Google has restored the ability to sideload APK files on Android after restricting it in 2025, but the process now requires users to confirm via a restart and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the sideloading option becomes active. The company calls this the 'Advanced Flow,' designed for power users who need to install apps outside the Play Store while adding friction meant to stop scam victims from being pressured into installing malware in the heat of the moment.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-26
Researchers have identified that operators behind the BadBox click-fraud botnet are now targeting Android-powered vehicle head units, exploiting built-in update mechanisms to push malicious software onto the devices. This marks an expansion of the botnet's reach beyond streaming boxes and smart TVs into automotive infotainment systems.
darkreading.com
· 2026-08-26
Google unveiled Gemini 3.5 Transcribe, a new speech-to-text AI model that detects over 85 languages, strips filler words, and reformats casual speech into clean, structured text. It can also learn custom vocabulary, capture alphanumeric strings like order numbers, and assign dialogue to up to three speakers with timestamps from recorded audio.
engadget.com
· 2026-08-26
A Korean leaker claims Samsung built several Galaxy S27 Ultra prototypes, including one with a 7,000mAh battery and versions that dropped the S Pen to fit it. Samsung is said to have abandoned that extreme option, instead settling on a 5,700mAh to 6,000mAh target, possibly using silicon-carbon battery technology.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Google has released Gemini Audio, a set of three new speech-focused AI models: Gemini 3.5 Live, 3.5 Live Experimental, and 3.5 Transcribe. These models are meant to handle real-time conversation and speech-to-text tasks and are rolling out across Search Live, Gemini Live, Docs, Keep, Gmail, the Gemini app, and Gboard. Notably, Gemini 3.5 Transcribe replaces Google's older Chirp 3 model and adds features like filler-word removal, auto-formatting, and voice editing.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Android Auto users had been hit by a bug that showed a 'Spotify isn't responding' error message when trying to launch the app, with only exiting or waiting offered as options. Some drivers found workarounds like leaving the Android Auto beta or clearing the app's cache, but the issue kept recurring for others. Google confirmed to Android Authority that a fix started rolling out today.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
ATV Launcher Pro's version 0.1.40 update introduces a new layout editor that lets Android TV users add, move, hide, and restyle home screen sections directly on the screen with live previews. The update also brings 12 row styles, seven tile layouts, screen breaks, icon packs, video wallpapers, new widgets, focus effects, and support for Android 16.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Android Authority released its weekly Wallpaper Wednesday collection, featuring nine free wallpapers—six submitted by readers and three created by the site's team. The images are available in JPG and PNG formats, optimized for both landscape and portrait screens, and can be downloaded without watermarks via a shared Drive link.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
New CAD renders from OnLeaks and Android Headlines reveal the standard Galaxy S27 in a light purple finish, closely resembling one of the Galaxy Z Fold 8's colors. Unlike the redesigned Galaxy S27 Ultra leaked a day earlier, the base model appears to retain nearly identical dimensions and a 6.3-inch display similar to the Galaxy S26, with only a slight increase in thickness.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Motorola has started pushing its stable Android 17 update, beginning with its flagship Signature series lineup, following the earlier beta testing phase. The update introduces a refreshed system UI, an upgraded Quick Settings menu, expanded cross-platform file sharing, device diagnostics tools, and new AI-driven anti-scam security features, alongside standard Android 17 additions like stackable widgets, themed icons, and notification summaries.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Google removed support for 32-bit apps from Android several years ago, breaking many older games. Developers behind an app called VPhoneOS have built a workaround using a virtual machine that runs Android 7 for free, letting users install and play old 32-bit titles like Wayward Souls and Bloons TD 5. Higher Android versions, 64-bit support, and ad removal are locked behind a paid VIP subscription.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Google is developing a Google Keep feature that lets users add to-do list items within a regular text note, rather than forcing the whole note into checkbox format. Spotted in app version 5.26.341.03.90, the update also changes checkbox behavior so tapping the icon only converts the current line into a checklist item, not the entire note.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
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