🔔 Here's how Google's changing notifications in Android 16 with Live Updates
A lot of people were confused by Google's announcement of Live Updates in Android 16.
My latest article 👇 explores the feature in more detail
🔗 https://androidauthority.com/android-16-live-notifications-3518375/
Oh, and I found confirmation within the Android developer docs that Live Updates will appear as chips in the status bar, which lines up with my previous reporting on Rich Ongoing Notifications!
A lot of people were confused by Google's announcement of Live Updates in Android 16.
My latest article 👇 explores the feature in more detail
🔗 https://androidauthority.com/android-16-live-notifications-3518375/
Oh, and I found confirmation within the Android developer docs that Live Updates will appear as chips in the status bar, which lines up with my previous reporting on Rich Ongoing Notifications!
Android Authority
Here's how Google's changing notifications in Android 16 with Live Updates
Android 16 will introduce Live Updates, a new class of notification that's always on top. Here's how it compare to iOS Live Activities.
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🕶Android 16 prepares to make dark mode work with more apps
Android may add a new feature that automatically converts light theme apps to dark theme, even if they don't have a native dark theme.
Details + screenshots can be found at the link👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-forced-dark-mode-3521090/
Android may add a new feature that automatically converts light theme apps to dark theme, even if they don't have a native dark theme.
Details + screenshots can be found at the link👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-forced-dark-mode-3521090/
Android Authority
Android 16 prepares to make dark mode work with more apps
Google is working on a new feature for Android 16 that automatically puts apps into dark mode, even if they don't support it.
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New Play Protect features on Android protect against dangerous apps
- Play Protect can't be disabled during calls
- Chrome will ask you to turn on Play Protect before sideloading
- Play Protect will autorevoke permissions for dangerous apps
Details👇
🔗 https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-play-protect-jan-2025/
- Play Protect can't be disabled during calls
- Chrome will ask you to turn on Play Protect before sideloading
- Play Protect will autorevoke permissions for dangerous apps
Details👇
🔗 https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-play-protect-jan-2025/
Android Faithful
New Play Protect features roll out on Android to protect against dangerous apps
Google has just revealed how effective its Play Protect service was at protecting users in 2024, and it also unveiled some new security features that are available now.
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Mishaal's Android News Feed
A major update to scrcpy is out, bringing a very nifty feature: Virtual display support! scrcpy can now create virtual displays that you can mirror instead of your device's main display. This means you can stream apps to your PC and still use your phone at…
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 broke the ability for scrcpy to create virtual displays, as the requisite permissions were removed from shell.
However, Google now says it has added back these permissions to shell for Android 16.
While this will re-enable scrcpy's virtual display feature, Google warns that these permissions are only held by shell for testing purposes and may be removed again in the future without notice.
However, Google now says it has added back these permissions to shell for Android 16.
While this will re-enable scrcpy's virtual display feature, Google warns that these permissions are only held by shell for testing purposes and may be removed again in the future without notice.
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🔫 Android 16's Linux Terminal will soon let you run graphical apps, so of course I ran Doom
ICYMI: Google's been working on a Terminal app that runs Debian in a VM, and they've made steady progress on it.
Click 👇for more details on this progress
🔗 https://androidauthority.com/android-16-linux-terminal-doom-3521804/
(Once again, "The Only Thing They Fear Is You" is stuck in my head.)
ICYMI: Google's been working on a Terminal app that runs Debian in a VM, and they've made steady progress on it.
Click 👇for more details on this progress
🔗 https://androidauthority.com/android-16-linux-terminal-doom-3521804/
(Once again, "The Only Thing They Fear Is You" is stuck in my head.)
Android Authority
Android 16's Linux Terminal will soon let you run graphical apps, so of course we ran Doom
Android 16’s Linux Terminal will soon be able to run graphical Linux apps, so we fired up Doom to show this feature off.
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Looks like T-Mobile and Starlink are starting to let some Pixel 9 users into the satellite messaging beta.
Just heard from two Pixel 9 Pro XL users that they were invited to the beta.
When the beta first launched two weeks ago, it was reported that only 5 Samsung models were supported (Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, S24 series). My OnePlus 13 wasn't accepted into the beta, but hopefully that'll change soon.
FWIW: Google has been testing Starlink support on the Pixel 9 for a few months now.
Just heard from two Pixel 9 Pro XL users that they were invited to the beta.
When the beta first launched two weeks ago, it was reported that only 5 Samsung models were supported (Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, S24 series). My OnePlus 13 wasn't accepted into the beta, but hopefully that'll change soon.
FWIW: Google has been testing Starlink support on the Pixel 9 for a few months now.
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🛜 Quick Settings on Android could revert to expanding tiles the old way
Google is testing a change that brings back the old Quick Settings tile expansion behavior from Android 5.1.
It's far from finished, but here's a video showing the current state👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-quick-settings-expansion-3521878/
Google is testing a change that brings back the old Quick Settings tile expansion behavior from Android 5.1.
It's far from finished, but here's a video showing the current state👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-quick-settings-expansion-3521878/
Android Authority
Quick Settings on Android could revert to expanding tiles the old way
Google may change how the Quick Settings tiles for Internet and Bluetooth expand. Here's a first look at how they could behave on Android.
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📏 Android 16 is getting more personalized with new regional preference options
Android 16 may let you set your preferred measurement system and region independent of the system language.
Here's why that's important👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-region-measurement-settings-3521970/
Android 16 may let you set your preferred measurement system and region independent of the system language.
Here's why that's important👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-region-measurement-settings-3521970/
Android Authority
Android 16 is getting more personalized with new regional preference options
Android 16 could finally let you set your phone's region independently of the system language. Here's why that matters.
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One Googler says that "AVF is mandatory starting from Android 16."
AVF, if you aren't aware, is the Android Virtualization Framework. It provides a set of APIs for system apps to run payloads in an Android or Linux virtual machine. It's also notably what enables the new Linux Terminal app in Android 16.
Almost every OEM has devices supporting AVF, with the lone exception of Samsung (possibly due to conflicts with Knox). I thought this would change with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series, as they launch with vendor software built for Android 15, and AFAIK, VSR-15 still has a clause mandating that devices launching on API level 202404 support AVF. So I'm not sure what happened here, but hopefully the requirement is actually real in Android 16, at least for newly launching devices.
AVF, if you aren't aware, is the Android Virtualization Framework. It provides a set of APIs for system apps to run payloads in an Android or Linux virtual machine. It's also notably what enables the new Linux Terminal app in Android 16.
Almost every OEM has devices supporting AVF, with the lone exception of Samsung (possibly due to conflicts with Knox). I thought this would change with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series, as they launch with vendor software built for Android 15, and AFAIK, VSR-15 still has a clause mandating that devices launching on API level 202404 support AVF. So I'm not sure what happened here, but hopefully the requirement is actually real in Android 16, at least for newly launching devices.
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The supported Linux kernel versions for Android 16 have been revealed. They include:
Upgrades:
- android11-5.4
- android12-5.4
- android12-5.10
- android13-5.10
- android13-5.15
- android14-5.15
- android14-6.1
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12
New launches for devices with chipsets not under GRF:
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12
New launches for devices with chipsets under GRF:
- android13-5.15
- android14-5.15
- android14-6.1
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12
---
Yes, this means that there could be new Android 16 devices shipping with a kernel/vendor software built for Android 13.
Upgrades:
- android11-5.4
- android12-5.4
- android12-5.10
- android13-5.10
- android13-5.15
- android14-5.15
- android14-6.1
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12
New launches for devices with chipsets not under GRF:
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12
New launches for devices with chipsets under GRF:
- android13-5.15
- android14-5.15
- android14-6.1
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12
---
Yes, this means that there could be new Android 16 devices shipping with a kernel/vendor software built for Android 13.
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✨Google Photos will now add an invisible watermark to images edited with Reimagine
Photos will start using SynthID, a technology that embeds imperceptible digital watermarks into images, to mark images edited with Reimagine.
🔗 https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-photos-reimagine-watermark/
Photos will start using SynthID, a technology that embeds imperceptible digital watermarks into images, to mark images edited with Reimagine.
🔗 https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-photos-reimagine-watermark/
Android Faithful
Google Photos will now add an invisible watermark to images edited with Reimagine
When you use the Reimagine feature in the Google Photos app, your AI-edited photos will have an invisible watermark made using SynthID technology.
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⌨️ Android 16 could finally let you remap keyboard shortcuts
Google's working to let you reassign the key combinations that perform Android system actions.
More details 👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-customizable-keyboard-shortcuts-3524017/
Google's working to let you reassign the key combinations that perform Android system actions.
More details 👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-customizable-keyboard-shortcuts-3524017/
Android Authority
Android 16 could finally let you remap keyboard shortcuts
Android 16 could introduce a new keyboard shortcut customization feature that'll let you remap shortcuts to custom key combos.
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Android 16 may give you a heads up when your phone's time zone changes
Google is working on a "time zone alerts" feature that notifies you when your phone's time zone has been automatically updated.
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-time-zone-alerts-3524074/
Google is working on a "time zone alerts" feature that notifies you when your phone's time zone has been automatically updated.
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-time-zone-alerts-3524074/
Android Authority
Android can now give you a heads up when your phone's time zone changes
Google is working on a feature for Android that alerts you when your device’s time zone has been automatically updated.
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The OnePlus Watch 3 is launching next week!
OnePlus has confirmed its next flagship smartwatch is launching next Tuesday in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The OnePlus Watch 3 will have class-leading battery life (up to 120 hours in Smart Mode, up to 16 days in Power Saver Mode) thanks to its large 631mAh Silicon NanoStack battery and Dual-Engine Architecture (Snapdragon W5 chipset for performance plus BES2800 MCU for efficiency).
It'll come in two colors: Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium. It'll have a stainless steel casing, a titanium alloy bezel with PVD coating, and a 2D Sapphire Crystal display.
The OnePlus Watch 2 was my favorite smartwatch of 2024, and it's still the one I wear today. If OnePlus just improves on the formula, then the Watch 3 will probably be my favorite watch of 2025.
OnePlus has confirmed its next flagship smartwatch is launching next Tuesday in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The OnePlus Watch 3 will have class-leading battery life (up to 120 hours in Smart Mode, up to 16 days in Power Saver Mode) thanks to its large 631mAh Silicon NanoStack battery and Dual-Engine Architecture (Snapdragon W5 chipset for performance plus BES2800 MCU for efficiency).
It'll come in two colors: Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium. It'll have a stainless steel casing, a titanium alloy bezel with PVD coating, and a 2D Sapphire Crystal display.
The OnePlus Watch 2 was my favorite smartwatch of 2024, and it's still the one I wear today. If OnePlus just improves on the formula, then the Watch 3 will probably be my favorite watch of 2025.
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🗺 This app lets you use Samsung's tracker tags with any Android phone
Tired of poor performance with Google's Find My Device network? The new uTag app by Kieron Quinn lets you use a Galaxy SmartTag with any Android phone.
More details👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/smarttags-non-samsung-3523131/
Tired of poor performance with Google's Find My Device network? The new uTag app by Kieron Quinn lets you use a Galaxy SmartTag with any Android phone.
More details👇
🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/smarttags-non-samsung-3523131/
Android Authority
This app lets you use Samsung's tracker tags with any Android phone
A new app called uTag lets you use Samsung SmartTags with any Android device. Here's how it works and how to get it.
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Mishaal's Android News Feed
Google I/O 2025 is happening May 20-21, 2025!
Just registered for Google I/O 2025! To anyone else attending in-person, I'll see you there!
Excited to hear about all the new Android news😆
Excited to hear about all the new Android news😆
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🏫 Google extends Family Link School-Time Controls to Android Phones, Tablets
Google has unveiled new supervision tools for parents in Family Link. Here's what new controls are available for Android phones and tablets👇
https://www.androidfaithful.com/family-link-school-time/
Google has unveiled new supervision tools for parents in Family Link. Here's what new controls are available for Android phones and tablets👇
https://www.androidfaithful.com/family-link-school-time/
Android Faithful
Google extends Family Link School-Time Controls to Android Phones, Tablets
Google has unveiled new supervision tools for parents in Family Link. Here's what new controls are available for Android phones and tablets.
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Google is now rolling out the Sensitive Content Warnings feature in Google Messages!
This feature uses on-device machine learning to recognize when an image contains nudity, blurring them before you can view them in Google Messages. This feature is optional for adults for opt-out for users under 18.
In addition, Google says it'll begin testing a ML-based age estimation model in the U.S. later this year so it can estimate whether a user is < 18 and apply age-appropriate experiences.
(By the way, if you're wondering what that new "Android System SafetyCore" app that mysteriously showed up on your Android phone is all about, it's what powers the on-device nude image recognition feature.)
This feature uses on-device machine learning to recognize when an image contains nudity, blurring them before you can view them in Google Messages. This feature is optional for adults for opt-out for users under 18.
In addition, Google says it'll begin testing a ML-based age estimation model in the U.S. later this year so it can estimate whether a user is < 18 and apply age-appropriate experiences.
(By the way, if you're wondering what that new "Android System SafetyCore" app that mysteriously showed up on your Android phone is all about, it's what powers the on-device nude image recognition feature.)
Android Authority
Google Messages is adding new security features to protect you from scams
Google Messages is getting five new security features that will help keep you safe from spammers and scammers.
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With every new teaser, the OPPO Find N5 seems like it's gonna be the best book-style foldable this year!
Sadly, OnePlus has just confirmed this phone won't be launching in the U.S. as the OnePlus Open 2. I had heard the Open 2 was cancelled a few months ago, but I was hoping my source was incorrect. Unfortunately they were not.
Hopefully OPPO launches the Find N5 in the markets where the Open 2 would've been, but I don't see them expanding into the U.S. with this product 🥲
Sadly, OnePlus has just confirmed this phone won't be launching in the U.S. as the OnePlus Open 2. I had heard the Open 2 was cancelled a few months ago, but I was hoping my source was incorrect. Unfortunately they were not.
Hopefully OPPO launches the Find N5 in the markets where the Open 2 would've been, but I don't see them expanding into the U.S. with this product 🥲
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