Android

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Sheets now supports the full Google Fonts web font library. This font update also enhances import and export capabilities between Sheets and Excel. The rollout is available to all Workspace customers and personal Google accounts. Last month, Google rolled out a Sheets update that preserves formatting and structural information when importing Excel files. Google is now taking another step toward further improving importing and exporting between the two apps. Best of all, you won’t have to wait long for it to arrive. The latest Google Sheets update expands the number of font options that will be available to you. According to the announcement, the company’s spreadsheet app will now support the full Google Fonts web font library. This expanded support will be available for chart titles and subtitles, horizontal and vertical axis titles and labels, data labels, and legend text.

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Android Auto users are reporting an issue with Google Maps. The affected users say that they can no longer see the speedometer and speed limit indicator. Some users say that stop signs and traffic signals have disappeared, too. Waze users on Android Auto are currently experiencing a bug that’s hiding their journey information. However, Waze isn’t the only navigation app having technical difficulties at the moment. It appears that Google Maps is also having trouble on the platform. The issue concerns a feature that recently started rolling out for the app on Android Auto. Google Maps on mobile has long had a live speedometer feature. The feature is even available in Google Maps on Apple’s CarPlay experience. However, Google didn’t get around to adding this feature to Android Auto until recently. The first reports of the live speedometer arriving on Android Auto started in July, when it rolled out to select Maps beta testers.

TL;DR The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have officially received their last update from Samsung. Both foldables have been scrubbed from the company’s security updates page after Samsung moved to a quarterly update schedule last year. Samsung has now added 2022’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 to the list of devices eligible for quarterly updates, ahead of their expected sunsetting in 2027. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra are the hottest foldables on the market right now. However, newer hardware also means some older models are reaching the end of their software support cycle. The time has come for 2021’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 to walk into the sunset, with both foldables recently receiving their last update. This move was always in the cards, as Samsung has honored its commitment to offer up to four years of Android updates and five years of security updates for the two foldables. We no longer see the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or the Z Flip 3 listed on Samsung’s security updates page, with the oldest foldables being 2022’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4.

Amazon has cut $100 off the NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series WiFi 7 Mesh System, dropping it to $449.99 from its $549.99 retail price. That is an 18% discount relative to the RRP, and it is a strong chance to grab a high-end whole-home Wi-Fi setup for less. See the deal at Amazon

TL;DR Major US streaming services increased their average ad loads by 18% between January and August 2026. Netflix recorded a 74% increase but still shows the fewest ads, while Paramount+ leads with over nine minutes per hour. Prime Video was the only major streaming service to reduce its ad load during the period. No, you’re not imagining things — streaming services are now actually showing you more ads than they used to earlier in the year. With ads in streaming, what started out as a free-to-watch model from Hulu has since transitioned into a cheaper alternative offered by almost every major streaming service. Netflix launched its first ad-supported tier in late 2022, and other services like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Paramount+, and more were quick to follow. Out of all those, only one platform currently shows fewer ads than it used to earlier in the year.

Amazon has dropped the Tapo MagCam 4K Outdoor Wireless Security Camera to $84.99, down from its $119.99 recommended retail price. That saves you $35, which is a 29% discount relative to the RRP, and it returns to its all-time low price, so this is a strong time to grab it. See the deal at Amazon

Movie nights away from the living room are much easier with a portable projector. The XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser is built for that kind of setup, and it’s now on sale at Amazon for $539, down from its $709 recommended retail price. That’s a 24% discount relative to the RRP, saving you $170. This deal also brings the projector back to its record-low price, which we previously saw only during Prime Day. See the deal at Amazon

TL;DR Chrome 153 officially starts Google’s two-week release cycle across desktop, Android, and iOS. The faster schedule should deliver new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes sooner. Businesses can keep using Extended Stable for feature updates every eight weeks. Keeping Chrome updated is about to become a more regular part of your routine. Earlier this year, Google announced that it would double the frequency of stable Chrome releases, promising faster access to new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. That plan is no longer waiting in the wings. Google has now launched Chrome 153 across desktop, Android, and iOS, officially moving the browser from a four-week release cycle to a two-week schedule. As a result, users can expect smaller Chrome updates twice as often, with new features and important fixes reaching their devices sooner.

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority TL;DR A Waze bug is causing navigation problems on Android Auto. When users switch from split-screen to full-screen mode, the app no longer shows the journey information box. Users claim that the navigation information returns when they receive an alert, but it disappears again when the alert is gone. When you’re on the road, one of the last things you want is for your navigation app to start acting up. Imagine trying to drive somewhere and the app suddenly decides to hide crucial navigation information from you. Unfortunately, that’s the reality some Waze users on Android Auto are experiencing. Android Auto users aren’t new to bugs; in fact, Google recently rolled out a fix for a problem with Spotify. But the most recent glitch is a little more troubling. Spotted by Autoevolution, users are reporting an issue with Waze on Google’s forums. According to the reports, the app works fine when in split-screen mode, but that ceases to be the case when switching over to full-screen.

The Anker Nano Laptop Docking Station is built for people who want more ports on their desk without giving up too much space. It is a compact 13-in-1 USB-C dock with a built-in removable 6-in-1 hub, and it is on sale at Amazon right now. See the deal at Amazon

TL;DR Samsung is rolling out four newer Galaxy AI features to the Fold 7 and Flip 7. The additions offer smarter calls, personalized briefings, proactive suggestions, and automatic video reframing. One UI 9 also fixes Wi-Fi drops, display problems, camera bugs, and app crashes. Samsung’s newest software tricks typically debut on its latest, most expensive phones, leaving older models waiting for their turn. But that wait is already ending for last year’s foldables. Just one week after the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 entered the One UI 9 beta program, Samsung is bringing them several features introduced with the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 families. According to SamMobile, the Fold 7 and Flip 7 are receiving Call Brief, Custom Cards in Now Brief, Now Nudge, and My FanCam through their second Android 17-based One UI 9 beta. The same four additions recently arrived on the Galaxy S25 series.

Credit: Tushar Mehta / Android Authority TL;DR A Reddit user tracked randomized playback of their 2,000-song playlist and discovered an exact 72-song sequence played twice in identical order on consecutive days. The repetition occurred despite having Spotify’s “Fewer Repeats” toggle switched on and without changing devices or playlists. The findings suggest Spotify could be either aggressively caching queues or reusing shuffle seeds rather than properly re-randomizing playlists. If you have ever felt like Spotify’s shuffle feature is just cycling through the same handful of tracks on repeat, you are certainly not alone. Users have spent years venting their frustrations about Spotify’s shuffle algorithm, frequently questioning whether the system is truly randomized or simply running your favorites through an endless echo chamber. While listener complaints are usually dismissed as mere confirmation bias, one user went down a data rabbit hole to prove that the music streaming giant’s playback queue might actually be serving up exact clones of previously heard playlists. Reddit user Driftking_88 claims to have tracked their listening history across a 2,000-song playlist after noticing they could reliably predict upcoming tracks. By pulling their extended streaming history and cross-referencing timestamps, track IDs, playlist context, and other data, the user discovered an exact 72-song sequence that played twice in the same order on consecutive days. The user also reported observing smaller repeated blocks, including an instance in which 27 of 30 upcoming songs matched an earlier queue.

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google is being forced to change how Search works in the European Union (EU). These changes will allow results from rival vertical search services (like Expedia or Booking.com) to appear before Google’s own. Google says these changes will degrade the experience for European users. After the European Union recently imposed a $1 billion fine on Google for allegedly violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Google is changing how Search works in the region. This changes how Google search results appear in EU countries, which, the company’s representatives say, could deteriorate the quality of results for people in the region. Earlier today, Google confirmed to Reuters that it was implementing “significant changes to Search in Europe.” The changes appear to apply particularly when users search for services such as flights or hotels (also known as vertical search services or VSS), where Google will now be required to show results from its top competitors before serving its own Flights, Hotels, or other services.

TL;DR The Google app is working on an overhaul of Song Search that could introduce background listening. This would let Song Search run even when you switch apps, with users receiving a notification when a song is identified. Although this feature could enable background listening, the app may not be listening for long, potentially due to battery concerns. The Google app is gradually rolling out an updated voice search interface that makes tools like Search, AI Mode, Live, and Song Search accessible on one page. That may not be the full extent of the incoming changes, though, as we have now found traces of a key upgrade in the works for the app’s Song Search functionality. You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Authority Insights brings you all the latest exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage from the Android Authority team that you won’t find anywhere else.

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority CNC machining has traditionally been associated with large workshops, extensive learning curves, and costs that made it inaccessible for many hobbyists. Since 2019, Makera has been working to change that, first with the Carvera and then the Carvera Air. Makera is at IFA 2026 to show off its next step with the Makera Z1, a user-friendly desktop CNC designed especially for beginners. But that’s not all. Makera is also showcasing Makera Studio and Makerables, their software and community platforms that form a complete creator ecosystem. The aim is to help anyone turn an idea into a tangible, finished object, even if you have no prior experience in CAD, CAM, or machining. Here’s what you need to know.

TL;DR Pixel users are seeing Now Playing notifications return to the notification shade. The restored alerts include shortcuts to favorite songs and to view listening history. Availability remains limited, suggesting Google is rolling out the feature gradually. Pixel’s Now Playing has long been the quiet friend that saves you from asking, “What song is this?” It recognizes music around you and places the answer on the lock screen, often before you reach for Shazam. Google made that simple trick less convenient earlier this year, but new Reddit reports suggest Now Playing notifications are finally returning. Users are once again seeing recognized songs appear in the notification shade. The restored notification shows the song title and artist. A shortcut to favorite songs or Now Playing history should appear when you tap the drop-down arrow. That means you can check what is playing without locking your phone, opening the app, or reaching for its Quick Settings tile.

TL;DR Super Smash Bros Melee has just been fully decompiled, opening the door for unofficial ports to other platforms. The game joins other 100% decompiled GameCube games like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Pikmin, and Animal Crossing. Several GameCube games have been decompiled in the last 18 months, a process that allows these titles to be unofficially ported to modern platforms. Now, we can add one of the most popular GameCube titles of all time to the list. Super Smash Bros Melee has now been 100% decompiled, according to the decomp.dev database (h/t: GC/Wii decompilation Discord). This title joins other decompiled GameCube games like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Mario Party 4, Super Mario Strikers, Pikmin, and Animal Crossing.

The conversation around mobile AI has been dominated by talk of NPUs, TPUs, and dedicated neural accelerators. But what if your phone’s general-purpose CPU could shoulder that burden instead? Arm is betting big on exactly that with its new C2-Ultra, the powerhouse architecture set to define the next generation of 2027 flagships — from the latest MediaTek and Samsung silicon to, perhaps, Google’s future Tensor chipsets. Arm’s pivot here is interesting, if that’s the right word. Shifting focus away from just pushing higher clock speeds and pipeline width towards accelerating more specialist use cases has potentially significant upsides if those workloads stick around. However, there’s no guarantee the market won’t keep demanding ever-higher peak general performance, particularly as mobile and PC use cases continue to collide.

Credit: Brady Snyder / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung confirmed that soft, flexing inner-screen corners on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are an intentional protective feature, not a defect. The screen flex acts as a cushioning buffer designed to prevent damage from everyday impacts and trapped foreign substances like sand. User reports reveal inconsistent hardware tolerances, with some units flexing noticeably under light pressure while others remain completely rigid. Samsung has addressed growing concerns over the folding screen on its latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 flagship, confirming that the noticeable “give” or flex in the corners of the panel is an intentional design choice rather than a manufacturing defect. The clarification follows widespread user reports indicating that some Galaxy Z Fold 8 inner screens have soft corners that sink inward at the bezels when pressed lightly. In a statement reported by Korean outlet BusinessPost (via Sammobile), a Samsung representative explained that this noticeable flex is normal behavior. This design is said to account for situations where foreign substances, such as sand, can become trapped. Samsung designed the phone so that the display sinks slightly to provide cushioning and prevent damage during such situations, and other everyday impacts.

I’ve spent the last decade and a half dual-wielding an Android smartphone alongside the latest iPhone. As an enthusiast, I like trying different hardware, switching up how my phone works, and, especially, having control over the software experience. It goes without saying that I’ve dipped my toes in the foldable market as well, first with the excellent OnePlus Open and next with the somewhat lackluster Pixel Fold. Much as I’m excited about the prospect of getting another foldable phone, there have been a number of sidegrades in the category that have brought me back to my candy-bar flagship. But with rumors building around Apple’s first foldable iPhone, I have to admit I’m more than intrigued. Apple has a history of waiting for a product category to mature before jumping in. If the rumored iPhone Ultra is finally Apple’s answer to foldable phones, it could have a big impact on the market. More importantly, it could change what we expect from a phone that doubles as a tablet.

Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE continues Samsung’s tradition of offering a device with flagship-level performance while downgrading a few aspects, such as build materials, to hit a lower price point. The big difference this year is that many of its key specs remain unchanged from its predecessor, even as the price rises by $50 — with the S26 FE now starting at $700. While the Galaxy S26 FE will still likely prove to be a solid device overall, it’s not without real competition. Before you drop your money on the Galaxy S26 FE, you should really consider some of its best Android alternatives first.

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Vivo has revealed that the upcoming X500 series will launch on September 21. This seems to be a domestic launch for now, but recent history suggests a global release isn’t far away. The phones will support 4K/240fps video, custom video styles that can be shared with others, and 4K HDR portrait video. Vivo has delivered some of the best camera phones in recent years, with the X300 Pro and X300 Ultra delivering best-in-class experiences. We already know the vivo X500 series is on the way, and the company has now confirmed a launch date. Vivo senior product manager Keshav Chugh confirmed on X that the vivo X500 series will launch on September 21 in China. This seems to be a domestic launch for now rather than a global release. Nevertheless, the company has been narrowing the gap between Chinese and global releases. So we’re optimistic that a wider launch will happen sooner rather than later.

Installing apps from sources beyond the Play Store, or sideloading as many refer to it, is a practice that I undertake daily. Dozens of apps on my phone are installed from alternative app stores, be it GitHub, F-Droid, or beyond, and usually offer unique features and functionality that you simply won’t find on apps listed on Google’s platform. Just look at Breezy Weather, an app that, while appearing similar to Pixel Weather, offers a wealth of additional functionality. However, I will admit that downloading and maintaining apps from external sources is certainly more difficult and tiresome than simply getting them from the Play Store. Google is also rolling out more stringent measures to introduce additional friction when sideloading apps. While these measures, which include a new series of checks, a 24-hour delay, and a mandatory phone restart, are intended to make it more difficult for scammers to target vulnerable users, they also make it more cumbersome for power users to install safe apps from reliable, external sources.

It was quite a remarkable feat when Google announced a then-unmatched seven-year software support for its Pixel handsets. It proved to be a very important piece of the equation that finally challenged the iPhone’s dominance. And Google has so far stood true to its promise, delivering the latest Android updates and security patches to its Pixel handsets right on day one. This way, Google addressed the long-standing Android issues where users would either not receive updates beyond the first couple of years or would have to wait so long that a new Android version would be out by the time they received the previous one. But in doing so, it created a new problem.

TL;DR Google has released v26.35 of the Google Play Services. It brings support for adding physical transit cards and balances to Google Wallet. The Play Store will also get a new navigation bar and an improved “Similar Apps” section. Google has released a new version of Google Play Services, bringing a useful new feature to Google Wallet alongside several developer-oriented features. The latest version of Google Play Services (v26.35) adds a handy feature for frequent transit card users: you can now add your physical transit cards and balances to the Google Wallet app using NFC. This means you will soon be able to use your NFC-compatible Android phone to tap and access public transport without carrying a physical transit card.