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Adobe brings redesigned Premiere video editor to Android, replacing Premiere Rush

Adobe has launched its redesigned Premiere app for Android, nearly a year after debuting it on iPhone, ending its beta phase and officially replacing Premiere Rush, which loses support on September 30. The app requires Android 13 or later and at least 5 GB of RAM, and is built to adapt its layout for foldables and other device types rather than simply porting the iOS version.

Google Messages tests overhauled search homepage with content previews

Google is testing a redesigned search experience in Google Messages that shows preview rows of shared photos, videos, links, and places directly on the search homepage, rather than requiring users to tap into separate filter categories. The beta also adds the ability to search within a specific conversation from the main search page and see every matching text message without switching between chats. These changes were found in Google Messages beta version 20260917 through an APK teardown.

Walmart's Onn Android tablets win over longtime iPad and Android switcher

An Android Authority writer detailed how his family, after briefly trying an iPad, ended up adopting Walmart's Onn tablet lineup, including the Onn Core 7-inch and Onn 11 Pro models. He found the devices, priced between roughly $97 and $388, offer aluminum builds and solid performance rarely seen in that budget range from other unbranded competitors.

Google faces backlash over self-promotional texts sent through Google Messages

Google has started sending automated texts to Google Messages users through the app's business chat feature, promoting new app features like RCS photo and video quality. The messages appear as a verified conversation from 'Google Messages' but only allow pre-set replies, not user responses. Users can opt out by declining a prompt that appears before the texts begin, or unsubscribe later if they've already accepted.

Android 17 beta code hints at Google account-based screen unlock recovery

Code found in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 references an 'Unlock with Google Account' feature that would let users regain access to a locked phone using their linked Google credentials instead of performing a factory reset. Google offered a similar pattern-unlock recovery option through Android 4.4 before removing it, leaving users locked out of forgotten PINs with no option but a full wipe. The feature appears unreleased and possibly optional, suggesting Google is still testing how to implement it.

Google launches Googlebook laptops from five OEMs to replace Chromebooks with Android-based OS

Google has opened pre-orders for Googlebook laptops built by Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, priced between $899 and $1,299. These devices merge Android and Chrome OS into one platform, running on Arm and x86 chips, and deeply integrate with Android phones for syncing files, messages, and settings. Gemini AI powers core features including a voice-to-document tool called Rambler and an app-building agent named Antigravity.

Google Messages testing redesigned layout with Gemini moved to header

An APK teardown of a recent Google Messages beta build reveals an unreleased interface change that relocates the Gemini shortcut to the top header, replacing the current search icon there. The Start Chat button shifts from the bottom-right corner to the bottom-center of the screen, and a new Search button joins it at the bottom, both expanding and collapsing based on user scrolling behavior.

Google brings Motion Assist to non-Pixel Android phones via Play Services update

Google's Play Services v26.37 update, released September 21, extends the Motion Assist feature beyond Pixel devices to any Android phone running Android 17 or later. The tool displays small visual bubbles along screen edges that move in sync with a vehicle's motion, using the phone's sensors to help reduce motion sickness. Users can customize the bubbles' appearance and choose automatic or manual activation.

Google takes in-car gaming on Android Auto and Android Automotive out of beta

Google has made the games category for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS generally available, ending its beta phase. Developers can now publish compatible titles directly through Google Play's open testing and production tracks, rather than relying on early-access programs.

GM clarifies CarPlay picture-in-picture update applies only to gas trucks, not EVs

GM introduced a new picture-in-picture feature letting CarPlay and Android Auto run alongside its native infotainment system in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. This sparked reports that GM was reversing its 2023 decision to drop phone projection from its EVs, but a GM spokesperson confirmed to journalist Joanna Stern that the update applies only to gas-powered light-duty pickups, which never lost CarPlay support in the first place.

Google reworks Gemini app's Settings menu to mirror account switcher layout

Android Authority found code in Google app version 17.60.13.sa.arm64 showing an early redesign of Gemini's Settings screen. The new layout groups options in a style similar to the current account switcher, building on previously spotted plans to move settings out of that switcher and into categorized sub-screens like Preferences, Data & privacy, and others.

Google opens pre-orders for $899 Googlebook laptop built around Gemini AI

Google has begun taking pre-orders for its Googlebook laptop, priced at $899, months after unveiling it in May. The device runs Android OS with a desktop Chrome browser and ChromeOS-like features, but its main selling point is deep integration of Gemini AI, including an AI-driven cursor called Magic Cursor and a dictation tool called Rambler that cleans up rambling speech into text.