Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Android 17 is introducing stricter rules for apps that play audio in the background. Apps will need to be actively in use or use approved background services to control audio playback. The change aims to reduce random, unexpected audio playback, which can lead to potentially embarrassing moments for users. … Read More “Android 17 cracks down on apps that play surprise audio in the background” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google has introduced a new Android 17 feature called “Continue On” that lets users move apps between Android devices and continue where they left off. The feature will initially support phone-to-tablet handoffs, with app suggestions appearing directly in the tablet taskbar. Continue On is part of Google’s broader push … Read More “Android 17 adds seamless device switching with Continue On” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 is now available for Pixel testers to install. Today’s release arrives just two weeks after Beta 2. Google says this update includes “a minor SDK release.” Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority? Google got the ball rolling on Android 17 QPR1 … Read More “Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 is now ready for Pixel testers to install” »
TL;DR Following Google’s announcement last week to revamp all 4,000 Android emojis into a “Noto 3D” style, a new leak offers a much more detailed look at the library. Developer RKBDI obtained the new emojis ahead of their official rollout and packaged them into a Magisk module for early testing. These emojis are scheduled to … Read More “Here is your first detailed look at Android’s new Noto 3D emojis” »
TL;DR Google’s separate Android Show format continues to work in Android’s favor, giving Android 17 room to shine without getting buried under AI announcements at I/O. Android 17’s biggest additions include app bubbles for faster multitasking, native controller remapping for gamers, and improved one-time location permissions focused on privacy. After using the beta, Android 17 … Read More “Google drops Android 17 deep dive ahead of stable release” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Android Canary 2605 is now available for the public to test. Releases are ready to download for Pixel 6 and newer devices. Changes include some blurry new background effects. We’re just days away from Google I/O 2026, but you won’t have to wait for the big developer event to … Read More “Android Canary’s May release is going hard on the blur effects” »
TL;DR Android 17 introduces biometric authentication for the “Mark as lost” feature, ensuring that even if a thief has your PIN, they cannot disable device tracking or regain access to your phone. Triggering “Mark as lost” now also goes beyond a simple lock, automatically hiding Quick Settings and disabling new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Google … Read More “Android 17’s latest anti-theft feature stops thieves who already have your PIN” »
TL;DR Google has detailed a long list of Android security and privacy upgrades for 2026, including protections against banking scam calls, device theft, malware, and fake Android builds. Android 17 will add new privacy features like temporary precise location sharing, improved contact access controls, and stronger Advanced Protection safeguards. Google is also expanding AI-powered threat … Read More “Google details 12 new Android security features for 2026” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority Gemini has been a big part of Android for the last couple of years. Google hasn’t been quiet or shy about its ambitions for the AI, regularly rolling out new models and features and finding new ways to integrate Gemini deeper and deeper into the Android OS. Google is pitching … Read More “Gemini Intelligence is the future of Android, and I already hate it” »
TL;DR Google has announced that an OS verification feature is coming to Android 17. This feature will tell you whether you’re running an official, Google-blessed Android version. The company is also offering a public ledger so users can verify the legitimacy of Google’s Android apps. Google has brought plenty of security improvements to Android over … Read More “Android 17 will soon tell you whether your OS is legit” »
