Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google is testing additional features for Gbaord’s Writing Tools. In addition to the existing presets, Gboard could soon allow custom text modifications. In addition to improving text, the keyboard could also draft fresh text. Additionally, Gboard could read what’s on your screen to provide better context for writing. Ahead … Read More “Gboard could soon use your screenshots and chats to draft much better replies than you” »
TL;DR The RCS Universal Profile 4.0 announced support for cross-platform video calls. Google Messages currently supports video calls though ViLTE and Meet. In its latest beta, Messages adds a new string explicitly referencing RCS video calls. It’s almost hard to believe that we’re still finding new ways to improve messaging in 2026 — you’d think … Read More “Google Messages is getting ready for RCS video calls” »
Taylor Kerns / Android Authority TL;DR Google is testing a new interface for its voice search feature on the Android app. We’ve spotted new shortcuts for other Google products being tested within the interface. Along with shortcuts, Google is also experimenting with a new “Auto search” toggle. Of late, Google appears hyper-focused on embedding shortcuts … Read More “Google’s OG voice search may be getting smarter with new features” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Messages is moving closer to completely removing the convenient QR code pairing method for its desktop web app. In the v20260511 beta version of the Android app, the built-in QR code scanner option has vanished entirely. Users will be forced to link their devices and access the web … Read More “Google Messages’ easiest pairing method is about to disappear” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR An Android Authority teardown has revealed that Google is working on a feature to fight phone number spoofing. Strings suggest that the Google Phone app could warn you when a caller is pretending to be one of your contacts. This comes roughly a month after we discovered Google’s work … Read More “Someone pretending to be your contact during calls? Google Phone could soon fight back.” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Messages shows further signs of progress on letting users set custom themes for chats. More work on the back end implements support for custom background wallpapers. Messages is also tweaking how users control Smart Reply behavior. The last days of Samsung Messages are upon us, as the company … Read More “Google Messages is getting closer to offering custom backgrounds” »
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Gemini’s latest Android update introduces a new icon with slightly different gradient colors. The update also allows Gemini to receive audio files directly from the Android share sheet, making it easier to share files from audio apps. We’ve also spotted new “Luminous” icons destined for the Gemini widget. Gemini … Read More “Gemini on Android gets a new icon, smarter audio sharing, and a ‘Luminous’ look” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR An Android Authority teardown has revealed that Samsung plans to use the Dimensity 9500 chip in an upcoming release. History suggests that the Galaxy Tab S12 series will be equipped with the flagship MediaTek processor. The teardown also reveals AI features associated with the Dimensity 9500, such as generative … Read More “Galaxy Tab S12 series? Samsung app reveals Dimensity 9500 device is coming” »
Paul Jones / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung’s One UI 9 could remind you to look at high-priority notifications. We’ve seen evidence suggesting that One UI 9 could use Now Brief to remind you to check priority notifications. Now Brief could remind you multiple times during the day to address important notifications. With One UI 8.5, … Read More “Keep missing priority notifications on your Galaxy phone? One UI 9 could fix that with Now Brief” »
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Google appears to be preparing a new “People Finding” mode for the Find Hub when you’re near the person you’re looking for. It’s possible this could be a short-range directional tool similar to Apple’s Precision Finding. It’s not yet clear if UWB support on both phones will be … Read More “Find Hub ‘People Finding’ upgrade could offer Apple-style precision” »
