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Code found in the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 by Android Authority suggests Google is developing multi-profile support for Health Connect, its on-device tool for managing fitness and health app data. Currently, Health Connect only works for a single user per device, meaning other profiles can't access its permissions or stored data.
A how-to guide explains how iPhone and Android users can merge contacts scattered across multiple synced accounts into one central service, such as Google Contacts, by exporting and importing CSV or VCF files. It also details how to disable syncing for unwanted accounts in iOS and Android settings to prevent duplicate entries, and how to set a default account for saving new contacts.
An Android Authority teardown of the second Android 17 QPR3 beta uncovered hidden code for an 'App restore on reboot' feature aimed at Googlebooks. The strings show three settings: always restore previously open apps, never restore them, or ask each time after a restart. A similar feature, called Welcome Recap, already exists on Chromebooks and also shows weather and meeting info.
Digital Wellbeing, Google's built-in Android screen-time tracker, has been installed more than 10 billion times but is rarely opened deliberately because it lacks a home-screen icon and sits inside the Settings menu. The app tracks app usage, unlock counts and notification volume, and offers tools to set time limits, holding a 4.1-star rating across 1.49 million reviews. Some manufacturers, including Samsung and Huawei, ship their own equivalent tools instead, since Google requires makers to include some screen-time and parental-control feature but not Digital Wellbeing specifically.
The developer of the HakuX original Xbox emulator released versions 1.0.0 and 1.1.0 on GitHub. The update replaces Xemu's CPU translation with the FEX tool to convert x86 instructions to Arm and reimplements the Xbox kernel natively, while also adding experimental support for Mali, Xclipse, and PowerVR GPUs alongside existing Snapdragon Turnip driver support.
Developer malebuffy has released Android Auto Maker, an open-source utility that modifies APK or XAPK files so they register in Android Auto's 'parked apps and games' category, letting users run games, video players and other apps on a car's infotainment screen while parked. An advanced version reportedly extends this to navigation apps usable while driving, provided Shizuku stays active and the phone screen remains unlocked.
An Android Authority writer tested a free app called Bubble Level after finding Samsung's built-in Surface Level tool on the Galaxy S26 Ultra inadequate for checking whether a narrow object, like a TV mounting frame, was level. Unlike Samsung's bullseye-style tool, which measures tilt across two axes for flat surfaces, Bubble Level provides a traditional single-axis spirit-level reading similar to the iPhone's Measure app.
An Android Authority writer shares six Gboard keyboard settings they adjust immediately after setting up a new Android device, including enabling a dedicated number row that normally stays hidden until a password field appears. The piece walks through accessing Gboard's Preferences menu via the suggestion strip's gear icon or through the Settings app to toggle these options.
Android Authority reports that Google's Pixel VIPs widget has been significantly upgraded, becoming more interactive with a new full-screen layout showing more contact information. Despite calling the update an improvement over the original Android 16 version, the outlet identifies several shortcomings, including limited third-party app support beyond WhatsApp and no ability to search notes attached to contacts.
Android Authority surveyed over 1,400 readers on what matters most when choosing an Android tablet, with options including Google Play Store access, hardware quality, software support and price. Google Play Store access came out on top with 28.1% of votes, while hardware and display quality tied for second place alongside another option.
Android Authority published a list of nine Chromium-based browsers for Android that strip out Google's integrations, including Bare Browser, Brave, Vivaldi and others. The piece highlights options chosen for regular updates, distinct features, longevity, and ease of use, noting most require manual installation outside typical app stores.
Android Authority reports that despite Google tightening sideloading rules this year—requiring a device restart and a 24-hour wait before enabling it—the platform still cannot natively install APK Bundle (.APKM) files. Users wanting to sideload these split-file app packages, a format introduced in 2018, must rely on third-party apps to do so.