![YouTube Fixes Bug that Had Users Running Into Annoying CAPTCHA Loops [U]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/01/YouTube-Logo-App-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1){kind=logo}
YouTube Fixes Bug that Had Users Running Into Annoying CAPTCHA Loops [U]
YouTube’s web platform recently suffered a bug that forced many users into endless CAPTCHA loops, mistakenly flagging normal traffic as suspicious. The issue was limited to the desktop site, leaving mobile apps unaffected, and stemmed from an erroneous "unusual traffic" detection rather than VPNs, ad blockers, or DNS changes. Google acknowledged the problem on Reddit and deployed a fix on March 26, 2026, restoring normal access for affected viewers.
Samsung’s Next Big Update, One UI 8.5, Is Now in Beta on These Older Galaxy Devices
Samsung has broadened its One UI 8.5 beta to a wide range of older Galaxy devices, adding the S24 series, S25 FE, Fold 6, Flip 6, and several Tab S11 models. The beta now reaches the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with a second iteration, while the...
![Android Auto Users Still Say They Don’t Have Gemini — Do You? [Poll]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/android-auto-gemini-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Android Auto Users Still Say They Don’t Have Gemini — Do You? [Poll]
Google began rolling out its Gemini AI assistant for Android Auto in November 2025, promising real‑time voice queries and contextual navigation. Four months later, many users in the United States, Australia and other regions still report the feature missing from...
Google Messages Hits 10 Billion Downloads as Phone App Reaches 5 Billion
Google Messages has topped 10 billion downloads on the Play Store, while its companion Phone app surpassed 5 billion. The milestones reflect the apps’ status as the default SMS and RCS client on virtually every Android device. Partnerships with Samsung and Verizon...
Source: OnePlus May Shut Down in Global Markets as Early as April
OnePlus is preparing to cease smartphone sales in most global markets, with a potential shutdown as early as April 2026, while concentrating on China and entry‑mid‑range offerings in India. The move follows the departure of India CEO Robin Liu and...
New Android Automotive Version Will Control More of Your Car
Google unveiled Android Automotive OS for Software‑Defined Vehicles (AAOS SDV), extending the platform beyond infotainment to manage non‑safety vehicle functions. The open‑source framework lets OEMs integrate voice assistants, maintenance alerts, and other controls via OTA updates, reducing reliance on fragmented proprietary...
The Sideload 027: A Neo Kind of PC
The Sideload podcast’s 27th episode features Rich Woods, content director at XDA Developers, discussing the upcoming MacBook Neo, the ongoing public perception challenges facing Windows 11, and Google’s forthcoming Android‑for‑desktops operating system. The conversation explores how the Neo aims to...
The Best Deal in Google TV Might Be Getting a Price Hike
Walmart’s budget-friendly Onn 4K Plus streaming device, which runs Google TV, has quietly increased its price from $29.88 to $39.88. The hike appears region‑specific, with some shoppers already seeing the new price while others still see the old tag. The change follows recent...
Google Messages for Web Removing QR Code Pairing
Google is retiring the QR‑code pairing method for Messages for Web, replacing it with a Google Account sign‑in prompt. The change, announced without a firm rollout date, requires users to authenticate via their existing Google credentials. While the new flow...
Android Isn’t Killing Sideloading, and Google Found a Near-Perfect Compromise
Google unveiled a new sideloading flow that adds a 24‑hour delay and extra warnings for apps from unregistered developers. Users must confirm no guidance, reboot their device, wait the timer, and then acknowledge the risks before proceeding. Developers who enroll...
Payable Is the Best Way to Accept PayPal, Stripe, and Square Payments in Google Forms – Here’s How
Payable’s new Google Forms add‑on lets users collect payments directly through familiar processors such as PayPal, Stripe, Square, Rapyd, and Razorpay. The extension, available via the Google Workspace Marketplace, integrates a secure checkout into any form and syncs transaction data...
Google Messages Launches Group RCS Mentions and Trash Folder
Google Messages has officially launched two new RCS features: Mentions and a Trash folder. Mentions let users tag contacts with @, triggering notifications even in muted group chats and allowing real‑time name edits. The Trash folder replaces immediate delete with...
Samsung Confirms Galaxy S26 Will Get AirDrop Support via Quick Share ‘Soon’
Samsung confirmed that its upcoming Galaxy S26 smartphones will receive AirDrop compatibility through Google’s Quick Share feature, delivered via a software update. The rollout will begin with the S26 series and then extend to other Galaxy devices, though exact timelines remain...
Gemini for Android Redesigns Voice Input to Be Like Audio Memos
Google’s Gemini app for Android has overhauled its voice input, swapping the real‑time transcription field for a waveform interface that mimics audio memos in messaging apps. Users now tap a Stop button to review transcribed text or a pulsating Send...
Nothing CEO Carl Pei Says ‘Apps Are Going to Disappear’ in the AI Future of Your Phone
At SXSW, Nothing CEO Carl Pei warned that traditional mobile apps will disappear as AI agents take over user interactions. He argues that developers should expose APIs so agents can act directly, bypassing human‑centric interfaces. Pei reiterated Nothing’s strategy to...
Today’s Android App Deals and Freebies: FrogBoy, Full Pipe, Afterplace, Mystic Vale, More
Google Play’s Thursday roundup featured over seventy Android games and apps discounted up to 80%, including titles like FrogBoy, Mystic Vale, and Full Pipe at $1. The list also highlighted deep discounts on board‑game adaptations and a range of free...
![This Is Android’s New ‘Advanced Flow’ for Sideloading Apps without Verification, Includes One-Day Waiting Period [Gallery]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/85e4581dd0e04ba2324f7e779af61949.webp)
This Is Android’s New ‘Advanced Flow’ for Sideloading Apps without Verification, Includes One-Day Waiting Period [Gallery]
Google will launch a new Android developer verification system later this year, but power users can opt into an “advanced flow” that disables the verification requirement. The advanced flow adds a one‑day security wait, biometric or PIN confirmation, and a...
Deals: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold up to $600 Off, Google TV Streamer, 3rd Gen Nest Cam Amazon All-Time Low,...
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is seeing massive open‑box price cuts, with the 256 GB model $600 off and the 512 GB version $543 off the regular price. Best Buy lists the 256 GB unit at $1,198.99 shipped, down from $1,799, while the 512 GB open‑box sells for...
Google Pixel Found Enough of a Foldable Phone Niche to Maybe Stay Relevant Following ‘iPhone Fold’
Google’s Pixel Fold has secured a modest but distinct foothold in the foldable smartphone market, holding 2 % of global share in 2025 and projected 1 % in 2026. Counterpoint Research expects Apple’s first foldable to capture 28 % of the segment at...
![Spotify Now Rolling Out Redesigned Wear OS App with New Gestures, More [Video]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/10/indigo-pixel-watch-4-band.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1){kind=tracking}
Spotify Now Rolling Out Redesigned Wear OS App with New Gestures, More [Video]
Spotify has begun rolling out a redesigned Wear OS app that refreshes the Now Playing screen with larger album art and new gesture controls. A swipe‑down opens an immersive view that spotlights creator artwork, while taps and double‑taps handle play/pause and...
The Gemini for Home Voice Assistant Is Now More Concise, Faster, & Better at Alarms/Timers
Google rolled out a second major Gemini for Home update, slashing command latency by 40% and trimming the verbosity of routine responses. The voice assistant now handles alarms and timers more intelligently, allowing contextual scheduling, multi‑step commands, and fixed recurring...
This New Cassette Player Has USB-C and Bluetooth, in Case You Want to Ditch Spotify
Maxwell introduced a modernized cassette player that combines USB‑C charging and Bluetooth audio with classic tape playback. The sleek white unit offers 11 hours of battery life and tactile controls, but it cannot record or play non‑cassette media. Priced at $99.99,...
Google App Starts Rolling Out Quick Access to AI Mode History
Google is rolling out a persistent AI Mode history button in the Android Google app, replacing the Labs beaker icon on the Home tab. The new UI slides recent AI chats into view, mirroring the Gemini app’s menu and aligning with...
The Galaxy S26 Ultra Is a Reminder that Faster Charging only Matters if You Can Use It
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers 60 W fast charging using standard USB‑PD accessories, sidestepping the need for proprietary bricks. In a real‑world test at Atlanta’s airport, the phone jumped from under 20 % to about 60 % in minutes with a regular charger...
Google Meet Fully Replaces Legacy Duo Calling
Google has completed the migration of its legacy Duo calling functions into Google Meet, making Meet the sole video‑calling service across its ecosystem. The transition, originally slated for September 2025 and later pushed to January 2026, has now fully rolled out, removing...
Pixelated 092: At the Next Denny’s, Turn Left
Episode 92 of 9to5Google’s Pixelated podcast spotlights major updates to Google Maps, including a refreshed 3‑D visual style and the AI‑driven Ask Maps feature powered by Gemini. The hosts also examine recent data showing Motorola commanding roughly half of the...
Meta Is Killing End-to-End Encryption for Instagram DMs Soon
Meta announced that Instagram will discontinue end‑to‑end encryption for direct messages on May 8 2026. Users will see an in‑app notice and can download affected chats before the feature is removed. The company cited low opt‑in rates as the reason, directing users...
Latest Google Pixel Update Makes It Harder to Select Images From the Recents Menu
Google’s March 2026 Android 16 QPR3 update alters the Pixel Recents menu by removing the ability to directly save images from the Select tool. Previously, users could copy, share, or save images and launch Google Lens with a single tap....
Google Rolling Out Pixel Camera 10.3: 100x ‘Pro Res Zoom’ Renamed
Google has released Pixel Camera version 10.3, a minor update that renames the flagship "Pro Res Zoom" mode to simply "Pro Zoom" on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The change appears across settings, processing prompts and product listings and is being rolled out...
Google Chrome for ARM64 Linux Devices Coming Q2 2026
Google announced that Chrome for ARM64 Linux will be released in the second quarter of 2026, extending the browser’s cross‑platform reach after Apple Silicon (2020) and ARM‑Windows (2024). The rollout targets both consumer Linux distributions and specialized hardware, notably Nvidia’s...
Google Nest Wifi Pro Rolling Out March 2026 Update
Google has rolled out the March 2026 firmware update for Nest Wifi Pro, moving the software from version 3.76.479819 to 3.78.518349. The update, delivered automatically overnight, is billed to improve security, stability, and mesh performance, though no obvious UI changes are...
Deals: Pixel 10 Pro up to $352 Off Today, Google TV Streamer 4K Down at $80, 49-Inch 5K Curved Display,...
Best Buy is offering “excellent” condition open‑box Pixel 10 Pro smartphones at up to $352 off the $999 MSRP, while Amazon lists new unlocked models with $200‑$250 discounts. The Google TV Streamer 4K is now priced at $79.99 on Amazon, a 20% cut near...
Samsung’s Mobile Division Could See First-Ever Loss in a Bleak Smartphone Market
Samsung’s mobile division faces the prospect of its first operating loss as the global smartphone market contracts sharply. A combination of memory‑chip shortages and soaring component costs is squeezing margins, prompting the company to slash discretionary spending such as executive...
Google Is Making Android Phones Faster and Improving Battery Life with This Change
Google is integrating Automatic Feedback‑Directed Optimization (AutoFDO) into the Android kernel to streamline code execution based on real‑world usage patterns. By profiling the most common instruction paths from the top 100 apps, the compiler can make smarter decisions, reducing CPU...
The Galaxy S26 Series Is Now Officially on Sale, and the Trade-In Values Have Plummeted
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series has hit stores, but the generous pre‑order trade‑in credits have been slashed. The top‑tier S26 Ultra now offers up to $720, roughly $200 less than the pre‑launch incentive, while trade‑ins for devices like the Z Fold 6...
Galaxy S26 Switching to ‘Hey Perplexity’ Wake Word for Its Third AI Assistant
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series rolled out its first software update, removing the previously announced “Hey Plex” wake word for the Perplexity AI assistant. The change is temporary, as Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed the wake word will be reintroduced as “Hey Perplexity.”...
Find Hub for Android Removes Biometric Login
Google's Find Hub app has removed the biometric confirmation step that previously required a fingerprint or PIN before displaying the Devices and People lists. The change rolled out server‑side in early March 2026, following a February Play Store update. While...
These Smart Glasses Are Similar Meta Ray-Bans, but Support Google’s Gemini
Rokid has rolled out a software update that adds native support for Google’s Gemini large‑language model to its AI‑powered smart glasses. The “Style” model mirrors Meta’s Ray‑Ban glasses with open‑ear speakers, a 12 MP camera, and a 12‑hour battery, but costs...
The Sideload 025: Folding Tablets and Other MWC Wishes
The Sideload episode 25 recaps Ben Schoon’s highlights from MWC 2026, focusing on Qualcomm’s new wearable‑focused chipset, Lenovo’s concept gaming tablet with a foldable screen, and Honor’s experimental robot smartphone. The podcast underscores a broader industry shift toward hybrid devices...
UAG Launches Its First Android Find Hub Tracker, Priced at $45
UAG has entered the Google Find Hub market with the Metropolis Tracker Card, a 3 mm‑thin, IPX4‑rated device priced at $45. The Android‑compatible card offers up to five months of battery life, Qi wireless charging, and a built‑in speaker for location...
AAWireless TWO+ Adapter with Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay Is Finally Back in Stock
AAWireless has restocked its TWO+ wireless adapter on Amazon after a four‑month shortage. The device enables seamless switching between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay without cables, catering to mixed‑platform households. It returns at its launch price of $65, though shipments...
Samsung and Google Pixel Keep Making the Same Phone Case Mistake
Samsung and Google’s official silicone cases for flagship phones have drawn criticism for being overly grippy, making it difficult to slide devices in and out of pockets. Recent hands‑on testing with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro confirms the material feels...
Samsung Wants to Let You Vibe Code Apps and More on Future Galaxy Phones
Samsung announced it is exploring "vibe coding," an AI‑driven feature that would let Galaxy users personalize apps and the overall user experience without writing code. The concept draws on recent trends like Nothing’s AI‑generated widget suite and Google’s developer‑focused AI...
Oppo’s Find N6 Leaks in Spectacular Orange Color Before OnePlus Could Make a Second Foldable
Oppo has leaked images of its upcoming Find N6 foldable, revealing a vibrant orange variant alongside grey and black options. The device retains the thin profile and hinge design introduced with the Find N5, suggesting incremental rather than radical changes....
Pixel Journal Gets Short Material 3 Expressive Bottom Bar
Pixel Journal has been updated with Material 3 Expressive’s short bottom bar, reducing the space above the tab indicator and aligning its look with Google Home and Phone. The UI tweak introduces a floating toolbar similar to the recent Pixel Now Playing...
Android 16 QPR3: Pixel Launcher Search Bar Loses M3 Expressive Redesign
Android 16 QPR3 reverts the Pixel Launcher search bar to its legacy layout, discarding the Material 3 Expressive redesign introduced last year. The update restores the single‑container design with AI Mode positioned left of the microphone, and re‑enables long‑press customization of the AI...
Google Starts Calling Out Android Apps that Drain Your Battery Before You Download Them
Google Play has begun displaying a battery‑drain warning on Android app listings, alerting users that an app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity. The warning launched on March 1, 2026, alongside a new developer metric that tracks...
AirDrop over Android Quick Share Support Will Roll Out This Month, Oppo Says
Oppo announced that its Find X9 series will receive AirDrop‑over‑Quick Share support, allowing native file transfers between Android, iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices. The feature will roll out as a software update later in March, built in partnership with MediaTek and Google....
Pixel Homescreens Are Getting Custom Icons, but Google’s Keeping Them Locked to AI
Google announced that Pixel 6 and newer devices will receive AI‑generated custom icon packs as part of today’s Pixel Drop. The new packs—named Cookies, Treasure, Scribbles, Easel and Stardust—are created by Google’s generative AI and replace the limited Material You color scheme....
Today’s Best Android Game and App Deals: Skul Hero Slayer, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill, Defenchick, More
9to5Toys’ afternoon roundup spotlights a wave of Android game and app discounts, featuring titles like Skul: The Hero Slayer, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill, and Defenchick. The same list bundles aggressive pre‑order incentives for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series, with...