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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-05
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-05
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-05
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-05
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-04
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-04
Android Authority's Tushar Mehta has used the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 exclusively for about a month and reports that its squatter, wider cover-screen design has made him view taller, conventional-sized flagship phones as unwieldy by comparison. He says he no longer wants to use phones with displays larger than 6.7 inches, a size that has become standard for Android flagships.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-04
A longtime Gmail user who had relied on the service for about 15 years switched to Mozilla's Thunderbird email client earlier this year, using it on Windows and Android for roughly seven months. The user cites frustration with Gmail's promotional smart features, ads and AI-heavy interface, contrasting it with Thunderbird's local storage, which allows offline access to emails without an internet connection.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-03
Android Authority's Stephen Radochia tested Google's new AI-generated battery summary feature on a Pixel 11 Pro XL for a week. The tool, found under Settings > Battery and charging > Battery usage, uses Gemini to translate battery drain data into plain-language explanations instead of raw percentages, flagging apps like TikTok and X as major power consumers.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-03
Apple unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at its September event, with retail availability expected later this month. An Android Authority columnist argues that Apple's entry into the wide, passport-style foldable category will likely prompt Android manufacturers to follow with similar designs, as has happened with past Apple product shifts like the thin iPhone Air and Liquid Glass software style.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-03
Google has added a new Map tool to the Gemini app, currently available only on Android and iOS mobile versions. The tool shows users' location on a live map with zoom and search functions, and an 'Explore this area' button that adds map data to prompts. Separately, a beta version of the Google app is replacing the forward-slash shortcut with an @ symbol for accessing skills and connectors.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-02
Google has acknowledged a bug affecting a subset of Google Messages users that disrupts delivery of RCS messages, particularly media attachments like GIFs and photos. A company spokesperson told Android Authority that a fix is already being rolled out and will reach all affected users over the coming weeks.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-02
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