GoKawiil
Tech News
Google's Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 introduces a new 'Data logging' section inside Privacy Dashboard that lets users monitor data leaving the Private Compute Core, the isolated sandbox behind features like Live Caption and Smart Reply. Users can toggle logging on or off, choose between a limited three-day/100MB mode and a more exhaustive 12-hour/100MB detailed mode, and download or delete the resulting log files.
Multiple Reddit users report that Google Messages is inserting old texts from unrelated conversations into new ones, sometimes attaching them to photos or group chats and in some cases actually delivering them to unintended recipients. The bug spans both Pixel and Samsung devices, occurring regardless of whether RCS is enabled, and follows other recent Messages glitches like broken RCS delivery and duplicated threads. Google has acknowledged at least one report and passed it to its engineering team, but no fix has been announced.
A year after buying the Galaxy S25 Edge outright, a reviewer traded it in for a Galaxy Z Fold 8, citing persistent battery and screen shortcomings that undercut its ultra-thin, lightweight design. Despite flagship specs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a 200MP camera packed into a 5.8mm body, Samsung has shown no sign of releasing a follow-up model.
WIRED's ongoing testing of MagSafe phone grips now includes the Spigen OM104, Casely's MagRing and MagRing+, and the Smartish Wallflower. Each offers a different approach, from a nylon finger strap to a swiveling silicone ring to suction-cup wall mounting, with trade-offs in comfort, flatness, and durability noted for each.
Code found in the One UI 9 Beta 7 build for the Galaxy S26 references Scam Detection support for a wide range of devices, including the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z TriFold, and the unreleased Galaxy S27 lineup. The same code lists model numbers tied to these devices and references an Exynos 2700 chip alongside a Qualcomm option for the S27 series, hinting at Samsung's continued dual-chipset approach.
A roundup covers Meta's reckoning moment alongside separate stories: the real-world impact of school phone bans, the rise and fall of a self-styled 'Nostradamus of AI' figure, and Nvidia's push to power robotics infrastructure globally.
A Android Authority columnist describes returning to audible ringtones after years of relying on silent mode with vibration, prompted by missed calls when the phone was out of reach. Frustrated by the overwhelming number of ringtone options available through apps and websites, the writer turned to AI tools to generate a custom ringtone tailored to personal taste.
Apple will hold its fall hardware event on September 9, reportedly skipping a new base iPhone 18 this year in favor of launching Pro models alongside its first foldable device, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra. The event also marks a leadership shift, coming just days after John Ternus takes over as CEO from Tim Cook, who is stepping down after nearly 15 years leading the company.
Android Authority outlines five foldable phones that could serve as alternatives to Google's new $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold, including Motorola's Razr Fold and Razr Ultra, plus Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The comparison highlights that despite the Pixel 11 Pro Fold being thinner and lighter than its predecessor, it has a smaller battery than last year's model and faces stiff competition on price, charging speed, and battery capacity.
The GrapheneOS development team says it could not finish porting its security-focused Android build to Google's new Pixel 11 phones because the devices lack support for Arm's memory tagging extension (MTE), a hardware-level security feature. Developers say they built a partial port after a week of effort but had to halt the project, calling the omission an apparent cost-cutting move by Google. As a result, the team may abandon future support for Pixel devices and focus instead on Motorola hardware.
Mobile virtual network operators such as Mint Mobile don't own towers or spectrum; instead they lease network capacity from major carriers like T-Mobile and resell it at lower prices. Because they run leaner operations—often prepaid, with no retail stores, no bundled streaming perks, and third-party device financing—MVNOs can undercut the big carriers on cost, though subscribers may face slower speeds during network congestion since direct carrier customers get priority.
Google's Android Auto works on nearly any Android device released since 2018 running Android 9 or newer, with the app built into the OS starting with Android 10. Phones on Android 9 must download it manually from the Play Store, and it only functions over a wired USB connection to a supported vehicle, of which Google says there are now more than 500 models.