Google has officially launched the first beta of Android 17, following the announcement made a few days earlier. Google changed developers' access to new Android releases by replacing the traditional Developer Preview model with the Android Canary program, an "always-on" continuous release channel that fundamentally changes the development timeline. The Canary program offers three critical advantages over the old model. First, developers get faster access to new features and APIs as soon as they pass internal testing, rather than waiting for quarterly releases. Second, the early "battle-testing" in Canary results in a significantly more polished Beta experience, with APIs and behavior changes that are closer to their final form.

Google has just announced the Android 17 Beta update, marking the end of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2. The next release in the pipeline is Android 17 Beta. Here's what you need to know about staying enrolled in the Beta program and accessing the latest Android 17 Beta as soon as it becomes available. The first Android 17 beta may be released as soon as tomorrow, February 12, 2025. The best part is Android 17 will now be available for Pixel 9 Pro all the way down to Pixel 7, and may even Pixel 6!

Apple Inc. is preparing to integrate voice-controlled artificial intelligence applications from third-party developers into CarPlay. Google's Gemini AI will back Siri. Similar to Android Auto, we may see gemini backed Siri in Apple CarPlay. The company plans to roll out support for these applications within the coming months, enabling AI providers to develop CarPlay-compatible versions of their apps with dedicated voice-control functionality. However, Apple will maintain certain restrictions: users won't be able to replace the Siri button or customize the wake word. Instead, drivers will need to manually open each third-party app to activate its voice-control features.

Samsung recently opened the One UI 8.5 beta program, featuring a collection of AI-powered tools aimed at boosting creativity, connectivity, and security. The update emphasizes a seamless user experience through streamlined device management and enhanced security features. After the initial release, Samsung rolled out Beta 4 and extended the program to all eligible regions, including India, the United States, and the UK. This latest build, version ZZAL, concentrates on stability improvements by resolving numerous performance challenges. This update includes several important fixes. The lock screen clock positioning issue has been corrected.

Recently, the well-known custom ROM known as Lineage OS received an official update to Android 16 with a new build number 23 in the stable channel. This brought Android 16 to even more smartphones from various OEMs, including Google's own Pixel range, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and more. Today, the LineageOS team has unveiled LineageOS 23.2. This halftime release brings a fresh coat of paint with Google's Material Expressive design system, alongside privacy-focused, bloatware-free Android experiences across a massive range of devices. Lineage OS developer team says, one of the most significant changes affecting LineageOS 23.2 comes from Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

Google has rolled out Android Auto 16.2 into the beta program, introducing several significant updates. The latest Android Auto update brings new features, including redesigned Home Screen widgets, Material 3 Expressive design, WiFi connection fix, Bluetooth connectivity fixes, alongside Gemini AI integration for select users. Gemini now replaces the traditional Google Assistant on Android Auto, reflecting Google's ongoing shift away from its original voice assistant. Since Gemini's announcement, Google Assistant's capabilities have been gradually diminished, and the company recently confirmed plans to remove the native assistant entirely from Android in favor of Gemini.

Google is officially rolling out a significant design overhaul for Gemini Live on Android and iOS. Moving away from the intrusive full-screen experience that has defined the AI assistant since its launch, the new update introduces two sleek floating interfaces - one a pill and a chat bubble. This redesign prioritizes multitasking, allowing users to interact with Gemini’s advanced voice capabilities while continuing to navigate other apps on their device. Gemini Live new floating UI The New Look: Multitasking with the "Floating Panel" Previously, activating Gemini Live meant surrendering your entire screen to the AI.

The most popular browser, Google Chrome, is getting Gemini AI on every tab. Google has unveiled groundbreaking updates to Chrome that integrate Gemini 3, its most advanced AI model, bringing agentic capabilities directly into your browser. In the top right corner of the browser, users will find a new Gemini option that can be summoned anytime. For years, web browsers have been passive tools waiting for our commands. We open tabs, we search, we click, we copy and paste. But Google says, what if your browser could actively work alongside you, understanding your needs and handling complex tasks autonomously?

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 users are reporting a new software update rolling out to their devices with the latest January 2026 security patch level. This is the second update after the most anticipated One UI8 Watch OS upgrade. The latest update is sparking hope among the community that persistent issues from the One UI 8 update will finally be resolved. This development comes as welcome news to users who have been experiencing various bugs since the major firmware upgrade. The Galaxy Watch 4 community has been eagerly anticipating fixes for problems that emerged following the One UI 8 rollout.

Google Search is going to be even more annoying for the end user as it gets more AI crap, and AI Mode will take over your entire Google Search soon. This means no direct website links will be shown once you click on the AI Overview button. This will take you directly to the AI Mode. Today's Google announcement is a massive overhaul to the Search experience, fundamentally changing how we interact with the web. The headline? Gemini 3 is now the default engine powering AI Overviews globally, and the barrier between a static search result and a dynamic conversation has been dissolved.

Google has rolled out Android Auto 16.1 to its stable channel, introducing several significant updates. The latest Android Auto update brings new features, including redesigned Home Screen widgets, alongside Gemini AI integration for select users. Gemini now replaces the traditional Google Assistant on Android Auto, reflecting Google's ongoing shift away from its original voice assistant. Since Gemini's announcement, Google Assistant's capabilities have been gradually diminished, and the company recently confirmed plans to remove the native assistant entirely from Android in favor of Gemini. Despite this transition, Google's implementation strategy appears inconsistent.

Google has rolled out Android Auto 16.1 to its beta channel, introducing several significant updates. The latest Android Auto update brings new features, including redesigned Home Screen widgets, alongside Gemini AI integration for select users. Gemini now replaces the traditional Google Assistant on Android Auto, reflecting Google's ongoing shift away from its original voice assistant. Since Gemini's announcement, Google Assistant's capabilities have been gradually diminished, and the company recently confirmed plans to remove the native assistant entirely from Android in favor of Gemini. Despite this transition, Google's implementation strategy appears inconsistent.

Google has rolled out the stable Android 16 update and continues to release new upgrades every quarter through its QPR beta channel. Many OEMs are now deploying Android 16 to their smartphones, including Samsung, Nothing, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and others. The latest smartphone manufacturer to join this rollout is Motorola. Motorola has just released stable Android 16 firmware, beginning with the Moto Edge 60 Stylus. The update features Material 3 Expressive design, enhanced protection from malicious apps, support for LE Audio devices, and more transparent background activity management.

The Samsung LockStar app has just received its biggest update, version 8.5.00.8, for Galaxy devices. It now supports One UI 8.5 (Android 16) or earlier. The previous update added several customization options, including dynamic wallpaper and widget integration. Here, download LockStar 8.5 APK. Samsung's Lock Star update for One UI 8.5 introduces the most anticipated lock screen customization options, including AOD brightness control, widget integration, and 10 fully customizable unlock animations, including warp, mosaic, and ripple effects. Shortly after the Good Lock 2025 release, all of its modules are now being updated with support to One UI 8.

Get free AI wallpapers for your smartphone with creative ideas. These AI-generated wallpapers offer stunning, unique designs that can make your device truly stand out. The best part? They are free, and you get static and live wallpapers, which can be set on your lock screen as well. Whether you're looking for static images or dynamic video wallpapers, several platforms like Grok and Midjourney now offer free access to high-quality AI-created content. This guide explores the best sources for AI wallpapers and walks you through the simple process of downloading and applying them to your device.

The Android beta program has rolled out its latest update, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, based on Google's January 2026 Feature Drop for Pixel devices, bringing platform improvements, performance optimizations, and several user-requested features that have been years in the making. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 features extensive list of fixes spanning battery management, connectivity, UI performance, and app compatibility. Google Releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 with Extensive Bug Fixes Google has officially released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for eligible Pixel devices, marking another significant step in refining the Android experience.

Google has announced a significant feature update for Gmail, following the recent introduction of its handy address change feature. The 2026 mobile app update brings several improvements, including a repositioned Gemini logo, a Material 3 Expressive UI upgrade, AI Overviews for instant summaries and answers, Suggested Replies, and enhanced Help Me Write tools. While Google also unveiled AI Inbox, that feature won't arrive until later this year. The latest improvements to Google's Material 3 Expressive design language and Gemini for Gmail include a notable interface change: the Gemini AI logo and profile icon have swapped positions, making it easier to access Gemini AI at any time within the Gmail app.

In a groundbreaking announcement that is reshaping the mobile technology landscape, Apple and Google have revealed a multi-year collaboration that will fundamentally transform Apple Intelligence. The partnership centers on integrating Google's Gemini models into Apple's ecosystem, promising to deliver a more personalized Siri and innovative AI-driven experiences across iPhone and iPad devices. Google's integration of its Gemini AI assistant into Android phones has significantly benefited the company, driving both Pixel smartphone sales and stock performance. As a pioneering AI-powered smartphone assistant, Gemini has distinguished itself in the market. Users particularly appreciate having free access to Gemini's information extraction capabilities directly on their devices.

Google has officially begun rolling out its monthly software update for January 2026 to Pixel devices, bringing a suite of bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements to its entire supported lineup. The phased rollout, which started recently, targets all compatible Pixel devices running Android 16, from the Pixel 7a to the latest Pixel 10 series. The highlight of the update is the fix for battery drain, charging optimization, and improvements to GPU performance. What's New in the January 2026 Pixel Update This month's update focuses primarily on addressing specific user-reported issues and improving overall device stability.

Google just released a major Android Auto 16 version to the beta channel, featuring Gemini Live, a feature for the dashboard to display as left-hand drive or right-hand drive, and support for more car models and car head units. Google rolled out Gemini AI assistant across Pixel phones, Wear OS 6, Google TV, Google Home, and Google Maps. Android Auto has also now joined this growing list of AI-powered platforms. Android Auto received a bunch of new features recently, with new Home Screen widgets and Gemini AI activations for some.

Can't access the VLC (Videolan) website? Here are the direct download links. Also, check out the alternatives.

Big changes are coming to Gmail. Following the Gmail address change feature, Google is flooding its email service with AI. Gmail is getting AI features powered by Gemini 3, including AI Overviews for instant answers, enhanced Help Me Write tools, Suggested Replies, and AI Inbox prioritization. Here's everything new in Gmail, which could change email management for 3 billion users starting today, for better or worse. Google recently rolled out a very useful feature that would allow you to change or fix your @gmail email addresses. In a recent…

Google has rolled out the highly anticipated Wear OS 6.1 software update for its Pixel lineup, introducing intuitive gesture controls and robust on-device AI capabilities. Alongside this release, Google launched a significant update to Gemini for Wear OS version 1.28.800, designed to complement the new software while delivering its own enhanced features. Google has successfully transitioned from the native Google Assistant to a dedicated Gemini for Wear OS app, now available globally on eligible devices. While the initial rollout began earlier this year for select devices and regions, Gemini has now achieved worldwide availability.

Google just released a major Android Auto 16 version to the beta channel, featuring Gemini Live, a feature for the dashboard to display as left-hand drive or right-hand drive, and support for more car models and car head units. Google rolled out Gemini AI assistant across Pixel phones, Wear OS 6, Google TV, Google Home, and Google Maps. Android Auto has also now joined this growing list of AI-powered platforms. Android Auto received a bunch of new features recently, with new Home Screen widgets and Gemini AI activations for some.

Google has expanded Gemini’s role in Google TV with a major update unveiled at CES 2026, positioning AI as the core interface for how users discover content, manage settings, and interact with their televisions. The new Gemini-powered experience is designed to make Google TV more interactive, intuitive, and visually engaging across a broader range of devices, including smart TVs and projectors. The highlight of this upgrade is a visually rich discovery framework that enhances search and informational queries with high-resolution imagery, contextual videos, and real-time data such as sports updates. For more complex questions, Gemini introduces “Deep Dives,” narrated and interactive overviews that break down topics in an accessible, family-friendly way, reinforcing Google TV’s role as both an entertainment hub and an at-home learning platform.