All posts tagged: android

Google I/O 2026 live updates: News on Android, Gemini AI, XR, and more we’re expecting

Google I/O 2026 live updates: News on Android, Gemini AI, XR, and more we’re expecting

Published by skeptic

By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / May 18 Ahead of Google I/O, the company held its annual “The Android Show” last week, announcing a slew of Android and Chrome features set to roll out later this year.  The news included Gemini Intelligence, which refers to more advanced AI capabilities such as background task automation and enhanced context tools, more accessible voice inputs, AI-generated widgets, and general video improvements in Android 17. Also: First look at Googlebook: A premium Chromebook alternative for Android users Google also announced a new series of laptops called Googlebook, which is separate from Chromebook and Google Books.  Googlebook is described as more premium, with a more natural integration with Android phones than competing systems. That includes better app mirroring, faster file transferring across different services, and intuitive Gemini tools. That all said, if Google does announce more Android news at I/O, expect it to be less than usual. Source link

Google I/O 2026 Live Updates: Latest News on Android 17 and Gemini

Google I/O 2026 Live Updates: Latest News on Android 17 and Gemini

Published by skeptic

Google/Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET Earlier this month, Google transformed the Fitbit app into Google Health while debuting the displayless Fitbit Air fitness tracker. The announcements made clear how Google plans to integrate Gemini into its health-tracking product, while also creating a competitor against the more expensive Whoop band. While IO is unlikely to show off more products that would tie into Google Health, the company might use the developer conference to show more ways that Google Health is set up to integrate with other services. Google already announced that the new Health app will link with services like Apple Health, along with medical records, and the IO developer conference could provide a larger look at other ways the company plans to offer AI coaching. All the while, privacy will likely remain a high priority as these ambitions develop, as health data is by nature quite sensitive. Read more: Google’s Biggest Health Announcements: New Fitbit Air, Goodbye Fitbit App and Hello ‘Coach’ Source link

If you’re still using Chrome on Android, you’re missing out on a genuinely better browser

If you’re still using Chrome on Android, you’re missing out on a genuinely better browser

Published by skeptic

I’ve used a huge number of Android browsers over the years, but never settled on one. I’d typically just end up falling back to Chrome, as it links between my devices easily, and often, that keeps my life flowing nicely. But it has problems: lack of extensions, ad blocking, and privacy issues come to mind. That’s why, despite some misgivings, I eventually settled on Brave — and it turns out I won’t be switching back anytime soon. OS Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Price model Free Developer(s) Brave iOS compatible Yes Android compatible Yes Desktop compatible Yes Brave is an open-source web browser focused on privacy, speed, and user control. Its standout features include Shields, which block ads, trackers, cookies, fingerprinting, and more by default, giving users granular privacy protection without the need for extensions.  Brave is all about protecting your privacy Privacy is the hardest word… for Chrome Chrome is a well-known privacy problem. That’s hardly a surprise. For years, Google promised it was fixing Chrome’s privacy problem. The Privacy Sandbox initiative — announced …

Everything New in Samsung One UI 9 Based on Android 17

Everything New in Samsung One UI 9 Based on Android 17

Published by skeptic

Samsung’s One UI 9, built on the foundation of Android 17, introduces a range of updates aimed at enhancing usability, customization, and overall performance. While the core design principles remain consistent with its predecessor, this latest version refines the user experience through smoother animations, improved accessibility, and functional upgrades. Below is a detailed exploration video from Mr Android FHD of the most significant changes and how they enhance your interaction with Samsung devices. Quick Panel: A Cleaner and More Intuitive Layout The redesigned Quick Panel in One UI 9 stands out as one of the most noticeable updates. It has been reimagined to offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. Key improvements include: Thicker volume and brightness sliders, making adjustments easier and more precise. Separated toggles for dark mode and sound profiles, resulting in a more organized and accessible layout. Customizable slider and media player sizes, eliminating the need for third-party customization tools. Modernized toggle designs with reduced borders, contributing to a sleeker aesthetic. These refinements make it simpler to navigate and manage settings, making …

How to Watch Google I/O

How to Watch Google I/O

Published by skeptic

Google I/O is imminent. This is the annual developer event and product showcase where Google shows off all the shiny new updates to its Android operating system and other platforms, as well as new features and improvements to its artificial intelligence models. The big announcements at Google I/O usually come in the form of a livestreamed keynote event at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, hosted by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. That starts on Tuesday, May 19, at 10 am Pacific time (1 pm Eastern). You can watch the livestream on Google’s website or on YouTube. It will also be streaming right here on this page. What to Expect On the announcement front, Google actually tipped its hand last week, unveiling a bunch of new features coming to the upcoming Android 17 operating system and its ongoing Gemini AI efforts, which it now calls Gemini Intelligence for the most advanced Android devices. Many of the new Android features highlighted are AI-infused tricks that aim to make your life a little easier by offloading onerous …

These Android Auto and CarPlay features are built in, but most drivers never find them

These Android Auto and CarPlay features are built in, but most drivers never find them

Published by skeptic

Your car’s infotainment screen is probably smarter than you think. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ship with a surprising number of new and established features that most drivers scroll past, ignore entirely, or never discover because nobody told them to look. They are not hidden behind paywalls or buried in obscure menus. They are right there, waiting. Here are the ones worth your attention. Related These 3 Android Auto features made my car feel like mine Curiosity and Android Auto are a dangerous combination for me. Hands-free voice commands in Android Auto and CarPlay go way beyond directions Hey Google: what Android Auto’s voice commands can actually do Most Android Auto users know they can tap the microphone icon to trigger Google Assistant (which is increasingly powered by Google’s Gemini AI). Fewer know they can skip that step entirely. If “Hey Google” isn’t responding, check your phone’s settings for “Assistant” or “Android Auto” to make sure the driving-mode wake word is enabled. It’s good for more than just directions. You can send messages, make calls, …

How to Control Everything on Your Phone With Your Voice (iOS and Android)

How to Control Everything on Your Phone With Your Voice (iOS and Android)

Published by skeptic

With the arrival of digital assistant apps like Gemini and Siri, most of us have grown used to talking to our phones. But conversing with your Android or iOS device can go way beyond interacting with AI. You can also use your voice to launch apps, fill out text fields, and do just about everything that was previously only possible with your fingers and thumbs. Of course, the traditional touchscreen input will often be the way to go. But there might well be scenarios—when you’re cooking, repairing something, looking after children, or doing anything else that keeps your hands busy—where it’s easier and more convenient to use voice input instead. The usefulness of voice control is of course well known to those who have impairments that keep them from controling a touchscreen phone with the usual taps and swipes. Here’s how you can set up the feature on your phone, whether you’re running Android or iOS. Voice Control on Android To configure voice control on an Android device, you need to install the free Voice …

Android Auto runs faster and smoother now thanks to my 4 easy tweaks

Android Auto runs faster and smoother now thanks to my 4 easy tweaks

Published by skeptic

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Tweaks can drastically improve how your Android Auto operates.  Even the type of cable you use can have a big impact. Wired Android Auto operates more efficiently than wireless. Android Auto can be one of the most useful things about your phone, but if it ever lags or freezes, it can be more frustrating than helpful. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes if your car’s infotainment system is feeling sluggish. And with YouTube coming soon to your car, it’s not a bad time to check in to make sure your system is optimized. I tried each of these four myself, and my Android Auto ended up a lot faster, more responsive, and more smooth. Also: My 4 favorite Android Auto settings are seriously useful – but hidden by default How to fix lagging Android Auto Connect with the data cable instead of wirelessly The easiest way to see a big jump in your Android Auto performance is to use a …

My 4 favorite Android Auto settings are seriously useful – but hidden by default

My 4 favorite Android Auto settings are seriously useful – but hidden by default

Published by skeptic

Artie Beaty/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways You can customize your Android Auto through developer mode. This mode is usually for developers and app creators. It’s easy to access, and you can make significant improvements. For most users, Android Auto is simply an easy way to handle navigation, music, and messages while driving. But if you’re willing to tinker a bit, you’ll find several settings that can completely change the look and functionality of your car’s infotainment system.  Just like your Android phone, Android Auto has its own developer mode that lets you access settings not intended for everyday users. And like your phone’s version, you can actually make some significant improvements. It’s not difficult to access, and it only takes a minute.  Also: I’ve used Android Auto for years, and these 5 changes solved my biggest issues Here’s how to dive in.  The Android Auto app doesn’t appear among your regular apps, so you’ll need to go through your settings to find it.  From Settings, search …

OpenAI Brings ChatGPT Codex to iOS and Android Phones

OpenAI Brings ChatGPT Codex to iOS and Android Phones

Published by skeptic

OpenAI has launched mobile support for Codex through the ChatGPT app, now available on iOS and Android. This update enables users to manage Codex directly from their phones, with features like synchronized project updates and real-time notifications. Paul Lipsky outlines the setup process, including steps such as linking your desktop account and scanning a QR code to connect devices. Currently in its preview phase, the feature is compatible with macOS, with Windows support anticipated in the near future. In this step-by-step guide, learn how to download and configure the ChatGPT app to integrate with your Codex account. Discover how to enable cross-platform synchronization, set up custom notifications and streamline repetitive tasks using mobile functionality. By following these steps, you’ll gain the skills to efficiently manage Codex from your mobile device. Access ChatGPT Codex on the Go TL;DR Key Takeaways : OpenAI has introduced Codex mobile support via the ChatGPT app, now available for iOS and Android, allowing seamless cross-platform project management and real-time notifications. Users can continue coding projects across devices, automate workflows and receive …