Google Chrome Is Switching to a Two-Week Release Cycle
Google Chrome will move its major milestone releases to a two‑week cadence, beginning with Chrome 153 stable on September 8. The change aims to deliver new features, performance tweaks, and fixes faster while retaining weekly security patches. It applies to desktop, Android, and iOS browsers, with no alterations to Dev or Canary channels. Enterprise customers keep the eight‑week Extended Stable schedule, and Chromebooks will receive the new cadence after dedicated testing.
Google Home Just Announced a Bunch of Gemini, Smart Home Updates Rolling Out Now
Google announced a suite of Gemini for Home updates that tighten voice‑command precision, improve device and location context, and cut premature cut‑offs. The changes ensure commands like “turn off the kitchen” affect only lights and that “turn off all the...
Samsung’s Digital Home Key Will Work with UWB and NFC Smart Locks
Samsung announced that its Samsung Wallet will now include a Digital Home Key, extending the Digital Key feature from vehicles to residential smart locks. The new function relies on the open Aliro standard—managed by the CSA group behind Matter—and supports...
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra Shipped Early for at Least One Person
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra began shipping a week before its scheduled March 6 launch when a Reddit user received the device early. The premature delivery appears to be a logistics slip rather than a deliberate giveaway, and similar incidents have...
Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon Wear Elite for Next Gen of Wear OS, Galaxy Watch
Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Wear Elite at MWC 2026, a premium Wear OS chipset built on a 3 nm process with a big.LITTLE CPU and an upgraded Adreno GPU. The SoC delivers up to five‑fold single‑core CPU performance and seven‑fold GPU frame‑rate gains,...
Motorola Confirms GrapheneOS Support for a Future Phone, Bringing over Features
Motorola announced a long‑term partnership with GrapheneOS at MWC 2026 to ship a future Motorola phone with GrapheneOS pre‑installed and to back‑port select security features to existing models. The collaboration will involve joint research, software enhancements, and new security capabilities. Current...
Samsung’s Excuse for Skipping Qi2 Magnets in Galaxy S26 Ignores the Big Picture
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series skips built‑in Qi2 magnets, citing a push for thinner, lighter devices. The phones still support Qi2‑compatible cases, meaning 25 W wireless‑charging speeds depend on magnetic alignment provided by a case. Currently, no 25 W Qi2 charger operates without magnets,...
YouTube Test Lets AI Create a New Video Using Someone Else’s Shorts
YouTube Shorts is piloting AI‑driven Remix tools for a limited group of English‑speaking creators. The "Reimagine" feature lets users turn a single frame from an existing Short into a brand‑new video using custom or suggested prompts, while "Add object" enables...
Chrome for Android Rolls Out Always-Available Reading Mode Redesign [U]
Google has begun rolling out a major redesign of Chrome for Android’s Reading mode in version 145, making the feature widely available across devices. The exit button now appears in a rounded‑square shape, improving visibility, and a new Lexend font...
Samsung Teases ‘More Advanced’ S Pen, No TriFold or Edge Sequels Yet
Samsung’s chief operating officer confirmed that the S Pen remains a core component of its flagship Galaxy line and is slated for a major upgrade. The next‑generation stylus will feature a new display‑integrated structure that reduces the physical penalty of the...
Samsung Galaxy Update Removes Android Recovery Menu Tools, Including Sideloading
Samsung’s February 2026 One UI 8.5 update strips several core utilities from the Android recovery menu on Galaxy devices, including ADB and SD‑card update options, cache wipes, and log viewing. The remaining menu items are limited to reboot, factory reset, and...
Pixelated 090: Hey Gemini, Order Me a Pizza
Episode 90 of 9to5Google’s Pixelated podcast dives into Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch, highlighting its modest hardware tweaks and the rollout of Pixel‑inspired AI tools on the device. The hosts also unpack Google’s new agentic Android features, powered by Gemini, that let users...
Walmart Onn 4K Plus, the Best Deal in Google TV at $30, Is Finally Back in Stock
Walmart’s Onn 4K Plus streaming device, priced at $30, is back in stock after weeks of unavailability. The Google TV‑powered dongle offers 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage and Wi‑Fi 6, delivering solid performance as a Chromecast alternative. Both online and in‑store inventories are limited, with...
No, the Galaxy S26 Series Doesn’t Support AirDrop (Yet)
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series does not yet support Apple’s AirDrop through Quick Share, despite circulating rumors and a leaked One UI 8.5 screenshot. Google’s Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 already offer seamless AirDrop integration, setting a benchmark for cross‑platform sharing. Samsung confirmed the feature...
Google Photos for Android Rolls Out Sticker Creation
Google Photos for Android has introduced a built‑in sticker creation tool in version 7.64, following a similar iOS rollout earlier this year. Users can select a clearly defined subject, press and hold to generate a cut‑out sticker, then copy or share...
Google Photos Rolling Out Shortcut to Local Folders
Google Photos for Android is introducing a new folder‑icon shortcut in the top bar, positioned next to the plus and notification icons. Tapping the icon jumps straight to the “On this device” page, where local folders such as Screenshots, Quick Share,...
Samsung Confirms Satellite Connectivity for Galaxy S26 and Older Galaxy Devices
Samsung announced that its upcoming Galaxy S26 series – S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra – will support satellite connectivity in major markets such as the United States, Europe and Japan. The feature is also being back‑ported to select older Galaxy flagships and...
Nvidia Shield TV Is Getting a New Update Following Promise of Continued Support
Nvidia announced that its Shield TV line will continue receiving software support, rolling out the Shield Experience 9.2.4 update for all devices. The patch brings January 2026 security updates and resolves several high‑profile bugs, including Disney+ playback and Bluetooth remote disconnects. This...
Motorola Teases ‘Every Detail’ About Razr Fold Is Coming Next Week
Motorola unveiled a preview of its upcoming Razr Fold at CES 2026, showcasing a surprisingly thin, book‑style foldable that sits between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold in design. The company hinted that full specifications and a potential launch timeline will...
Google Releases ‘Gemini Enterprise’ Mobile App, Adds @Google Chat for Workspace
Google has released Gemini Enterprise mobile applications for Android and iOS, extending its AI work‑assistant platform to enterprise users. The apps are offered in early‑access by invitation only and are packaged as a standalone 33 MB Android app. Gemini Enterprise now...
Google Teases ‘Amazing Things’ in Android 17
Google’s Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat announced that Android 17, currently in beta, will shift the platform from a traditional OS to an AI‑powered intelligent system. The upcoming release, slated for finalization by May and stable launch in June, will embed...
![Samsung’s Audio Eraser Now Works with YouTube and Other Apps, and It’s Impressive [Video]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/02/galaxy-s26-audio-eraser-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Samsung’s Audio Eraser Now Works with YouTube and Other Apps, and It’s Impressive [Video]
Samsung has upgraded its Audio Eraser tool on the Galaxy S26, enabling real‑time voice isolation across popular streaming and social apps. Integrated into One UI 8.5, users can toggle the feature, adjust its strength, and enable a Voice Focus mode. Demonstrations show...
1Password’s Annual Subscription Plans Are Getting a Price Hike Next Month
1Password announced a price increase for its annual plans effective March 27 2026. Individual subscriptions will rise to $47.88 per month and family plans to $71.88 per month, representing a $12 yearly bump. The company attributes the hike to added value and...
Google Messages More Widely Rolling Out Circular Read Receipts Redesign
Google Messages is now broadly rolling out a circular redesign for read receipts to beta testers, following an August 2024 test. The new UI places a single circular indicator in the bottom‑right of each bubble, showing four states: sending, sent,...
Oppo Teases the Find N6’s Crease-Less Display Ahead of Rumored March Launch
Oppo has unveiled a teaser for its upcoming Find N6 foldable, highlighting a crease‑less interior display. The device retains an 8.12‑inch main screen and a 6.62‑inch outer panel, with a larger battery hinted at. Launch is slated for China in...
NotebookLM Reportedly Testing Custom Banners Beyond Limited Emoji Labels
NotebookLM, Google’s AI‑driven note‑taking tool, is testing a new custom banner image feature that appears as a “customize” button with an image‑generation icon. The functionality may let users upload personal graphics or generate AI‑based visuals tied to notebook content. This...
The Sideload 023: Cable TV, Now with More Hoops
The Sideload episode 23, hosted by 9to5Google’s Will Sattelberg, features Brady Snyder discussing recent shifts in streaming media. They examine YouTube TV’s newly introduced channel packages, noting higher prices and added complexity for subscribers. The conversation then pivots to Apple Music’s Android app,...
Google Messages Preps Find Hub Location Sharing Integration
Google is testing real‑time location sharing in its Messages app, leveraging the Find Hub service. The upcoming feature will let users share live coordinates directly within a chat, with preset durations of one hour, today, or until manually stopped. Strings...
Gemini App Adds Video Templates to Quick Start Generation
Google’s Gemini app now includes a library of fifteen video‑generation templates, letting users start clips with predefined styles such as Cyberpunk, Cosmos or Action Hero. The update adds an "Ingredients to Video" option where a personal photo can become the...
Android Auto Users Hit with ‘Voice Commands Aren’t Available Right Now’ Bug
A software bug is preventing Android Auto users from invoking voice commands, displaying a "voice commands aren’t available right now" notice at launch. The problem spans multiple manufacturers, including Samsung and Google Pixel devices, and appears to have intensified after...
Google, Apple Start Testing Encrypted RCS on Android and iOS 26.4
Google and Apple announced that encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging is now in beta testing between Android and iPhone devices. The feature leverages the GSMA RCS Universal Profile and provides end‑to‑end encryption, visible as a lock icon in both...
Acme Weather Is an Upgraded Dark Sky Reboot that Knows Your Weather App Sucks, Coming to Android
Acme Weather, built by the original Dark Sky team, is set to launch on Android after an iPhone debut. The app differentiates itself by displaying "alternative possible futures" that illustrate forecast uncertainty alongside the primary prediction. It also incorporates crowdsourced weather...
Samsung’s Galaxy Book 6 Laptops Start at $1,049 in the US, Launch on March 11
Samsung announced the U.S. launch of its Galaxy Book 6 laptop series on March 11, with three models priced from $1,049 to $2,449. The lineup, revealed at CES 2026, features a slimmer design, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, and an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU in...
Galaxy S26 Will Have a ‘Hey Plex’ Perplexity Hotword Alongside ‘Hey Google’ & Bixby
Samsung confirmed that the upcoming Galaxy S26 series will ship with a new Perplexity hotword, “Hey Plex,” adding a third AI voice assistant alongside Google’s “Hey Google” and Samsung’s “Hey Bixby.” The integration is system‑level, with Perplexity pre‑installed and reachable via voice or a...
The Google Weather Android ‘App’ Is Going Away
Google is phasing out the dedicated Android Weather app, redirecting the homescreen shortcut to a Google Search weather results page. The legacy full‑screen weather experience, which displayed current conditions, hourly and 10‑day forecasts, is being replaced by a redesigned search...
Ex-Google Employees Charged for ‘Stealing Trade Secrets’ Around Pixel’s Tensor Chip
U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted three individuals, including two former Google hardware engineers, on 14 felony counts for allegedly stealing trade secrets tied to Google’s Tensor AI chips used in Pixel devices. The charges encompass conspiracy, theft of trade secrets,...
Motorola Razr (2025) and Razr Ultra Just Got Android 16 Updates, Earlier than Last Time
Motorola has pushed the Android 16 upgrade to its Razr (2025) and Razr Ultra flip phones, rolling it out to U.S. carriers such as Verizon ahead of the schedule announced in June. The update arrives months earlier than the Android 15 rollout...
Pixelated 089: Haven’t I Seen This Pixel Before?
Episode 88 of 9to5Google’s Pixelated podcast examines Google’s Pixel 10a, a modest refresh that largely mirrors its predecessor. The hosts dissect subtle hardware tweaks, camera adjustments, and pricing, while questioning whether the ‘a’ line should adopt longer generational gaps. They...
Google’s Tensor G6 Rumored to Be Paired with New Titan M3 Security Coprocessor
Google is reportedly developing a third‑generation Titan M security coprocessor, dubbed Titan M3, for its upcoming Tensor G6 chipset, internally codenamed “Google Epic.” Leaked internal listings reference firmware named “longjing,” suggesting the chip is in early development. The move appears aimed at narrowing...
Galaxy Buds 4 Dummy Leaks Downplay AirPod Comparisons with New Metallic Finish
Samsung previewed its upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro through dummy units sent to stores ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event. Both models feature a brushed metallic stem intended to distance the design from Apple’s AirPods, addressing prior criticism of visual...
Pixel At a Glance Adds Sports and Finance Updates
Google has rolled out the first major expansion to Pixel’s At a Glance feature in months, adding real‑time sports scores and finance tickers directly to the home and lock screens. The updates draw from Google Search and Google Finance, using...
Meta Reportedly Releasing More Display Glasses, Health and AI-Focused Smartwatch Later This Year
Meta is set to revive its smartwatch project with a 2026 launch under the codename “Malibu 2.” The new device will prioritize health tracking and deep integration with Meta’s AI services, diverging from earlier Android‑based concepts. In parallel, Meta plans to...
Google Chrome Adds Split View and PDF Annotation with Drive Upload
Google Chrome 145 introduces three desktop productivity upgrades: Split View for side‑by‑side tabs, PDF annotation tools for highlighting and note‑taking, and a Save to Google Drive button that uploads PDFs directly to a designated Drive folder. Split View is accessed via...
YouTube Tests ‘Conversational AI’ on TV Apps
Google is piloting a conversational AI feature on YouTube TV apps, letting users ask questions about videos through a remote‑mic or dedicated button. The tool, branded “Ask,” leverages the Gemini model to generate real‑time answers and mirrors functionality already on...
Samsung Nearing One UI 8.5, New Bixby Release with Its Latest Beta Update
Samsung has begun rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 5 to Galaxy S25 owners in the United States, following earlier releases in the UK and India. The beta introduces a single change: an upgraded Bixby version that leverages Perplexity’s large‑language‑model capabilities. While the...
Today’s Android App Deals and Freebies: Undead Slayer, Alien Food Invasion, Muse Dash, More
9to5Toys released its February 17 2026 Android deals roundup, highlighting steep price cuts on popular games such as Undead Slayer, Alien Food Invasion, and Muse Dash, many now free or under $1. The list also bundles hardware discounts, including a pre‑order deal on...
Google Expands Quick Share’s AirDrop Support to Pixel 9
Google is extending its Quick Share cross‑platform file‑sharing feature to include AirDrop compatibility on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices. Users must install the Quick Share Extension update through System services to enable direct peer‑to‑peer transfers with iPhone, iPad or...
Google Pixel ‘Project Toscana’ Reportedly Upgrades Face Unlock Hardware, Compares to iPhone Face ID
Google is developing "Project Toscana," a hardware‑based face‑unlock system for upcoming Pixel phones and Chromebooks. The solution reportedly uses an infrared sensor hidden behind a single hole‑punch camera and aims to match iPhone Face ID’s speed. Early reports claim it...
Samsung Reportedly Can’t Even Buy Its Own Exynos Chips for Less, Adding to Galaxy S26 Price Hike
Samsung is reportedly forced to raise the Galaxy S26’s launch price as soaring RAM and memory costs strain its margins. Even its in‑house Exynos processors can no longer be sourced cheaper than competing chips, limiting Samsung’s ability to absorb expenses. The...