Multiple Waze users report that switching the app from split-screen to full-screen view on Android Auto causes the navigation information box—showing ETA, arrival time, next turn, and remaining distance—to vanish. Some say the data briefly reappears when an alert pops up, only to disappear again once the alert clears, while at least one user reports the map failing to center properly in either view. Android Authority has contacted Google, and it remains unclear whether the fault lies with a recent Android Auto or Waze update.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
GM's 2027 configurator listings show the Cadillac Lyriq still offering CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, despite the company's 2023 announcement that it would drop the phone-mirroring features from future EVs. A Cadillac spokesperson said the brand is evolving its infotainment strategy based on customer feedback while also focusing on its own native interface.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-08
Google is bringing back Now Playing notifications in the shade on Pixel devices, months after removing them during a March update that split the feature into a standalone app. The restored alerts show the song title and artist, plus a shortcut to favorite tracks or view listening history, without needing to unlock the phone. The rollout appears limited so far, based on scattered Reddit reports rather than an official announcement.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
Android Authority surveyed nearly 2,200 readers about Google's tougher sideloading measures, which add security checks, a 24-hour delay, and a forced restart before installing apps from outside the Play Store. Roughly 47.5% said the extra friction is always worth it, while another 36.6% said it's worth it for certain apps only, meaning over 80% of respondents remain willing to sideload despite the added steps.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
Google's seven-year software commitment for Pixel phones guarantees OS version updates and security patches, but the company now ships its flashiest features through quarterly Pixel Drops and Android Drops rather than the annual Android release. As a result, older Pixels that technically remain 'supported' are increasingly missing out on the features that actually matter to users, while major Android version updates like Android 17 have grown noticeably thin on new capabilities.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
Xiaomi unveiled the Pad 9 Pro Max, a flagship Android tablet powered by its own XRing O3 processor, offering up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The 13.3-inch, 144Hz display supports six-app split-screen multitasking via HyperOS 4, and the device can also function as an external monitor through video input. Priced from roughly $715, it's currently available only in China.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
Arm has introduced its new Mali G2 series of mobile GPUs, led by the G2-Ultra, which brings neural network-based resolution upscaling to smartphones for the first time. The chip also delivers modest rasterization gains of roughly 9-14% in gaming benchmarks over the previous G1-Ultra, alongside a reworked execution engine with doubled shader registers that better supports advanced rendering techniques like Unreal Engine 5's Lumen and Nanite.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
General Motors is removing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from most of its gas and electric vehicles, replacing them with a native infotainment system built around Google's Gemini AI assistant. However, the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq EV will reportedly retain support for both phone-mirroring platforms, making it the only GM electric vehicle sold in North America to do so.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-07
Retroid, maker of Android gaming handhelds, posted a short teaser video announcing a new device called the Retroid Pocket Duo. The clip shows only a silhouette featuring two built-in screens without hinges or cables, resembling a Nintendo 3DS shape but with larger displays. No specs, price or release date were disclosed.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-07
GrapheneOS announced it is issuing a new OS build to fix a volume bar UI bug introduced by an upstream Android security patch, along with a Private Space interface issue. As a result, the long-in-development overhaul of its Messaging app, which the team has worked on for months, will now arrive after this maintenance release rather than alongside it.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-07
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-07
Google is shortening the grace period for deleted photos backed up to Google Photos from 60 days down to 30 days, matching the retention limit already used for locally stored images. The company has updated its support documentation and started notifying Android users within the app about the change.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-07
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