Android
Created by Google, Android is a smartphone OS and platform that is open-source and open for any manufacturer to use to make a smartphone. Most Android phones use a version that is mostly provided by Google and requires Google services. Android phones can run Android apps, available from the Google Play Store, or, optionally, from other sources.
by: Google
Motorola Refreshes moto g power for 2026
Motorola has revealed a new version of its moto g power, the company's $300 Android phone for the US. The new 2026 model is very similar to last year's model, with just a handful of changes. The battery size has increased from 5,000 to 5,200 mAh, at the expense of wireless charging. The display glass has been upgraded to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection. Finally, the front camera has been upgraded from 16 megapixel to a 32 megapixel sensor (pixel-binned to output 8 megapixel photos.) Other specs and features are unchanged, including a 6.8-inch FHD+ display with 120 Hz refresh, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, 8 / 128 GB memory, and a 50 megapixel main camera sensor (again, pixel-binned to output 12.5 megapixel images.) It also has as IP68/IP69 rating for water, military ratings for durability, expandable storage, headset jack, NFC, and a fingerprint reader. It will be offered in two Pantone colors: Pure Cashmere (beige) and Evening Blue. It will be available starting January 8, from Verizon and unlocked. Later, it will come to Cricket, Tracfone, Visible, Total, Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, and AT&T.
Google Brings Live Video Sharing to 911 Calls on Android
Google has launched a new feature of Android that makes it easy to share live video with an emergency dispatcher during an emergency phone call or text. Emergency Live Video on Android is a new feature that can be initiated by the dispatcher. "During an emergency call or text, a dispatcher can send a request to your phone to share live video. With a single tap, you can start securely streaming from your camera, allowing responders to quickly assess the situation and get you the right help in the moment." The feature requires no setup and works with a single tap. It is also optional (you can decline the request) and you can end video sharing at any time with a single tap. "The feature is rolling out today across the U.S., as well as select regions of Germany and Mexico, and is supported on Android phones running Android 8+ with Google Play services."
Samsung One UI 8.5 Will Offer New Features
Samsung has launched a limited beta program for its next version of Android, One UI 8.5. It includes a few key new features: Audio Broadcast will let you broadcast audio — including your own voice — to multiple nearby devices using Bluetooth Auracast. Proactive Quick Share will automatically recognize your contacts' faces in the photos you take, and suggest that you share those photos with those contacts. Storage Share will unify file storage between Samsung devices, letting you access files on nearby TVs, tablets, and PCs from the My Files app on your phone. The One UI 8.5 beta program will initially be available to Galaxy S25 series users. Eligible users can apply to join the beta program via the Samsung Members app.
Google's Second Release of Android 16 Brings Smart Notifications and More
Google today released an updated version of Android 16 (known as "Android 16 QPR2") with a range of new features. This is a new kind of update, the product of Google's new release schedule for Android. Now, major Android versions will come out every second quarter, and minor updates like this come each fourth quarter. (Unlike major version updates, these minor updates should require little work for app developers.) One key new feature is AI-powered notification summaries and prioritizing. Longer messages can be automatically summarized, and "Notification organizer automatically groups and silences your lower-priority notifications (such as promotions, news, and social alerts)". Another feature to help prioritize important communication is Call Reason in Google's Phone app, which will let you "mark call as urgent" when calling someone. This will display an "It's urgent" banner on the incoming call screen of the recipient. (This feature is "coming soon" and in beta.) Google is also updating Circle to Search so it can better determine whether a message is a scam or not. Google is also making key parental controls available in Settings (instead of having to open the Family Link app.) Google is also introducing a more aggressive "expanded" Dark theme option that will even dim apps not designed for dark mode. Finally, there are new options for customizing the look of app icons. As usual, Google Pixel devices will be first to receive the update, with other manufacturers following on their own schedule.
Google Adding AirDrop to Android
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones. The feature will have a phased rollout, starting today with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google says it plans to expand the rollout to "more Android devices" over time.
Google Loosens Stance on Side-loading Unverified Apps in Android
Google has announced new details of its plan to restrict side-loaded apps in Android to ones that come from "verified" developers. ("Side-loaded" meaning apps installed via means other than Google's Play app store, or soon, registered third-party app stores.) To address concerns that have been raised in response to the plans, Google has now announced two specific exceptions: First, Google will make an exception for apps that are only made available to a small group and not the general public. Developers of such apps will not have to go through "the full verification requirements". Second, Google will create "a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified." This process will be designed specifically to thwart scammers that try to convince victims to install malware, the main issue the whole developer-verification system is intended to address. Google says it is still working out the details of these policies and systems, and is still inviting feedback on them.
Google Cracking Down on Battery-Draining Apps
Google is enhancing Android and its Play app store with a new power-efficiency metric for apps. If and when an app consistently crosses a threshold for "excessive" power usage, the app's public store page may show a warning about battery usage, and Google may limit how often the app is suggested. The new policy is slated to go into effect starting March 2026. More specifically, the metric measures "partial wake locks", which let apps keep the phone "awake" to perform background tasks even while the screen is off and the phone appears idle. Google's threshold for "excessive" is 2 cumulative hours in a 24 hour period. There are exceptions for certain activities such as audio playback and user-initiated data transfers. App developers can view this and other key metrics for their app(s) in Google's "Android vitals" dashboard.
Google Makes Maps Smarter, Conversational
Google is rolling out an update to its Google Maps app that integrates Gemini AI and adds several specific new features. Firstly, Google will now give directions using its knowledge of local landmarks, such as "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" instead of "turn right in 500 feet", and landmarks mentioned this way will be highlighted on the map. Secondly, voice search will be expanded to a full "conversational" AI assistant that can handle multi-step and multi-part questions and commands. For example, you will be able to say "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What's parking like there?" Followed by, "OK, let’s go there." Finally, if Maps is running, it will now proactively alert you to disruptions on the road ahead, even when you're not actively navigating to a destination. Landmark-based navigation and traffic alerts are rolling out now on Android and iOS in the US. Conversational AI will roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks "everywhere Gemini is available", with Android Auto "on the way."
Google, Epic Reach Settlement That Would Dramatically Reshape Play Store
Google and Epic Games have agreed to a new proposed settlement that would see Google revamp how its app ecosystem works, giving Epic most of what they have been seeking in years of litigation. Google has been on the losing end in a series of judgments throughout the process. Under the new agreement, Google's fee structure would become more complicated, but generally lower fees across the board. Google would allow third-party billing for in-app purchases, but still take a cut of either nine or 20 percent, depending on the purchase type and circumstances. Google would also separate out its cut for using Google Play billing as a separate five percent fee. Google will still require that developers provide Google Play billing as an option. Google also agrees to allow third-party app stores on Android, subject to its approval for security and privacy. The agreement, if approved by the judge in the case, would apply worldwide and stay in effect through June 2032.
Cricket, AT&T Update Entry-Level 5G Phones
AT&T and Cricket (which is owned by AT&T) have updated their own-brand entry-level 5G phones with minor changes and a somewhat new branding strategy for Cricket. The new Cricket Icon 2026 and Cricket Icon Pro 2026 join the Cricket Icon Plus 2026 that was launched a few weeks ago. This unifies most of Cricket's own-brand entry-level 5G phones under the "Icon" brand, similar to how T-Mobile has its REVVL series. All of the new Icon models are powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, but running at 2.4 GHz instead of 2.2 GHz on the models they replace. The new models also gain dual-SIM support via eSIM, Android 15, and support for 5G SA, ensuring the best network experience. Most other specs and features are similar to the models they replace, with the Icon 2026 replacing the Magic 2 5G and the Icon Pro 2026 replacing the Outlast 5G. The Icon 2026 does replace a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera with a 2-megapixel macro camera. The Icon has modest specs such as 4/64 GB memory and a 13 megapixel main camera. The Icon Pro steps up to 6/128 GB memory and a 50 megapixel main camera. All models have an HD-resolution display with 90 Hz refresh, as well as fingerprint reader, NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. Cricket is selling the Icon 2026 for $50 and the Icon Pro 2026 for $70 (promos for new lines can make the phone free.) The Cricket Icon Pro 2026 is also sold by AT&T as the Motivate Pro 2 5G, while the Cricket Icon 2026 is sold in select channels as the AT&T Propel 3 5G. The Icon / Propel 3 is manufactured by Tinno, while the Icon Pro / Motivate Pro 2 is manufactured by Coosea, just like the Icon Plus. Both companies have a long history of making white-label phones like this for AT&T / Cricket.
Apple Prepping "Transfer to Android" Feature, Including 3rd-Party Apps and eSIM
Apple is preparing to launch a new feature in iOS called "Transfer to Android" that will make it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone. The feature will be able to wirelessly transfer an eSIM, as well as photos, messages, notes, and more. Third-party app data will also be included where app developers have enabled the feature, which is made possible by the brand-new "AppMigrationKit" API. This API can used for cross-platform transfers in either direction: "AppMigrationKit ... supports migration to and from non-Apple platforms, such as Android."
T-Mobile Launches Limited Data Service Over Satellite
As promised in June, T-Mobile today launched a set of data services on its T-Satellite service (that offers coverage in cellular dead zones using over 650 SpaceX Starlink satellites in orbit). The data services are limited to specific apps, and those apps have been customized to offer "core experiences and critical services" when using satellite coverage. Supported apps include a selection of both device-native and third-party apps, with parity across iOS and Android platforms. Device-native apps supported include Google Messages and Find Hub, Pixel Weather, Apple Music, Weather, and Fitness, and Samsung's Weather app. Third-party apps supported include AccuWeather, X, and WhatsApp, as well as outdoor-focused AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX. WhatsApp supports voice chat, video chat, group chat, and voice memos over satellite. For businesses, newly supported apps include Dialpad, Florian, MultiLine, and T-Mobile Direct Connect.
Google Brings Conversational AI Photo Editing to More Phones
Google is rolling out its new AI-powered "conversational editing" feature in Google Photos to more phones, (beyond the Pixel 10 series). When editing a photo, a new "Help me edit" text box at the bottom lets you simply tell it what you want to do, which can be traditional edits, full generative AI, or anything in-between. Google's examples include: "remove the reflections and fix the washed out colors", "restore this old photo", "remove the cars in the background", "make it look like he's in Waikiki and add a tropical drink to the right", or even just "make it better". It can take multiple requests at once, or in series. Google says the new feature is "starting to roll out" to all "eligible" Android users in the US.
Google Revamps Gaming Platform with new Sidekick and Profiles
Google has announced a series of updates to Google Play that focus mainly on gaming. The biggest new feature might be the Play Games Sidekick, an in-game overlay that includes a variety of relevant info, tools, and shortcuts. This includes quick shortcuts for screenshots, screen recording, Do Not Disturb, and going Live on YouTube. It also includes your profile and points, game tips, achievements, streaks, quests, and coupons. For "select" games, a Gemini Live AI assistant can interactively offer verbal game advice, based on what it sees on your screen in real time. Google is also revamping its platform-wide player profiles and points system. Finally, Google is officially launching Google Play Games on PC, expanding its game-platform ambition beyond Android after a beta period.
Samsung Begins Rollout of Android 16 to Rest of Lineup
Samsung is rolling out its One UI 8 software update — based on Android 16 — to its flagship Galaxy S25 series this week. The company recently launched its new foldables (the Flip7 and Fold7) with the new software. One key new feature is the Now Bar, which shows "real-time app activity and media player progress directly on the front screen". Next to receive the update (in October) will be the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, and Galaxy S24 FE. By the end of the year, the company will also provide the update for the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A17 5G, Galaxy A17, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A06 5G, Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A16 5G, Galaxy A16, Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A06, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy A53 5G, and Galaxy A33 5G.
Bittium Teams up with HMD for its Newest Secure Phone for Government
Bittium, the Finnish company specializing in ultra-secure phones for western government users, has announced its newest phone: the Bittium Tough Mobile 3. This model will be a significant upgrade over the current model, offering 5G, a 50 megapixel camera, 12 GB of RAM, and a 4,500 mAh battery. Bittium has teamed up with HMD to manufacture the hardware. Among the many hardware and software security features, the phone comes with a dual-boot system featuring Android 15 for personal use and Bittium Secure OS for "Confidential" level use. It has a secure element, full disk encryption, and is tamper-proof. It's also rugged, with Gorilla Glass Victus, an IP68 rating for dust and water, and a military rating for shock and drop. It's powered by a Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 FP4 chip, a chip not commonly used in phones. The phone will not be available until 2026.
Google Introduces Continuous On-Screen Language Translation
Google has announced an update to its "Circle to Search" feature on Android that enables continuous language translation of everything on the screen, even as you scroll and change apps. To access the feature, long-press the home button or navigation bar to start Circle to Search, tap the Translate icon, and tap "scroll and translate". The feature will come first to select Samsung Galaxy devices starting this week.
Google Brings AI Text Tools to its Keyboard
Google has announced an update to Gboard — its default keyboard software for Android — that introduces system-wide AI writing tools. This includes spelling and grammar fixes, proofreading, and rewriting in a different "tone", such as "formal, expressive or concise". This AI runs on-device (not in the cloud), ensuring privacy.
Google Barred from Requiring Its Apps on Phones with Play Store
A judge today issued remedies in the government's antitrust case against Google. Google won't be forced to divest its Android operating system, nor its Chrome web browser, as the Department of Justice had requested. Google will also be allowed to continue paying partners (including Apple) to pre-load Search and other Google products. However, Google will be barred from exclusive deals around the distribution of search, Google Assistant, Gemini, or Chrome. Google must also end its requirement that device makers pre-load Google apps in order to access the Play Store. It's unclear if Google will appeal.
Android Will Only Allow Side-Loaded Apps from Verified Developers
Google is introducing a new requirement in Android for side-loaded apps (those installed from sources other than the Google Play store.) In the future, Android will only run side-loaded apps that are confirmed to come from developers that have registered with Google and confirmed their identity. This feature alone won't prevent malware in side-loaded apps; but it does introduce a level of accountability when malware is found in a side-loaded app, making it more difficult for bad actors to be anonymous or hide behind multiple, fake identities. The feature will be enabled first in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, then globally in "2027 and beyond".
Google Messages Rolls Out Nudity Blurring
Google is rolling out a feature that can automatically detect and blur images containing nudity. The feature is enabled by default for minors and disabled by default for adults. When using Android's parental control features, only a parent can disable the feature on a child's phone. Google calls the feature Sensitive Content Warnings and first announced it last October. It works completely on-device, so nudes are never sent to Google servers. It doesn't completely block nudes from being viewed or shared, but does add extra steps to view or share nudes, including "help-finding resources and options". Apple announced a similar feature for iOS in 2023.
"Qi2 25W" is the new Wireless Fast Charging Standard
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) standards group today announced that "Qi2 25W" will be the brand for version 2.2.1 of the Qi wireless charging standard. Qi2 25W, as its name implies, brings faster 25-watt charging compared to the 15-watt charging of standard Qi2. The WPC also revealed that Apple will adopt Qi2 25W in its iPhones, and many Android phones are already in the certification pipeline as well. 14 devices have already been certified for Qi2 25W, with "several hundred devices waiting in the queue to be tested." Existing Qi2 products, such as the current iPhones, are the result of a collaboration between WPC and Apple, incorporating technology from both the original Qi standard and Apple's MagSafe implementation. Although many Android phones have implemented Qi, almost none have implemented Qi2 yet; today's news implies that will soon charge.
Nothing Launches Flagship Phone (3)
Following the recent launch of several more affordable models, Nothing has finally launched its next flagship model, the Phone (3). It evolves Nothing's distinctive light-up "Glyph" system into a new "Glyph Matrix", a small, circular monochrome display on the back of the phone with 25 x 25 pixels. In tandem with a new shortcut button on the back of the phone, it performs a variety of functions and has its own SDK for third-party developers. The phone has four 50-megapixel cameras, including main, wide, periscope telephoto, and front. A unique red square on the back lights up when recording video. The OLED main display measures 6.67 inches and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The phone has an IP68 rating for dust and water. It's powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip and available with either 12+256 GB or 16+512 GB of memory (RAM+storage). The phone supports fast charging up to 65W and two-way wireless charging. It has excellent support for T-Mobile's network and good support for AT&T's network. It ships with Android 15 and Nothing promises five years of OS updates + seven years of security updates. The Nothing Phone (3) ships July 15 starting at $799.
Fairphone 6 Shrinks its Modular, Long-Lasting Phone
Fairphone has launched its sixth-generation phone designed to be user-serviceable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. The Fairphone (Gen. 6) is more compact than past iterations, with a 6.31-inch display (120 Hz OLED and FHD+). The modular design has 12 different parts that can be easily replaced, including the battery (4,415 mAh), and a back-plate system supporting fully integrated accessories like a card wallet, finger loop, or lanyard. The phone comes with a 5-year warranty. The phone is "assembled in fair factories" and made with "more recycled and fair materials than ever before". The Fairphone 6 is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of storage (expandable). It has good support for US 5G and 4G networks. The main camera is 50 megapixel with a Sony Lytia 700C sensor and OIS, plus a 13 megapixel wide-angle camera. The phone also sports an IP55 rating for water, fingerprint reader, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4 LE, and Wi-Fi 6E. In the US, the Fairphone (Gen. 6) will initially be available exclusively from Murena, which loads their own /e/OS software on the device. (/e/OS is a "de-Googled" version of Android.) Murena promises five years of software updates for this phone. Murena is taking orders starting today at $899, shipping in August. It's available in white, black, or green.
Google Chrome Lets You Move Address Bar to Bottom
This new web browser option on Android follows a similar move by Apple with the Safari browser in iOS. The easiest way to change the location is to long-press on the address bar itself, then tap "Move address bar to bottom".
Trump Org. Launches Trump Mobile
The Trump family has launched Trump Mobile, a new MVNO offering "5G service through all three major cellular carriers". The prepaid service has no contracts and no credit check. For $47.45 per month, the service offers "unlimited data", although only the first 20 GB is high-speed data. It also offers unlimited talk and text and "free international calling to more than 100 countries". The international-calling page of the Trump Mobile web site promises "you get competitive international rates with full transparency. You only pay for what you use — no hidden fees or confusing charges", yet does not list any rates. It also shows 185 countries that allow "unlimited" calling, but another 392 countries with capped maximum minutes (presumably per month), ranging from 5 to 125 minutes. Many islands (Cuba, Haiti, Bahamas) and countries in Africa are limited to 30 minutes or less. Although the web site emphasizes enabling "service members and their loved ones to stay connected", calling to Qatar is capped at 40 minutes, even though Qatar hosts the US' largest military base in the middle east with over 11,000 service members. The service plan also includes roadside assistance, telehealth services, and device protection, all provided by third-party partners. The company also promises 24/7, US-based customer service. The service is currently bring-your-own-device (BYOD), but the company also announced plans for a gold "T1 Phone" for $499, coming in September. It has a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, 5,000 mAh battery, 20W fast charging, 50 megapixel camera, 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, Android 15, fingerprint reader, and 3.5mm headset jack. The press release claims the phone is "designed and built in the United States".
Google Kills Instant Apps
Google is shutting down an Android feature that let users quickly download and use a temporary "mini" version of an app, instead of installing the full app. Instant Apps were not popular with developers, but were useful for game trials or one-time transactions. Google first announced Instant Apps in 2016 and launched it to developers in 2017. Google's newest developer tools include a warning that "Instant Apps support will be removed by Google Play in December 2025".
Google Makes Open-Source Android Development More Difficult
Google is taking away a key resource that made it easier for third parties to develop non-Google versions of the Android OS for smartphones. Specifically, Google will no longer publish an "example" version of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) that works as-is on its Pixel phones. Instead, Google will only publish a generic version of AOSP that, as published, only works on a generic virtual device called "Cuttlefish". This means developers working with AOSP no longer have a simple starting point that works on physical hardware. Going forward, developers will need to do significant work just to get AOSP running on any real-world device, before working on whatever they want to customize about the OS. Google's move may be particularly painful for the developers of alternative OSes (based on AOSP) that run on Pixel phones, such as LineageOS, GrapheneOS, and CalyxOS.
Android 16 Exits Beta, Now Available on Pixels
Google has put the finishing touches on Android version 16, ending the beta period for the OS. It is now available for Google Pixel phones and will roll out to other brands soon. Notifications get a big update, with the introduction of Live Updates. This new type of notification is dynamic instead of static, updating in real time with progress info. This feature is aimed primarily at ride-share and food delivery apps for now. Also, multiple notifications from the same app will now always appear grouped together, to reduce clutter. Advanced Protection is now a setting available to everyone, instead of a program that requires enrollment. This feature locks down your phone with "an array of robust device security features that protect you from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more." Android 16 also lays the groundwork for more new features coming "later this year", such as the new desktop mode adapted from Samsung DeX, and "more Material 3 Expressive design updates".
Sonim XP Pro Launches on AT&T
After initially launching with Verizon in November, Sonim's XP Pro is now available from AT&T as well. The XP Pro is a rugged Android smartphone with a much sleeker profile than the company's previous rugged smartphones. It has a good upper-mid-range specs, a large portfolio of available accessories, and is manufactured in Taiwan. Sonim recently announced a version of the XP Pro with an integrated FLIR thermal camera, that will come to the US later this year. Sonim also recently launched the XP3plus 5G on T-Mobile, which also adds 5G — among other upgrades — to its main flip-phone model.
Samsung Details its Next Big Software Update
Samsung has announced One UI 8, its customized version of Android 16. The software is now available in beta for the Galaxy S25 series, with a final version debuting first on new Samsung foldable phones this summer, then rolling out to other Galaxy devices in the following months. One UI 8 includes a new Reminder app, designed to let you "manage all your reminders in one place". You can add items via voice, and "share a list of to-dos ... with the press of a button." The software also makes it easier to connect earbuds to Bluetooth Auracast audio streams via QR codes. Samsung has worked closely with Google to accelerate development and make "One UI 8 one of the first UI platforms to adopt Android 16."
Samsung DeX Merged Into Android 16
In Google's developer keynote address at its I/O event this week, the company announced that it will bring the desktop-mode feature of high-end Samsung phones to Android 16. Google and Samsung have been working together on the new feature, which is built "on the foundation of Samsung DeX to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16 for more powerful productivity workflows." The feature lets an Android phone work more like a desktop computer when plugged into an external display. Apps are displayed in resizable windows and users can add a full keyboard and mouse. Google is pushing Android app developers to make their apps "adaptive", or more smoothly compatible with a larger variety of screen shapes and sizes, including this new desktop mode.
Google "Find Hub" Replaces Find My Device
Google is revamping its find-my-device services into a new Find Hub. The new features will be able to find a lost Android device, or anything with a Google-compatible Bluetooth tracker attached. It can also be used to keep to share your location with family and friends. It's also gaining support for UWB (for high-end phones with that feature). Motorola's Bluetooth trackers will be the first to work with UWB. This feature lets you locate your lost item very precisely — including not just proximity but direction — when nearby. Finally, Google is working to integrate satellite connectivity into Find Hub, "helping you stay connected with friends and family even when you don’t have cellular connectivity."
Google Expands Scam Detection on Android Using AI
Google is adding new types of scam detection and protection using on-device AI on Android. Android can already detect scams in progress and warn users in phone calls and messages. Now, the Chrome browser can detect scam-related notifications from web sites. Soon, Google also plans to apply this type of scam detection to whole web sites in Chrome. Google is already rolling this feature out to the desktop version of Chrome, but says "Our goal is to expand this protection to Android devices and even more types of scams in the future."
Android's New Design Guidelines Leaked
Google seems to have accidentally, prematurely published a blog post about its new "Material 3 Expressive" design guidelines for Android. The new templates feature a bolder design with floating toolbars, larger buttons, more color, and more varied shapes and fonts. These guidelines are used by Google for Android itself and its own Google apps, but are also suggested for third-party app developers. Google says the new system is the fruit of extensive research, including "46 separate research studies with hundreds of designs, and more than 18,000 participants from around the world". Google claims multiple benefits, including users being able to perform certain actions up to 4x faster, as well as strong user preference (vs. Apple's iOS Human Interface Guidelines) and "brand coolness".
Android Now Supports Digital Credentials Among Apps and Websites
Google announced that the Credential Manager component of Android now supports the OpenID4 industry standard for digital credentials. Android's implementation extends existing digital state ID technology to the whole Android ecosystem, allowing any Android app to issue a digital credential to one or more wallet apps, and any app or web site to request a verifiable credential. The Android OS will now manage such requests with a new interface that lets a user choose among matching credential types from across all installed wallet apps. These credential types can include not just state IDs, but education certifications, insurance policies, memberships, permits, loyalty programs, and more. Companies and apps already onboard include CVS, MyChart by Epic, Uber, Bumble, Samsung Wallet, 1Password, and, of course, Google Wallet.
Two New "Mindful" Phones Sport E-Paper Displays
This month, both Minimal and Mudita have launched new minimalist phones that are designed to discourage excessive screen time primarily by having the main touch display use e-ink / e-paper display technology, which is typically slow to refresh and does not work well with scrolling. The Mudita Kompakt takes a traditional approach of a custom OS with limited features, including calling, texting, camera, e-reader, and maps. A switch on the side activates "Offline+" mode, which cuts off the cellular modem and microphones at the hardware level. It has a 4.3-inch display, 3,300 mAh battery with up to 6 days of standby battery life, wireless charging, 32 GB of expandable storage, 3.5mm headset jack, 8 megapixel camera, and IP54 dust/water rating. A version specifically for North America will starting shipping in May for $439. The Minimal Phone takes a different approach, with a full version of Android, including Google's Play Store, plus a physical QWERTY keyboard. It also has a 4.3-inch display, 3.5mm headset jack, and expandable storage. Besides the QWERTY keyboard, it also has a touch "navigation bar" between the display and keyboard, plus a 5 megapixel front camera. It also has NFC supporting Google Pay, a 16 megapixel main camera, fingerprint reader in the side lock button, and comes in either 6 / 128 GB or 8 / 256 GB memory configurations. It also ships in May, starting at $399 for pre-orders for a limited time ($499 normally). These phones join the same growing category as the Light Phone III, launched last month.
Google Rolls Out Free Gemini Live with Vision to All Android Users
Google is expanding the free version of its Gemini AI app for Android to include Gemini Live with camera and screen share. This lets you ask Gemini about anything on your phone's screen, or anything your phone's camera can see.
Spectrum and Xfinity Launch Satellite SOS and Messaging
Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile have both launched emergency messaging via satellite for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series Android phones. In the coming weeks, they will also launch non-emergency text messaging via satellite. The service offers basic connectivity in cellular dead zones, and uses the NTN satellite feature of those specific phones. Both Spectrum and Xfinity use Verizon's network, and Verizon enabled non-emergency satellite messaging just yesterday. All three companies rely on Skylo to provide this satellite service. NTN is an industry standard and specific technology found only in some phones, that lets a phone communicate directly with existing satellite networks, much like Apple's proprietary satellite features on iPhone. Other satellite services for phones (Starlink and AST SpaceMobile) offer greater phone compatibility, but require new satellites to be launched.
Apple Pledges to Support Encryption in New RCS Standard
The RCS industry standard for enhanced messaging has been updated to officially support standardized End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). Further, Apple has committed to support it in future implementations of RCS in iOS. This will greatly improve the security and privacy of cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android phones. Google launched its own implementation of E2EE for RCS in 2020, but the feature was not officially part of the RCS standard until now, with GSMA's RCS Universal Profile 3.0. That is why Google's E2EE feature only worked when both parties were using Google's Messages app. Now, this standardized version of E2EE should enable it for more RCS conversations. Apple has not committed to a specific timeline for adding E2EE to RCS.
