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A technology explainer outlines why smartphones running CarPlay or Android Auto often heat up during drives. Contributing factors include wireless charging, direct sunlight or heater vents, simultaneous use of GPS navigation, streaming audio, and background apps, plus the combined load of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular radios running at once in wireless setups.
Google announced a redesigned Play Store interface for vehicles with Google built-in, which will adapt to different car screen sizes and orientations and add a streamlined navigation menu. The update, rolling out over coming weeks, lets drivers download featured apps with one tap and introduces new apps like Starz, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar for use while parked, plus YouTube video playback when parked for Premium subscribers.
Google announced a new US feature letting people install personal apps built with AI Studio's vibe-coding tool directly through the Play Store, skipping the need to sideload via a connected computer. These apps remain private and separate from the public store catalog, are tied to a standard Google account, and Google says sharing with select groups is coming soon.
A tech advisory recommends that buyers of budget Android phones prioritize certain baseline specs: at least a 5.6-inch AMOLED display with 1,000 nits peak brightness, a minimum of 6GB RAM (8GB for gamers), and 128GB storage with 256GB preferred if expandable storage isn't available. It also advises checking processor age and performance reviews before purchasing to avoid sluggish performance.
Android phones rely on built-in GPS alongside wireless signals and device sensors to pinpoint a user's location and direction. A setting called Location Accuracy Service, previously known as Google Location Services, can be enabled to sharpen this accuracy, particularly indoors or in crowded areas where GPS signals are weak or blocked.
Reports indicate that more smartphone manufacturers are exploring active fan systems inside upcoming flagship Android phones. The goal is to manage heat generated by the latest high-performance chipsets, which can throttle speed when devices overheat.
A reviewer testing new Android-powered Googlebooks from Asus and HP describes setup as fast and simple, taking just minutes to register biometrics, sign into a Google account, and import apps from a phone. But after setup, connecting the laptop to a phone for features like file sharing and app casting proved unreliable, often requiring repeated toggling of settings, restarts, and reconnecting after switching Wi-Fi networks.
A popular Android PS2 emulator has released an update that improves performance specifically for devices using Mali-powered GPUs, including older Pixel phones and MediaTek-based devices. The update targets hardware that previously saw weaker emulation performance compared to devices with other GPU architectures.
In a new essay, Amos Batto argues that the Linux phone market, which stalled after the 2020 launches of the Purism Librem 5 and PINE64 PinePhone, is now positioned for renewed growth. He points to improvements in mobile Linux interfaces like Plasma Mobile and Phosh, plus better distro support for Android-kernel hardware, as key changes since the earlier stagnation.
Smartphone users can significantly reduce spam calls and scam texts using existing settings on iPhone and Android devices, rather than paying for third-party apps. The techniques target common scammer tactics like neighborhood spoofing, where callers fake local area codes, and bulk automated text messaging.
A technology guide examines the practical considerations for US consumers who import foreign smartphones rather than buying domestic models. It highlights compatibility concerns with carrier bands, certified features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, software update schedules, and warranty support as key factors buyers should evaluate before purchasing.
Google has replaced Google Assistant with Gemini in its Google Built-in infotainment platform, now live across sixteen car brands. New features include AI-enhanced Google Maps with real-time traffic and EV routing, voice control over messages and email, playlist creation, food ordering, and a camera-enabled Gemini Live mode for discussing surroundings. The rollout began earlier this summer with Android Auto before expanding to automakers including Honda, Chevrolet and Volvo.