What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a late October patch for Gemini for Home and its smart home app, upgrading its capabilities and introducing major fixes.
• The patch notes state Gemini's "Sorry, I didn't understand" response has been fixed, as users would receive this when nothing was explicitly said.
• Fixes for "zero-volume" alarms and timers are rolling out, alongside new additions for Matter devices on Android.

Google concludes the week with a substantial update for Gemini for Home and its smart home app that users should keep an eye out for.

The company detailed the update in a lengthy changelog today (Oct. 29). Gemini for Home, which is still in early access, spearheads the list of fixes this week. According to Google, this week's patch includes a fix for Gemini's frustrating "Sorry, I didn't understand" error messages. The funny thing is, this was happening when users hadn't said anything. This issue reportedly affected displays and speakers, and should be patched in this update.

Gemini should now better understand when a user tells it to switch music to a device in another room. Google states it's rolling out more "reliable" commands for YouTube TV. It says this should help content play as intended whenever the user asks for it. Volume control is another area where Gemini has been shaky.

Google states it's rolling out a fix for "zero volume timers and alarms." In some cases, users would set an alarm, but its volume would drop to zero, meaning they'd never hear it. Elsewhere, Google is solving an issue "where asking to adjust the volume on a speaker or display in another room could accidentally change the volume on the device you were speaking to if the other device couldn’t be found."

The Google Home app is also receiving quite a few bug fixes/updates this week, beginning with Matter devices. The patch notes state Android devices can now view energy data for supported Matter products. It adds that compatible plugs and energy monitors will soon "display both real-time power (mW) and total energy consumed (kWh) directly on their device tiles and controller screens."

Additionally, users can quickly shift their devices into power-saving modes through the app. Improved icons and controls are also rolling out for Matter devices on Android. Google says the Home app will now organize devices by type: garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, cabinets, and more.

Google Home Premium users can now find their benefits by tapping on their Profile > Google Home Premium > Features (to enable, too).

There are also extensive updates for smart home cameras

A long road of changes

Google's been down a long road with Gemini for its smart home environment. The company has rolled out purposeful patches to fix issues users have experienced with the AI's responses. In one update, Google worked on improving Gemini's response times. It stated that it quickened the AI by 40%, but it also rolled out additional fixes to make good on that promise.

In a patch in April, Google improved Gemini's smart home understanding. Users won't have to bore themselves with exact commands. The company said Gemini could understand "casual phrases and context better."

Google's been busy with its Android 17 development cycle, pushing multiple Quarterly Platform Release updates and still working on bug fixes across Pixel devices. QPR3 went into beta testing in early October, and the first two releases focused primarily on squashing stability, connectivity, and performance bugs. Now Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 is here with 26 more fixes, the return of the app lock, and some handy interface improvements.

It’s not a massive visual overhaul by any means, but Google is clearly using these beta releases to tidy up the Android experience ahead of the next big update.

This new release follows QPR3 Beta 2, which was released just over a week ago and also included its own set of bug fixes. According to its release note shared on Reddit, Google has listed 26 fixes ranging from display glitches and app crashes to connectivity and system stability issues this time around.

App lock and bubbles get another shot

The changes to the usability side are more interesting. As noted by one Reddit user, app lock is making a comeback, offering users another way to keep sensitive apps safe from unwanted access. Google is also making app bubbles easier to use by letting users launch them from the Recents menu, rather than having to dig through other interface options.

Quick Settings is also receiving a camera shortcut. That’s a small addition, arguably, but it gives users another way to launch the camera without hunting down its app icon. Google has also fixed the AM/PM display for lock screen alarms and brought back some of the lock screen blur that was lost in a previous update.

A bigger cleanup under the hood

The new fixes cover a number of annoying issues, including random screen flickering, black inner displays when unfolding foldables, poor webcam video quality, and crashes when viewing mentions in X threads. Google has also fixed broken force-stop controls, missing notification elements, crashing Bluetooth scans, and WPA-Enterprise Wi-Fi authentication failures.

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 is available for Pixel 6a and newer devices. Most supported models receive build DP11.261016.003, while Pixel 11 models get DP11.261016.004.

If you want to, you can sign up through Google's Android Beta Program, but it’s always a good idea to back up your data prior to installing beta software.

Android 17 QPR2 is expected to reach stable status around the end of 2026, and QPR3 is looking to be another round of meaningful refinements ahead of its anticipated 2027 release.

What you need to know

• Google announced "Immersive Explorations" in Gemini, which gives students a visual way of learning a subject by unraveling its contents layer-by-layer.
• Users can learn about the complexities of Quasars and more in space, or about dinosaurs, the molecular structure of life, and more.
• Google's previously brought huge updates for teachers in the Classrooms app for students through Gemini to help create lesson plans, Rubrics, and quizzes.

Gemini and astrology go hand-in-hand—it's in the name, after all. Google announced that it's rolling out a new library in Gemini's student hub for stellar topics.

This week, Google announced in a blog post that it's bringing "Immersive Explorations" to the Gemini student hub. This library will reportedly give users an "interactive, visual way to explore topics layer-by-layer..." In a press release, Google states users can forget about scrolling and reading through giant walls of text. Immersive Explorations is more visual (though it comes with a few paragraphs to explain what you're seeing).

Users can "click through layered visuals" to educate themselves about a range of topics. If we're going down the stellar route, users can learn about Quasars, and zoom in to learn about Host Galaxies or Interstellar Dust Lanes. Clicking on different parts of an image unlocks more details. Users can see the bigger picture as a whole, and dive in to learn about every tiny fragment that makes it whole.

Students in the Gemini hub can also learn about dinosaurs, the molecular structure of plants, the "physics of lightning," and more. Google says Immersive Explorations are available now in the Gemini app.

Users can begin exploring in English, Indonesian, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and simplified Chinese. Google states users in other languages will default to English until support for those languages arrives at a later time.

More ways to learn

When Google rolled out Gemini for teens using school accounts, it did so with guardrails and the ability to fact-check the AI's results. The AI was made available in over 100 countries, alongside "Coach." This was a "step-by-step tool to help students build their knowledge of various subjects through quizzes and games." The other side of Google's work to build better AI for educational purposes was its tools for the Classrooms app.

It was a Gemini-focused patch that brought the AI's assistance to NotebookLM (now Gemini Notebook). Teachers could create an AI "expert" for a specific topic to help students if they're struggling with a certain subject. What's more, teachers can create a Rubric and quizzes with ease using the educational material they have.

What you need to know

• Google's Android Dev Summit is going on, and it announced a Connected Apps Platform in preview for developers.
• This platform lets developers bring their apps into the Connected Apps experience for Gemini or Search, or both.
• Users should expect apps from Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton in Search in the coming weeks, as well as Calm.

This afternoon (Oct. 28), Google announced a new developer platform en route for Connected Apps in Gemini and Search.

From what Google announced, it looks like users should prepare for an influx of Connected Apps. According to its post, the Connected Apps Platform is launching in preview this week for developers looking to integrate their products into Gemini and Search. Google states this preview gives developers an "opportunity to build once and reach high-intent users..."

After integrating with a cloud-hosted MCP server and running through the required review process, Google says devs can decide whether their app is available in Gemini or Search (or both). Developers will have all the tools they need to understand the stability of their app. They can "track traffic, latency, and error rates," among other pieces of data, to keep everything smooth.

While Google is rolling out the Connected Apps Platform in preview to developers today, it states everyday users at home should expect more goodies, too. The company highlighted partnerships with Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton in Connected Apps. Many of these are already live in Gemini; however, in the weeks ahead, Google says it will roll them out in Search.

Additionally, Google is preparing to integrate Calm (the mental health app) into Gemini and Search soon. If you're a developer and you're interested in the new platform's preview, you can sign up and get started.

Groceries, music, and more

As far as Connected Apps go, things have improved recently. And by "improved," we mean the fact that Google brought in Instacart and YouTube Music to AI Mode's experience this summer. Even Canva got in on the fun. With all Connected Apps, users are letting Google's AI take the reins. With Instacart, users can say, "get me all the things I need for my BBQ and add them to my grocery cart."

You'll see everything the AI is doing, and you can also intervene if something goes awry. What's more, the AI will notify you when it reaches a critical point: payment. You'll be prompted to open Instacart and complete the transaction once the AI is done shopping. The AI can assist with creating new playlists if YouTube Music is connected.

Google teased that there would be more partnerships in the future, and we've gotten a small glimpse of that today with its new platform preview.

What you need to know

• Google detailed several updates for Chrome that aim to help users stay safe while browsing online.
• Google states it has rolled out alerts for suspicious websites and bright red, full-screen warnings for sites that are "known to be dangerous."
• Other updates include Gemini's AI-powered alerts for scams and notifications to help users avoid risky situations.

Google is bringing improved warning systems for potentially dangerous websites in Chrome.

In a blog post, Google announced that it's rolling out an update for Chrome's Safe Browsing when "Enhanced protection mode is enabled." Chrome now has warnings for suspicious and dangerous websites. If the browser deems a website to be "suspicious," Google says this typically means there's a "risk of user harm." It explains that suspicious websites "exhibit deceptive patterns" associated with sites looking to steal or capture your data.

However, if the browser is "confident" that a website is truly dangerous, then that means it discovered something of a "high risk" to the user. Google says these warnings will appear for sites that are "known to be malicious." Users will tell the difference between these two warnings quite easily. Suspicious sites will produce a warning pop-up in your address bar.

The alert will say "this site doesn't seem right" with a boldly colored button to take you to safety (it returns you to Search or wherever you've come from). But if a website is truly dangerous, the entire screen goes red with "dangerous site" in the center.

These updated warnings will be present on Chrome for desktop and Android.

Dangerous websites

ClickFix is another issue Google said it's worked on for Chrome. It explains that ClickFix is a "social engineering technique that tricks users into manually copying and executing malicious commands." It hides under the guise of "fixing an issue," which never existed in the first place. Google Chrome's Enhanced Protection will now protect users from copying and executing suspicious commands.

In terms of the onslaught of on-device AI, Google Chrome has recently received a healthy dose of Gemini. The AI isn't only useful for summarizing webpages. Gemini is capable of delivering scam warnings when users visit malicious websites. These alerts cover "scams, spam, and unwanted notifications." While Google previously said that it uses data and machine learning to determine what is "malicious," users can overrule it.

Gemini's alerts will display what it believes to be dangerous. However, if it made the wrong decision, the user can mark it as safe.

What you need to know

• Google extends free Satellite SOS by one year for Pixel 9 owners, with no additional charge.
• Satellite SOS launched in 2024 and lets users contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
• Regional availability varies, so the feature may not be accessible everywhere.

Google is giving Pixel 9 owners another year of free Satellite SOS access, pushing back the question of whether emergency satellite connectivity will eventually become another smartphone subscription. The extension comes just as the original two-year free-access period approaches its end, offering some welcome breathing room without answering the bigger question about long-term costs.

Google confirmed the expansion to PCMag when asked about plans for the service. “Confirming that we’ve extended this offering, at no additional cost, for one additional year,” a company spokesperson said, adding that Google had no further details to share.

Satellite SOS launched with the Pixel 9 series in 2024. For those unfamiliar, it lets users contact emergency services and send their location when there are no cellular networks or Wi-Fi available, making it particularly useful for hikers, travelers, and anyone involved in an emergency in an area with poor coverage.

The feature makes use of satellite connectivity hardware built into compatible Pixel phones, including Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which contains the Exynos 5400 modem. Users position their phone toward a satellite and send emergency messages following on-screen instructions, instead of using nearby cell towers. It’s the kind of feature you hope you never need, but you’re glad it’s there if things go sideways.

That said, Satellite SOS is not available on all Pixel phones. The Pixel 9a is excluded, while supported devices include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, availability is also dependent on the region.

The extra year is good news, but what happens next is a rather important detail that Google is keeping quiet about. The company hasn’t announced subscription pricing or confirmed whether the service will eventually be a paid offering. It has also continued to refer in its published specifications to the original period of two years.

For now, Pixel 9 owners can continue using Satellite SOS at no extra charge for another year. What happens next is anybody’s guess, and Google still owes customers a clearer answer on the future of a feature designed for emergencies.

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 has added a toggle to require PIN/fingerprint authentication before anyone can touch Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone.
• Non-security tiles like Flashlight, Auto-rotate, and Battery Saver stay unlocked and accessible without extra friction.
• The latest Android 17 beta release also resolves random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, idle battery drain, and buggy internet tiles.

Google is finally giving Pixel owners a way to stop thieves from disabling their phone’s connectivity right from the lock screen.

The new security feature is coming in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which will let users require authentication before anyone can toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or airplane mode. It's a small change, but it could make a stolen phone a little less useful to whoever walks away with it.

This update, which came on October 20 with build number DP11.261002.005, does more than just fix a number of bugs. The Android Beta team says on Reddit that it also fixes intermittent device crashes and unexpected reboots, Bluetooth pairing failures, excessive idle battery drain, and issues with the Internet Quick Settings tile. Below is the complete list of issues fixed in the latest beta round.

• Devices intermittently crash and reboot during normal use. (Issue #570031572, Issue #570031155, Issue #569529428, Issue #569222433, Issue #570414567, Issue #570725957, Issue #569237164, Issue #572493638)
• Internet Quick Settings tile displays persistent text when mobile data is active without Wi-Fi. (Issue #354469154, Issue #367059437)
• Media output dialog ignores the monochrome system theme when external audio devices are connected. (Issue #476304142)
• Pin icon glitches position next to pinned apps in the share sheet. (Issue #476234992)
• Internal PublishedApi declarations trigger unexpected API lint and source compatibility check errors. (Issue #562178518)
• Device unexpectedly shuts down during WhatsApp video calls. (Issue #554451749, Issue #559966303)
• Lock screen in-progress notifications overlap with other UI elements and cause stuttering panel animations. (Issue #547371609, Issue #548539836, Issue #562186670)
• Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services fail to connect on Dish Network. (Issue #537736046)
• Screen recording freezes and stops capturing frames after screen rotation. (Issue #541325203)
• System UI, fonts, and apps render at an abnormally small scale regardless of configured display size settings. (Issue #563321433)
• Display turns black and becomes unresponsive after ending a phone call. (Issue #564953545)
• Terminal app fails to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine after installation. (Issue #551657934)
• Wi-Fi Aware fails to establish subsequent data paths with a no interfaces available error after releasing an accept-any responder network request during connection confirmation. (Issue #550726291)
• Paired watch continues to ring after an incoming call is answered on the phone. (Issue #564594780)
• Airbnb app fails to connect when attempting to send messages. (Issue #563024453)
• Quick Settings Bluetooth subtitle is misaligned to the right. (Issue #559417120)
• App drawer unexpectedly closes when switching keyboard language. (Issue #558774933, Issue #540389222, Issue #533125590)
• Bluetooth pairing fails due to a connection timeout when attempting to pair with a device. (Issue #563675080)
• VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling are unavailable on the IT&E network. (Issue #556432987)
• High idle battery drain caused by motion sensors remaining active after using Face Unlock or the camera. (Issue #568078965)
• Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. (Issue #563089593)

A more interesting addition is the connectivity restriction, as noted in a few replies to the Reddit post. Sometimes thieves can disable a phone’s network connections from the lock screen, making it more difficult for owners to track down a lost device. It’s another hurdle to force you to unlock before changing these settings, though it obviously won’t prevent all theft or ensure recovery.

To enable it, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock or Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen, then turn Lock Quick Settings connectivity on. Once enabled, you must unlock the device before you can change any of the four protected connectivity settings.

Google is also leaving common shortcuts like flashlight, auto-rotate, and Battery Saver accessible, so the security feature doesn’t relegate the lock screen to a glorified clock. Locking each and every Quick Settings tile would be way too limiting for those who enjoy shortcuts without unlocking their phone. So it’s a more targeted way to protect the settings that could interfere with connectivity and tracking.

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 is available for eligible Pixel devices enrolled in Google’s Android Beta Program. As with any beta software, users should expect the possibility of bugs and avoid installing on a device they can’t afford to have misbehave.

What you need to know

• Google announced that it's bringing Gemini's Personal Intelligence to vehicles.
• The feature mirrors the experience in AI Mode or on your phone, as the AI can connect to your Workspace apps, Gmail, Photos, Search, and more for tailored help that matters to you.
• Gemini can pick up old conversations with you through Personal Intelligence, and it can look for restaurants to eat and bring directions straight to your car's display.
• None of this works without your permission, and Google says drivers remain in control of what they share.

Sorry, Microsoft: Apparently Gemini is your new copilot.

This afternoon (Oct. 20), Google announced that Gemini's Personal Intelligence is rolling out for Android Auto. The post states Personal Intelligence does nothing without your express permission. But once given, the feature will mirror the experience you'd receive on your Android phone.

Google states that connecting Personal Intelligence opens access to Gmail, Photos, Maps, Search, Workspace apps, and more. Gemini will tailor its responses to your voice queries using your data as its knowledge base. Since Personal Intelligence is connected to your Gmail (if given permission), users can ask whether their flight is on time and what their gate number is. Google says drivers won't have to do much else.

The AI will dive into your emails and find that information for you. What's more, since Personal Intelligence is arriving in vehicles, Google says Gemini can "suggest curated dinner stops" along the driver's route when asked. If you're a vegetarian, Google says Gemini can tailor its responses for your needs.

Driving got a little easier

Another key feature is users can "pick up where they left off" with Gemini. If you asked Gemini about a coffee shop, the next time you get into your car, you can bring it up. Google states Gemini will resurface those details for you and create a route in Maps to get you there.

Google says your privacy remains at the center of this feature, and you don't have to share anything if you don't want to. Personal Intelligence will arrive for cars with Google built-in "in the next few months." For users with this feature already set up on their phone, you won't have to do much once it hits your car.

If you haven't set it up, Google says you can do so from Gemini's settings.

Google has been bringing Gemini's Personal Intelligence to more places since its arrival in January. Most recently, the company added the feature to AI Mode. It works the same as you'd expect on your phone through the Gemini app and, as announced today, for Android Auto. Users can ask Gemini about specific questions that pertain to them or their situation. If you're looking for meal ideas but you have an allergy, for example, Gemini would tailor its responses.

What's more, you can ask Gemini to find information about your car's tires. The AI would look into your photos to find them and search for relevant information.

What you need to know

• Google Home Speaker users have noticed that the device has consumed an enormous amount of data in the background.
• The device was reportedly spotted consuming several terabytes of data in a single month without much use.
• Google is reportedly aware of the problem and has started rolling out a fix.

Users on social media are waking up to a startling truth: their Google Home Speaker has been incredibly active in the background. There's no clear reason why, but the amount of data is staggering.

Posts on the Google Home subreddit draw attention to an unfathomable amount of data being consumed by the Home Speaker (via 9to5Google). The user states that they've "got one old Google Mini and three of the new Google speakers." What's more, these devices aren't used for more than 20 minutes a day. This is strange, considering the user reports one of their Google Home Speakers consumed over 140GB of data in a day.

Combined, the user states their three speakers consumed 6TB of data "in under a month." Another user with a Home Speaker reported the same, stating, "Something’s up with them. This just started in the past 2 weeks for mine." This issue appears to be confined to the Google Home Speaker, as a user with a Nest Audio couldn't find an unusual amount of data consumption.

The publication speculated on this, too, but one Redditor said their speaker downloaded 20GB in a single day. However, they added that "It kept downloading firmware and failing to install it." This makes it seem like the device got caught in the worst possible loop of downloading and failing.

Google reportedly informed the publication that this is an issue with the Home Speaker. It adds that "a fix is already rolling out" to address this problem. Android Central has reached out to Google for more information, and we will update this post when we hear back.

Hungry, hungry speaker

The Google Home Speaker is the company's new beginning for AI in the home. Gemini is integrated throughout the product to assist users with daily queries and more. While the device has gotten off without a hitch (for the most part), the Home Speaker did struggle this summer. Users reported incredibly slow response times from Gemini.

A latency problem was the culprit. Users reported that on the first day, there were no issues; however, after the second, "...every single question (even 'hello') needs at least 30s of answer time." Many queries that users would have for Gemini would time out, as the AI couldn't respond within a meaningful time. What's more, Google's smart home devices beyond the Home Speaker struggled, too.

Google had to roll out a software update to solve this issue, which is strange. Shortly before these issues appeared, the company rolled out a Gemini update for its smart home devices to make it "snappier." That seemingly backfired and required more tuning to get it right.

What you need to know

• Google is automatically linking your phone number to every signed-in account on Android, including secondary work and alternate profiles.
• Surprise verification emails are raising privacy concerns. Users say they received notifications without explicitly opting in.
• You can disable automatic verification under Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification, though some users report the setting switches itself back on.

Google is automatically linking phone numbers on Android to every Google account signed in on that same device, even if they are secondary work accounts or alternate profiles. The feature is meant to keep Google services running smoothly, but its default-on nature is raising questions about how much control users actually have over their personal information.

Some users took to Reddit to report that they're getting surprise emails from noreply-phone-verification@google.com saying their numbers have been verified (via TechRadar).

The setting allows Google and mobile carriers to periodically re-verify numbers, according to Google’s official documentation. The process enables services such as account recovery, RCS messaging, emergency features, and Quick Share. The problem is that the setting also links those numbers to every Google account signed in on the device.

That could be a problem for anyone that consciously splits out personal, work, and disposable accounts. Another relationship that a user may want to keep separate between profiles is a phone number associated with a secondary account. And since the feature doesn’t require an explicit opt-in prompt, users might not know anything has changed until they get a verification email.

Back on Reddit, users shared their experiences and theorized about why the process occurs on its own. You can fortunately check the setting yourself. Head over to Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification and disable "Verify phone numbers automatically." Menu labels may vary slightly depending on the device.

But some users also say the setting sometimes turns itself back on after being turned off.

It's worth noting that just turning it off will not delete the current links. Go to the Personal Info page of your Google Account, select Contact info > Phone, and delete your number from any accounts you don’t want it to appear on.

Google says it is for practical reasons. But convenience is no substitute for informed consent. The company hasn’t said why it made such a sharp turn or if it plans to reverse it, officially. Until then, it’s up to you to repeatedly babysit your privacy settings and scrub your number from accounts where it doesn’t belong.

Android Central has contacted Google for comment and will update this story when we hear back.

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 updating older Nest speakers with firmware version 3.79.550760, which is being tested through the Home Preview Program.
• The original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini, and Nest Audio are eligible for the update.
• Google expects to release the update more broadly over the next few weeks, but it hasn’t announced an exact date.

Some love is coming to a few of Google's older Nest speakers in the form of updates designed to make them more useful around the house — but don't expect a dramatic transformation from hardware that has been around for years.

The update, version 3.79.550760, is now in testing through Google's Home Preview Program. This includes the original Google Home from 2016, Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio. The Google Home Max isn’t included in this testing round.

The release comes as Google continues to refine its smart home experience, where voice commands and connected devices are supposed to work together without users having to fight their setup. It’s especially the case for older smart speakers, which still have utility for basic tasks as Google’s newer hardware and software evolve.

The original Home Mini was released in 2017, followed by the Nest Mini in 2019 and Nest Audio in 2020. These speakers can still handle everyday requests, but their age means they’re not necessarily getting the same attention as Google’s newer products. That said, better software can extend their usefulness.

For owners, the bigger question is whether these changes will just keep existing speakers ticking over or make them more reliable and convenient. Smart speakers are only as good as the assistants inside them, and Google’s software updates could help older Nest speakers remain useful, even as newer hardware and features arrive.

But software updates can only go so far. Older speakers can still manage basic smart home tasks and play audio; in other words, anyone expecting a major upgrade should temper their expectations.

Google’s latest moves prove it hasn’t totally forgotten about its older Nest lineup. That’s good news for those who would rather keep a perfectly functional speaker than replace it just to stay “current.”

Owners can join the preview

Owners who want to give it a try can go to the Google Home app, tap on their speaker, go to Settings > Device information > Preview program, and sign up if they are eligible. The firmware will install automatically overnight. Google expects to roll it out more widely over the next few weeks but hasn’t given a specific date.

There’s a separate October Google Home update too, improving Gemini for Home conversations, voice commands, weather responses and device controls in the app.

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

• Alongside the Fitbit Edge launch, Google announced a partnership with Flo Health to improve health features for women.
• Women will find a more personalized experience across topics that don't get enough attention, i.e. perimenopause, postpartum recovery, and more.
• The Fitbit Edge launched with a starting price of $180.

Google's latest partnership will strengthen the health features available for women's health on the new Fitbit Edge and Pixel Watch.

This morning (Oct. 12), Google announced that it's entering a multi-year partnership with Flo Health. This platform is reportedly used by over 80 million women every month to improve their health, an area that Google feels it should improve too. Google states, "we’re building a personal health experience that adapts to your lifestyle, habits, and biology — which is especially important for women."

Google Health wants to give women a complete view of their well-being from top to bottom. As such, it states that its partnership with Flo Health will focus on "ground-breaking research." Google's focus will lie in topics that don't get enough attention, such as perimenopause, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.

Since Flo Health is coming on board for a few years, Google Health will continue to rely on its cataloged insights and algorithms to improve its systems for new products tailored for women.

Flo Health data integration with the Google Health app will offer personalized guidance and suggested actions for women based on sleep, cycle health, and recovery data.

Your information and privacy will be kept under lock and key, the companies said. Beginning in early 2027, users will have the option to sync their Flo Health data with Google Health. Google says its Flo Health partnership will work to help women manage their well-being on the Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, and Pixel Watch 5.

Flo Health for Google's wearables

The Fitbit Edge is Google's latest launch. It's a fitness tracker that improves upon what consumers enjoyed from the old Charge 6. Google states the Fitbit Edge offers a touchscreen and the same advanced health features you'd expect from a more powerful smartwatch. Comparing it to the Charge 6, the Fitbit Edge's OLED is 45% larger and 40% brighter.

Users will find several key features, such as built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, and more. Additionally, the Fitbit Edge features a replaceable battery that should extend its life beyond what we'd normally expect. If you've got a Fitbit subscription, the Gemini-powered AI Health Coach is available for the Fitbit Edge.

Android Central's Take

It's always good to have more personalized care or in this case, understanding and insight. This is an issue that anyone can run into. You're trying to understand or see a snapshot of what's going, but you're unsure of where to look. Google partnering with Flo Health is a good place to a start. It's a platform that's already well-known with years of data and understanding. Everyone deserves care, and improving that starts with steps like this.

What you need to know

• Google’s new fitness tracker offers a touchscreen and advanced health features without the price of a full smartwatch.
• Its replaceable battery could extend the device’s lifespan and reduce electronic waste.
• The OLED screen is 45% larger and over 40% brighter than the Fitbit Charge 6’s display, according to Google.
• Preorders are live now for $180 ahead of an October 27 launch, alongside a $220 Stephen Curry Special Edition.

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker with a proper touchscreen, advanced health monitoring, and week-long battery life in a slim design.

Available for preorder for $180 starting October 12, the Fitbit Edge is targeting those who want more than the screenless Fitbit Air but don’t want to pay more for a full-blown smartwatch. It also addresses one of the biggest frustrations with wearable devices: battery replacement.

Google says the Edge is its first repairable fitness tracker, with a replaceable battery meant to extend its useful life rather than force owners to replace the whole device when the battery capacity declines.

The Fitbit Edge has an OLED touchscreen that’s 45% bigger and over 40% brighter than the screen on the Fitbit Charge 6, according to the Fitbit Edge product page. It also has a built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, blood-oxygen tracking, ECG readings, skin temperature sensing, and an altimeter to measure elevation on outdoor workouts. The tracker can automatically detect more activities and gives you the option to track your menstrual cycle on your wrist.

Google is also bringing its Gemini-powered Health Coach to the Edge via a Google Health Premium subscription. It gives you recommendations on what workouts to do and adapts your training plans to your routines and goals. Google Health Premium is free for three months for buyers.

Battery life is another strong selling point. Google says a single charge will last up to seven days, and five minutes of charging will provide a full day of use. It also has a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters and is compatible with Android phones and iPhones running iOS 16.4 or later through the Google Health app.

The Edge is available in Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon finishes, with bands sold separately for interchangeability. A Stephen Curry Special Edition, developed with the four-time NBA champion, costs $220.

But there are trade-offs. The Edge lacks NFC for contactless payments and has no microphone or speaker, so it won’t be a smartwatch replacement for everyone. That said, the Fitbit Edge will be on sale October 27.

What you need to know

• Googlebook is finally adding Better Together support for Samsung Galaxy phones after leaving them out at launch.
• Samsung phones running One UI 9.0 based on Android 17 can access Continue On, Cast My Apps, Quick Access, and Notification Sync.
• A separate Google Play services update fixes a pairing bug that leaves the QR code onscreen after a successful connection.

Google is finally addressing one of the biggest issues with Googlebook at launch by bringing some of Googlebook’s Better Together features to Samsung Galaxy phones and making the initial setup less frustrating.

The big draw for the Googlebook is its deep integration with your phone. You can stream mobile apps to the laptop, sync notifications, access phone files, and use Continue On to pick up supported activities on another device. However, Samsung users were left out when Googlebook launched, despite Samsung being one of the biggest names in the Android ecosystem. Google had promised support would come in the next few weeks.

The rollout, as revealed by Google’s Mishaal Rahman on Reddit, is essentially a fix for a pairing bug, but Galaxy owners will need the right software versions before their phones can fully take advantage of the laptop’s Android integration.

This update works with Samsung smartphones with One UI 9.0 based on Android 17. Supported features include Continue On, Cast My Apps, Quick Access, and Notification Sync.

Another separate update to Google Play services should make the setup process easier and fix an annoying bug that sometimes leaves the pairing QR code onscreen even after the phone has connected.

Google says the changes will be rolled out automatically in the coming days via updates through Google Play and background services. To get everything working sooner, make sure Google Play services is version 26.37 or newer and Cross-device services is version 1.0.1346 or newer. Both devices need to use the same Google account, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

Your network can make a difference too. Google recommends using a private home network because connections between devices may be blocked on public Wi-Fi networks at hotels, offices, and cafes. Disabling a VPN or DNS blocker temporarily can also help with pairing issues.

Early feedback indicates the rollout is already making a difference. Some Galaxy S26 Ultra owners have reported that app casting now works while others wait for compatibility on their devices.

The update is a welcome fix but also points to a problem with the launch of Googlebook: core features weren’t ready for a large percentage of Android users. Samsung support would make the platform more convincing if Google can deliver a consistent experience across supported phones.

What you need to know

• Google waves goodbye to another features as it announces the end of support for Safety Signal looms for the LTE Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3.
• Safety Signal included many important emergency features like Emergency SOS and Fall Detection without forcing a subscription plan on LTE Pixel Watch users.
• Google says Safety Signal will leave on December 12, and users will receive an email and notification about its end 30-days before.

Late this morning (Oct. 8), Google announced it's terminating support for an emergency feature on a couple of its past-gen Pixel Watches.

The company detailed the upcoming "end of support" on its Pixel Watch community today. Google stated it will no longer support Safety Signal on the LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. It adds that this termination is the result of "evolving our connectivity and safety capabilities."

Safety Signal will lose support on the Watch 2 and Watch 3 on December 12. For users who've relied on Safety Signal, the company says they will receive "advance notice via email and push notifications." There will be a 30-day transition period once the email arrives. Users can continue to rely on Safety Signal "without a standalone carrier plan" until everything ends on Dec. 12.

Google turns users toward its other emergency safety features like Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Safety Check. However, with Safety Signal going away in two months, users will need to rely on a mobile plan or an eSIM when away from their phone.

There when you need them

Safety Signal was a useful system. It was the umbrella that covered many of Google's Pixel Watch emergency features without requiring a cell plan. We highlighted Safety Signal in our Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3 overviews as it covered Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and more. The feature let users place "phone-free emergency calls or texts without having subscribed to a service plan." The Google Fi connection on your LTE-enabled Watch 2 or Watch 3 is what would've handled these calls.

While it's unfortunate, it might help that users know these features are still around (it'll just take a little more effort). Nevertheless, Emergency SOS is there on your Pixel Watch to sound an alarm and reach out to your emergency contacts whenever there's danger or an accident. While scary, this might save someone's life. Google also added an extra step for Emergency SOS to avoid accidental calls. Fall Detection is another important feature that leverages its AI algorithms to determine the severity of a fall before asking if you require aid.

What you need to know

• Google says certain Googlebooks won't feature full Android app support.
• In a statement, the company warns Googlebooks with Intel processors (Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo) may struggle to support certain apps from the Play Store, but Qualcomm processors (HP and Dell) are fine.
• Googlebook pre-orders opened September 21 and fully launched October 4 (U.S.) and 5 (U.K., etc.)

The Googlebook is available for consumers to start the week, but the company behind it revealed something important — they won't run all Android apps.

Earlier this morning (Oct. 5), the folks at Android Authority reached out to Google concerning the Googlebooks' app support capabilities. The company revealed something crucial: Not every Googlebook is made equal. According to the company, Googlebooks with Intel processors might struggle to support all Android apps that are available via the Play Store, because the majority of Android apps were made to suit ARM chips in phones.

"A small handful of complex apps or games need some developer tuning to run their best on Intel-based platforms," Google told the publication. While the company says it is working with devs, Intel, and Qualcomm to rectify this issue, consumers might not have to worry. "The vast majority of Android apps run smoothly," no matter if you're using an Intel Googlebook or one from Qualcomm, the company advised.

Poor support could mean a myriad of things in today's age. Would these apps not work completely, or would users encounter glitches and frequent error codes? Moreover, are we certain that Intel's chips are capable of running major apps (we'd assume so)?

For the record, the Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo Googlebooks all utilize the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor. Everything else (HP and Dell) relies on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite.

Googlebooks are here

Googlebook pre-orders officially opened on September 21. It was a momentous occasion following Google's earlier laptop reveal during The Android Show. This first wave includes laptops from companies previously mentioned, with prices starting at $899. A few major features include touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and strong Android phone pairing.

In particular, Magic Pointer is a standout feature for the Googlebook. It brings Gemini directly to your mouse pointer, so you can call on the AI for help whenever you need it. If you don't feel like putting money down for a Googlebook, don't worry. Google started rolling Magic Pointer out in Chrome for Windows and Mac computers.

Consumers can find the Googlebook at the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers. There is a motley of included goodies—free trials and the like.

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

• A rumor claims the Pixel 12 series' model numbers appeared in an important database listing well ahead of its expected launch window in 2027.
• An interesting screen resolution upgrade could boost clarity and detail.
• The earliest rumor we covered came back in 2025 when the Pixel 12's codenames were discovered.

You've just ordered a Pixel 11 series phone. Congrats! But before it's even in your hands, here come the rumors about the next-gen Pixel 12 series, including its supposed model numbers and a potential upgrade. Away we go!

A post by OVR Plus highlights several "Google brand" devices in the GSMA database that reportedly represent the Pixel 12 series (via 9to5Google). The publication claims the database features model numbers GC0QU, GWU59, G7U1Y, and G4D5D. These supposedly align with the Pixel 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro XL, and 12 Pro Fold, respectively. The post states that Google has not only begun development for the Pixel 12, but it's doing so with Android 18.

This probably isn't too surprising. It feels pretty typical that Google would make a move like this, especially considering how much more quickly the company has been developing major Android OS upgrades these days.

Rumors continue, with speculation about a display upgrade. OVR Plus alleges that Google wants to increase the screen resolution for its Pixel 12 series. The Pixel 12 Pro Fold is reportedly increasing from 2076×2152 to 2296×2404. Elsewhere, it's been alleged that the Pixel 12 Pro XL could jump to 1344×2952. The Pixel 12 and 12 Pro would also see slight increases in resolution. As OVR Plus notes, an upgraded resolution would vastly improve the phone's image quality.

In short, it's a visual upgrade, meaning tomorrow's Pixel owners could see sharper, clearer, and more vibrant photos, videos, and more on their phones. These rumors are very early, despite how exciting some of this is. It's worth taking this with a grain of salt, as anything could change between now and August (potentially) when the next series debuts.

Earliest rumors were a year ago...

This may feel like a curveball, but this Pixel 12 rumor is the second we've seen. The first dates back to 2025 ... and yes, you read that correctly. In June 2025, a rumor about the Pixel 12 series codenames appeared. Of course, the Pixel 12 isn't expected to debut until 2027, but in 2025, the rumors couldn't wait. The following codenames were alleged: Galago, Sasquatch, Silverback, and Capuchin. These were reportedly for the Pixel 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro XL, and 12 Pro Fold.

So, since last year, we've expected the Pixel 12 series to remain similar to what we've received over the past few generations. Four models, and one of them is a foldable. What's new is the supposed screen resolution changes. Rumors are still incredibly light, as the series is months and months away (or years, if you saw that in 2025).

Android Central's Take

Rumors are funny sometimes. For me, I'm waiting for a reason to switch to Google Pixel. It's not that I'm actively looking for a reason, though. I like the design of the phones, and Google genuinely has pretty neat features for its phones. Many are Pixel-exclusive, of course, as I've covered several in Pixel Drops. Guess we'll see, huh?

One of the truly new features onboard the Google Pixel 11 series is HiLight — a collection of eight multicolor LEDs on the back of the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It's quite limited at launch, however. HiLight serves two main purposes out of the box: It glows one of five colors when a favorite contact calls, and it glows when the Gemini voice assistant is active.

In other words, HiLight doesn't do a lot. Even if you like the idea of using HiLight to know when your contacts are calling, you can set it up for just five people before the colors get confusing. Luckily, there's a free and open-source app called HiLight Studio that aims to give you more control over the lights.

It takes a bit of work to set up, but after that's done, HiLight Studio delivers what your Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, or Pixel 11 Pro Fold should've been able to do out of the box. Here's the step-by-step guide to getting started with HiLight Studio.

What HiLight Studio does, and how to download it

Put simply, HiLight Studio gives you full control over the eight individual LEDs that make up the HiLight module on the back of your phone. It can do solid colors and animated patterns, and it's customizable. You can control it from the app or a Quick Settings tile.

HiLight Studio is the brainchild of Dhananjay Bhosale on GitHub, and you can sideload it from there. Crucially, the app is now on the Google Play Store for open testing. So you can download it for free from a trusted source with no sign-up required.

I thought HiLight Studio setup would be tricky — it wasn't

HiLight Studio isn't an app you can simply download and start using, because it requires privileged access to the Android lights service, according to the app's developer. You can achieve this by rooting your phone, using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), or Shizuku — an app that allows other apps to access privileged APIs without the risks of rooting your Android device. Even as an Android expert, the process sounded intimidating, but it wasn't.

Shizuku is available on the Google Play Store, meaning you can set up HiLight Studio without sideloading a single app. To get started, install Shizuku from the Play Store and enable developer options in the Settings app. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, or Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

2. Scroll down to the About phone section, and tap it.

3. Find the Build number and tap it seven times to enable developer options. You will need to enter your device passcode to confirm the change.

After you've enabled developer options, you can use wireless debugging to start Shizuku. Here's how to do it:

1. Open Shizuku and tap the Pairing button.

2. Open the Settings app and navigate to System -> Developer options. Alternatively, you can tap the Developer options shortcut in Shizuku.

3. Flip on the Wireless debugging toggle in Shizuku, and tap the Wireless debugging menu.

4. Press Pair device with pairing code. Hit Allow to confirm your choice to allow wireless debugging on your network.

5. A pairing code will appear. When the notification from Shizuku appears, enter the pairing code in the notification and press Send.

6. Now, Shizuku is paired. Press Start in the Shizuku app to finish setup.

To put the finishing touches on setup, you need to link HiLight Studio to Shizuku. Don't worry, this one is quick and easy:

1. Open the HiLight Studio app.

2. Switch to the Setup page.

3. Look for Shizuku and tap Request access. Finally, approve the request.

That's it — you've now granted HiLight Studio access to the Android lights service. Now, you can enjoy the fun part, which is customizing the lights on the back of your phone. While there are a lot of steps in this process, they're pretty painless, and I didn't run into a single issue during setup.

You'll need to restart the HiLight Studio render and Shizuku every time your device reboots. Unless you reboot your Pixel often, this shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.

HiLight is finally as customizable as it was meant to be

After setup, opening HiLight presents you with a Live screen that shows you what the HiLight Studio renderer is doing right now. You can test out a lighting effect on this screen. This allows you to get a feel for the nine LED effects supported by the app: Rainbow, Random, Strobe, Comet, Pulse, Heartbeat, Breathe, Wave, and Radar. As you demo each effect, it'll run for four seconds before returning to your default.

Near the bottom of this page, you'll see the App rules you have enabled. If this is your first time trying out HiLight Studio, you won't see anything here. Instead, you'll need to tap the Apps tab. This is where the real magic begins — you can set up exactly what HiLight does for a particular app. Here are a few examples of what HiLight Studio can do:

• Show a color or animation when an app receives a notification.
• Show a color or animation when an app receives a notification from a specific contact.
• Show a color or animation while an app is opened.
• Show a color or animation while Android reports the microphone or camera is active.

There's a ton of room for customization here, and these app rules only scratch the surface of what HiLight Studio can do. In the Setup page, you can specify how long HiLight Studio can keep the LEDs active before they automatically shut off. These lights aren't designed to be active for long periods of time, which is why these limits are in place.

You can override the auto-off defaults and allow up to five minutes of continued use. However, hardware protection is a built-in feature that lowers the brightness after 10 seconds of continuous use. Additionally, the eight-LED array will turn off if it has been lit for more than half of the last 10 minutes.

Why you should try HiLight Studio on your Pixel 11

When you unbox your Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, or Pixel 11 Pro Fold and try HiLight for the first time, you'll immediately realize it has tons of potential. Unfortunately, Google hasn't realized that potential in HiLight's current implementation. The two use cases officially supported by the Pixel 11 series won't meaningfully change how you use your phone.

HiLight Studio will, which is why it's worth giving the app a shot on your new Pixel phone. Hopefully, Google adds similar functionality to HiLight natively in the future.

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

• Google is reportedly preparing a new Fitbit Edge that could sit between the $99 Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch.
• Unlike the screenless Fitbit Air, the Fitbit Edge could feature a small display for health stats and basic controls.
• The Fitbit Edge will reportedly offer 7-day battery life and support both Android phones and iPhones.
• Google could launch the Fitbit Edge later this month, with pricing estimated to fall between $149 and $199.

Google might be preparing to launch a new wearable under the Fitbit branding called the Fitbit Edge.

Google has enjoyed quite a bit of success recently with the launch of the Fitbit Air. The $99 price tag, combined with a screenless design and daily health insights without necessarily requiring a subscription, has made it one of the more interesting wearables in its category. And now, it looks like Google is preparing to fill the gap between the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch.

According to a leak from Android Headlines, Google is preparing a new wearable called the Fitbit Edge. The publication has shared what appear to be marketing renders of the device, giving us our first look at what Google's next Fitbit tracker could look like.

Unlike the Fitbit Air, the Fitbit Edge will reportedly feature a small oval-shaped display. It won't offer the full smartwatch experience you get from something like the Pixel Watch, but instead use the smaller screen to display essential information.

The leaked watch face shows things like the time and date, heart rate, step count, and a quick button to start a workout. Think of it more as a successor to the Fitbit Charge 6, which launched back in 2023, rather than a cheaper Pixel Watch.

The renders also show a button on either side of the tracker alongside a sensor array on the back. The sensor setup looks quite similar to what we have on the Fitbit Air, although there could be additional sensors for tracking more health metrics.

The Fitbit Edge is shown in three colors called Obsidian, Olive, and Canyon, which are similar to the finishes we've seen on the Pixel 11 Pro series.

As for the specs, the Fitbit Edge will reportedly offer up to seven days of battery life, matching the Fitbit Air. Unlike the Pixel Watch, which only works with Android phones, the Fitbit Edge will reportedly support both Android and iPhone, similar to other Fitbit trackers.

The display will also allow the Fitbit Edge to offer some smartwatch-like functionality. The tracker will reportedly support notifications and features from apps including Google Maps and YouTube Music, alongside Find My Phone. It's unclear whether you'll also be able to see notifications from third-party apps like WhatsApp or regular messages.

Google is expected to position the Fitbit Edge as the middle option between the $99 Fitbit Air and the more expensive Pixel Watch 5. Pricing hasn't leaked just yet, but the publication estimates that the Fitbit Edge could cost somewhere between $149 and $199.

The Fitbit Edge is reportedly set to launch later this month, so we shouldn't have to wait too long to learn more about Google's next wearable.

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

• Google has increased the Pixel 10a's U.S. price by $100, taking the base 128GB model from $499 to $599.
• The 256GB Pixel 10a now costs $699, with the new pricing already live at Google, Amazon, and Best Buy.
• Google hasn't explained the increase, but rising memory and RAM costs could be contributing to the higher price.

Google has officially increased the price of the Pixel 10a by $100, meaning the mid-range smartphone now starts at $599 in the U.S.

It's apparently the season of price increases. Just a day after Samsung raised the prices of some Galaxy S26 variants, Google has now increased the price of its mid-range Pixel 10a by $100 (via 9to5Google). The Pixel 10a, which originally launched for $499 in the U.S., is now officially available for $599.

Google hasn't said anything about the reason behind the price increase. But with component costs, particularly memory and RAM, continuing to rise, we presume that's playing a major role here.

When Google launched the Pixel 11 series earlier this year, the company also increased prices by $100 compared to the previous generation. At the time, though, the Pixel A-series remained unaffected. It looks like that's no longer the case, with Google now raising the Pixel 10a's price as well.

This means the base 128GB Pixel 10a now starts at $599 in the U.S., while the 256GB model comes in at $699. The new prices have already kicked in at the Google Store, as well as retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.

What makes the price increase particularly difficult to swallow is that the Pixel 10a itself didn't change much compared to last year's Pixel 9a. In fact, it uses the same Tensor G4 processor that first debuted with the Pixel 9 series back in 2024.

Google did make a few improvements, including upgraded wireless charging and satellite connectivity. But paying $100 more for the exact same phone that cost $499 until recently is still a pretty hard pill to swallow.

Unfortunately, that's the smartphone market we're in right now. We expected mid-range and budget phones to be among the devices hit hardest by rising component costs, and with the Pixel 10a's new price, we're now starting to see that play out.

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

• 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.

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

• 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

• Motorola's Signature 27 will be one of the first phones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• GrapheneOS has confirmed initial support for the Signature 27, expanding beyond Google Pixel phones for the first time.
• GrapheneOS is based on AOSP but focuses heavily on privacy, with optional Google Play services running sandboxed.

Motorola's Signature 27 is shaping up to be a serious contender for one of the best Android phones of the year. But beyond all the top-tier specs Motorola is packing into the phone, one of the most interesting features just confirmed for the Signature 27 is support for GrapheneOS.

At the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit 2026, Motorola took to the stage to showcase one of the first smartphones powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. Qualcomm's new flagship chip is built on a 2nm process and can reach clock speeds of up to 5GHz, and the Signature 27 will be one of the first phones to use it.

The phone also breaks away from Motorola's previous Signature design with a new camera layout and packs plenty of other high-end features, including Audio by B&O. But alongside all those beastly specs, there's another interesting detail about the Signature 27, and that's support for GrapheneOS.

If you're unfamiliar, GrapheneOS is a privacy-focused take on Android that has grown significantly in popularity over the past few years. It's based on the Android Open Source Project, or AOSP, but is built with a much heavier focus on privacy and security and doesn't come with Google's services deeply integrated into the operating system.

You can still install Google Play services if you want, but they run sandboxed like regular apps rather than having the deeper system-level access they typically have on Android. Think of it as a much more privacy-focused version of Android that gives you greater control over how much access Google and other services have to your device.

Historically, GrapheneOS has officially supported only Google Pixel devices because of the project's strict hardware and security requirements. But that's finally changing, with the Motorola Signature 27 set to become one of the first non-Pixel smartphones to receive official GrapheneOS support.

GrapheneOS confirmed on X that initial support is planned for the Signature 27, although it stopped short of revealing many more details. We don't yet know exactly when support will arrive or what the installation process will look like, but we now know that Signature 27 owners will have the option to run GrapheneOS.

Motorola hasn't announced the exact release date or pricing for the Signature 27 just yet. But between the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, the new flagship hardware, and now official GrapheneOS support, Motorola is certainly giving Android enthusiasts another reason to keep an eye on this phone.

What you need to know

• The Google Health app is rolling out blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality tracking to its Health Guardian suite.
• The features analyze long-term pattern changes over weeks rather than providing instant clinical readings, functioning as wellness indicators instead of direct medical diagnostic tools.
• The update is available for free to Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 users, while Fitbit Air owners can access it via a Google Health Premium subscription.

Google is expanding the health-monitoring tools available on its Pixel Watch lineup, with three new Health Guardian features starting to roll out this week. The update adds blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality metrics to the Google Health app.

The features are intended to look for changes over time, not to replace traditional medical measurements. Pixel Watch owners can start to set them up this week, Google says.

According to the tech giant, the Health Guardian system uses AI models trained on billions of minutes of sensor data to recognize subtle physiological patterns, so the watch can estimate trends from signals it already collects without a dedicated blood-pressure cuff or blood sample.

That approach is especially notable for trends in insulin resistance, which Google says can analyze multiple weeks of physiological data without requiring a blood draw. The company says the feature is meant to promote overall wellness, not to diagnose diabetes or replace clinical testing.

The additions join Google's broader Health Guardian suite, which also includes Breathing Emergency Detection on the Pixel Watch 4 and Watch 5 in select European countries.

Existing owners also get in on the fun, as the new tools will be offered for free on the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. Users of the Fitbit Air will soon have access as part of a Google Health Premium subscription.

The first detailed trend reports are expected in early October, offering users their first real glimpse at how Google’s trend-based health monitoring functions outside of the company’s launch messaging.

What you need to know

• Pixel 11 users can now delegate routine calls — like checking store inventory, booking appointments, or changing reservations — directly to Gemini.
• You can monitor the entire conversation via a live transcript on your screen and take over the call at any moment.
• The preview begins September 24 for Gemini paid subscribers in the Phone by Google Public Beta.

Google today introduced a new task for Gemini on the Pixel 11: helping you dodge those pesky calls you keep putting off. The company is testing a feature that allows Gemini to contact businesses for routine tasks such as checking inventory, booking appointments, and changing reservations.

The idea builds on Google’s existing Hold for Me and Direct My Call features, which already take care of parts of the experience of a phone call. This time, Gemini goes one step further. You tell it what you need, and it will call the business, identify itself, go through automated menus, wait on hold, and speak with the person who answers, all through the Gemini app.

Google’s updated terms say these agentic calls are placed from your own phone number and use an AI-generated voice. That makes the feature less like a glorified voicemail assistant and more like an AI impersonating you.

You aren't handing over the phone altogether, though. The experience will include a live transcript so you can follow the conversation as it happens, Google says. If Gemini starts to go off the rails, you can take over the call at any point.

Google says it’s limiting the initial rollout as it works through the nuances of real-world conversations. There’s a good practical reason for Google’s decision to limit the initial rollout. These are conversations that are real. Gemini's calls are from real customers trying to book appointments, hold items, or change the date of services, meaning that businesses and the people who work for them have to deal with the AI on the other end.

The preview starts on September 24 for Gemini paid subscribers enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta, which is limited to Pixel 11 phones in the U.S.

What you need to know

• Google believes Apple's entry with the iPhone Duo validates a foldable category Android brands have built for years.
• The company believes the iPhone Duo's halo effect could increase consumer interest in Android foldable phones as well.
• A bigger foldable market could finally push developers to properly optimize more apps for Android's larger displays.

Apple is finally entering the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo very soon. And Google actually thinks Apple's arrival in the category could be a good thing.

We've been waiting for a foldable iPhone for years, but it's finally no longer a dream. Apple is opening pre-orders for the iPhone Duo next month, and as expected, the company's entrance into the category is expected to shake things up. Counterpoint even believes Apple could capture around 25% of the foldable smartphone market within a year of the iPhone Duo's launch.

So technically, Google and its Android partners should be worried about Apple jumping into the foldable phones market, right? Apparently not. In fact, Google believes Apple's arrival could be beneficial for the entire category.

Android president Sameer Samat sat down with Tom's Guide this week to talk about the foldable market and the iPhone Duo. Samat, who says he personally uses the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, praised the multitasking experience and noted that Android is often where consumers get to experience new technologies first, with foldables being one example.

But rather than seeing the iPhone Duo as a threat, Google views Apple's entrance as a long-awaited validation of the foldable category that Android manufacturers have been building for years.

Despite the momentum Apple currently has, Samat believes the halo effect of the iPhone Duo could actually increase consumer interest in Android foldables as well. More importantly, he believes a larger foldable market will finally give developers more reason to properly optimize their apps for bigger folding displays.

That's one area where Apple already appears to have an advantage. The company showcased apps like Netflix and Slack properly optimized for the iPhone Duo, while some of those same apps on Android foldables still look like stretched-out versions of their regular phone interfaces.

Samat, however, believes Apple's entrance could help change that. As foldables become more popular across both platforms, developers have more incentive to invest in the form factor, and Google says developers are already in conversations or actively working on better foldable-optimized Android apps.

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

• Googlebooks are finally here, and Google says pre-orders have begun as promised today (Sept. 21).
• The Googlebooks feature touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and strong Android phone pairing.
• The company says users can cast apps or stop and start projects from their Android phone on their Googlebook.
• Googlebooks from ASUS, Dell, HP, and more start at $899; available at Best Buy, Google Store, and other retailers ahead of an October 4 market release.

In case you haven't checked your phone, it's September 21. Googlebook pre-orders officially begin today, and Google's full announcement is finally here.

Today (Sept. 21), Google announced that pre-orders for the first wave of Googlebooks have begun. The post states that Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo build this initial wave. Pre-orders are open, and laptops begin at $899. Each brand features distinct craftsmanship, ranging from custom keyboards to cinematic audio. Google states these laptops from these brands were crafted in "premium materials like aluminum, magnesium alloy, and carbon fiber, making them exceptionally light, sleek, and durable.."

These Googlebooks provide touchscreens with up to 2.8K OLED displays, haptic glass trackpads, and backlit keyboards. Powered by Qualcomm and Intel processors (depending on the brand), these laptops also offer up to 14 hours of battery life. It's also hard not to mention that the Glowbar is back.

Google says this illuminates on startup and offers information about your battery percentage, as well as fancy animations when talking to Gemini.

You also shouldn't miss out on what's powering the Googlebook: Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite. The first Googlebooks are being powered by this chip, delivering a 12-core Oryon CPU setup, clocking in at up to 4GHz.

Google is taking its Android software on the Googlebook seriously this time around. These laptops "bring the best of the web and the Play Store" to consumers, but everything you enjoy on your phone is right on your Googlebook.

The post states that when users sign in, everything moves with them. By "everything," Google means your "Android phone’s settings, saved passwords, Wi-Fi networks, and messages." Users can pick up where they left off with projects or booking tickets at a venue. App casting makes it easy to continue what you're doing on your phone, but on a bigger screen. Additionally, you can search your phone's files from your computer. The Googlebook's Files app lets users "view, search, and open files and photos" from their Android phone.

We briefly mentioned the Googlebook's support for the web and Play Store, but the company stresses this for the user experience. Major apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom feel right at home on the Googlebook, alongside streaming services and games (since the Play Store is supported). What's more, users can launch AAA titles from popular gaming studios thanks to "a complimentary year of GeForce NOW included with every purchase."

Of course, Google wouldn't leave out its AI: Gemini. Googlebooks feature "Magic Pointer." If you remember its I/O 2026 reveal, you'll recognize this feature. Magic Pointer lets users bring Gemini directly to what they're looking at on their screen by wiggling their pointer. When it appears, you can give it a task to complete or ask for assistance. Among the major Pixel 11 features this year, there was Rambler.

This spruces up your text, cutting out any filler words you might've said while speaking. Elsewhere, consumers will find "Create My Widget" with AI, which will create a custom widget displaying information you want.

Meet the Googlebook

As previously stated, pre-orders are open today (Sept. 21) for the Googlebook. Users can pre-order a laptop from Best Buy and the Google Store, alongside other retailers. The Googlebook won't arrive on shelves until October 4 in the U.S. Consumers in Canada will see them on October 5 with the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia. There are also several goodies you'll earn upon purchasing a Googlebook for Google AI Pro and YouTube Premium.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite is powering Googlebook, a new laptop category built specifically for Gemini Intelligence.
• Equipped with a 12-core Oryon CPU (up to 4GHz) and a Hexagon NPU pushing 45 TOPS, the platform is engineered to run complex generative and agentic AI directly on-device.
• Preorders are open now for the first wave of hardware, including the HP Googlebook 14 and new models from Dell.

Qualcomm today announced it will bring its Snapdragon X Elite platform to the first Googlebook laptops, a collaboration with Google to power a new breed of computers built around Gemini Intelligence.

Dell and HP are the first manufacturers to release Googlebook devices, and both models are currently available for preorder.

The collaboration pairs Google’s Gemini-based software with the Snapdragon X Elite’s emphasis on performance, efficiency, and on-device AI. Qualcomm’s platform also features a 12-core Oryon CPU that can clock up to 4GHz and a Hexagon NPU that can deliver up to 45 TOPS, meaning Googlebook will have dedicated hardware for generative and agentic AI workloads.

Googlebook also aims to make Android devices feel more connected to the laptop. Qualcomm's press release mentioned features including Cast my Apps, Magic Pointer, and Rambler, which are designed to provide information from e-mail, calendars, and on-screen content. Native Android app and game support also broadens what users can run directly on the laptop.

The Snapdragon hardware also has plenty of connectivity and display support. It supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LPDDR5x memory with up to 135GB/s bandwidth and up to three external 4K displays at 60Hz. The platform also supports 4K HDR capture and can decode 4K120 video.

Again, preorders are already open for the first wave of hardware, including the HP Googlebook 14 and new designs from Dell. HP’s Samuel Chang says the HP Googlebook 14 blends Snapdragon efficiency with Gemini smarts for productivity.

Should Qualcomm and Google fulfill their promises of smooth multi-device continuity and serious NPU efficiency, this shift could finally give Windows laptops and MacBooks a run for their money in everyday productivity.

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

• Leaked images of the ASUS Googlebook show a distinctive dark gray chassis, slim display bezels, a giant trackpad.
• We're also seeing a dedicated Google "G" key and a signature glowing, multicolored light bar on the lid.
• The physical hardware looks practical, packing two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and a fingerprint sensor.

Google’s first Googlebooks will be available for preorder on September 21, and a new set of ASUS images is giving us a much better look at what one of these new laptops will actually look like.

The ASUS model has a familiar laptop shape, but it’s clear Google is trying to give the new category a visual identity of its own. Leaked images from The Mac Observer reveal that the new Chromebook features a dark gray body, a large touchpad, thin display bezels, a dedicated Google "G" key, and a multicolor light bar on the lid.

There’s an ASUS logo at the bottom of that glowing strip and “Googlebook” branding on the palm rest.

The hardware looks refreshingly practical too. Side views show at least two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a headphone jack, giving users plenty of options for peripherals without immediately having to reach for a dongle. There’s also a fingerprint sensor and a keyboard that appears to have a reasonable amount of key travel.

From the leaked renders, it looks like ASUS is using active cooling on the inside with a fan and heat pipe visible. That implies this particular Googlebook could be aimed at heavier workloads than today’s average Chromebook, although the processor and other specs are unknown.

Googlebook is Google’s new premium laptop class that blends Android tech with the familiar desktop feel and Gemini features like Magic Pointer, Create My Widget, Cast My Apps, and Quick Access. ASUS is one of five launch partners, alongside Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

The big missing pieces are price, exact specs, shipping dates, and whether this ASUS model will be available on September 21. Those answers should be coming soon, as Googlebook moves from leaked hardware to something you can actually order.

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's September Pixel Drop is live, hitting Pixel phones, tablets, and watches with home screen upgrades, fraud protections, and new watch gestures.
• Pixel VIPs gets a proper home-screen upgrade: one-tap calls and texts, notification badges for unread or urgent messages, and a floating nav bar to swipe between contacts.
• Scam Detection now covers more languages and regions for chat notifications, and Gboard flags suspicious messages as you type.

Google today rolled out its September Pixel Drop, which includes a new batch of updates for Pixel phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The latest release brings updated home screen tools, improved fraud protections, new smartwatch gestures, and a spellbinding audio partnership to tie it all together.

Google has been working on its VIP contact concept for some time, but this update makes it really useful. The tech giant is giving the feature a new home-screen experience, letting you call or text your favorite contacts with a single tap. New notification badges indicate unread messages or urgent messages, and a floating navigation bar lets you swipe between VIP profiles without having to dig through menus.

The update works on Pixel 6 and newer phones worldwide, provided the required Contacts and Pixel VIPs app versions are installed.

Scam Detection is also expanding to more languages and regions for chat notifications, and Gboard can now flag suspicious messages from supported chat apps directly as you type. Availability varies by country and language, so this isn’t a universal rollout just yet.

Pixel Watch gets a smaller but useful upgrade. Raise to Talk gets enhancements on Pixel Watch 4 and newer. On Pixel Watch 3 and newer, you can launch and scroll through the notification tray with a one-handed pinch gesture.

There’s also a much less serious addition: Harry Potter Audiobook Packs can change a Pixel’s wallpaper, icons, and sounds, and eligible users will receive a two-month Audible trial. The packs are good through December 31.

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

• Googlebook pre-orders will officially open on September 21 at 9 a.m. ET, Google has confirmed.
• The first Googlebooks are expected from brands including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
• Googlebooks will focus heavily on Gemini, with features like Magic Pointer and AI-generated custom widgets.

Google has revealed that you'll finally be able to pre-order the first Googlebooks starting next week.

At The Android Show earlier this year, Google had its "one more thing" moment when it teased its next category of premium laptops called Googlebooks. Google says these are a new category of laptops built for the "intelligence system" era, but at the time, the company didn't reveal much about the devices or when you'd actually be able to buy one.

Now, Google has started emailing users confirming that Googlebook pre-orders will open on September 21 at 9 a.m. ET. The company hasn't revealed exactly which models will be available to pre-order next week, but we're expecting devices from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other partners. It's also unclear when the first Googlebooks will actually start shipping.

Google has also set up a new website that currently shows the Googlebook branding, a few teasers, and the September 21 pre-order date.

The company is highlighting some of the key Googlebook features on the page as well, with a heavy focus on Gemini. One of those is Magic Pointer, which lets you access Gemini directly through the pointer on your Googlebook. You'll also be able to create your own widgets simply by describing what you want.

Google is also positioning Googlebooks as the perfect companion for Android phones. Users will be able to open apps from their Android phone directly on a Googlebook, as well as access files stored on their phone from the laptop.

Googlebooks will be the first laptops built on Google's new Android-based technology stack rather than ChromeOS. Interestingly, Google still hasn't revealed the official marketing name for the operating system that will power Googlebooks, but we expect to learn much more as pre-orders open.

It'll also be interesting to see how Googlebooks fare in an increasingly crowded laptop market, especially with new RTX Spark-powered laptops on the way and RAM prices continuing to rise.

What you need to know

• Google has officially removed the Pixel Tablet from its online store after listing it as out of stock.
• The Pixel Tablet has also disappeared from major retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.
• Google reportedly canceled plans for second- and third-generation Pixel Tablets due to sales and profitability concerns.
• Existing Pixel Tablet owners will continue receiving software updates until mid-2028 despite the lineup's end.

The Pixel Tablet is finally dead. Like, properly dead dead.

Google launched the Pixel Tablet back in 2023 as a hybrid device that could work as both a traditional Android tablet and a smart home display when placed on its charging dock. At $499, the Pixel Tablet offered a pretty interesting combination on paper, but reactions to the device were mixed after launch.

Google reportedly had plans for a second-generation Pixel Tablet in 2025 and even a third-generation model in 2027. But amid poor sales and profitability concerns, the company reportedly pulled the plug on those plans back in 2024. Despite that, the original Pixel Tablet remained available through the Google Store and retailers for quite some time. Until now.

As spotted by Jetstream, Google has officially removed the Pixel Tablet from the Google Store. The tablet was listed as "out of stock" until a few days ago, but the product page has now been removed altogether, effectively confirming that Google is done selling the device. The Pixel Tablet has also disappeared from retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.

That means there's now no official way to buy a new Pixel Tablet. You may still be able to find remaining stock through smaller online retailers or pick one up from a reseller, but Google's own inventory is officially gone.

The good news for existing Pixel Tablet owners is that software support isn't ending anytime soon. Google is expected to continue supporting the device with updates until mid-2028. But unless Google decides to resurrect its tablet ambitions again, there won't be another Pixel Tablet waiting to replace it.

The Pixel Tablet was an interesting idea. Having one device that could work as both an Android tablet and a smart home display made plenty of sense, especially inside Google's ecosystem. Unfortunately, the idea never really took off.

So, RIP Pixel Tablet. This time, it looks like it's actually over.

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.