With Android 15 Beta 1, Google is introducing a handful of upgrades that should help protect your privacy while browsing with Wi-Fi or cellular.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15: Privacy upgrades can fight Stingrays, hide your device name
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Kyle Bradshaw joined 9to5Google in 2018 with a special interest in Google’s Fuchsia OS, rooted in his experience of being the first to offer a visual preview of the revolutionary design of the in-development operating system. Since then, his attention has broadened to include the secrets hidden within other areas of Google’s public codebases.
By reading the public Fuchsia code, Kyle was able to prove the existence of the Nest Mini and the Nest Hub Max months ahead of their respective announcements. With evidence from Chromium, he reported on Google’s since-canceled efforts to create an offshoot of Android designed for “touchless” feature phones.
In 2018, Kyle reported on three distinct Made by Google Chromebooks in development, the Pixel Slate, the Pixelbook Go — a full year before its release — and “Meowth,” the original version of the Pixel Slate that was canceled due to Intel’s delays that year. For ChromeOS itself, Kyle was the first to demonstrate the upcoming light theme redesign in action.
Looking at the early evidence of the Pixel 5’s specs, Kyle accurately predicted in February 2020 that the Pixel 5 might not be a traditional “flagship” phone. In 2021, he reported that Google’s next headset would be the “Pixel Buds A.”
Kyle was the first to report that the Pixel 6 would mark the debut of Google’s in-house processors, later revealed to be the Tensor chips.
Kyle contributes to the APK Insight column at 9to5Google, discovering the hidden changes in Google’s apps. These efforts have revealed hotly anticipated features, details about upcoming devices, and unexpected connections between companies.
He can be reached for tips or just friendly chat by Threads, Mastodon, Bluesky, or email. If you’re looking for his other works or side projects, head over to Kyle’s personal portfolio.
Gemini Pro arrives in Android Studio
Initially launching last year as “Studio Bot,” Google is renaming its AI-powered app development assistant to “Gemini in Android Studio.”
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15’s Private Space will recommend using a separate Google Account
Google seems to be thoroughly considering the privacy implications of Android’s upcoming “Private Space” feature, as the company will suggest users create a separate Google account.
Expand Expanding CloseWhen did we stop talking to each other?
In short order, the explosion of generative AI technology has changed the way we read and write for one another, especially in journalism and blogging. While the many AI tools all appear to be useful on the surface, I fear we’ve lost our human connection along the way.
Expand Expanding CloseOur favorite Android apps to replace Google Podcasts
For those in the US, Google Podcasts is set to shut down after today, April 2. We’ve tested quite a few other podcast apps on Android and selected our favorite replacements for Google Podcasts.
Expand Expanding CloseChrome for Android may soon help ‘declutter’ your too many tabs
If you’ve ever opened enough tabs on your phone to swap the indicator to a smiley face ( :D ), Chrome for Android has just the “declutter” feature you need in the works.
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Visible+ gains free smartwatch service, faster hotspot, more
Verizon’s MVNO carrier Visible is enhancing its premium Visible+ plans with a handful of new features, including smartwatch service and a faster hotspot, all for the same price.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini is moving closer to launching on tablets [Gallery]
In the latest beta version of the Google Search app, the company has moved closer to launching its Gemini chatbot on tablets.
Expand Expanding CloseCuriosity kills the phone: Here’s why you shouldn’t uninstall ‘Android system’
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you tried to uninstall the “Android system” app on your phone? One person on Twitter/X found out the hard way so you don’t have to.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 DP2: ‘Audio sharing’ will play music on multiple headphones
If you’ve ever wanted to listen to music or watch a video with a friend without disturbing others nearby, Android 15’s new “Audio sharing” feature may be just what you’re looking for.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle DeepMind cofounder hired to lead Microsoft’s AI efforts
According to Bloomberg, Microsoft has hired Mustafa Suleyman, one of the cofounders of Google’s DeepMind, to lead its consumer AI initiatives.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 8a reaches FCC, moves closer to launch
With spring swiftly approaching, it’s almost time to get our hands on the Pixel 8a. Ahead of its expected launch, the Google Pixel 8a has been submitted for approval from the FCC.
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You can soon play GOG games on Amazon Luna
PC gaming storefront GOG has announced a partnership with Amazon Luna, allowing supported games in your library to be played in the cloud.
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Google just trademarked a signature Pixel design trait
While quite a few things have changed about Pixel phones over the years, one key part of the design has remained the same, and now Google has filed a US trademark for it.
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Peloton app may soon let you form teams with friends and family
The latest update to the Peloton app includes preparations to let members form teams with their friends and family members.
Expand Expanding CloseRare, unreleased Android Mini figures will be sold by Dead Zebra soon
Dead Zebra, the long-time creator of the beloved Android Mini figures, is preparing a massive warehouse fundraising sale that will include quite a few rare and previously unreleased collectibles.
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Android Beta Feedback update breaks Google sign-in [U: Fixed]
Amidst the ongoing testing of Android 14 QPR3 and Android 15, Google’s dedicated feedback app has received an update that broke the ability to sign in.
Update: A newer update has been released, fixing this issue.
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Exclusive: Peloton preps graphic adventure games for Tread and Bike [Gallery]
Following the success of Lanebreak, Peloton is preparing to launch a few more games for its Tread and Bike devices and these are unlike anything you could imagine for exercise equipment.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle to upgrade Watch Unlock with UWB ahead of Pixel Watch 3
Google is working to upgrade Watch Unlock to use ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity, potentially hinting at Pixel Watch 3 functionality.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is preparing an ‘App Mall’ for Chromebooks
Google is readying a new online ‘App Mall’ to help you discover your next favorite app or game for your Chromebook.
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Fuchsia version 16 rolling out to Nest Hub devices, here’s what’s new
Google has begun rolling out version 16 of its Fuchsia operating system to Nest Hub devices, bringing improvements to Bluetooth, Matter, and Thread.
Expand Expanding CloseYet another Chromecast with Google TV has appeared
According to a recent Google Home app update, another new Chromecast with Google TV device appears to be in the works.
Expand Expanding CloseNo, Gmail is not ‘sunsetting’
A fake email being spread on Twitter/X claims that Google is “sunsetting” Gmail in 2024, but this is a blatant hoax.
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Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones directly supports the Google Stadia Controller
While Google Stadia may have shut down, its memory lives on through the official controller and the platform’s avid community. Ubisoft has even seen fit to visually support the Google Stadia Controller in its hotly anticipated high-seas adventure Skull and Bones.
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