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Code found in a Google Phone app beta (version 245.0.1006864670) reveals a new component called BeeslyTransitModeService, linking the Take a Message feature to Transit mode. Strings in the release reference automatically starting Take a Message when Transit mode is enabled and show a new notification reading 'Taking a message - In Transit Mode.'
Amazon has discounted the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold by $250, bringing it down from its $1,899 list price to $1,649, a 13% reduction. The retailer says this is the lowest price the foldable has reached since its launch. The device runs on Google's Tensor G6 chip with 16GB of RAM and features a triple-camera system, a book-style inner display, and a more usable outer screen.
Amazon is selling the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL for $949, a $350 cut from its $1,299 list price and the lowest price seen for the phone so far. The device features a 6.8-inch OLED display, Google's Tensor G6 chip, a 5,115mAh battery with 45W charging, and on-device Gemini AI tools, and currently holds a 4.4-star Amazon rating.
The 41mm Wi-Fi version of Google's Pixel Watch 5 is now selling for $299.99 on Amazon, down $100 from its $399.99 list price. That marks a 25% discount and the lowest price the smartwatch has seen since its release.
Users running Android Auto 17.9 and newer, including some on Android 17, are reporting that notification pop-ups appear silently, without any accompanying sound through their car's speakers. The app does briefly pause playing music as though attempting to play the alert, but no audio comes through. Reports affect both Pixel and Galaxy device owners, and one outlet says the problem also appears on Android Auto 18 and its 18.1 beta.
Amazon is selling Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $169, down from the $229 list price, a 26% discount that applies across all color options including Olive. The earbuds feature Google's Tensor A1 chip, Silent Seal 2.0 noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance, and up to 48 hours of battery life with the charging case.
Google is piloting a new 'Family' entry at the top of the Settings app on some Pixel 11 phones, according to Android Authority. The hub consolidates family members, shared Google One storage, subscriptions like YouTube Premium and Google AI, shared calendar events, and live location sharing in one place. Currently only a handful of Pixel 11 users have reported seeing it, and Google has not confirmed a wider rollout.
A reviewer at Android Authority tested seven widely used Android launchers—including Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, Lawnchair, Hyperion Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Smart Launcher, and Niagara Launcher—and ranked them from worst to best. The ranking was based on design, performance smoothness, feature sets, customization options, and how actively each app's developer pushes updates. Nova Launcher, once considered a top choice, was placed last in this particular ranking.
Code found in the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 release shows Google building a 'Highlight' action within its upcoming Notification Rules feature that connects directly to the Pixel 11 Pro's rear HiLight LED array. The feature would let users assign the Highlight action to specific apps or contacts, expanding HiLight beyond its current limited use with the Phone app and WhatsApp.
Google has acknowledged reports of sudden, severe battery drain affecting a range of Pixel Watch models, from the Pixel Watch 2 through the current generation. The company told affected users on Reddit that it has identified the cause and is working on a fix, though it gave no timeline.
Google published a changelog detailing a wave of fixes to its Home app and Gemini assistant, addressing issues like Gemini falsely claiming it misunderstood unspoken commands, incorrect alarm volume settings, and confusion between timers and sleep timers. The update also includes improvements for YouTube TV voice commands on smart displays and better handling of Matter-connected smart plugs.
Google has rolled out Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 to Pixel 6a and newer devices enrolled in its Pixel Beta program, following Beta 2 released about a week earlier. The update restores the app lock feature, reinstates some lock screen blur that had been removed, adds a camera shortcut to Quick Settings, fixes an AM/PM display issue for lock screen alarms, and resolves dozens of other bugs.