Latest from Android Central in Google

Your Motorola phone is getting Android 17 – here's who's first

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:27:26 +0000

What you need to know

Motorola has confirmed 50+ devices for the stable Android 17 update.
Newer Razr and Edge models are expected to receive Android 17 before older devices.
Several Moto G models, including the G Stylus 2026, G Power 2026, G87, G86, G77, G67, G57, G47, and G37, are eligible.

Motorola has just announced a massive list of more than 50 devices that will be getting the stable Android 17 update, and the rollout has already started. But before you start clicking the "Check for updates" button, you need to know who gets it first and who’s stuck waiting.

The stable rollout has already begun with the Motorola Edge 2025, with newer premium devices like the Razr 70 series and Edge 70 lineup likely to be given priority, as per the company's announcement on its Spanish website. Motorola says the update will roll out gradually to other eligible models in the coming weeks and months.

Interestingly, this rollout has been in the works for months. Motorola’s Android 17 beta program started just days after Google released Android 17 Beta 1 in February, putting it ahead of a few rival Android brands. This was notable as Motorola was still working on rolling out Android 16, with some eligible phones still waiting months for the last big update.

The confirmed Android 17 roster is a massive one. It includes the Motorola Signature and a long list of Razr models, as follows:

Motorola Razr 70 Ultra
Motorola Razr 70 Plus
Motorola Razr 70
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026
Motorola Razr+ 2026
Motorola Razr 2026
Motorola Razr Fold 2026
Motorola Razr Fold 2025
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
Motorola Razr 60s
Motorola Razr 60d
Motorola Razr 60
Motorola Razr Ultra 2025
Motorola Razr+ 2025
Motorola Razr 2025
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
Motorola Razr+ 2024

The Edge series also gets the same treatment, covering the Edge 70 family, Edge 2026, Edge 2025, Edge 60 series, and Edge 50 Ultra.

Motorola Edge 2026
Motorola Edge 70 Pro+
Motorola Edge 70 Pro
Motorola Edge 70 Max
Motorola Edge 70 Neo
Motorola Edge 70 Plus
Motorola Edge 70 Fusion+
Motorola Edge 70 Fusion
Motorola Edge 70
Motorola Edge 2025
Motorola Edge 60 Stylus
Motorola Edge 60 Pro
Motorola Edge 60 Fusion
Motorola Edge 60
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Motorola Edge 60

Even the cheaper Moto G phones from Motorola aren’t being left behind. The list also includes:

Moto G Stylus 2026
Moto G Power 2026
Moto G Play 2026
Moto G 2026
Moto G 2025
Moto G Power 2025
Moto G Stylus 2025
Moto G Max
Moto G87
Moto G86
Moto G86 Power
Moto G77
Moto G77 Power
Moto G67
Moto G57
Moto G57 Power
Moto G47
Moto G37
Moto G37 Power

Motorola’s Android 17-based HelloUI update introduces Live Updates in a Dynamic Island style, the Qira Moto AI assistant, lock-screen customization options, resizable Quick Settings tiles, refreshed haptics, tinted icons, and a redesigned volume panel.

Remember, rollouts will differ by region and carrier. If your Motorola is on the list, you should eventually see the update pop up under Settings > System > System updates.

Should you wait for the Google Pixel 11? Here's everything you should consider and how I'd spend my money

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:36:28 +0000

Usually, when a new smartphone model is about to come out, our advice is simple: wait. Either you end up liking the new one or get a sweet discount on the old one. Thanks to the AI boom, that isn't a cardinal rule anymore. Older models aren't seeing the drastic price decreases we're used to, and new models are more likely to launch with higher prices than ever before. So, if you're in the market for a new Pixel phone, should you wait or buy now?

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 this week, but there's a case for buying your next Pixel phone right now. We've seen recent discounts on every mainline Pixel 10 phone, and there's one attractive Pixel model with a price that could make you forget about the Pixel 11 series entirely. That said, if you don't want to miss out on your chance to score the latest and greatest Pixel, the Pixel 11 might be worth the wait. As you can see, there's a lot to consider, so let's break down the cases for buying a Pixel now or waiting for the Pixel 11.

The case for buying a Google Pixel 10 now

(Image credit: Nandika Ravi/Android Central)

If you like the Pixel 10 series as-is and want to avoid a potential price hike, there's certainly a reason to buy one of Google's phones now. Since the Pixel 11 series is expected to shed the 128GB model and make the 256GB configuration the default, some phones will cost more. According to pricing leaks, the Pixel 11 will start at $899, the Pixel 11 Pro will cost $1,099, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost $1,299. That's quite the jump — $100 more for every non-foldable phone.

This puts the Pixel 11 Pro XL in the same tier as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which costs $1,299 as well. Of course, we'll have to see what the Pixel 11 Pro XL holds, but that might give prospective buyers pause. Samsung flagships typically offer better performance with fast Snapdragon chips that trounce Google's Tensor chips in benchmarks. If you have $1,299 to spend, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is often the default pick, and Google will have to prove the Pixel 11 Pro XL belongs in that conversation.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Those that aren't eager to spend $100 more for the Pixel 11 series might be better off buying a Pixel 10 phone now. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are both slightly discounted on Amazon currently, but the deal looks better when you consider the impending possibility of a Pixel 11 price hike. The Pixel 10 isn't seeing major discounts at the moment. I see the case for buying a Pixel 10 now, but it would sting knowing we just saw major Pixel 10 deals during Prime Day.

The Pixel 10 series' price history makes me less inclined to buy the three mainline models now. The budget Pixel 10a is a different story, though. It's discounted to just $424 at the Google Store right now. This is the best bang-for-your-buck Android phone on the market, and it's a breath of fresh air at a time when flagship prices keep rising. If you think the Pixel 10a's budget hardware would meet your needs, I think it's worth buying now instead of waiting for the Pixel 11.

The case for waiting for the Google Pixel 11

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

We're always looking toward the next best thing, and the Pixel 11 appears to be just that. Leaks and rumors paint an early picture of what the Google Pixel 11 might look like, and how it would improve on the Pixel 10 series. It's a good bet that the Pixel 11 will be powered by the Tensor G6 chipset, which could be built on a 2nm process to improve processing power and efficiency. The design looks similar to the Pixel 10, according to renders, but we're on the lookout for potential display, battery, and camera upgrades.

(Image credit: Android Headlines)

The question you should ask yourself is: what does the Pixel 11 series have to upgrade to make it worth the rumored $100 price hike? If your wishlist includes super-fast charging or Snapdragon-like performance, you might be underwhelmed. In that case, you may be better off buying a Pixel 10 or Galaxy S26 series phone instead. But if you have more modest aspirations, like better optimizations and slightly improved hardware, the Pixel 11 could be worth the wait.

One neat Pixel 11 rumor is that the phone could sport a glow light on the back, possibly called Pixel Glow or Pixel HiLight. It'd be a novelty similar to that of Nothing's Glyph Interface. For those tired of iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxys all looking mostly the same, a quirk like this could make the Pixel 11 worth waiting for.

Specs and rumors aside, you should wait for the Pixel 11 if you want to take advantage of carrier promotions, trade-in deals, or pre-order deals. There are pros and cons to carrier promos and trade-ins — you enter a restrictive carrier contract and/or give up your old device in exchange for massive savings on a new one. Not everyone should enter into a carrier contract to get the Pixel 11.

However, if you're willing to make that decision, you will likely get the Pixel 11 for cheaper than a Pixel 10 currently costs at full price.

How I'd spend my money

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

If I were in the market for a new phone, I'd take a long look at whether the Google Pixel 10a could meet my needs. I tested that phone for weeks this year, and it offers long battery life, decent performance, and solid hardware for a fraction of the price of new flagships. You can get one brand-new from Google for about a third of what the flagship Pixel 11 Pro XL will likely cost. To me, it's a no-brainer if you can live with the device's few compromises.

If you're more interested in the mainline Pixel 10 or Pixel 11 models, waiting is probably your best strategy. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL all saw major and enticing discounts over the summer, but the current deals are uninspiring by comparison. Instead of taking a small discount and getting a last-gen device, it's worth waiting for the Pixel 11.

There is a chance the Pixel 10 goes on sale again, especially as we approach Black Friday season. Or, you could be impressed by what Google has to offer and snag a Pixel 11 when it's available.

Made by Google 2026 is almost here — this is where the Pixel 11 will be officially revealed. Stay tuned for our coverage leading up to, throughout, and following the event, which begins Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. EDT.

Google

Pixel 10

The current contender

The Google Pixel 10 is soon to be replaced by the Pixel 11, but it'll remain an Android fixture for years to come. It is covered by Android OS upgrades for six more years, and still has decent hardware. However, some will prefer to wait and see what the Pixel 11 holds.

Pixel 11 Pro XL leak shows off matte black finish and 'HiLight' LED days before launch

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:44:23 +0000

What you need to know

Hands-on images show the matte black model and "Dune" retail box for the Pixel 11 Pro XL.
The images were apparently sourced from carrier demo units arriving in the US ahead of the August 12 launch.
A larger LED module on the camera bar dubbed "HiLight" could act as an RGB notification light, even when the phone is face down.

Google usually tries to keep its flagship hardware under wraps until launch day, but carrier store inventory has spoiled the surprise yet again. Just days before the official Made by Google event, hands-on images of the Pixel 11 Pro XL have emerged online, giving us a look at the real-world design of Google’s upcoming flagship phone.

Images posted by @PixelNewsHub on X reveal what are claimed to be carrier demo units on their way to US stores. The images give us a crisp look at an all-matte black model, as well as retail packaging for a fresh colorway rumored to be either “Dune” or “Canyon.”

@PixelNewsHub / X

The design is very similar to last year’s, but upon closer inspection, there are some hardware updates. The lenses on the camera bar look to protrude a lot more this time around. Then there’s the larger LED module, which Google apparently calls "HiLight."

Previous leaks hint that the HiLight LED is an RGB notification light that sits on the camera bar and keeps lighting up even when your phone is face down. Gemini is also supposed to give visual alerts for certain contacts or pulse when you message it.

Of course, no Pixel launch would be complete without a little bit of drama. Reports from Turkey say that black market copies of the boxed Pixel 11 Pro XL are already available for $1,700, a bit above the rumored starting price of $1,299.

That said, it appears that Google is sticking with the familiar Pixel silhouette, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But with the Tensor G6 chipset, a rumored $899 base model price (and no more 128GB option), and this mysterious HiLight feature, the Pixel 11 series has some questions to answer. We will know all for sure on August 12.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Built thin vs. built to last

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:02:08 +0000

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Minimal upgrades

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra focuses on incremental upgrades rather than a full redesign. It comes with a similar overall design as the last year's Z Fold 7, but incorporates a newer chipset, a larger 5,000mAh battery with faster charging, and a new 50MP ultra-wide camera.

Pros

More powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Faster 45W charging
Less visible crease
Much sharper 50MP ultrawide sensor

Cons

Similar design to the Galaxy Z Fold 7
No IP68 dust and water resistance
No S Pen support

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Best Pixel foldable

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is Google's most refined foldable yet, bringing an IP68 rating, a redesigned hinge, slimmer bezels, and a faster Tensor G5 chip. It also supports PixelSnap Qi2 for magnetic wireless charging and comes with Google's AI features and Pixel-exclusive tools.

Pros

IP68 dust and water protection
Built-in Qi2 magnets
Upgraded Tensor G5 chipset
Clean software experience with day-one updates

Cons

Slower wired charging speeds
Thicker, heavier, and bulkier design
Pricey in many regions

After months of leaks and rumors, Samsung finally unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Pixel Fold, meanwhile, was once close in form factor to the standard Z Fold 8, but the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has since shifted closer to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's dimensions.

If you're in the U.S. and looking to buy a top-tier Android foldable, your choice may come down to Samsung and Google: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Now that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is official, the real question is which foldable is actually right for you.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Pricing and availability

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Samsung officially introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra on July 22, 2026. Unfortunately, what we expected is now true: Samsung has increased the Z Fold 8 Ultra's price by $100 this year, so it starts at $2,100 in the U.S, with 256GB of storage and only 12GB of RAM.

On the other hand, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold was announced alongside the Pixel 10 series on August 20, 2025. It starts at $1,799 for 256GB, undercutting the Fold 8 Ultra by $300. It's also available in 512GB and 1TB variants at higher prices, but all variants offer 16GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Design and display

(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)

Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company has kept minimal upgrades for the Fold 8 Ultra. That means you get a triple-camera setup on the back, arranged vertically in a pill-shaped module, along with a clean back and squared edges.

What's great is that Samsung has made the Z Fold 8 Ultra even slimmer than before, coming in at just 4.1mm when unfolded, while fitting in a larger battery, which we'll get to later.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also sticks to the same design as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Compared to the Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold remains thicker and heavier. The former measures 8.9mm when folded and weighs just 215 grams, while the latter is about 10.8mm thick and weighs around 258 grams.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold leads in durability, offering IP68 dust and water resistance, which is rare for foldables. Samsung, on the other hand, despite the upgrade to the hinge mechanism, offers only IP48.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a much less visible crease on the inner foldable display, thanks to its new Flex Titanium technology.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a slightly smaller 6.4-inch cover display, but the inner display is also around 8 inches. Both phones offer high-brightness displays, offering up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Samsung leads the pack, powering the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This is currently the best chipset for Android phones, so you can expect the best performance.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is powered by the Tensor G5, the same chip used across the Pixel 10 lineup. It's Google's first TSMC-made 3nm chipset, and while it's a big step up over the Tensor G4 in terms of performance and efficiency, it falls behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in raw power.

Specifications
Category	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Operating System	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades	Android 17, six years of OS upgrades
Display	Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, crease-less, 3000 nits (peak); Outer: 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz	Inner: 8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits (peak); Outer: 6.4-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy	Google Tensor G5
RAM	12GB, 16GB	16GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Cameras	200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)	48MP wide, 10.5MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto (5x zoom)
Front Camera	10MP	10MP
Battery	5,000mAh	5,015mAh
Charging	45W wired, 20W wireless	30W wired, 15W wireless, Qi2 support
IP Rating	IP48	IP68
Weight	215g	258g
Dimensions	Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm; Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm	Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2 mm; Folded: 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8 mm
Colors	Graphite, Cream, Violet Shadow	Moonstone, Jade

Internally, Samsung has also upgraded the battery to silicon-carbon tech, which means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra now features a 5,000mAh cell. In terms of charging, Samsung has upgraded to 45W wired charging, which is much faster than what you get on the Pixel Fold.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold already comes with a 5,000mAh battery, so it's still too early to say which one offers a better battery life. But one area where the Pixel clearly has an advantage is charging convenience. It supports PixelSnap, Google's take on Qi2, with built-in magnets, meaning you can use MagSafe accessories without needing a case.

This is something Samsung skipped on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which requires a case for Qi2 magnetic charging.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Cameras

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Samsung upgraded the primary camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to 200MP, and this time it upgraded the Fold 8 Ultra's ultrawide sensor to a 50MP unit, alongside the same 200MP primary sensor as before and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with a 48MP primary sensor, a 10.5MP ultra-wide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It's still too early to say which one will perform better, but considering Samsung has been refreshing its camera setup over the past couple of generations, I do expect the Fold 8 Ultra to have an edge here.

That said, we'll be doing a proper camera comparison soon, so do keep an eye out for the same.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Which foldable is better?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

All things considered, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra brings some genuine upgrades this year, including a less creased inner display and, finally, a much more capable battery. But Samsung has also raised the price by $100, and the omission of Qi2 magnetic charging still stings on a phone at this price point.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, on the other hand, not only costs less to begin with, but it's also often available at a discount for even less. Add in better durability and the promise of day-one Android updates, and it's hard not to see the Pixel as the more lucrative pick on paper.

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:40:40 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out a refreshed Gemini AI overlay, which was first teased at Google I/O.
The updated interface is appearing on both Pixel devices (like the Pixel 10 Pro XL) and Samsung hardware (like the Galaxy S26 Ultra).
The signature visual tweak replaces the basic floating box with a prominent blurred backdrop.

Google is quietly rolling out another Gemini makeover on Android, this time tweaking the AI’s overlay. The new interface was announced at Google I/O and is now starting to roll out to some Pixel and Galaxy owners.

A Reddit user spotted the refreshed Gemini UI on their phone, while others reported receiving it on devices including the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL. That hardware mix means the update isn’t a Pixel-exclusive update. It also appears to be server-side controlled, so an update to the Google app may not instantly enable it for everyone.

The most significant change is that instead of just placing the assistant’s compact interface over an unchanged screen, the new design applies a prominent blur to whatever is underneath. The background is blurred and softened but still identifiable, visually separating Gemini from whatever app or home screen is open but not hiding it completely.

(Image credit: Vulkaan34 / Reddit)

That’s on top of the Gemini overlay Google has been steadily reworking this year. Previous changes included thinner icons, a redesigned plus menu sheet, and Dynamic Color support. Gemini Live also stopped jumping to a separate screen, instead keeping the interaction within the overlay.

There’s no obvious switch to turn it on yet, so if your Gemini overlay still looks the same, you’ll probably just have to wait for Google to flip the switch.

Android Central's Take

I like the new look, especially because the blur makes Gemini feel more integrated into Android rather than just some random panel layered on top of what you're doing. It retains enough of the background to provide context while keeping the assistant front and center, which should make quick Gemini interactions feel cleaner and less distracting. My only complaint is the usual Google server-side rollout lottery, which makes it hard to get excited about a redesign when two people with the same app version can open Gemini and somehow end up living in different design eras.

Never lost: rumors claim a 'Pixel Tag' is on the way from Google to keep tabs on your stuff

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 11:53:00 +0000

What you need to know

An alleged rendering of an oblong "Google Pixel Tag" has surfaced, showing a tracker in all white with a "loud speaker."
Rumors claim there isn't a place to mount the tracker, meaning consumers will have to slip it into their bags or wallets.
There's still a lot that's unknown about the tracker; however, there's speculation that Google could debut it at its Pixel 11 reveal event in August.

A rumor taking us into the weekend suggests Google is working on a tracker to finally enter competition with some big-name brands.

A render of the alleged "Google Pixel Tag" was posted by 9to5Google, who state the name has started circulating across various online sources. According to the publication, the Pixel Tag could feature an oblong shape (rounded corners, not quite like a football), and Google's classic "G" icon in the center. What's more, the post claims there aren't any "mounting mechanisms" on the tag.

This gives the impression that consumers would pop this into their bag and go. One of the sources where the Pixel Tag has leaked is a Slovenian retailer. The folks at 9to5 snagged the tag's alleged description, which says the Pixel Tag is a "smart tracker that helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items." As you might expect, this would work over the Find My Device (Find Hub) network.

The tag's description highlights items we're used to attaching smart trackers to: wallets, keys, and luggage. What's more, the Pixel Tag will reportedly feature a "loud speaker" to help users quickly pinpoint its location.

A Pixel tracker

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Android Central's Take

As far as trackers go, it doesn't look too bad. It's simple. That's pretty much all you can expect from a device like this. If, as the rumors say, this is preparing to launch alongside the Pixel 11, it'd be smart. "Here's the new Pixel 11 series! Grab a tracker so you don't lose you stuff, too!" I feel like I can already hear the keynote.

One of the immediate comparisons we can make with the Pixel Tag is the Moto Tag 2 or even Apple's alternative. The Moto Tag 2 debuted at the end of June, and it was probably the biggest upgrade Motorola's announcements had to offer. The Tag 2 offers Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB support. Additionally, Google Find Hub was fully integrated with the tracker, alongside a whopping 500 days of battery life on a replaceable CR2032 battery.

Seeing how the Moto Tag 2 shapes up has us wondering about the true form of the Pixel Tag 2. There's still a lot that's under wraps. Rumors assume Google could have a reveal on the way that lines up with the Pixel 11, but nothing's certain. If true, then that means we'll have the Pixel Glow and this Pixel Tag to wow us during the Made by Google event on August 12. Google teased the Pixel 11 Pro recently, showing off Pixel Glow: an LED indicator that sits beside the phone's cameras in the camera bar.

Rumors suggest Gemini would have a heavy presence here, offering bright indicators for various happenings from alerts to order tracking.

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is here, and Pixel users get a much-needed audio fix

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:15:24 +0000

What you need to know

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 eliminates the long-running audio bug that caused random crackling, distortion, and loud static on Pixel devices.
The audio issue lingered across multiple beta releases and generated 30+ reports in Google's issue tracker before this fix.
Build CP31.260623.010 arrives two weeks after Beta 7, focusing purely on system stability and bug fixes ahead of the official September Feature Drop release.

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8, fixing one of the most frustrating bugs Pixel testers have been dealing with: distorted audio that would randomly blast loud static during media playback or notifications.

The update, build CP31.260623.010, comes a little over two weeks after Beta 7 and is another cleanup release before the Pixel Feature Drop in September.

Google’s changelog says the biggest fix is for an issue with managing buffers in the audio framework that could cause unexpected crackling, corruption, and bursts of static. It’s a problem that has persisted over many QPR1 beta releases, spawning more than 30 separate tickets in Google’s issue tracker.

Android 17 QPR1 was already at Platform Stability with Beta 6, so developers have been working against finalized APIs while Google turns its attention to stability.

Beta 8 is available for eligible Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series through the latest Pixel 10 lineup. There is, however, one big exception. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro owners still get this QPR1 Beta 8 update, but it’s basically the end of the line for those phones. Google has already confirmed that those models won’t be moving on to Android 17 QPR2, with the stable Android 17 QPR1 release expected to be their last major software update this September.

Beta 8 might finally make the preview stable enough for you to use on a daily basis if you’ve been putting off trying it because of audio glitches. Otherwise, you might want to hold off a little longer because the polished, stable QPR1 release is now just around the corner.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold renders surfaced, and Google is sticking to what works

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:28:20 +0000

What you need to know

Fresh Pixel 11 Pro Fold renders suggest Google is refining, not redesigning, its next foldable.
Official-looking renders reveal a new Pine green finish with a light gold frame, matching the Pixel 11 Pro lineup.
A redesigned camera bar moves the cutouts closer to the edge and reshuffles the autofocus sensor beneath the flash.

Google’s next foldable doesn’t seem to be trying to reinvent itself, though a new leak suggests it’s getting a more polished look ahead of its expected debut next month. Official-looking renders of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold have now been leaked, and they reveal a familiar design with subtle refinements that may make a bigger difference than they appear.

Evan Blass shared images of the upcoming foldable in a new Pine finish via his Leakmail newsletter. This color has been revealed in a previous leak, showing a muted green paired with a light gold frame and Google’s signature “G” logo. The same paint job is also expected to match the Pine option coming to the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

At first glance, the phone looks almost identical to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. That’s not surprising, as Google previously said it plans to refresh Pixel hardware designs every two to three years rather than overhauling them annually. Instead, the company appears to be shifting its focus to enhancing what works well.

The biggest visual difference is the new camera bar. The camera cutouts now stretch closer to the edge instead of being surrounded by extra metal. The camera array has also been shifted, with the autofocus sensor now located under the flash zone, next to the ultrawide and main lenses, but the telephoto lens still sits in the top right corner.

Evan Blass / Leakmail

The other thing that jumps out is the much larger camera flash. That's almost as big as one of the camera lenses, sparking new speculation that Google's rumored Pixel Glow notification system could be built into the flash module rather than around the camera bar. Nothing is confirmed yet, but the hardware certainly leaves room for that possibility.

Will a millimeter trim and a stylish coat of dark green paint lure upgrade-wary shoppers? It won't be long before we know. Google is officially pulling back the curtain at its upcoming launch event on August 12.

Set the tempo: Google's Lyria 3.5 debuts with updates to AI musicality in Flow Music

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:35:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google debuts Lyria 3.5, its next-gen AI music generation that takes its musicality, lyrics, and vocal quality up a level in Flow Music.
Creative control was highlighted as a strong point for Lyria 3.5, as users can control tempo, vocals, drums, and bass, alongside tools for track length.
Google's Lyria 3.5 is rolling out in Flow Music today (July 29

The middle of the week features another AI model announcement from Google, aiming to advance its music generation capabilities.

This afternoon (July 29), Google's press release highlights its newest AI music generation model, Lyria 3.5. According to the company, this should "deliver higher-quality song generation." A subsequent blog post continued, stating that Lyria 3.5 advances the model's "musicality, lyrics, and vocal quality." Regarding the AI's musicality, Google states users can create more complex sounds that feel more "natural."

Prompt adherence and structural awareness are two key areas Google says it focused on for Lyria 3.5. Of course, the former should help keep the AI on topic and avoid lyrics that have nothing to do with your prompt. Lastly, Lyria 3.5's vocals are said to deliver "more expression," alongside updates to its AI's pronunciation.

All of this is wrapped in Lyria 3.5's updated creative control system. Google states users can control the song's tempo and duration a little more easily than before. Users will find options to alter their AI-generated song's vocals, drums, and bass. Moreover, the length of a track can now range from 30 seconds to three minutes.

Google states its Lyria 3.5 model is rolling out today in Flow Music.

Keep the beat with AI

(Image credit: Google)

In February, Google got off to a fast start with the launch of Lyria 3. Its highlights included generating songs up to 30 seconds long based on text prompts or photos. Lyrics, style control, and "more realistic audio" were also detailed in its debut. Some aspects of AI music generation continue with Lyria 3.5. Users should still be able to describe the feeling or vibe of the song they want, such as saying "a goofy R&B jam about a lonely sock."

Shortly after Lyria 3's launch in February, Google said it was preparing to roll it out for Dream Track in YouTube Shorts. Similarly, a few months later, Google Vids welcomed Lyria 3 and Veo 3.1 models. Lyria's involvement was particularly useful for users creating videos and looking for a short 30-second to three-minute-long beat or soundtrack.

Google Photos fixes a stupidly annoying step for AI edits

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:30 +0000

What you need to know

Google Photos removes an annoying extra step by letting you capture a photo and jump straight into AI editing.
Generative AI tools like Remix and Photo to video are now easier to access, making spontaneous edits much faster.
The new in-app camera workflow eliminates the need to switch between the camera app and Photos.

Google Photos is cutting out a frustrating detour in its mobile app, making generative AI features like Remix and Photo to video much more convenient for the average user.

The company has unveiled a new camera experience that lets you take a photo and go straight to AI-powered editing tools without first rooting around your gallery.

Until now, feeding a fresh snapshot into Photos’ generative suite required an awkward multi-step dance. If you wanted to turn a quick funny expression into an animated clip or stylized portrait, you had to leave Google Photos, open your phone’s dedicated camera app, take the photo, then reopen Google Photos and hunt through your album to select it. That friction made spontaneous edits feel like too much work.

The updated flow allows you to take a new photo within the app and jump directly into Google Photos’ editing interface, where AI tools are at the ready. That eliminates the usual routine of opening the gallery, finding the photo you just took, and then firing up the editor.

In the year since, the app has transformed from a simple cloud backup tool to an AI-first photo hub featuring things like Magic Editor, Reimagine, Auto Frame, and Ask Photos. The latest shortcut doesn’t add a brand new editing capability, but it takes away some of the friction getting to the tools that already exist.

For those who routinely touch up photos before posting them, the new workflow could save an astonishing amount of time.

Android Central's Take

I personally like this direction because it removes one of those small annoyances that tend to add up over time. If I know I’m going to clean up a photo before sharing it, I’d rather jump straight into editing than hop around the app. That said, Google does seem intent on bringing AI into every nook and cranny of Photos, whether you asked for it or not. This shortcut is genuinely useful, but I’d still rather Google spend those same efforts fixing the core camera and gallery experience instead of assuming every shot needs an AI makeover.

Google Play services update brings seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:26:37 +0000

What you need to know

Google's latest System update brings Play services v26.29 and Play Store v52.5 with upgrades for Wallet, Wear OS, Play Games, and content discovery.
Play services' latest version adds new Maps and Wear OS APIs for developers alongside unspecified system bug fixes.
The Play Store is becoming more engaging, with a smoother Play Games Sidekick dashboard, comic previews in Play Shorts, and smarter travel app recommendations through the updated Engage SDK.

Google’s latest Google System update won’t grab headlines for fancy new tricks, but it does bring a handful of changes that could help make everyday Android use just a little bit smoother. The latest rollout brings Play Store v52.5 and Google Play services v26.29 with content discovery improvements, Play Games and Wallet updates, and Wear OS improvements.

On the Google Play services side, version 26.29 continues the trend of Google pushing new features out of full Android OS updates. Maps APIs for Android Auto, phones, tablets, TVs, Wear OS, and PCs are now available for developers, as are new utilities APIs for Wear OS. Google also managed to slip in bug fixes for system management and diagnostics on phones, but it hasn’t said what those patches are for.

Wallet gets the largest batch of changes. For new users, the update saves a few steps, as Pixel Watch owners can now set up Express Pay directly from the watch. Google is also renaming the “Connected apps” section to “Linked apps” on its platforms, a small change that better reflects how third-party services connect to Google accounts. For Pix users, Gboard now works within messaging apps, and there are new developer tools for digital wallet and payment experiences.

Android Central's Take

I like how Google keeps pushing useful updates through Play services instead of making us wait for the next big Android release. People actually notice quality of life upgrades like easier Wallet setup on the Pixel Watch and smarter Play Store recommendations.

The Play Store’s v52.5 update is more about how you find and interact with content. Google says the Play Games Sidekick dashboard is now more stable and responsive, which leads to a gaming companion experience that’s less likely to experience hiccups. Play Shorts is also branching out beyond apps and games, with the addition of popular comic book previews that you can swipe through before you get to the full story if something catches your eye.

Google is also giving a lift to travel apps. With updates to the content clusters in the Engage SDK, third-party travel apps that are supported can now show your previous searches, helping you to get back to your trip planning.

Daily Brief 'Tuning' could be what Google has planned next for Gemini's morning digest

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:27:00 +0000

What you need to know

"Tuning" was spotted in a leak conerning Google's Gemini Daily Brief, which could bring specified customization tools to users.
A report claims users can tell the AI what they want to see in their morning digests and what they don't.
Gemini Spark and Daily Brief were a part of Google's I/O highlights, which turn the AI into a proactive assistant.

Google rolled out "daily brief' for Gemini earlier this past spring, and you couldn't avoid the Samsung Now Brief similarities. The company has reportedly kick-started development for a refreshing change.

Google often runs tests for many features, and Android Authority claims to have discovered its latest for Gemini's daily digest. The publication dove into a recent app version with tipster AssembleDebug, who discovered a "Tune your brief" function for Daily Brief. When tuning, the tipster claims users can open a sub-menu that offers a glimpse into what Gemini rounds up for you, as well as suggestions.

"Important events" and "action items" were a couple of items highlighted by the AI; however, it suggests adding email newsletters, updates from your child's school, and more. Much of this is coming from your connected Gmail and Calendar accounts. Alternatively, users can interact with the textbox for better customization.

AssembleDebug states users can write what they'd like to see more or less of in their Daily Brief from Gemini. By that, it seems that users can get specific, informing the AI of specific senders they'd rather not be updated about constantly every morning. Additionally, if there are emails you just can't miss, you can tell Gemini and "tune it" appropriately. The tipster reminds us that since this was found hidden in Gemini's app code, there's no telling when Google could roll this out (if it makes the cut).

Proactive AI

(Image credit: Android Authority)

Android Central's Take

There are some people who wake up to an influx of emails in the morning during the week. It can feel overwhelming to sift through them manually. Gemini's Daily Brief—settling on that "proactive" mindset—cuts back on that. It's a good direction that Google's taken it, and I think "tuning" it even further, to nail exactly what we want, can make a huge difference in the long run.

You might remember Gemini Spark from the days of Google I/O 2026. This is an AI agent for Google's main AI that's eager to become more proactive. Spark features deep integration with the user's Gmail, Docs, Slides, and more, and Gemini's Daily Brief was an extension of this mindset. Personalized morning digests are the main course in the AI's Daily Brief.

Google said, "Daily Brief goes beyond simple summaries by actively organizing and prioritizing information based on your goals, while also suggesting what you should do next." What the tipster found in this "tuning" leak is kind of what Google's feedback options did. Currently, users can thumbs up or down the information provided in their Daily Brief. It's not the best way to tell the AI what you want or don't want. Of course, directly tuning it will provide the best results.

Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich enjoyed his time using it, praising the AI for finally not feeling like a "ChatGPT prompt clone."

Gemini gets better memory: smart home update refines automations and more

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:17:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out several smart home updates, including one for Gemini that expands its "conversational memory" to 15 minutes.
Gemini Live arrives on first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, alongside improved Automation guidance and smart lock alerts for removed users.
Recent updates for Google Home include Pet Memory for Gemini and Suggested Automations.

Google is rolling into the weekend with a few updates to its smart home systems that you should check your devices for.

Gemini for Home's early access is getting a few refinements this week. Google states Gemini Live is now available on first-gen speakers and displays. The patch notes list first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hubs as devices receiving Gemini Live this week. Keep in mind that only Google Home Premium subscribers can access this. On a related note, Gemini's memory is getting stronger.

Google says the AI's "conversational memory" now lasts for 15 minutes. This will be present "across the entire Gemini for Home experience." Users can follow up on something they've previously asked Gemini to do, so long as it's within those 15 minutes. Automations in the Home app will provide clearer "saving guidance." Google explains that the app will inform users if they're trying to save an automation with conditions but no starter.

Improved controls and labels for smart blinds and window coverings in Automations are included, alongside smart lock "security actions disclaimers." If users remove someone's access from their locks, the app will tell you that their passcodes "need to be changed or removed."

A July 2026 update is rolling out for Nest Cameras. This applies to the wired, third-gen Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd-gen), and the Nest Doorbell (wired, third-gen). Additionally, Google now supports more of Walmart's Onn cameras: Outdoor Plug-In and Outdoor Floodlight Hardwired. Bug fixes make up the remainder of these updates, and you can view them in full.

The Home is looking smarter

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

You'd imagine that bringing AI and smart devices into the home would make life easier. It's touched on that, but Google acknowledges that there's more work to be done. Users reporting problems and offering feedback helps a bunch, too. Giving Gemini better memory is a highlight for me. Imagine if I told it to turn the lights on in one room, but then changed my mind. I don't have to restart the entire conversation from scratch now.

This conversational memory update for Gemini reminds us of the Continued Conversations patch from April. Asking the AI to do something is common with so many smart devices to control. What can get frustrating is having to repeat yourself to a computer. Continued Conversations aims to solve that. Google said this highly requested feature helps Gemini "remember" what's going on. It helps make the experience seamless, which is another area Google's been working on.

Gemini would keep its mic open for a few extra seconds, in case there's something to add. This memory upgrade takes this concept and expands on it. Even after Gemini closes its mic, you can still follow up, and it'll (hopefully) remember your conversation from two minutes ago. Pet Memory was another recent patch for Gemini that lets users customize how the AI recognizes their fur babies.

Instead of the generic sentences (i.e., "dog is walking in the living room), users can let the AI know the little one's name.

Fitbit Air’s newest update brings nothing new except invisible bug fixes

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:05:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out Fitbit Air firmware version 253.2, but don't expect new features.
This update focuses entirely on reliability and minor bug fixes.
Google advises installing the update during the day or evening, as updating around midnight can temporarily throw off your daily step count.

Google has begun rolling out a new software update for the Fitbit Air. However, this release is solely focused on reliability and not on new features.

The company officially describes the update as containing only “minor bug fixes,” but it does not say what those fixes are. This is the second firmware release for the wearable, following the initial update last month. In its community post, Google says firmware version 253.2 is being rolled out to devices over the next few days.

Before you begin the installation process, Google says to make sure your Fitbit Air is charged or plugged into its charger and has at least 50% battery. You also have to keep the wearable connected to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth and have the latest version of the Google Health app on your device.

It also matters when you install. Google recommends updating your device during the day or in the evening, not at midnight, as updating late at night could make that day’s step count appear inaccurate temporarily.

Installation takes about 10 minutes to complete. First, open the Google Health app with your Fitbit Air nearby and tap Update on the Today tab. You can also tap on Update in the top left corner under Connections and then tap on your device.

Just keep the Google Health app open and keep your Fitbit close to your phone or tablet until the progress bar is complete.

Android Central's Take

I get that Google is finally shipping an update instead of leaving early buyers hanging, but “bug fixes and general improvements” has become one of the most overused phrases in tech. If this update really helps with automatic workout detection, Google should just say so. People don't buy fitness trackers so they can decipher vague changelogs. They buy them because they want reliable health tracking without babysitting it.

I completely reimagined my videos with Video Remix in Google Photos — here's how you can, too

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:49:00 +0000

Google's video-generation AI models are finally getting the Nano Banana treatment. Gemini Omni powers video creation in the Gemini app and replaces Veo. Now, the Gemini Omni model is coming to the Create tab of the Google Photos app. A new Video Remix feature helps you take simple video clips and transform them into something new using Gemini Omni, all without leaving Google Photos.

I gave it a shot, and while it's not a replacement for the full Omni experience in the Gemini app, Video Remix is pretty fun to use. You select a 10-second video clip, choose a Remix template, and wait for the reimagined video to generate. The results were better than I expected, even if I wish Video Remix supported longer clips. Here's how you can try Video Remix for yourself.

What you need to get started with Video Remix

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Although the Video Remix experience is powered by Gemini Omni, you won't find it in the Gemini app. Instead, you can use Video Remix in the Create tab of the Google Photos app. It lives alongside Photo Remix and Reimagine, with the key difference being that Video Remix is made for short clips. Specifically, you can select a 10-second portion of a video to change using Omni and Video Remix.

Video Remix uses the following prompt templates to shake up your clips:

Relight my video with a morning glow
Add doodles to my video
Set my video in a greenhouse
Give my video an orange sunset glow
Add shifting laser light strobes
Paint my video in dreamy watercolor
Make my video look like pixel art
Give my video a tropical sunset background
Put my video in a gritty subway scene
Cast a magic hour haze in my video
Cast my video in cool blue hour tones
My video as a stop-motion sketch
Turn my video into a moving oil painting
Put my video in a Mediterranean villa
Give my video a golden hour glow

As you can see, Video Remix templates vary from offering subtle lighting changes and background swaps to completely remaking clips in selected art styles. Google says that stable and steady videos work best with Video Remix, and warns that it might not always work as expected or could include audio.

For now, Video Remix is rolling out for paid Google AI subscribers. It's available in the following countries:

US
Argentina
Bangladesh
Brazil
Colombia
Egypt
India
Indonesia
Japan
Mexico
Pakistan
Philippines
South Korea
Turkey

If you're located in one of the above countries and have a Google AI Plus, AI Pro, or AI Ultra account, you're ready to start using Video Remix in Google Photos.

How I use Video Remix to reimagine my photos

I take a bunch of videos I rarely revisit, so I thought using Video Remix could be a fun way to play around with clips lying dormant in my Google Photos library. I had videos of dolphins from a boating trip and Meta Oakley clips from summer runs, and I used Video Remix to change them up. Here's how I did it, and how you can too:

1. Open the Google Photos app.

2. Tap Create.

3. Press Video remix.

4. Choose a template.

5. Select a video from your Photos library.

6. If your video is longer than 10 seconds, use the grab handles to select a section of the video to remix. Then, press Generate.

7. Wait for the clip to process. This may take up to two minutes. When finished, play the Video Remix output and press Save to add it to your library.

Brady Snyder / Android Central

Now, you've created your first Video Remix. You can try again if the results didn't turn out as you expected, or choose a different prompt to get a new output.

Everything I made with Video Remix in Google Photos

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Despite the short maximum video length, Video Remix's results were impressive. For my first test, I tried taking a POV-style video from one of my runs and turning it into a watercolor moving painting. Gemini Omni certainly nailed the effect, as you can see below.

However, the output felt too cartoonish for my liking. I tried the doodle Video Remix template next, hoping it would be more tasteful. The output was my favorite of all. It livened up a video of myself running across a bridge with sketched stars, outlines, and arrows. What was a mundane running clip turned into something ready for socials, which is the entire point of Video Remix.

For those that want an even subtler effect, there are lighting templates for Video Remix. I used the morning glow template on a video of dolphins popping out of the water, and it definitely changed the clip's appearance. See for yourself in the video below.

All told, Video Remix does what it says it'll do — unless there are human faces involved. In some cases, Video Remix won't generate a clip if it thinks there are faces of minors in the original video. This certainly makes sense for safety reasons, but it doesn't always get it right. Even when generating remixes of videos containing adult faces, the outputs don't usually match the original subject closely.

When to use Video Remix in Photos instead of Omni in Gemini

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The Omni model in the Gemini app should still be your go-to for new video generations. However, for making small changes to existing clips, Video Remix in Google Photos is the better choice. I'd like to see Video Remix support longer clips and expand access to free Photos users. For now, it's still a great option for Google AI subscribers.

Google

Pixel 10 Pro

The best Google AI phone

AI-powered features like Video Remix require a Google AI subscription. When you buy a Google Pixel 10 Pro, a full year of Google AI Pro is included free-of-charge — that's a $239 value. It'll give you 12 months of Video Remix access in Google Photos.

EU hits Google with another $1B fine as Search and Play Store face fresh antitrust crackdown

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:23:32 +0000

What you need to know

The European Commission issued its first-ever Digital Markets Act fines against Google, totaling €890 million ($1 billion) for anticompetitive practices.
Search took the biggest hit, with Google fined €460 million for allegedly giving its own services preferential placement over rival platforms.
Google Play wasn't spared either, as the EU fined the company €430 million for restricting developers from steering users to cheaper payment options outside the Play Store.

Google’s battles with European regulators are far from over. After recently losing its fight against the EU’s record €4.1 billion antitrust fine over Android's market dominance, the European Commission has now issued its first fines against the company under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The EU announced that it has fined the company €890 million (around $1 billion), saying that Google broke the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by giving its own services an unfair advantage in Search, and limiting how Android developers can reach customers outside the Play Store.

The penalties are divided into two parts. Google was fined €460 million for allegedly favoring its products, including Shopping, Hotels, Transport, and Sports results, over rival services in Google Search. EU regulators said that Google's services were consistently given better placement and richer visual treatment than rival services, making it harder for competitors to get visibility.

The second fine, worth €430 million, was imposed on Google Play. The Commission said Google blocked developers from directing users freely to cheaper offers or alternative payment methods outside the Play Store. Under the DMA, developers should be able to promote those options without facing restrictive conditions, and Google’s steering-related fees were also found to be higher than what regulators consider acceptable.

These are the first fines that Google has received under the DMA, Europe’s landmark law aimed at reigning in the power of the biggest “gatekeepers” in the tech industry. The ruling also orders Google to change its Search ranking practices and its Play Store policy to comply with the law. Failure to take corrective action within 60 days can result in additional penalties based on the company’s global revenue.

Android Central has contacted Google for a statement and will update this article when we hear back. Anyway, the tech giant is expected to appeal the decision but will continue discussing possible compliance measures with regulators.

Android Central's Take

I don’t think most people will lose sleep over Google getting another billion dollar fine, but if these rulings push Google to give developers more freedom and make Search a little fairer, that’s ultimately a win for users. At the same time, I can’t help but notice the pattern here: Google changes its products, regulators object, Google appeals, and the process repeats itself. For years, you’d think we’d be talking about lasting fixes after billion-euro penalties instead of another chapter in the same regulatory saga.

Google's 'Selfie Video' literally turns your face into a key for your account

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:17:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google introduces Selfie Video, a new secure sign-in method to log into your account.
Users will be required to set up a Selfie Video initially, running through Google's guided instructions before it's saved.
Signing into your account with Selfie Video will compare your new recording with the initial one for verification.

As far as device security goes, or even account security, biometrics are unique. Google wants to advance that by using your face.

Google announced that it's adding a new way for users to sign into their accounts this week. Selfie Video is a method that will join Google's more security-conscious methods for account sign-in. Setting up Selfie Video is fairly straightforward. Google says it will walk you through the head movements you need to make so its software can "capture multiple angles" of your face. The Selfie Video you record initially is the original.

After you're done and you're looking to sign into your account, you can record a "new" Selfie Video. Google says it will compare the current video to your first one to verify you.

There are a few other ways users can sign into their Google Accounts. The company states Selfie Videos are here in case you're locked out. If you've forgotten your password or "don’t have access to your usual phone or computer," Selfie Video could help. Security—personal privacy, really—is an area Google knows is important to users. The announcement highlights the user's control over their video.

Your capture will be saved (and encrypted) on Google's servers "with your consent." Google says your video is saved for sign-in purposes "unless you opt to share it for additional purposes." What's more, users can delete their saved video at any time. It adds that when you call on Selfie Video for verification, Google deploys several layers of defense to protect your account from deep fakes, fake photos, and videos.

If Selfie Videos are your jam, you can get it set up.

Take a selfie

(Image credit: Google)

Android Central's Take

The good thing is that Selfie Video for Google Accounts is familiar. We're very familiar with Face Unlock and Face ID (Apple's version). It gives a similar vibe, for sure. Google did mention that Selfie Video can be used alongside recovery contacts, which also helps if you're ever locked out. It's a good idea. I know the idea of having your face stored on Google's servers might not sit well with everyone, but at least the option's there.

Passkeys are probably the most recognizable "strong" sign-in method that Google Accounts offer users. We've had passkeys as an option for personal accounts since 2023. The idea is to give passwords a nice (quiet) way out. Of course, you can still sign into your account with your password, but Google's kept pushing passkeys. This new security tech is reportedly 40% faster than typing your password. Passkeys were developed with the FIDO Alliance and are used across websites and apps.

Another good reason to rely on a passkey is that it can't be phished or stolen. Plus, you don't have to remember anything (phew!). It's worth remembering that since passkeys are a new security method, they've got their issues.

Gemini at Unpacked: Google announces major AI updates for foldables, glasses

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google shared details about a few Gemini updates, which coincide with Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked reveals.
Google reiterates Gemini's presence on Intelligent Eyewear (Samsung collab); however, Galaxy Watch 9 users can raise their wrist to activate the AI, all without saying a word.
Gemini Notebook is pre-installed on Samsung's new foldables, but Galaxy Z Fold 8 users can take full advantage of their multitasking capabilities, dragging and dropping content from other apps into the AI notebook.

It's Samsung's day, but Google has a few updates to offer users interested in everything revealed at Galaxy Unpacked.

Google shared a press release this morning (July 22), reiterating its recent collaboration with Samsung for Intelligent Eyewear. While the two have joined hands before (primarily for phones), these smart glasses are the next step. Google reminds us that Gemini on Intelligent Eyewear provides helpfulness in a way beyond phones. However, Google's bringing a little more to Samsung's new watch. Intelligent Eyewear is also receiving two new frames following Unpacked, which you can view below.

The Galaxy Watch 9 is receiving a little Gemini update for convenience. Google says users need only "raise their wrist," and the AI will activate. Users don't have to say "Hey Google" or "Hey Gemini." Raising your wrist opens its digital ears for your questions or tasks.

Gemini Intelligence continues its round of Galaxy Unpacked updates, as Google introduced a "task automation" expansion. This feature lets users give Gemini tasks that are rather mundane. Tasks like ordering food or items from your favorite online store. Google states task automation is expanding to more than 40 apps. What's more, this expansion gives Gemini the ability to understand what's on your screen.

If there's an item you've found, you can ask Gemini to find "something similar" on Etsy or another store, and order it for you. Users can track Gemini's progress in completing the task you've given it, as well. Google says this gives users the chance to cut in and correct anything before handing the task back to Gemini. Of course, any transactions fall solely on the user to complete.

With the Galaxy Z Flip 8's launch today, users can begin task automation on its Flex Window by long-pressing the power button.

Unpacking Gemini updates

Samsung

Google

On-device AI continues to advance with an interest in remaining useful. Google announced that Gemini Notebook (previously NotebookLM) is pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8. However, it's the larger sibling—the Galaxy Z Fold 8—that lets users take full advantage of the multitasking. Gemini Notebook can hold pages, videos, and more that you've found from other apps while you're searching.

Google highlights that users can have Chrome open on one side of the Fold 8 and Gemini Notebook on the other. This lets you easily drag and drop before handing off itinerary generation to Gemini. There is a chat function available. Users can chat with Gemini, asking questions about sources and more to create "high-quality" slide decks, videos, quizzes, and more.

One more thing: Samsung and Google introduced a new "native migration experience built directly into Android 17." The blog post states this lets users "transfer even more data types from an iPhone wirelessly—without downloading a separate app." Users can transfer photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendar info. New supported data now includes your Google Account, passwords, Wi-Fi details, and eSIM. Much of this data was mentioned previously by Google's product lead for Android Onboarding and Android Settings, Paul Dunlop, when discussing what Android 17 would change for Android Switch.

Intelligent Eyewear debuted during Google I/O in May. The glasses, with frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, merged style with technology. Users could talk to Gemini for navigational purposes, order pickups, and photo capture. Samsung joined the discussion, stating users could pair Intelligent Eyewear with their phones for hands-free assistance.

Android Central's Take

Task automation was already an eye-catching addition when the Galaxy S26 series debuted. To see it now begin expanding to more apps is another thumbs up from me. I like when AI is useful. It's nice that it continues to walk you through its progress via on-screen notifications (even on your lock screen).

Gboard could have a huge accessibility feature on the way for sign language

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:17:00 +0000

What you need to know

A tipster reportedly discovered a new accessibility feature that Google is working on for Gboard called "Sign-to-text."
This feature would leverage the user's camera and Google's AI to "translate" sign language into written text for messages or online searches and more.
Android has several common accessibility features, and Android 16 helped to refine the hearing aid experience for Bluetooth LE-based models and more.

There are a few important accessibility features present on Android that help make devices useful. However, a recent rumor claims that Google is working on another, and it could be its most significant.

"Sign-to-text" is a feature that Android Authority claims Google is working on for its keyboard app, Gboard. Within the code of a recent Gboard app version, the publication claims it found a welcome pop-up for "Sign-to-text," an accessibility feature for users who communicate via sign language. The early description says it will "translate your signing into text messages, web searches, emails, and more."

As one might imagine, this Gboard feature would leverage your phone's camera to capture you signing. If you also expect this feature to rely on Google's AI, you'd be right. Together with tipster AssembleDebug, the publication found that Sign-to-text will "translate" sign language into written text. While the video is said to "never leave your device," Sign-to-text will send "points representing the movement of your body" to Google for translation before deletion.

There's still quite a bit unknown about this. The tipster couldn't find much else aside from the splash screen and brief description. There's also speculation about how good Google's support for sign language will be. Android Authority highlights that there are other sign languages out there aside from American Sign Language.

Accessible for all

(Image credit: Android Authority)

As we mentioned before, Android has its fair share of accessibility options for users. Android 16 made two important changes for users who rely on hearing aids. If a user has a pair of Bluetooth LE earbuds, they can switch to their phone's mic to hear a call better. Additionally, users can adjust the volume of their hearing aids from their phone. Work to improve the hearing aid experience continued for Android 16 in December 2025.

In Google's year-end update, hearing aids were given Fast Pair support. The single-tap experience for pairing these devices to a compatible Android device was undoubtedly a major win. Google rolled this out for Demant hearing aids first, but planned to expand its support to Starkey devices earlier this year. Other than hearing aids, Android has accessibility options for colors and text size, but sign language is something fresh for its available selection.

Android Central's Take

I like that this has been discovered. It's in Google's code, yeah, but hopefully that means something. I've seen things like this disappear, as it's probably something Google is trying to see if it can do. I truly hope this is one that makes it because it would be huge for people who sign.

Google's latest Android 17 beta fixes Bluetooth headaches and Gemini crashes

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 01:05:31 +0000

What you need to know

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 is officially here, kicking off testing for Google's next Pixel Feature Drop arriving in December 2026.
This beta includes fixes for Bluetooth reconnection failures, lock screen media glitches, Gemini-related reboot crashes, and touch input bugs.
The update supports Pixel 6a through the Pixel 10 lineup, plus the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, and is available via the Android Beta Program and Android Emulator.

Google’s not wasting any time after wrapping up Android 17 QPR1. The company has officially kicked off testing of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1, offering Pixel users and developers a first look at the next quarterly update expected to arrive as the December 2026 Feature Drop.

This release doesn’t come with any new user-facing features, but it does fix some annoying bugs that have plagued Pixel owners. In its official release notes, Google says it has fixed an issue where Bluetooth devices could fail to reconnect after losing pairing, with no indication there was a problem. There’s also a fix that stops media controls from flashing briefly on the lock screen when waking a phone, even if notifications for that app had been turned off.

The most important fix is maybe for Gemini. Pixel devices may suddenly reboot when launching Google’s AI assistant due to a system crash. Google also addressed an issue with touch input where apps would stop receiving touch events after users performed a drag-and-drop gesture with multiple fingers.

The Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 is now available with build number CP41.260701.005 and supports most of the supported Pixels, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 family, and the latest Pixel 10 devices. It’s also available through the Android Emulator, and users enrolled in the program can install it over the air via the Android Beta Program.

But the rollout brings a major change, too. If you still have a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, your beta journey ends right here. These devices have reached their guaranteed update limits, so the previous QPR1 branch is their final beta track.

Android Central's Take

I don’t mind if Google takes a break from dumping flashy new features on us if it means they’ll actually iron out the bugs that get in the way of using my phone. Not getting access to yet another AI gimmick is 100x more annoying than Gemini demanding a reboot or Bluetooth suddenly refusing to reconnect. That said, I’d still like to see Google spend less time playing catch-up with stability issues in the first place. Pixel owners signed up for a premium Android experience, not a free QA gig. If QPR2 delivers a smoother, more reliable phone by December, that’s a win. But it would be even better if these fixes didn’t have to wait for a quarterly update.

Android Auto is finally getting the Google Maps feature drivers have wanted

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:40:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google Maps is finally bringing a live speedometer to Android Auto, closing a long-standing feature gap with Android phones and Apple CarPlay.
The rollout is currently very limited, with reports pointing to a server-side release for select Google Maps beta users on version 26.29.02.946673643.
The speedometer appears next to the speed limit indicator and changes color when you exceed the posted limit, making it easier to monitor your speed at a glance.

Google is finally checking off one of Android Auto users’ oldest wish list items. Google Maps has had a live speedometer feature on Android phones for a long time and even brought it to Apple CarPlay in 2024, but now it’s starting to show your speed on Android Auto as well.

It seems like the rollout is very limited for now. User reports from Reddit suggest that the feature is rolling out to a small number of beta users running Google Maps version 26.29.02.946673643, including at least one driver in Canada (via 9to5Google). As is often the case with recent Google Maps features, the update seems to be a server-side rollout, so simply updating the app doesn’t mean you’ll get it immediately.

The speedometer sits alongside the speed limit indicator when that information is available. Community reports say the speed read-out changes color as well if you’re driving over the posted limit, making it easier to spot at a glance without taking your eyes off the road for long.

(Image credit: SimulatorStudio / Reddit)

As with everything, Google considers the feature a reference and not a substitute for the real speedometer in your vehicle.

The delay has been particularly puzzling, given that Android Auto has lagged behind both Google Maps on Android phones and Apple’s CarPlay, despite them sharing a lot of the same navigation experience.

With this update finally arriving, Android Auto is edging closer to feature parity as Google continues rolling out other navigation upgrades, including its new immersive Maps interface with 3D buildings, improved lane guidance, and easier-to-follow highway interchanges.

Android Central's Take

This is one of those updates that, for me, deserves a “finally” more than a “yay.” A live speedometer isn’t some new AI-powered thing; it’s a simple navigation feature that’s been on phones and even CarPlay for ages. I’m still pleased to see it coming to Android Auto, because it’ll give drivers one less reason to look down at the dashboard, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas with lots of speed limit changes. I just wish Google would be just as quick about practical quality-of-life features as they are with fancy add-ons.

I never lose track of my phones, watches, or earbuds thanks to these 5 Google Find Hub features

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Apple's Find My network has long been a compelling reason to pick up an iPhone. It uses hundreds of millions of devices to track your products using crowdsourced location data, and almost everyone chooses to participate. Google lacked a true alternative for a while, but we've had one for the past two years with Find Hub (formerly Find My Device). It's still relatively new, so many Android users forget to use Find Hub or aren't aware of everything it can do.

I don't even remember to check Find Hub when I can't find an Android phone, Wear OS watch, or Bluetooth earbuds — but I'm starting to change that. Google Find Hub is loaded with features that help you keep track of your gadgets and protect your data in a worst-case scenario. These are the five Find Hub features you need to know about.

Check your phone's Wi-Fi network and battery percentage

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Most people probably know that Find Hub uses crowdsourcing to update a device's real-time location so you can find it. You may not know that Find Hub can provide additional information about your phone, and this remote data can help you locate it. Crucially, Find Hub lists your device's battery percentage in the app — this lets you know how much time you have to find it before the charge runs out.

More importantly, Find Hub will tell you whether your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. It'll also let you know the strength of the connection signal. This only works when your device is online, but it can be very helpful. For example, if I see a phone in the Find Hub list connected to my home Wi-Fi network with a strong signal, I know it's in my apartment. If it's connected to my network with a weak signal, it could be in my car out front.

Sometimes, the information you get from a device's battery and connectivity status can be more helpful than the raw GPS coordinates. To try it for yourself, open Find Hub and tap a device in the Devices list. If it is online, you'll see when the device was last seen, its battery percentage, and network connection status under its name.

Find your device on a map, and get directions to it

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

If you can't remember where you left your device, its location data can help. I don't always turn to Find Hub location data first because, unless you're using a tracker with ultra-wideband (UWB) support, the app can't help you narrow down the device's location beyond providing GPS coordinates. Still, it can be useful if you can't remember whether you left your phone at home, at work, or at a coffee shop.

To check it, open Find Hub and tap the name of your device in the list. A map will open with a pin showing the device's last known location. You can tap the Get directions button to open Google Maps, view the coordinates on your device, and start navigating to them.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

I use the Play sound feature in Find Hub more than the Get directions tool. If you think a device is lost near you, navigate to Find Hub > [Device Name] > Play sound to blare an alarm through your device if it is nearby and visible. It's really loud, and sounding the alarm gives you a great chance of locating your lost product.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

For accessories like earbuds, you can share ownership with a trusted friend or family member in the Find Hub app. The way it works is simple. Open the Find Hub app, find your device in the Devices list, and tap it. Then, press Share ownership and hit Continue. This will create a shareable link that can be sent to one person and expires after 24 hours.

When the person you share an accessory with accepts the invitation, they'll be able to see the device's location until you stop sharing it. This is helpful for devices you share with someone else, as both of you will be able to track their location. It isn't available for every device, though, and it's made for accessories. I used it with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, sharing the location with my partner so we both can keep track of the earbuds.

Mark a device as lost, and get notified when it's found

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Of course, there are times when you lose a device away from home and might not be able to easily locate it. Find Hub can help in this situation too, with a Mark as lost mode. In the Find Hub app, locate your lost device in the Devices list and tap its name. Then, hit Mark as lost and Continue.

You'll be able to add a contact phone number or message that appears on your lost device. It'll completely lock down your lost phone, showing a black screen with a shortcut that allows anyone who finds it to instantly call the owner (you). When you find it, you'll be able to unlock it from this screen, but you'll need to use two-factor authentication. Alternatively, you can remove the lost device lock remotely using the Find Hub app or the Find Hub web client at https://www.google.com/android/find/.

Factory reset your device when all hope is lost

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

If you can't regain access to your device, Find Hub can permanently erase it to ensure your data is never compromised. This should be your last resort, as erasing a lost device remotely will remove it from Find Hub, and you won't be able to see its location. To do this, open the Find Hub app, find your device in the list, and tap it. Then press the Settings gear icon next to your device's name. Then, tap either Factory reset or Remove device — the former is for phones, and the latter is for accessories.

Completing the factory reset process will remotely wipe your lost device, permanently deleting all its data. This certainly isn't an easy decision to make, but erasing your device could be better than letting your data potentially fall into the wrong hands.

Google Find Hub works with Android-powered devices, Wear OS watches, Bluetooth accessories, and item trackers. When you learn to master it, you'll have a much better chance of finding your lost devices and items.

Google

Pixel 10a

Enter the Google ecosystem

The Google Pixel 10a is the perfect starter phone to get into Android, and start using features like Find Hub. With it, you can track your phone, tablets, and accessories thanks to a large crowdsourced network.

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 fixes a few problems Pixel users reported for months

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:00:23 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 to Pixel users with a Pixel 6 or newer phone.
The patch is lighter; however, it features a trifecta of fixes for the Pixel Quick Settings menu for issues that have been reported since January.
Beta 6 rolled out at the top of July, achieving the major milestone of Platform Stability.

Google is following up on a huge milestone for its first quarterly Android 17 update with a beta that fixes issues Pixel users have been vocal about.

Compared to what Beta 6 achieved, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 might seem a little lackluster. However, what it does is roll out solutions to problems Pixel users have been reporting for months. Google shared its patch notes on Reddit this week, stating enrolled testers with a Pixel 6 or newer phone can begin downloading it. There are two issues that users have continued to report to Google. Both involve the Pixel Quick Settings menu.

Android Central's Take

This first Quick Settings problem was reported quite a few times. Google lists seven reports of the issue, each with similar user experiences. This problem has been an issue since January, and February held quite a few reports. I went through, and Google responded to each, but it seems that nailing a fix took longer than anticipated. At one point, I saw a Google response from May that said a fix was coming.

Google states that it's rolling out a fix for "Battery Share from Quick Settings." Users have informed Google that Battery Share would "sometimes do nothing" or "sometimes it shows the wireless charging animation." Another round of Issue Tracker reports states that Battery Share wasn't working properly. The user says it would "turn off the second I try to turn it on." What's more, they state that the UI would incorrectly say their phone is wirelessly charging when "it's not connected physically to anything."

While Google has known about this problem since January, a fix is now rolling out for Pixel users in Beta 7 to solve a "failure to start charging" and "repeatedly displayed the charging animation." Two more fixes are rolling out for Pixel Quick Settings. Please read them below.

Quarterly update soon

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Turning off Wi-Fi created an empty gap between the battery and mobile data icons in the Quick Settings status bar
A crash in the Quick Settings font size controller that prevented users from adjusting their text size from the quick access panel

The hope is that we're coming up on Google's first quarterly release for Android 17. Usually, this takes place around September. Google has been moving quickly with Android 17's development, so maybe the timeline has changed. Either way, QPR1 Beta 6 rolled out two weeks ago, achieving the major milestone of Platform Stability. This matters for both sides, but more so for developers. Better preparation for their apps to work with this new version can begin. For users, this means we're one (major) step closer to downloading it.

There was a Quick Settings-related issue in Beta 6, as well. Users reported that there was a visual glitch when "rapidly swiping" through the media carousel. The Quick Settings layout and settings icon were affected by this bug. Now, the company's rolling out even more fixes for Quick Settings.

Instacart, YouTube Music join a Connected Apps expansion in Google's AI Mode

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:05:16 +0000

What you need to know

Google announced a Connected Apps expansion in AI Mode in Search, opening access to Instacart, YouTube Music, and Canva for U.S. users.
These services let users lean on the AI for grocery shopping, as AI Mode asks for their preferred store before filling their Instacart bag ahead of checkout.
Google states that it's working with other partners in preparation to add more services

Google's Connected Apps let users bring Gemini into their emails, Drive, and more. This experience is expanding this week, as AI Mode lends a helping hand.

Google announced this afternoon (July 16) that it's rolling out Connected Apps in AI Mode. The post states, "...we’re enabling you to directly connect your apps in Search." Connected Apps in AI Mode will roll out first for U.S. users, and it's adding three "go-to" services for users getting started. U.S. users can connect their YouTube Music account with AI Mode for playlist creation.

The company offers a brief example, stating users can prompt the AI to create a playlist for someone's birthday. Offering their age helps, as the AI rolls the time machine back to their birth year to create a playlist that blends the past and present. AI Mode will produce its results in your chat with it. Users will find the playlist's AI-generated title, number of songs, playlist length (mins/hours), and buttons to "add to library" or play.

Something to note is that AI Mode's playlists in YouTube Music will expire after a duration. Google recommends that users save their playlist to avoid losing it.

Instacart is another service users can let the AI leverage. If you're looking to get some groceries before a big party, you can tell the AI to "get me all the things I need for my BBQ and add them to my grocery cart." AI Mode will sift through your Google Account, Gmail, and more to gather the details, and since you mentioned "grocery cart," Instacart is where it'll lean to complete the process.

Users can select their preferred store, verify the items in their cart, and open Instacart to complete the transaction.

Let AI do the heavylifting

Google

The final service arriving in AI Mode is Canva. You may know that this is a go-to app for creating flyers and other promotional material. Users can tell AI Mode to create a specific banner in Canva, alongside specific details, such as its theme, date/time for the event, and more. AI Mode will offer its results in chat. Users can tap on the individual AI creations to edit them in the Canva app.

Connected Apps in AI Mode are rolling out today (July 16) for U.S. users. Google says it's "working with a range of partners," teasing that there's more to come.

Personal Intelligence was a huge update for Gemini in January. This allowed users to bring Gemini into their personal lives by connecting Photos, Gmail, YouTube, and other apps. Users could ask Gemini to find dates from a recent string of emails or find replacement tires. The AI would look through emails and their photos to find their car's make and model before completing the search.

Google rolled this experience out in AI Mode, Gemini, and Gemini in Chrome for more U.S. users in March. It was confined to Google's apps, but this expansion gives users even more room to work with.

Our best look at Pixel Glow just came from a Pixel 11 Google Store teaser

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:05:48 +0000

What you need to know

Google Store's official Pixel 11 teaser highlights its Pixel Glow design, which sits inside the camera bar beside the phone's camera lenses.
Google describes the video as showcasing an "olive and coral Pixel 11 Pro phone."
The company sent its invitations, confirming its Made by Google event will take place on August 12 at 6 pm ET in New York.

Pixel Glow has been a more intriguing topic in the world of Pixel 11 rumors. However, after the company's storefront teaser, we have something a little more substantial.

The Google Store is getting ready for the Pixel 11 in August. The company's Pixel 11/Made by Google event teaser page has been updated with a new animation. As the animation rolls on, we're now able to see Pixel Glow's LED indicator beside the phone's camera lenses. This confirms that Google is placing Pixel Glow inside its iconic camera bar.

There's still a lot we're curious about, but the animation suggests Pixel Glow will offer a soft, multi-colored LED experience. What's more, my colleague Derrek Lee got crafty. Inspecting the page revealed a little more about the device we're looking at. According to his discovery, Google says this video shows "The side view of an olive and coral Pixel 11 Pro phone."

It's difficult to make out the color of the phone in question. All we're treated to, much like its emailed invitations, are phones with a gold or rose gold finish along the camera bar and sides. At the least, we can (potentially) take this as confirmation that there will be olive and coral variations of the Pixel 11 Pro. Google teases once more that pre-orders for the Pixel 11 will begin on August 12.

We've been wondering

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Rumors about Pixel Glow have had us speculating about its design for months. Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich made the mockup you see above. We hoped that Google would create a ring of RGB lights around the camera bar. In our heads, it would make the phone pop even more. That hope continued with users online after Google I/O 2026. Social media was buzzing after a Gemini Omni teaser showed a model holding a Pixel phone with a glowing camera bar.

Everyone wondered, "Could this be Pixel Glow?" The odds were stacked against this theory. It was a segment about Google's AI, for one. Moreover, the phone looked like it was in a case, and the glow was coming from the case. Rumors had also evolved, claiming Google might opt for an RGB LED dot in the camera bar, replacing the temperature sensor.

Google confirmed earlier this month that the Pixel 11 series will debut on August 12 at 6 p.m. ET in New York.

Android Central's Take

I feel like the design Google's gone with keeps things... classy? There's a chance that a full LED ring around the phone's camera bar makes it stick out too much. Perhaps it takes away from the Pixel design in an unnatural way. Still, I think it would've been sick, but that's the gamer in me. Regardless, an LED dot like this has its uses. I think back to Nothing's Glyph Matrix or Glyph Bar. The lights mean something. So, how will Pixel Glow be helpful?

Google opens Pixel Care Plus enrollment for the Pixel 10 and 9, but time is short

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:13:17 +0000

What you need to know

Google announces that it's running an open enrollment period for its Pixel Care Plus program for customers with a Pixel 9 or 10 device.
Users who skipped out on this plan before can get it now; however, users have from July 14 to August 2 before this "limited-time" chance is gone.
Pixel Care Plus gives customers $0 screen and battery repairs, unlimited accidental damage protection, and more.

Like everything in tech, device makers often provide protection plans that consumers can pay for. Google's version is typically offered within a narrow window, but it's now available to everyone who skipped it at checkout.

Open enrollment arrives for Pixel Care Plus this week. Google announced the open period in a Keyword post. The company states that from July 14 to August 2, consumers who purchased a Pixel 9 series (including Pixel 9a) or Pixel 10 series phone (including Pixel 10a) qualify for a "limited-time opportunity." Consumers with one of these models can add Pixel Care Plus protection to cover any damage.

Google states consumers enrolling in Pixel Care Plus through this open period will be awarded "$0 screen and battery repairs, unlimited accidental damage protection, and optional loss and theft coverage." However, while this is open to quite a decent cast of phones, Google says that not everyone qualifies.

It's great if you have a Pixel 9 or 10 series phone, but Google needs to ensure that you're a U.S. customer and that your device "is in good working condition." In layman's terms, your Pixel 9 or 10 needs to be "fully functioning and free from cracks, mechanical defects or liquid damage." If your device checks out, you're good to go.

Google directs users to the My Pixel app or its online store to add Pixel Care Plus protection.

Another chance

(Image credit: Google)

Pixel Care Plus was first announced last summer, shortly after the Pixel 10 series launched. The plan replaced Google's old Preferred Care and Fi Device Protection for U.S. customers. With Pixel Care Plus, consumers receive $0 screen/battery repairs and post-warranty malfunction claims, priority support, and a few more goodies. As previously stated, customers usually have a limited window to grab a protection plan for their new device.

This window of opportunity typically lasts 60 days from the phone's purchase. Google made sure to highlight last summer that Care Plus customers were eligible for free "upgraded shipping" during repairs. Priority Support is another perk. Customers can speak to Google's experts about any issues. Preferred Care and Fi Device Protection in the U.S. were migrated from those older plans to Google's updated offerings.

Android Central's Take

This a mini-event that's pretty good to capture. To break things down, Google offers monthly coverage for a Pixel 10 Pro XL at $13, $239 for two-year protection. Having protection for a device you use every day for calls, scrolling, gaming, what-have-you, isn't a bad idea. But not everyone splurges on that sort of thing amidst the assortment of other bills we have to pay. But, hey, here's a chance if you've ever felt like you should've gotten it at checkout.

Google might be preparing a much-needed redesign for the Android Auto media player

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:05:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google is said to be testing a redesigned Android Auto media card that prioritizes playback controls over oversized album art.
The new layout adds quick-access buttons like Like, Shuffle, and Repeat, depending on the media app you're using.
The expanded controls appear to be limited to vehicles with larger infotainment displays, leaving smaller screens with a simplified layout.

Google seems to be rolling out a major usability upgrade to the media player in Android Auto’s dashboard interface, swapping out the oversized album art for quicker access to playback controls.

Android Authority spotted the new media card in an APK teardown, which replaces the current layout with a more compact presentation. The card prominently displays the album art, with track information positioned below it. The background is still a blurred version of the album art, but the biggest difference is a larger set of playback controls.

In addition to the standard play/pause and track skip buttons, Android Auto could also show app-specific shortcuts such as Like, Shuffle, and Repeat. The exact controls appear to differ depending on which media app you’re using, so podcast players and other audio apps may show different actions.

(Image credit: Android Authority)

That’s a welcome change from the current design, which can require opening the full app just to access commonly used features.

But there's another catch. Android Authority’s teardown suggests that not all cars will display the expanded controls. It appears that a larger display on the head unit has room for these additional buttons, while smaller screens might revert to a simpler design.

Android Central's Take

To be honest, I'm surprised it took Google this long to realize we might want to shuffle a playlist without tap dancing through menus at 65 mph. The real-world benefit is obvious. But in classic Google fashion, it has overcomplicated a basic quality-of-life update by gatekeeping the best parts behind your car’s hardware specs.

The company recently added swipeable media cards and has been slowly rolling out interface changes it announced at Google I/O 2026, such as the new Immersive Navigation experience in Google Maps. This potential change looks like it’s a logical addition to the overall experience.

For the time being, the new media player remains hidden within recent Android Auto builds, and there’s no official release date. As with many Google experiments, there’s no guarantee it will ship in its current form. That said, if this interface makes it to stable users, it could make controlling music in the car noticeably faster with fewer taps and less time hunting for the buttons you use most.

Google Images turns 25: celebrate with a 'dynamic gallery,' Nano Banana in AI Overviews

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:02:57 +0000

What you need to know

Google Images celebrates 25 years, and it's rolling out a new "immersive, browseable gallery" in July.
Users will find a gallery in Images that updates in real-time based on their interests, with an added option to save content into "Collections."
AI Overviews receives Nano Banana, meaning users can ask the AI to generate images based on their prompt.

This week marks 25 years of Google Images, a part of the company's search experience that's often overlooked. That's changing with a complete redesign that updates in real-time.

Today (July 14), Google is celebrating 25 years of its image search experience with an update that's going to change the game. The company is starting to roll out a complete redesign of Images, calling it a "brand new browseable home." In a way, Google Images looks inspired by Keep or the Photos app. Users will find images spread out, almost like a collage. Google says this "dynamic, immersive gallery" will still display results from across the web.

However, it will also "update in real-time, intelligently tailored to your unique interests." Google Images features a series of tabs right above its results. These tabs go beyond hopping between other Google-related results. Users will find "Saves and For You" tabs. The first influences the rest: users can save photos they find on Google Images to a "Collection" and name it.

Your Collections will appear beside the For You, so you can "jump back in and continue exploring based on what inspires you." This redesign for Google Images will roll out over the next few weeks for English desktop users in the U.S. Users are encouraged to sign in to their Google Account once it arrives.

Google

The second update brings AI Overviews into the mix. Google says this update is for users who "have a highly specific vision where an image doesn’t yet exist." Google's Nano Banana brings its image generation capabilities directly into AI Overviews. Text prompts telling the AI to "create a visual" or "help me visualize" will produce "high-quality, custom visuals." The top of your AI Overview will show the generated photo, along with a few ways to tell the bot to tweak it.

Moreover, Google Images will appear beneath it with a few real-world examples that fit your prompt to help.

25 years of Image Search

(Image credit: Google)

Since this is a birthday bash, Google is walking back 25 years, back to where its image search started. The company recalled an update in 2001 after Jennifer Lopez's captivating green Versace dress stunned the world a year prior. Google said, "People didn’t just want to read about the dress — they wanted to see it. So in July 2001, we launched Google Images, making it possible for the first time to search and instantly explore visual content from across the web."

Eight years later, in 2009, Similar Images debuted. Web searches can often turn up results that you're not interested in. With "find similar images," users could ensure they got the results they wanted (i.e., bow and arrows, not a hair bow). Circle to Search in 2024 was a major milestone for Google after Lens took over in 2018 (then multi-search for Lens in 2022). Now, in 2026, Google has relied on its "intelligent search box" to help carry user queries for text-based and image searches.

Android Central's Take

I don't use Google Images that often. It's been like that for years. I use it occasionally for looking up cities in different countries, or for snapshots of movies. Google's trying to change that. This update makes Google Images a better assistant for inspiration or ideas if you're going to travel. The real-time updating aspect is another important aspect of this new sentiment that looks pretty good. Here's to another 25, Google Images.

You can now spot AI-generated Google ads, if you know where to look

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:18:18 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out AI labels for ads across Search, YouTube, and Discover to make AI-generated or AI-edited advertising more transparent.
The new "Created or edited with AI" disclosure appears in My Ad Center under the new "How this ad was made" section, with the rollout happening globally.
Ads made with Google's AI tools are labeled automatically, while advertisers using third-party AI tools must disclose AI use themselves.

Google is finally adding another layer of transparency to AI-generated advertising, giving people a better idea of when the ads they're seeing were created or edited with artificial intelligence.

The company announced in a blog post that ads across Google Search, YouTube, and Discover will now feature a new disclosure in My Ad Center that says “Created or edited with AI.”

To see it, tap the three-dot menu or info icon on an ad and go to the new “How this ad was made” section, which explains whether AI was used to create the ad. Google says the rollout is happening worldwide.

The labels work differently depending on how the ad was created. If advertisers use Google’s own generative AI tools, the disclosure will be automatically added by the company.

(Image credit: Google)

However, if they use third-party AI tools, they are expected to self-report by manually applying the label. In some markets those disclosures might even show up directly on the ad, rather than tucked away in the information panel.

Android Central's Take

Personally I’m glad Google is pushing for more transparency because AI-generated ads aren’t going away anytime soon, and users deserve to know when they’re looking at machine-made content. This additional context can help people make better-informed decisions, rather than taking polished marketing at face value. But I can't stop rolling my eyes at the fact that these labels are buried behind yet another menu and that third-party AI disclosures are mostly contingent on advertisers telling the truth. That sounds good in theory, but the internet hasn't exactly made a reputation for itself on the honor system. If Google wants to really build trust with users, it should make AI labels unmissable, not optional detective work.

Google says the update aims to help users better understand the content they’re seeing and give advertisers clear tools to meet evolving transparency standards.

The company has already made disclosures mandatory for digitally altered political ads and has broadened technologies such as SynthID and C2PA to help improve AI content identification. The broader rollout takes these transparency efforts beyond election ads and into everyday commercial campaigns.

That said, the system isn't foolproof. Only content created with Google’s AI products is automatically labeled; everything else is up to advertisers being honest about their use of AI. That leaves room for bad actors to slip through unless Google develops stronger detection methods down the road.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold FCC filing hints at Google's biggest modem upgrade yet

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:10:00 +0000

What you need to know

Pixel 11 Pro Fold FCC filing points to a major modem shake-up, with Google expected to replace Samsung's Exynos modem with MediaTek's M90.
Tensor G6 could complete Google's break from Samsung, following Tensor G5's reported move to TSMC for chip manufacturing.
MediaTek's M90 brings meaningful upgrades, including up to 12Gbps 5G speeds, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power efficiency.

Google’s long-term partnership with Samsung for Pixel modem hardware might be ending, and a new regulatory filing indicates that change is coming sooner rather than later.

A new FCC filing for the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold seems to confirm that Google is ready to switch to a MediaTek modem and replace Samsung’s Exynos solution, as spotted by Android Authority. The filing corroborates earlier reports that the Tensor G6 platform will be paired with the company's M90 5G modem, instead of using Samsung's modem technology.

Google has been heavily reliant on Samsung for chip design and modem components since the original Tensor chip debuted in the Pixel 6 series. Although Tensor G5 is reported to have moved to TSMC for manufacturing, Google is still using a Samsung modem. The one for a clean break seems to be Tensor G6.

For Pixel users, the modem swap might matter more than benchmark numbers. Samsung's modems have been among the more common complaints on recent Pixel phones, with users citing inconsistent cellular reception, increased battery drain, and less reliable signal strength compared to other flagship devices. A more recent modem could fix those long-term pain points.

On paper, MediaTek’s M90 modem has some promising upgrades. It supports download speeds of up to 12Gbps, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power management that promises to improve efficiency without compromising performance. With the rumored Tensor G6 shift to TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process, the Pixel 11 lineup could deliver meaningful gains in battery life, thermal performance, and overall connectivity rather than just the raw processing power.

If the leaks are true, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could be the company's first foldable to come with a MediaTek modem, and that points to a wider change for the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

Android Central's Take

I think this is one of the smartest hardware decisions Google could make. Pixel phones have always had great cameras and some genuinely helpful AI features, but modem performance has been a frustrating Achilles heel for years. If the move to MediaTek finally solves the connectivity and battery problems, most users will probably not care whose logo is on the modem — they will be happy with a Pixel that has a better signal and lasts longer.

Gemini won't cut you off as much, and its reliability improved in Google Home

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:54:44 +0000

What you need to know

Google posted the patch notes for an early July update that's rolling out better reliability, improved sports interactions, and visual refreshes for Gemini.
The Home app gives better light control for two Walmart onn products, while also delivering "Suggested Automations" for users.
In June, Google brought Pet Memory to users, improving how their smart home products perceive their pets walking around their home with personalized alerts.

Google's streak of smart home patches continues in July with key updates for the Home app and Gemini.

Gemini for Home is still in early access; however, that's not stopping Google from rolling out better assistance and conversational capabilities this week. Google announced improved visual layouts for weather forecasts and general knowledge answers from Gemini on smart displays. What's more, sports lovers are getting "more accurate and up-to-date" answers.

With the FIFA World Cup still going on, entering the quarterfinals round today (July 9), users receiving the patch can ask Gemini about schedules, team standings, and more. The other Gemini-centric update concerns "Continued Conversations." Google says it's making its AI "more reliable" with its responses to your follow-up questions and rapid-fire commands.

Outside of the AI scope, the Google Home is rolling out an important update for user automations. With v4.20, users are getting "Suggested Automations." We've heard about automation suggestions a few times in the past. Users will soon find "ready-made automations tailored to real-life tasks like home security, morning routines, or energy savings." Google states these suggestions can be found at the top of your Automations tab or below your scheduled automations.

A light button arrives in the app for onn Outdoor Camera Plug-in and onn Floodlight Camera Hardwired devices. While in camera view, users can toggle the light on and off for these devices. Additionally, older Nest cameras are receiving improvements to the setup process.

We've resolved a problem that could cause your camera live stream to fail to refresh or resume after unlocking your mobile device
We've optimized the camera live view to prevent slow performance during extended viewing sessions
We've corrected the status display of smart door locks to ensure they are never shown with incorrect offline icons
We've corrected an issue where the Face Match setup flow could abruptly exit during brief network interruptions
We've resolved a fan control flickering issue when manually toggling your thermostat fan on and off
We've resolved a crash that could occur when rotating your screen while organizing your favorite tiles
We've resolved a visual issue where offline doorbell camera previews showed an unintended black border on Google TV

Reliable AI

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Continued Conversations was a significant update for Gemini earlier this year. The purpose was to give Gemini better memory for conversations that haven't concluded. Users can converse with the AI, and it will keep its mic open for a few extra seconds in case there's more to add. The original update brought the core of this feature, and now Google is making the AI more reliable in this space.

In June, Pet Memory arrived for user smart home cameras. With Ask Home, users can ensure the AI knows their pet's name and type. Alerts that come through will be more accurate in this sense, as Google Home will say "Bandit is in the living room," instead of "dog is walking."

Android Central's Take

Anytime I see anything remotely related to sports, it has my attention. Beyond that, Gemini's reliability has been called into question before, and it's nice to see Google working on that. If Gemini is slow or causing you to repeat what you've said, that'd just cause headaches. No one wants that.

The Pixel Watch 5 could come with an unwelcome surprise for buyers

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:05:40 +0000

What you need to know

Google is raising Pixel Watch 5 prices by $50, with the 41mm starting at $399 and the 45mm at $429 in the US.
LTE variants will cost $100 more than the non-cellular versions.
The Pixel Watch 5 comes in four colors, though the polished Warm Gold is exclusive to the smaller 41mm model.

Just a day after we learned that Google is planning to raise prices for the Pixel 11 series, the same leaker has now revealed that Google is also increasing prices for the Pixel Watch 5 models.

Google confirmed yesterday that it'll be hosting a launch event on August 12 at 6:00 PM ET. The company is widely expected to introduce both the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Watch 5 models at the event, and now we have a few more details about the latter.

According to Dealabs, the Pixel Watch 5 series will stick with the same sizes we've seen before, in 41mm and 45mm. However, it looks like Google is set to raise prices by $50. That means the 41mm Pixel Watch 5 would start at $399 in the U.S., while the 45mm model is expected to start at $429.

You can expect the LTE variants to cost $100 more than the non-cellular versions.

Pixel Watch 5 leaked prices
	Pixel Watch 5 (41mm)	Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi	$399 / €419 / £369	$429 / €449 / £399
LTE	$499 / €519 / £469	$529 / €549 / £499

It's not too hard to see why Google is raising prices, given the rising cost of memory components. Budget gadgets are being hit the hardest, and unfortunately, the Pixel Watch 5 falls into that category. It's also worth noting that this is the first price increase since the Pixel Watch series first launched.

On top of the pricing, a new report from Nieuwe Mobiel claims the Pixel Watch 5 series will come in four colors this year: Natural Silver, Dark Anthracite, Warm Gold, and Pyrite.

(Image credit: Nieuwe Mobiel)

It's worth noting that the leak claims that the silver and gold options will come in polished finishes, while the anthracite and pyrite will have a matte finish. According to the leak, the gold color will only be available on the smaller 41mm model, not the 45mm version.

We all saw Google's teaser yesterday confirming that the Pixel 11 series will come in a gold finish, so this new gold Pixel Watch option seems designed to complement it. That said, I'm not entirely sold on the direction here, since a polished gold finish could end up being a real scratch magnet.

Either way, everything should become clearer over the coming days, with Google set to announce the new Pixel lineup just over a month from now.

'Video Remix' in Google Photos reimagines reality into your ideal scenario

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:25:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google Photos received another reimagining tool called "Video Remix."
Similar to its other Remix option, Video Remix lets users reimagine a video with new lighting, an entirely different theme or style, and more.
The Create tab's Remix was our introduction to this for photos in 2025, and a Remix option as since hit Google TV.

New AI capabilities are rolling out in Google Photos. Reality can be nice, but there are times when you wish you could remix it into something better.

This afternoon (July 8), Google Photos announced a new feature rolling out called "Video Remix." The Create tab in the Photos app is where you can get started. Google states Video Remix "transforms ordinary videos into share-worthy moments in just a few taps." The feature leans on Google's Gemini Omni model to handle the user's editing prompt.

Android Central's Take

It's the quick sharing capabilities that Google's AI can offer that has always been appealing. It's something I can do on a whim. Imagine joking around and saying, "imagine if we were doing this on the moon." Video Remix might let me see that now.

On one hand, users can leverage Video Remix's easy templates for quick edits. However, you can also tell the AI what you'd like to change, such as lighting or style/theme. Video Remix can also reimagine your video's background. In an example, Google says users can take their video from out on the street to a greenhouse.

Video Remix is rolling out today (July 8) for eligible Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers. The following countries will see this: U.S., Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey.

Create tab welcomes videos

Google

We're no strangers to remixing things in Google Photos. After all, the Create tab was the main event in the app's update last summer. Google Photos received the same photo-to-video capabilities that Gemini did. "Remix" only concerned images at the time. Users could upload a photo and tell the AI to turn it into a Christmas party or a still straight from a comic book or anime.

At the time, Google said Remix and the other features in the Create tab were experimental. They only rolled out to U.S. users initially before others. Now, it seems Google has learned some lessons about how its remixing feature can help users, so we're seeing better availability.

AI creations have expanded this year, as Google TV got in on the AI hype. Photos that you've stored in your Google account can be turned into a "dynamic slideshow" for your TV's screensaver. What's more, even TVs got a Remix option. This works like all the rest: capable of reimaging images with totally wacky and fun styles.

The first post-Android 17 update is rolling out for Pixels with security and bug fixes

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:00:23 +0000

What you need to know

Google started rolling out its July security update for Pixels, which serves as its first post-Android 17 launch patch.
The update fixes a few early issues affecting Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 series phones, as well as a navigation button problem for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Google has achieved Platform Stability for Android 17's first quarterly update with Beta 6.

Android 17's debut was huge, alongside Google's other major Pixel news. Now, the company is rolling out its first post-Android 17 patch, and it's of the monthly variety for security and bug fixes.

Google posted the changelog for its July 2026 security update for Pixel 6 and newer phones. Globally, Pixel users can expect to download vCP2A.260705.006 once it hits their devices. Google says the patch is "rolling out in phases" over the next week, so its availability will be staggered to start. Android 17's UI is receiving a couple of fixes. The first involves only the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, as users reported problems with its navigation buttons.

Google says these buttons would occasionally "change alignment after folding and unfolding the device." The July patch should solve this issue for those affected users. The second fix concerns every supported Pixel device for this July update (Pixel 6 to the Pixel 10 series). Google states it's rolling out a fix for the wallpaper shape effect as it would "incorrectly cover the subject instead of appearing in the background."

You can check out the remainder of the patch notes below. It's worth noting that the following fixes concern all supported Pixel phones receiving this patch.

Fix for an issue where certain applications would unexpectedly close or fail to launch
Fix for an issue where various system widgets were displayed with incorrect colors or contrast settings
Fix for an issue where some devices would fail to load the Android system or become stuck in a boot loop under certain conditions

Testing underway

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Google is rolling out a small fix for widgets, but it doesn't solve the main issue most Pixel users were experiencing. Users said their home screen widgets started disappearing after updating to Android 17. Google is aware of this and says a fix is on the way. We've seen that fix appear in the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 update. Specifically, it states the fix is for widgets that "disappear or become unavailable in the widget picker after a device reboot."

Since this is in its QPR1 beta, we'll likely have to wait for Android 17's first quarterly patch, which is what the tests are for. However, Google hit us with a pretty quick double whammy. Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 rolled out last week, and it's now in Platform Stability. This is the part of the beta where devs can begin testing and applying their APIs to the software in preparation for users to receive it.

Android Central's Take

Android 17 wasn't a flashy update, and most other phones from other makers are awaiting their turn to get it. Not all major OS updates need to be, so long as they offer something worth our time. Android 17 focuses on security and threat detection for phones, which is always appreciated.

Pixel 11 leak reveals double the storage and a price hike you won't like

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:45:00 +0000

What you need to know

Pixel 11 could finally ditch 128GB, with every model rumored to start at 256GB of storage.
Expect to pay more, as leaked European pricing suggests a €100 increase across the lineup.
The Pro XL and Pro Fold may see genuine price increases, making Google's premium phones even more expensive.

If Google’s latest Pixel 11 leak is anything to go by, the days of purchasing a Pixel phone with just 128GB storage could soon be over. The catch? You might have to pay more up front.

A fresh report from Dealabs paints the clearest picture yet of Google's upcoming Pixel 11 lineup. It suggests Google is preparing a major shake-up for storage, colors, pricing, and launch timing ahead of the phones' expected debut next month.

Perhaps the most surprising change (or not) is something many Pixel fans have been begging for. The leak suggests that Google is killing the 128GB base storage option across the entire Pixel 11 family. Instead, each model would ship with 256GB, bringing the Pixel family more in line with the direction other flagship makers have been heading.

Of course the change has a clear downside. The report says prices across the range will be up about €100 in Europe. That sounds like a straightforward price hike, but there's a bit more to it.

Prices could be shifting up

For the standard Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, those buyers would essentially be paying what the 256GB versions of the last generation already cost. That means the base storage is twice as large, but so is the base price. The Pixel 11 is expected to begin at €999 for 256GB, while the Pixel 11 Pro could start at €1,199.

For Google’s premium models, however, the news is less rosy. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is said to start at €1,399, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could go up to €1,999 for the base 256GB model. These seem to be real price increases (unlike the standard models, which are replacements for lower-capacity variants).

The Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold are said to scale up to 1TB of storage, but the highest storage version is said to be available in just the Midnight Haze black color. The standard Pixel 11 would max out at 512GB.

The leak also shows a glimpse of what could be the color palette of Google’s lineup for this year. The regular Pixel 11 is expected to be launched in Midnight Haze (black), Light Sterling (gray), Moss (green), and Fuchsia (pink). The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, meanwhile, are rumored to be available in Midnight Haze, Light Fog (white), Pine (green), and Dune (pink). Those looking to get their hands on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold have fewer options, as only Midnight Haze and Pine are said to be on the table.

Timing-wise, Google just revealed that it will launch the Pixel 11 series on August 12, and preorders will start right after. It is expected to go on sale in stores on August 20.

But there is still an important caveat. These figures are accurate for Europe and the UK. Google doesn’t always reflect regional pricing across markets, so US pricing could end up telling a different story when the company makes everything official.

Android Central's Take

Personally, I'm all for Google ditching 128GB as the default. In 2026, that much storage just doesn’t cut it with AI features, 4K videos, and massive apps eating up space faster than ever. I'd rather start with 256GB than worry about deleting photos in a few months. That said, Google should not use a long overdue storage bump as an excuse to quietly charge everyone more. Doubling the storage is a welcome upgrade, but it only feels worthwhile if the price reflects the value rather than serving as another reason to justify flagship phone costs.

Your Android phone backup now counts against your Google storage — but the impact is smaller than you think

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:19:31 +0000

What you need to know

Google now counts Android backups like SMS, call history, and settings toward your Google storage quota.
New backup controls let you choose exactly which data, including call history and settings, gets backed up.
Google says the average Android backup is only around 40MB, so most users won't notice a major impact.

Google has started counting your Android phone's backup data against your Google account storage.

Previously, Android backup data, including SMS, call history, and device settings, didn't count toward your Google storage quota. The only backup data that did count was Google Photos and MMS.

However, as spotted by 9to5Google, starting July 7th, Google is now counting all Android backup data against your total Google account storage.

This means SMS, call history, device settings, and other app data will now all count toward your total storage. On the upside, though, Google is also giving users more control over what gets backed up. There are new toggles in the Android backup settings that let you manually choose what's included.

(Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

For example, you can choose whether to back up your call history, device settings, or app data individually, and turn off anything you don't need. You can find these options by going to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Google Backup.

The good news is that this will barely matter for most people. Google says the average Android backup is only around 40MB in size, so it's unlikely to make a meaningful dent in your total storage.

That said, if you have a lot of data to back up, you might need to upgrade to paid storage through a Google One or Google AI plan to get the extra headroom you need.

Google has already started rolling out the change. I can see it on my Pixel 10 Pro, and the company says existing accounts will get it in the coming months.

Android Central's Take

Honestly, I assumed Android backup data was already counting against my Google storage this whole time. Turns out it wasn't, so this change doesn't bother me much. What I do appreciate though is the new granular controls. Being able to choose exactly what gets backed up is something Android should have offered a long time ago, and I'm glad it's finally here.

Let us know: Are you Team Google, Team Android, or both?

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:52:00 +0000

Google and Android are pretty much synonymous, given that the former owns and develops the latter. However, over the years, Android has more or less grown into its own entity, spanning not just your phone but wearables, vehicles, and more. Meanwhile, Google as a company continues to expand its reach beyond just Android and Search, and lately it's been all about AI.

But we want to know how you feel about both. In 2026, are you a fan of Google and/or Android? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Google and Android in 2026

Google and Android have grown a lot since their early days. Google (and its parent company, Alphabet) grew from a simple search engine to a huge conglomerate with a hand in many aspects of our lives, including internet browsers, self-driving cars, internet service, and the very smartphones in our hands. And while Google has pushed the boundaries of AI for many years, things have only recently begun to ramp up exponentially with the advent of generative AI.

Google now sees itself as an AI company, and these days its focus has been on incorporating AI across its many products.

Still, despite bringing tons of fun and useful products over the years, Google has had its fair share of problems. The company is constantly in litigation over its practices and has, on several occasions, been found to be anticompetitive or maintain a monopoly in certain markets. It has also aligned itself with government contracts that consumers find morally questionable.

Google has also introduced a ton of products only to kill them shortly after, which has sullied consumer trust in the brand.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Fortunately, Android is one of the products that Google has not managed to kill. After buying Android in 2005, Google turned it into the world's most widely used operating system, spanning many different device types and price points.

Android has many faces, even just on smartphones, thanks to its open-source nature, and companies like Samsung have helped expand its reach and feature set. In fact, Android phones often adopt new features before iOS on iPhones.

That said, Android isn't perfect, and while it has certainly become more capable with Android 17, it's still seen by many as a second-class citizen when compared to Apple. Even in 2026, there are still plenty of popular apps that are launched on iOS before making it to Android. And when apps do come to Android, there are often quality issues that aren't present on iOS.

Additionally, unlike iOS, Android is not very consistent, especially when you move across brands. Samsung and Google's own Pixel smartphones tend to get new Android platform features before anyone else, leaving others like Motorola waiting on the sidelines, which some find frustrating.

But let us know in the comments how you feel about Android and Google and if you're a fan of one or the other (or both)!

Google Maps is about to start ordering your takeout for you

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:06:27 +0000

What you need to know

Google Maps may soon let you order food with Gemini, cutting out apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Hidden code in the latest Google Maps app points to an upcoming "Ask Maps to order food" feature, but it's not live yet.
The feature appears to build on Gemini's Ask Maps experience, taking users from restaurant discovery to placing an order in one conversation.

Google Maps has long been the go-to app for finding a good place to eat. Soon, it may also be the app that orders your meal before you even arrive.

The latest version of Google Maps (26.27.00.941319029) has code strings hinting that the app could be used for more than just discovering restaurants and letting users order food via its Gemini-powered Ask Maps experience, as observed by the folks at Android Authority. If it works as intended, users might not have to get into apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash to place an order.

The strings refer to a feature called “Ask Maps to order food.” The feature isn't live at this point, but the wording gives one of the clearest glimpses yet into what Google is planning.

One of the promotional messages reads: “Tell us what you’re craving, find local favorites, and Maps will order for you — even when you’re on the go.” Other strings include a shortcut to “Order food,” a “Try it out” button, and an option to dismiss the prompt for later.

Gemini does the heavy lifting

The idea probably stems from Ask Maps, an AI assistant Google unveiled earlier this year. Gemini already has a feature that lets users find restaurants and attractions through natural-language conversations, instead of traditional keyword searches. It looks like Google isn't stopping at just recommendations. Instead, it looks like the next logical step is to complete the order for you.

We don’t yet know exactly how Google plans to do this. The big unknown is if Gemini will be able to do the entire ordering process in the cloud or if it’s going to lean on Google’s newer on-device AI capabilities.

Some of the functionality may require newer hardware to work too, such as the agentic AI features Google recently announced for the Pixel 10 series, which can do things like place orders, Android Authority points out. That said, Maps has always offered the same core experience across Android devices, so it’d be surprising if food ordering was limited to a handful of phones after all.

Then there's the question of what kind of ordering Google has in mind. The app’s strings appear geared toward pickup, implying Maps can order food while you’re driving.

If this feature sounds familiar, it’s because Google has tried in-app food ordering before. The company has also rolled out restaurant ordering into Search, Assistant, and Maps years ago with partners including DoorDash and other delivery services. This time, it’s the AI tier that’s different.

But for now there is no public interface to test and no timeline for launch. As with any APK teardown, just because you see the code doesn’t mean the feature will ship. Google builds a lot of stuff that never makes it into stable releases.

Android Central's Take

I'd be all for that if it actually helps me not bounce around between three different apps to get dinner sorted. If Google Maps can suggest a restaurant, order my dish, and have it ready for me when I arrive, that's a real quality-of-life upgrade. But Google also tends to add more features to Maps every year, and some of them don't stick. I’d rather see the company nail down a fast, reliable ordering experience than turn Maps into yet another bloated app that’s trying to do everything and does very little well.

Platform Stability reached: Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 is here for Pixels, quickly after Beta 5

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:08:02 +0000

What you need to know

Google announced Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 is rolling out for enrolled Pixel testers a week after Beta 5 dropped.
The patch is lighter, focused mostly on fixing issues Pixel testers have been reporting on the Issue Tracker.
Beta 5 carried a significant number of fixes for Pixel users, such as solutions for vanishing widgets, the Game Dashboard, and more.

The next beta for Android 17's first quarterly update has crossed a major developmental hurdle. Here's everything Pixel testers can expect to find.

Google announced that Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 is rolling out now for enrolled Pixel users. As vCP31.260618.005 rolls out to Pixel 6 and new phones, Google states Beta 6 means the quarterly update has reached Platform Stability. This is a key milestone, as Google looks to begin preparations for a wider (stable) launch for phones. This latest beta is a bit lighter. Google only appears to have a few bugs it's looking to squash ahead of more testing.

The company states it's rolling out a visual glitch when "rapidly swiping through the media carousel." Google says users experienced this in the Quick Settings layout and settings icons. Another fix rolling in is the result of several reports across three Issue Tracker threads following Beta 5. Pressing the volume buttons was reportedly producing an unintended result in the Clock app.

The remainder of the changelog is as follows:

Users were unable to select multiple spell checker languages
An issue in WindowManagerGlobal that resulted in app crashes
Enabling the Wi-Fi hotspot displayed a generic default SSID instead of the user's saved custom name

The work continues

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

I wonder if Google is moving too fast. There are still so many pressing issues affecting users with Android 17, and other glaring problems for Pixels in general. Google has acknowledged some, but others have been happening for months now with no clear solution. I'd hate to see things get out of hand more than they are.

Beta 6 has stunned Pixel testers. It's only been a week since QPR1 Beta 5 rolled out, and that patch carried a significant number of bug fixes. The last beta rolled out a fix for an Android 17 problem stable Pixel users encountered: vanishing widgets. So, while Google has acknowledged and seemingly already solved this problem, Pixel users still have a while to wait before it hits their phones (unless they're in the beta). On the other hand, Google rolled out fixes for the Game Dashboard, a screen freeze with the Always-On Display, and more.

Android 17 QPR1 hitting Platform Stability early in July probably shouldn't surprise us. Google rolled out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 in August last year, shortly after the Pixel 10 launched. Google's been quickening its development process and trying to work through bugs at the same time. There's a chance we'll see something similar take place this year, too.

Does the Fitbit Air support automatic activity detection?

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:50:00 +0000

Does the Fitbit Air support automatic activity detection?

Best answer: Yes, the Google Fitbit Air automatically detects and saves activities in the background. These activities later appear in the Google Health app, where you can confirm, change, or delete them. The Fitbit Air's algorithm will adapt based on how you use the tracker, eventually giving preference to the activity types you track most.

Fitbit Air automatically detects activities in the Google Health app

The Google Fitbit Air is a screenless fitness tracker that monitors your health and activity data in the background. Without a screen onboard, there's no way to manually start tracking a workout directly on the Fitbit Air. Instead, users need to pull out their phone and open the Google Health app to manually track a workout with the Fitbit Air.

The alternative is to use the Fitbit Air's automatic activity detection feature. The fitness tracker monitors health metrics in the background, including your heart rate, steps, and cardio load. These metrics give your Fitbit Air an idea of when you're being physically active. After finishing, you can open the Google Health app to view automatically detected workouts or edit the details.

Google's automatic activity detection might not always get it right, and confirming or modifying the activity in the Google Health app helps improve the results. You can view activities recorded on the same day in the Today tab of the Health app, while older activities appear in the Fitness tab. From there, you can view workout recaps and tap a suggested activity type, or pick other options from the list to confirm.

Brady Snyder / Android Central

Google says that "activity detection gets smarter the more you use it," and adds that you can choose from 150 activity types. You can customize activity types and minimum durations for automatically recorded activities in the app. For example, you might not want your 15-minute walk to work to count as an activity, so you could set a 20-minute minimum duration for walks that your Fitbit Air automatically detects.

To improve the accuracy of your Fitbit Air's automatic activity detection, manually start a 10-minute outdoor walking workout using your phone and the Google Health app. Keep your phone on you as you complete the workout. This will calibrate your Fitbit Air, making automatically detected activity data more accurate.

In short, your Fitbit Air can automatically detect activities. However, you may want to confirm or edit activities later in the Google Health app for the best results.

Google

Fitbit Air

Automatic activity detection

The Google Fitbit Air is a passive fitness tracker that can automatically detect activities in the background. It lasts a week before needing a recharge, and users can view tracked activities in the Google Health companion app.

Gemini Omni is 'like Nano Banana for video' and I couldn't believe the results

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:29:32 +0000

I use Gemini for all sorts of things on my phone, from general assistant help and smart home control to generative AI creation. The app tries to be a jack-of-all-trades, capable of creating text, images, audio, and video from simple prompts. Gemini Omni is Google's latest video-generation tool, announced at Google I/O 2026 and bundled with the June Pixel Drop.

Gemini Omni's calling card is conversational prompts. Like how you can generate images with Nano Banana from simple inputs, Google wants you to be able to do the same with Gemini Omni. I tried it on my Pixel 10 Pro, and the experience felt way more polished than any Veo model. I don't generate AI videos very often, but when I do, I'll be using Gemini Omni going forward. Here's how you can, too.

Gemini Omni is a new model designed to create videos

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Open up the Gemini app and tap the model picker, and you won't see Gemini Omni. You'll find 3.1 Flash-Lite, 3.5 Flash, and 3.1 Pro (availability varies depending on your Google AI subscription), but not Gemini Omni. That's because Gemini Omni is specifically designed for video. In fact, Google's landing page for Gemini Omni says we should "think of it like Nano Banana for video."

The model you'll be using in the Gemini app is called Gemini Omni Flash, and it's also available in Google Flow and YouTube Shorts. While it's wholly focused on video for now, Gemini Omni will eventually support image and audio outputs as well. The idea is that Gemini Omni will one day be able to "create anything from any input," which is a lofty goal. This will happen "in time," according to Google, but you can start using Omni for videos today.

Another oddity about Gemini Omni is that it's highlighted as a June Pixel Drop feature, but it's available on any smartphone. Gemini Omni isn't a Google Pixel exclusive; it's limited by your Google AI subscription status. There is a free version with strict rate limits, but more availability is reserved for Google AI Plus, Google AI Pro, and Google AI Ultra subscribers.

That's good news for anyone without a Pixel — everyone can try it in the Gemini app or on the web.

How I create videos with AI using Gemini Omni

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Gemini Omni is designed to support multiple inputs and conversational prompts. In other words, anyone can use it. Here's how to get started:

1. Open the Gemini app.

2. Tap the + button and select Videos.

3. Now, you'll see the Gemini Omni prompting box. Tap the bottom-left button to upload a photo or video as part of your prompt, or press the bottom-right button to choose between a Landscape or Portrait aspect ratio.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

4. Next, come up with a text prompt. You can type your prompt or tap the microphone button to record an audio snippet as part of your prompt.

5. Tap the Send arrow to submit your prompt to Gemini Omni.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

6. Wait for your video to generate. You may see the following message: "I'm generating your video. This could take a few minutes, so check back to see when your video is ready.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

7. When your video is ready, you can hit the Share button to create a public link to it. Or you can tap the three-button menu and select Save video to download it to your device.

Now, you've created your first video with Gemini Omni. Remember, you can use any mix of text, images, audio, or video to inform your Gemini Omni prompt.

If you're not sure where to start, you can tap one of the suggestions on the Gemini Omni page. It'll tell you exactly what it needs to generate a video. For example, the Talking pets suggestion will ask you for a picture of your pet to customize the output.

Should you use Veo or Gemini Omni for videos?

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Gemini Omni is replacing Veo models in the Gemini app, although you'll still be able to find Veo models in other Google products. I've used both, and my vote goes to Gemini Omni. With its broad support for inputs and easy-to-follow suggestions, it doesn't take much skill to create a fun AI video with Omni.

I made a video of my seafood dinner coming to life and jumping off the plate, and well, Gemini Omni did its job. I'm not sure how often I'll turn to Omni to generate videos with AI, but I know it's up to the task.

Google

Pixel 10

Best for Gemini

Gemini Omni is here on Pixels like the Pixel 10 following the June Pixel Drop. You also get other exclusive features, like Screen Reactions and Bubbles, before anyone else.

PSA: Samsung Messages app on your Galaxy phone will stop working this month

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:37:49 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung Messages is shutting down this month, though the company hasn't confirmed an exact date yet.
Users on Android 11 and earlier are unaffected, and emergency calls still work after the shutdown.
Google Messages is the official replacement, and Samsung has made the transition fairly easy to do.

It's July, which means the month has finally arrived for the Samsung Messages app on Galaxy phones to shut down.

Back in April 2026, Samsung announced it would be shutting down its Messages app later this year. The company published an official notice on its U.S. website confirming the change and specifying July 2026 as the cutoff. That month is now here, which means the app could stop working at any point.

Samsung still hasn't confirmed the exact date, but the shutdown is expected to happen fairly soon. The company has already stopped preloading the Messages app on flagship Galaxy devices since 2024, and while users could still install it from the Galaxy Store, even that option was pulled with the Galaxy S26 Ultra earlier this year. A full shutdown now looks imminent.

It's over for Samsung Messages on Galaxy phones

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

Users on Android 11 and earlier won't be affected and will still be able to use Samsung Messages on their devices. It's also worth noting that even after the shutdown, you'll still be able to use Samsung Messages on a Galaxy device to contact emergency services. However, you won't be able to send or receive messages from regular contacts.

Samsung has already confirmed it's transitioning Galaxy phones to Google Messages, and the company has made the switch fairly straightforward. We've written a detailed guide on how to move your messages from Samsung Messages to Google Messages that you can follow to transfer all your messages from the old app to the new one.

If you'd rather not use Google Messages, there are a few Samsung Messages alternatives worth exploring. That said, none of them are a true one-to-one replacement, so there's a good chance you'll end up going with Google Messages anyway.

Android Central's Take

I get why some people are upset about this. Nobody likes being forced off an app they've used for years. That said, Google Messages is in a much better place than it used to be, so the switch isn't as painful as it sounds.

Google thinks you’re too lazy to read your own notes, launches AI video summaries instead

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:17:37 +0000

What you need to know

Google's NotebookLM now condenses massive documents and notes into 60-second, TikTok-style vertical videos.
The feature is fueled by Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, Google’s fastest and most cost-efficient image generation model, boasting four-second render times.
Google is also previewing a robust full-video generation model that supports natural language editing, multimodal inputs, and native audio syncing.

Nobody really enjoys reading through a massive stack of notes or a 50-page research document when they're cramped for time. Google knows this, and so it’s rolling out a huge upgrade to NotebookLM that takes your uploaded documents and turns them into bite-sized, 60-second AI-generated videos.

For the uninitiated, NotebookLM started out as a simple AI research assistant, but it’s now a powerful learning tool. The latest feature, Short Video Overviews, expands on the Cinematic Video Overviews we saw earlier. But the real star of the show is the engine that powers it: Google's new Nano Banana 2 Lite.

Officially dubbed Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, Nano Banana 2 Lite is Google’s fastest and most cost-efficient image generation model to date. You get a whopping four-second image generation time and a big jump in visual quality over the original Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (the first Nano Banana). This engine combines world knowledge with rock-solid consistency of character. It lets you quickly sketch accurate scenes, develop storyboarding tools and render legible typography for localized ads without compromising object fidelity.

Using Short Video Overviews in NotebookLM activates this model, which condenses your sources into a vertical video packed with narrative explanations and educational animations. It's purpose-built for people revising notes, presentations, or lengthy PDFs who just want the key takeaways. Before generating, you simply select "Short" from the output formats (alongside Explainer and Cinematic), pick your specific sources, and set the video's focus using a custom prompt or a suggested topic.

(Image credit: Google)

Alongside this, Google also pushed Gemini Omni Flash into public preview. This model is aimed at full video generation, with conversational editing (relighting scenes and swapping characters with natural language) and multimodal inputs. It has native audio pairing for each video output and syncs on-screen text with kinetic movements.

Short Video Overviews aren't available to everyone just yet. The feature begins rolling out over the coming weeks to English-speaking users aged 18 and older. When it goes live, you’ll be able to access it on the web, Android and iOS, whether you’re signed into a regular consumer account or Google Workspace.

Android Central's Take

If you’re a student cramming for finals or someone who hates reading dense reports, turning a 50-page PDF into a digestible, TikTok-style recap is a massive win. But are we really so allergic to actual reading that we need an AI to hallucinate a 60-second clip from our notes? Google wants to sell the service as the ultimate productivity hack, but it feels disturbingly like a crutch for our fast-shrinking attention spans.

YouTube Shorts just borrowed more of TikTok's best tricks

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:45:00 +0000

What you need to know

YouTube Shorts is getting a major usability upgrade with 2x playback, a clutter-free viewing mode, improved recommendation controls, and a redesigned Like button.
You can now speed through Shorts at 2x by holding either side of the screen, making it easier to skip slower content without leaving the video.
A new Clear screen mode hides on-screen clutter with a single tap, giving videos a cleaner, more immersive viewing experience.

YouTube is giving Shorts one of its biggest viewer-focused updates yet, making the experience cleaner, faster, and a lot more familiar for anyone who’s spent time on TikTok.

The rollout brings four major improvements to the Shorts player interface, including a faster playback experience, a clean viewing experience, improved feedback controls, and a new Like button, as per YouTube's announcement. The headline addition is 2x playback speed.

Shorts had previously been limited to normal playback speeds, while standard YouTube videos offered various playback controls.

(Image credit: Google)

With the new change, you can now hold either side of the screen to temporarily double the speed of playback. Then, release your finger to return to normal. If you want to keep it at 2x, just swipe down with the screen held.

Another welcome change is the addition of a new "clear screen” mode. Watching Shorts often means an overlay full of buttons, captions, usernames, and other interface elements. Now you can hide almost everything on the screen with just one tap, leaving only the video itself. Tap again if you want the controls restored. The feature is a close copy of TikTok’s Clear Mode, but it’s an improvement many Shorts viewers have been asking for.

YouTube is also altering the way viewers engage with Shorts. The familiar thumbs-up icon is being replaced with a heart, aligning the visual language of Shorts with other short-video platforms. It looks different, but it functions the same: tap it and you’re still giving the video a thumbs up.

The dislike button is dead

The bigger switch is dislike. YouTube is removing the dislike button from the Shorts player entirely and will provide users with more direct controls over recommendations. Viewers are asked to select “Not interested” or “Don’t recommend this channel” from the three-dot menu instead of just disliking a video. These tools, YouTube says, provide more accurate signals about what kind of content people actually want to stop seeing, which helps improve future recommendations rather than just relying on a simple thumbs-down.

But creators don’t need to worry about losing their historic data. The current dislike counts for Shorts will still be available in YouTube Studio. At the end of June, however, Google will stop collecting new dislike counts for Shorts, while long-form videos and live streams will continue to show dislikes like they do today.

Another quality-of-life improvement that comes with these changes: viewers can mute Shorts right from the player, making it easier to browse silently without having to use the device’s volume controls.

Android Central's Take

I think this is the kind of updates shorts has been needing for a while. Scrolling should be less frustrating and more purposeful if you could zoom through slower videos, hide the clutter on the screen, and fine-tune recommendations without resorting to a vague dislike button. That said, it’s hard to look past how many of these additions feel like they were lifted from TikTok, rather than truly original thoughts. By now, YouTube appears more interested in closing feature gaps than blazing its own trail.

There's only one pair of earbuds I'd buy for my Pixel phone, and they're somehow $68 OFF until midnight

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:22:33 +0000

I test every mainstream pair of wireless earbuds that come out, and my buying advice is simple: grab the pair that matches your phone. More often than not, it really is that easy. If you have an iPhone, get AirPods. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, get Galaxy Buds. Google Pixel users are lucky enough to get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 — they're not just the best for Pixel, they're one of the best wireless earbuds overall.

While most premium earbuds start at $250 and up, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are just $229 at full price. That makes this Amazon Prime Day deal feel too good to be true. You can snag the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for only $160, and every Pixel user should consider it.

Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are excellent ANC headphones that use a custom Tensor A1 chip to process sound and cancel out unwanted noise. They have 11mm drivers, and more importantly, sport a tiny design and a truly comfortable fit.View Deal

✅ Recommended if: you want small and comfortable earbuds without a stem; you have a Google Pixel phone and want companion earbuds; you want incredible wireless audio under $200.

❌ Skip this deal if: you need physical on-earbud buttons (the Pixel Buds Pro 2 use swipe gestures); you're on a budget and would rather get the Pixel Buds 2a (also on-sale for Prime Day)

Most wireless earbuds on the market today offer great sound, and many bundle exclusive software features you only get with a matching phone. That's why the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 go great with, say, a Pixel 10 Pro. I've used the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and there's one thing that makes them stand out among the competition.

It's their comfort. While many earbuds are chunky or feature long stems, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are minuscule by comparison. They are 27% smaller than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and they're also 24% lighter. Better yet, they have an included stabilizer that keeps the Pixel Buds Pro 2 locked in place.

Google did something clever to let you know when you've found the perfect fit: the "G" logo on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be upright when they're twisted in place. I have AirPods and Galaxy Buds slip out of my ears all the time, and that's never happened with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

At their $160 sale price, these earbuds are priced like a base-model pair, with the specs of a flagship. They have a custom Tensor A1 audio processor to handle sound and active noise-cancelation. They can also do spatial audio and multi-device switching, connecting with Google Find Hub for tracking.

I don't think you'll find a better pair of wireless earbuds at this price point — but this deal won't last forever. Prime Day ends today, so move fast.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Last chance! Upgrade your Wi-Fi today with 57% OFF the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:04:53 +0000

No one likes bad Wi-Fi connections. In fact, the only thing I hate more than slow Wi-Fi is spending money on networking gear. I get it — there are a million things you'd rather spend your money on before Prime Day runs out than a new router. But if you're tired of buffering, connectivity issues, and slow speeds, that's exactly what you should buy.

After years of using the router provided by my ISP, I upgraded to the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro. I had tons of Android and Google Home or Nest devices, so buying a router with the smarts to tie the entire ecosystem together made sense. Now, you can get the Nest Wi-Fi Pro for just $85, saving nearly $115 compared to the usual retail price. It's a no-brainer if you need a Wi-Fi 6E router and are invested in the Android or Google ecosystems.

Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

Did you know Google made a router? The Nest Wi-Fi Pro is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router with Bluetooth Low Energy and Thread Border Router support. It can cover up to 2,200 square feet of space, and it provides excellent smart home software to manage all the Home and Nest accessories in your setup.View Deal

✅ Recommended if: you need a reliable mesh Wi-Fi system; you want Wi-Fi 6E speeds; you have a Google Home or Nest ecosystem and want your router to fit in.

❌ Skip this deal if: you have internet speeds faster than 1Gbps from your ISP; you need a router with more Ethernet jacks.

There's a lot to like about the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, starting with its simplicity. It's just an orb-shaped, plastic Wi-Fi 6E router with a power cord and two Ethernet jacks. One is used for the Ethernet cable coming from your modem, and the other can be used to connect other devices to your network. You can even hook up an unmanaged Ethernet switch to add ports to your Nest Wi-Fi Pro.

The subtle design and stylish colorways allow you to place the Nest Wi-Fi Pro anywhere in your home. You manage it through the Google Home app, just like your other Nest devices. They all work together nicely. For instance, I can ask my Nest Hub display to run a speed test for my Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and see the results on the screen.

Google uses software optimization to help your Nest devices run better on networks powered by Nest Wi-Fi Pro. For example, it says that you can get a "stronger live connection to your Nest Doorbell and faster 4K streaming on Chromecast with Google TV." I personally use a Nest Doorbell Battery and two Nest Cam Indoor cameras in my home, and they all run great thanks to the Nest Wi-Fi Pro router inside.

The best thing I can say about the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is that after upgrading to it, I haven't had to think about my Wi-Fi. It just works, and when there's an issue, it lets me know before my ISP can. If you struggle with Wi-Fi issues too, this is the $85 fix you need for Prime Day.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Why wait for the iPhone Fold? This Pixel foldable survives rain and just got a massive $400 discount during Prime Day

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:46:27 +0000

While everyone is waiting for Samsung's rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and Apple's foldable iPhone, those phones might not be the best buys right now. Amazon's Prime Day sale has kicked off, and one of the standout deals is a massive $400 discount on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, bringing the foldable down to just $1,400.

If you're looking for one of the best foldable phones of 2026 and want it at a price that doesn't completely destroy your wallet, this Pixel 10 Pro Fold deal is hard to ignore. Not only does it undercut most competing foldables, but with price increases expected across Samsung's and Apple's upcoming lineups, grabbing a discounted foldable right now feels like a pretty smart move.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is down to just $1,400 during Amazon Prime Day, saving you $340 off its regular price. With IP68 durability, Android 17, built-in G2 magnets, and Google's excellent software support, it's one of the most compelling foldable phone deals available right now.View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want a foldable Android phone at a reasonable price, you value durability, want fast Android updates, and are looking for something that'll comfortably last for years.

❌Skip this deal if: you want top-tier gaming performance, extremely fast charging speeds, or prefer a wider, squarer foldable design.

With smartphone prices continuing to rise across the board, and even higher prices expected from upcoming flagship launches, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts making a lot of sense.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to start around $2,000, and Apple's first foldable iPhone likely won't be any cheaper. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launched less than a year ago and is already seeing a discount of several hundred dollars. That's what makes this one of the more compelling Prime Day deals around.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

And the phone itself is still excellent. You get IP68 water and dust resistance, which remains one of the best durability ratings available on a foldable phone. That means you don't have to worry nearly as much about rain, splashes, or everyday accidents. Similar to the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup, it also comes with built-in Qi2 magnets, allowing it to work with MagSafe-style accessories without needing a special case.

Like other Pixel phones, you also get one of the best software experiences on Android, complete with day-one Android updates. In fact, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is currently one of the only foldables running Android 17, giving you access to features like App Bubbles and the latest multitasking improvements.

Sure, the Tensor G5 isn't the most powerful chip on the market, and if you're buying a foldable primarily for gaming, there are other options out there. The 5,000mAh battery also isn't the largest you'll find in a foldable. But for everyday use, productivity, photography, and media consumption, it's more than capable.

Those compromises become a lot easier to overlook when you're saving this much money. And with newer foldables expected to launch at even higher prices later this year, this might end up being one of the easiest foldable phone deals to recommend during Prime Day.

Leaked Google Pixel 'Audio Memory' poised to remember what you've heard

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:47:00 +0000

What you need to know

A recent leak suggests Google is working on a new memory-based feature for Pixel phones, known as "Audio Memory."
While reports claim it would capture music you've heard, it might also keep its ears open for "important conversations" and transcribe them.
Google has a few "memory" features for its AI, such as Personal Intelligence and "personal context" in the Gemini app.

A report states that, after some digging, a new Pixel feature was spotted, which could let your phone "remember" what you've heard.

The report was posted by 9to5Google, stating Google is working on an "Audio Memory" feature for its Pixels. One major Audio Memory function that was discovered is "Music Recognition." This isn't a new capability for Pixels. Many of Google's phones can keep their "ears" open for music, so it can have its name available for the user. Think of it like Shazam, but it's always on.

For Audio Memory, it will function mostly the same, as it'll provide "info about songs playing nearby displays on your device's lock screen," per the leaked description. Users can tap these logged titles to bring them to Pixel's Now Playing app. However, 9to5 kept digging and found that the latest version of Android System Intelligence for the Pixel 10 held breadcrumbs about additional uses.

Reportedly, Google plans for Audio Memory to "keep track of what you hear throughout your day." This could include "your important conversations." There wasn't much else about this rumor, as it's still early. However, the publication assumes this feature (if enabled) would transcribe conversations you're having to "generate notes."

How broad its coverage will be is still unknown. As the post notes, there's a chance that this could only apply to phone calls.

Pixel "Memory"

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

"Remembering" has become commonplace for Google and its AI services. Last year, the company updated Gemini with "memory" that leveraged the user's "personal context." The latter concerns old chats you've had with the AI. If you were talking about new shoes or a place to travel to this summer, and you're asking about it again, Gemini would "remember" old conversations for better answers.

What joined this was "Temporary Chats," which let users ask quick, one-time questions that it doesn't want affecting Gemini in any way. Users can turn off Gemini's memory for your personal context. It seems wise to believe Google would produce something similar for Audio Memory, especially since having your phone "always listening"—or remembering—might not sit well. On the other hand, we have Personal Intelligence.

This has been talked about quite a bit these past few months. Gemini can use the user's photos, emails, and more to understand their interests. When you ask a specific question about a date you need to remember, Gemini would, for example, dip into your emails for you. We still need to see Google's true intentions with Audio Memory, but it might sit on a "useful" front like these other memory-based features.

Android Central's Take

I could really see Audio Memory useful for people who frequent meetings or for reporters. It's like always having your Recorder app active. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd figure Google would go this route. Transcriptions and all. It's still early, so maybe I'm way off base.

This might be the only Android phone deal worth your Prime Day budget

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:15:00 +0000

It's getting harder and harder to find a genuinely good mid-range Android phone, but Amazon's Prime Day sale has arrived at exactly the right time. Right now, the Google Pixel 10a is down by $75, making one of the best budget Android phones even easier to recommend.

With memory prices continuing to rise across the tech industry, budget and mid-range smartphones have been hit especially hard. Companies already operate on thinner margins in this segment, which means meaningful discounts on the best mid-range Android phones are becoming increasingly rare.

Thankfully, Google doesn't seem too concerned about that. The company has knocked 15% off the Pixel 10a during Prime Day, and after using the phone for nearly three months, I can confidently say it's about as good as it gets if you're looking for a clean Android experience without spending flagship money.

Prime Day is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Amazon has knocked $75 off the Google Pixel 10a, making one of the best mid-range Android phones even more affordable. With Android 17, seven years of support, a 5,100mAh battery, and satellite emergency SOS, it's a great pick for anyone who values longevity over raw performance.View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want a mid-range Android phone with long software support, fast Android updates, a compact design, and excellent battery life.

❌Skip this deal if: you want built-in Qi2 magnets, thinner display bezels, or top-tier gaming performance.

The Pixel 10a may not look dramatically different from the Pixel 9a, but Google has made enough improvements to keep it competitive. One of my favorite things about the phone is that it's still the only Android phone around with virtually no camera bump. The cameras sit flush with the back, which means you can comfortably use it without a case and not worry about the camera housing sticking out.

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

Google has also added a slightly larger 5,100mAh battery and bumped wired charging speeds up to 30W. And if you're someone who keeps phones for years, another important addition is Emergency SOS via satellite. That means you can still contact emergency services even if you're somewhere without cellular coverage or Wi-Fi.

Of course, it's not perfect. Some AI features available on the flagship Pixel 10 lineup are missing here. You also don't get the built-in Qi2 magnets found on the rest of the Pixel 10 family. And while the Tensor G4 remains perfectly fine for everyday use, it isn't the most powerful chip if gaming is a priority.

Still, if you're looking for a phone that gets Android updates quickly, already runs Android 17, and should remain supported for years to come, the Pixel 10a is one of the easiest Prime Day deals to recommend.

Is the government listening to you through your phone? Here's what a former CIA officer says

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:50:11 +0000

What you need to know

Former CIA officer Jason Hanson says government agencies have the capability to access phones and laptops.
Hanson claims he uses a flip phone to reduce tracking, but says surveillance is still technically possible.
The former CIA officer stressed that capability doesn't necessarily mean agencies are actively listening.
Hanson also warned against using public Wi-Fi without a VPN due to potential risks.

Everyone has wondered about this at some point: can someone listen to you through your phone? Can government agencies access your phone's microphone or camera? I've had the same question for years, and now a former CIA officer has weighed in with his perspective.

Former CIA officer Jason Hanson recently spoke to LADbible Stories about modern smartphone surveillance and privacy. Hanson, who says he spent seven years working for the CIA, was asked a question many people have wondered about for years: can government agencies listen to you through your phone?

According to Hanson, every government agency on Earth has the capability to access devices such as smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and even cameras if they choose to. He argued that it doesn't really matter what device you own or how private you believe it is.

Hanson went on to explain that because he's more privacy-conscious than most people, he personally carries an old-fashioned flip phone to avoid app tracking and data collection from companies. That said, he still claims that intelligence agencies could potentially access his communications if they specifically wanted to.

As Hanson put it: "If you think, 'Hey, I'm not going to have surveillance on me, I'm not going to have somebody listening on me,' they can do it if they want to." He made the remarks around the 10:41 mark of the interview.

Importantly, Hanson doesn't suggest that governments are actively listening to everyone all the time. His point is that the capability exists, not that constant surveillance is taking place. In other words, agencies can potentially monitor or surveil a target if they choose to.

The conversation also touched on public Wi-Fi networks. Hanson said he never connects to public Wi-Fi without using a VPN.

According to him, someone doesn't need to be a government agency to intercept information on an unsecured network. He argued that skilled hackers can potentially access data and communications if proper protections aren't in place, which is why he recommends taking extra precautions whenever using public Wi-Fi.

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I completely reimagined my videos with Video Remix in Google Photos — here's how you can, too

What you need to get started with Video Remix

How I use Video Remix to reimagine my photos

Everything I made with Video Remix in Google Photos

When to use Video Remix in Photos instead of Omni in Gemini

EU hits Google with another $1B fine as Search and Play Store face fresh antitrust crackdown

What you need to know

Android Central's Take

Google's 'Selfie Video' literally turns your face into a key for your account

What you need to know

Take a selfie

Gemini at Unpacked: Google announces major AI updates for foldables, glasses

What you need to know

Unpacking Gemini updates

Android Central's Take

Gboard could have a huge accessibility feature on the way for sign language

What you need to know

Accessible for all

Android Central's Take

Google's latest Android 17 beta fixes Bluetooth headaches and Gemini crashes

What you need to know

Android Central's Take

Android Auto is finally getting the Google Maps feature drivers have wanted

What you need to know

Android Central's Take

I never lose track of my phones, watches, or earbuds thanks to these 5 Google Find Hub features

Check your phone's Wi-Fi network and battery percentage

Find your device on a map, and get directions to it

Share ownership of a device with someone else

Mark a device as lost, and get notified when it's found

Factory reset your device when all hope is lost

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 fixes a few problems Pixel users reported for months

What you need to know

Quarterly update soon