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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-22
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-22
Google is bringing back Now Playing notifications in the shade on Pixel devices, months after removing them during a March update that split the feature into a standalone app. The restored alerts show the song title and artist, plus a shortcut to favorite tracks or view listening history, without needing to unlock the phone. The rollout appears limited so far, based on scattered Reddit reports rather than an official announcement.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
Google's latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 introduces a new way to manage the 'Install unknown apps' permission, letting users choose between permanently allowing an app to sideload APKs or requiring approval each time. This replaces the old all-or-nothing toggle that previously granted permanent installation rights until manually revoked through a buried settings menu.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-31
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
Breezy Weather, a free and open-source weather app praised for its features, is not listed on Google Play. Users can instead download its APK directly from GitHub, granting installation permissions manually to sideload the app.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-24
GoKawiil