Google’s Android Automotive is moving from the dashboard to the ‘brain’ of the car
Google's Android Automotive is moving from the dashboard to the 'brain' of the car Android Automotive in a Volvo EX90 | Image: Volvo Google announced a new version of its Android Automotive open-source operating system for software-defined vehicles. Whereas previously Android Automotive operated exclusively in the car’s infotainment system, Google is now expanding its “open […]
Gemini’s task automation is here and it’s wild
Gemini's task automation is here and it's wild Computers ordering cappuccinos. A couple of weeks ago, Google and Samsung announced a big Gemini development coming to their newest devices: task automation. Starting with food delivery and rideshare apps, Gemini would be able to use certain apps on your behalf in a virtual window to take […]
This phone starts fires on purpose
This phone starts fires on purpose Until now, most mobile phone companies have worked to ensure their phones won’t start fires. (Occasional Samsung devices excepted, of course.) But this week at Mobile World Congress, we found a company that dared to go in a different direction. Oukitel’s WP63 rugged smartphone includes a built-in fire starter, […]
Tim Sweeney signed away his right to criticize Google until 2032
Tim Sweeney signed away his right to criticize Google until 2032 Epic CEO Tim Sweeney might be one of the most outspoken people in the history of the world. He fought two of the world’s most valuable and powerful companies almost all the way to the US Supreme Court, insulting them again and again: “crooked,” […]
Here’s how Google describes its fee-reducing Apps Experience and Games Level Up programs
Here's how Google describes its fee-reducing Apps Experience and Games Level Up programs Today, Google killed its 30 percent app store fee, partially uncoupled Google Play from Google Play Billing after they were declared an illegal monopoly in the US, and much more. From July, depending on where you live, Google will now generally charge […]
Google isn’t waiting for a settlement — the 30 percent Android app store fee is dead
Google isn't waiting for a settlement — the 30 percent Android app store fee is dead In November, Epic and Google jointly proposed a settlement that would change Android’s fate globally without cracking open Google’s Android monopoly quite the way it otherwise might. Today, Google has decided it’s not waiting for that settlement to be […]
Android’s Find Hub adds iPhone-like luggage tracking links
Android's Find Hub adds iPhone-like luggage tracking links A Chipolo Pop tracker. | Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge Google is rolling out an Android update that includes the ability to share the location of your missing luggage with an airline. It’s similar to the luggage-tracking feature Apple brought to the iPhone, allowing you […]
Gemini is getting its first agentic capabilities
Gemini is getting its first agentic capabilities Gemini can now prep a rideshare or grocery order, though you’ll have to submit the order yourself. | Image: Google Google’s Gemini AI is getting one step closer to being more like an actual assistant. Starting with some Pixel 10 phones and the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Gemini […]
Honor’s new MagicPad 4 is the world’s thinnest Android tablet
Honor's new MagicPad 4 is the world's thinnest Android tablet The new MagicPad 4 is a full millimeter thinner than last year’s model. | Image: Honor Honor has announced a new version of its already slim MagicPad tablet that’s now even thinner. Last year’s MagicPad 3 was just 5.8mm thick, but the new MagicPad 4 […]
The Pixel 10A is a little too much like last year’s phone
The Pixel 10A is a little too much like last year's phone Google’s midrange Pixels have been our top pick for budget Android phones for a while. They offer good cameras and most of what you need at a budget-friendly price. But this year’s upgrade feels so minimal, I’d liken it more to a Pixel […]