TL;DR Google has announced a major refresh for all 4,000 emojis on Android. Google will replace the existing flat emojis with 3D ones later this year. When they first arrive, the new emojis will roll out to Pixel devices. Android is evolving, and at the Android Show I/O Edition, Google has taken the time to … Read More “Google is giving Android’s 4,000 emojis a 3D glow-up, but there’s a catch” »
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” »
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR A recent Samsung One UI 8.5 update has revived the auto-hide taskbar toggle in DeX. Samsung initially ditched this toggle in One UI 8’s rebuilt desktop mode. This should make life much easier if you want a distraction-free experience while watching videos. Samsung’s DeX mode underwent massive changes last … Read More “Samsung quietly revived this immersive DeX feature” »
Tushar Mehta / Android Authority TL;DR YouTube Music on Wear OS appears to have a playback bug with offline playlists. Several users complain that downloaded playlists stop working after the first song. There’s currently no permanent fix to the solution, and we’re waiting for Google to respond. One of my main reasons for owning a … Read More “Pixel & Galaxy Watch users complain of a frustrating YouTube Music bug” »
Brady Snyder / Android Authority TL;DR Code inside the Google Home app for iOS references a possible new device called “Google Home Display.” The branding is notable because Google has already shown it’s moving away from the Nest name for upcoming smart home hardware. While nothing is confirmed yet, this could be our first hint … Read More “Google may finally have a true Nest Hub successor in the works” »
Paul Jones / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung appears to be working on a new One UI 9 feature that will let users block internet access for distracting apps. It also includes PIN protection and scheduled Downtime controls, suggesting Samsung could be building a parental-control and productivity hybrid tool. Samsung could be preparing a new productivity-focused … Read More “One UI 9 might bring Samsung’s most aggressive focus tool yet” »
TL;DR A Google executive has revealed more details about Googlebooks in a wide-ranging interview. The representative confirmed that these laptops will support chips from Intel, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. He also said that “core” Chrome OS capabilities are coming to Googlebooks. Google announced Googlebooks yesterday, and this new laptop category is effectively powered by Android. There … Read More “There’s good news if you want Googlebooks with great battery life” »
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR YouTube has announced a new “Buy with Google Pay” feature for connected TVs at Brandcast 2026. The feature lets you buy products shown in ads directly from your TV in just two clicks. While this could make shopping more convenient, it may also make YouTube ads feel even more … Read More “YouTube will now let you to shop from your TV with Google Pay” »
TL;DR Google VP John Maletis says there’s a “super robust” pipeline of upcoming Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus devices through this year and into next year. The statement is the clearest confirmation yet that ChromeOS laptops are not going away immediately, despite Google’s newly announced Googlebooks initiative. However, Google still appears to be positioning Googlebooks as … Read More “Google confirms new laptops are still coming” »
