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I use these 15 hidden Android shortcuts, and you should too

Joe Maring / Android Authority The number of hidden Android shortcuts is mind-boggling. Once you include core apps, there are hundreds, and not all are created equal. Some are niche and depend on how you use your phone. Personally, I’m never going to be much of a one-handed mode or split-screen user, but those features have their fans. My favorite hidden Android shortcuts have much broader appeal. Once you hear about them, you’ll be amazed that you were getting by without them. They’re listed

My top 6 open-source Android apps from the Google Play Store - and why that's important

Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images Android and open source are closely intertwined. In fact, most open-source fans I know also use Android. Coincidence? I think not. One nice thing about Android is that the Google Play Store has lots of open-source software. That's not to say every single open-source title is worth your time and effort, but there are plenty of FOSS apps that are not only worth your time but also some of the best in class. Also: I upgraded to Android 16 - here's what I love a

Google is working to bring album art to Now Playing on your Pixel’s lock screen (APK teardown)

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Now Playing detects songs your phone hears in its vicinity and can identify them on your lock screen. Tapping on the detected song name currently takes you to your Now Playing history. Google is working on a new interface where that tap would instead display album art on the lock screen. Sometimes, when it rains, it pours. As we analyze Android app updates for evidence of in-development changes, it can really feel like it’s dealer’s (or should we say, de

Android 16 totally changes how notifications work on your phone, thanks to two new features

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Android 16 officially rolled out a few weeks ago, and in addition to enhanced protection and productivity enhancements, the latest OS introduced several changes to how notifications are received. If you're anything like me, you get so many notifications that you occasionally miss important ones. Google has made two changes to your Android notifications, both aimed at keeping things easier to find. Also: Updating to Android 16 gives you 2 useful security features -

Chat bubbles finally get the big-screen revamp they deserve in the Android Canary release

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Android is improving its chat bubble feature on large screen devices, pinning conversations to a new, more accessible “bubble bar” at the bottom corner. This new bubble bar remains discreetly hidden until you swipe up on it, which then expands the most recent chat bubble for you to view. While the feature is currently live for tablets and foldables in the latest Android Canary build, evidence suggests it could eventually come to phones. When you’re in

How two new Android 16 features totally change the way notifications work on your phone

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Android 16 officially rolled out a few weeks ago, and in addition to enhanced protection and productivity enhancements, the latest OS introduced several changes to how notifications are received. If you're anything like me, you get so many notifications that you occasionally miss important ones. Google has made two changes to your Android notifications, both aimed at keeping things easier to find. Also: Updating to Android 16 gives you 2 useful security features -

Android’s first Canary release brings a major upgrade to split-screen multitasking

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR A new 90/10 split-screen ratio is now available in the latest Android Canary release, allowing for more flexible multitasking on tall displays. This feature lets a primary app use 90% of the screen while keeping a secondary app in a small sliver, which can be swapped with a single tap. While previously in development, the final version adds the 90/10 option alongside the existing 70/30 split, rather than replacing it. Most Android phones feature tall,

This $210 Android tablet feels just like my Surface Pro - and the battery is just as good

ZDNET's key takeaways Tabwee's 10-inch tablet with Android 15 is available on Amazon for $210. It features a large 5,000mAh battery for decent runtime, and comes with a folio case, keyboard, stylus, and a mouse. The hardware has its limitations for more demanding tasks. $219.99 at Amazon It amazes me just how much bang for your buck you can get if you choose an Android tablet over an iPad these days. While the cheapest new iPad will set you back at least $300, you can get some absolutely amaz

[Open Thread] Google bought Android 20 years ago, did it make it better or worse?

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority It’s been 20 years to the day since Google made what you might consider its “best deal ever” by acquiring a small, unknown startup called Android, Inc. The founders, Andy Rubin and Chris White, had first set out to build an operating system for digital cameras, but when they failed to attract investors in 2004, they pivoted to creating a mobile operating system, and went pitching their new project looking for investor support. Google’s Larry Page saw the signs

Google testing new ‘Parental controls’ setting in Android Canary

Paul Jones / Android Authority TL;DR Google has launched a new Android Canary release channel for developers to test experimental features. A new “Parental controls” setting has appeared in Pixel devices running the Canary build. The setting may be linked to Android 16’s upcoming “Supervision” tools for managing screen time and web content for children. We’ve spotted a new “Parental controls” setting in Pixel devices running Google’s new Android Canary build. It appears under the Digital Wel

What’s that song? Android Canary introduces Now Playing lock screen shortcut

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Android lets users set up a pair of lock screen shortcuts for quick access to system tools. Today’s inaugural Android Canary release adds a new “Now Playing” shortcut to your available options. Locking your smartphone is an important step that practically everyone should take, helping to protect your device and keep your private information secure. And while the lock screen serves a critical role, it also makes getting access to anything on our phone that

This Android tablet is the best I've tested all year - and it's currently on sale

ZDNET's key takeaways The Nubia Pad Pro is available on the official site for $419 - $599 (depending on the configuration). The Nubia Pad Pro is a powerhouse of a tablet, elegantly designed with a massive battery for long life. You can't purchase this tablet on Amazon yet. View now at Nubia The Nubia Pad Pro is currently on sale at Nubia's official website. Claim the code "PAD20" to shave $20 off. Many pundits and reviewers wrote off Android tablets years ago, and yet companies are still pro

This new Android Canary feature will let you stop HDR photos from blinding you at night

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR HDR content can really stand out on a screen of SDR images, especially in low-light environments . In order to limit distractions like that Google’s been working on an new set of “Enhanced HDR brightness” options. After first spotting them in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, they’re now usable in the new Android Canary release. Google just opened the door on a brave new world of Android development, extending its existing program of Developer Previews and Beta

It’s here! Precise Volume app gets Android 16-style volume UI

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Current (old) volume slider design in Android 15 TL;DR The developer behind the Precise Volume app has recreated the Android 16 volume interface. The app allows you to override the system’s stock volume UI, giving you more control over your phone’s volume. Although the software is free, you’ll need to buy the Pro version of the app to use the override feature. While the volume slider in Android 16 is fine for most users, it may not provide enough control fo

Android’s first Canary build adds screen saver features made for phones with Qi2

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google is improving Android’s screen saver with new activation and display options in the latest Android Canary build. New settings can trigger the screen saver only when upright and charging, with a further option to restrict it to wireless charging. A “low light mode” has also been added, which displays a dim clock in the dark regardless of your chosen screen saver. Earlier today, Google launched its Android Canary program, which replaces the previo

This Android tablet is the best I've tested so far - and it's not by Google or Samsung

ZDNET's key takeaways The Nubia Pad Pro is available on the official site for $419 -- $599 (depending on the configuration) The Nubia Pad Pro is a powerhouse of a tablet, elegantly designed with a massive battery for long life You can't purchase this tablet on Amazon yet. View now at Intl.nubia Many pundits and reviewers wrote off Android tablets years ago, and yet companies are still producing them. I've tested many Android tablets, especially those in the midrange, and have most often found

Google launches Android Canary program for Pixel users who want to live on the bleeding edge

Owning a Pixel smartphone or tablet has always meant getting early access to what Google’s working on next for Android, and for a certain class of users, that can be a major part of the appeal of this hardware. Those who are interested have long been able to register to participate in the company’s Android Beta for Pixel program, letting them get access to in-development builds of major new release like Android 16 months and months before they’re ready to hit stable. If you love that kind of ear

Circle to Search has finally figured out landscape mode

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Circle to Search makes it incredibly easy to look up basically anything you see on your phone screen. So far, though, in landscape mode Circle to Search would often cover up the area you circled. Google has now started delivering results in a floating card that can be offset to the side in landscape view. What’s your favorite new Android feature of the past couple years? While we’re hugely impressed with what Google’s managed to do with Gemini, especi

Android Auto not connecting? Try this one setting tweak - it worked for me

Google / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET A few months ago, I bought into the Jeep cult. One bit of fanciness with this vehicle is its ability to connect to Android Auto. I was excited because I'd never owned a car that could connect to my Android phone and actually make use of it. Of course, the biggest reason I wanted to use Android Auto was for the Spotify connection. My previous auto would allow me to connect my phone, but I had to control the music from the phone itself, which I wouldn't do w

Here’s the truth behind Samsung Auto DeX, and why it’s not an Android Auto alternative

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung Auto already exists as an Android Auto alternative in China but requires specific regional software and hardware to function. “Samsung Auto DeX” refers to an unofficial workaround enabling Samsung Auto functionality on non-support head units via desktop mode casting. Despite ongoing speculation, we could not locate confirmed evidence that suggests Samsung is officially developing “Auto DeX” as a distinct feature. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Android is about to take another AI leap over Apple

Rushil Agrawal / Android Authority TL;DR Future Android processors will support SME2 for faster machine learning running directly on the CPU. The improvements look set to appear with Arm’s upcoming mobile CPU core. Developers using Arm’s KleidiAI won’t have to change anything to benefit. Despite its naysayers, AI features remain the cornerstone of modern smartphone innovation. But powering the latest and greatest AI tools quickly and efficiently requires processors that are up to the task,

Topics: android arm cpu sme sme2

Google Personal Safety’s Expressive makeover is looking even more expansive (APK teardown)

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR An Android Authority teardown has revealed additional Material 3 Expressive changes coming to Google’s Personal Safety app. The app’s latest release includes revamped Medical information and Emergency SOS menus. The design changes align with the Material 3 Expressive makeover of Android’s Settings app. Google’s Personal Safety App may be next in line to receive its Material 3 Expressive makeover. We recently gave you an early look at some of the design

Finally, I found an Android Auto adapter that's reliable, pairs fast, and on sale right now

ZDNET's key takeaways The AAWireless Two typically costs $65 and gives you wireless Android Auto support when plugged in. A new built-in button lets you quickly swap between paired devices. The companion app is almost too robust, but that's a good problem to have. $51.99 at Amazon For a limited time, Amazon has the AAWireless Two listing for just $51 ($13 off), making the adapter an even better deal. Since I bought my first car three years ago, I've had the worst luck with wireless Android A

Google’s working on a Gemini tool for generating illustrated Storybooks (APK teardown)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Gemini on Android has been working to implement new Storybooks, Timeline, and Mindmap options. While Timeline and Mindmap come from NotebookLM on the web, Storybooks could be a new Gem for creating illustrated books. Storybooks is not yet functional in Gemini, but we have been able to uncover an animation associated with it. For as powerful as generative AI systems are, their open-ended flexibility can also be a bit of a curse, especially if we’re ha

Samsung says its trifold phone should launch ‘this year’

is a news editor with over a decade’s experience in journalism. He previously worked at Android Police and Tech Advisor. Yesterday’s Galaxy Unpacked event came and went without a single onstage tease of the rumored Samsung trifold phone, but the head of the company’s phone business says that it’s on the way, and due “this year.” “I expect we will be able to launch the trifold phone within this year,” TM Roh, acting head of Samsung’s Device Experience division, told The Korea Times. While the d

These AirTags for Android users are finally on sale

ZDNET's key takeaways The Chipolo One Point and Card Point normally retails for $26 and $24, respectively. They're highly accurate, robust, and integrate well into the Google ecosystem. However, the One is only splashproof, and the Card version has a non-user-replaceable battery. View now at Amazon View now at Chipolo more buying choices During Prime Day, you can pick up the Chipolo One Point for as little as $19 on Amazon. Also: The best Prime Day deals so far AirTags are one of the things

Google reveals details on Android’s Advanced Protection for Chrome

Google is sharing more information on how Chrome operates when Android mobile users enable Advanced Protection, highlighting strong security improvements. The tech giant recently extended its Advanced Protection Program to the device level with the release of Android 16, aimed at offering a robust, holistic security posture for high-risk individuals likely to be targeted by sophisticated spyware attacks. Starting Android 16, Advanced Protection can be activated from the settings, strengthening

Here’s how Material 3 Expressive might impact Google Docs (APK teardown)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google’s updating apps across Android to incorporate Material 3 Expressive design elements. We’ve identified some tweaks to the UI in Docs that aren’t yet live, but we can preview in the latest release. Docs should be getting the same sort of high-contrast backgrounds and more rounded screen elements we’ve already seen on other Google apps. App by app, screen by screen, Google’s slowly bringing a fresh look to its Android ecosystem. This summer, we’v

Your Android phone and watch are getting a major upgrade for free - Samsung models included

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Samsung Unpacked is here, and in addition to new device announcements and other updates, Google is rolling out some serious AI upgrades across the whole Android ecosystem, and Samsung devices will be the first to see them. Wearables are seeing the biggest upgrade, but almost all devices are getting something new. Also: Gemini can access your Android phone's other apps, unless you stop it - here's how Here's a look at several new AI integrations coming to Android. 1. Gemin

9 best apps for the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s large display

While foldable smartphones may have seemed like gimmicks in the early days, the technology has advanced enough to make the format genuinely useful. Samsung has just announced the Galaxy Z Fold 7, its most refined book-style foldable to date — a slim device that unfolds to give you access to a large display. It’s this large display that has attracted many Android fans, giving you a tablet-like experience in a small form factor. And while many apps have adapted to take the foldable format into ac