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Android

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The Android 17 Beta Is Here. What It Includes and Which Phones Can Test It

Want Google's version of Handoff and a revamped Android Auto before everyone else? Here's how to install the latest Android 17 beta on your Pixel phone today.

By Jason Cohen
hand holding pixel 10 Fold with Android 17 logo overlayed

With Android 17, Google Finally Adds a Handoff-Like App Continuity Feature

Though designed to work bidirectionally, Google's 'Continue on' feature will initially be limited to handoffs from Android phones to tablets.

By Jibin Joseph
A Google executive explains the Continue On feature at Google I/O 2026

Google Unwraps Plans to Put AI to Work for Android, Web Developers

New Play Store features aim to ease marketing and management burdens for app developers. But Google is focusing this vibe-coding venture only on a few app categories to start.

By Rob Pegoraro
Screenshots showing how you can use the Ask Play AI feature to inquire about an app's features

Google I/O 2026: Everything We Expect and How to Watch

Google's yearly developer conference is upon us. The company kicks things off on Tuesday, May 19, and is expected to showcase major changes to Gemini and Android Auto, plus more details on Googlebooks powered by Aluminum OS.

By Florence Ion
A photo of the google io 2026 logo

5 New Android 17 Features That Would Make My Phone Feel Better Instantly

Android's open ecosystem is its superpower, but fragmentation is its kryptonite. As we head into Google I/O, these are the Android 17 upgrades that would help crush my daily frustrations.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android 17 Wishlist

Your Android Phone May Soon Predict Your Habits to Suggest Helpful Apps

The ‘Contextual suggestions’ feature is popping up on recent Pixel phones.

By James Peckham
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in different colors showing the camera

Here Are the 15+ Android Phones Set to Get AirDrop Support Next

The feature is designed to make sharing between both Android and iOS easier. Phones that don't support it yet will be able to generate a QR code through the Quick Share menu.

By James Peckham
airdop support

Android vs. iPhone: Which OS Dominates in the 2026 Smartphone War?

The walls are coming down, but which side of the fence is better? We pit Apple and Google against each other across 14 essential categories to see who truly rules the smartphone space.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android vs. iOS

In Android 17, 'Gemini Intelligence' Can Automate Tasks Across Apps

Examples include booking a better spot in a spin class. It's one of several 'Android Show' announcements that cover spam calls, enhanced video recording, Android Auto, and more.

By Rob Pegoraro
Google's sales pitch for Gemini Intelligence: "Explicit user control," "Comprehensive data protection," and "Operational transparency"

How to Watch Google's Pre-I/O Android Show Today

Ahead of its developer conference, Google provides a peek at what's to come for its mobile OS.

By Rob Pegoraro
Google's bugdroid mascot for Android twirls in iridescent shades of blue, pink and purple

Samsung's Next Big Android Update Is Out Now. Here Are the Phones That Will Get It

One UI 8.5 is coming to 17 Samsung phone and tablet models, adding AirDrop support and more.

By James Peckham
The Samsung Galaxy S25 with its screen turned on

25 Android Settings You Should Change to Get the Most Out of Your Phone

Google's feature-packed mobile OS contains many useful tools just underneath the surface. Ahead of Google I/O, we’ve rounded up 25 simple tips and tricks to unlock your phone's full potential.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android Hero Art

Android PC Game Emulator Unlocks Multi-Frame Generation for 100+ FPS

For AAA games compatible with Game Native, this could help more phones run games smoothly.

By Jon Martindale
Lossless scaling FPS demonstration.

The Best Android Apps for 2026

The Google Play store has millions of apps. Some are great, many are duds. Our guide, which covers 13 key categories and 100 top apps, features the ones that deserve a place on your Android phone or tablet.

By Gabriel Zamora
Google Play logo

Google Owes Android Users $135M. Do This to Get Your Cut of the Settlement

Google settled a case over the Android OS draining cellular data on Android devices, which could put up to $100 in your pocket. But you should do this one thing to make sure you get paid.

By Michael Kan
Android logo

Want Your Android Battery to Last All Day? Try These 6 Quick Fixes

Today's Android phones are built to last, but scrolling and streaming are still battery life killers. Here's how to squeeze as much juice out of your battery as possible.

By Jason Cohen
android logo and battery symbol

Pixel Battery Life Take a Nosedive? You're Not Alone. Google Is Working on a Fix

It appears to be connected to the March 2026 Pixel update, but persists even after installing the latest April release on the Pixel 6 through 10.

By James Peckham
The Google Pixel 10 XL in someone's hand with the screen turned on

Nothing Warp File Transfer App Is Back, But It's Now Harder to Download

Nothing Warp is designed to simplify sharing between your phone and your computer.

By James Peckham
The Nothing Warp app on a smartphone

Google Photos Adds Touch-Up Tools to Quickly Fix Zits, Whiten Teeth, More

Google adds seven new features designed to tweak faces from your smartphone.

By James Peckham
The Google Photos logo on a smartphone

Can Gucci Make Smart Glasses Less Nerdy? Google Could Soon Find Out

Luca de Meo, CEO of Gucci parent company Kering, says Android XR smart glasses from the luxury brand are on tap for 2027. Can it compete with the Ray-Ban and Oakley specs from Meta?

By James Peckham
Android XR's waveguide development kit on a desk