GoKawiil
Tech News
A blogger reverse engineered the Android app for the music guessing board game Hitster, decompiling its APK with jadx to inspect its code. They found a JSON file containing an encrypted card-to-song database and located the AES decryption routine directly in the app's source, allowing them to decode the mapping between card IDs and Spotify tracks without needing a paid Spotify or Apple Music subscription.
Code found in the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 release indicates Google is developing numeric unread-count badges for app icons in Pixel Launcher. The feature would show the actual number of pending notifications rather than just a dot, a function already common on other Android skins like Samsung's One UI.
Google has launched its Gemini AI assistant within Google Maps for Apple CarPlay users in the US, with a wider global rollout underway. Drivers can tap a Gemini icon on their car's display to ask multi-step, hands-free questions, like finding a place and then getting directions there while avoiding tolls, or reporting traffic issues.
Google appears to be testing a rebrand of the Highlight video tool within Google Photos, according to evidence found in a recent app update. The update also reportedly includes fixes addressing minor usability issues users have flagged with the feature.
Spotify unveiled a fully native in-car app built directly on Google's Android Automotive operating system, debuting in Audi vehicles including the A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, A5, Q5, and A6. The app runs on the car's own infotainment hardware without needing a connected phone, Bluetooth, or aux cable, and Spotify now controls the entire on-screen interface rather than relying on Google's templates.
Google's latest Android 17 beta lets users require authentication before changing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or Airplane Mode from the lock screen. Previously these toggles could be altered by anyone with physical access to a locked device, without entering a passcode.
Sony has introduced three new Walkman digital music players running Android 16: the NW-WM1ZM3, NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900, priced from $1,900 to $5,900. The top model, a gold-plated unit with 256GB storage, supports formats like FLAC, DSD and Apple Lossless, and includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and roughly 30 hours of battery life.
A reader survey conducted by the publication found that many Android users have lost trust in Google after discovering the company began linking phone numbers to Google accounts without first asking for consent. Respondents said they were unaware of the change until noticing the new account requirement on their devices.
Google is rolling out its Personal Intelligence feature for Gemini to Android Auto starting today, with support for vehicles running Google Built-in software arriving in the coming months. The feature, which lets Gemini draw on personal data like Gmail, Calendar and Photos to answer queries, remains optional for users.
Google has begun bringing its Gemini Personal Intelligence feature, which lets the assistant draw on data from linked Google apps like Gmail, to Android Auto. The rollout starts globally today, excluding Switzerland, the EEA, UK and Nigeria, and the company plans to extend it to cars with Google built-in in coming months.
Google has begun rolling out Gemini Personal Intelligence to Android Auto, letting the assistant draw on a driver's Gmail, Calendar, Photos and other Google apps while in the car. The feature is opt-in, letting users choose which apps and data sources Gemini can access for more tailored responses.
Google is rolling out a 'Personal Intelligence with Gemini' feature for vehicles that pulls data from Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, Maps and Search history to personalize responses while driving. The feature launches today in Android Auto and will reach cars with Google Built-in in coming months, requiring users to opt in.