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Sideloading lets Android Auto users add apps Google hasn't approved, including video-capable YouTube clients, bypassing the platform's official restrictions. This method skips Google's security vetting, and Google itself notes that sideloaded apps carry over 50 times more malware than apps from the Play Store. Google plans to require developer identity verification for sideloaded apps starting in late 2026 to curb these risks.
A researcher who previously exposed a similar Chrome bug in 2019 has found that Chrome version 152.0.7977.83 again exempts google.com from the 'delete site data on close' setting, letting Google cookies, local storage, and session storage persist after all windows are closed and even after relaunching the browser. The behavior was reproduced on two Macs, with sign-in and default search engine ruled out as causes, and appears specific to www.google.com.
Siskiyou County rescuers pulled three young men off Mount Shasta after they used Google's Gemini chatbot to plan their climb. The group started at 3am, missed the noon turnaround guideline, summited at 7pm, and had to be rescued after spending the night in Mud Creek Canyon.
iPhone users can check the Settings app's Battery section to see a breakdown of which apps consume the most power, including both active screen time and background activity. This feature has been built into iOS since iOS 8, so it works even on older iPhones.
A group of hikers relied on Google's AI tools to map out a route and had to be rescued after the plan led them into dangerous, unsuitable terrain. Rescuers intervened to bring the hikers to safety following the failed AI-guided excursion.
Android Authority's three-week review of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL finds the phones fall short on paper, with less RAM than last year, a modest Tensor G6 upgrade, higher prices, and a disappointing HiLight feature. Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer says daily use of the devices remains compelling thanks to strong hardware, cameras, and software.
An Android Authority writer who regularly switches between Galaxy and Pixel devices explains why he keeps returning to Samsung phones, citing superior built-in apps and features. He points to Secure Folder outperforming Private Space, Samsung DeX beating Pixel's barebones Desktop Mode, and Modes and Routines, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Gallery each surpassing their Google counterparts.
Android Authority's Robert Triggs reports that the first-generation Chromecast HDMI dongle recently got an unexpected software update, despite being eight years old. He explains he still relies on the device because it casts content faster and more reliably than his TV's built-in Google TV casting features, which suffer from lag, bloat, and audio sync issues.
Google Photos on Android has begun rolling out the ability to manually group photos into stacks, a feature that has been available on iOS since May 2025. Users can create a stack by pressing and holding on multiple photos, giving more control over library organization than the app's automatic stacking. The feature appears to be rolling out server-side, as it's showing up on some devices like Pixel phones but not yet on others such as the Galaxy Z Fold.
Android Authority published a roundup recommending Google Keep alternatives for users frustrated by its lack of rich-text editing, weak organization tools, and no end-to-end encryption. NotallyX topped a reader poll with 28% support, praised for mimicking Keep's card layout while keeping notes local-first with optional Syncthing-based syncing. Simplenote was highlighted as a cross-platform option for users spanning multiple device ecosystems.
MapQuest is rolling out an experimental version of its navigation app for Android Auto, letting drivers view its maps on car dashboard screens instead of Google Maps or Waze. The move follows a surge in downloads after the company declined to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' following a Trump administration directive. MapQuest also confirmed CarPlay support is coming soon for iOS users, and the app is testing crowdsourced reporting of accidents and police activity.
Google has launched beta 'Live' voice features across Gmail, Docs and Keep, letting subscribers talk to these apps instead of typing. Users can ask Gmail to find or summarize emails, have Keep organize notes from spoken input, and tell Docs to draft or pull in content from Gmail, Chat and Drive. The features, first shown at Google's I/O conference in May, are currently limited to AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers, with Docs support restricted to Pro and Ultra tiers.