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A tech writer at Android Authority compiled ten practical features in Google Chrome for Android that they use regularly, including customizing the toolbar shortcut to open new tabs instead of Gemini, sharing links to highlighted text on a webpage, and forcing websites into dark mode. The list draws on years of personal use to surface settings many users may not know exist.
The GrapheneOS development team says it could not finish porting its security-focused Android build to Google's new Pixel 11 phones because the devices lack support for Arm's memory tagging extension (MTE), a hardware-level security feature. Developers say they built a partial port after a week of effort but had to halt the project, calling the omission an apparent cost-cutting move by Google. As a result, the team may abandon future support for Pixel devices and focus instead on Motorola hardware.
Google has made Dreambeans, an AI-powered app that mines Gmail, Calendar, Photos, YouTube and search history for personalized suggestions, available to free Google Account holders in the US after previously charging for it. The app uses Google's Personal Intelligence feature to generate a limited daily set of 10 to 14 story-like recommendations, each illustrated with AI-generated artwork rather than stock photos, and includes a chat tool for follow-up questions and feedback controls to refine future suggestions.
Google has published troubleshooting guidance for Android Auto users experiencing connection issues, covering both wired and wireless setups. The advice includes checking cables and ports for damage, using data-capable cables under six feet, and toggling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to force a manual reconnection.
After a federal judge twice rejected requests for search warrants targeting the YouTube accounts of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon, the Department of Homeland Security pursued the same information through an administrative summons under a customs statute (19 USC 1509) that requires only internal DHS sign-off, not judicial approval. DHS also obtained six months of Fort's phone records without notifying her or giving her a chance to contest it. The customs law is intended for verifying import duties, not for investigations unrelated to trade.
The piece explains how Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), built for AI workloads in data centers, differ from GPUs and NPUs. TPUs are now replacing NPUs in Google's upcoming Pixel 11 phones, with Google claiming up to 3.5 times faster AI processing at up to 3.5 times less energy use. GPUs, meanwhile, remain versatile chips handling gaming, 3D rendering, AI training and crypto mining.
Engadget rounded up its recent reviews, including senior writer Daniel Cooper's take on the Pebble Time 2 smartwatch alongside coverage of Google's Pixel 11 lineup. Cooper praised the Pebble Time 2 for deliberately avoiding heavy AI features, calling it a refreshing option for users who want simpler wearables.
A hands-on comparison of Google's new autonomous AI assistant Gemini Spark against Perplexity Computer finds that Spark's main advantage is deep native integration with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Drive, letting it execute multi-step tasks without external connectors. However, the reviewer identifies at least one area where Perplexity's approach outperforms Spark, based on extended use of both tools.
Google's Android Auto works on nearly any Android device released since 2018 running Android 9 or newer, with the app built into the OS starting with Android 10. Phones on Android 9 must download it manually from the Play Store, and it only functions over a wired USB connection to a supported vehicle, of which Google says there are now more than 500 models.
Reports indicate Apple will delay its next major iPhone release until March 2027, when the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E are expected to arrive together, rather than launching in the usual fall window. That leaves the iPhone 17, which debuted with improved displays, cameras and durability, as Apple's current entry-level flagship for an extended stretch, especially as rivals like Samsung and Google have raised prices on their budget phones due to rising RAM costs.
Google Messages has begun rolling out a long-requested feature that lets users apply custom themes to individual chat conversations. The update, spotted on version 20260824_01_RC00, works on both stable and beta builds but requires RCS chats to be enabled. Users need to update the app via the Play Store and confirm RCS is turned on in settings to access the new option.
A new guide explains how everyday users can download and run large language models like those from Meta and Google directly on their own Windows, macOS, or Linux machines instead of relying on cloud-based apps like ChatGPT. Running LLMs locally offers offline access and greater privacy since no data is sent to outside servers, and it avoids subscription fees, though these free models are generally less powerful and slower than paid cloud versions. The guide notes that macOS is often preferred due to Apple Silicon's unified memory architecture, and that at least 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth performance.