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Samsung Galaxy users running One UI 9 reported Android Auto failing to connect or frequently dropping connections, even over wired cables. Google confirmed it was aware of the issue and has now told Android Authority that a fix addressing the Android 17/One UI 9 problem is already rolling out.
Google announced at its Android Dev Summit that it will release a Quick Share SDK in the first half of 2027, letting developers embed peer-to-peer file sharing and Tap to Share directly within their Android and iOS apps. The SDK would let users share files through a bottom-sheet interface inside an app rather than opening the full-screen Quick Share experience via the system share sheet.
Google is developing a feature for Google Maps on Android that would greet users with a 'Welcome to [city]' notification upon landing at an airport. The message encourages travelers to use the app's Ask Maps tool for help getting into town, finding a meal, and discovering local events, and even includes a pre-written query to simplify the process. Code for the feature, found in a recent app update, references support for more than 90 airports worldwide.
Android Authority found code in version 17.72.13.sa.arm64 of the Google app showing a new 'Answer type' settings entry, letting users set Chat or Task as their default Gemini mode instead of choosing each time. The feature appears unreleased and it's unclear if Google will ship it.
Google has officially begun rolling out redesigned icons for its Contacts, Messages, and Phone by Google apps, the company confirmed in a blog post. The new icons feature gradient coloring and more rounded curvature, moving away from the apps' previous flat designs.
Code found in the latest Google app build suggests Google is developing a feature letting parents set daily usage limits for Gemini on supervised accounts. Strings found in version 17.72.13.sa.arm64 reference a notification telling kids their parent set a time limit, and a lockout screen showing when access resumes. Currently, Family Link only allows parents to fully allow or block Gemini access, with no option for partial restrictions.
Samsung Galaxy phones continue to ship with preinstalled apps that users cannot uninstall outright. Owners can instead disable, hide, or mute notifications for unwanted apps through the Settings menu, though these steps don't delete the apps or free up storage. Core apps such as Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery and My Files remain permanently fixed on the device.
Microsoft's new Insider Experimental Preview Build (26340.9843) allows users to type an app's name into Windows 11's taskbar Search and launch it directly on a connected Android phone, mirroring it on the PC via Phone Link. The same build adds the ability to call, text, or trigger phone actions like Do Not Disturb from Search, currently for Android with iPhone support promised early next year. The feature works with select phones from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, Xiaomi, iQOO, and Realme.
Amazon is currently selling the Google Pixel 11 Pro for $799, a $300 reduction from its $1,099 list price. The discount marks the lowest price the phone has reached since its launch, surpassing an earlier 2024 low of $899, and the device carries a 4.4-star rating on Amazon.
Amazon has cut the price of Samsung's 512GB Galaxy Tab S10 Plus from its $1,299.99 list price to $799.97, a $500 reduction. The model includes 12GB of RAM, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 12.4-inch display, a bundled S Pen, and ships running Android 14 in Moonstone Gray or Platinum Silver.
Google disclosed that Shenzhen-based manufacturer Videostrong Technology secretly embedded a backdoor into 1.3 million Android devices, mostly set-top boxes but also telehealth gear, karaoke machines and digital signage. Google says the backdoor was used for ad fraud, data exfiltration and routing unauthorized network traffic, and that it has dismantled the backdoor, disrupted related command-and-control domains, and banned Videostrong from building or supplying certified Android software.
Google says Shenzhen-based manufacturer Videostrong Technology built a hidden backdoor into roughly 1.3 million Android devices, mostly set-top boxes but also telehealth gear, karaoke machines and digital signage. Google says it dismantled the backdoor, disrupted related command-and-control domains, and banned Videostrong from building or selling certified Android devices or software.