Apple to Base Apple Intelligence on Google's AI
Apple and Google have released a statement confirming that "the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year." Apple clarified that privacy features of Apple Intelligence, and Apple's privacy promises, will remain unchanged, including on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute where necessary. After struggling to deliver competitive AI features for several years, and delaying key Apple Intelligence features several times, Apple now says that it "determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models".
Google Brings Live Video Sharing to 911 Calls on Android
Google has launched a new feature of Android that makes it easy to share live video with an emergency dispatcher during an emergency phone call or text. Emergency Live Video on Android is a new feature that can be initiated by the dispatcher. "During an emergency call or text, a dispatcher can send a request to your phone to share live video. With a single tap, you can start securely streaming from your camera, allowing responders to quickly assess the situation and get you the right help in the moment." The feature requires no setup and works with a single tap. It is also optional (you can decline the request) and you can end video sharing at any time with a single tap. "The feature is rolling out today across the U.S., as well as select regions of Germany and Mexico, and is supported on Android phones running Android 8+ with Google Play services."
Play Store Customers to Receive Automatic Payments from $700 Million Google Settlement
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced details of how consumers will receive payment as part of a $700 million settlement with Google over anticompetitive practices with its Play Store policies. In most cases, the payments will be calculated and paid automatically. Anyone who made a purchase via the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 should be eligible. Affected consumers started receiving notices this week. Google will try to make payments automatically by matching Play Store account email addresses and/or phone numbers with PayPal or Venmo accounts. Where an eligible Play Store account email address or phone number cannot be matched to a PayPal or Venmo account, "consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number." There will also be a supplemental claims process for consumers who don't receive an automatic payment. The settlement still needs to be formally approved by the court, which will happen no sooner than April 30, 2026. The lawsuit was led by the Attorneys General of New York, Utah, North Carolina, and Tennessee, and joined by Attorneys General of all 50 states.
Google's Second Release of Android 16 Brings Smart Notifications and More
Google today released an updated version of Android 16 (known as "Android 16 QPR2") with a range of new features. This is a new kind of update, the product of Google's new release schedule for Android. Now, major Android versions will come out every second quarter, and minor updates like this come each fourth quarter. (Unlike major version updates, these minor updates should require little work for app developers.) One key new feature is AI-powered notification summaries and prioritizing. Longer messages can be automatically summarized, and "Notification organizer automatically groups and silences your lower-priority notifications (such as promotions, news, and social alerts)". Another feature to help prioritize important communication is Call Reason in Google's Phone app, which will let you "mark call as urgent" when calling someone. This will display an "It's urgent" banner on the incoming call screen of the recipient. (This feature is "coming soon" and in beta.) Google is also updating Circle to Search so it can better determine whether a message is a scam or not. Google is also making key parental controls available in Settings (instead of having to open the Family Link app.) Google is also introducing a more aggressive "expanded" Dark theme option that will even dim apps not designed for dark mode. Finally, there are new options for customizing the look of app icons. As usual, Google Pixel devices will be first to receive the update, with other manufacturers following on their own schedule.
Google Adding AirDrop to Android
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones. The feature will have a phased rollout, starting today with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google says it plans to expand the rollout to "more Android devices" over time.
Google Loosens Stance on Side-loading Unverified Apps in Android
Google has announced new details of its plan to restrict side-loaded apps in Android to ones that come from "verified" developers. ("Side-loaded" meaning apps installed via means other than Google's Play app store, or soon, registered third-party app stores.) To address concerns that have been raised in response to the plans, Google has now announced two specific exceptions: First, Google will make an exception for apps that are only made available to a small group and not the general public. Developers of such apps will not have to go through "the full verification requirements". Second, Google will create "a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified." This process will be designed specifically to thwart scammers that try to convince victims to install malware, the main issue the whole developer-verification system is intended to address. Google says it is still working out the details of these policies and systems, and is still inviting feedback on them.
Google Cracking Down on Battery-Draining Apps
Google is enhancing Android and its Play app store with a new power-efficiency metric for apps. If and when an app consistently crosses a threshold for "excessive" power usage, the app's public store page may show a warning about battery usage, and Google may limit how often the app is suggested. The new policy is slated to go into effect starting March 2026. More specifically, the metric measures "partial wake locks", which let apps keep the phone "awake" to perform background tasks even while the screen is off and the phone appears idle. Google's threshold for "excessive" is 2 cumulative hours in a 24 hour period. There are exceptions for certain activities such as audio playback and user-initiated data transfers. App developers can view this and other key metrics for their app(s) in Google's "Android vitals" dashboard.
Google Makes Maps Smarter, Conversational
Google is rolling out an update to its Google Maps app that integrates Gemini AI and adds several specific new features. Firstly, Google will now give directions using its knowledge of local landmarks, such as "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" instead of "turn right in 500 feet", and landmarks mentioned this way will be highlighted on the map. Secondly, voice search will be expanded to a full "conversational" AI assistant that can handle multi-step and multi-part questions and commands. For example, you will be able to say "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What's parking like there?" Followed by, "OK, let’s go there." Finally, if Maps is running, it will now proactively alert you to disruptions on the road ahead, even when you're not actively navigating to a destination. Landmark-based navigation and traffic alerts are rolling out now on Android and iOS in the US. Conversational AI will roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks "everywhere Gemini is available", with Android Auto "on the way."
Google, Epic Reach Settlement That Would Dramatically Reshape Play Store
Google and Epic Games have agreed to a new proposed settlement that would see Google revamp how its app ecosystem works, giving Epic most of what they have been seeking in years of litigation. Google has been on the losing end in a series of judgments throughout the process. Under the new agreement, Google's fee structure would become more complicated, but generally lower fees across the board. Google would allow third-party billing for in-app purchases, but still take a cut of either nine or 20 percent, depending on the purchase type and circumstances. Google would also separate out its cut for using Google Play billing as a separate five percent fee. Google will still require that developers provide Google Play billing as an option. Google also agrees to allow third-party app stores on Android, subject to its approval for security and privacy. The agreement, if approved by the judge in the case, would apply worldwide and stay in effect through June 2032.
Google Complies with Court Order on Third-Party Billing
Following a loss earlier this month with the US Supreme Court, Google is now officially allowing apps to direct US users out of Google's ecosystem for third-party in-app payments.
Google Fi Updates Web Messaging, SD Calling, and Wi-Fi Calling
Google today announced several various improvements to its Google Fi mobile service. First, Google Fi is updating its existing web-based calling and messaging option to support RCS, making it easier to share hi-res photos and videos from a computer or tablet. Second, when placing a voice call that is not enhanced with HD quality, such as a call to a land line, Google Fi will now apply AI-based audio processing to improve sound quality. This will both filter out background noise and "clarify voices" on both sides of the conversation. Finally, Google is expanding the "premium" Wi-Fi networks that a Pixel phone on Google Fi will automatically connect to, for features like Wi-Fi Calling. Google calls this feature Wi-Fi Auto Connect+, and newly supported venues include major airports, shopping malls, and stores. In total, this feature should now work at "millions of locations".
Google Turned Down by Supreme Court, Must Open up App Payments
Google has lost its final effort to delay new, court-ordered app store rules. The US Supreme Court has turned down Google's request to temporarily freeze parts of a key injunction. As as result, starting later this month, Google must allow developers to include external links in apps, enabling users to bypass Google's billing system. Google must comply even as it continues to appeal the case, which was started by Fortnite maker Epic Games. Additional provisions of the upheld injunction come into effect next year, including a requirement that Google allow users to download rival app stores within its Play Store.
Apple, Google Remove ICE Tracking Apps
Apple and Google have both removed apps from their app stores that let people report and see the locations of ICE agents. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that "ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs" and "we reached out to Apple [Thursday] demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store — and Apple did so". Apple says "We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps. ... Based on information we've received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store". Separately but just one day later, Google says it "removed similar apps for violations of our policies". Google says it was not contacted by the Justice Department about the apps. Joshua Aaron, the developer of ICEBlock, says he designed the app to help immigrants who are afraid of being deported. ICEBlock was downloaded more than 1 million times before it was banned.
Google Brings Conversational AI Photo Editing to More Phones
Google is rolling out its new AI-powered "conversational editing" feature in Google Photos to more phones, (beyond the Pixel 10 series). When editing a photo, a new "Help me edit" text box at the bottom lets you simply tell it what you want to do, which can be traditional edits, full generative AI, or anything in-between. Google's examples include: "remove the reflections and fix the washed out colors", "restore this old photo", "remove the cars in the background", "make it look like he's in Waikiki and add a tropical drink to the right", or even just "make it better". It can take multiple requests at once, or in series. Google says the new feature is "starting to roll out" to all "eligible" Android users in the US.
Google Revamps Gaming Platform with new Sidekick and Profiles
Google has announced a series of updates to Google Play that focus mainly on gaming. The biggest new feature might be the Play Games Sidekick, an in-game overlay that includes a variety of relevant info, tools, and shortcuts. This includes quick shortcuts for screenshots, screen recording, Do Not Disturb, and going Live on YouTube. It also includes your profile and points, game tips, achievements, streaks, quests, and coupons. For "select" games, a Gemini Live AI assistant can interactively offer verbal game advice, based on what it sees on your screen in real time. Google is also revamping its platform-wide player profiles and points system. Finally, Google is officially launching Google Play Games on PC, expanding its game-platform ambition beyond Android after a beta period.
Google Introduces Continuous On-Screen Language Translation
Google has announced an update to its "Circle to Search" feature on Android that enables continuous language translation of everything on the screen, even as you scroll and change apps. To access the feature, long-press the home button or navigation bar to start Circle to Search, tap the Translate icon, and tap "scroll and translate". The feature will come first to select Samsung Galaxy devices starting this week.
Google Brings AI Text Tools to its Keyboard
Google has announced an update to Gboard — its default keyboard software for Android — that introduces system-wide AI writing tools. This includes spelling and grammar fixes, proofreading, and rewriting in a different "tone", such as "formal, expressive or concise". This AI runs on-device (not in the cloud), ensuring privacy.
Google Brings Bluetooth Auracast to Pixel Phones
An update will enable Auracast on Google Pixel 8 series and newer phones. Auracast lets many phones tune in to a single broadcast Bluetooth audio source, and that source can be a phone, or a stationary device associated with a venue such as a gym, airport, or theater.
Google Barred from Requiring Its Apps on Phones with Play Store
A judge today issued remedies in the government's antitrust case against Google. Google won't be forced to divest its Android operating system, nor its Chrome web browser, as the Department of Justice had requested. Google will also be allowed to continue paying partners (including Apple) to pre-load Search and other Google products. However, Google will be barred from exclusive deals around the distribution of search, Google Assistant, Gemini, or Chrome. Google must also end its requirement that device makers pre-load Google apps in order to access the Play Store. It's unclear if Google will appeal.
Android Will Only Allow Side-Loaded Apps from Verified Developers
Google is introducing a new requirement in Android for side-loaded apps (those installed from sources other than the Google Play store.) In the future, Android will only run side-loaded apps that are confirmed to come from developers that have registered with Google and confirmed their identity. This feature alone won't prevent malware in side-loaded apps; but it does introduce a level of accountability when malware is found in a side-loaded app, making it more difficult for bad actors to be anonymous or hide behind multiple, fake identities. The feature will be enabled first in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, then globally in "2027 and beyond".
Google Pixel 10 Series Puts Big Upgrades In a Familiar Skin
Google has announced its latest lineup of Pixel phones. The four Pixel 10 models have the same naming scheme and basic outer designs as last year's Pixel 9 series, but manage to make important upgrades to the batteries, cameras, processor, and durability. They also include Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. The base Pixel 10 model now has a dedicated 5x optical zoom camera for the first time. New AI features include "Pro Res Zoom" on the Pro models, which uses generative AI to deliver zoom up to 100x. There's also "Magic Cue", which uses on-device AI "to proactively offer the right information at the right time" in apps like Messages and Phone. "For instance, when you're calling an airline, it can automatically find your flight details from your email and display it during your phone call." For the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Google developed a new gearless hinge that helps enable the first IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating in a foldable phone. The Fold also has larger displays and what Google claims is the largest battery of any foldable. All four are powered by a new Google Tensor G5 chip bringing better performance (34% faster CPU and 60% more powerful on AI tasks). Google promises seven years of full software updates. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL ship August 28 for $799, $999, and $1199, respectively. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at $1799 and ships October 9.
Google Messages Rolls Out Nudity Blurring
Google is rolling out a feature that can automatically detect and blur images containing nudity. The feature is enabled by default for minors and disabled by default for adults. When using Android's parental control features, only a parent can disable the feature on a child's phone. Google calls the feature Sensitive Content Warnings and first announced it last October. It works completely on-device, so nudes are never sent to Google servers. It doesn't completely block nudes from being viewed or shared, but does add extra steps to view or share nudes, including "help-finding resources and options". Apple announced a similar feature for iOS in 2023.
Google Teases Pixel 10
Google has released a short teaser video that shows the design of its to-be-announced Pixel 10 phone (or Pixel 10 series). Assuming the device shown is, in fact, the Pixel 10, (and not the 10 Pro,) it adopts a design almost exactly like the Pixel 9 Pro, with three cameras on the back instead of two. Google has scheduled a Pixel 10 series launch event for one month from now, on August 20. The FCC recently approved several new, unannounced Pixel phones. The apparent lowest-end model includes mmWave 5G and satellite connectivity. The higher-end models also include Thread and UWB radios, just like last year's Pixel 9 Pro models.
Google Chrome Lets You Move Address Bar to Bottom
This new web browser option on Android follows a similar move by Apple with the Safari browser in iOS. The easiest way to change the location is to long-press on the address bar itself, then tap "Move address bar to bottom".
Google Kills Instant Apps
Google is shutting down an Android feature that let users quickly download and use a temporary "mini" version of an app, instead of installing the full app. Instant Apps were not popular with developers, but were useful for game trials or one-time transactions. Google first announced Instant Apps in 2016 and launched it to developers in 2017. Google's newest developer tools include a warning that "Instant Apps support will be removed by Google Play in December 2025".
Google Makes Open-Source Android Development More Difficult
Google is taking away a key resource that made it easier for third parties to develop non-Google versions of the Android OS for smartphones. Specifically, Google will no longer publish an "example" version of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) that works as-is on its Pixel phones. Instead, Google will only publish a generic version of AOSP that, as published, only works on a generic virtual device called "Cuttlefish". This means developers working with AOSP no longer have a simple starting point that works on physical hardware. Going forward, developers will need to do significant work just to get AOSP running on any real-world device, before working on whatever they want to customize about the OS. Google's move may be particularly painful for the developers of alternative OSes (based on AOSP) that run on Pixel phones, such as LineageOS, GrapheneOS, and CalyxOS.
Pixel Phones Gain Exclusive new VIPs Widget
Google has started rolling out the "Pixel Drop" software update for Pixel phones for June. Its most prominent new feature is a "VIPs" home-screen widget that integrates with the Contacts app. It lets you designate a small number of contacts as VIPs, who then appear in the widget. Tapping one of these contacts opens a new screen that collects everything about that person, including recent messages, notes, and even location (when shared). It can also show the local time and weather where that person is now. Optionally, VIPs can automatically bypass your do-not-disturb mode.
Android 16 Exits Beta, Now Available on Pixels
Google has put the finishing touches on Android version 16, ending the beta period for the OS. It is now available for Google Pixel phones and will roll out to other brands soon. Notifications get a big update, with the introduction of Live Updates. This new type of notification is dynamic instead of static, updating in real time with progress info. This feature is aimed primarily at ride-share and food delivery apps for now. Also, multiple notifications from the same app will now always appear grouped together, to reduce clutter. Advanced Protection is now a setting available to everyone, instead of a program that requires enrollment. This feature locks down your phone with "an array of robust device security features that protect you from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more." Android 16 also lays the groundwork for more new features coming "later this year", such as the new desktop mode adapted from Samsung DeX, and "more Material 3 Expressive design updates".
Google Kills Off PayPal in Google Wallet
Google Wallet is turning off the ability to link a PayPal account directly with Google Wallet in the US. After June 13, this special integration will only be continue to be available in Germany. Instead, users are encouraged to add a PayPal Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet for roughly similar functionality. PayPal and Google did not give a reason for this change.
Texas Joins Utah in Mandating App Stores Verify Age
The Texas Governor has signed a new law that requires app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental approval for a minor to download software or make in-app purchases. Utah enacted a similar law in March. Apple and Google have vocally opposed both laws, insisting that checking IDs for everyone using any app store would be a violation of users' privacy. Apple and/or Google may still challenge the laws in court.
Samsung DeX Merged Into Android 16
In Google's developer keynote address at its I/O event this week, the company announced that it will bring the desktop-mode feature of high-end Samsung phones to Android 16. Google and Samsung have been working together on the new feature, which is built "on the foundation of Samsung DeX to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16 for more powerful productivity workflows." The feature lets an Android phone work more like a desktop computer when plugged into an external display. Apps are displayed in resizable windows and users can add a full keyboard and mouse. Google is pushing Android app developers to make their apps "adaptive", or more smoothly compatible with a larger variety of screen shapes and sizes, including this new desktop mode.
Google Gemini Live AI App Can Now Take Action in Other Apps
Google is adding the ability for Gemini Live to integrate with other Google apps. For example, it can create calendar entries in Google Calendar or make a new list in Google Keep, upon request, based on the output of a conversation.
Google "Find Hub" Replaces Find My Device
Google is revamping its find-my-device services into a new Find Hub. The new features will be able to find a lost Android device, or anything with a Google-compatible Bluetooth tracker attached. It can also be used to keep to share your location with family and friends. It's also gaining support for UWB (for high-end phones with that feature). Motorola's Bluetooth trackers will be the first to work with UWB. This feature lets you locate your lost item very precisely — including not just proximity but direction — when nearby. Finally, Google is working to integrate satellite connectivity into Find Hub, "helping you stay connected with friends and family even when you don’t have cellular connectivity."
Google Expands Scam Detection on Android Using AI
Google is adding new types of scam detection and protection using on-device AI on Android. Android can already detect scams in progress and warn users in phone calls and messages. Now, the Chrome browser can detect scam-related notifications from web sites. Soon, Google also plans to apply this type of scam detection to whole web sites in Chrome. Google is already rolling this feature out to the desktop version of Chrome, but says "Our goal is to expand this protection to Android devices and even more types of scams in the future."
Android's New Design Guidelines Leaked
Google seems to have accidentally, prematurely published a blog post about its new "Material 3 Expressive" design guidelines for Android. The new templates feature a bolder design with floating toolbars, larger buttons, more color, and more varied shapes and fonts. These guidelines are used by Google for Android itself and its own Google apps, but are also suggested for third-party app developers. Google says the new system is the fruit of extensive research, including "46 separate research studies with hundreds of designs, and more than 18,000 participants from around the world". Google claims multiple benefits, including users being able to perform certain actions up to 4x faster, as well as strong user preference (vs. Apple's iOS Human Interface Guidelines) and "brand coolness".
Google Improves Age Verification in Google Wallet
Google is rolling out new features in Wallet that make it easier for web sites and apps to verify minimum age in a way that preserves user privacy. The features are tied to digital ID cards, and implement Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a best-practice privacy technology.
Chipolo's New Bluetooth Tracker is Cross-Platform
Chipolo has introduced its newest Bluetooth tracking tag: the Chipolo Pop. Following Pebblebee, Chipolo has made its new trackers cross-platform, meaning they work with either Apple Find My or Google's Find My Device network. The Pop has a simple round "chip" design that comes in six colors. They're rated IP55 for splash protection. The CR2032 battery (the same used by Apple AirTags) is user-replaceable and lasts up to one year. They have a range of 300 feet, but can be found globally via either of the Find My networks. Chipolo also offers its own app, which offers features like adjusting the tracker's ringtone, and using the tracker's button to locate your lost phone, or as a remote trigger for your phone's camera. The Chipolo Pop is on sale now for $29, or $89 for four (under $23 each).
Utah Age-Verification Bill Signed Into Law
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has officially signed a law requiring app stores to verify user's ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Apple and Google oppose the law and may still challenge it in court.
Verizon Launches Non-Emergency Satellite Messaging
As announced and promised last August, Verizon is now launching non-emergency text messaging via satellite in cellular dead zones for compatible Android phones. Currently, phones compatible with this NTN technology include the Google Pixel 9 series and the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. Verizon already offers emergency SOS and location sharing via satellite for these phones. Verizon is also working with AST SpaceMobile to offer expanded satellite service within two years, including more types of services and greater phone compatibility.
Google Intros Pixel 9a
Google has announced its newest mid-range Pixel phone, the Pixel 9a. At $499, it's significantly more affordable than $799 Pixel 9. Upgrades over last year's Pixel 8a include a display that's 35% brighter, an IP68 water-resistance rating (improved from IP67), macro camera mode, and a the same new Google Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9, bringing with it a full suite of Gemini Nano and Gemini Live AI features. It also comes with hallmark Pixel features like Car Crash Detection, a free VPN service, and seven years of software updates. Google also offers Family Link for parental controls and now Google Wallet For Kids with parental controls. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch display with 120 Hz refresh, 48 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 128 GB storage. A version with 256 GB storage is also available for $100 more. It will be available in April in Obsidian (black) or Iris (purple). Google, Verizon, and AT&T will sell it. Google is also the selling exclusive colors Porcelain (white) and Peony (pink), but only with 128 GB storage.
