Android

Credit: Pankil Shah / Android Authority TL;DR F-Droid is getting its biggest update in a long time, bringing improved visuals and better flows. The team says the app has been rewritten entirely to make it easier to support in the coming years. Besides more modern visuals, F-Droid brings improved search, categories, and a seamless update method. F-Droid, the most popular app store for free and open-source Android apps, is about to get its biggest update in a decade. As one of the biggest critics of Google’s new sideloading restrictions in Android, F-Droid is bracing for the change with a modern interface that makes app discovery feel far less intimidating. In a recent blog post detailing version 2.0, F-Droid said the new app store experience improves search and offers a “simpler experience that works well.” Visuals definitely feel refreshed, and the app now supports Google’s Material Design for aesthetics that feel more modern and cohesive with the rest of Android. The team says the update goes beyond a visual refresh, and that the app has been rewritten in Kotlin to ensure more frequent updates in the future.

TL;DR The 2-in-1 Lenovo Googlebook was skipped at launch, but has resurfaced in leaks. Unlike other Googlebook laptops, this Googlebook 2-in-1 features a tablet-like design, previously seen on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. The leaker does not reveal whether this has been canceled or has yet to be released, though we hope it’s the latter. Google released five different Googlebook laptops earlier this week. Google describes these laptops as offering an Android-based software experience inspired by lessons from ChromeOS. Meanwhile, reputable PC and laptop manufacturers handle the hardware. One of those manufacturers is Lenovo, and its Googlebook 15 is the most affordable in the range. However, the company was previously leaked to have multiple devices planned for launch, of which only one made it to the headliner event. Another one may be in tow, and we’ve just got a better look at it. Credible leaker Evan Blass recently posted images of the unreleased Lenovo Googlebook 2-in-1 on X. The image, an enhanced version of the one leaked last month, shows the Googlebook with a tablet-like layout, a kickstand at the back, and a slimmer keyboard than other options in the lineup.

TL;DR Gemini is working on new dark mode controls that override system settings. These options would be exclusive to Gemini, and not impact the rest of the Google app. Gemini also appears to be developing a new notification history screen. Keeping up with all of Google’s changes to Gemini is basically a full-time job these days, and when the company’s not introducing a new model, it’s expanding what the service is able to connect to. Sometimes, though, the latest Gemini updates are all about the app itself — and that’s exactly what we’re shining a light on today, as we check out a couple in-development tweaks to Gemini for Android. 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: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Authority TL;DR Google appears to be preparing a full-screen GameSnacks experience for Android Auto. The change removes the navigation rail from both the GameSnacks menu and games themselves. This would make GameSnacks more consistent with other Android Auto games, which already run in full screen. Android Auto’s gaming push stepped up a gear this week, with Google officially moving games out of beta and making them generally available. But fans of gaming while parked up may have spotted one outstanding inconsistency: Regular Android Auto games can take over your whole car display, while GameSnacks leaves the navigation rail sitting alongside them. It looks like Google is preparing to fix that. 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: Google TL;DR Google is rolling out Live Avatar, a visual persona that combines real-time video generation with speech models. Live Avatar can trigger tool calls and fetch data in the background as you talk with it. These avatars can adapt their lip-syncing and facial expressions as they switch between 97 languages. Last week, Google introduced us to new members of the Gemini 3.8 family, which included Live and Live Extended Thinking. Continuing on the Gemini 3.8 Live train, the company is rolling out something new. While it won’t be a product for consumers, you may see it the next time you talk to an agent bot. If you hate talking to AI support bots, maybe you’ll change your tune after they get a Live Avatar update. Google has announced that it is rolling out Gemini 3.8 Live with Live Avatar, a visual persona that combines real-time video generation with speech models. According to the tech giant, these avatars are designed to provide “engaging customer service” or “interactive walkthroughs” with the help of their “precise lip-syncing, natural expressions, and fluid turn-taking.”

TL;DR Google is reportedly testing a new Tasks mode in the Gemini desktop app for more hands-off, multi-step work. New Computer Use settings could let users control which desktop apps Gemini can and cannot operate. Tasks also includes Gemini Live, which may let users talk to Gemini while it works across their computer. Gemini has barely had time to settle into its new Windows home, but Google already seems eager to turn the desktop app into much more than it already is. The Windows client launched earlier this month after the app debuted on Mac in spring with keyboard access and plans for local file support. Now, a new test suggests Google wants Gemini to get work done across your computer itself. TestingCatalog reports that some users are starting to receive a new Tasks mode in the Gemini app on desktop. The interface adds a Chat/Tasks switch, separating regular conversations from more agentic work. We don’t have access to Tasks itself yet, so exactly what users can hand off to it isn’t entirely clear.

TL;DR Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 is out now, just over a week since the release of Beta 5. While Beta 5 was available for the new Pixel 11 series, so far Beta 6 tops out at the Pixel 10. Google says that Pixel 11 builds are on their way soon. For Android super-fans interested in testing Google’s latest features ahead of anyone else, Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) betas offer an early look at what’s coming next. We’re used to a roughly two-week cadence on these, and following the late-August release of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4, we saw Beta 5 arrive just last week. Now Google’s already got a new version for us to check out, with the earlier-than-expected release of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6. According to Google, the big fixes in this new version include:

Credit: WinFuture TL;DR Renders of Nothing’s next audio product have leaked. The Headphone 1 Pro features a design that’s not far off from the Headphone 1. The images show the device in black and white colorways. If you’re looking for new headphones, the Nothing Headphone 1 recently went on sale. However, if you’re willing to wait, the London-based manufacturer is cooking up a new pair of over-ear cans called the Nothing Headphone 1 Pro. Thanks to a new leak, we just got our first look at this upcoming audio product. Courtesy of WinFuture, renders of the Headphone 1 Pro have surfaced. The images reveal a design that’s not far off from the Headphone 1. Visually speaking, the one notable difference is the transparent elements. It also appears there will be at least two color options: black and white.

TL;DR Google’s US online store has already sold out of its available Googlebook pre-order stock just days after orders opened. Acer, Dell, and Lenovo Googlebooks are all unavailable there, suggesting stronger-than-expected demand or limited initial inventory. Best Buy still has Googlebooks available to pre-order ahead of their October 4 release. Google gave US shoppers barely enough time to decide whether its shiny new Googlebooks deserved a spot in their backpacks before making that decision a little harder. Pre-orders only opened on September 21, but just a few days later, Google’s own online store appears to have burned through its available inventory. For a brand-new laptop family that starts at $899, that is either a very encouraging debut or Google stocked the shelves with the confidence of someone expecting a quieter launch. A Reddit user spotted the shortage after checking the Google Store several times and finding every listed model sold out. Other users in the thread reported the same thing, with several saying they simply switched to Best Buy and successfully placed an order.

TL;DR Digital Wellbeing seems to be working on a mysterious new flag trivia mini game. It’s unclear how this experience would fit in with the app’s mindfulness goals. The app is also preparing a slight workflow tweak to choosing apps for screen time reminders. Android’s Digital Wellbeing tools have been around for coming up on a decade by now, helping protect us from some of our own worst habits. Recently, it’s looked like Google’s working on a big overhaul for the app, and while that may mean removing some old features like walk detection, we could also get some new ones in the process — including a curious mini-game addition that has us scratching our heads a little bit. 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: Akshay Gangwar / Android Authority TL;DR Users are reporting that general searches aren’t working in Google Maps. When searching for something nonspecific, like restaurants, users are reportedly getting an error that suggests the search was misspelled. It appears that the issue is limited to the browser version. If you need help trying to find shops, restaurants, museums, or other locations around you, the search function in Google Maps can often come in handy. Just type in what you’re looking for and a list of suggestions will be there for you to peruse. Normally, that’s the case, but it seems a new bug may have broken this feature for some. There is a growing number of reports highlighting an issue with Google Maps searches. It appears that when looking for something specific, like the name of a building, the search feature will do its job. However, when you look for something nonspecific, like restaurants, you’ll get an error message.

Credit: Shiun Okada / Android Authority TL;DR INMO is recalling around 1,600 Air 3 smart glasses in the US because the left temple can overheat during extended use. The company has received ten reports of overheating, including users reporting a burning sensation on their faces and in their ears. Owners should stop using the glasses and contact INMO for a free software update intended to fix the issue. If there’s one device you don’t want to overheat, it’s a wearable in close proximity to your body. Smart glasses may be the biggest fear of the lot — the prospect of burning around your face and eyes is not a pleasant one. But owners of the INMO Air 3 are now in that boat, being told to stop using their glasses immediately after reports that the left temple can get worryingly hot during extended use. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall today, covering around 1,643 Air 3 units sold in the US, plus another 120 sold in Canada. According to the agency, INMO has received ten reports of the glasses overheating, including users reporting a burning sensation on their faces and the left sides of their ears. The CPSC says the issue poses a risk of serious injury or death from burns.

TL;DR Verizon has announced nationwide availability of the Razr Fold, Razr Plus (2026), the Swarovski edition Razr (2026), along with the Moto Watch Ultra. Surprisingly, the Razr Fold and the Swarovski-branded Razr (2026) have a steeper price tag than their unlocked counterparts. Verizon is offering the Moto Watch Ultra for free after monthly credits if you bring a device or buy a new one from the carrier. Motorola’s first book-style foldable, the Razr Fold (2026), reached US shelves in May this year, alongside the 2026 iterations of the Razr Ultra, Razr Plus, and the entry-level Razr. Earlier this month at IFA 2026, Motorola also took the wraps off the Swarovski edition Razr (2026) and the Moto Watch Ultra. It’s taken a while, but all models (except one) are now officially available via Verizon. The carrier has announced the nationwide availability of the Razr Fold (2026), alongside the Razr Plus (2026), and the Swarovski-branded Razr (2026). Verizon will also offer the Moto Watch Ultra for free through bill credits if you buy a Motorola device or bring your existing phone, though customers will need to add a new watch line.

TL;DR Multiple users report that absolute volume is no longer working the way it used to on their Pixel devices as of Android 17 QPR1. We don’t know what’s causing this issue or whether a fix is in the works. As is often the case around significant OS updates, Pixel users have been reporting all kinds of issues since Android 17 QPR1 started rolling out. We’ve seen users complain about problems with performance, touch detection, reception, and then some. Today, we’ve seen some reports that Pixel owners are having trouble with volume control. Reddit user KaneNova posted on the Google Pixel subreddit today saying that since downloading the September update on their Pixel 10, absolute volume, which syncs volume levels on Bluetooth headphones and the device they’re streaming audio from, has stopped working.

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Pixel Watch 3 and newer models are receiving the promised Health Guardian features. These include blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, as well as sleep quality analysis. The features are now available for free on the Pixel Watch, while Fitbit Air users will have to pay for them. At the launch of the Pixel Watch 5, Google announced Health Guardian, a suite of features that detect trends from your health data and predict concerning physiologic changes, such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Google promised to roll it out “in fall,” and it’s now delivering on that commitment. Starting today, three vital Health Guardian features, including blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality, are now available for the Pixel Watch 3 and Watch 4, alongside the newly launched Pixel Watch 5. These three metrics join Breathing Emergency detection, which has been available on the Pixel Watch 4 and 5 since launch, but only in limited European countries.

TL;DR Gemini in Chrome can now analyze podcasts and videos beyond YouTube to surface key takeaways and answer questions. Chrome can generate interactive quizzes from your notes, webpages, and YouTube videos to help test your knowledge. Chrome now preserves your scroll position and partially filled forms when you send tabs between devices. Studying back when I was still in school looked a lot different compared to what it’s like today. While the struggles back in the day involved ensuring you had all the information, students today face the opposite problem, and Google wants to help fix that. The sheer amount of information around topics available today can feel overwhelming, and finding and making sense of just the right information can be challenging. Google is introducing three new Chrome features aimed at making that process a tad bit easier.

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Home users have been getting inundated by motion sensor alerts. Reportedly, notifications are being sent even when users are at home. It appears the issue may have resolved itself. If you want to improve the security of your home, it makes sense to install motion sensors and enable alerts. That way, you’ll be notified if there is ever suspicious activity happening at your home while you’re away. At the same time, you don’t exactly need to be warned about detected movement while you’re at your abode. For some users, it appears that Google Home thinks differently. Google Home users are reporting that they are getting inundated with motion alert notifications. No, this isn’t a large-scale burglary operation that’s currently underway. Rather, Google Home is warning of detected movement while users are at their residences. Which means anytime they make a move, Google Home is sending them an alert.

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus is an Android tablet built around a feature you do not see every day: a matte, paper-like display made for reading, note-taking, browsing, and everyday media use. It is already a standout option for people who spend a lot of time looking at screens, and there is now a solid Amazon deal on it, too. See the deal at Amazon

Amazon just knocked 33% off the Samsung Odyssey G3 gaming monitor, dropping it from its $229.99 recommended retail price to $154.99. That saves you $75, which is a strong deal for a fast 27-inch display with gaming-focused features. See the deal at Amazon

TL;DR Google’s new Gemini-powered Call for Me can make entire phone calls on your behalf, handling automated menus, hold times, and conversations. You can monitor calls through a live transcript and take over the conversation at any point. The feature is rolling out in early preview to paid Gemini subscribers in the US enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta on Pixel 11 devices. Your Google Pixel offers several handy Call Assist features baked right into the Phone by Google app, and that suite is set to grow by one starting today. Joining the list alongside Call Screen, Hold for Me, Direct My Call, and more is a new AI-powered tool that wants to make entire phone calls on your behalf.

Amazon has dropped the JLab JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones to $49.95, down from the $84.95 recommended retail price. That saves you $35, which is a 41% discount relative to the RRP, and it makes this a strong time to grab a pair if you have been waiting for the price to come down. See the deal at Amazon

Reading on a phone can get tiring fast, especially when you spend a lot of time with articles, ebooks, or long web pages. The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is built for that kind of use, and there’s a solid Amazon deal on it right now. See the deal at Amazon

The Hisense PL2 is built for big-screen movie nights without needing a huge room. This ultra-short-throw home theater laser projector can sit very close to the wall and still throw an image from about 80 to 150 inches, and there’s a strong Amazon deal on it right now, too. See the deal at Amazon

Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority TL;DR A leak has provided new images of Samsung’s upcoming clip-on earbuds. The leak further supports claims that the name won’t be Galaxy Buds Able, but rather Galaxy Buds On. Since April, we’ve known that Samsung has been working on a new audio product. Strings of code that Android Authority discovered in the Galaxy Buds app referred to the device as the “Galaxy Buds Able.” Over the months, more information has trickled in, revealing details such as the design, potential name, and more. As Samsung continues to prepare for an eventual launch, a new leak has given us our best look yet at the earbuds. New images of Samsung’s upcoming clip-on earbuds have emerged online. Shared by the folks over at Android Headlines, the leak includes a close-up render and what appears to be marketing material for the unannounced product. In that marketing image, a person has one of the earbuds wrapped around the lower part of their ear, the same way you would wear Sony’s LinkBuds Clip or Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds.

TL;DR Prominent leaker Ice Universe claims the Galaxy S27 Ultra will introduce a split-screen Privacy Display feature, as seen on the Xiaomi 18 Pro series. This feature can cleverly dim just one app window in split-screen view, even when it’s resized. While Xiaomi appears to have more features tied to this privacy feature, the leaker notes that Samsung still has the upper hand in overall dimming capacity. Samsung set the industry standard by introducing Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which enables hardware-level screen dimming to shake off shoulder surfers. While some brands have already revealed their own take on this feature, the freshly announced Xiaomi 18 Pro series takes it to another level with Smart Privacy Display. We’re now learning that Samsung may introduce at least one of the Xiaomi flagship’s privacy-oriented features in its early 2027 smartphone. Writing on X, leaker Ice Universe claims the Xiaomi 18 Pro’s unique split-screen privacy protection system will make its way to the Galaxy S27 Ultra. This split-screen privacy mechanism cleverly dims only one app, even as you resize it, while keeping the other in its normal, visible state.