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Android Authority publishes latest reader-submitted phone wallpaper collection

Android Authority released its weekly roundup of Android wallpapers for September 16, featuring submissions from readers and the site's own team. The collection offers a fresh batch of images that phone owners can download and set as backgrounds.

Android phones hide a separate 'System services' update menu beyond OS patches

Beyond the usual OS and security update settings, Android devices include a distinct, less visible menu for updating individual system services like Google Play services. Depending on the manufacturer, these services may need to be updated separately from the main software update screen, and how they appear can vary between brands such as Google Pixel and others.

A Shizuku fork fixes its biggest flaw: apps stop dying in the background

Android Authority highlights an open-source fork of the popular Shizuku app that solves its most persistent problem — failing to stay active in the background and not restarting after a device reboot. Because Shizuku grants other apps access to restricted system APIs, its instability has long forced users to manually relaunch it, breaking tools like uninstallers and adaptive theme switchers. The fork, built by developers working from Shizuku's GitHub repository, adds automatic recovery so dependent apps keep working without manual intervention.

Android Authority's Weekly Reader Wallpaper Roundup Returns for September 9

Android Authority published its latest weekly collection of phone wallpapers, sourced from both readers and its own team members. The roundup continues an ongoing series that curates fresh wallpaper designs for Android users to download and use on their devices.

Motorola teases Signature 27 phone with pop-up on US and EU websites

Motorola briefly ran a website pop-up teasing a device called the Signature 27, showing a close-up of its rear camera and the tagline 'A new perspective is coming' while collecting visitor emails. The pop-up appeared on Motorola's US, UK and EU sites before quickly vanishing, and a partially loaded 'Crystals by Swarovski' logo suggests a bejeweled variant is planned, similar to the original Signature phone.

Google Messages chat themes get mixed reception in Android Authority reader poll

Android Authority polled over 2,500 readers on Google Messages' new chat theme feature, which lets users customize individual RCS conversations with colors, preset wallpapers, or personal images visible only on their own device. The results split nearly evenly: 36% said they'd long wanted the feature, 33% were undecided but willing to try it, and just over 31% said they'd never use it.

Nothing reopens Community Review Program for early product access

Nothing has relaunched its Community Review Program, inviting fans to apply for early access to its upcoming hardware and software. The London-based phone maker is especially seeking applicants skilled in 3D animation, graphic design, sound production, or reviewing, though it welcomes any enthusiastic tech fan. Selected members must share first impressions, post creative content, and publish full reviews once products officially launch, with applications open until September 10, 2026.

TCL P80 Ultra pairs periscope telephoto camera and bright AMOLED display

TCL is launching its P80 Series this month, led by the P80 Ultra, which combines a 50MP main camera and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens with a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display peaking at 3,200 nits. TCL positions the device against rivals like the Samsung A57 and Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, neither of which offers a dedicated telephoto camera, while also including exclusive NXTPAPER screen technology across the Ultra and Pro models.

Insta360 pitches its X6 as an all-in-one replacement for multiple cameras

At a New York launch event, Insta360 unveiled the X6, its latest 360-degree camera, and used the occasion to showcase a decade of product evolution since its original Nano device. The company framed the X6 not just as a standalone gadget but as the centerpiece of a broader ecosystem meant to simplify capturing and editing immersive footage.

Blurams unveils full home security lineup with solar cameras and local storage hub at IFA 2026

Blurams used IFA 2026 in Berlin to introduce a broad home security ecosystem covering outdoor solar-powered cameras, indoor dome cameras, a local storage hub, and an AI companion toy for children. The lineup includes three F-series outdoor cameras ranging from a 4MP model to a 4K Ultra HD version, each featuring solar charging, motion detection, night vision, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. All devices support free cloud playback and local microSD storage without requiring a subscription.

Samsung drops Flex Mode from wide Galaxy Z Fold 8, redesigns hinge instead

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a wider 16:10 cover screen and 4:3 main display ships without Flex Mode, the laptop-like propped-open feature Samsung has offered on foldables since the Galaxy Z Flip 3. The change stems from a hinge redesign that no longer locks the device at a half-open angle, a tradeoff a reviewer initially feared but ultimately found preferable after using the phone.

T-Mobile's $25 Super Essentials Saver plan sold only through Walmart, new customers only

T-Mobile is quietly offering a Super Essentials Saver plan for $25 a month, which matches the features of its standard $50 Essentials plan, including unlimited 5G data, 50GB of premium high-speed data, and unlimited hotspot use. The offer is limited to new customers who sign up in person at Walmart, capped at two lines, excludes taxes and fees, and comes with no multi-line discount.