Android

10 May 2021

Clubhouse launches Android beta app after iOS downloads drop significantly

After more than a year of iOS exclusivity, Clubhouse is finally coming to Android. The only catch is that the beta Android version is restricted to US users at the moment.

30 Apr 2021

Google cracking down of scammy, misleading Play Store app listings

Google has announced sweeping new Play Store guidelines for publishing apps. The policies are designed to make app listings accurate, concise, and devoid of visual clutter and spam.

17 Apr 2021

Here's another look at features in Android 12's Developer Preview

The hype surrounding Android 12 has been growing since Google began to release Developer Preview builds. With the third Developer Preview right around the corner, XDA-Developers got some hands-on time with a yet unreleased build of the smartphone operating system.

15 Apr 2021

Telegram offers direct download to bypass Google's censorship overreach

While most Android users prefer to download WhatsApp's alternative Telegram off the Play Store, there is now a compelling reason to seek an unusual method provided by the app makers.

14 Apr 2021

This feature nudges Android users to look up while walking

Google has begun rolling out the latest addition to its Digital Wellbeing app. First spotted by XDA-Developers' Mishaal Rahman in November last year, the Heads Up feature is designed to prevent people from using their phones while walking.

12 Apr 2021

Google is shutting down its Shopping app

Google is shutting down its Shopping app for Android and iOS, a company spokesperson confirmed to 9to5Google.

10 Apr 2021

Apple kept iMessage from Android to lock users within iOS

Apple's high-level executives have admitted that the company could have made iMessage available on Android but it instead chose to trap users in the iOS walled garden.

04 Apr 2021

Google to limit apps from seeing what else is installed

Google will soon moderate which applications on the Play Store can access the list of all the other apps that you have installed on your device, reports XDA-Developers.

26 Mar 2021

Qualcomm is reportedly developing an Android-based Nintendo Switch lookalike

Popular smartphone chip manufacturer Qualcomm could be planning to enter the handheld gaming devices market with a hardware offering.

23 Mar 2021

NewsBytes Briefing: LG might shutter mobile phone business, and more

Excited about the upcoming LG rollable phone? Buying one might be a bit difficult since LG could shut down its smartphone arm by April.

23 Mar 2021

Why were Google Chrome, Gmail apps crashing for some users

Early this morning, Android users around the world reported notifications alerting them that multiple apps had stopped running. The affected apps include Gmail, multiple banking apps, and Google Pay.

23 Feb 2021

Netflix mobile will automatically download recommended content for offline viewing

On Monday, Netflix announced a new Downloads For You feature for its Android and iOS applications. The streaming giant will automatically download recommended TV shows and movies based on your taste.

21 Feb 2021

POCO M2 Pro receives February 2021 security patch in India

After releasing an MIUI 12 overhaul package back in December last year, Xiaomi is rolling out the February 2021 Android security patch for its POCO M2 Pro smartphone in India.

20 Feb 2021

NewsBytes Briefing: Google keeps firing its ethics researchers

Google's former pride and joy, its Ethical AI research team, is turning out to be a PR campaign gone awry. The search giant had hired scientists promising them freedom, but the honeymoon period ended when they began publishing papers critical of Google's own products.

19 Feb 2021

Android 12's Developer Preview released: What's new?

Google has released the Developer Preview of the Android 12 operating system. The preview builds are intended to give developers the tools to optimize their apps for the updated OS and its new features.

16 Feb 2021

What should you expect from Android 12?

Android 12 (codenamed Snow Cone) will reportedly pack features previously exclusive to third-party Android skins such as MIUI and OxygenOS. The update will bring an improved one-handed mode, revamped auto-rotation, a quick setting for reduced brightness, and a gaming mode.

06 Feb 2021

Slack emails some users to reset password, wipe app data

Slack, the business communication platform, recently notified some of its users of a serious bug via email. Slack's Android app was accidentally logging users' credentials in plain texts and storing it in the fairly accessible app data directory.

05 Feb 2021

Google reportedly developing Android feature mimicking Apple's App Tracking Transparency

Google is reportedly working on an anti-tracking feature for Android. The solution could be similar to the one coming with iOS 14.5, but less strict.

02 Feb 2021

Ford cars will get comprehensive Android integration from 2023

On Monday, Ford announced a partnership with Google. The Android Automotive operating system (OS) will be comprehensively integrated into infotainment systems on Ford and Lincoln branded cars.

30 Jan 2021

Netflix testing a feature that stops streaming after set period

Netflix has been busy this week with Android app updates. Now, the streaming service is globally testing an option that will enable users to set an auto shutdown timer for the Android app.

23 Jan 2021

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1's (2021) design details revealed

Samsung is expected to introduce a new Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2021) model later this year. In the latest development, 91mobiles has shared renders of the tablet, revealing its design details and other features.

18 Jan 2021

Signal users report encryption errors; Company claims chat security unaffected

Signal, the privacy-centric messaging service, spent long hours battling a global outage last weekend. The disruption is reported to have been caused by a high influx of new users.

16 Jan 2021

Samsung slashes price of the strictly optional Galaxy S21 charger

Almost immediately following the announcement of the new Galaxy S21 5G series of smartphones, Samsung announced a $15 price cut on the 25W fast charger that is sold separately.

07 Jan 2021

OPPO Find X3 spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 888 processor

OPPO is expected to launch the flagship Find X3 smartphone early this year. In the latest news, the global variant of the phone has been spotted on Geekbench, revealing the key specifications.

02 Jan 2021

WhatsApp ends support for these smartphones: Details here

Facebook-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has withdrawn support for a number of dated smartphones.

31 Dec 2020

Redmi Note 9T spotted on Geekbench, key specifications revealed

Xiaomi is expected to launch its budget-friendly Redmi Note 9T in January 2021. It will be a rebranded version of China's Redmi Note 9 5G.

31 Dec 2020

Motorola Nio spotted on Geekbench, key details leaked

Motorola is expected to launch its new flagship smartphone, the Motorola Nio sometime in the first quarter of 2021. In the latest development, the handset has been spotted on Geekbench (version 5.2.5), revealing some of its key specifications.

30 Dec 2020

Realme 8 spotted on Geekbench, key specifications revealed

Realme is expected to launch its budget-friendly Realme 8 smartphone in early-2021. In the latest development, the handset has been spotted on Geekbench (version 4.4.0), revealing some of its key specifications.

29 Dec 2020

The best Android apps of 2020

A lot of things did not go well this year, but it was a great time for technology.

25 Dec 2020

Samsung Galaxy M12 gets certified in Thailand, launch imminent

Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy M12 soon, and in the latest development, the smartphone has reportedly been spotted on Thailand's telecom regulator NBTC's site.

19 Dec 2020

Moto G Play (2021) appears on Google Play Console listing

Motorola is working to launch a new budget-friendly Moto G Play (2021) model sometime early next year. In the latest development, the handset has been spotted on the Google Play Console listing, revealing its key specifications.

18 Dec 2020

Samsung Galaxy M12 to feature a 6,000mAh battery, reveals FCC

Samsung is expected to launch a new Galaxy M12 model in the coming weeks. In the latest development, the handset has been spotted on the FCC certification site, revealing that it will come with a 6,000mAh battery.

18 Dec 2020

Samsung A32 5G spotted on Geekbench, key specifications revealed

As an addition to its portfolio of affordable 5G smartphones, Samsung is working to launch the Galaxy A32 5G model in early-2021.

17 Dec 2020

Vivo X60 spotted on Geekbench with Exynos 1080 chipset

Ahead of its launch on December 29, Vivo X60 has been spotted on Geekbench, revealing its key specifications. As per the listing, it will come with a Samsung-sourced Exynos 1080 processor, 12GB of RAM, and Android 11 support.

23 Nov 2020

How to use WhatsApp's 'Disappearing Messages' feature on Android, iOS

Earlier this month, WhatsApp introduced a new 'Disappearing Messages' feature that allows users to send self-deleting messages in individual chats as well as group conversations.

15 Nov 2020

Inbase Urban Lite review: Good entry-level smartwatch, half-baked fitness tracker

Having a tiny computer wrapped around your wrist is no longer a costly affair. In fact, for around Rs. 5,000, you can buy a smartwatch that offers a wealth of features, fitness tracking, a stylish and durable design, and compatibility with your iOS and Android-based smartphone.

23 Oct 2020

Here's how to mute a WhatsApp chat forever

WhatsApp has finally introduced a new feature that lets you mute a chat forever. So, if you are a part of an annoying group on the messaging app, chances are you are going to love this new option.

09 Oct 2020

Now, your Android phone can alert about easy-to-miss household sounds

Google is bringing a handy new feature on Android, one that will help people to take note of important but easy-to-miss sounds in their homes.

08 Oct 2020

Chrome's latest mobile update gives major boost to password security

Google is releasing a new 'version 86' of Chrome for Android and iOS, adding some much-needed capabilities into the mobile browser and bringing it on par with the desktop-specific release.

07 Oct 2020

Google accused of abusing Android TV's dominance in India: Report

Google is facing a new antitrust case in India.