GrapheneOS reports that after a week spent building a partial port for the Pixel 11 series, it cannot complete the port because the devices lack working support for ARM hardware memory tagging (MTE) in software, firmware and likely hardware. The project notes the Pixel 8 introduced hardware MTE in October 2023, but neither Android nor the Pixel OS enabled it by default, and Android 16's Advanced Protection Mode only turns it on for a handful of processes. GrapheneOS adds that Pixel 11 still gains some security upgrades, including post-quantum verified boot, AOSP IMS replacing Samsung Shannon, and a Titan M3 chip.
Google told Android Authority that while most Android apps run fine on both Intel and Qualcomm Googlebooks, a small number of complex apps or games need extra developer tuning to perform well on Intel x86 devices. Google did not specify which apps are affected or describe the exact compatibility problems. The company said it is working with app developers, Intel and Qualcomm to improve optimization across the platform.
Android Authority found code in Pixel Search app version 1.0.983036833 referencing devices from the 2021 Pixel lineup onward, suggesting Google plans to officially bring the expanded search app beyond the Pixel 11 series. The app currently requires Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 or later to function, with the stable release expected around December 2026.
A new version of Google's Pixel Search app adds a 'Privacy & Permissions' settings section with toggles for 'Help improve Pixel Search,' 'Call Logs,' and 'SMS.' These let users control whether their call and message history is used to improve contact suggestions, though disabling them doesn't stop call or SMS results from appearing in search unless app permissions are revoked separately. Code analysis by Android Authority also uncovered references to an unreleased 'Gemini-powered suggestions' feature.
Users running Android 10 on phones like the Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact are reporting in-car warnings that their devices will soon lose Android Auto support. The messages appear during wired connections and state the phone cannot update to the Android version Android Auto will require going forward. Google has not announced any change, and its support pages still list Android 9 Pie as the minimum for wired Android Auto.
Android Authority found a work-in-progress Gemini interface redesign inside Android Auto app version 17.9.664004, which it enabled to preview. The new animation adopts Google's Neural Expressive design style with dots around the Gemini interface, spanning the full screen width with Live and close buttons on either side, replacing the current subtle glow indicator.
Android Authority's Aamir Siddiqui argues that for the price of Apple's base 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max, buyers have strong Android alternatives. His picks include the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, Motorola Razr Ultra (2026), Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. A reader poll accompanying the piece shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the most popular alternative at 42% of votes.
Google told Android Authority that most Android apps run well on both Intel and Qualcomm-powered Googlebooks, but acknowledged that a small number of complex apps and games need extra developer work to perform properly on Intel chips. The company said this stems from many Android apps originally being built for Arm processors rather than Intel's architecture.
In an Android Authority reader poll of nearly 2,300 votes, 61.5% chose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as the preferred alternative to Apple's iPhone 18 Pro, beating out the Google Pixel 11 Pro, Motorola Razr Ultra (2026), and other Android flagships by a wide margin. The Galaxy S26 Ultra costs about $100 more than the iPhone 18 Pro but includes features like a Privacy Display, an additional camera, and Samsung's Galaxy AI tools.
An Android Authority columnist praises the Pixel 11 Pro's hardware, cameras and software but says testing uncovered three recurring weaknesses: inconsistent gaming performance, limited battery capacity, and slow wired charging. The writer cites a colleague's investigation finding that the Tensor GPU's rendering approach causes microstutters in games because it lacks native support for certain graphics features.
GrapheneOS says it has traced a regression in Google's Android 17 QPR1 update that causes lag, stuttering, freezes, and app crashes on Pixel devices under memory pressure. The project says the bug originates in Pixel firmware and drivers supplied by Google, meaning it can affect stock Pixel software too, and it has already patched the issue in its own OS release while Google has not yet issued a fix.
A leak from Android Headlines details an unreleased Fitbit model called the Fitbit Edge, expected to succeed the 2023 Fitbit Charge. Reported specs include a small display, seven-day battery life, GPS, an altimeter, and limited app support for Google Maps and YouTube Music, with color options matching upcoming Pixel 11 phones like Rose Peach and Olive.
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