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A reader poll of over 1,300 respondents found most Samsung users satisfied with the One UI 9 update, with 35.1% calling it 'fine' and 25.9% saying they're 'loving it.' However, nearly 15% reported being unimpressed, with several commenters specifically citing faster battery drain as a problem after installing the Android 17-based update.
Android phones, including Pixel devices, let users turn on the flashlight through Quick Settings, a customizable lock screen shortcut, or a double-tap Quick Tap gesture on the back of the phone. Users can access these options via the Quick Settings pencil icon, lock screen Customize menu, or Settings > System > Gestures.
Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 Insider build that lets users adjust Bluetooth, WiFi, and power settings directly within Xbox gaming mode, without exiting to the full desktop. The update also overhauls search, adding filters for files, actions, and web results, the ability to trigger actions like changing volume or brightness, detailed result previews such as file edit history, embedded stock and weather charts, and thumbs-up/down feedback buttons to refine results over time.
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.
Microsoft is testing a built-in internet speed test feature in Windows 11, currently available to Windows Insiders on the Experimental channel. The tool replaces the previous method of redirecting users to a Bing webpage, instead offering a direct test accessible from the system tray or network icon. Users must enable a specific feature flag to access it, and results show live download and upload speed graphs.
Google's latest Android 17 beta lets users require authentication before changing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or Airplane Mode from the lock screen. Previously these toggles could be altered by anyone with physical access to a locked device, without entering a passcode.
Multiple Pixel users have reported that their status bar, Quick Settings tiles, and notification shade are becoming unresponsive or failing to display new notifications following the Android 17 QPR1 update. Some users say notifications appear but can't be tapped, while others report notifications not showing up at all. Google's official PixelCommunity Reddit account has acknowledged the reports and suggested resetting app presets or restarting in safe mode as temporary workarounds.
A tech guide walks through built-in screen recording tools available on Android and iOS phones, starting with Google Pixel devices. On Pixel, users access the Screen recorder widget from Quick Settings by swiping down with two fingers, then adjust options such as showing touches, adding a selfie camera overlay, and capturing app or microphone audio before starting the recording, which saves to Google Photos. The guide also covers similar steps for Samsung Galaxy phones and iPhones.
Samsung outlines two ways to reboot a Galaxy tablet: a standard restart via the power menu or quick settings panel for general slowness or app glitches, and a force restart for a frozen, unresponsive screen. The force restart requires holding the Volume Down and Power buttons together for at least seven seconds until the device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears.
Sony has begun pushing Android 17 to the Xperia 1 VIII, with the update also arriving for the Xperia 1 VII and Xperia 1 VI. The release adds a Desktop mode for connecting phones to external displays like a PC, along with new wallpaper and icon customization, a redesigned Quick settings panel, and upgraded screen recording that captures full-screen or single-app video with audio. The Xperia 1 VIII also gains the ability to save and name up to three custom looks in its AI Camera Assistant.
Google is trialing a new Quick Settings panel inside Android Auto's beta version 17.6.663424, accessible from the notification shade at the top of the screen. So far only a single Do Not Disturb tile has appeared, letting drivers silence phone notifications without opening the full settings menu. The feature arrives alongside a new app icon and a raccoon-themed weather animation spotted in the same beta build.