MediaTek has announced that its new Dimensity 9400 chipset is optimized for Google's Gemini Nano with multimodality LLM!

Gemini Nano with multimodality is the newer version of Gemini Nano that's currently only available on the Pixel 9 series. It supports audio, speech, and image inputs in addition to text and powers features like Pixel Screenshots, on-device Talkback denoscriptions, and Call Notes on the Pixel 9.

Expect upcoming phones with this new MediaTek chip to support the LLM. I'd imagine Qualcomm will make a similar announcement soon as well.

Google is testing a new version of Chrome for Android with extensions support

The new Desktop Android project brings browser extensions support to Chrome for Android, but there's a catch: It's not intended for mobile devices at the moment.

More details on this new project can be found in my latest article on Android Authority.

The October 2024 Android Security Bulletin is now live.

The Android Security Bulletin for October 2024 is the first bulletin after the launch of Android 15, and it lists some fixes for security vulnerabilities that impact the latest version.

Fortunately, there are no "critical" severity vulnerabilities in this month's bulletin.

The Search for an AOSP Developer Community.

At the recent Linux Plumbers Conference, Chris Simmonds, who organizes the bi-monthly AOSP and AAOS meetup, did a talk about the need for an AOSP Developer Community.

There are a lot of great online and offline communities for Android app developers, but nothing of the sort exists for Android platform developers, which is a big shame.

The closest thing for me is a few Telegram/Discord groups I hang out in, but none are open to the public or really focused on AOSP discussions.

I support this effort and look forward to helping foster a new AOSP developer community! If you're an Android platform developer who wants to be involved, let me know!

The Android taskbar could soon be upgraded to show recent apps

The taskbar currently shows up to 6 pinned apps and 2 suggested apps, but it could soon swap those suggested apps with recently used apps.

🔗 Details + a demo can be found here.

Breaking: the Judge in the Epic v Google case has just issued his final ruling, which states that Google must open up its Play Store catalog to 3P app stores and distribute those 3P app stores within Google Play.

The judge also ruled that Google can't require Google Play app billing, stop developers from telling users about other ways to pay, stop developers from linking to alternative distribution methods, and more.

These are HUGE changes, the implications of which will be massive to Google's Play Store business.

Highly recommend reading The Verge's coverage for the full breakdown!

Google has announced that they are appealing this decision and asking the court to pause Epic's requested changes to the Play Store and Android.

Google is experimenting with putting a Gemini button ... right on the Android lock screen.

A new feature in the latest Android 15 beta adds an✨AI button to the lock screen, but I'm not sure what it's for just yet.

✅ Images of this new AI button can be found here.

Android 15 added a single app screen sharing feature, but there's a small issue with it:

If you want to switch the app you're sharing, you have to stop then restart the recording/casting session.

Fortunately, Google has a solution to this problem in the form of a task switcher for partial screen sharing. More details on this upcoming feature can be found in this article.

Here's an early look at Nothing OS 3.0, Nothing's next big Android update!

I think Nothing did a great job at adapting Android 15. I especially love the new notifications/Quick Settings design as well as the lock screen customization changes!

🔗 What's new in Nothing OS 3.0 (Android Faithful)

Google is redesigning Android's keyboard shortcut menu to make it better for tablets

Android 15 QPR1 could deliver a revamped keyboard shortcut menu with a side navigation rail

🔗A video of this updated menu can be found in this article.

Google hasn't rolled out Android's note-taking feature yet...but they added a new capability in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 anyways.

Now, when you try to insert a screenshot into a note, you might have the option to attach a URL as well.

🔗More details on this change can be found in my latest article for Android Police.

Here's a first look at Android's new tutorial for touchpad gestures!

Android lets you use touchpad gestures for navigation, but Google is now adding a gorgeous tutorial that explains how to use them.

🔗 Screenshots available in this article.

Can't help but think this is all in preparation for the launch of the Pixel Tablet 2 🤔

YouTube for Android TV is rolling out a Netflix-like account switcher

The new account switcher is independent of Android TV's system-wide profiles and also lets you choose what account to use at startup.

🔗Screenshots and details can be found in this article.