Google appears to be extending its Gemini AI feature to enable users to send pre-recorded voice messages to friends and family, as indicated by an APK teardown revealing a 'Gemini Calling' interface. Examples include instructing the AI to tell a parent the user will be late or to ask a friend about dinner plans. The feature seems focused on simple, quick voice messages rather than full conversations, with customizable permissions for app access.
Google’s new Googlebooks lineup features a Quick Access tool that enables users to browse, open, and transfer files between their Android phones and the device itself. The feature supports drag-and-drop for files under 200MB and requires both devices to run Android 17. Additionally, Files AI will provide instant summaries of folder names within Googlebooks.
Google is exploring an expansion of its Call for Me feature on Pixel 11 devices, which currently automates calls to businesses. Early indications suggest the AI could soon be capable of making personal calls to contacts like family and friends, potentially sharing information or asking questions. This development could broaden the scope of AI-assisted communication for users.
Users have reported Amazon's Alexa assistant getting stuck repeating the word 'la' for several minutes before stopping, according to posts shared over the past month. This follows an earlier incident in which Alexa reportedly made unsettling growling sounds. Amazon has not yet confirmed the cause, and Android Authority says it has contacted the company for comment.
RISION has released the Magic Pro, a compact thermal imaging accessory that plugs into a phone's USB-C port and works with Android or iOS devices through its companion app. The app provides live temperature readouts, screenshot capture, and customization options, and the device ships with a small carry case. An Android Authority reviewer tested it on smartphones during stress tests, noting it required no setup beyond plugging in and opening the app.
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.
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.
As Googlebook laptops go on sale, Google has added new support documentation explaining features unique to the Android-based devices. The pages detail the RGB Glowbar strip's various lighting states—covering usage, charging, battery level, and Gemini interactions—as well as Game Controls, which lets users map physical keys to on-screen touchscreen controls for Android games.
An Android Authority reviewer spent two weeks testing the Motorola Edge 70, an ultra-slim smartphone, after initial skepticism about the form factor's trade-offs. The reviewer reports it avoided the compromises seen in Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge, which launched with a 3,900mAh battery, 25W charging, only two rear cameras lacking a telephoto lens, and a $1,099 price tag.
An Android Authority writer returned to Duolingo after a year away and found the app pushing paid subscriptions more aggressively, including a prompt to upgrade before viewing past progress. The app also promoted a cross-promotional tie-in with Supercell's mobile game Brawl Stars, requiring users to complete Duolingo tasks to earn in-game rewards.
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