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4 exciting features Google just announced for Android phones (and why they're a big deal)

zdnet.com Artie Beaty 2026-03-19 19:15:12

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Android 16 is officially here, and Google has some big upgrades on the way. Instead of releasing a new OS and a new phone lineup at the same time, Google is making the same move it did with Android 15 and giving both software and hardware their time to shine. Also: T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for free - here's how it works This is the earliest Google has launched a major Android release in a while (for comparison, Android 15 was released o

Topics: android app google new phone

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Android 16 review: It’s actually a big update, and I don’t want to hear otherwise

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 08:00:53

Today is the big day: Google just released Android 16 to the public. The update is rolling out now to the Pixel 6 and later, and the update’s source code is now available to developers on the Android Open Source Project. While Android 16 is classified as a major update, it certainly doesn’t look or feel like one on the surface. That’s because this initial release lacks many of the marquee features Google announced last month, such as the Material 3 Expressive redesign and the new Desktop Mode e

Topics: 16 android apps google new

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Android 16 offers an early taste of Live Updates, but its best features will have to wait

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 11:16:47

TL;DR Live Updates introduce a new way for Android to let apps communicate ongoing processes. With today’s release of Android 16, we start to see support for apps featuring progress-centric notifications. Full Live Updates support, where these notifications are actually handled differently by the system, will not arrive until later this year. Google just released Android 16 stable, and while there’s a lot going on there, there’s also a fair amount that we’re not getting just yet. Google’s del

Topics: 16 android google live updates

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AOSP isn’t dead, but Google just landed a huge blow to custom ROM developers

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 21:11:57

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google has made it harder to build custom Android ROMs for Pixel phones by omitting their device trees and driver binaries from the latest AOSP release. The company says this is because it’s shifting its AOSP reference target from Pixel hardware to a virtual device called “Cuttlefish” to be more neutral. While Google insists AOSP isn’t going away, developers must now reverse-engineer changes, making the process for supporting Pixel devices more difficu

Topics: android aosp device google pixel

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OpenAI will reportedly start using Google's cloud servers

engadget.com Unknown 2026-03-18 06:23:12

This is another move by the company to diversify its compute portfolio beyond Microsoft Azure. OpenAI has inked a deal with Google to begin using the latter's cloud service to meet its growing needs for increased computing capacity, according to a report by Reuters . This is something of a surprise, given that Google and OpenAI are rivals in the AI space. The terms of the deal remain unknown, but reporting indicates it has been in the negotiation phase for the past several months. This marks O

Topics: cloud deal google microsoft openai

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AOSP project is coming to an end

news.ycombinator.com Unknown 2026-03-19 19:27:41

Google has stopped publishing device resources for Pixel devices. GrapheneOS says that the AOSP project will also be finished.

Topics: aosp device devices finished google

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Google offers more buyouts to US employees, cracks down on remote workers

techspot.com Rob Thubron 2026-03-19 12:46:00

In brief: Google is once again reducing its headcount while cracking down on remote workers. The company has offered buyouts to employees across a number of divisions. It has also rolled out a new RTO mandate across more teams, giving employees the option of returning to the office or taking a voluntary exit package. Google's latest round of buyouts will be offered to employees in its knowledge and information (K&I) and central engineering units as well as marketing, research and communications

Topics: employees google offered office remote

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Android 16 launches with subtle tweaks, paves way for major features later this year

techspot.com Skye Jacobs 2026-03-19 16:11:00

Forward-looking: Android 16 sets the stage for a series of enhancements that will roll out over the course of the year. While the current release may appear modest in scope, it lays the foundation for more significant changes ahead. Google is emphasizing a continuous stream of updates rather than delivering a single, feature-packed launch. Android 16 introduces a series of thoughtful updates aimed at refining the user experience, strengthening security, and improving accessibility across the An

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Google overhauls internal learning platform to focus on AI, 'business priorities'

cnbc.com Jennifer Elias 2026-03-18 18:46:31

Google is overhauling a popular internal learning platform to focus on teaching employees how to use modern artificial intelligence tools in their daily work routines, CNBC has learned. Grow, as the learning service is called, was previously filled with a wide array of courses, ranging from teaching Google employees how to build products, use 3D printers, help with their personal finance or even how to solve a Rubik's cube. Those offerings have all been replaced primarily by AI-related courses.

Topics: ai employees google grow internal

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Google offers buyouts to employees across the company, including Search

cnbc.com Jennifer Elias 2026-03-19 19:09:36

Google on Tuesday offered buyouts to employees across several of its divisions, including those within its knowledge and information and central engineering units as well as marketing, research and communications teams, CNBC has learned. Knowledge and information, or K&I, is the unit that houses Google's search, ads and commerce divisions. The buyouts Tuesday are the company's latest effort to reduce headcount, which Google has continued to do in waves since laying off 12,000 employees in 2023.

Topics: buyouts cnbc employees google work

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Google adds chief AI architect to accelerate development of AI products

cnbc.com Jennifer Elias 2026-03-19 19:58:52

Google on Wednesday added a chief AI architect to its leadership ranks as the company continues to prioritize artificial intelligence and add the technology to more of its products. The company tapped Koray Kavukcuoglu, Google DeepMind's chief technology officer, for the new senior vice president position, the company confirmed Wednesday. Kavukcuoglu will report directly to Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Semafor first reported the executive change. Kavukcuoglu will help with product strategy and "a

Topics: ai company google kavukcuoglu products

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360-degree camera maker Insta360 goes public in China

venturebeat.com Dean Takahashi 2026-03-19 09:30:00

Insta360, a maker of 360-degree cameras and action cameras, went public in in an initial public offering in China. It’s a company for the age of vloggers. The company started in 2015 with the mission of helping people better capture and share their lives. It expanded worldwide and it is the No. 1 market leader in the U.S. in 360-degree cameras. On the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Insta360 went public at 182 yuan per share, or $25.32 a share. That set the company’s total value at 70 billion yuan, o

Topics: cameras company google insta360 series

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Google is prepping a more compact look for Gemini Live, and here’s how it works (APK teardown)

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-17 22:10:48

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Google is prepping a new compact Gemini Live overlay that will let you start a conversation without opening the full-screen interface. The overlay will give you access to all four shortcuts available on the full-screen interface and even feature a similar background animation. We spotted the new Gemini Live overlay in the latest Google app beta release, and it could reach users with a subsequent update. After giving the Gemini overlay a much-needed de

Topics: gemini google live overlay screen

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I tested 10+ Pixel 9 Pro XL cases so you don’t have to: These are the picks I would buy!

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 06:58:52

Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I’ve tested out a ton of the most popular Pixel 9 Pro XL cases on the market and picked out a few that are worthy of Google’s most premium (non-foldable) smartphone. Check out our list for the best Pixel 9/9 Pro cases if you’ve got a smaller model. My favorite Google Pixel 9 Pro XL case is the Mous Limitless Nick Fernandez / Android Authority A phone as large and expensive as the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL needs solid protection, and the Mous Limitless case hits

Topics: case google pixel pro xl

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Google has released Android 16’s source code, but Samsung fans won’t need to wait long for One UI 8

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:05

TL;DR Google has officially released the Android 16 source code, allowing developers to build their own versions of the operating system. Major smartphone manufacturers like Samsung have already had prerelease access, though, which allows them to expedite their Android 16 updates, with some planning rollouts as early as this summer. The full Android 16 source code is being uploaded today to AOSP, a full three months earlier than when Android 15’s source code was released. Alongside the update

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Pixel VIPs widget is here to help you stay connected to your most important people

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:20

TL;DR Google has officially launched the Pixel VIPs widget for devices from Pixel 6 onward via the June Pixel Feature Drop. The home screen widget displays key updates like last calls, WhatsApp messages, locations, and birthdays for up to eight chosen contacts. VIP contacts can also bypass Do Not Disturb settings. Google has been working on a new Pixel VIPs widget for the Google Contacts app for a while now. Last month, we got a good idea about how Pixel VIPs would work, and earlier this week

Topics: contacts google pixel vips widget

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Google Home now lets you control your smart devices, your way

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:40

TL;DR Google Home now lets you set up different Favorites for each device. That means you can pin the front door as a favorite on your smartwatch, while the lounge light is pinned on Google TV. This should be useful if you tend to control different smart home gadgets via specific devices. Google has just announced the stable release of Android 16, while also revealing a few features for ecosystem users. It turns out there’s a notable addition to the Google Home app as well. The search giant

Topics: different google home pin smart

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June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop is here, and here’s everything new it’s bringing to your Pixel

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:42

TL;DR Google has released the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop for supported Pixel devices. This Feature Drop includes the Android 16 platform update and Pixel-exclusive features such as Pixel VIPs widget, Battery Health Indicator, custom Gboard stickers via Pixel Studio, and more. Pixel devices are also getting Google app updates that bring even more features. It’s raining updates today for Pixels! Supported Pixel devices are getting a ton of new features today, courtesy of a combination of app

Topics: devices feature features google pixel

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Here’s when Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive redesign and Desktop Mode will roll out

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:42

TL;DR The Android 16 update is now available for Pixel devices, but the anticipated Material 3 Expressive UI and new Desktop Mode are not included in this initial release. Google plans to launch the Material 3 Expressive redesign with the Android 16 QPR1 update, which is expected to roll out on September 3, 2025. The new Desktop Mode is also slated for the Android 16 QPR1 release and is currently available for testing in QPR1 Beta 2. Google is finally rolling out the Android 16 update to supp

Topics: 16 android desktop google release

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Google Photos will soon suggest advanced edits with a single tap

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:46

TL;DR Google has announced an overhauled image editor for Google Photos on Android. The redesigned editor lets you tap, brush, or circle a subject to get plenty of editing suggestions. Google says this overhauled editor is “coming soon.” Google Photos offers a variety of powerful editing tools, and the Magic Editor tool even lets you tap, circle, or brush objects to select them for editing. Now, the company is upping the ante with an overhauled image editor. Google announced this redesigned

Topics: edit editing editor google image

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Google Messages is finally getting group chat icon customization and RCS tags for contacts

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 18:00:59

TL;DR Google has finally announced that custom icon support for RCS group chats will soon be available in Google Messages. The company has also confirmed that Google Messages will soon allow users to snooze chats. In addition, the messaging app will clearly label contacts with RCS enabled. Although Google has been working on adding custom icon support to RCS group chats in Google Messages for quite some time, the feature has yet to reach users. We first spotted references to the feature in a

Topics: chats feature google rcs users

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Android 16 QPR1 beta 2 is here, with Pixel’s DeX competitor and more

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 20:04:07

TL;DR Google has announced the release of Android 16 QPR1 beta 2. The new beta software brings a desktop mode when connected to an external display. The update also brings desktop windowing functionality to tablets. Google launched Android 16 QPR1 beta 1 last month, giving us our first official look at the company’s new Material 3 Expressive design language. Now, the company has announced the release of Android 16 QPR1 beta 2. Perhaps the most notable addition is a desktop mode, dubbed conne

Topics: 16 android beta desktop google

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Google TV Streamer on sale: Take it home for $84

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-18 21:03:05

Joe Maring / Android Authority The Google TV Streamer rarely goes on sale. In fact, the very first time we saw it discounted was just this April. If you come across a good sale, it might be a good idea to consider it, and today you can take it home for $84. Buy the Google TV Streamer for $84 ($15.99 off) This offer is available from Amazon, but you can also get the same discount straight from the Google Store. We’re linking to the Amazon sale because we know many of you already like shopping t

Topics: google home remote streamer tv

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This small quick settings tweak is low-key my most anticipated Android 16 improvement

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 11:00:39

Joe Maring / Android Authority Android 16 is shaping up to be the biggest visual update to Google’s mobile operating system since the introduction of Material You with Android 12. That release was all about making the experience feel more personal to each user, with dynamic theming that could extract your wallpaper colors and apply them to other parts of the system. There was also a much more playful approach to form and motion across the OS. With its latest design system update, Material 3 Exp

Topics: android google quick settings toggles

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Google may declutter Gemini’s compose box with a new Tools button (APK teardown)

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 11:07:37

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR The Gemini interface on Android may soon get a new tools button for Gemini’s Canvas, Deep Research, and Video tools. Currently, shortcuts for these tools appear within the text box next to the microphone and Gemini Live buttons. With an upcoming update, Google may replace these shortcuts with a single “Tools” button. Google is prepping a minor tweak for the Gemini interface on Android to give it a cleaner look. We’ve spotted the change in the latest Goog

Topics: authority button gemini google tools

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The latest Android 16 beta now lets you throttle your Pixel’s battery, charging

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 11:20:59

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR The Android 16 QPR1 beta 2 update apparently brings the battery health assistance feature. This feature effectively throttles your charging speed and battery over time in the name of battery health. The feature also comes after numerous reports of battery issues affecting older Pixel phones. Google announced a battery health assistance feature alongside the Pixel 9a earlier this year. The feature effectively throttles your charging speed and battery over

Topics: battery feature google health pixel

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The first Google Beam device can be yours for just $24,999 (Beam license sold separately)

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 12:44:36

TL;DR HP has revealed the first device with Google Beam 3D video conferencing technology. The HP Dimension with Google Beam will cost $24,999 and doesn’t include a license to use Google Beam. Google revealed its Project Starline 3D video conferencing technology back in 2021, which then got rebranded to Google Beam earlier this year. Now, HP has revealed the first commercial product with this tech, and it’s not cheap. HP announced the HP Dimension with Google Beam today, and it will cost a cra

Topics: beam dimension google hp video

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Google Pixel 10 might debut Qi 2 support and magnetic “Pixelsnap” accessories

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 15:33:08

Android Headlines Pixel 10 leaked renders TL;DR Google is working on an ecosystem of magnetic Qi 2.2 accessories for the Pixel 10 series under the “Pixelsnap” name Planned accessories include a magnetic charger, a charger with stand, and a “Ring Stand” The feature, combined with the Hub Mode, which might be coming to phones, could make the Pixel 10 a small smart display while charging, similar to iPhones with Standby Mode One of the most requested features for smartphones right now is Qi 2 s

Topics: 10 charger google pixel pixelsnap

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Google may soon add AI Mode to the Chrome browser

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 17:26:14

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google is testing adding AI Mode in the Chrome browser. A shortcut for AI Mode appears in the New Tab page search box. If you don’t meet the requirements, clicking the shortcut will take you to a page with a “Learn more” button. Last month, Google began experimenting with prominent AI Mode placement in the Google app. Now, the tech giant is experimenting with adding AI Mode to the Chrome browser. Spotted by Windows Report, Google appears to be testing AI

Topics: ai google mode page search

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Here’s an early look at the Material 3 Expressive changes headed to the Google app (APK teardown)

androidauthority.com Unknown 2026-03-19 19:27:43

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR The Google app on Android could soon receive some subtle design tweaks. We’ve spotted upcoming tweaks for the status bar, search progress bar, and the tab bar at the bottom in the latest beta release. The app could also receive a new Material 3 Expressive loading animation and a button to refresh the feed. The Google app on Android is set to receive some visual changes in line with Android’s new Material 3 Expressive design language. We’ve spotted these

Topics: android app authority bar google

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Latest Tech News

4 exciting features Google just announced for Android phones (and why they're a big deal)

Android 16 review: It’s actually a big update, and I don’t want to hear otherwise

Android 16 offers an early taste of Live Updates, but its best features will have to wait

AOSP isn’t dead, but Google just landed a huge blow to custom ROM developers

OpenAI will reportedly start using Google's cloud servers

AOSP project is coming to an end

Google offers more buyouts to US employees, cracks down on remote workers

Android 16 launches with subtle tweaks, paves way for major features later this year

Google overhauls internal learning platform to focus on AI, 'business priorities'

Google offers buyouts to employees across the company, including Search

Google adds chief AI architect to accelerate development of AI products

360-degree camera maker Insta360 goes public in China

Google is prepping a more compact look for Gemini Live, and here’s how it works (APK teardown)

I tested 10+ Pixel 9 Pro XL cases so you don’t have to: These are the picks I would buy!

Google has released Android 16’s source code, but Samsung fans won’t need to wait long for One UI 8

Pixel VIPs widget is here to help you stay connected to your most important people

Google Home now lets you control your smart devices, your way

June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop is here, and here’s everything new it’s bringing to your Pixel

Here’s when Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive redesign and Desktop Mode will roll out

Google Photos will soon suggest advanced edits with a single tap

Google Messages is finally getting group chat icon customization and RCS tags for contacts

Android 16 QPR1 beta 2 is here, with Pixel’s DeX competitor and more

Google TV Streamer on sale: Take it home for $84

This small quick settings tweak is low-key my most anticipated Android 16 improvement

Google may declutter Gemini’s compose box with a new Tools button (APK teardown)

The latest Android 16 beta now lets you throttle your Pixel’s battery, charging

The first Google Beam device can be yours for just $24,999 (Beam license sold separately)

Google Pixel 10 might debut Qi 2 support and magnetic “Pixelsnap” accessories

Google may soon add AI Mode to the Chrome browser

Here’s an early look at the Material 3 Expressive changes headed to the Google app (APK teardown)

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