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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.
Amazon is selling the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for $1,599.99, a $300 markdown from its $1,899.99 list price, representing a 16% discount. The retailer says this matches the second-lowest price recorded since the foldable's launch.
After installing an iOS or Android update, phones run background processes such as Spotlight reindexing on iPhones, which can take hours or even days to complete. During this period, CPU and GPU usage spikes, leaving fewer resources for apps and animations, though performance typically returns to normal once indexing finishes.
Google and industry partners took down the XCPE malware botnet, which infected over 1.3 million Android TV streaming boxes made by China-based Videostrong Technology. Google says Videostrong deliberately built a persistent backdoor into its devices and sold access to criminal groups, who used the devices for ad fraud, residential proxy networks, and further malware installation. Google also shut down command-and-control servers tied to more than a dozen related malware families affecting over 10 million additional devices, including set-top boxes, karaoke machines, and telehealth hardware.
Google's latest Android distribution figures show Android 17 running on only 0.9% of devices worldwide, while Android 16 leads with 25.4% share and Android 15 holds 14.7%. Older versions remain widespread, with Android 13 still on 11.8% of devices and Android 12 on 9.6%. By contrast, StatCounter data cited shows roughly 15% of Apple mobile users on iOS 27 and nearly half on iOS 26.
The ARMSX3 PS3 emulator for Android released version 1.6, adding an optional XMB Mode that recreates the PlayStation 3's XrossMediaBar interface as a home screen. The mode pulls icons, fonts, and startup sounds from the user's downloaded PS3 firmware and supports custom PS3 theme files, with nearly all emulator settings accessible from within it.
Google Messages beta version v20261030 introduces a redesigned app icon that replaces the current flat, interlocking pill design with a rounded speech bubble rendered in a blue gradient. A smaller, darker blue bubble sits behind it, echoing the old icon's conversation motif. The new icon is also appearing on Wear OS in the same beta release, though Google hasn't said when it will reach stable channels.
A hands-on review of the Dell XPS laptop running Googlebook OS praises the same screen, keyboard and build quality found on the Windows version of the XPS 13, crediting Dell's hardware design. However, the reviewer reports that the software experience is inconsistent, citing poor Android app support through the Google Play store, including a stripped-down Slack app and the complete absence of Evernote.
A reader poll of over 1,300 respondents found most Samsung users satisfied with the One UI 9 update, with 35.1% calling it 'fine' and 25.9% saying they're 'loving it.' However, nearly 15% reported being unimpressed, with several commenters specifically citing faster battery drain as a problem after installing the Android 17-based update.
Developer HighwindBR has built AA Experiments, an open-source LSPosed module paired with a manager app that lets rooted Android users toggle more than 100 hidden Android Auto flags without repacking the app's APK. The tool reportedly works offline, doesn't track users, and automatically suspends conflicting flag mappings when Android Auto updates to avoid breakage.
Android Authority's Zac Kew-Denniss has published a piece arguing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the standout Android flagship for power users in 2026. The phone reportedly runs a customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, alongside a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
Multiple Samsung Galaxy owners, including S26, S25 Edge, S24 Ultra and A55 users, report that Android Auto fails to connect or repeatedly disconnects after installing One UI 9. Fixes like re-pairing, clearing app data, and using a wired connection have not resolved the issue for affected users. Google has confirmed its Android Auto team received at least one complaint and forwarded it internally, but has not identified a cause or fix.