the OS' APIs, ushering it down the final stretch. We're starting to wrap things up, but there's still work to do—for everyone.

Similarly, Google was fixing quite a few bugs last month. Pixel Bluetooth is apparently still giving it some trouble. In August, Google fixed a Bluetooth call audio issue that saw user calls getting erroneously put through the phone's speaker. Other issues included a broken gesture problem and strange UI freezing.

What you need to know

• Meta One subscription plans were announced for individual, AI power users, creators, and businesses.
• Each plan is tailored for what that specific user might need, such as an enhanced profile for creators/businesses, highlighting their website, locations, and more.
• Meta One subscriptions plans are available today (Sept. 15), beginning at $14.99 for creators/businesses and $7.99 for the Core plan (individual users).

We knew it was coming ever since Meta's original announcement back in May. Today (Sept. 15), Meta's latest subscription plans for its slew of apps are here.

In the company's press release, it states the Meta One subscription plans intend to "bring more value to the apps and experiences billions of people already use..." Meta One features plans intended for individuals, AI power users, creators, and businesses. The level of "expression" will depend on which subscription plan works best for you.

Meta builds on past announcements with the Core and Premium plans. It states these plans will bring more "compute-intensive AI capabilities." The Core and Premium plans are focused on assisting users with more "creative freedom" while using its AI services. More media generation is possible with Meta AI through the Core and Premium plans, as well as the availability of in-app AI features, like Restyle (on Instagram).

Here's the breakdown of the Core and Premium plans for individual and AI power users:

• Core ($7.99/mo): Restyle more Stories on Instagram, use voice effects and creative tools more often, and generate more images and videos with Meta AI. Plus, express yourself in more ways with our individual app features (Instagram Plus, WhatsApp Plus, Facebook Plus)
• Premium ($19.99/mo): Everything in Core, with the most room to create content with Meta AI and across our family of apps

Users starting their small businesses, or even creators looking to grow, might opt for one of Meta One's other four plans.

The company says its creator and business plans place the tools users will need to grow and expand their reach directly in-app. These features include professional tools and AI that's integrated with your account. Meta says this removes the necessity of creating an entirely new account to manage your business.

These plans will also provide users with an "enhanced profile." This profile will place everything important to your business or creator scope front and center. Your website and location (business locations) were mentioned. However, Meta One will send follow invitations to people who interact with your content and feature a "bold follow button" on your Reels.

Meta One's subscription plans for businesses and creators begin at $14.99 a month. While you'll receive a verified badge, a verified business channel on WhatsApp, and impersonation protection, Meta One adds access to the Meta Business Agent. This agent is available through WhatsApp and is available 24/7. You can check the remaining plans' details in the gallery above.

Meta's app subscriptions

We knew "Meta One" was coming since May. At that time, the company revealed a slew of app subscriptions for Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus. Naomi Gleit, Meta's head of product, detailed everything we needed to know, stating that these plans would give users more ways to "express and connect." WhatsApp Plus is the cheapest option at $2.99. Facebook and Instagram users would have to cough up a dollar more at $3.99 for Plus additions.

For Instagram Plus, more vibrant and expressive animations were highlighted early on. These animations would play when liking someone's Story, such as "Super Heart." Subscribers could also "spotlight" a Story once a week to reach for extra views.

What you need to know

• A mysterious Google-made wearable has appeared at the FCC with clues suggesting it could run Wear OS.
• The device reportedly skips Wi-Fi and relies on Bluetooth LE, suggesting it may be a fitness tracker.
• GPS support and a metal frame are also listed, while ADB testing suggests some form of Wear OS software.
• The device could sit between the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch, potentially filling the gap left by Fitbit Charge.

A mysterious new Wear OS fitness tracker has been spotted at the FCC, and there are a few clues suggesting it could be an upcoming Google Pixel or Fitbit-branded device.

Google has been enjoying success with both the Pixel Watch lineup and the recently launched Fitbit Air, and it looks like the company could be preparing to expand its fitness tracking lineup even further. As spotted by 9to5Google, a mysterious new Google-made device has now appeared in an FCC listing.

The device, described as a "Wireless Device," carries the model number G8BL6 and is manufactured by Goertek, a company that has previously manufactured several generations of Pixel Buds.

Interestingly, the FCC listing suggests there's no Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. Instead, the device appears to rely entirely on Bluetooth LE. There are also clues suggesting the device could run some form of Wear OS, as the EUT operation test setup specifically mentions ADB testing.

In terms of other connectivity, the mysterious device reportedly supports GPS or GNSS and features a metal frame that will also act as its antenna.

The lack of Wi-Fi is particularly interesting, since most traditional Wear OS smartwatches have supported Wi-Fi. That could suggest we're looking at a different type of wearable altogether, potentially a more traditional fitness tracker rather than another Pixel Watch.

And there might already be another clue. During the Pixel 11 launch, Google briefly showed an unannounced fitness tracker with a small display in one of its teasers, and there's a chance this FCC listing could be related to that device.

If so, the new wearable could potentially sit somewhere between the Fitbit Air and Google's more expensive Pixel Watch lineup. It's also worth remembering that Fitbit hasn't updated its Charge lineup since 2023, so this device could fit quite nicely into that missing middle ground.

What you need to know

• SwiftKey beta is rolling out a new AI voice typing mode similar to Google's Rambler feature on the Pixel 11 series.
• The feature cleans up and formats your speech automatically, although it doesn't show a live transcription while you speak.
• SwiftKey's AI voice typing works completely offline after downloading an AI model that's around 163MB on Android.
• Unlike Google's Rambler, SwiftKey's AI voice typing isn't Pixel-exclusive and can work across other Android smartphones.

SwiftKey, the popular keyboard app acquired by Microsoft more than a decade ago, has started rolling out a new AI-powered voice typing feature in beta.

With the launch of the Pixel 11 series, Google introduced a feature that improved on the Pixel's already excellent voice typing. Called Rambler, the feature lets you speak more naturally while automatically removing filler words like "um" and "ah," cleaning up corrections, and properly formatting the final text.

Now, SwiftKey is bringing a similar feature to its keyboard app, and unlike Rambler, it can work on pretty much any Android phone.

The latest SwiftKey beta for Android, version 9.13.16.4, introduces a new "AI voice" typing mode. When you tap the microphone icon, SwiftKey now shows the new AI voice option alongside a quick explanation of how it works.

Similar to Rambler on the Pixel 11 series, you can simply start speaking naturally while SwiftKey listens to you and displays a waveform on the screen. Once you're done, the AI processes what you've said and turns it into properly formatted text.

Before you can use the feature, though, SwiftKey asks you to download an AI voice model. On my Galaxy Z Fold 8, the download was around 163MB. Similar to Rambler, you also don't get a live preview of the transcription while you're speaking. Instead, the finished text appears once the AI has processed everything. The best part, however, is that the feature works completely offline.

I tested AI voice typing on my Galaxy Z Fold 8 with both Wi-Fi and mobile data switched off, and SwiftKey was still able to process and transcribe my speech without any issues. This isn't possible right now with Gboard's Rambler, which does require an internet connection to work.

There are some limitations compared to Google's Rambler, though. SwiftKey's implementation currently doesn't let you do things like change the tone, format the text further, or automatically insert emojis through voice commands.

That said, the SwiftKey Beta app can be installed on any Android phone, unlike the Rambler feature, which is exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, for now. So if you've been wanting to try Pixel 11-like AI voice typing without buying Google's latest phone, this might be one of the easiest ways to get something similar.

If you want to try it yourself, you can download the latest SwiftKey beta from the Google Play Store.

What you need to know

• You can now move passwords and passkeys directly between supported apps on Android without exporting sensitive data to an unencrypted file.
• Your new password manager hands the process to Android, which detects compatible managers installed on your phone and coordinates the transfer.
• Once authorized, Android moves the credentials between apps without requiring manual file handling.

Android has always made it a pain to switch password managers. Moving passwords usually involved exporting your data into an unencrypted text file, and passkeys were pretty much stuck in place. Android is tackling both of those issues with a new transfer experience that makes moving your credentials much more secure and simple.

In a blog post, Google said the new system lets you transfer passwords and passkeys directly between password managers, without first having to download a file.

That eliminates one of the biggest security hassles of the old process, which was that sensitive credentials were sitting unprotected on your device for a while. Furthermore, passkeys weren’t transferable, so you had to manually recreate them across websites and apps.

The process is built to be mostly out of your way. Start in your new password manager and select the option to import or copy credentials from another provider. The app then hands the job to Android, which knows which compatible password managers you have already installed on your phone and shows you where the data can come from.

You are then sent back to the password manager you already use to select, review, and approve the transfer. Once approved, the passwords and passkeys move between the apps in just a few seconds.

The feature is already available with Google Password Manager, 1Password, Bitwarden Password Manager, and Dashlane. Dashlane notes that CXP is compatible with devices running Android 10 or newer with the latest Play Services update. Bitwarden needs Android 14+ with Play services 26.21+.

It is not merely a matter of convenience. Passkeys are more secure than passwords and resistant to phishing. Adoption has been stalled in part due to user concerns around vendor lock-in. CXP removes that barrier.

Bitwarden says the creation of passkeys peaked this summer at over 500% compared to early 2024, with nearly half of all passkeys created in the past three months alone.

Google says more partners are on the way. If you’ve been waiting to change password managers because of the hassle, that excuse just went out the window.

What you need to know

• You no longer need a Google AI Plus, Pro, or Ultra subscription to access Gemini's Daily Brief feature.
• Daily Brief pulls useful information from Gmail, Google Calendar, connected apps, and past Gemini chats to create a personalized rundown.
• Free access is currently US-only and is being introduced gradually. Users also need Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration enabled.

Google is rolling out Gemini’s Daily Brief to free users in the U.S., removing one of the biggest hurdles to a feature that’s supposed to make the AI assistant genuinely helpful every morning.

Once tied to a paid Google AI subscription, Daily Brief is now a daily digest of what needs to be done for eligible personal accounts without the need for Plus, Pro, or Ultra.

Introduced back at I/O 2026, Daily Brief is your proactive AI assistant that works for you while you sleep. It taps into Gemini’s Personal Intelligence to scan your Gmail, Google Calendar, connected apps, and past Gemini chats. This gives you a nicely organized morning briefing that will send you off to a running start.

You can tick off tasks, start a Gemini chat about an item, or tell Google if a certain suggestion was helpful. Gemini Live can also deliver the brief when you say, “What’s my daily brief?” Google also sends a morning notification.

There are a few catches. For now, the free rollout is only for users in the U.S., and Google is rolling out access gradually, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the feature right away.

You'll also need a personal Google account with Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration enabled. Daily Brief is available via the Gemini mobile apps and on the web.

Beyond the feature's expansion, the company is said to be working on audio Daily Briefs and potentially bringing the feature to the Android lock screen. For now, giving Daily Brief away for free gives more users a reason to let Gemini do the morning catch-up.

What you need to know

• Samsung is alerting users about its preparations to shut down the Quick Measure and AR Doodle apps on December 31, 2026.
• While Samsung acknowledges "inconveniences" from this, it states that it's "committed" to returning these apps "with improved services" in the future.
• In July, Samsung officially axed its Messages app, which has been replaced by the Google Messages app.

Samsung is preparing to shut down two apps, and it's delivering warnings to users in preparation for what's to come.

Very early this morning (Sept 7), Tarun Vats on X noticed new warnings from Samsung about two apps that are being phased out. Samsung says that it will shut down the Quick Measure app on December 31, 2026. It adds, "After this date, new downloads and update support for the existing app will be discontinued. You may continue to use the app if it's already downloaded, but be aware that some features may not function properly."

The Quick Measure app currently works with Google's Wear OS. However, after this termination date from Samsung, it says app support will no longer be provided for new Wear OS versions. Quick Measure isn't the only app getting the boot. Users replying to Vats' thread on X mentioned Samsung's AR Doodle is also getting axed come December 31.

A similar warning to users was given for AR Doodle. The date remains the same; however, it swaps Wear OS for regular OS, as this app likely relies on Android/One UI updates. While Samsung recognizes that shutting down an app can cause "inconveniences," the news isn't all bad. Samsung says, "We are committed to returning with improved services in the future."

It's not clear if Quick Measure and AR Doodle will return upgraded, new, and improved. Or if we'll see brand-new variations that change these older systems.

Another app got shutdown this summer

If you're confused about "Quick Measure," we wouldn't blame you. Our earliest coverage dates back to 2021, when Samsung rolled out new features for its S Health app (yeah... S Health). That update coincided with the company's Gear Fit 2 launch. Quick Measure let users check their heart rate without launching the full app. Our coverage read, "Simply activate Quick Measure, and you'll now be able to place a finger on the heart rate sensor and wait for a reading."

We've come a long way with heart rate tracking and the like related to cardiovascular health. Anyway, the last app shutdown from Samsung was its Messages app in July. Google Messages was reported to be the company's official replacement for users to text. However, consumers with Android 11 and under "are unaffected, and emergency calls still work after the shutdown."

What you need to know

• Meta AI glasses v28 update adds pedestrian navigation, Spatial Audio, expanded language support, and camera anti-tampering improvements.
• With hands-free walking directions, you can ask Meta to navigate to nearby destinations, with driving directions sent to your phone for farther trips.
• Spatial Audio makes listening richer and adds a more immersive layer to music and podcasts on supported Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

Meta has been steadily expanding what its AI glasses can do, and the latest v28 update adds several practical upgrades, including pedestrian navigation, Spatial Audio, and broader language support.

Perhaps the headline addition is pedestrian navigation. You can now ask the smart glasses to guide you on foot to nearby destinations using voice commands such as “Hey Meta, navigate to Times Square.” If you’re farther away, the glasses can send driving directions to your phone.

There’s also a new way to begin navigation from your phone: Find a destination in your mapping app, tap Share, and select Meta AI, and navigation will start on your connected glasses.

The update also broadens where walking directions work. Meta says it now offers walking directions in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and some cities across the world.

Audio gets an upgrade as well. Now, Spatial Audio can make a more immersive version of the stereo sound you’re already getting, whether that’s music or a podcast. You can find this option in Settings > Audio > Spatial. It works with Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Optics and the Meta Glasses collection.

Meta is also adding Mandarin Chinese (zh_CN) support across Device Controls, calls and messaging, media capture and music controls, Meta AI, and MMAI.

Finally, v28 has ongoing anti-tampering improvements to protect the cameras on the glasses.

Earlier firmware releases introduced features like Conversation Focus, which uses the microphones in the glasses to help users hear nearby voices better, and deeper Spotify integration. Similarly, on Reddit, the response is pragmatic, with users mostly praising the glasses for hands-free photos, calls, podcasts, and open-ear audio, while battery life and Meta AI’s limitations remain common complaints.

What you need to know

• Google rolls out two major updates for the Translate app to end the week, beginning with multitasking capabilities for Android.
• Android users can now continue translating speech in the background, giving them the freedom of opening other apps or locking their device.
• For iPhone users, Google says they now have support for real-time translations via earbuds or by holding their phone to their ears.

Google wants to end the week with an update for its Translate app across its supported devices. The company says Android users will find capabilities flexible enough for their day-to-day.

This morning (Sept 4), Google says its latest features rolling out for Android and iOS will assist users with translating over 70 languages in "near real-time." Users on Android reportedly hold live translation sessions that last "longer than five minutes." Google states the Translate app can now continue translating even while in the background. This lets users hop into other apps and multitask or lock their phone.

Google Translate will continue working, ready to reveal its translated content for you when you're ready. This is rolling out for Android users today. Google says it's preparing an update for Apple iOS users, but that is "coming soon."

If you have an iOS device, this late-week update brings translation capabilities through a connected earpiece. Android users received it in a previous update. Google Translate will deliver audio translation directly through your earbuds. However, if such a device isn't connected, Google says iOS users can hold their phone to their ear, as if on a call. Like the update for Android, iPhone users can expect this to begin appearing today (Sept 4).

The work continues

Google Translate isn't among the apps that always get major updates, but the company has been improving it little by little. In a similar vein to Duolingo, the Translate app added "streaks" for users practicing new languages. What's more, this earlier patch expanded the beta for Android's real-time translation support while wearing headphones. Gemini's been brought into the fold heavily for the translation app.

It's the AI's speech-to-speech capabilities that get the job done. Earlier this year, Google rolled out a huge Translate app update for iOS users for headphone support. The feature offers a few different modes: Listening, Conversation, and Text-only. "Listening" is for real-time translations. "Conversation" lets you speak in English and lets the person you're talking to hear it in their native tongue.

Android Central's Take

The usefulness of Google Translate has shot up considerably over the past few updates. They've been strung out, so there's quite a bit of time in between each one. Nevertheless, what Google's brought has been useful. It feels like the days of carrying around a Spanish-to-English dictionary are gone. You can rely on your phone; whether you're learning the language with guided practice or listening to its translations. Just take it with a grain of salt, sometimes. Not every translation is as accurate as I'd like it to be.

What you need to know

• GPT-6 Astra is the first OpenAI model to hit the "critical" cybersecurity threat level, but deployment is moving forward with significant safeguards in place.
• It is currently limited to defensive tasks like secure code review. Advanced capabilities like exploit creation are blocked for now, but trusted users in the Daybreak program will eventually get access to complex workflows.
• Astra drastically outperforms GPT-5.6 Sol, hitting a perfect 100% on ExploitBench and 42.4% on ExploitGym.

OpenAI just released GPT-6 Astra, and it’s the company's first model to reach the “critical” threat level in the company’s Preparedness Framework for cybersecurity. Despite these unprecedented security risks, OpenAI is moving ahead with the deployment.

That doesn't mean GPT-6 Astra is being rolled out as an unrestricted hacking tool. The version rolling out now will do defensive work such as secure code review and patching, but will not entertain more advanced requests like creating proof-of-concept exploits, OpenAI says.

The company adds that it intends to relax some of those restrictions with its Daybreak program for trusted users, ultimately supporting workflows such as vulnerability validation, malware analysis and detection engineering.

So, how did we arrive at this point? OpenAI had to severely lock down its development pipelines after the recent mess where rogue AI agents hacked the Hugging Face platform. Astra is a huge step up from GPT-5.6 Sol in capabilities.

Massive performance leap

In OpenAI’s testing, the new model scored 100% on ExploitBench, compared to 78.5% for GPT-5.6 Sol. It also scored 42.4% on ExploitGym against 30.3% for its predecessor. More worrying, Astra uncovered and took advantage of two new zero-day vulnerabilities in the course of testing, which OpenAI says it is reporting to the appropriate maintainers.

OpenAI explains that GPT-6 Astra is built on improvements to pre-training, reinforcement learning, alignment, and computer use. It can run software, surf the web, write code, and complete multistep tasks. OpenAI says its OSWorld 2.0 testing shows it’s about 47% faster per task than GPT-5.6 Sol, while scoring 72.6% vs 65.7%.

The company says it has responded with stronger jailbreak resistance, broader monitoring, encrypted model checkpoints, tighter access controls, and misalignment monitoring across tool-using deployments. Astra also outperformed Sol in remaining within authorized boundaries.

But one big weakness that OpenAI does acknowledge is that it’s actually a lot harder to monitor. Internal testing indicated that GPT-6 can actively influence its own "chain of thought” reasoning to avoid leaving incriminating evidence. In adversarial situations, the model has even sandbagged its performance to fly under the radar and avoid internal monitors.

For developers, Astra costs $10 per million input tokens and $50 per million output tokens, with an accelerated API at twice the normal price. It’s rolling out now to a limited number of people before it’s available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise users and the API and Amazon Bedrock.

Google has been steadily improving its Messages app over the years, especially since the advent of RCS. We've been seeing some fun features arriving in the app, such as Voice Moods and Selfie GIFs. However, until now, customizing your chat look has been limited to just changing the color of your chat bubbles, and even that was pretty limited.

Now, Google has introduced new chat themes, which can fully transform your conversations. It lets you pick from a selection of photos (or you can upload your own) as a background and even changes the color of chat bubbles to match.

It's actually a pretty fantastic upgrade to the Google Messages experience that makes it feel much more fun, although I do think it went a step further. I'll walk you through changing your chat theme in Google Messages and explain why I want a little more.

How to change your chat theme in Google Messages

1. Open a message. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of your chat.

2. In the overflow menu, tap Chat theme.

3. Select from among the provided themes or tap Choose a photo to upload an image from your gallery.

4. Select a photo from within a theme or within your gallery. Tap Next.

5. Choose a color combination in the Colors row or stick with the automatic selection. You can preview your theme and colors in the image above.

6. Tap Apply to save your theme to the chat.

Enjoy your new chat theme!

Chat themes are fun, but...

Chat themes are something I've been wanting in Google Messages for some time. On the one hand, I like the relative simplicity of the app, but on the other hand, it can feel quite monotonous with the simple black or white background. Changing chat bubble colors were a nice way to break up some of that monotony, but they were limited to just nine color options and none of them were particularly good.

Chat themes is a great step forward, and in some ways, makes Google Messages feel as fun as Backgrounds on Apple Messages. However, there are a few things I think Google could have implemented to make this a much more full-featured experience.

It feels like a missed opportunity that Google didn't implement Nano Banana in any way whatsoever. Gemini is already integrated into Google Messages, letting you chat with the AI or remix images shared in a chat. I would have loved to see an option to generate a background on-device with Nano, similar to how iPhones let you describe or edit preloaded backgrounds with Apple Intelligence.

I also think Google could take chat themes a step further by having them sync across devices. Right now, when using Chat themes, you'll notice at the top of the page that "only you will see these changes." That means once you apply a theme, it will show up for you but not for the recipient.

On the one hand, I get it, because your friend may pick a theme that you find annoying, inappropriate, or just don't like. However, even Apple Messages syncs backgrounds for both users across iPhones, and some apps like Instagram and Facebook Messenger also sync chat backgrounds (though with a limited selection), which has led to some fun surprises and "fights" over which one to keep.

As one friend puts it, it would be fun swapping a background "and seeing how long it takes someone to notice." Perhaps Google can add a toggle that lets the person changing it sync their background choice across devices, while letting the recipient either keep it or select their own without syncing it back.

Finally, I've noticed a weird bug that freezes the Google Messages app when I tap a theme but don't apply it, then exit back to the chat. Fully exiting the Google Messages app will bring things back to normal. My colleague, Nick Sutrich, has also noticed this, though it doesn't seem to occur for everyone; a friend hasn't experienced this behavior.

I do notice, however, that when he swipes back, he's met with a dialog asking if he wants to leave the page without saving the changes. That only appears for me when I opt to reset the background to default and try to exit without saving. It's a relatively small bug that Google can hopefully fix soon.

What you need to know

• Google Messages gets two standout updates, including Custom Chat themes and Google Keep integration as part of the September Android Drop.
• You can tap the plus button to add a Keep note, letting everyone view, edit, and contribute without leaving the conversation.
• Personalize individual chats using curated wallpaper collections (like Animals, Landscapes, or Space) or your own gallery photos.

Google's September Android Drop is here, and while there’s a lot to go over, two features for Google Messages are stealing the spotlight: custom chat themes and seamless Google Keep integration.

Beginning today, you will be able to bring a Keep note directly into a Google Messages conversation by tapping the plus button. This lets everyone in the chat view, edit, and add to shared notes, whether you're building a grocery list or planning a vacation.

The idea appears to be to turn your Messages conversations into the place where plans are actually made. This might be particularly handy for group chats, where information can get lost in the flood of messages.

Google is also rolling out Chat theme, which lets you set different backgrounds and color treatments for individual conversations. Google has curated collections of wallpapers to choose from — including Animals, Landscapes, Space, and more — or you can upload your own photo from your gallery.

Google recommends everything from a latte theme for a coffee buddy to a beach photo for a vacation group chat. Messages automatically matches the chat bubble colors. This is much more than the simple “Change colors” option we saw back in 2024. It’s rolling out now in Google Messages.

Remember, these customizations are just for you, so that beach photo you set for the vacation chat isn’t going to show up on anyone else’s phone.

Google actually announced these custom backgrounds and themes a few days ago, in a post to the Google Messages Community, so the September Android Drop is another confirmation that the feature is coming.

Expect to see both features become more prominent as Google pushes the September Android Drop to supported devices.

What you need to know

• Gemini can now remember where you left important items, even without a tracker.
• You can tell Gemini where you stashed an item or snap a quick photo, and it logs the detail directly to Find Hub.
• Then, ask Gemini where your item is later, or view all saved locations in Find Hub's new memory tab.

Google’s September Android Drop is introducing a handy upgrade to Find Hub that allows Gemini to remember where you left important items, even if those items don’t have a tracker attached.

With the latest change, you can tell Gemini where you put an item instead of using a Bluetooth tracker to find it later. For example, you could say, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer” and optionally attach a photo for additional context.

Gemini then saves that information in a dedicated “remembered items” tab in Find Hub so you can easily get back to it again by just asking where it is.

This feature plugs a hole in Google’s current tracking setup. While Find Hub is ideal for tagged belongings, there are plenty of things you routinely misplace — such as passports, spare keys, documents, or other small essentials — that aren’t worth attaching a tracker to. This new feature essentially provides a lightweight memory layer for those items.

The feature will be rolled out to Android 16 and newer devices in countries where Gemini and Find Hub are supported. Google says it will be available soon.

This is just one part of the September Android Drop, which also includes enhancements such as Motion Assist to help alleviate motion sickness and new upgrades to Google Messages.

However, for those of us who spend far too much time looking for lost items, this new Gemini feature may be the most impactful update of them all.

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR2 has officially hit Platform Stability with Beta 4, meaning APIs are locked and the update is in its final stretch focused entirely on system polish and bug fixes.
• Google fixed several Pixel pain points, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation, battery-limit charging, Recents, Bluetooth audio, and screen-recording issues.
• Hardware support gets attention, too, with fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, 3D smart-glasses displays, and low-light Face Unlock.

Google’s Android 17 QPR2 beta cycle is moving into its final stretch. Beta 1 was released on July 20, with Beta 2 following on 3 August and Beta 3 only 11 days later. Now, Beta 4 has arrived with a long list of fixes, and more importantly, Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability.

That milestone means Google has locked the API surface for the release, giving developers a much more stable target for testing apps ahead of the update reaching users more broadly. QPR2 is a pretty small SDK update that has no planned behavior changes, so this build is much more about polish, stability, and fixing things that could make a Pixel frustrating to use.

Critical bug fixes

And there are a lot of things to fix. As per the changelog, Beta 4 resolves a bug in thermal management that could cause overheating and reboots. Another solution is for the 80% battery limit feature that takes way too long to finish charging the last 2%. Google has also fixed broken gesture navigation and a transparent status bar that could appear after full-screen video with specific display-cutout settings enabled.

You'll see that polish in everyday Pixel features as well. The search in the app drawer may stop accepting text input. Bluetooth call audio may be routed incorrectly through the phone speaker. The Recents screen may freeze or visually clip app cards. Google also fixed a bug with screen-recording audio that could cause microphones to be unavailable to apps such as Gboard and Gemini until a reboot.

There’s some interesting hardware cleanup, too. Beta 4 brings back screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and fixes blank screens in 3D mode for connected smart glasses. It also solved Face Unlock issues in low-light conditions that would take users straight to a PIN.

Android 17 QPR2 is also beefing up the protection against call-forwarding scams by limiting some USSD-based forwarding commands and requiring confirmation when users manually dial them.

Positive user feedback

Reddit users who own Pixels are giving surprisingly positive early feedback. One Pixel 9a owner called Beta 4 the most stable QPR2 build yet, with the lag gone and performance noticeably improved. Another Pixel 8 owner said that the phone now feels "fast."

Beta 4 isn’t perfect, though. Some testers complained about oversized text and a lower display resolution after installing the update, though one user said a reboot fixed everything. At least one tester also states that a Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has persisted across all four QPR2 betas, with them having to manually select the Bluetooth audio source.

Beta 4 is rolling out to a wide range of Pixel phones and tablets, with Pixel 11 support listed as “coming soon” for now. Some early beta testers on Reddit said a download of about 671MB on a Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a few rollout quirks and some confusion on the update screen.

If you're already a Pixel owner and are enrolled in the beta, you'll get the update over the air. Just know that if you leave the program after installing Beta 4, it can wipe your data.

What you need to know

• Instagram is changing its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile" to give users better clarity over whether or not the content (and person) they're viewing is real.
• The platform states there will be restrictions and limits imposed on profiles that do not adhere to this label.
• Instagram already has its AI Info option, which lets users know if something on the platform was made with AI, such as photos and videos.

Instagram is tightening the screws around AI content on its platform this week. Specifically, the app is bringing more clarity for users when a profile is deemed to be nothing but AI.

This morning (Aug 31), Instagram announced that it is changing its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile." It states this change was made to "make it more clear to people when a profile features an AI-generated person rather than a human." Here's the thing: if someone is running an AI-generated account, meaning the person users see isn't real, they will face limits. Instagram says these limits will be imposed on their accounts' reach, meaning their views and interactions will suffer.

These "unlabeled accounts" can make things right by adding the new AI-generated profile label to their account. Additionally, they can appeal the decision if there was a mistake.

Instagram has made these decisions due to user feedback. It states users "don’t like seeing a profile that seems human, only to find out later that the person featured is AI-generated." If something was made with AI, users want to know flat out, not after the fact. If a profile/account has always used the "AI creator" label, nothing necessarily changes. The "AI-generated profile" label will simply continue. However, the post states that if a user utilizes AI tools as part of their "creative process," the AI-generated profile label doesn't apply.

Instagram says this change is a part of an ongoing process. Things may continue to change over time.

Changes continue for Instagram

AI has arrived on Instagram in a myriad of ways over the past few years. On one hand, we have warning labels that the content you're viewing was made by AI, such as photos. Then, we have Instagram's mistakes, where users have seen the app mistakenly call their friends AI in a messaging glitch. Regardless, it's safe to assume that more AI-related features for transparency will continue. The post acknowledges that generative AI tools spread, but users want to know if what they're seeing is real or fantasy.

On the flip side, Meta was involved in a $16 billion settlement over the addictive nature of its social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. This settlement focuses on younger users, as the case highlighted a "nationwide mental health crisis" that's been "fueled" by these addictive apps. As a result, Meta will need to roll out changes for younger user accounts to help cut down their exposure.

Such changes will involve daily usage limits, age restrictions for content, and more.

Android Central's Take

It feels like you're always on guard online now. Not that you weren't before, but it's for a different reason today. Now you're wondering, "was... was this made by a computer and not a person?" "Is this person real?" It's kind of weird. It almost feels like we're walking into a sci-fi story where the AI starts learning and evolving and taking over. No? I watch too many movies, I know.

What you need to know

• Meta's latest smart glasses update stops video recording if someone covers the capture LED after filming begins.
• The update closes a loophole that previously allowed users to start recording first and then cover the LED afterward.
• Meta says several businesses offering capture LED tampering services have already shut down following its changes.

Meta has started rolling out another update for its AI glasses that closes yet another loophole that allowed users to record discreetly while keeping the capture LED covered.

Earlier this year, Meta took several major steps to address privacy concerns surrounding its smart glasses. The company rolled out a mandatory update for its Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta, and Meta AI glasses that prevented the camera from recording if the capture LED had been tampered with or covered.

Meta said the change was designed to make sure people around the wearer can clearly tell whenever the glasses are capturing photos or videos.

Now, the company is rolling out another update that closes a loophole in that system. Meta VP Alex Himel shared on Threads that the new update will stop video recording if someone covers the capture LED after recording has already started.

Until now, users could apparently get around Meta's protection by starting a recording while the LED was visible and then covering it afterward. With the latest update, doing that will automatically stop the recording.

Himel added that Meta will continue rolling out updates like this to make sure the capture LED can "reliably alert bystanders" whenever photos or videos are being captured and saved to someone's gallery.

Meta also claims that its efforts against LED tampering are already having a deterrent effect. According to the company, several businesses that previously offered services to disable or cover the capture LED on Meta's smart glasses have already shut down.

In fact, the company has also launched an awareness campaign explaining what the capture LED actually means. With AI glasses quickly becoming a much bigger product category, Meta says not everyone is familiar with the light or knows when someone is recording. The company now seems to be heavily marketing these new privacy protections in an effort to build back some of that trust.

In addition to these changes, Meta says it has removed accounts from its platforms that engaged in this behavior, alongside posts that provided instructions or advertised services for tampering with the capture LED.

Honestly, it's pretty sad that things have reached this point. In my opinion, protections against something as obvious as covering the recording light should have been built into these glasses from the beginning. But nonetheless, Meta is finally closing these loopholes, and hopefully, it makes discreet recording with its smart glasses much harder going forward.

What you need to know

• Meta has reportedly reached a $16 billion settlement with 29 states involving claims that its social media platforms "harmed young users."
• Not only have Facebook and Instagram reportedly "fueled" a nationwide mental health crisis, but the addictive nature does not help.
• Following the settlement, Meta will need to roll out changes to its platforms to reduce the addictive nature for younger users with usage limits and more.

Lawsuits have been filed against Meta in several states over the past few months over how its social media platform addict children. Another has been settled, pushing Meta to shell out over $16 billion.

A major settlement such as this isn't the only thing Meta is forced to do. Following coverage by Reuters, Meta will also need to make sweeping changes to how younger audiences interact with its platforms. For context, this $16.68 billion settlement involved claims from 29 states. Each state claimed that Meta's social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) "harmed young users."

Specifically, these platforms reportedly "fueled a nationwide youth mental health crisis." Meta has continued to disagree with these allegations. Regardless, to reduce the "addictive nature" of its platforms for younger users, Meta will restrict nighttime use of Facebook and Instagram. Meta will also beef up its defenses to keep kids away from "age-restricted" content, while introducing a new daily usage limit.

The addictive or potentially mentally harmful sides of social media were the highlights behind these claims. However, Reuters mentions another side of these claims that also makes up this $16 billion settlement: child privacy. According to the post, the 29 states claim Meta "violated the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act" by collecting data from kids without consent.

What's more, Meta allegedly used this data to train its AI systems. It should only be a matter of time before we see the result of this settlement hit Facebook and Instagram for youth accounts.

A prevoius case

This has been a long-standing issue for Meta over the past few months. In March, we highlighted CNBC's coverage of a Los Angeles case involving YouTube and Meta's "negligence." The trial concerned Kaley (otherwise known as K.G.M.), a young woman who said she had become "addicted" to social media as a child. According to K.G.M., this addiction led to severe mental health issues as she got older. K.G.M. is now 20 years old.

In their argument, K.G.M. said the "infinite scrolling" aspect of social media is where the addiction begins. Additionally, the case in Los Angeles highlighted the influx of notifications one would receive from these platforms, which didn't help. Meta disagreed with the claims, as it's done in the recent settlement involving 29 states. The company also leaned on K.G.M.'s therapists to say that none of these claims were "the cause" of her mental health issues.