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A report highlights that modern Android phones already include native document scanning, OCR, QR code reading, and other utilities that previously required separate downloads. Devices running Android 14 or later can scan documents directly through the stock Camera app, eliminating the need for dedicated scanner apps.
Android Authority found a hidden feature in Google Photos version 7.90 that expands reactions on shared photos beyond a simple heart. Once enabled, it shows a redesigned reaction button alongside comments, and a floating bar suggesting emojis while also letting users tap through to the entire emoji picker to choose any reaction. The feature isn't publicly available yet but appears functional and ready for rollout.
Google's July redesign of the Photos app removed the visual separators that used to mark where one day's photos ended and the next began, replacing them with a floating date label that scrolls with the feed. The change came bundled with a broader visual overhaul, including a new floating navigation bar, that most users otherwise praised. A workaround exists to restore the old date-grouped view for people who rely on it to keep their photo library organized.
Android Authority's reviewer spent weeks testing the Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max, a €1,149 flagship phone with an aluminum frame, Kunlun Glass, and a notably large camera module. Despite Huawei's US ban and shrinking global market share since losing Google services seven years ago, the reviewer found the build quality and craftsmanship rival any top-tier device on the market.
Android Authority's review of the Pixel 11 Pro XL highlights HiLight, a feature that assigns glow colors to specific contacts similar to old notification LEDs. The reviewer found the concept appealing but the execution confusing, requiring navigation between multiple apps and menus just to assign a color to a contact.
Code found in Google Photos version 7.90 reveals plans to standardize how long deleted photos and videos remain recoverable, setting a single 30-day trash window for all media. Currently, backed-up items stay in trash for 60 days while non-backed-up files are removed after 30 days. The feature is not yet live for most users, but testers were able to activate it early.
Lenovo has released the Legion Cloud Gaming Handheld C700 in China, an Android device built around cloud gaming from a PC. It ships with a dongle that uses Lenovo's own Legion Stream protocol, letting users stream PC games even without an internet connection. The 8GB/256GB model costs roughly $327, with a 7.82-inch 120Hz screen, Dimensity 7400 chip, and 8,000mAh battery.
Anbernic released an unboxing video for its upcoming RG 55G1 handheld, confirming a Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip, Adreno A12 GPU, 4GB/8GB RAM and 64GB/128GB storage options, a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display, and Android 14. The device will ship in Indigo, Retro Gray, and Black, with a 6,000mAh battery, 18W charging, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and wireless TV casting support.
Meta unveiled three new WhatsApp security updates: support for multiple passkeys per account across iOS and Android, two-step verification that now allows full alphanumeric passwords instead of just a six-digit PIN, and an Android-only feature showing extra context about unknown callers, such as their country or shared groups. WhatsApp says over a billion users already rely on passkeys via Face ID, Touch ID, or screen locks.
Researcher David Buchanan demonstrated that C2PA, the standard meant to cryptographically verify photos come straight from a camera, can be defeated on Android devices. He shows that root exploits, including a currently in-the-wild one-click attack (CVE-2026-43499) against fully patched Google Pixel phones, let attackers bypass Android's Key Attestation and Play Integrity protections that C2PA camera apps rely on, allowing arbitrary files to be signed as if they were genuine camera captures.
Google Home users report that automations set to trigger from TV events, like powering on or off, are failing to activate. Reports so far point to TCL televisions, though it's unclear if other TV brands are affected. Google has acknowledged the issue publicly on Reddit but has not yet issued a fix.
Pebblebee has released LÔC8, a slim, tube-shaped tracker built to slide inside bike handlebars, golf club shafts, or similar hollow objects rather than sit exposed like typical trackers. It works with both Android's Find Hub and Apple's Find My networks, uses a replaceable (though hard-to-source) ER10250 battery, and is rated for roughly three years of use.