What you need to know

• Motorola Edge 70 Max has appeared in the WPC database, suggesting the phone could launch with native Qi2 support.
• The certification points to Qi2.2.1 support, giving the phone up to 25W wireless charging under the latest Qi2 standard.
• The listing also mentions a Magnetic Power Profile, hinting that built-in Qi2 magnets may be included instead of requiring a case.

It looks like Motorola could beat Samsung to bringing native Qi2 wireless charging to its smartphones.

For years, iPhones were the only phones with built-in MagSafe-style magnets. Android users could get a similar experience, but only by using third-party magnetic cases. That finally changed with the Pixel 10 series last year, which became the first Android phones to ship with native Qi2 support and built-in magnets, allowing Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible accessories to attach directly to the phone.

Even when Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series this year, it stopped short of adding full Qi2 support. The phones are only Qi2 Ready, meaning they support the underlying wireless charging standard but don't include the built-in magnets required for the full Qi2 experience. It now looks like Motorola could be next to take that step.

As spotted by Fwned (via Android Authority), Motorola is preparing to launch a new phone called the Motorola Edge 70 Max. The device has reportedly appeared in the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) certification database, confirming its name, model number, and Qi wireless charging support.

Motorola might beat Samsung to native Qi2

According to the listing, the Edge 70 Max supports Qi2.2.1, which effectively means support for the latest 25W Qi2 wireless charging standard.

The more interesting detail, though, is that the certification also references a Magnetic Power Profile, which typically indicates the presence of built-in alignment magnets. If that's accurate, the Motorola Edge 70 Max would support the complete Qi2 experience, including both the charging standard and native magnetic attachment.

We don't know much else about the phone just yet, but if this leak proves accurate, Motorola could beat Samsung to offering full native Qi2 support on its smartphones. That would be a significant step forward for Android, especially since most devices today still rely on third-party magnetic cases to achieve the same functionality.

There's still very little information available about the Edge 70 Max beyond this certification and model number confirmation, but we expect to learn more in the coming weeks.

Android Central's Take

Native Qi2 is one of those features I've wanted on every Android flagship for years. If Motorola really gets there before Samsung, that's a surprisingly big win and another way for it to stand out as it continues eating into Samsung's Android market share.

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

✅ 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

Prime Day is nearing an end, but there are still plenty of great Android phone deals hanging around if you know where to look. That said, there's one product category that hasn't received enough attention during the sale: small phones. 

As you probably noticed, Android phones have been getting bigger and bigger in recent years. That's cool if you're into that kind of thing, but there is a growing population of users who would prefer something compact and powerful over a giant display that you can barely use with one hand. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available if you prefer small phones, and many of them are on sale today. 

Since it's ending tonight at midnight PST, I'll start by showcasing Prime Day deals — but if you missed Amazon's sale, don't forget that Best Buy and Walmart are also running their own rival sale events. The picks below range from no-frills budget phones to clamshell devices, so without further ado, let's dive right in. 

What is considered a small phone?

Nowadays, small phones are considered any device with a screen that's less than 6.4 inches. Considering how many modern Android phones are 6.7-inch or larger, the category is smaller than you might think. 

What time does Prime Day end?

Prime Day 2026 is set to formally end at 11:59pm PST. That means you only have a few more hours to take advantage of the best Prime Day deals until they're gone for good (or until Amazon decides to launch another sale event later this year). 

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

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

This year has been filled with awful price increases on everything, but Prime Day seems to be the one event that's still dropping prices to record lows. The Pixel 10 Pro, for example, is at its lowest price ever for Prime Day, dropping a whopping 32% off for the special event.

Of all the Pixel 10 models released last year, the Pixel 10 Pro is by far my favorite. It packs everything in that makes the Pixel 10 Pro XL good — the same display, the same amazing triple rear camera system with periscope camera, top-tier haptics, and the same processor and RAM configurations — all in a size that's actually usable with one hand. It's like finding a unicorn phone that appeared when all the stars aligned!

• Prime Day 2026 is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You've been looking to switch to a Google Pixel but didn't want to shell out $1,000 (or more) to do it, want a flagship phone without the enormous size, or just want one of the best cameras ever on a smartphone.

❌Skip this deal if: You need the fastest processor for gaming. Google's Tensor processor runs most games just fine, but there are better options for this purpose.

One of the many perks of being a Pixel owner is getting the latest versions of Android first. Android 17 is already available for Pixel phones, while most other phones won't be getting it for a few months.

Android 17 brings a bunch of great updates and improvements, including some incredibly handy social media features that you're going to love. Google has done a great job partnering with companies that make the most popular apps (like TikTok and Instagram) to ensure Pixel owners get the best experience possible, and you can enjoy it all on your $315 cheaper Pixel 10 Pro on Prime Day!

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

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

So you're using an older iPhone or Android device, and while it's running fine, it doesn't quite last a day, takes longer to charge, and the software is starting to lag even in regular use.

While flagships now cost over $1,000, there really is no reason to spend anywhere as much if all you want is a reliable phone that handles the basics. And in that regard, there isn't a better phone than the Pixel 10a.

I didn't really get the point of the Pixel 10a when it launched; it was too similar to its predecessor, so I didn't use it. But it's only when I started using the phone recently that I realized it has a lot of small changes that make a noticeable difference in daily use: slightly faster charging means it doesn't take as long to fill the 5,300mAh battery, Bluetooth connectivity is better overall, and it holds up better in demanding tasks.

Basically, the Pixel 10a is a great choice if you need a new mid-ranger in 2026, and now is the best time to get your hands on the phone. The Pixel 10a debuted at $499, and it just got a major discount to $399, so if you're thinking of buying a new phone, I'd suggest getting the Pixel 10a while it's still on sale. The one caveat is that the $399 price is only on the fog, berry, and lavender color variants; the obsidian model is costlier at $424. This doesn't matter that much as you'll inevitably use a case, and if you need my recommendation, get the fog model.

✅Recommended if: You want a reliable phone that nails the basics. The Pixel 10a has one of the best cameras in its class, I really like the design, the battery life is outstanding, and you get the best software — with meaningful AI features should you need it.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a gaming phone. While Google got a lot right with the Pixel 10a, gaming isn't really something the phone does well, so if you need better hardware, you should get the OnePlus 15R.

Google did a great job with the design of the Pixel 10a. The camera housing sits flush with the body, and that just feels great when you're holding and using the phone. As someone who's used to phones with massive camera islands like the Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra, this is a refreshing change of pace.

I also like the color variants available this year; the berry and lavender models have bright designs and look great. The phone has IP68 dust and water resistance, better glass protection this year, and it retains the aluminum mid-frame.

Google didn't change the cameras, so you get the same 48MP main camera and 13MP wide-angle lens. The sensors aren't new, but Google's image tuning means you get great photos in any lighting situation, and it's the consistency where the Pixel 10a really shines.

The Tensor G4 is decent enough, but I would've liked the G5 in the device — it does a better job with gaming in general. Regardless, the Pixel 10a doesn't have issues in regular use, and the 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED panel is among the best in this category; it gets very bright outdoors, and has great colors. Oh, and if you need a suggestion, get the 8GB/256GB model; you'll run out of storage on the 128GB model in a matter of months.

Battery life is great, and the software is the real star of the show. Unlike Samsung's Galaxy A57 and A37, the Pixel 10a doesn't come with any bloatware whatsoever, and that in itself is a huge deal. Combine that with all the Google extras that are available on the phone, and the fact that you can install Android 17 right now, and you start to realize why the Pixel 10a is Google's best-seller.

I'm annoyed that Google didn't do enough with the Pixel 10a, but the underlying fundamentals are great, and it is a good all-round choice in this category — particularly if you're using an older phone. And with the device now down to $399, this is the best time to buy it.

Good news: Prime Day is still going on, and as we're heading into the last day, this is your reminder that if you want to save a decent chunk of cash on a phone, now is the time to do so. If you're on a shoestring budget, it may seem challenging to find an affordable device that doesn't skimp on important features. That's why I'm here. Below you'll find my top recommendations for performant Android phones that are currently priced at $400 or less during Amazon's big sale.

The cheap Android phones below include premium specs like AMOLED displays, AI features, and powerful chipsets, while some of them boast a few features that may surprise you, such as built-in stylus pens and headphone jacks. Keep reading for my top picks, and don't forget that many of the best deals will only be available for Prime members. Don't feel like paying for yet another subscription? Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial that lets you take advantage of Prime Day deals (and other membership benefits) without paying a penny. Just be sure to cancel your account before the first bill is due.

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

When does Prime Day end?

Prime Day 2026 began on June 23rd and is set to run through Friday, June 26th. That gives you four full days to explore Amazon's best deals, although it's worth mentioning that Best Buy and Walmart are running rival sales that extend through Sunday, June 28th.

What is the best cheap Android phone?

We generally consider the Google Pixel 10a to be the best cheap Android phone for most people. The device boasts the perfect blend of premium specs with good old-fashioned bang for the buck, coming complete with a powerful Tensor chipset, flagship-level cameras, and a bunch of useful AI-boosted software tools. The Pixel 10a also sports a lovely AMOLED display, and like other Pixel phones, you're guaranteed seven years of OS and security upgrades straight out of the box.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

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

If you're an iPhone user and are willing to switch to Android, now is the best time to do so. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the best Android flagship you can buy in the U.S., and while I prefer the Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra, you don't get those devices Stateside, so if I have to choose between the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Motorola Signature, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, Google's phone wins out.

There's just one issue: the pricing. The Pixel 10 Pro XL debuted at $1,199, and that's way too much. Thankfully, the phone is down to $884 during Prime Day, a huge $315 discount that makes this the ideal time to get your hands on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google's phones always sell well during these sale, and it's no different this time. And what about the iPhone, you ask? There aren't any deals around this year, so you'll need to shell out the full $1,199 to get your hands on the 17 Pro Max.

✅Recommended if: You want the best phone in the U.S. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has better cameras than the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the software is cleaner, and you get an extensive set of AI features if that's what you want in a phone.

❌Skip this deal if: You're used to the iPhone. I get that it's hard to change, and with the iPhone, you get an interface that's essentially unchanged over the last decade.

Google sorted out a lot of the lingering issues this time, and the result is that the Pixel 10 Pro XL is noticeably better than its predecessors. The fundamentals haven't changed; you still get great cameras, clean software with plenty of meaningful features, good battery life, and a bright OLED panel.

It's the software where the Pixel 10 Pro XL truly comes into its own. The phone just got the Android 17 update, and alongside a slate of new features and a new floating windows mode called bubbles, the update made the phone a little faster, making it even better to use.

Google has a dominant lead when it comes to phone-based AI features, so much so that Apple is using Google's models on the iPhone now. But if you're not a fan of generative AI or don't need these features, you don't have to use any on the Pixel 10 Pro XL — I don't. Outside of the software, the Pixel 10 Pro XL cameras continue to stand out, and you consistently get great photos and videos.

The OLED panel is among the brightest of any phone around, and I like its color vibrancy. Battery life is decent, and while it doesn't measure up to Chinese rivals, I still get a day's worth of use consistently.

Google has been making phones for the better part of a decade now, and with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, it's clear that the brand has a phone that's among the best around. If you're not satisfied with your iPhone and want to try something new, the Pixel 10 Pro XL would be my recommendation — get the phone while it's still down to $884.

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.

✅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.

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.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

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

Not much time is left until Prime Day 2026 comes to an end, and yet we're still going strong with some of the best tech deals this side of Black Friday. This year's sale is particularly notable for Google fans, as the retailer is slashing prices on many of the best Pixel devices ever built, from phones and wearables to wireless earbuds.

Needless to say, I've added a selection of my favorite Google Pixel deals from Prime Day 2026 into this guide. Just remember that the majority of the best Amazon offers will be exclusive to Prime members. Haven't signed up yet? No worries: Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial that lets you enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a dime. You can even cancel at any time, which means you can sign up today, do a bunch of Prime Day shopping, and delete your account with zero hassle.

Prime Day quick links

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

Google Pixel deals

Prime Day FAQ

When is Prime Day 2026?

Amazon launched Prime Day 2026 on June 23rd this year, and it and runs through June 26th. This means that you have only a few more hours to take advantage of the members-only sale event.

Do I need to be a Prime member to shop during Amazon Prime Day?

Although select discounts are available to the general public, the vast majority of deals during Prime Day are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Haven't joined yet? Sign up for Amazon's 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent. The cost of a membership is $14.99 per month once the trial period is up, but you can cancel at any time with zero hassle.

Schools are out for the summer, which means it's only a matter of time before back-to-school shopping is underway. Prime Day is the perfect way to get a head start, and I'm taking advantage of it by upgrading my younger brother's aging smartphone to the Google Pixel 10, which is currently on sale.

The Pixel 10 isn't yet a year old, and it originally launched at $799 with plenty of notable upgrades over its predecessor. A rather steep 31% discount gets you a pretty sweet deal on the Pixel 10, bringing it down to just $549. For a high school kid, that's a pretty reasonable price for a new smartphone, especially one as good as the Pixel 10.

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

✅Recommended if: You want a fun AI phone with a great camera, first-class software support, and iPhone features like AirDrop support and Qi2 magnetic charging.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer larger smartphones or don't want to miss out on features reserved for the Pixel 10 Pro.

I've been using the Pixel 10 on and off since it launched last year. While I've been pleased with previous base model Pixels, the Pixel 10 is by far the best Google has produced. It comes with a triple-camera setup that includes a 50MP primary sensor and a 5x telephoto camera that delivers some pretty impressive zoom shots.

The Tensor G5 may not be the fastest chip on the block, but it's more than enough for a high school teen. My brother is 16 years old and has been using a OnePlus Nord for years. While he's not too concerned about having the latest smartphone, it's probably time for him to upgrade. He mostly just plays games and watches videos, but I think he would get a kick out of the improved camera and fun AI features.

And because he tends to keep smartphones for a long time, the seven-year upgrade promise means he can keep the Pixel for years to come and still get many of the latest features and security updates. His OnePlus phone stopped getting updates years ago, making his need for a new phone even greater.

For anyone looking to upgrade their high schooler before the 2026-27 school year begins and not wanting to spend an arm and a leg, the Pixel 10 fits the bill pretty well. Alongside the recent update to Android 17, the Pixel 10's newest features basically turn it into the iPhone of Android. RCS makes messaging effortless with high-quality images and other features; AirDrop support makes sharing media simple and quick, and Qi2 support means you can use many of the same MagSafe chargers and accessories.

So even if you're an iPhone family, a Pixel 10 means your high schooler doesn't have to miss out.

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"

"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.

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

✅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.

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.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

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

Google Pixel phones offer many customization tools, but up until recently, the Pixel UI home screen was more restrictive. Google only recently made it possible to remove the At a Glance widget from your home screen, for instance. While past Pixel Drops brought fresh theme packs and style choices, the latest Android 17 update adds a hidden home screen customization option that can seriously simplify your setup.

I keep my home screen basic, only including a few home screen widgets and the most important apps. For everything else, I use the app launcher or search bar. That means I know exactly which apps and icons are on my home screen without needing to look at their names. Finally, Android 17 lets me remove the redundant app names from my home screen for a cleaner look.

Pixel home screen customization just leveled up

The easiest way to change your Pixel home screen is to hold down anywhere on it that isn't covered by an app or widget. This brings up a small menu with the Wallpaper & style, Widgets, Apps list, and Home settings buttons. You can even switch between default wallpapers straight from this tiny menu on the home screen. To customize your phone's look, tap Wallpaper & style.

Here, you'll be able to pick a Theme pack, change your phone's Colors, set a Color contrast settings, manage your Icons, and choose a Layout. This isn't new, but Android 17 adds a setting on the Icons page. Previously, you could choose an app icon Style or change the app icon Shape.

There are five shapes to choose from, and the styles are abundant. You can pick Default or Minimal — the latter forces all your app icons to match your selected color palette, creating a consistent look I almost always prefer. There's also the Create option, which lets you build custom app icon designs by starting with one of six styles: Disco, Scribbles, Cookies, Easel, Treasure, and Stardust.

Android 17 adds a new Names tab to the Icons page, and it's where you can choose to show or hide app names on your home screen.

How I hide app names on my Pixel

I changed the look of my home screen in seconds by hiding app names. To do it, I simply held down on my home screen wallpaper, pressed Wallpaper & style, and tapped Icons. Then, I switched to the Names tab and flipped the toggle beside Show app names to the off position.

There's a virtual render of your home screen displayed on this page that adapts as you change the look of your app icons. So, you can flip the toggle beside Show app names a few times, watching how your home screen changes. If you like the minimalist look of the Pixel home screen without app names, leave the toggle off.

By default, app names are still shown on the Pixel home screen in Android 17. Nothing will change unless you want it to — but the option to remove app names from the Pixel UI home screen is something Pixel fans have long wanted. Keep in mind that if you hide app names from your Pixel home screen, they'll still appear in the app drawer.

My entire home screen is finally as clean as the dock

Android 17 is a neat update for my Pixel phones, and I love that Google continues to add new customization features. The previous app icon customization interface was already one of the best available on any Android skin, but it was missing something basic — hiding app names.

Now, my entire home screen looks as clean as the app dock. No names, just a minimal setup with app icons and widgets.

With stable Android 17 finally rolling out to Pixel devices, there are a ton of new features for us to try out. During The Android Show, Google highlighted new social-media-focused features, and now we're finally getting a look at some of them, which aim to enhance your experience creating content for apps like Instagram.

One such feature is screen reactions, a new built-in capability that removes some of the effort that would normally require a third-party app or fancy app techniques. And I admit, for a relatively simple feature, it's quite ingenious, and I'm surprised Google had the wherewithal to launch it with Android 17.

Screen Reactions is a surprisingly effective feature

If you're on Instagram or TikTok, then you've probably seen them. Many of my favorite content creators react to news, images, or other videos by inserting a small floating video of themselves. Reaction videos like this are quite effective, as they let viewers see both the original content and the reaction, and sometimes the reaction is better or funnier than the original.

I'm a casual social media user, but I have dabbled in making Reels every now and then. However, given my limited knowledge of creating social media content, this type of reaction video has always eluded me. And I know there are built-in functions to help create these types of videos, like a virtual green screen, but I've not wanted to take the time to figure it out, though I'm sure it's a fairly easy process.

Now, I don't have to figure it out. Because Screen Reactions is built into the screen record function on my Pixel 10, creating this type of reaction video just takes a few taps, without futzing with different app methods to achieve the same effect. And you can edit the clips on-device or put finishing touches in Instagram or TikTok. It's not perfect, but it feels like it just lowered the barrier to entry for anyone wanting to create content on social media.

How to use Screen Reactions on your Pixel 10

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu.

2. Tap the Screen Record button. You may need to edit your Quick Settings menu and add the button if it's not already there.

3. Toggle on Show selfie camera. This will automatically turn on the Record microphone option.

4. Tap the color palette icon to enable a color background. Tap any color to show the background or tap it again to turn it off.

5. Tap Start to begin recording.

6. When you're done, tap the live notification and tap Stop to end recording.

7. You can go straight to recording another clip, delete the clip you just recorded, or edit the clip to your liking using Google Photos editing features.

Once you're done with each clip, you can edit them together in the Google Photos app or use a third-party app such as Instagram and TikTok to add finishing touches.

Things to keep in mind

Screen Reactions is a cool feature, but it's not perfect, and there are some limitations worth noting. The first thing you should know is that it only works when screen recording is set to record the entire screen; it won't work if you just want to record a specific app. That means anything that appears on the screen will be captured in the recording, including when you adjust the volume, open the notification shade, tap the live notification to stop the recording, etc.

It makes sense why it would be the entire screen, as your reaction could very well involve using your phone and diffing into its settings or switching to multiple apps, but it's just something to keep in mind.

My first instinct was to try recording a Screen Reaction on a full-screen Reel to get cleaner video with fewer Instagram UI elements. For some reason, Reels won't appear if you try this method; you'll just see a black screen and your selfie video. TikTok's Clear Display does work, however, so that may be an alternative, or you could just download the Reel or TikTok if that option's available.

Another downside of Screen Reaction recording the entire screen is that you'll also see your screen recording status icon in the notification shade. I don't know about you, but this looks kind of tacky, and I wish there were a way to leave this out of the recording. It's probably the one way Instagram or TikTok's green screen effects are better than the built-in function.

Perhaps an updated version of Screen Record could include an option to hide these extra on-screen elements from the recording, ensuring the video looks as clean as if you recorded it with Instagram or TikTok's tools.

It would also be nice if stopping the recording wasn't a two-step process of taping the live notification at the top of the screen and then the stop button. Google should place a stop or pause button somewhere more accessible so I'm not reaching in front of the selfie camera to stop recording.

Still, despite some quirky and questionable UI choices, I think this is a great feature that takes away much of the complications of making a reaction video for social media. If you have a Pixel smartphone, you should give it a try. I can't wait to see how other OEMs implement this feature when Android 17 rolls out to other Android phones.

Android 17 is bringing a few exciting improvements to Google Pixel phones, and Bubbles may be the biggest one. Pop-up and floating windows are nothing new for Android users, but they've never been built into Pixel UI. Instead, power users had to turn to other operating systems like Samsung's One UI to multitask with floating windows.

Google was already familiar with floating windows and pop-up views because Android already supported Bubbles for messaging apps. Back then, I found them more annoying than helpful. I only activated conversation bubbles by accident and never saw the value in them. After trying the upgraded Bubbles experience for apps and multitasking in Android 17, I'm a believer.

Here's how you can try app bubbles with Android 17 for yourself, and how the Pixel experience compares to the Galaxy one.

App bubbles are a new way to multitask on Pixel

Google Pixel phones already support multitasking with split-screen views. Open an app, use the app switcher, and press the app's name to reveal a Split screen button. Then, Pixel users can pick a second app to create a split-screen layout. They can drag the slider in the middle to adjust the split ratio.

For traditional Android phones, a 50:50 horizontal split is the default, but you can drag the slider to the 90:10 position to unlock a new Android 16 feature. In this mode, one app takes up most of your phone screen, while the secondary app remains greyed out. Tapping the unused, secondary app flips the ratio. It's a great solution for when you want to use two apps in (mostly) full-screen mode without having to use the app switcher.

Android 16 didn't offer a better way to use more than two apps at once, however. Android 17 finally addresses this problem with app bubbles. You can use up to five at once, and it's a convenient way to multitask when the regular split-screen mode won't cut it. Essentially, the apps stay minimized in bubble form, and tapping them reveals a floating window that lets you use the app over whatever is on your screen.

I rarely used split-screen views on my Pixel phones for multitasking, but Bubbles seem much easier to create and are fun to use.

Add up to five apps to an Android 17 bubble group

Bubbles are a core part of the Android 17 experience by default. Surprisingly, you can't create them in the same way you would a split-screen view. Instead, you need to create Bubbles by physically holding down on an app's icon on the home screen or app drawer. Find the app you want to turn into a bubble, and hold down on it to reveal the shortcut menu.

If the app doesn't offer a custom shortcut, you'll see a button with a new icon beside the word Bubble. This icon looks like a window being minimized, with an arrow pointing toward a dot. If the app does have custom shortcuts, you'll only see the Bubble icon — not the text. Either way, tapping the Bubble button in an app's shortcut menu will open your first app bubble.

The floating app window takes up most of the screen, and you'll see all the bubbles in your group above it. If this is your first bubble, you can press the + button to add apps you've recently used in bubble form. To add an app that you haven't recently used as a bubble, find it in the app drawer, open the shortcut menu, and tap the Bubble button.

You can fit up to five in a bubble group and switch between them by tapping each bubble icon. They reorder as you use them, so the most recently used app icons appear first. Tap away from the app bubble, and you'll return to wherever you were before opening the bubble. The bubble or bubble group will appear as a tiny icon on your screen that you can move wherever you'd like.

There are a few ways to close a bubble. If you only want to close one, you can open it, tap the Manage button, and hit Dismiss bubble. To close every bubble in a group, grab the bubble icon and drag it toward the Close button at the bottom of the screen, then release.

Foldable users get a different app bubble experience

If you have a Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Bubbles experience will be different when you open the main display. Here, Bubbles appear as part of the Taskbar. Besides your Taskbar's dock apps and recently used apps, you'll see the Bubbles group in the corner. You can tap the app bubble or group to open the floating window, but it'll still only take up a small portion of just one half of the screen.

The great thing about the way Bubbles work on the inner screen of folding phones is that they stay completely hidden as you use your device. In minimized form, Bubbles — like the rest of the Taskbar — are stowed away as you use other apps. Swiping up from the bottom opens the Taskbar and reveals your Bubbles.

I love Android 17's app bubbles, but there's a catch

Bubbles are a clever way to multitask smarter on your Pixel devices, especially if you have a Pixel Fold device. However, they don't match up perfectly with floating windows and pop-up views on Samsung Galaxy phones.

The One UI 8.5 experience is more powerful, as you can move floating windows anywhere, resize them, or separate them. You can also create floating windows from the app switcher in One UI, whereas you need to go to the home screen or app drawer in Pixel UI.

So, while the Bubbles experience in Android 17 needs work before it can be a true One UI competitor, it's a great step in the right direction for Pixel users.

What you need to know

• Some Android 17 users report home screen widgets disappearing after installing the stable update.
• The bug appears limited to devices that have a work profile configured on the phone.
• Google has acknowledged the issue and says a software update with a fix is already in development.

If you're facing an issue where widgets are disappearing from your home screen after updating to Android 17, Google is already aware of the problem and says a fix is on the way.

Google released the stable Android 17 update to the public this week, and Pixel devices have already started receiving it. While the rollout has generally been smooth, shipping a major Android release without a few bugs is never easy. One issue that has surfaced affects home screen widgets for some users.

According to reports, widgets are randomly disappearing after updating to Android 17. Thankfully, the bug appears to be limited to users who have a work profile set up on their phone. If you don't use a work profile, you're unlikely to run into this issue.

The good news is that Google has already acknowledged the bug. Android Community Engagement Manager Mishaal Rahman confirmed on Reddit that the company is "aware of this bug (it seems to affect Work Profile users) and that a fix will be rolled out in a software update soon."

Users affected by the issue say they lost access to their home screen widgets immediately after installing Android 17. Right now, there isn't really a proper workaround available other than removing the work profile entirely.

If you do remove the work profile, restart the phone, and then manually re-add the widgets, they should return. However, if you rely on your work profile, you'll unfortunately have to choose between keeping it enabled or having access to your widgets for the time being.

Google hasn't provided a timeline for the fix yet, but based on the company's usual update schedule, it would not be surprising to see the patch arrive with next month's security update.

Android Central's Take

I didn't even know this bug existed because I don't use a work profile, but widgets are a huge part of what makes Android feel like Android. Thankfully, Google already has a fix in the works.

What you need to know

• Google detailed its June security patch for Pixel phones shortly after Android 17 and its Pixel Drop went live.
• The company is still focused on fixing lingering display problems, as well as battery charging issues that weren't quite solved in May.
• Android 17 brings a few new features for Pixels, but it also bolsters security and threat detection.

Google's busy week continues as a new security patch is rolling out for its Pixels, carrying a series of fixes for the latest software.

Android 17 launched this week, and Pixels are receiving a June Drop loaded with features. Now, a June security patch has been detailed with a substantial number of fixes for Pixel phones. The update is rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer devices, marked as vCP2A.260605.012 for global units. Google's extensive patch notes clue us into several "Display & Graphics" issue fixes that have plagued Pixel phones for the past few months.

The two fixes that apply only to the Pixel 10 series in this category involve a strange "white flickering dot" and "graphical errors" during standard operations. A third graphics fix concerns the Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, and the Pixel Tablet. Google says it's rolling out a solution for a device freeze occurring when connected to an external display.

The Pixel camera has been an issue for Pixel users recently, too. The Pixel 9 and 10 series are receiving a fix for a system crash. Fixes for camera app freezes and crashes are also included in this patch. On the flip side, Pixel battery and power consumption problems have continued to plague Google. This month, a slow wireless charging speed issue should be fixed, alongside a fix for failed wireless and wired charging drivers "during device setup."

Unstable audio was another focus for Google that's now being fixed, alongside two problems impacting app crashes and Backup settings.

A laundry list

As usual, this Pixel patch is rolling out gradually to users. We might not all see it at the same time, so be on the lookout for it to hit your phone soon.

We've gone back-to-back now with patches aimed at critical charging and display problems for Google's Pixels. In May, slow wireless charging issues were a primary concern for the company. At the time, users reported experiencing slowed speeds between 75% and 80% battery. Curiously, this same issue was credited for the issues affecting Pixels in June, too, meaning the problem wasn't completely eradicated.

Hopefully these fixes clean up whatever's remaining. Fuzzy, frozen, and strange display artifacts were problematic for the Pixel 10 series in May.

On the bright side, Google's June patch joins the huge Pixel Drop. Android 17 is finally here, and the company has started rolling out the new OS and these new Pixel features to users. "Bubbles" and the "Bubble Bar" are two new features for Pixels and folds, offering a new way to easily multitask between apps. "Screen reactions" lets you place a selfie video of yourself over a screen recording to simulate a green screen without the extra gear.

Android Central's Take

Extensive fixes can often follow Google's Pixel Drops. I feel like it's more now considering Android 17 is here, and any lingering issues from the last minutes of testing are getting fixed with it. Here's to smooth sailing for any users with Pixels affected by crashes and bugs.

What you need to know

• Google's June Pixel Drop brings a few new features to its Pixel phones and folds, such as "Screen reactions" that integrates selfie videos with screen recordings in Android 17.
• Another Android 17-based feature is "Bubbles," giving Pixel users new ways to hop between apps, which is also known as "Bubble Bar" on Folds.
• Google expands several features to more Pixel phones and users in more countries, alongside an "Emergency Detection" update for Pixel Watch.

Google's Pixels are updating this week as a massive June Drop heads to the brand's phones and watch.

A shared press release breaks down the June Pixel Drop, which will begin rolling out today (June 16) to Pixel phones and the Pixel Watch. What makes this more exciting is that Android 17 is officially here, and it's rolling out to Pixel phones. This is important for the Pixel Drop, as Google highlights "Screen reactions." Google says selfie videos are now integrated with your screen recordings, meaning users can create a "green screen without needing other apps."

This is becoming available on all Pixel phones and folds with Android 17.

Elsewhere, "Bubbles" are the newest feature rolling out to all Android 17 Pixel phones and folds. With Bubbles, users can "turn apps like your browser, calendar, and Gemini into floating bubbles over your main screen." However, eligible Pixel Folds are getting a "Bubble Bar." This is a new UI that brings organization to users' phones, enabling quick access from one bubble to another.

This month's Pixel Drop involves a few notable feature expansions, too. Conversational photo editing in Google Photos is rolling out to Pixel devices in Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy. Now, users in these countries can lean on Gemini to make quick photo edits without having to dive into the tools themselves (Pixel 6 and newer). Voice Translate is expanding to the Pixel 10a, while Quick Share's compatibility with AirDrop extends to the Pixel 9a and 8a.

Manual Call Screen lets users avoid unwanted interactions by telling their phone's Call Screen to answer for them. This feature is headed to India in June. Google says users in the country can expect it on the Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Magic Cue's contextual suggestions while you're operating your phone expand to "additional messaging apps." However, Google states this feature is still mainly supported on the Pixel 10 series. Lastly, we're seeing "Take a Message" appear on Pixel 6 and newer phones in "more markets." For India, this is restricted to the Pixel 10 series. Google adds that this expansion is joined by "Custom Greetings," enabling users to record an outgoing message when you've missed or declined a call.

Your device will still provide real-time transcriptions.

Pixel AI

Google's AI has taken a bit of a backseat in June's Drop, but there are two updates you should know about: Gemini Omni and Lyria 3. Gemini Omni took the stage during I/O 2026, giving us a pretty good preview of the AI's video editing and generative capabilities. Today, Google says Gemini Omni is rolling out on "all devices with the Gemini app for Gemini Pro users." Users can chat with Gemini, telling it what they'd like it to create, and it will provide a "high-quality" result.

Lyria 3 is an AI built around music using your text prompts or submitted images. Users can tell Gemini the style they're going for, as well as vocals and tempo. This is rolling out to all Android 17 Pixel phones and folds.

Pixel Watch comes in clutch

Emergency Detection is the next step for user safety for Google's Pixel Watch. It states that its June Drop will integrate emergency sharing into major features, such as Car Crash, Fall, and Loss of Pulse detection. Google says that if your Pixel Watch detects a "severe event," it will contact emergency services and alert your chosen contacts. Users will find in-depth customization tools for who gets alerted if a severe event is detected, and for which type of event.

Users can expect this feature to begin rolling out on the Pixel Watch on June 16 and beyond.

Android Central's Take

Google's Pixel Drops are always interesting to sift through and see what's new. Many of these features hold a bit more excitement since they coincide with Android 17's launch. Bubbles are a pretty interesting way to manage your apps. It's basically another multitasking tool that's a bit easier to manage. The expanded features is also a plus for users awaiting them, especially that Quick Share/AirDrop expansion.

What you need to know

• School is out, and Google's rolling out a parental control update for parents with kids who have phones, as we prepare to download Android 17.
• In the Settings menu, these controls bring a daily limit, app limits, and downtime schedule.
• Parents can also select a rating limit for apps on the Play Store, so if you want the highest restriction, "E" for everyone is ideal.

Amid Google's already packed Tuesday with a Pixel Drop and Android 17, now the company is detailing new parental controls.

This afternoon (June 16), Google highlighted a series of parental control updates for parents managing the summer with kids who have phones. As Android 17 makes its rounds to Pixels, Google says users will find an updated selection of Android Parental Controls on phones that receive this upgrade. Located in the Settings menu, parents can "set the amount of screen time your child can spend on a device each day to help establish healthy habits."

Outside of this screen time, parents will have access to "downtime schedules." This puts a limiter on your child's device, ensuring they're not watching YouTube videos all night. Google states downtime schedules will "automatically lock the device." Google Play Store gets in on these parental controls. Parents will find age ratings similar to those for a game (remember "E" for Everyone?).

Similarly, the "Everyone" setting is the Play Store's "most restrictive" setting. Controls include "Everyone 10 Plus," "Teen," "Mature 17 Plus," "Adult only 18 Plus," and "Allow all, including unrated." As you'd imagine, this final option is the least restrictive, allowing users to see anything and everything on the Play Store.

With so many apps, parents can set limits on app usage on their child's device. Moreover, parents can block apps entirely to ensure they're never opened.

Android's parental controls advance

Google gives parents a heads-up, stating that their controls can be protected by a PIN. What's more, these controls can directly tie into Android's Family Link. This opens a new series of options, such as School Time, which helps make sure your child is focusing on their studies and not scrolling in class. Family Link also brings purchase approvals from the Play Store, location alerts, and more.

These updates should begin rolling out soon.

It's interesting to hear a reference to School Time, as it's a bit of an older feature Google introduced for parents. This gives parents the ability to control when their child's phone should lock down and for how long. Considering school is five days a week, you can decide to activate it Monday through Friday from, say, 8 AM to 2:15 PM. Through Family Link, parents can see the apps their child uses during school. Kids have the ability to see a list of what apps they can use, which parents decide beforehand.

Parents can even curate a list of contacts their kid is allowed to text or call during school hours.

What you need to know

• Google has reportedly spoken up about the bootloop issues affecting several Pixel series on its Issue Tracker.
• The company is encouraging users to submit a proper support ticket and to mention the bootloop issue, as a fix seemingly varies from device to device.
• Users in March said their devices couldn't make it past the initial "G" logo when starting, and this has continued in April and May.

Pixel users have been grappling with a stifling bootloop issue after Google's recent updates over the past few months. The company is now reportedly coming forward with suggestions for users.

There is quite a lengthy thread on Google's Issue Tracker full of reports from various Pixel users about this bootloop (via Android Authority). There are hundreds of comments from affected users, and over 400 upvotes. A silent nod that even more are having issues. Users' phones are stuck on the initial "G" logo, which always appears when turning on your phone (or during a restart). Posts mention having this issue on a Pixel 4a, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 9, and more.

The publication found a recent reply from Google that seems to offer light at the end of the tunnel.

This solution might take time, though. The company's post reads, "Thank you for your continued patience as we’ve been investigating a startup or bootloop issue following the March, April, or May software updates causing devices to freeze on the G-logo or initial boot screen and locking out and rebooting immediately after entering a PIN."

Supposedly, Google has found that narrowing down a solution varies on a case-by-case basis. Or, in this scenario, device by device. Google says the only way to reach the "best path" forward to solve this issue is to contact its support team. It encourages users to state in their ticket what their issue is: "reboot loop issue after recent software update."

Pixel troubles

We first saw reports mention Pixel booting issues early in March after Google rolled out its monthly security patch. Users mentioned the same things they've continued to mention for months: they are unable to reach their device's true experience because they can't make it past the "G" logo. Users with Pixel 10 phones and several past-gen devices were reported in March.

To make matters worse, some users received a "Cannot load Android system and data corrupt" error message when trying to boot up their phones. Strangely, users have said they've been encountering this issue in April and May's security updates. At the time, one user said their Pixel 8 wouldn't even turn on. They were able to get it to illuminate after plugging in its charger, but the bootloop quickly ensued.

Google is working on things, at least. Though it's not really clear if many users are finding a proper (or quick) solution.

What you need to know

• Google has shut down Pixel Studio image generation and now redirects users to use the Gemini app for powerful Nano Banana models.
• Pixel Studio version 2.3 completely disables image creation after Google gradually removed features.
• Existing images remain accessible inside Pixel Studio, allowing users to continue viewing and sharing them.

Nearly two years after its debut, Google has officially killed the Pixel Studio image generation app for Pixel devices.

When the Pixel 9 series launched in 2024, Google introduced Pixel Studio as an on-device image generation app aimed at creating things like greeting cards, stickers, and AI-generated images directly on Pixel phones. But despite Google's efforts, the app never really found a large audience, and now it's being shut down less than two years later.

Google has confirmed that Pixel Studio is effectively being discontinued with the latest version 2.3 update. Instead of generating images itself, the app now directs users to Gemini for image creation using Google's newer Nano Banana models.

Over the past few updates, Google had already started stripping away parts of the Pixel Studio experience, but the latest version goes a step further by completely disabling image generation (via 9to5Google).

The app now prominently displays an 'Open Gemini' button that redirects users to the Play Store and encourages them to use Nano Banana through the Gemini app instead.

That said, existing creations aren't disappearing. If you've previously generated images inside Pixel Studio, those creations will still remain accessible within the app and can continue to be viewed or shared.

Honestly, Google already offers several different ways to generate images across Android, and with how much better and faster the latest Gemini-powered image models have become, I'm not sure many people will actually miss Pixel Studio. It always felt like one of those Pixel features that most users either never discovered or never really cared about in the first place.

The summer travel season is upon us, which means many folks are searching for a new Android phone to accompany them on their adventures. There are plenty of devices that should serve as ideal companions when you hit the road, although finding the perfect phone for you may take a bit of research. Fortunately, I'm here to help.

When shopping for a travel-ready Android phone, you'll probably want to prioritize battery life and camera hardware first and foremost. You may also want to confirm that your new device has eSIM compatibility and a rugged build. Needless to say, I've gathered some of my favorite Android phones for travel into this guide, with versatile selections from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and beyond. Wherever you're going and however much you want to spend, your new feature-packed travel buddy can be found below. Happy trails!

Which Android phones are best for travel?

The best Android phone for travel will depend on a few factors, such as where you're going, what you'll be doing, and how much you want to spend. Taking in the sights in some famous international city? You'll want a device with a good camera. Planning a white-water rafting trip or a long-distance hike? The answer will be a rugged phone with good battery life and a high water-and-dust resistance rating.

That being said, I selected the phones above because they're some of the most versatile and complete phones on the market. The Google Pixel 10 Pro, for instance, is packed full of the latest camera tech and handy AI features such as real-time Voice Translate, while the OnePlus 15 boasts up to three days of battery life AND an impressive IP69K water-and-dust resistance rating.

What features should I look for in a travel-ready smartphone?

Like I mentioned above, desirable features in a travel phone will depend on where you're going and how you're planning to use the device. With that said, I would prioritize battery life, camera tech, and durability above all else when choosing a phone for your summer travels.

After all, modern smartphones are not just for calling and checking social media. In many situations, your Android phone will be your boarding pass and train ticket. It might also be your translator, map, and even your wallet, so it's important to choose a phone that will handle all of these jobs with ease.

What is eSIM?

Embedded Subscriber Identity Modules, or eSIM, is a digital technology on many smartphones that replaces the physical SIM card used to store user information on a device. In other words, it's a relatively new technology that lets you easily swap phones or wireless plans in minutes, rather than having to move a tiny physical chip from one device to another.

Phones that are eSIM-compatible are particularly useful when traveling, since you can quickly switch to an international phone plan directly from your device. It's also better for security reasons, since you won't have to worry about a physical chip being tampered with or stolen. Some compatible devices will even let you manage multiple eSIMs simultaneously, which means staying connected while traveling is easier than ever before.

Good things come to those who wait, especially when it comes to smartphone deals. For example, 2025's Google Pixel 10 Pro — which used to be a bit unapproachable because of its $1,000 price tag — is no longer the new kid on the block, which means you can find some pretty exceptional deals on the phone if you know where to look.

Verizon will now give you the Pro for FREE when you add with an eligible unlimited plan on the carrier's website. As if that wasn't enough, Verizon will also give you a free $100 gift card AND waive the $40 activation fee.

Furthermore, unlike some carrier deals, you don't need to sign up for Verizon's most expensive data plan to be eligible — the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate plans will all earn you the max savings. That's $1,140 of free stuff, and all you need to do is add a line (which you were probably going to do anyway).

Google's greatest creation is now FREE at Verizon

• See the full list of deals at Verizon today

The Google Pixel 10 Pro topped our list of the best AI phones that money can buy, and for good reason. The super-powered flagship is packed with the latest Gemini implementation and on-device processing, allowing you to use exclusive features like Magic Cue and Daily Hub straight out of the box.

The phone is also equipped with the efficient Tensor G5 processor and 16GB of RAM, plus you get a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display that's simply a joy to behold. The Pixel 10 Pro also comes with 25W Qi2 magnetic charging, excellent haptics, and a bounty of new camera features, and like all of the best Google Pixel phones ever built, you're guaranteed seven years of OS and security upgrades.

Like I mentioned above, you'll need to add a line with one of Verizon's mainline unlimited plans to receive the $1,140 of savings. These start at $55/month for a single line, although you can drop that price down significantly by adding multiple lines in one go (four lines of the Unlimited Welcome plan costs $25/month per line, for instance). All plans come with unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G network, plus you have the ability to mix and match additional perks such as international coverage, streaming subscriptions, and more.

Of course, if you prefer the simplicity of buying phones unlocked, it'd be understandable if you wanted to wait until Prime Day 2026 to buy a new Android phone. But if you're a Verizon user (or willing to switch) and you don't mind a bit of fine print, this is one of the best compelling phone deals on the web today.

What you need to know

• Thinborne pulled a classic; it debuted an early set of Pixel 11 cases, and there's a staggering change: a wider camera bar cutout.
• Nothing is confirmed—by Google, of course—but the wider camera could be to accommodate the rumored Pixel Glow LED lightning.
• Rumors are split about Pixel Glow, as some suggest it could be a light bar, while others claim it'll be nestled inside the bar itself.

Nothing is official, but that's not stopping Thinborne from crafting cases in preparation for Google's Pixel 11.

Early this morning (May 29), Thinborne shared what it's been cooking up for Google's next flagship series. Funnily enough, and as the company also joked about, nothing's that's different. Thinborne might've said "Google is still Google… they barely changed lol," but there's one huge change we can't help but mention: its camera cutout.

Thinborne's imagery seemingly showcases two Pixel 11 cases. What catches our attention is the phone case to the right, which is slightly wider than the one on the left. Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich wonders if this wider camera cutout is because of the long-rumored "Pixel Glow" we've been hearing about for weeks. There are assumptions everywhere, particularly because people are curious about what's going on.

When the company shared what it's been working on, it didn't specify which case belonged to which phone. If we're to guess (and this is wild speculation), perhaps the leftmost case belongs to the Pixel 11, leaving the right for the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL. That would be ideal, but again, nothing's confirmed yet.

Room to glow?

This isn't the first time Thinborne has crafted cases for rumored phones. It did the same thing last year for the Pixel 10. The excitement was real when Thinborne dropped its "Super Thin" case collection, which sold out shortly after its reveal. Google hadn't said anything official, but consumers (and Thinborne) didn't care. The hype was real, much like this year.

"Pixel Glow" was mentioned in rumors alongside the Googlebook, positioned as a nostalgic light bar. We've already gotten the Googlebook and its glowing light bar, and that's still fueling hype for the Pixel 11 series getting something similar. Instead of flowing around the camera island, recent rumors claim Pixel Glow could sit inside the device's bar. This would involve roughly eight LEDs collected similarly to Nothing's Glyph Matrix or Bar.

Rumors generated a mockup of what this could look like. It showed this small LED array sitting to the right of the camera bar's flash. On the other hand, we have Google's I/O 2026, which got people buzzing after a Gemini segment seemingly teased the Pixel 11 and Pixel Glow. The model held a Pixel phone sideways near a mirror, and the camera bar adopted a vibrant light blue glow around its edge.

What you need a know

• Owners of the original Pixel Fold are having issues with their cover displays following a recent string of updates from Google.
• Users state their cover screens have become non-responsive (remain dark) once their device boots up, while others say an update forced a bootloop.
• One report says they encountered this issue after the May patch, which only offered a charging fix for every currently supported Pixel phone.

A few concerning reports have sprung up on Reddit about the O.G. Pixel Fold's recent display issues.

Reports started gaining traction on the PixelFold subreddit throughout the week, with one user saying their "cover screen is not displaying" (via Android Headlines). They add, "For the past few months, the cover screen would randomly go black and unresponsive. Sometimes it was the inner screen instead. Always random, always fixed by a reboot, so I never stressed about it." Things got worse this week, as the user states their first-gen Pixel Fold's battery ran dry, forcing them to charge.

Once the phone was charged, its cover display wouldn't illuminate. This blackout only concerns once the phone is fully booted. The user reports that starting their device brightens the cover to show the "G" logo, but nothing happens after. Another, more extensive report was highlighted by another user in this thread's comments. This user's issue is slightly different, but could be tied to a similar software issue. They state that following the April patch, their Pixel Fold was entrenched in a bootlop.

What's more, they can only get their phone to start if it's in "Tent Mode" (partially open). Their inner display will turn on as expected, but not their cover screen. Similar to the first report, the user says there is no damage on the cover display, pointing us again toward a software problem.

One user's comment says they started getting issues in May, but says others have encountered this way back in March. Right now, it looks like contacting Google's support is the only viable path forward if you're experiencing this issue.

Software-level

It's been a while since we've seen Pixel Fold issues so severe. There were early reports about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold that highlighted its 'sticky scrolling' issues. Users had a jarring experience, as their devices would stop scrolling after they removed their finger from the display. This isn't typically how screens work, as they're supposed to continue rolling out, especially if there's enough movement behind them.

It's a bit unsettling that these issues have (sort of) been a byproduct of the May security update. There were some display issues worked on by Google this month, but none for the Fold. That original model, as well as the subsequent one, received charging fixes. Something has clearly gone awry for Google's O.G. Fold, and users affected are forced to wait it out bitterly.

Android Central's Take

One of the most frustrating things is when there's an issue with no clear fix. A fix that the user can do in minutes and be done with. This issue seems like it lies within the phone's software, which means Google needs to fix it. Users should take this up with Google's support and offer as much information as possible. Even these Reddit reports could be good, too.

What you need to know

• Social media is buzzing after Google's I/O, but it's because users think it teased the Pixel 11 during the showcase.
• Google was busy showing off how Gemini Omni can alter reality for a video, and at the very end, the user's Pixel glows around its camera bar.
• Many think this could be the rumored Pixel Glow for the Pixel 11 series, but we're hesitating, considering the nature of the Omni showcase.

We're just starting to wind down from Google's (near) two-hour I/O livestream, but it looks like we're not done, as it might've teased the Pixel 11.

Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich spotted chatter on social media; people are buzzing, claiming Google's Gemini Omni portion teased the Pixel 11. This section was talking about how users can lean on Omni's video capabilities to "change reality with natural language." The model holds a Google Pixel sideways throughout the example, but at the very end, the space around its camera bar glows. An AI-generated disco ball accompanies this in the background.

What theories are going crazy over is whether or not this was a sneak peek at Google's "Pixel Glow." We're a bit hesitant to side with these theories. The first is because the company was highlighting the many ways its AI could alter reality, and show items or aspects that were never there. Secondly, the Pixel that the model is using appears to be in a case—potentially this one, to be exact.

Now, could it be possible that Google tried to sneak one past us? Absolutely. It's also hard to tell (considering how glowy the light is) if the illumination is within the camera bar cutout or outside of it. This Pixel Glow rumor is exciting, but recent reports suggest it might not look like this AI showcase.

Lets pump the breaks

Rumors late in April claimed Google was working on a new feature for the Pixel 11 series called "Pixel Glow." It was discovered in its code that this would involve approximately eight LEDs and would function similarly to a light bar. Earlier rumors involved talks about the same thing for Google's next laptops, which we've seen announced as Googlebook.

For phones, Pixel Glow would offer glanceable information, which reminds us of Nothing's Glyph Matrix (or Bar). However, a major Pixel 11 leak earlier this month suggests it might not be a "light bar," but a small RGB LED array inside the camera bar. Google might discontinue its temperature sensor to fit this in for the next series. Little more information has been speculated about Pixel Glow. It seems safe to say Google's AI, Gemini, will likely have a lot to do with it, though.

It's Google I/O, the Mountain View's biggest conference of the year for Android developers.

So why did we notice the company was using a MacBook during one of its live demos?
Varun Mohan, an engineer for Antigravity at Google Deepmind, is showcasing how Antigravity functions.

However, one thing we noticed was right at the very top of his computer screenshare, you can see a tiny Apple logo.

One would assume the company would have used a Chromebook. And while there were no glitches, this slip is a funny one.

Here's a closer look at the logo:

And that's not the only place Google used Apple devices during the show. An iPhone 17 Pro (Max?) was clearly shown during Google's Gemini Spark demo, showing the agent working while the phone was put down.

But why did Google do it??

Google tends to show these types of new features and announcements off on the company's own devices (for obvious reasons), but it seems that they're trying to subconciously say that Gemini's latest tricks aren't just for Android users. Will Apple users bite?

What you need to know

• Google's new Android 17 emojis add a 3D depth effect, replacing the flatter look from older Android versions.
• A new leak reveals around 250 redesigned emojis, including new faces, animals, food, and drink icons.
• Google is expected to roll out the new Noto 3D emojis first to Pixel phones later this year.

A new massive leak has given us our first proper look at the new 3D emojis coming with the Android 17 update later this year.

At The Android Show last week, one of the smaller but surprisingly important announcements was Google's redesigned emojis for Android 17. For years, people have complained that Android emojis feel flat and uninspiring compared to the ones on iPhones, and it finally looks like Google is trying to address that.

Google announced that Android 17 will introduce new 3D emojis called Noto 3D. These new emojis feature more depth and dimension, and Google says they're designed to better express emotion and make "presence felt." At the Android Show, Google only teased a handful of emojis, but a new leak has now revealed a much larger collection.

The leak was shared by RKBDI in a post on X, showcasing around 250 redesigned emojis. The images include new emoji faces along with animals, food items, drinks, and more. As you can see from the leaked images, the new emojis definitely have more depth and a more 3D-like appearance than before, although it still isn't a complete redesign from the ground up.

Google hasn't started rolling out or testing these emojis on Android 17 beta devices just yet, but we expect them to appear fairly soon in future beta updates. If you're on the stable version of Android, though, these redesigned emojis will likely arrive first on Pixel phones later this year, probably around the Pixel 11 launch window.

Android Central's Take

Honestly, I was hoping for a much more radical redesign, but it doesn't look like that's happening with Android 17. These leaked emojis actually remind me a lot of Samsung's emoji style while still carrying traces of Google's older Android emojis. They're definitely an improvement, but not quite on the same level as what Apple currently offers.

The day is here: Google I/O is happening today!

This year, Google has confirmed that I/O will run across two days, May 19 and May 20. The main keynote kicks off on Tuesday, May 19, at 1 p.m. ET, followed by multiple developer sessions, workshops, and announcements throughout the event.

Android Central's Managing Editor Derrek Lee is in California for all the exciting announcements.

For the second year in a row, Google streamed a special I/O edition of The Android Show ahead of the big event, highlighting some notable updates coming to its platforms. There was a lot to cover and some exciting announcements for Android, Gemini, and even a teaser for the upcoming Googlebooks.

It almost makes us wonder what’s in store for Google I/O and what announcements the company is saving for the big event. Perhaps Google will announce the next big evolution of Gemini, give us more details about Android XR, and give us some much-awaited updates on upcoming Google Home hardware. We’ll just have to wait and see.

For now, follow along with this Live Blog. We plan to cover loads of things leading up to the event!!

When does Google I/O start?

Google I/O 2026 starts today, May 19, with the main keynote scheduled at 1pm ET. But I/O is more than just one event, and Google has dozens of sessions and events planned throughout today and tomorrow, May 20. Some of these will be aimed at devs, but Google has plenty of consumer-facing sessions where we will get to see the latest in Android 17, Android XR, Gemini, and much more!

How to watch Google I/O

If you're not at the event, you can still watch the entire I/O 2026 keynote and other events live through Google's official I/O website and YouTube channel. As a reminder, the main keynote kicks off at 1pm ET, so that's 10am PT, 6pm BST, and 10:30pm IST. The event is being held at Shoreline in San Francisco, California.

We will be covering everything you need to know and like we said, Derrek will keep us updated on everything!

Google I/O 2026: All the biggest expected announcements

Android 17 is obviously going to be a key focus at I/O 2026, and with Google giving us a preview of what's coming at The Android Show last week, we know that Gemini Intelligence will play a bit part in today's announcements. But that's not all! Google is likely to showcase everything new with Android XR, Android Auto, the brand-new Googlebooks, and its services. Here's a high-level overview of what's likely to be announced:

• Android 17: Google previewed several features coming to Android 17, including Create My Widget, Rambler in Gboard, Pause Point, and others. Most of these features leverage on-device AI, so it's no wonder that Google is putting Gemini front and center, even calling Android 17 an "intelligence system."
• Android XR: There's been a lot of excitement around Android XR after Google announced the initiative last year, and we will get to see new XR glasses made in collaboration with Xreal and Samsung. Gemini is likely going to be a major part of this endeavor as well, so get ready to see Google talk up how it is integration AI into smart glasses.
• Gemini Intelligence: Google is building out Gemini into an agentic framework, and we'll get to see what that means in everyday use, and how all the new features coming to Gemini will make it easier to use your phone. The agentic model includes things like a browsing assistant and travel planner, so it is intriguing to say the least.
• Android Auto: Google showed off a new look for Android Auto, and the interface is now able to scale better across various brands' cars. Also new is Dolby Atmos integration in select vehicles, content playback in HDR, and Gemini integration.
• Googlebook: While we got an early look at the Googlebook, we don't know about the exact details other than the magic cursor that invokes Gemini based on contextual use. We should also see what manufacturing partners Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, Acer, and HP are doing in this category.
• Google Health: With Fitbit now integrated into Google Health, it will be interesting to see just where Google takes the platform, and what new features it will introduce.
• Google Home: It's about time we get a new Google Home device, and recent leaks point to Google doing just that. While there isn't much information available, it sounds like we'll get a device similar to the Nest Hub that comes with a built-in panel.

Gemini Intelligence is a big step forward for Android, bringing more automation and context across Google’s platforms. We’ve already seen a big of what this can do, thanks to Magic Cue and Now Nudge on the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26, respectively. Google plans to take app automation to the next level and bring it to even more devices.

One cool capability powered by Gemini Intelligence is an improved Gboard voice-to-text feature called Rambler. It intelligently transcribes your voice while accounting for the “ums,” “ahs,” and “likes,” allowing you to speak more naturally while converting your voice.

Android 17 is becoming more creator-friendly, and one of the coolest features coming to the platform is Screen Reactions. If you’re a creator, this should be very useful to you, as it makes it easy to record an overlay of yourself over a clip in the background without needing to set up a green screen or use third-party apps.

Pixel users will get the feature first this summer when Android 17 rolls out, and it should land on other Android devices in the future.

Android Auto is getting some much-needed love. Users will be happy to know that the experience will better fit a wider range of infotainment display shapes, such as that of the Lucid Air. The update includes wallpapers and Material 3 Expressive UI elements, adding more color to your experience.

Android Auto will also bring an expanded Google Maps view that fills the entire screen, as well as a new Immersive Navigation experience that offers more detail, including 3D images of buildings and roads, and enhanced turn-by-turn instructions.

Security is an important part of Android, and Google is enhancing user protection with a new spoof protection feature. To safeguard users from spoofing, the system will verify bank calls in the background and end the call if it detects someone is impersonating a bank.

The feature will work for participating financial institutions if the user has the associated app installed on their phone. The system will essentially check with the app to verify that a call is actually being made from the bank. To start, only Revolut, Itaú, and Nubank will support the new spoof protection feature, but it will expand to other banks in the future.

During the Gemini Intelligence portion of The Android Show, we got a peek at a radically different UI design for Gemini. Google is being pretty weird about this new design, telling Android Central, "Gemini Intelligence comes with an updated design language that builds upon Material 3 Expressive." Clearly, this design language isn't anything like Material 3 Expressive, despite what the company says, so maybe it's just testing the waters for something new and relatively small to see how public reaction goes.

Google also debuted the Chrome Autobrowse feature, which builds upon Gemini Screen Automation, which was launched alongside the Galaxy S26 earlier this year. With Autobrowse, you give Gemini a task, and it does all the annoying searching and researching for you. Google's example was to find the best place to park for an event, something that often requires using multiple apps or websites, plus a good chunk of time to find.

Sticking to the Autobrowse topic for another minute, I'm wondering how many people will feel comfortable with letting Gemini perform these tasks. Do you find yourself trusting the AI summaries on Google searches, or using AI to complete tasks like this with confidence? I know a lot of people who are skeptical about AI's accuracy for these kinds of things (with good reason), and I'm wondering how many people might be willing to offload a task to Gemini and trust the end result. What do you think? I'd love to hear from the community on this one!

While some people might not trust Gemini with complicated tasks just yet, there's one area I can't wait for Gemini to take over: filling out forms. With this latest Gemini Intelligence upgrade, Gemini can now auto-fill all those annoying web forms with a single tap, including the boxes that the current Chrome auto-fill always seems to be incapable of doing. It's about time!

Gemini Intelligence is the start of Android’s shift to becoming an “intelligent system” instead of an operating system, but that shift might leave quite a few Android flagships behind. We recently learned on the Gemini Intelligence landing page that strict technical requirements will rule out many recent flagships from running the new AI suite. The system requirements for Gemini Intelligence are a “qualified SoC” (in other words, a flagship chip), 12GB of RAM, and certain on-device AI models (AI Core and Gemini Nano v3).

There are many Android phones with 12GB of memory and a flagship chip, but Gemini Nano v3 is more elusive. For now, the only Samsung phones that support it are the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The only Google phones with Gemini Nano v3 are the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

As you’ve probably noticed, that list not only leaves out last-generation flagships, but also some current models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Of course, Google could expand Gemini Nano v3 support, and we hope it does. But for now, Gemini Intelligence looks much more limited than we initially thought.

The limitations of Gemini Intelligence are somewhat surprising considering the planned scope of the AI suite. Google said in its announcement that Gemini Intelligence “will become available across your Android devices including your watch, car, glasses and laptops later this year.” It also explained that a gradual rollout of features will begin starting with “the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer.”

But considering the demanding system requirements for Gemini Intelligence, we are doubtful the suite will run on-device on platforms like Wear OS, Google built-in, or Android XR. Instead, it seems more likely that Gemini Intelligence could run on-device on Android phones and Googlebooks, with watches, cars, and glasses tapping into the advanced AI suite through a tethered connection. We’ll have to wait and see to be sure, though.

Do you need Gemini Intelligence? If the eligibility requirements for the new AI suite are indeed as we’ve described, a lot of Android phones will be left out — even recent flagships. A lot of Android and Gemini fans may find themselves asking that very question later this summer. Although it’s easy to want the latest and greatest AI software, the answer might be “no.”

Gemini Intelligence is all about automation. It uses many of the same Gemini features and models you can already use on your Android phone, and now supports agentic navigation and background processes of those tasks.

Without Gemini Intelligence, you won’t be able to ask Gemini to book a tour in the Expedia app in the background while you use your Android phone for other tasks. You will, however, still be able to use features like Nano Banana, Gemini, and Circle to Search without Gemini Intelligence. So, it’s important to remember that the Gemini features you love aren’t going away — Gemini Intelligence just expands on them.

Google already claims that Android blocks more scams and fraud attempts than iPhones, and the company expanded on that during The Android Show 2026. Google is bringing a much-improved version of Live Threat Detection to Android. This feature continuously monitors apps on your phone to ensure they aren't abusing permissions, such as forwarding SMS messages, misusing accessibility overlays, or secretly accessing sensitive information in the background.

Not only that, but Google has also updated the “Mark as lost” feature inside Find Hub. Android 17 will now require biometric authentication in addition to your PIN or passcode when a lost device is marked in Find Hub. This means even if someone somehow knows your passcode, they still won't be able to unlock your phone without biometric verification.

Another major set of upgrades coming with Android 17 is focused on creators. Google says it has partnered with Meta to optimize Instagram on Android. The company claims it has improved the entire capture-to-upload pipeline so that photos and videos uploaded from Android devices retain much better quality.

Android is also gaining support for Ultra HDR for both capturing and viewing content. Google is also finally optimizing Instagram for Android tablets and large-screen foldables, something users have wanted for years. And on top of that, Adobe Premiere is officially coming to Android later this year as well.

Hold the phone; did you know Google has a new “Home Speaker” on the way? The company revealed this product last fall when Gemini for Home debuted. It’s a small, rather cute-looking speaker with a colorful, textbook Gemini ring light beneath its body. At the time, Google said it “engineered” the speaker for Gemini, meaning we should expect major integrations and uses once this rolls out. I’m definitely keeping Google to its original timeline of a Spring 2026 reveal… so, I/O, right?

Gemini for Home entered early access for Google Home users shortly after its debut in October. Since then, the company’s been upgrading the AI, giving it better accuracy, and making it so it doesn’t cut you off or take away time from follow-up questions.

Do you see where we're going with this? “Natural conversational” capabilities were the name of the game for Google’s new smart home outlook. We are fully expecting to see the Google Home Speaker show up during I/O, and more than the little teaser we got (which was pretty good) late last year.

Googlebook sounds like an exciting endeavor and evolution of Google’s Chromebook efforts, and since the announcement, we’ve heard a little more about what’s in store for the upcoming laptops. Both Qualcomm and MediaTek revealed that they will be powering these new devices and that it won’t just be an Intel-only affair.

This is a pretty big deal because Qualcomm has already proven that it can power Windows machines that promise long battery life, strong performance, and powerful AI capabilities. We’re excited to see what Qualcomm and MediaTek can bring to the Googlebook table.

Google announced a number of partners that plan to launch new Googlebook hardware, and the lineup is pretty stacked, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. However, one question remains: Are we getting a new Pixelbook, too?

It’s been a minute since we got a dedicated laptop from Google with the Pixel branding on it, but there’s definitely a thirst for it. The last Pixel laptop launched in 2019, and a follow-up is well overdue. Rumors have suggested that Google is working on new first-party laptop hardware, and it would be the perfect way to showcase what Googlebook can do, especially with that cool glow bar.

The new Gemini Intelligence features sound neat, and one way Google is working to expand and enhance app automation is by getting developers on board. With Android AppFunctions, developers can enable richer interactions with their apps, making it easier to get things done without lifting a finger.

Perhaps an app-less world is really in the near future, and we’ll instead just interact with AI agents.

We can’t be the only ones excited about Adobe Premiere making its way to Android devices. It’s been an iOS-only affair for some time, and for anyone who does amateur or professional video editing, this will provide a new avenue to work from, letting you edit on the go without carrying a huge laptop or waiting until you get home to your desktop computer.

And I love that work flows will include ways to edit and post directly to YouTube Shorts, which sounds like a win for Google.

One thing that a lot of people may appreciate about Gemini Intelligence is that Google is designing this with privacy in mind. That means, when using features like screen automation or proactive AI suggestions via features like Magic Cue, you have control over how your data is used. You tell it when to automate an action, you tell Gemini when to connect to apps, you enable features like Gemini in Autofill, and you give it access to your data and peripherals like your camera.

One of the new Gemini Intelligence features lets you describe your dream widget so that Gemini can build it for you. Nothing launched a near-identical feature on its latest phones back in February, and I've been extremely happy with how its creation engine works.

While we haven't seen the feature in detail yet, there's something special about being able to create your own widget. For years, I've been annoyed by one feature (or lack thereof) in specific apps' widgets, so I'm hoping this lets me address those concerns with my own ideas.

Gemini Intelligence seems designed to get you off your phone more and let you enjoy the world around you more (by having AI handle all the time-consuming stuff). Google is also upgrading the operating system's Digital Wellbeing features with a new Pause Point feature, which kicks in after you've hit your specified app time limits.

Pause Point takes all those distracting apps, shrinks them into a little tile, and helps you stop and think a bit about your usage patterns. You can swipe left to put the app away, or swipe right to get back to what you were doing. It's a bit of added friction in your daily routine, designed to make your smartphone use more intentional and less about mindless swiping.

And Gemini Intelligence isn't just coming to Android phones, it's also in the new GoogleBooks laptops and soon to be in your desktop or laptop Chrome browser. One of the key features is Magic Pointer, a sort of "circle to search" for mouse pointers. Google says you can give the pointer a shake to wake the feature up, then hover over anything to see context-specific actions. It's an interesting extension of the behavior many of us have already learned to love on our Android phones, and now it's making its way to more platforms, backed by Gemini.

If a lot of these new features sound right up your alley, Google is also introducing a new phone-switching software utility that makes it even easier to copy all the stuff on your old phone over to a new phone. No matter if you're on an older Android phone or an iPhone, Google's new utility will bring everything over, including your home screen layout and widgets. It sounds pretty wild!

The Googlebook brand is all about hardware. A lot of people will make the Pixelbook comparison, and trust me, I’d love to see a Google-made Googlebook (A Pixel Googlebook? A Google Googlebook?). However, Googlebook sounds more to me like the next-generation successor to Chromebook Plus. As a recap, these are the key requirements that allow a Chromebook to be branded as Chromebook Plus:

CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Generation or above, or AMD Ryzen 3 5000 series or above

RAM: 8 GB or more

Storage: 128 GB or more

Web camera: 1080p or better with Temporal Noise Reduction

Display: Full HD IPS or better

In other words, Chromebook Plus laptops are still ChromeOS devices made by third-party OEMs. Google is setting standards that ensure you know exactly what kind of experience you’re getting when you see the “Chromebook Plus” brand. That’s Googlebook in a nutshell. Google is still partnering with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo to actually make Googlebooks, but the company mandates a premium hardware experience and a “Glowbar” across the board.

So, what exactly are those Googlebook standards? They’re a little vague at the moment, but here’s how Google describes them in a sentence: “a new category of laptops built with Gemini’s helpfulness at its core, designed to work seamlessly with the devices in your life and powered by premium hardware.” The premium hardware part is most exciting to me — the early Googlebook renders look stunning, and the so-called cheap feel of Chromebooks has been a longtime deterrent.

However, I’m hoping that Google eventually comes out with a concrete list of characteristics or requirements that make a Googlebook, similar to what we have for Chromebook Plus. It would go a long way in making Googlebook feel like a cohesive brand, rather than a collection of Android-powered laptops. If, for example, the emphasis on “premium hardware” rules out plastic materials or low-memory configurations, it’d be nice to know.

Luckily, Google says it will “have a lot more to share later this year.

There’s one thing about Googlebooks’ “premium hardware” that scares me: the price point. Google seems quite optimistic about the software capabilities of Googlebooks, even touting new apps like Adobe Premiere. That said, they are still set to run an Android/ChromeOS hybrid known as Aluminum OS. That probably puts limits on what Google and its partners can charge for Googlebook laptops, as people might not feel comfortable paying upwards of $1,000 for an Android-powered computer, even if it has “premium hardware.”

Hopefully, we’ll hear more about Googlebooks price point soon. They’re entering the laptop market at a challenging time, though. Rising component prices are thinning profit margins and shortages are causing some configurations to disappear completely. Then, there’s the MacBook Neo. It’s a full-fledged macOS laptop with premium build quality priced as low as $499 for students and educators. This puts pressure on Windows laptops and Googlebooks to remain competitive with aggressive pricing.

It’ll be a tough choice for Google and its partners as to how to price Googlebooks. I doubt they’ll be as cheap as the MacBook Neo, but they can’t be more expensive than the high end of the Chromebook Plus market today ($750).

Another smaller update, but one that is a big deal, is the introduction of redesigned emojis in Android 17. For years, people have complained that Android emojis look flat and uninspiring, especially compared to the iPhone, and it finally looks like Google is addressing that.

While the company hasn't fully shown off the complete emoji set yet, it says the new emojis will feature a more 3D-like look similar to what iPhones currently offer. Honestly, this is one of the Android 17 features we are most looking forward to later this year.

One of the biggest new Googlebook features is Magic Pointer. This is essentially an AI-aware cursor that understands context based on what you're pointing at on the screen. For example, you could point it at an email, and it would extract important information from it, or even point it at two different images and combine them together.

Google initially made it seem like this would remain exclusive to Googlebooks, but the company has now confirmed that Magic Pointer is also coming to Google Chrome on Mac and Windows. Google still hasn't revealed exactly when the feature will roll out or which regions will get it first, but it looks like it should arrive sooner rather than later.

Samsung has a pair of smart glasses on the way, thanks to its work with Google, that should give Ray-Bans a run for their money. That’s the idea, anyway, isn’t it? I could talk about rumors, but there was an interview held with Samsung’s vice president of mobile business, Jay Kim, which highlighted an “eye level camera” on the lenses. Supposedly, this will help the glasses “understand” what the user sees, and then send that info to their phones.

Imagine seeing a poster in another language, and instead of reaching for your phone, your glasses are already on it.

It’s unclear if Samsung will debut its long-awaited smart glasses at I/O 2026. What we are expecting is for the company to at least have them around. Whether it’s Google doing the showcase or someone from Samsung, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we see something extra; a feature we haven’t seen before, or use cases that we haven’t seen yet. If Samsung is going to do these glasses, we want them to do so with flair and confidence.

A cool feature that Android 17 is getting is Pause Point; this is different to Digital Wellbeing in that it lets you prevent distractions. The idea is that if you tag an app as distracting, Pause Point adds a little friction that will let you consider if you actually want to use it at that time.

Basically, you'll get a 10-second timer where you can do breathing exercises, get alternatives, or set a timer to use that app. Instead of just freezing the app, Pause Point provides usable alternatives that are better in my opinion. The entire idea with the feature is to not waste hours on distracted scrolling (as it so often is the case these days), and to be mindful about how you actually use your phone.

AirDrop integration with Android phones is just plain cool, and it’s great to see that the feature is coming to additional devices. Recent Pixel and Galaxy devices can use the feature to send files to iPhones, and we saw the ability to do so on the Vivo X300 Ultra and the Find X9 Ultra as well as the X9 Pro. Google notes that the feature is reliant on “specific software integration and ecosystem support,” and that’s why phones like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra that use the same Qualcomm silicon don't have this feature yet.

The best new feature in Android 17 has to be Create My Widget. As the name suggests, you get the ability to make your own widgets, and it has limitless possibilities. While widgets have been around for well over a decade, getting the right one is always an issue (at least on most phones I use), and this feature aims to solve that issue once and for all. Best of all, you can just tell what kind of widget you want, and Gemini Intelligence does the legwork. It isn’t available in the latest beta, but should roll out with the stable build.

Google I/O is just a day away, and we’re expecting to see a lot of announcements at the keynote and beyond. There will probably be a lot of cool demos for new Gemini features, Android XR, and possibly even Google’s new Googlebook OS.

Google has given us a taste of what to expect from Google I/O after publishing the event schedule, but that only gives us part of the story. Make sure to check out our Google I/O 2026: How to watch and what to expect article for more on what we could see.

The overall theme of Google I/O should remain the same as it has in recent years: AI and its role in our lives and on our devices. We expect to hear the word “AI” a lot, but nowadays it feels like we’re hearing “agentic” just as much, and it will likely be a major focus at I/O. But what is agentic AI??

Agentic AI is the next step for AI, allowing it to act more autonomously rather than reactively, meaning you’ll spend less time telling the AI what to do and what it needs. The AI will execute a command while gathering all the information it needs to complete the task without your input. Or the AI can surface relevant information for you at certain times based on what it knows about you, your surroundings, and your actions. It’s truly an AI assistant.

We’ve been waiting for more Google Home hardware for some time, and it’s finally on its way. The Google Home Speaker was teased during last year’s Made by Google event with a “Spring 2026” launch date, so it’s likely we’ll hear more about it at Google I/O.

The $99 speaker will feature Gemini and support Gemini Live. It will come with a light ring for more visual responses, and 360-degree audio means you don’t need to worry about placement. Cooler yet, you can pair two of them together for stereo audio and even pair them with the Google TV Streamer.

Speaking of Google Home, there might be another device on the horizon. A recent look into the Google Home code suggests Google may be working on a new smart home display called the “Google Home Display,” a pretty apt name, if you ask me.

Most likely, this could be a sequel to the Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max, but whether Google will follow in its footsteps or take what it’s learned from the Pixel Tablet with a detachable screen is up in the air. I, for one, hope it’s the latter.

The Android 17 beta has been underway for some time now, but Google has been pretty vague about when it will arrive. We received the final Android 17 beta release in mid-April, so we’re about due for an update, which should be the final stable release. Android 16 was released on June 10, 2025, for Pixel smartphones, so the launch can’t be too far off, and we’re likely to get some clarity at or around I/O.

Android Central's Managing Editor, Derrek Lee, is officially on site at Google I/O 2026! The show doesn't officially begin until tomorrow (May 19) at 10:00 am PT, but we always like to be a little bit early to these kinds of things. Thousands of people get to attend Google I/O each year, and there's always something fun to find on Google's incredible campus.

Derrek will be our man on the ground at I/O this year, watching the keynotes live and getting his hands on everything Google plans to announce tomorrow. What are you looking forward to most? We'll make sure to cover it!

Last year, Google and Samsung launched Galaxy XR, a joint venture that launched the new Android XR operating system that's designed for headsets and smart glasses. While the Galaxy XR is a bit too expensive for most people to enjoy, upcoming Android XR smart glasses promise to deliver 90% of the experience for a lot less, all without the bulkiness of a VR headset. Samsung shipped the Galaxy XR without controllers to prove how well Android XR works with just your hands and voice, and I expect Android XR-powered smart glasses to be just as good in that regard.

Last year, Google and Xreal teased Project Aura, the first fully-fledged pair of AR glasses that'll be powered by Android XR. I think many of us expected Aura to debut as a commercial product by now, but complications in the broader tech market have clearly affected the roadmaps for many products. Still, I fully expect to see Project Aura make a full debut at this year's Google I/O, hopefully including live demonstrations and tech specs so we can fully understand how close these glasses will be to VR headsets.

To date, XR Glasses are mainly just wearable monitors. Some, like the Xreal One line, sport a chipset that can perform positional tracking and 3D conversion, but those processors aren't built to run applications like we expect Project Aura to. Instead, Aura should be more like Meta Orion, which I tried nearly two years ago at this point, which uses a separate "compute puck" that's essentially got the guts of a smartphone, just without a display, since the display will be inside the glasses, on your face.

Unsurprisingly, Xreal Project Aura is rumored to sport similar specs to Meta Orion, including a 70-degree field of view, which is nearly 20-degrees wider than currently available glasses from companies like Xreal and Viture. Will we see apps running on Project Aura on stage this year? I sure as heck hope so!

Given all the changes in the XR space over the past year or two, it's clear that Google is playing it safe with Android XR's slow rollout. While today's VR headsets (like the Meta Quest 3) are genuinely good products, they're still too big and bulky for most people to feel comfortable with.

Google looks to be building the bones behind future VR headsets, which will look and feel more like a thick pair of regular glasses instead of a head-mounted computer. I'm hoping Google makes a few more Android XR announcements this I/O, including the screen-free AI glasses from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, which are built by Samsung and designed to compete with Meta AI glasses from brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley

We’re looking ahead to Google I/O, and one topic that is sure to be a highlight of the annual developer conference is vibe coding. Google has a number of AI-powered vibe coding tools, including IDEs like Google AI Studio and Google Antigravity. It also offers Google Labs experiments like Opal, which allows users to vibe code web apps with no coding experience. It has us wondering, what’s next for Google’s vibe coding efforts?

We know it’ll be a focus at I/O 2026, because Google is hosting a session called “Build next-gen AI experiences with Google AI Studio and Google Antigravity.” Could that be a preview of what’s to come? Google could announce a new AI coding experience at the event, or reveal how a current experiment will grow into a full-fledged vibe coding experience. It’s certainly something to watch, so stay tuned for our I/O coverage for more.

Another thing to keep an eye on at Google I/O 2026 is new AI models. Rumors are already swirling about Google dropping a new flagship Gemini model family at I/O, which isn’t too surprising. However, the brand could also update its suite of open-source AI models at the developer event. For those unfamiliar, Gemma is the name for Google’s open AI models, which anyone can deploy for free in their own setups or tools. There’s a session titled “What's new in the Gemma open model family” set for Wednesday, May 20 at I/O that will help attendees “uncover the newest additions to the family and dive into the practical tools that make them usable at scale.” If there are new Gemma updates, we’ll likely learn more about them a day earlier during the main or developer keynotes.

The last thing I’m watching closely at Google I/O is the evolution of Chrome. It’s a web browser, but it also serves as the foundation for many Google experiences. On platforms like iOS, macOS, and Windows, it is the primary vertical for interacting with Google AI features, such as Gemini or the upcoming Magic Pointer feature.

What’s next for the Chrome browser? At I/O 2026, hopefully we’ll learn more. There’s a “What’s new in Chrome" session set for Tuesday, May 19 that should shed some light on that.

Even though we got a lot of Android announcements at The Android Show earlier this month, we still didn't hear much about Android XR. Samsung is reportedly planning to launch its Galaxy Glasses later this year alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, which would make them the first devices to ship with Android XR out of the box.

Since the last I/O, we've already seen Google showcase and explain how Android XR will work on smart glasses, but we still haven't seen a proper working product in action. Personally, I'm hoping we get to see some sort of Android XR-powered smart glasses later this year.

Google I/O 2025 was also when Google really pushed AI in Search, and since then, the company has continued improving it with more Gemini-powered features. In fact, Google has already said during its earnings calls that AI Mode is driving significant Search traffic and revenue growth.

So honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Google announces even more Gemini-powered Search features at this year's event. What features related to AI do you want to see in Google search? Let us know!

While there’s a lot of excitement around how Google will integrate Gemini into its hardware and software products and what else the search giant might introduce, it’s important to note that I/O is ultimately just a showcase of what Google is up to. There have been numerous instances in the past where flashy demos didn’t really pan out to real-world products, or scenarios where Google didn’t have a long-term strategy (remember Google Wave?) around a new service.

What stands out in particular is Google Glass. The smart glasses were demoed in 2012 in a glitzy showcase that involved skydivers, and while Google released the product, it was underwhelming; the battery life was poor, it cost a lot, and had a limited feature-set. And the privacy implications meant Google never made much of a headway with the tech.

Google’s Motorola acquisition led to Project Ara, an innovative modular phone that was genuinely exciting. Basically, the idea was that you could slot in modules to bring added functionality to your phone. Don’t like the camera? Just switch it out. Want another battery? Just add a module to the phone. While it was a great idea, it was justifiably difficult to build, and Google ultimately abandoned the project. Oh well, at least we got the LG G5.

Another moment that’s notable was the Google Duplex demo in 2018. The AI-assisted service was uncannily good at answering calls on your behalf or booking reservations at restaurants, and the demo deservedly got a lot of attention. But the service never really debuted globally; it launched in a limited fashion later in the year, and it was heavily constrained – it wasn’t anywhere as usable as the demo.

The biggest I/O letdown has to be Allo. Google showcased the revolutionary messaging service in 2016, and it launched to much fanfare. The feature-set was different enough to make it stand out, and it had contextual AI at a time when artificial intelligence wasn’t close to being a buzzword. On the whole, it was a great platform, but Google’s fragmented messaging strategy meant Allo did not get the attention it deserved, and like a lot of great Google products, it faded away into obscurity less then a year after launch.

That said, I/O served as the launchpad for Google’s most successful products, including Android, Maps, Photos, and so on. The Material Design showcase at I/O 2014 was a pivotal moment, with the design language extending well beyond phones to cover most Google products across the web. A lot of cool features in Maps – including turn-by-turn navigation – made their debut at the event. And of course, the launch of Google Photos in 2015 was a landmark moment that changed how we save and share photos from all of our phones.

Switching gears, do you remember that whole #GetTheMessage campaign Google started right? Yeah, it was all about getting Apple to finally adopt the RCS messaging standard, so Android users texting iPhones can have a better time. I kind of think of this Quick Share, AirDrop expansion as a continuation of strengthening the iOS, Android relationship.

Since its expansion, Pixel 9 users can easily trade files with iOS devices. Google says it plans to extend this support to even more phones. Devices such as Samsung’s latest Galaxy S26 can do so. It’s worth noting that both devices (sender and receiver) are set as “discoverable” before beginning the file transfer. If Google’s doing anything more for this, I/O will be the place for it. I doubt we’ll see much unless Google wants to provide a definitive list and times to get other Android phone support.

Agentic AI has become that new buzzword that feels like it’s everywhere nowadays. My wonderful colleague, Derrek Lee, has discussed this before, but there’s so much to cover when it comes to this software. Agentic AI is more autonomous. So, when Google talked about Workspace Intelligence, I was pretty interested. Not because I’d use it, but because I wanted to see what it was about (I’m curious).

This new vision is all about understanding how you talk in emails and using the AI to help draft emails—without your manual typing—that “sounds like you.” What’s more, the AI could dive into your connected Workspace apps to surface “relevant” info for that email. I mean, yeah, it sounds nice, but it also sounds like a pain. I just hope we’re double-checking and triple-checking that AI. You don’t want to spill some company secrets just because you wanted AI to write a two-sentence email, do you?

Google I/O day is here, and we’re excited to see what Google has in store for consumers. Of course, I/O is more of a developer-focused event, so a lot of the content might be a bit too technical for the average consumer or Android fan (which is why The Android Show exists), but there are usually some notable announcements worth paying attention to, and we’ll be sure to highlight them after the keynote so you don’t have to sift through all the boring stuff!

If you want to tune into the Google I/O keynote, you can stream it on Google’s official YouTube channel. The keynote begins at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, but if you can’t remember that, you can click the “Notify me” button so you don’t miss any cool announcements. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai is expected to headline the keynote, which features this description:

“Discover how we're furthering our mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Of course, as a developer-focused event, there will be plenty for developers to dive into. After the main keynote, there will be a Developer Keynote, which begins at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET. If you’re not a developer, this may not interest you very much, but if you’re curious, it’ll likely be available to stream on Google’s YouTube Channel.

The description for the Developer Keynote reads: “Explore the future of development with Google’s latest AI tools to boost productivity and create innovative new experiences across platforms.”

One of the first sessions at I/O is “What’s new in Google AI,” which already feels pretty loaded. As an AI-centric event, there will likely be plenty to talk about, from Google’s latest models, generative AI, agentic AI, “vibe-coding” and more. The session lasts for 45 minutes, and we’ll definitely keep an eye out for any cool announcements.

In the “What’s new for Android” session, the company says we’ll learn about “new functionality for desktop and large screened apps,” which tells me Google will talk more about Googlebooks and its vision for how users will interact with these laptops. I don’t know about you, but I’m extremely excited to learn as much as I can about Google’s AI-first desktop experience and how it will evolve from Chromebooks.

From Managing Editor Derrek Lee: I’ll be on the ground at Google I/O, and this will be my second year attending the event. I’m looking forward to seeing as much as I can, but I have my fingers crossed for more Android XR demos. Google had some demos last year ahead of the Galaxy XR launch, where we got to try some prototype display glasses, but it was a pretty short demo. Hopefully, since things have progressed a bit since then, we can spend a little more time with some Google-powered glasses.

When Google announced Gemini Intelligence, it made us immediately think of “Apple Intelligence. While not quite as clever as Apple’s naming (Apple Intelligence = AI, Gemini Intelligence = GI??), the name still evokes largely what Google is going for, since Gemini acts as the umbrella branding for Google’s AI efforts. It also helps that Google’s AI efforts are being fully realized, while Apple is still trying to figure out how to make AI happen.

From Managing Editor Derrek Lee: There’s a good chance I’ll be walking around a lot at Google I/O. It’s a good thing I have the new Fitbit Air to track my steps (I’m trying to hit at least 7,000 a day) and the new Google Health app to keep me on my toes. I have to say, I like this Berry band color as it really stands out. Also, the Fitbit Air is so light that I keep forgetting it’s actually there… and really, isn’t that how fitness tracking should be; fading into the background and passively monitoring your every move throughout the day?

From Android Central's Nick Sutrich: As a person who cares deeply about XR products, I'm quite hopeful that we'll see new Android XR demos at today's Google I/O. Rumors have been swirling around Samsung's upcoming swath of smart glasses lately, including ones that'll launch with some kind of One UI 9 tie-in.

One UI 9 is based on Android 17, and since we expect a full release of the new OS sometime in the next 2 months, it's pretty clear that Samsung will be launching a bunch of smart glasses products this year. Given the degree of cooperation between Samsung and Google these days — Samsung and Pixel phones seem to *always* receive the latest Android features first — Google I/O 2026 is the perfect place to show all that fun new stuff off!

Samsung and Google might be a bit late to the party for a proper set of AI glasses, especially since the original Ray-Ban Stories glasses from Meta launched five whole years ago, but I suppose it's better late than never at this point. The great thing is that Google is clearly not just going for a direct Meta clone with its AI glasses, though. Gemini and Android XR will deeply tie into your phone's OS, allowing Google to deliver a product that could feel substantially more personalized. That's particularly important for a hands-free AI gadget, as deep integration with Google services and everything else on your phone would make them feel even more useful than what Meta has been able to put together over the years.

I'm curious to see how Google and Samsung's smart glasses are received by the public compared to Meta AI glasses. Meta was able to secure brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, with rumors of Prada and other EssilorLuxottica brands of smart glasses to come, it's clear that Meta has a leg-up on the brands most people are familiar with. I've only recently started wearing prescription glasses and was fully unaware that "Gentle Monster" and "Warby Parker" were glasses brands, but maybe more people are aware of these brands than I was. Regardless, there's no chance they're as well-known as Oakley or Ray-Ban, and it'll be interesting to see if that ends up affecting sales, or if being Samsung-built is enough to get lots of people on board.

Lastly, I'm expecting a full Xreal Project Aura unveiling and demo from today's show. I talked a bit about Xreal Project Aura in this liveblog yesterday (scroll a bit to find that), but the TLDR is that these are the first full-featured Android XR smart glasses, meaning they offer the full spatially-tracked experience of a VR headset, just in the form of sleeker smart glasses, and should be making their way to market sometime this year. We've been expecting Project Aura since its announcement at last year's I/O, but haven't seen much in the way of specs or long demos, and that should change today.

Switching gears back to phones, Android 17 is supposed to come with some kind of big UI design changes, but it's not exactly what you might expect. Rumors were floating around for months that Google was working on its own version of iOS 26's Liquid Glass design, but that appears to be somewhat false. The President of the Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, confirmed as much, and the latest leaks show that Google is, indeed, opting for more transparency in the OS, but it's doing so with a frosted look.

That might sound trivial, but that frosted overlay means elements are far easier to see than if it were transparent like glass. Apple received a lot of negative feedback about visibility throughout the OS when Liquid Glass first launched, and Google seems to have learned from Apple's mistake. A ton of companies, like OnePlus, Honor, Xiaomi, and others, have already adopted a frosted or semi-transparent light-based UI with their Android 16 updates, so this update will mainly apply to phones from companies like Motorola and Nothing, or Google's own Pixel line, that use “unskinned” versions of Android.

Google is increasingly moving toward the full vision of making Android the "be-all-end-all" OS it was always meant to be. Android has always been more versatile than other OS's because of its ability to run on nearly everything, and now Google is helping developers create apps for an even more adaptive generation of devices that includes "phones, cars, living rooms, and immersive environments." We already saw this play out during The Android Show last week, when Google showed off a ton of new screen sizes and shapes for cars powered by Android Auto, and I fully expect to see even more concepts rolled out this week, especially with the Android XR section that the show will almost certainly have.

We are about an hour away before the event. Have you done our poll yet?? Tell us what you're most excited about to be revealed at I/O!

It wouldn't really be a Google I/O without the company announcing new Gemini models, so fully expect Google to showcase something like Gemini 3.5 or even Gemini 4.0 at this year's event. Google's new Gemini Omni model has already leaked, and while Gemini currently lets you generate images, it looks like Google is now expanding those capabilities to video as well. A recent leak suggested that Gemini Omni's video model will allow users to remix and edit videos directly inside the chat interface itself, which sounds pretty wild if Google actually pulls it off properly.

Unironically, Google has music on stage ahead of the show that was created by Lyria 3, the company's AI-based music maker tool. It's definitely going to be an AI-filled I/O!

I’m also expecting Google to announce a new AI subscription tier. Last year's I/O introduced Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra, but those two plans sit at opposite ends of the pricing spectrum. It wouldn't be surprising if Google introduces a middle-tier plan this year to bridge that gap a bit better.

One thing Google strangely avoided talking about during last week's Googlebook announcement was the actual operating system powering these devices. The company showcased Gemini features, Magic Pointer, and deeper Android integrations, but never properly explained what sits underneath all of it.

Rumors have suggested Google is working on some kind of merged Android and ChromeOS experience, with the OS being internally referred to as Aluminum OS. The I/O could present the perfect stage for Google to finally explain its long-term software vision for laptops.

I’m also really hoping to see Google bring Rambler to Google Chrome. Rambler is essentially Google's AI-powered dictation system that cleans up your speech in real time by removing filler words, correcting messy phrasing, and turning natural speech into polished text.

I'm a huge Wispr Flow fan right now, but if Google properly integrates something like Rambler directly into Chrome across desktops and laptops, it could genuinely make me stop using these dictation apps altogether.

If you were thinking anything else but AI, I’m sorry, but that’s just not possible. It’s become commonplace for Google to drown us in everything it’s doing with Gemini and its other systems. What I am most interested in is what it’s going to show regarding Gemini 3. This is the company’s newest model, as Gemini 3 Pro, 3 Flash, and the like have come forward. We’ve heard hints about smart home applications, and that has my attention right now.

Another area that I’m interested in seeing where Google goes is Search. There’s no getting around it, AI has taken root in Search like wildfire. It’s everywhere: AI Overviews, AI Mode. By this point, where is it not? Here’s the thing: Google updated AI Overviews with Gemini 3 earlier this year for follow-up question capabilities. Where do we go from here? And will I/O hold those answers for curious minds?

Google has two folks on stage playing Infinite Scaler, a generative AI-created platformer with literal infinite levels that are made as you ascend. You can play while you wait for the show to start and compete for the top spot on the leaderboards. Just head to goo.gle/infinitescaler to try it!

Another area that I’m interested in seeing where Google goes is Search. There’s no getting around it, AI has taken root in Search like wildfire. It’s everywhere: AI Overviews, AI Mode. By this point, where is it not? Here’s the thing: Google updated AI Overviews with Gemini 3 earlier this year for follow-up question capabilities. Where do we go from here? And will I/O hold those answers for curious minds?

Did you know that Google is preparing to bring Gemini Intelligence to Android Auto? It announced it during the Android Show, and this is a pretty intriguing feature. Basically, Google wants to roll this out first with support for DoorDash. A user could tell Gemini to order “their usual” and add a modifier like “double the portion.” I vibe with this. I see this as being used by parents quite a bit. They're working, need to pick up the kids, but there’s no food—not yet. Leaning on Gemini could be the difference maker to have food on the way home by the time they get there.

As we get settled in our seats for I/O 2026, I’ve been thinking back to something we’ve been expecting: Wear OS 7. Now, hold on; major updates aren’t really expected. So, that means we might not get any huge features. Refinements are where our heads should be. I think we’ve come pretty far between OS 5 and OS 6. Just like in gaming, there’s always a patch that’s refinement-based. Sometimes you need that. I think Wear OS deserves that, too, just to make sure we’re not getting out of our depth.

Google is now kicking it off! If you want to join the livestream, Google's got that going on YouTube Live.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is kicking Google I/O 2026 off! Things are happening AI-first, starting with Sundar showing off AI-generated videos of him doing some pretty impressive things.

Oh no, Sundar is already talking about tokens.

Unsurprisingly, a TON of people are using Google products. Sundar is talking about how Google Search AI mode has been used by billions of people, and the company's apps and services are seeing record usage.

I don't know why Sundar's kid just fell into a duck pond, but he asked Gemini what to do about it, and (apparently), it gave a good answer. Maybe one of you should try it.

Google is launching Ask YouTube this Summer, starting in the U.S. (surprise, surprise there). You'll be able to ask Gemini to find YouTube videos with specific content and the AI agent will not only give you relevant videos, but will link to very specific snippets of each video that best matches your query.

Google's new Docs Live feature, rolling out this Summer to AI PRo and Ultra subscribers, lets you create entire documents by talking to Gemini Live. The demo showed a person naturally talking to Gemini, saying lots of "ums" and "uhs," changing his mind, etc., and then Gemini was still able to generate a full document based on what he wanted. It looks extremely impressive, and it could very well solve the age-old issue of "where do I start."

If you thought Google was ready to start backing off on investments and AI spending, think again! Google is looking to spend 6x more on AI in 2026 than it did back in 2022, estimating a total of $190 billion in capital expenditures for 2026 alone. Now that's a lot of money.

Gemini Omni might just take over the world, from the sound of things. It's not AGI, but it's by far the most advanced Gemini model to date, and it can not only do all the things Gemini could already do, but can simulate things in brand new ways. Accurate physics models, changing anything you want in existing videos, you name it. Omni can do it.

Gemini Omni will work with videos first, but Google says it will be upgraded over time to generate any output from any input. That's a pretty wild thing to say, but it's also not entirely surprising. Gemini Omni Flash will be the first version to debut, with a Pro model to follow later.

Google is launching new ways for users to see if something was made by AI. Now, you can ask Gemini to identify whether a photo or video was made by AI and it can help identify its authenticity. VERY handy going forward!

Google's AI-based coding tool, Antigravity, is getting a 2.0 upgrade with a focus on AI agents. This lets developers get more done in less time, offloading "complex tasks" to Gemini, which are all coded and tested at the same time using multiple sub-agents.

TOKENS! TOKENS! TOKENS! TOKENS!

Seriously though, what the heck is a token? It's effectively a way for companies like Google to calculate how much power your AI requests require so that they can accurately bill you for the server usage. More tokens used = more money Google gets paid for AI usage. Yep, that's pretty much it (and exactly why they're always so excited to point it out).

Antigravity was used on stage to create a rudimentary OS that can run Doom on stage at Google I/O 2026. The whole thing happened live and in just a few seconds, using a baseline Google put together ahead of the show. They pointed out that the new Antigravity is now 12x faster than the other one, keeping your token usage down (and your project in budget).

Thought Google had enough different Gemini models? THINK AGAIN! Gemini Spark is yet another new Gemini....model? App? Language? Whatever Google calls it, Spark is designed to be a personal assistant that keeps all your queries in a safe space and reference everything on your Google account, making it far more "real" feeling than existing Gemini agents.

Gemini Spark is a little bit like Liam Neeson: it has a very particular set of skills that it has acquired over a long career. It can tap into your Google account and complete very complex tasks, all with relevant info from the latest emails, messages, etc. On stage, Google showed off a complicated query that had Spark planning a block party, including making calendar meetings, emails, etc.

Android Halo sounds like some exciting crossover between the storied video game series and a proper Gemini replacement for Cortana but, alas, it is not that. Instead, it's a new Android app coming that's "a dedicated homebase for your AI agents," keeping all of those nifty Spark agents in one cohesive place. Maybe I can call one of them 007.

Google's new search AI agents can perform complex tasks for search results, including giving you alerts and notifications when your query is matched. Whether that's adding a tasks for your favorite content creator's latest updates or following stock values on the stock market, Information Agents can run in the background 24/7.

Sorry about that, I dozed off for a bit while all the coding was happening.

Totally kidding. Google is showing off AI mode enhancements, including Antigravity being baked into search, letting AI subscribers custom build apps and other experiences right in their browser. The gent on stage used it to make a weekend planner for his family outings, and it spit out a whole lot of code in a very short time span.

Ever heard of the Universal Commerce Protocol? Don't feel bad if you haven't, but know that it's going to help you shop online better and more quickly by allowing AI agents to browse the world's biggest inventories and handle the entire purchase, right from search. Essentially, you can look for a product on Google, and it'll find the lowest price on any of the commerce partners' websites, then allow you to check out through Search.

Google calls it the Universal Cart, and it isn't just for convenience; it's also designed to help pick the right items. One example was how a processor and motherboard were chosen for a PC upgrade, but the chosen motherboard had the wrong CPU slot. Gemini made recommendations for a different product that works with the chosen CPU, then added everything to the universal cart.

Universal cart is launching in the U.S. first this Summer.

Google is launching regional dialects in the Gemini app, giving you a bit more of a customized response that you might appreciate, depending on where you live.

Gemini Omni and the new Neural Expressive functionality is rolling out today. That even includes Daily Brief, which is the latest attempt to get users to check Gemini's proactive information daily.

And what do you know? Gemini Spark is also happening as soon as NEXT WEEK!

Gemini was used (again, on a Mac) to showcase Gemini's latest multimodal capabilities. Several different files were dragged into Gemini and the presenter asked it to write an email containing info from each file. After 10 seconds of "thinking," Gemini created an entire email with a friendly tone (specifically asked for by the presenter) that contained all sorts of relevant info, including tables and visuals.

Google is upgrading Gemini Flow with the ability to perform a nearly unlimited number of tasks simultaneously. The prompt used here was to create 16 different camera angles from this shot, which were all then computed by 16 different agents to create the angles at the same time.

Google has FINALLY gotten to some physical product announcements, starting with intelligent eyewear and audio glasses!

Google and Samsung's upcoming audio glasses will be available this Fall and will work on both Android AND iOS devices.

We knew Warby Parker and Gentle Monster were onboard before, but now we're seeing these styles for the first time. These are AI glasses, so they've got speakers and cameras onboard, allowing you to talk and hear, as well as capture videos and images.

Nishtha is on stage demoing the glasses again this year! She asked Gemini to "navigate to the place she met her friend last week," and Gemini asked if she wanted to add a stop to get her favorite cold brew, showing that Gemini is able to remember things you commonly do. She then asked Gemini to "order her usual cold brew," and it used Gemini automation to hop on the coffee shop's app and complete an order.

Back to Gemini....

Gemini is also being used for science, including full world simulations for things like meteorology and long-term weather forecasting. Certainly would be nice to have more accurate weather simulations!

Gemini is even being used to simulate cells in hopes that it'll help discover new cures to diseases. Now THAT'S something I'd like to see AI used for!

And that's a wrap for the FIRST keynote at Google I/O 2026! We mostly saw new Gemini announcements with the smallest sprinkling of a product announcement in the form of Android XR audio glasses, coming this fall. Suspiciously absent from the keynote was Xreal Project Aura, but we're hoping to get a hands-on demo of that at the show.

Regardless, stay tuned for tons of hands-on content straight from Google I/O as Derrek makes his way around Shoreline Amphitheater and through all the booths! We'll have it all for you right here in the liveblog.

Are you going to be tuning into the developer keynote? It starts at 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET! You can check it out here on YouTube if you're interested! There's bound to be something fascinating to learn, especially if you have any ideas for what you want to see on your favorite devices next.

Google dropped a surprise update as part of the I/O 2026 festivities: Wear OS 7. The pace of Wear OS platform updates has been downright impressive lately, and Wear OS 7 brings an Android 17-based software experience to your smartwatch. The highlight of this year's Wear OS update is efficiency. You can expect your smartwatch's battery to last 10% longer thanks to the efficiency and optimization of Wear OS 7.

In case that wasn't enough, Android 16's Live Updates will make their way to Wear OS 7. That means you'll be able to follow updates in real time on your wrist. Moreover, certain smartwatches will get Gemini Intelligence. That's certainly an interesting development, because the system requirements for Gemini Intelligence on Android phones are high.

Developers and eager testers can try out the new update now using the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator. Are you excited for the next version of Wear OS?

It's day one of Google I/O 2026, and the software announcements just keep coming. Google dropped Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 following the main keynote, and Pixel users can install it now for early testing. This is a minor SDK release that will eventually serve as the follow-up to the stable Android 17 rollout. Beta 3 comes two weeks after Beta 2, and includes a slew of bug fixes.

While the Android 17 QPR1 update won't introduce any major behavioral changes on top of the stable Android 17 upgrade, there's a reason we're getting a last-minute beta. As explained in an Android Developers Blog post, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 is here to "support a few features that just couldn't wait for QPR2."

Among the bug fixes, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 brings background blur to more parts of the user interface. Pixel users enrolled in the Android Beta Program should receive this update automatically.

We're starting to learn more about some of the Android features shown off at Google I/O 2026, including the "Continue On" tool showcased on the Android Developers site. Essentially, this is a way for your Android devices to connect with one another to provide continuous experiences across multiple devices. It could particularly come in handy as the Android tech stack powers more form factors, like Googlebooks.

At least at launch, Google says this feature will first support mobile-to-tablet device transitions. The "handoff" suggestions will appear in the Android taskbar on a tablet, prompting you to continue using the app you were just using on your phone. Google adds that the feature is intended to work both ways, so you could start using an app on your tablet and continue using it on your phone. While Googlebooks aren't explicitly mentioned, it's not hard to imagine how this kind of feature could make sense for an Android-powered laptop.

Google shook up its subscription offerings at I/O 2026, and the AI Pro tier is coming out on top. The $19.99/mo. plan now includes YouTube Premium Lite at no additional charge. Usually, Premium Lite costs $8.99/mo. and lets you watch most videos ad-free. The extra benefit isn't the only perk added to AI Pro in recent months. Google Home Premium Standard and Google Health Premium are included under AI Pro, and it now features 5TB of cloud storage. It's a pretty compelling package.

The company also slashed the price of its top AI Ultra subscription from $250 to $200 annually. There's a new base AI Ultra plan in the middle, starting at $100 per year. Are Google's subscription changes enough to get you to sign up or upgrade your plan?

Google heard you wanted more software updates, so it gave an update on Google TV user interface and pointer changes in an Android Developers blog post. Google TV will support motion-controlled pointers, which will unlock "faster user navigation across the Google TV Home page and within content-heavy apps."

Google TV developers will be tasked with adding hover states, scrollable containers, and cursor clicks to their apps. As for the hardware, we know these remotes will have a small circular touchpad for scrolling in addition to the motion sensors. That touchpad might work similarly to the Apple TV remote, while the motion sensors clearly draw comparisons to gaming controllers, like Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons.

It's unclear when the Google TV overhaul for motion remotes will roll out, but it's clearly a shift Google is trying to prepare app developers for. Stay tuned!

Google announced a lot of features today, and while Gemini took center stage, the one thing that stood out the most to me was Universal Cart. I use CamelCamelCamel obsessively, and Google is essentially offering the same feature; Universal Cart will track prices across the web, and at various retailers to get you the best deal. I’m not as enthused about the agentic AI part of it, but hey, if that means it’ll find a deal automatically without me having to go on a dozen different sites, I can get onboard the feature.

Google Spark is another feature that sounds interesting. The idea of agentic AI that handles tasks isn’t new, but Google is putting considerable resources behind it, and it will be intriguing to see how it holds up in real-world use. Spark is limited to Google’s AI Ultra tier, so it won’t get anywhere close to the same level as mainstream use as other Gemini products.

On that note, Google is switching up the pricing of its AI-based subscription plans. There’s a new Google AI Ultra plan that starts at $100 a month, and it comes with 20TB cloud storage, priority access to Google Antigravity, and YouTube Premium built-in. If you need additional usage limits, Google’s costliest AI Ultra plan now costs $200, $50 less than previously. The AI Pro still costs $19.99 a month, and it now comes with YouTube Premium Lite.

One of my favorite things to do in the past was look through the Play Store to find interesting apps. It isn’t as much fun to do these days as Google decided to put ads in there, and the state of discovery is such that any unique apps are usually buried behind a mountain of over-monetized junk. Thankfully, Ask Play may solve that problem; the feature is designed to make it easier to find apps of interest, and I’m crossing my fingers that it’ll bring back a modicum of fun that used to exist with the Play Store in the past.

Cheap Pixel phones come around every so often, especially if you can scope retailers out for some of their biggest price cuts. For example, Amazon is offering the Obsidian-colored Google Pixel 9 at a 44% discount right now, marking the phone's lowest price ever recorded. To be sure, the deal is for a limited time though, so it's best to act fast if you hope to catch this one.

The Google Pixel 9 has a well-liked compact form factor, a wide range of AI features, a powerful set of cameras, and speedy performance that makes it fun to use. It also came with a number of well-thought-out improvements from the previous generation, inching it towards a more "Pro" type experience.

This particular discount is for the Obsidian version of the phone, though Amazon is also offering a small discount on the Porcelain and Wintergreen versions. Still, don't expect to save quite as much on those color options.

While it isn't quite as powerful as Google's premium-level phones, the price cut makes it look pretty appealing, and you won't need a subscription to access some of the phone's most exciting features.

✅Recommended if: you're looking to save a good amount of money on what is otherwise essentially a solid flagship phone in a compact housing; you're looking for a phone with AI features such as voice transcription, content summaries, and image editing and generation; you want something that's going to walk the walk when it comes to performance speeds.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a phone with fast charging speeds; you'd prefer to go with a different color than the one featured in this discount; you need a phone with more camera capabilities, and preferably including things like a telephoto lens and Pro-level Pixel camera control.

The Google Pixel 9 is a powerful phone just below the Pro capabilities of the brand's premium options. Its performance speeds are backed by an upgraded Google Tensor G4 chipset, as well as 12GB of RAM for optimal multitasking capabilities. It sports a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which many like for its slightly smaller overall size than Google's Pro phones.

While we didn't love that the base-level phone comes with only 128GB of storage, that's still plenty for most casual users. It also comes with a 50MP rear camera, a 48MP wide-angle lens, and a 10.5MP selfie lens with auto-focus and high-res recording.

All in all, this is a pretty solid pick if you're ready to pull the trigger on a Pixel phone upgrade.

What you need to know

• Google is gradually rolling out a new Android feature called “Contextual suggestions” that tries to predict what users want before they even tap anything.
• The feature is rolling out to some devices, including the Google Pixel 10 lineup running Android 16.
• Android can learn routines and habits, then surface timely suggestions like starting a TV cast before a sports game begins.

Android has been a reactive operating system for what feels like forever: It waits for you to tap an icon, type a search, or toggle a setting. But new findings indicate Google is trying to turn that relationship on its head to make Android a proactive assistant that knows what you want before you even know you need it.

Android Authority reports that a new feature named “Contextual suggestions” is now starting to roll out. The feature was first seen in development late last year, but is now rolling out in the stable channel to some devices, including the Google Pixel 10 series running Android 16.

The idea is that Android learns your routines, your patterns of behavior, and then offers suggestions at just the right moment. For example, if you regularly stream sports games to your TV on Saturday nights, Android could prompt you to begin casting before the game starts.

Not Google's first rodeo

This isn’t entirely new territory for Google. The company has been inching toward predictive Android experiences for years with things like Assistant routines, Smart Replies, At a Glance, and the Magic Cue system exclusive to Pixels. Contextual suggestions appear to be that idea made more mainstream, for a broader set of Android devices rather than just flagship Pixels.

What’s even more impressive about this rollout is how much Google is leaning into on-device AI. The feature processes activity and location data locally within an encrypted space within the phone itself, according to screengrabs shared by Android Authority. Google says the raw data is not sent off the device unless users opt in to share diagnostics or feedback.

Contextual suggestions sounds suspiciously like the sort of predictive computing many users have been wary of for years. A phone that knows when you’re going to the gym or about to watch sports can feel handy, but it also raises clear questions about how much your device is always learning about you.

Google seems to know of that concern. The feature can be turned off or controlled completely by Android settings. It will be found under Settings > Google Services > All services > Others when it’s ready.

Still, the rollout looks limited for now and it's unclear if or when non-Pixel devices will get full access.

I write about Verizon deals a lot, like multiple-times-a-week a lot, but that doesn't mean that the Big Three carrier can't surprise me from time to time. This morning's shocker comes in the form of a new promotion that will get you four phones AND four service lines for only $25/line per month. No trade-in required!

Needless to say, if you're planning to move the whole family to Verizon, this is the most cost-effective way to do it. You're not sacrificing quality specs or comprehensive wireless at this price point, either. Several great Android phones, such as the Google Pixel 10a and last year's Samsung Galaxy S25, are available as part of the promotion, plus you're getting unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G network. Sounds pretty good, right? Let's break it all down. 

Get four phones AND four lines for only $25/mo per line at Verizon

✅Recommended if: you're a family of four in need of a new wireless provider; you want no-frills wireless coverage with the ability to mix and match the perks you want for a personalized wireless experience.

❌Skip this deal if: you need less than four lines; you don't need new devices; you're happy with your current wireless plan. 

To be eligible for the deal, you'll need to add pick four devices from Verizon's 5G phone list and add four lines on the carrier's Unlimited Welcome plan. You'll also need to sign up for AutoPay to get the full discount.

The phone plan in question gives you and your family unlimited talk, text, and data on a legendary 5G/4G LTE network, plus you'll get a three-year price lock guarantee and the ability to mix and match additional perks for as little as $10 apiece. 

The list of à la carte benefits includes subscriptions to streaming services, unlimited cloud storage, and various international perks, plus you have the ability to add, remove, or upgrade perks to your heart's desire every month. It's all a part of Verizon's unique myPlan system, which was specially designed to give you the exact wireless experience you want without paying for a bunch of extra stuff you don't need. 

Naturally, this deal isn't for everyone. Some folks may not need four lines, while others may want to pay more for premium wireless perks like unlimited mobile hotspot data or 5G Ultra Wideband. But if you're a family of four in need of a new wireless provider, this Verizon deal provides a pretty unique opportunity to score some great coverage AND some new devices for cheap. 

When you compare OLED to nearly any other display tech available, the differences become immediately clear. OLED is renowned for its contrast ratio, deep blacks, and punchy, vibrant colors. The love for OLED's vibrant nature is so strong that we've even seen "scandals" when a phone doesn't launch with a vibrant color option.

But it turns out not everyone finds these extreme colors very nice. In fact, some people find them to be uncomfortable, a definition that's quite different from a simple opinion on looks. While some companies are working on fixing OLED discomfort through hardware, Google just introduced a new software update that uniquely addresses the color situation.

It's called Comfort Filters, and it combines the existing Night Light feature with a new option called Comfort View. The concept is simple: adjust the display color to accommodate a user's comfort level. Whether this is shifting to warmer colors to promote better sleep patterns, making the display greyscale to keep you from using your phone as much, or just swapping the color palette for more soothing pastel colors, Comfort Filters are Google's latest answer.

The science of color

Color has a deep-seated meaning in the human brain. While some colors and their meanings are cultural, many are seen as universal. Red, for instance, is often seen as a color of strength or anger, while yellow often symbolizes hope or happiness. Over the years, smartphone manufacturers have learned that the absence of color can make you less interested in using your phone, which is why monochrome mode is included in your phone's bedtime mode.

Likewise, researchers have found that lighter, desaturated, and pastel colors often evoke a sense of calm or relaxation. TCL has baked this color palette into its NXTPAPER devices, like the NXTPAPER 70 Pro, calling it "Color Paper mode." This mode desaturates all colors and simplifies on-screen visual elements to provide a less distracting, yet still colorized, version of your phone's apps.

"Comfort View creates a new, more comfortable aesthetic for the content rendered when users want it," Google says. This feature, somewhat surprisingly, was not built as an accessibility option. Rather, it's one designed to offer users more choice in how their phone's display looks.

"This feature is built for anyone who finds the 'mellow aesthetic' attractive. We have heard from users who found this experience especially helpful in a darker room, where they appreciate the more comfortable color palette while still being able to see the different colors."

I put together a simple chart above showing standard RGB colors in Photoshop next to the pastel versions of each color. To illustrate the point, cover the regular colors with your hand and stare at the pastel colors for a few seconds, then cover the pastel colors and look at the regular colors.

The difference is incredibly jarring, and it can be even more so depending on how sensitive your brain is to light and color. Comfort View uses a color palette much closer to the right side of the chart, and I felt the difference in intensity the second I enabled the feature.

Pastel colors are also often associated with the spring season, which brings great comfort to people who live in climates with cold, snowy winters, furthering the idea that pastel colors deliver an incredibly positive feeling. It's fitting, then, that Google introduced this feature in the spring! If you're using a Pixel right now and are on the April build of Android 16 (or later), here's how to enable that:

1. Open the system settings on your Pixel. Either open Settings in the app drawer or swipe down twice on the status bar, then tap the gear icon.

2. Select Display & touch from the menu.

3. Scroll down to and tap Comfort Filters.

4. Tap the toggle next to Comfort View to enable it.

5. To manually adjust the strength of Comfort View, uncheck the Dynamic box and move the slider to your preferred filter strength.

While you're in the Comfort Filters section, you can also toggle the Night Light feature, which will tint the screen an amber color and reduce blue light output. This feature can be used at the same time as the pastel Comfort View option and is most often used at night to help keep your circadian rhythm from being interrupted by daylight spectrum blue light that normally emits from your phone's display.

Still work to do

While Comfort View is a wonderful way to make the Pixel's display more comfortable to look at, Google still needs to address a few other factors to ensure its displays remain comfortable for everyone.

Last year, Google introduced a new Sensitive Eyes feature for the Pixel 10 Pro family, which raised the PWM dimming rate to match that of Samsung and Apple. The problem is that all three of these companies are dreadfully behind on certain technologies, and the slow PWM rate is one of the most egregious problems.

Unfortunately, rumors suggest the Pixel 11 won't change its PWM rate, just like Samsung's Galaxy S26 family this year. Meanwhile, Apple gave users a way to completely disable PWM at low brightness on the iPhone 17 series last year. Apple's Display Pulse Smoothing feature was a great start, but the company still uses 480Hz dimming (even if it's not PWM), so it didn't fix the problem for a lot of flicker-sensitive people.

Still, I've been happy to see that most companies have been working toward introducing more eye-friendly features on their phones. Smartphones are a ubiquitous part of modern life, and given how often we have to use them, companies need to prioritize eye health over nonsense specs that few people actively care about.

Despite not getting the Sensitive Eyes feature quite right, Google is putting in effort to ensure its phones have accessibility options for people who need them, and that speaks volumes. I hope that we continue to see companies like Google and Apple emphasize accessibility features, especially display-related ones, as people who are sensitive to things like flicker cannot use these devices at all. Here's hoping the Pixel 11 continues to surprise!

What you need to know

• Pixel users continue to report buggy eSIM experiences for Google's Pixel 9 and 10 series devices.
• Users claim their device will say "something went wrong" or it simply won't recognize, nor activate their eSIM, despite it working fine in a different device.
• Google has been made aware of this issue and is reportedly working on a fix for a future update.

The bad streak of issues impacting Google's Pixel users continues with reports discussing wonky, broken eSIMs.

Per usual, reports kicked off on the Google Pixel subreddit earlier this week, with the original poster stating their Pixel 9 Pro XL's eSIM just gave out (via Android Authority). The user states that they've rolled back to avoid the April security update due to "encountering/reading about the critical eSIM bug that caused the device to fail to recognize digital SIMs." They add that their Pixel will not reconnect or activate their eSIM because of this issue.

A user with a Pixel 9 Pro encountered this same problem: "just can't manage to install an eSIM, it keeps giving me an error." There was a Pixel 9 Pro XL-related thread started on the Pixel Community Forum, reiterating many of the issues others have expressed on Reddit. The thread's creator says they checked their eSIM with a Samsung Galaxy device and found no such issues with their eSIM.

The user was encouraged to check with their cellular provider; however, doing so offered no such relief. The issue persisted, pushing them to further believe that the root of the problem lies within the device. Android Authority discovered that this problem is affecting some Pixel 10 users, as well.

Back on Reddit, one user with the April security patch reported no such issues. The original poster in the thread said that some users who performed a "clean flash" of the April and May patches had this problem, and that there's still a chance that the more conventional OTA update could still cause the eSIM issue. It's been reported that Google is aware of the eSIM issue, but hasn't yet confirmed when a fix will arrive.

Recent history

The bulk of these reports concern Google's April security patch, which had a different struggle for other Pixel users. Around mid-April, reports surfaced about a severe battery drain issue. What made matters worse was that many devices saw their batteries drop quickly while idle. As you'd imagine, this was a major pain point for many Pixel users with a Pixel 6 up to the Pixel 10.

Google vowed to have a fix for this severe battery drain in a future patch. Some users are waiting to see if the eSIM issue has been resolved in the May security update, but many have yet to receive it. Based on Google's changelog, no such fix for this eSIM problem was mentioned, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Hopefully, the fix is there. If not, then we might have to set our sights on June—or a surprise secondary patch later this month.

Android Central's Take

It almost feels like Google's Pixels are getting kicked while they're down—or wounded, at most. We're just now coming off the back of some much-needed wireless charging and display fixes in May, and now these eSIM problems are taking over with no resolution yet. I'm hoping Pixel users can get some stretch of time here in the near future where the "issues" aren't really issues at all because this eSIM problem is a true bummer for a lot of people.

What you need to know

• Google started rolling out its May 2026 security update for the Pixel 7a up to the Pixel 10 (tablet included).
• Major issues, such as a slow wireless charging fix and display problems for the Pixel 10 series get highlighted.
• Display problems have been a worrying constant for Pixel 10 users since last year, and Google is still toiling away at them.

Like clockwork, Google is highlighting its monthly security patch for its Pixel phones, and there are some specific issues getting targeted.

Google has posted its changelog for the May 2026 security update, which is rolling out for Pixels ranging from the Pixel 7a to the Pixel 10 series. Owners of these phones will find vCP1A.260505.005 roll out begins today, and continues into the foreseeable future. Google detailed a major fix for an issue that's plagued all of the devices eligible for this month's update.

It states that you should find a fix for "slow wireless charging speeds when the battery level is between 75% and 80%." While this update involves all of its phones from the Pixel 7a to the Pixel 10, the company says the Pixel Tablet is also included. Elsewhere, the Pixel 10 series is preparing to receive a fix for a camera problem. Google states that there have been reports where some Pixel 10 series users encountered freezing "while recording and adjusting the zoom level."

A fix for this is rolling out, alongside a Framework fix for the Pixel keyboard. A freezing issue hampered this area, too, with Google stating "the keyboard or input screen could appear frozen or incorrectly positioned in some apps under certain conditions."

The remainder of the changelog is as follows:

• Fix for an issue that caused a persistent flickering white dot or visual noise to appear at the top of the display in certain conditions (Pixel 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL)
• Fix for an issue that could intermittently cause the screen to appear fuzzy, frozen, or display noise lines (Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL)

Crucial issues get solved

It's becoming quite common to see display fixes rolling out from Google, especially for its Pixel 10 series. Pixel 10 users reported a freezing issue with the AOD (always-on display) after the March update. Some users said the freeze would occur multiple times a day, forcing them to restart their device. This wasn't the only display issue, as Google's Pixels have grappled with flickering and more, as of late.

Nevertheless, Google continues to toil away, and that's all we can hope for. In April, the company started fixing some stability issues with Android 16. Google focused on the Pixel 10, Pro, and Pro XL during that time, as well, hoping to solve performance issues when gaming.

Everything keeps getting more expensive, but while other retailers and wireless providers are raising prices, Mint Mobile has decided to run one of the best Google Pixel 10 deals I've ever seen. For a limited time, if you bundle the purchase of a Google Pixel 10 with one year of the Unlimited plan, Mint Mobile will give you $500 off the phone AND 50% off the wireless. 

In other words, you're getting Google's latest flagship phone and a full 12 months of T-Mobile-powered wireless for a single payment of $480. That's over $300 less than simply buying the Google Pixel 10 on its own, and $20 less than Google's budget-friendly Pixel 10a! And come on, I'll take any excuse to avoid paying my phone bill again until 2027. 

✅Recommended if: you want a modern flagship phone with great cameras, AI features, and years of software support; you just want a simple, affordable phone plan without all of the bells and whistles.

❌Skip this deal if: you use a ton of data every month and prefer phone plans with loads of extra perks; you want the best possible phone for gaming.

Usually priced around $799, the Google Pixel 10 is a balanced flagship phone with a brilliant 6.3-inch OLED display, unrivalled haptics, and some excellent camera tech with an upgraded telephoto lens. The phone also comes with all of the latest AI features and full Qi2 support, while the seven years of OS and security upgrades guarantees that the Pixel 10 will feel cutting-edge for many years to come.

Mint Mobile, on the other hand, is powered by T-Mobile and operates on a unique buy-in-bulk plan system. The Unlimited plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mo's legendary 5G network, plus you get a free mobile hotspot and calling to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. 

Sure, Mint Mobile doesn't come with all of the premium benefits offered by Big Three carriers like Verizon or AT&T, but you're getting good coverage for cheap and a heavily discounted smartphone to boot. One of the best unlimited plans paired with one of the best Google Pixel phones for less than 500 bucks? Sign me up. 

What you need to know

• A major batch of Pixel 11 leaks alleges the series' specifications, including the Pixel 11 Pro XL's 6.8-inch screen, 5,000mAh battery, and RAM options.
• Other rumors claim the Pixel 11 series will lose its temperature sensor for "Pixel Glow," an RGB LED array that sits in the camera bar, similar to Nothing's Glyph Matrix.
• The Pixel 11 is rumored to get a main camera sensor upgrade, just like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

As if the week could get going any other way, a tipster posted a major set of allegations regarding Google's Pixel 11 series.

Early this morning (May the 4th be with you), tipster MysticLeaks claims to have discovered the alleged specifications for the Pixel 11 series, and details about a major addition (via 9to5Google). The tipster's Telegram post held insights about another rumor we've been seeing: "Pixel Glow." Supposedly, they state that the Pixel 11 series will drop its temperature sensor in favor of a set of Pixel Glow LED dots, similar to how Nothing worked its Glyph Matrix.

MysticLeaks says this could arrive as an "RGB LED array in the camera bar" on the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro XL.

Their post then got into some alleged specifications, beginning with the Pixel 11 Pro XL with its 6.8-inch OLED display, 5,000mAh battery, and 12/16GB RAM options. The 11 Pro is said to debut with a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 4,707mAh battery, and 12/16GB RAM variants.

The base Pixel 11 could feature a 6.3-inch OLED screen and a 4,840mAh battery, with potentially 8GB and 12GB of RAM. All this talk of RAM makes it hard not to think about the chance for price hikes amid rising memory costs. MysticLeaks adds that this model might also see an upgraded main camera sensor, which may sit at 50MP. This same sensor, codename: chemosh, might grace the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, alongside a 4,658mAh battery and a 2076x2160 OLED display.

Food for thought

The tipster also pushes away previous rumors that said Google's IR Face Unlock upgrade could arrive on the Pixel 11 series. This was an upgrade under "Project Toscana."

Another aspect of the Pixel 11 series that the tipster talked about was the Tensor G6 SoC. We had rumors about this surface last week, stating that Google might adopt a 1+4+2 core structure. It looks like we're to expect one ARM C1-Ultra core at 4.11GHz, four ARM C1-Pro cores at 3.38GHz, and two extra C1-Pro cores at 2.65GHz. However, the GPU of choice looks like a total bummer. It was alleged that Google is looking to grab the PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536, which is basically five years old.

While the Telegram leaks double down on this, it also doubled down on Google's switch from a Samsung modem to MediaTek. The M90 modem from MediaTek was rumored for the Pixel 11 late in 2025 with 12 Gbps speeds, dual-active 5G, satellite connectivity, and more.

Android Central's Take

The Pixel 11 series, as far as the phones are concerned, isn't looking to crazy. Things seem pretty on par, but there's that camera sensor upgrade for the base model, which I think we might all enjoy. The spotlight's on that "Pixel Glow" rumor. The Dot Matrix-like idea feels just a little disappointing to me. If it happens the way the rumors say, I'm sure it'll look nice. I don't know; I was kind of hoping for a string of lights that wrapped around the entire camera array. Probably just me being greedy, though.

What you need to know

• Another string of early Tensor G6 rumors claims the chip could feature an improved CPU setup with a 1+4+2 core structure.
• The chip's one ARM C1-Ultra core could clock in at 4.11GHz, alongside four C1-Pro cores and two additional C1-Pro cores at 2.65GHz.
• Strangely, rumors say the Tensor G6 could feature a very old GPU that might not bring much of a difference between its gaming performance and the Tensor G5's.

Rumors take us ahead into the near future of the Tensor G6 SoC from Google, and these early vibes are curious, to say the least.

A post by 9to5Google highlighted a response to a user on Telegram by leaker MysticLeaks about the company's upcoming custom chip, the Tensor G6. The tipster cites the chip's alleged specs alongside the Pixel 11 series' codenames: Cubs, Grizzly, and Kodiak, regarding the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro XL, respectively. MysticLeaks then suggests the chip could feature a 1+4+2 core structure this year.

They allege the Tensor G6 could feature one ARM C1-Ultra core at 4.11GHz. The post says this core will be further enhanced by four ARM C1-Pro cores at 3.38GHz, and two extra (slower) C1-Pro cores at 2.65GHz. We'll get into the significance of these CPU cores in a moment, but what's truly grabbed our attention is MysticLeak's speculation on the chip's GPU.

Supposedly, the Tensor G6 could feature the PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU. The publication's sharp memory plucked this GPU out of history, stating Google might place a graphics unit that's basically five years old.

Where to go from here?

On a brighter note, what's been alleged for the Tensor G6's CPU setup is a decent boost over what the Tensor G5 provided. Last year's chip featured a 1+5+2 setup, consisting of one Arm Cortex-X4 core (3.78GHz), five Arm Cortex-A725 cores (3.05GHz), and two Arm Cortex-A520 cores (2.25GHz). If we look at it this way, perhaps the Pixel 11 series' performance is taking a welcome step forward. It's also worth mentioning even earlier rumors that said this chip would be built off a 2nm process, which would also (ideally) boost its performance.

Among the things we've been looking forward to for the Pixel 11, its Tensor G6 was a key player. We hoped that Google, since it's shifted to TSMC and is likely looking at the 2nm process, could bring the chip's performance closer to Qualcomm, so the Pixel line can really stand toe-to-toe with other flagships. On paper (and remember: it's early), it seems like the chip's performance could rise; this GPU allegation is a tough pill to swallow. It makes us wonder if all the constant GPU updates and tweaks from Google for the Pixel 10 series will continue again.

Android Central's Take

I have to remind myself that these are rumors, and that it's still fairly early. However, I have to say that this GPU rumor is off-putting. The Pixel 10 was wildly underpowered when it came to gaming. I hoped for more. I know others hoped for more. Mobile gaming is a strong market. Millions of people game on their phones. Also, mobile games continuously feature better graphics, improved systems, and more that will push a phone. Right now, it looks like Google's Pixels will drop the ball in this regard again.

What you need to know

• "Pixel Glow" rumors continue, as diagnostic-related code suggests Google could have roughly eight LED colors.
• Gemini also appeared once again in Google's early code with the "Gemini Glow" moniker alongside the Pixel name.
• The first rumors about this feature suggests Pixel Glow could give "visual feedback" for users, such as specific colors for certain contacts and more.

Early "Pixel Glow" rumors were like a blast from the past, but additional information about it says Google might take it further.

If you've been clamoring for more Pixel Glow speculation, tipster AssembleDebug (Android Authority) dug up more evidence about Google's development. While rumors last week highlighted this as a potential nostalgic light bar, the tipster says they've found more that doubles down. Supposedly, early code suggests Google is preparing a "Color LED check." This is likely for diagnostic purposes, but it adds that the "LED lights will turn into red, green, and blue in order. Please flip the device to observe."

This makes it seem like the light bar will have a limited selection of colors, but 9to5Google says otherwise. According to its discovery, Google might deploy an LED selection of eight colors. Right now, it seems wise to think we'll see Google's traditional assortment of colors present (add yellow to that list).

AssembleDebug also noted a potentially strong presence from Gemini with this Pixel Glow feature. They noted mentions of "Gemini Glow" in the code alongside these new discoveries. It's unclear just how Gemini would play with Pixel Glow, but it makes us wonder if the lights would pulse when it speaks to the user.

A true glow up

There was a brief laptop animation reference by 9to5, suggesting Google could place this "Pixel Glow" or "Gemini Glow" along the bottom edge of its display.

Laptops and Pixels, oh my; that's exactly what was involved in the first report about the possibility of Pixel Glow's new age return. There was very little then (like how it is now), as rumors alleged this feature would offer "visual feedback" on a Pixel phone and a new Pixel-branded laptop. While this is an old Pixel feature, a more current comparison would be Nothing's Glyph bar, which keeps users in the loop at a glance.

Custom light animations for specific contacts and important alerts were named during this initial report.

What you need to know

• Alphabet posted $109.9B in Q1 2026 revenue, up 22% YoY, continuing its strong double-digit growth streak.
• AI, especially Gemini, is driving growth across Search, Cloud, and subscriptions with record usage and demand.
• Google Cloud surged 63% YoY to $20B, fueled by enterprise demand for AI infrastructure and services.
• Alphabet is doubling down on AI, with $35.7B in capex as it scales Gemini and cloud capacity rapidly.

Alphabet, Google's parent company, just posted its Q1 2026 earnings, and continuing its double-digit growth streak, the company reported a massive $109.9 billion in revenue.

Compared to the same quarter last year, revenue is up 22% from $90.2 billion. This growth was largely driven by what the company calls its "AI investments" and "full stack approach," with AI now contributing across nearly every part of the business.

Google says Search had a strong quarter, with AI-driven experiences pushing queries to an all-time high and helping the business grow revenue by 19%. Gemini also played a role here, with the company calling it its "strongest quarter ever for consumer AI plans," driven by the Gemini app.

On the enterprise side, Gemini is also seeing solid traction, with paid monthly active users growing 40% quarter over quarter. Sundar Pichai said Gemini is now processing over 16 billion tokens per minute via direct API usage, which is up more than 60% compared to last quarter.

Subscription revenue is also on the rise, with Alphabet now reporting 350 million paid subscriptions, led by YouTube Premium and Google One. Speaking of YouTube, the company has also posted a increase in YouTube ad revenue, reaching $9.88 billion, up from $8.93 billion a year ago.

Google Cloud had a standout quarter, growing 63% year over year to $20 billion, driven largely by demand for AI infrastructure and enterprise tools, including Gemini-powered services.

Alphabet is also ramping up its spending. Capital expenditures hit $35.7 billion in Q1 2026 alone, highlighting how aggressively the company is investing in AI infrastructure and cloud capacity. Much of this is tied to growing demand for Gemini-powered services across both enterprise and consumer segments.

We haven't heard much about upcoming Gemini models just yet, but we can expect to learn more about Google's AI roadmap and broader advancements at Google I/O 2026.

Android Central's Take

Google has been pushing AI into everything for a while now, and these numbers show it's finally working. Whether it's Gemini or Cloud, the growth is there, and it doesn't look like the company is slowing down anytime soon.

What you need to know

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold wallpapers have been spotted in Android 17 beta.
• Leak suggests possible green and black color options based on matching wallpaper themes.
• Pixel 11 Pro Fold's design expected to remain largely similar, with only minor tweaks like a slightly thinner build.

The Pixel 11 series might still be months away, but it looks like Google has already started working on the software for its next-generation Pixel phones behind the scenes, as wallpapers for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold have now been spotted in the Android 17 beta.

It's only been a few days since Google released the latest Android 17 developer beta, but while digging through the build, software engineer Dylan Roussel (via Android Authority) managed to extract thumbnail previews of wallpapers believed to be for the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

The developer shared two wallpapers included in the build: 'Pine: Tidal Swirl' and 'Midnight: Lunar Tides.' While Google could still change these ahead of launch, they give us a rough idea of what to expect.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold wallpapers show up early

Google usually matches device colors with corresponding wallpapers, and based on these, it looks like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could come in at least green and black shades. Of course, this is still early, and things could change, but it's an interesting early hint at Google's direction.

It's not uncommon for brands to include assets like wallpapers in early Android builds, but it's still surprising to see them surface this early, especially when we're still months away from the official launch.

As for the rest of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, earlier leaks suggest Google may stick to a similar design, with only minor refinements like a slightly thinner build and subtle camera module changes compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

And if you were hoping Google would introduce a wider foldable this year to compete with Samsung's rumored Wide Fold or even Apple's foldable plans, it looks like that might not happen, at least not this time around.

Android Central's Take

Wallpaper leaks might not sound like a big deal, but they usually give us a hint at the colors and overall direction. I'm actually a bit disappointed that no blue wallpaper has shown up yet, especially since it could mean Google is moving away from the Moonstone color — I'm just hoping nothing is finalized this early.

Shopping for unlocked devices is often to best way to find a good smartphone deal with very few strings attached. For example, Amazon has chopped the price of the Google Pixel 10 by 31%, bringing the powerful phone back to its lowest price ever.

This particular deal is for the entry-level 128GB configuration of the phone, though you can also upgrade to 256GB. Additionally, the deal is available for the phone in the Indigo, Lemongrass, and Frost colors.

While it narrowly missed being included on the actual list, the Pixel 10 is on our honorable mentions of the best Android phones index. This is in part due to its ease of use, a wide range of helpful AI features, and a long-term software update promise that makes it worth holding onto for a while.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a great Pixel phone and you'd prefer to keep your budget around $550; battery life is super important to you when it comes to getting a new phone; you like having a user-friendly experience in general, as well as added AI and software features.

❌Skip this deal if: you have the budget to upgrade to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, which is our favorite phone for parents, pet parents, or anyone taking a lot of pictures; you'd prefer to go with a flagship from the Samsung Galaxy or OnePlus lineups; you don't want a phone that throttles battery after 200 cycles.

The Google Pixel 10 is among our favorite phones out there as a powerhouse, boasting excellent cameras, AI features, haptics, and a long-term software promise. The phone has a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a variable 60 to 120Hz refresh rate. As for cameras, it comes with a 48MP main lens with macro focus, a 13MP Ultrawide lens, and a 10.5MP front-facing camera. There's no shortage of processing power with the Google Tensor G5, and the 12GB of RAM offers great multi-tasking capabilities. Plus, it boasts an upgraded battery from the Pixel 9, easily reaching a full days' worth of battery life.

What you need to know

• Pixel users report severe idle battery drain after the April 2026 update, even when not actively using their phones.
• The issue appears widespread, affecting multiple models from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 with hundreds of reports online.
• Google has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix, which could arrive with a future update soon.

Google Pixel and software bugs aren't anything new, and it looks like, after the April 2026 update, users are now reporting battery life issues on their devices.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google's Issue Tracker and multiple Reddit threads are filled with Pixel users complaining about battery drain. Many say their phones are losing battery even in the idle state, when they're not actively using them.

The scale of the issue seems fairly widespread. There are now over 600 comments on Google's Issue Tracker in just over a week, along with several Reddit threads reporting the same problem.

What's more concerning is that it doesn't seem limited to a specific device. Users across multiple generations, from the Pixel 6 series all the way up to the Pixel 10 lineup, are reporting similar battery drain issues after installing the update.

The exact cause of the idle battery drain isn't confirmed yet, but some users believe it's linked to the CPU staying active even when the phone isn't in use. It appears the CPU isn't entering a deep sleep state when the screen is off, which keeps it running and leads to battery drain.

Some reports also mention that the issue persists even in airplane mode, and in some cases, battery life has been cut nearly in half.

Thankfully, Google has acknowledged the issue and confirmed that it's working on a fix. There's no official timeline yet for when the patch will arrive, but it's likely that the company will address it in an upcoming update, possibly with the May 2026 patch. We'll keep you updated as and when Google rolls out a fix for this issue.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Pixel users have run into battery issues after an update. Similar complaints surfaced last May, and there was another instance in October 2025 when a Pixel 10 Pro Fold bug caused noticeable battery drain.

Android Central's Take

I've said this before, Pixel updates feel like a gamble sometimes. You either get cool new features or a bug that ruins daily use. Battery drain is one of the worst ones, and this needs a fix ASAP.

The latest mid-range phones from Samsung and Google are here, and the two phones take distinct approaches to making an affordable Android phone. Google opted to keep the Pixel 10a's affordable $500 price point intact, and as a consequence, the handset didn't get a lot of upgrades this year — even the Tensor G4 chip is carried over from the Pixel 10a. Meanwhile, Samsung made more substantial upgrades to the Galaxy A57, but it's also more expensive this year.

The last generation of Samsung and Google midrangers both hit the $500 price point, but now, the Galaxy A57 is $50 more expensive. That might not seem like much, but it puts the Galaxy A57 in closer competition with phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. In other words, Samsung is now competing with itself. All the while, the Google Pixel 10a comes in at a slightly lower price.

But should you buy the basic Google Pixel 10a or the pricier Samsung Galaxy A57? Let's compare all the differences to help you find out.

Samsung Galaxy A57 vs. Google Pixel 10a: Design and display

The Samsung Galaxy A57 and Google Pixel 10a are polar opposites in terms of design, and the in-hand feel you prefer will probably determine which midrange Android phone is best for you. One isn't inherently better or worse than the other; they're just different. The biggest separator is screen size, and the Galaxy A57 is incredibly appealing to those who want a phone with a large display at an affordable price.

Samsung offers a 6.7-inch screen on the Galaxy A57, which is great news for people who love a big phone with plenty of space for content consumption and multitasking. The display bezels still aren't symmetrical, and this is a frustrating compromise of buying a budget Samsung phone, but they're slimmer than the Galaxy A56's bezels. The Samsung Galaxy A57 has 1.5mm top and side bezels, while the bottom bezel is thicker at 2.5mm.

The screen offers a 1080x2340 resolution, 120Hz refresh rates, and a 1,900-nit peak brightness. Altogether, it's a solid midrange display, but the Google Pixel 10a offers a sharper, brighter panel in a smaller package.

Google equipped the Pixel 10a with a 6.3-inch display, which is a breath of fresh air for small-phone lovers. It has a 1080x2424 resolution on a smaller screen than the Galaxy A57, meaning the Pixel 10a will have a sharper display thanks to a higher pixel density. The maximum 120Hz refresh rates match the Galaxy A57's capabilities, but the Pixel 10a is much brighter, with a peak brightness rating of 3,000 nits. Additionally, the Pixel 10a has uniform display bezels, albeit thick ones.

The build quality is where Samsung starts to create an advantage. To Google's credit, the IP68 durability rating, aluminum side rails, and completely flush back are key perks of going with the Pixel 10a. However, the Galaxy A57 also offers IP68 certification and metal side rails, and Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on both the front and back. By comparison, the Pixel 10a only has Gorilla Glass 7i on the front while using a plastic back.

I don't mind the Pixel 10a's plastic back — it feels great in the hand — but most would find the Galaxy A57's glass more premium.

Samsung also wins in the Galaxy A57's in-hand feel, as long as you can live with the larger screen size. Despite the larger overall footprint, Samsung managed to make the Galaxy A57 just 6.9mm thick and weigh only 179 grams. Not only is that smaller than the Galaxy A56, but it's also considerably thinner and lighter than the Pixel 10a. Google's midranger is 9mm thick and weighs 183 grams.

It's worth reiterating that part of the reason for the Pixel 10a's thick chassis is the phone's lack of a camera bump. While the Galaxy A57 has a triple-camera system that protrudes from the rear case, the Pixel 10a's dual-camera cover is actually recessed beneath the plastic back. This means the Pixel 10a will feel completely flat in the hand and won't rock back and forth on a table.

This is a neat perk and really makes the Pixel 10a stand out, especially compared to phones like the Galaxy A57, which have a large camera bump.

Samsung Galaxy A57 vs. Google Pixel 10a: Hardware and specs

In terms of performance, neither the Galaxy A57 nor the Pixel 10a offers top-of-the-line specs. However, both will be capable of handling daily smartphone needs for years to come, with long software support guarantees. Each handset ships with Android 16, with the Pixel 10a debuting with Pixel UI and Material 3 Expressive and the Galaxy A57 launching with One UI 8.5. Google offers seven years of OS upgrades, while Samsung only offers six.

Google chose to use the Google Tensor G4 for another year on the A-series Pixel, which is disappointing for those who wanted extra performance and more RAM. The Pixel 10a performs almost exactly like the Pixel 9a, as both phones have the same chip and 8GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A57 offers the Samsung Exynos 1680 chip and either 8GB or 12GB RAM, depending on the configuration.

The Google Pixel 10a has a slightly larger battery, but the Samsung Galaxy A57 charges faster. Google packs a 5,100mAh battery inside the Pixel 10a, while you get a 5,000mAh cell inside the Galaxy A57. That said, the Samsung midranger charges at up to 45W over a cable, compared to Google's 30W maximum. This could prove to be more valuable than a bit of extra capacity in real-world use.

However, it comes at a cost. The Galaxy A57 doesn't support wireless charging, let alone magnetic charging. Wireless charging used to be a common omission on midrange phones as a cost-cutting measure, but it feels like a feature that should be standard in 2026. The Google Pixel 10a does include wireless charging, albeit at slow 10W speeds with no built-in magnets.

Samsung Galaxy A57 vs. Google Pixel 10a: Cameras

The camera systems on the Galaxy A57 and the Pixel 10a are a classic example that more doesn't always equal better. The Galaxy A57 has three cameras, and the Pixel 10a only has two, so the Samsung phone must be better, right? Not exactly. That third camera on the Galaxy A57 is a tiny, low-resolution 5MP macro lens you'll probably never use.

The Pixel 10a has a software-based Macro Focus mode that lets you take macro shots with the ultrawide lens, and it might actually perform better than the Galaxy A57's dedicated macro lens. On midrange phones like these, the secondary lenses are usually lackluster, and it all comes down to the primary shooters.

With that in mind, the main cameras on the Galaxy A57 and Pixel 10a are quite similar. The Samsung phone offers a 50MP sensor, while the Google handset provides a 48MP sensor. The Google Pixel 10a and Samsung Galaxy A57 also feature ultrawide cameras at 13MP and 12MP, respectively. On the front, the Pixel 10a comes with a 13MP sensor, and the Galaxy A57 sports a 12MP camera.

Samsung Galaxy A57 vs. Google Pixel 10a: Which should you buy?

No one likes price hikes, but the Samsung Galaxy A57 includes a larger screen, a premium design, and almost-flagship specs to justify the price. There's just one issue — Samsung is competing with itself. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the better all-around phone, and it's discounted to just $500 right now. You can get a Galaxy S25 FE for less than a Galaxy A57, and that makes it hard to recommend the new A-series midranger.

The same can be said about the Google Pixel 10a, though. While it's a great phone at $500, it shares many similarities with the Pixel 9a. The difference is that the Pixel 9a isn't seeing great discounts at the moment — it's only $30 cheaper than the Pixel 10a. So, the Pixel 10a makes more sense to buy at full price than the Galaxy A57, even though the latter is arguably better.

If you have your eye on the Galaxy A57, perhaps consider waiting for discounts. If the Galaxy A57 gets a price cut by even $50 or $100, it becomes a much easier sell. That's inevitably going to happen, but it doesn't make sense to buy the Galaxy A57 at full price when the Galaxy S25 FE and Google Pixel 10a exist.

What you need to know

• Code leaks in Android 17 Beta 4 indicate that Google is developing a new Pixel-branded laptop.
• Google could also be reviving the nostalgic light bar from the original Chromebook Pixel, now branded as "Pixel Glow."
• This hardware feature uses LEDs on the back of devices to provide visual alerts.

Recent findings in Android 17 Beta 4 and the latest Canary builds suggest Google is developing a new Pixel laptop, and it could include a flashy hardware feature called "Pixel Glow."

If Pixel Glow reminds you of something, you’re not wrong. It seems to be a modern take on the light bar from the original Chromebook Pixel and Pixel C. Back then, double-tapping the lid showed your battery level with a strip of Google-colored LEDs.

This time, the feature could get a big upgrade with AI. According to decompiled system settings found by 9to5Google, Pixel Glow is meant to give visual feedback using subtle lights and colors on the back of the device. The idea is to keep you informed without needing to look at your screen all the time.

So what does Pixel Glow actually do? The code shows a few examples. You might get hands-free visual cues when using Google’s Gemini AI. You could also see custom light animations when your favorite contacts call, helping you spot important notifications even if your device is face-down.

Google warns light-sensitive users to "use Pixel Glow with caution." The system also lets you keep your current flash notifications instead of the new Glow features if you want.

More than just a phone feature

The Pixel 11, expected later this year, seems like the obvious device for this feature. But the real surprise is the mention of laptops. The settings page checks for laptop hardware, and there’s even a new "ic_laptop_light" icon hidden in the software.

Don’t expect this to be just like the old Pixelbook, though. With Google working to make Android better for desktops, this new laptop could become the main device for a more unified Google ecosystem.

Early Pixel 11 renders don’t show any cutouts for lights, so Google might hide the LEDs in the camera bar or under the "G" logo, according to 9to5. For the laptop, there’s no release date yet, but the dedicated icons suggest it’s already in active development.

Android Central's Take

Glowing phone backs and laptop light bars might look impressive in a presentation, but we all know Google doesn’t have the best track record with these features. The original Chromebook Pixel’s light strip is gone, and so is the Pixelbook. Now we’re supposed to get excited about subtle lights for favorite contacts, even though our phones already vibrate, ring, flash, and ping our watches. Pixel Glow seems like a solution looking for a problem, and it’s likely Google will drop it after a couple of OS updates, maybe after renaming it and hiding the settings.

What you need to know

• Google has started teasing what's ahead for its I/O 2026 conference with the arrival of its sessions list.
• Among the highlights for May 19 (after the keynote), Google plans to talk about its AI software, Android 17, and Chrome for 2026 later that afternoon.
• The following day, the company teases information on Android 17's "Adaptive Everywhere" approach, which brings Android, Chrome OS, and XR into the fold.
• I/O 2026 takes place on May 19 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

As usual, Google is teasing what's to come for its yearly I/O conference following the expected keynote.

This morning (Apr 14), Google posted the sessions list, teasing its plans for its I/O 2026 conference in May. First, the company reiterates that its main keynote speech will take place on May 19 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT). The sessions page lets users add it to their calendars, so you don't miss out. However, what's more important is the list itself, as Google says other conferences, such as for its AI, will start at 3:30 pm PT on May 19.

For those interested, Google says its AI conference will cover information about its "latest model capabilities across multimodal, media generation, and robotics, and how to leverage them..." The list then highlights Android 17 as a major event, running for ~45 minutes. Google intends to cover Android 17's performance updates, alongside "new capabilities for media and camera apps, new functionality for desktop and large-screened apps, and how we're using agentic automation to empower users to get more done faster."

Google Chrome is also getting time in the spotlight. While the company has been busy rolling out more AI-focused updates for the browser, there's more in store. The quick blurb says Google will discuss "new capabilities" for Chrome for 2026 in this meeting. Later in the day on May 19, Google Play will be discussed. It seems this particular conference is geared toward users with businesses that are looking to grow on the platform.

There was also a mention of "Adaptive development" note regarding Android 17. The next major Android OS is reportedly moving into an "Adaptive Everywhere" approach, where users can "move fluidly between phones, cars, living rooms, and immersive environments." Google has labeled this as concerning Android, ChromeOS, and XR.

Intrigued?

We first started getting I/O 2026 teasers in February, when Google kicked off its annual line of puzzles to get users to reveal the date. There were quite a few this year, each leveraging its AI systems, such as Gemini 3. Users were quick to tear through the puzzles, reaching 100% completion, and revealing the May 19-20 date for the event. Google also confirmed that I/O 2026 will take place at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.

If you're looking to watch, Google will livestream its keynote speech on May 19 beginning at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. Developers can register for the event, but it's worth noting that "this follows a lottery or invitation-style system, so signing up doesn't automatically guarantee a spot at the keynote." What's interesting about the sessions list today is that it has yet to mention Android XR. We are expecting Google to at least talk about this in some capacity during its keynote, but more would be welcome, too.

We got that little XR teaser for Android 17's "Adaptive Everywhere," but maybe that's not all.

Android Central's Take

The software side of Google is typically where I/O shines. While we always hope for a Pixel teaser, we usually have to wait until after and later in the summer toward the Made by Google event. Regardless, there's a lot that Google is likely cooking up this year. Android 17 is a heavy hitter, but so is it's Android XR experience. Then, there's Gemini. Personal Intelligence was its most recent (and significant) update for users, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't expecting another major reveal at I/O.

The Google Pixel 10a features the same processor, camera system, and general design as its predecessor, and that means the bulk of the upgrades are on the software front. The Pixel 10a borrows a few software tricks from its mainline Pixel 10 counterparts that are a welcome addition to the A-series model. They include Macro Focus and Camera Coach, two incredible features that help you level up your photography game.

Of course, with so much dependent on software, the Pixel 10a is what you make of it. If you never tweak your settings or explore the latest Google features, you'll end up with a subpar experience. These are the features I used and the settings I changed immediately after unboxing my Pixel 10a — and why you should do the same.

Enable 120Hz refresh rates

The Google Pixel 10a offers a pretty outstanding display for the price point. It sports a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a 1080 x 2424 resolution and a 3,000-nit peak brightness rating. Like a few A-series phones before it, the Pixel 10a is equipped with a 120Hz display for smoother scrolling, but it's not enabled by default. If you aren't careful, you could buy a Pixel 10a for its 120Hz screen and accidentally use it in 60Hz mode the entire time.

The very first thing you should do after setting up your Pixel 10a is enable the Smooth display setting, which allows the screen to reach 120Hz refresh rates. It's disabled by default because it uses more battery, but it's worth turning on anyway for the more satisfying feedback and quicker responsiveness.

This toggle should probably be turned on automatically. After all, people go out of their way to avoid 60Hz phones. However, as long as it's disabled by default, Pixel 10a users will need to manually activate 120Hz refresh rates for their new midranger.

Try Macro Focus

Older A-series Pixel phones utilized the low-resolution ultrawide cameras for macro photography. The software feature was great for capturing close-up photos of a subject, but the 13MP ultrawide camera left much to be desired in terms of quality, and the wide-angle field of view caused visual distortion. Starting with the Google Pixel 10a, you can now use Macro Focus with the primary 48MP shooter to capture sharper, more detailed images.

The main camera enables a natural focal length and 2x sensor cropping for optical-quality zoom, even while using Macro Focus. In other words, it's a better way to take macro shots with the Pixel 10a than with the Pixel 9a and earlier models. To use it, open the Camera app and get close to your subject. Really close — about an inch away from your subject.

You only need to use the regular photo mode to trigger Macro Focus in the Camera app. When you get close enough, you'll see the style of your image preview change in the viewfinder. A flower icon will appear in the top-right corner of the screen, confirming you're using Macro Focus. A message might appear above the viewfinder instructing you how to move your camera to get the best results, like getting closer or further away.

When you've found the right composition for your Macro Focus shot, tap the shutter, and you'll have a macro shot in your Google Photos library.

Pick a display color mode

When I first set up my Pixel 10a review unit, the colors and brightness felt off. The display was rich towards the center, with blooming and low brightness toward the edges. Put simply, it wasn't a great viewing experience, but I was able to fix it by changing one setting.

Google Pixel phones ship with two color modes: Natural and Adaptive. The latter is enabled by default and displays colors in a rich, vibrant way that isn't true to life. While some might prefer the look of Adaptive colors, I thought it made my Pixel 10a screen quality worse. By switching to Natural, my Pixel 10a screen instantly looked better, as this viewing mode evened out the color vibrancy and brightness across the entire screen.

You can choose a color mode in the Settings app by tapping Display & touch, then selecting Colors. There, you'll be able to select Natural or Adaptive and watch the screen change in real time. Google provides three sample images that help you figure out which look is better for you. There's really no right or wrong option here, but it's worth taking the time to decide which color mode you prefer on your Pixel 10a.

Demo the Satellite SOS tool

The Google Pixel 10a features one chip upgrade, but it's not the main processor. Instead, the modem is new and now matches the rest of the Pixel 10 series. The Exynos 5400 modem inside the Pixel 10a, among other things, adds satellite connectivity support. As a result, this phone is the first A-series device to support Google's Satellite SOS feature. It's a tool that could end up saving your life.

The way it works is simple. When cellular service drops, say if you're on a remote hike, you're typically unable to contact emergency services for help. Features like Satellite SOS make it possible to use overhead satellites to contact emergency services in a pinch, even when you don't have cellular service. It's an incredible, potentially life-saving tool. But you want to know how to use it before a possible emergency situation.

Luckily, Google makes it easy for you to try out Satellite SOS in demo mode whenever you want. To do so, open the Settings app and tap the Safety & emergency tab. Then, tap Pixel Satellite SOS. Here, you can press Try a demo to take Satellite SOS for a spin — without actually contacting emergency services, of course. It's a no-risk way to test out the capabilities of your new device.

Try Camera Coach

Finally, there's Camera Coach, another feature that made its way to the Pixel 10a from the regular Pixel 10 series. I was initially somewhat apprehensive about bringing Gemini into my smartphone camera, but I've come away impressed by Camera Coach. It uses Gemini models to provide situational photography tips. It's an educational tool that doesn't use generative AI to change your image. Instead, it simply makes suggestions that you can then use to inform your photos.

To use it, tap the Camera Coach icon, which looks like a camera with a sparkle. From there, custom Gemini models analyze the viewfinder and suggest themes you can select. After you pick one, Camera Coach will briefly process the image and come up with a list of tips or suggestions to help you take a better shot. After you've completed the guided steps, you can take the photo and hopefully remember something you've learned for later.

It's one of the many great features on the Google Pixel 10a, and using them all helps you make the most of your new midrange Android phone.

Flagship phones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL offer some of the best Android experiences you can get. However, not everyone wants to spend that much on a phone, and that's where the best mid-range Android options come in.

While Nothing's CEO Carl Pei has confirmed that no flagship phones are coming this year, the company has refreshed its mid-range lineup with the Phone 4a and the Phone 4a Pro. Out of the two, the Phone 4a Pro is the one making its way to the U.S.

Google has also recently launched the Pixel 10a, keeping a very familiar design from last year's Pixel 9a and pricing it similarly to the Nothing Phone 4a Pro. With both phones sitting in the same bracket, which one actually makes more sense to buy? Let's take a closer look and see how they compare.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: Pricing, colors, and availability

Nothing debuted the Phone 4a Pro on March 5, 2026, with a starting price of $499 for the base model with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM. There's also a $599 variant that bumps things up to 256GB storage and 12GB RAM. As for colors, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is available in Black, Silver, and Pink.

The Google Pixel 10a was made official on February 18, 2026. Despite rising component costs, Google has kept pricing the same as last year at $499 for the 128GB base model. There's also a 256GB variant priced at $599.

The Pixel 10a comes in four colors: Obsidian (black), Fog (pale green), Berry (red-pink), and Lavender (blue-purple).

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: Design and display

Starting with the design, this is probably where the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and the Pixel 10a differ the most. While Google has kept a very similar design to the Pixel 9a, with a clean back, rounded corners, and flat edges, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro brings a more industrial and unique look.

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro moves away from the company's transparent back in favor of an aluminum unibody design with a large camera island at the top, which does feel a bit inspired by the iPhone 17 Pro's camera plateau. The module houses the cameras, flash, and, for the first time on the a-series, a Glyph Matrix.

While Nothing has used Glyph LEDs before, this is the first time it's bringing the newer Glyph Matrix, first seen on the Nothing Phone 3, to this lineup. It includes 137 mini-LEDs that act like a secondary display, showing notifications and other information on the back.

You can use it for things like tracking live activities such as food delivery or rides, assigning icons to contacts and apps, and even trying small interactive tools like a coin flip.

In terms of build, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro feels more premium with its aluminum frame and back. The Pixel 10a also uses an aluminum frame but sticks with a plastic back.

That said, while the Nothing phone looks more striking, it comes with slightly lower water resistance. The Pixel 10a is rated IP68, while the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is IP65. The Nothing device is also heavier and larger compared to the Pixel 10a.

On the front, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro offers a larger 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness in high brightness mode.

The Pixel 10a, on the other hand, features a more compact 6.3-inch p-OLED panel with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, but it does go brighter, reaching up to 2,000 nits. Both phones use Gorilla Glass 7i for protection.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: Hardware, specs, and software

Nothing continues to use mid-range Qualcomm chips for its A-series phones, and it's the same case here. The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, which is a step up from last year's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3.

It's built on a 4nm process and includes one Cortex-720 core clocked at 2.8GHz, four Cortex-720 cores at 2.4GHz, and three Cortex-520 cores at 1.8GHz.

Apart from that, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage by default. You can upgrade to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, but that's the maximum configuration, and there's no support for storage expansion.

While we've come to expect Pixel A-series phones to offer flagship chipsets at a lower price, the Pixel 10a breaks that trend. It ships with the same Tensor G4 chip as last year's Pixel 9a and doesn't get upgraded to the Tensor G5 like the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you were expecting a newer chip here, that's not the case. That said, the Pixel 10a still brings some of the newer AI features from the Pixel 10 series, which we'll get into below.

In terms of storage, it also comes in 128GB and 256GB variants, but both models stick with 8GB of RAM. There's no support for expandable storage here either.

Battery life is another area where mid-range phones tend to do well, and that's the case here too. Both the Pixel 10a and the Nothing Phone 4a Pro pack around 5,100mAh batteries.

However, Nothing takes the lead in charging speeds, with the Phone 4a Pro able to go from 0 to 100% in about an hour. The Pixel 10a supports up to 30W wired charging, which is faster than the Pixel 9a but still slower than Nothing's offering.

If wireless charging matters to you, the Pixel 10a is the only one here that supports it. The Nothing Phone 4a Pro doesn't offer wireless charging at all.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: Software

Both the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and the Google Pixel 10a run Android 16 out of the box. Both offer a clean Android experience, although Nothing adds its own tweaks here and there. It still feels very close to a Pixel-like experience compared to most other Android skins.

However, if you care about fast updates and long-term support, the Pixel 10a is hard to beat. Google promises up to seven years of OS updates, while the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is limited to three major Android upgrades. So if you're looking forward to Android 17 and beyond, the Pixel 10a is the safer bet.

The Pixel 10a also brings down some features from the Pixel 10 series, including tools like Magic Cue and support for the Pixel Screenshot app. It also includes emergency satellite SOS, which is missing on the Nothing Phone 4a Pro.

On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro comes with the company's Essential AI suite, which serves as an AI-powered journal to help you store and recall information more easily. It also lets you build simple apps using text prompts, which is a nice addition.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: Cameras

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro takes a clear lead on paper with a triple-camera setup. It includes a 50MP primary sensor with dual-pixel PDAF and OIS, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom.

This is clearly more versatile than what the Pixel 10a offers, which includes a 48MP primary camera with dual-pixel PDAF and OIS, along with a 13MP ultra-wide sensor with a 120-degree field of view. There's no telephoto lens here, so the Pixel 10a maxes out at 2x optical-quality zoom and8x digital zoom. If zoom matters to you, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is the better choice.

That said, the Pixel 10a still has the edge when it comes to consistency across different lighting conditions. We haven't fully tested the Nothing Phone 4a Pro yet, so it's hard to say how it compares in real-world use, but Pixels have generally been more reliable in this area.

If video recording matters to you, the Pixel 10a also pulls ahead. It supports up to 4K at 30fps, while the Nothing Phone 4a Pro tops out at 1080p at 30fps. Another small advantage for the Pixel is its flush camera design, while the Nothing Phone 4a Pro has a noticeable camera bump, which might make a case more necessary.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: Which should you buy?

Both the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and the Google Pixel 10a are among the best Android phones you can get around the $500 mark. It really comes down to your personal preferences and what you value more in a phone.

If you want better performance, a dedicated zoom sensor, faster wired charging, and a design that stands out, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is the clear pick. You also get that Glyph Matrix on the back for notifications, along with a more premium build overall.

However, if you prefer a more compact phone that's lighter to carry, want faster Android updates, and a cleaner UI, the Pixel 10a is still a great choice. It has a more subtle design that doesn't wobble on a desk and includes useful features like emergency satellite SOS, which is missing on the Nothing Phone 4a Pro.

What you need to know

• Google's April 2026 patch stops frustrating crashes for banking and third-party apps across the entire lineup, from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 10a.
• Users of the Pixel 10, Pro, and Pro XL get a dedicated fix to prevent games from crashing during heavy sessions.
• Google also fixed the disappearing Quick Search Bar on the home screen and restored the missing Backup menu for older devices like the Pixel Fold and Pixel 8.

The excitement of a new OS release often fades quickly when your favorite app crashes or your settings menu goes missing. If Android 16 has been giving you trouble, Google is offering some relief with the April 2026 security patch for Pixel phones.

While new features usually get all the attention, this update is focused on maintenance. If your Pixel has been unreliable lately, these fixes are meant for you.

This month’s update mainly addresses app stability. Users of nearly every recent Pixel, from the 6 series to the new Pixel 10a, have reported crashes with banking and third-party apps. This patch includes a fix to help prevent those crashes.

Pixel 10a, have reported crashes with banking and third-party apps. This patch includes a fix to help prevent those crashes.

Pixel 10 owners get game crash fixes

If you have the latest Pixel 10, this update brings a fix for gaming performance. Owners of the 10, Pro, and Pro XL have seen some games crash in certain situations, and this patch should help keep your games running smoothly.

The update also addresses some system issues. One fix brings back the quick search bar that has been disappearing from home screens, which should make your phone easier to use.

If you have an older device like the Pixel Fold or Pixel 8, you may have noticed the Backup menu missing from your System settings. Google has put it back where it belongs. Pixel 9 owners also get a stability fix for Quick Share, which has been crashing during file transfers.

Besides bug fixes, the April update includes the required security bulletins to protect your data. As usual, the rollout is happening in phases. Global versions for the Pixel 6 through the 10 Pro Fold are available now, but some carriers and users in Australia may get slightly different build numbers ending in .A1.

Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection before updating. To check for the update, go to Settings, then System, then Software updates. If it is not available yet, it should arrive within the next week.

What you need to know

• Pixel users across several generations are reporting bootlooping issues after the March update.
• Users say they are unable to reach their lock screens, as their phones fail to make it past the "G" logo upon starting.
• Google is reportedly aware of the problem; however, the arrival of a fix is still unknown.

While the Pixel 10 has been grappling with issues, March is now reportedly causing issues for other Pixels, too.

Users across Reddit have been reporting problems with their Pixels after downloading the March security update (via Android Authority). The user reports that their Pixel 8 has been getting stuck in a bootloop. The issue is much deeper, as they say, "The phone will not turn on at all on battery power. No vibrating, no screen, nothing." Relief is reportedly achieved when their Pixel 8 is on its charger; however, that's when the bootloop begins.

Their phone will start, display the Google "G," then its screen will turn black—rinse and repeat. It goes without saying that their phone never reaches a point where it's usable. Another user chimed in, stating they've encountered this problem on their Pixel 10 XL after the March update. Another user's Pixel 10 encountered a serious issue with the March update, as their phone gave a "Cannot load Android system and data corrupt" message.

This problem also seems to stem from the March update. The user from the first report says they can open Fastboot on their Pixel, but attempting to start the device from there yields no results. Many users are simply biding their time, awaiting the April update to bring some good news.

One after another

The publication highlighted one user's comment that says users have a lengthy thread on Google's Issue Tracker about this problem. It looks like Google is aware of the issue now. The only thing that remains is the update itself to give users affected some much-needed aid. Reportedly, a few users have found that booting their phone in Safe Mode has helped.

March hasn't treated Google's Pixel 10 series too kindly. The month got off to the usual security patch, which was still working on lingering graphics issues. Shortly after, Pixel users raised their voices about always-on display problems. Those reports last month said Pixel 10 phones would lock up multiple times a day, which would force users to restart their devices. Since launch, freezing screens and flickering issues have been a constant for the series, similar to others.