Mishaal's Android News Feed @mishaalandroidnews Channel on Telegram

Mishaal's Android News Feed

@mishaalandroidnews

Android news from an Android nerd

Mishaal's Android News Feed (English)

Are you an Android enthusiast looking for the latest news and updates in the world of Android technology? Look no further than Mishaal's Android News Feed! As the username suggests, this channel is managed by Mishaal, a passionate Android nerd who is dedicated to keeping you informed about all things related to the Android operating system. Whether you're interested in the newest device releases, software updates, or tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Android device, Mishaal's Android News Feed has got you covered. Join the channel to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving world of Android technology and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for all things Android. Don't miss out on the latest news and insights - join Mishaal's Android News Feed today!

Mishaal's Android News Feed

18 Feb, 16:11

πŸ”Android 16's enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you're serious about security

A new API lets apps detect when you're enrolled in Advanced Protection so they can enable extra security restrictions.

More details on this new featureπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-advanced-protection-api-3527060/
2,977
Mishaal's Android News Feed

17 Feb, 18:41

Found some more info on the new Live Updates feature in Android 16, which lets progress-centric notifications appear prominently on the lock screen/AOD and also show a tiny chip in the status bar for ongoing alerts.

This is the API (setShortCriticalText) that apps can use to set what text to show in the status bar chip. Google suggests a max length of 7 characters, which is not a lot to work with in English but can go a long-way in some other languages.
3,928
Mishaal's Android News Feed

17 Feb, 18:24

⌨️ You can now play Android games on PC with only a keyboard

Google Play Games on PC has been updated to let you map your keyboard presses to touch inputs.

Screenshots of this new feature can be foundπŸ‘‡

πŸ”—https://www.androidauthority.com/remap-controls-google-play-games-on-pc-3526996/
4,111
Mishaal's Android News Feed

16 Feb, 21:40

🧲 The Pixel 9 Pro Fold may get a new setting that helps it work better with magnetic cases

Google is working on a new "robust open/close detection" feature that makes it easier for Android to tell when the Pixel Fold has been opened or closedπŸ‘‡

πŸ”—https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-fold-open-close-detection-3526651/
4,456
Mishaal's Android News Feed

16 Feb, 21:38

πŸ”Google will soon let you access its new AI search mode right from your Pixel’s home screen

As AI Mode in Google Search gets closer to launch, we now have a look at how you'll be able to access it from the Pixel LauncherπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-launcher-ai-mode-shortcut-3526598/
4,353
Mishaal's Android News Feed

14 Feb, 17:28

πŸ‘“Google confirms Android XR will give apps access to your headset's cameras

A Google spokesperson confirmed to me that, with your permission, apps will be able to access the camera on Android XR headsets to create immersive experiences.

More detailsπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-xr-camera-access-3526531/
5,946
Mishaal's Android News Feed

14 Feb, 15:42

πŸ€™ Android 16 will fight scammers by blocking certain features during phone calls

To fight scams, Android 16 will block you from sideloading apps or allowing accessibility access while you’re on a call.

More detailsπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-phone-call-protections-3526068/

β€”-

UPDATE: These new anti-scammer protections are actually LIVE in Android 16 Beta 2!

I've added a video to the article that demonstrates this new security feature!
5,358
Mishaal's Android News Feed

14 Feb, 15:40

πŸ’‘Android 16 Beta 2 makes dimming the display more convenient for the whole Pixel 9 family

A new version of the Extra Dim feature is available for the Pixel 9 series; instead of manually toggling it, it's now integrated into the brightness slider.

πŸ”—https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-9-extra-dim-android-16-3526204/
4,801
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 20:27

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ¦±πŸ‘©β€πŸ¦± This new Android widget makes it easier to quickly switch users

Android 16 adds a new β€œmultiuser” widget that lets you quickly switch between users on a device.

It's simple but should be useful for shared/family devices!

ScreenshotsπŸ‘‡

https://www.androidauthority.com/android-multiuser-widget-3526110/
5,165
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 20:19

πŸ’³ Android 16 Beta 2 lets you double press the power button to open Google Wallet

Android finally lets Pixel users choose between launching the camera app (current default) and Google Wallet when double pressing the power button.

Demo videoπŸ‘‡

https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-power-button-wallet-3526104/
5,151
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 19:09

This feature is now live in Android 16 Beta 2!
4,705
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 19:01

⬇️ Android 16 Beta 2 is already available as a Generic System Image (GSI) and will soon roll out for Pixels

The build ID is BP22.250124.009.

If you were hoping for it to include major UI changes like the new Quick Settings panel I found, I'm sorry to say they're not here 😒
5,231
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 19:01

🚨 Android 16 Beta 2 is here!

The second beta brings new media and camera updates like Ultra HDR improvements, behavior changes like the removal of opting out of edge-to-edge more, and more.

Here's everything you need to know πŸ‘‡

https://www.androidfaithful.com/android-16-beta-2/
6,287
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 15:03

With every new teaser, the OPPO Find N5 seems like it's gonna be the best book-style foldable this year!

Sadly, OnePlus has just confirmed this phone won't be launching in the U.S. as the OnePlus Open 2. I had heard the Open 2 was cancelled a few months ago, but I was hoping my source was incorrect. Unfortunately they were not.

Hopefully OPPO launches the Find N5 in the markets where the Open 2 would've been, but I don't see them expanding into the U.S. with this product πŸ₯²
6,427
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Feb, 00:03

The Android Developers account has just confirmed that Android 16 Beta 2 is dropping tomorrow!
6,915
Mishaal's Android News Feed

12 Feb, 17:09

Google is now rolling out the Sensitive Content Warnings feature in Google Messages!

This feature uses on-device machine learning to recognize when an image contains nudity, blurring them before you can view them in Google Messages. This feature is optional for adults for opt-out for users under 18.

In addition, Google says it'll begin testing a ML-based age estimation model in the U.S. later this year so it can estimate whether a user is < 18 and apply age-appropriate experiences.

(By the way, if you're wondering what that new "Android System SafetyCore" app that mysteriously showed up on your Android phone is all about, it's what powers the on-device nude image recognition feature.)
7,865
Mishaal's Android News Feed

12 Feb, 17:03

🏫 Google extends Family Link School-Time Controls to Android Phones, Tablets

Google has unveiled new supervision tools for parents in Family Link. Here's what new controls are available for Android phones and tabletsπŸ‘‡

https://www.androidfaithful.com/family-link-school-time/
5,243
Mishaal's Android News Feed

11 Feb, 20:58

Just registered for Google I/O 2025! To anyone else attending in-person, I'll see you there!

Excited to hear about all the new Android newsπŸ˜†
5,511
Mishaal's Android News Feed

11 Feb, 20:38

Google I/O 2025 is happening May 20-21, 2025!
5,829
Mishaal's Android News Feed

10 Feb, 22:07

πŸ—Ί This app lets you use Samsung's tracker tags with any Android phone

Tired of poor performance with Google's Find My Device network? The new uTag app by Kieron Quinn lets you use a Galaxy SmartTag with any Android phone.

More detailsπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/smarttags-non-samsung-3523131/
9,027
Mishaal's Android News Feed

10 Feb, 16:21

The OnePlus Watch 3 is launching next week!

OnePlus has confirmed its next flagship smartwatch is launching next Tuesday in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

The OnePlus Watch 3 will have class-leading battery life (up to 120 hours in Smart Mode, up to 16 days in Power Saver Mode) thanks to its large 631mAh Silicon NanoStack battery and Dual-Engine Architecture (Snapdragon W5 chipset for performance plus BES2800 MCU for efficiency).

It'll come in two colors: Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium. It'll have a stainless steel casing, a titanium alloy bezel with PVD coating, and a 2D Sapphire Crystal display.

The OnePlus Watch 2 was my favorite smartwatch of 2024, and it's still the one I wear today. If OnePlus just improves on the formula, then the Watch 3 will probably be my favorite watch of 2025.
10,043
Mishaal's Android News Feed

08 Feb, 19:32

Android 16 may give you a heads up when your phone's time zone changes

Google is working on a "time zone alerts" feature that notifies you when your phone's time zone has been automatically updated.

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-time-zone-alerts-3524074/
7,051
Mishaal's Android News Feed

07 Feb, 16:41

⌨️ Android 16 could finally let you remap keyboard shortcuts

Google's working to let you reassign the key combinations that perform Android system actions.

More details πŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-customizable-keyboard-shortcuts-3524017/
7,825
Mishaal's Android News Feed

06 Feb, 17:01

✨Google Photos will now add an invisible watermark to images edited with Reimagine

Photos will start using SynthID, a technology that embeds imperceptible digital watermarks into images, to mark images edited with Reimagine.

πŸ”— https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-photos-reimagine-watermark/
9,126
Mishaal's Android News Feed

06 Feb, 16:29

The supported Linux kernel versions for Android 16 have been revealed. They include:

Upgrades:

- android11-5.4
- android12-5.4
- android12-5.10
- android13-5.10
- android13-5.15
- android14-5.15
- android14-6.1
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12

New launches for devices with chipsets not under GRF:

- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12

New launches for devices with chipsets under GRF:

- android13-5.15
- android14-5.15
- android14-6.1
- android15-6.6
- android16-6.12

---

Yes, this means that there could be new Android 16 devices shipping with a kernel/vendor software built for Android 13.
7,663
Mishaal's Android News Feed

06 Feb, 16:18

One Googler says that "AVF is mandatory starting from Android 16."

AVF, if you aren't aware, is the Android Virtualization Framework. It provides a set of APIs for system apps to run payloads in an Android or Linux virtual machine. It's also notably what enables the new Linux Terminal app in Android 16.

Almost every OEM has devices supporting AVF, with the lone exception of Samsung (possibly due to conflicts with Knox). I thought this would change with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series, as they launch with vendor software built for Android 15, and AFAIK, VSR-15 still has a clause mandating that devices launching on API level 202404 support AVF. So I'm not sure what happened here, but hopefully the requirement is actually real in Android 16, at least for newly launching devices.
4,809
Mishaal's Android News Feed

31 Jan, 17:07

πŸ“ Android 16 is getting more personalized with new regional preference options

Android 16 may let you set your preferred measurement system and region independent of the system language.

Here's why that's importantπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-region-measurement-settings-3521970/
8,777
Mishaal's Android News Feed

30 Jan, 22:01

πŸ›œ Quick Settings on Android could revert to expanding tiles the old way

Google is testing a change that brings back the old Quick Settings tile expansion behavior from Android 5.1.

It's far from finished, but here's a video showing the current stateπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-quick-settings-expansion-3521878/
8,973
Mishaal's Android News Feed

30 Jan, 19:20

Looks like T-Mobile and Starlink are starting to let some Pixel 9 users into the satellite messaging beta.

Just heard from two Pixel 9 Pro XL users that they were invited to the beta.

When the beta first launched two weeks ago, it was reported that only 5 Samsung models were supported (Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, S24 series). My OnePlus 13 wasn't accepted into the beta, but hopefully that'll change soon.

FWIW: Google has been testing Starlink support on the Pixel 9 for a few months now.
7,929
Mishaal's Android News Feed

30 Jan, 19:06

πŸ”« Android 16's Linux Terminal will soon let you run graphical apps, so of course I ran Doom

ICYMI: Google's been working on a Terminal app that runs Debian in a VM, and they've made steady progress on it.

Click πŸ‘‡for more details on this progress

πŸ”— https://androidauthority.com/android-16-linux-terminal-doom-3521804/

(Once again, "The Only Thing They Fear Is You" is stuck in my head.)
10,952
Mishaal's Android News Feed

30 Jan, 19:01

Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 broke the ability for scrcpy to create virtual displays, as the requisite permissions were removed from shell.

However, Google now says it has added back these permissions to shell for Android 16.

While this will re-enable scrcpy's virtual display feature, Google warns that these permissions are only held by shell for testing purposes and may be removed again in the future without notice.
5,478
Mishaal's Android News Feed

29 Jan, 18:05

New Play Protect features on Android protect against dangerous apps

- Play Protect can't be disabled during calls
- Chrome will ask you to turn on Play Protect before sideloading
- Play Protect will autorevoke permissions for dangerous apps

DetailsπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-play-protect-jan-2025/
12,095
Mishaal's Android News Feed

29 Jan, 15:55

πŸ•ΆAndroid 16 prepares to make dark mode work with more apps

Android may add a new feature that automatically converts light theme apps to dark theme, even if they don't have a native dark theme.

Details + screenshots can be found at the linkπŸ‘‡

πŸ”— https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-forced-dark-mode-3521090/
6,068
Mishaal's Android News Feed

28 Jan, 20:59

πŸ”” Here's how Google's changing notifications in Android 16 with Live Updates

A lot of people were confused by Google's announcement of Live Updates in Android 16.

My latest article πŸ‘‡ explores the feature in more detail

πŸ”— https://androidauthority.com/android-16-live-notifications-3518375/

Oh, and I found confirmation within the Android developer docs that Live Updates will appear as chips in the status bar, which lines up with my previous reporting on Rich Ongoing Notifications!
16,368
Mishaal's Android News Feed

28 Jan, 19:30

πŸ”Š Android 16 improves how hearing aids deal with noisy environments

Android 16 brings new features for LE Audio hearing aids like:

- Bluetooth ambient volume controls
- Ability to switch which mic is used for voice calls

πŸ”—Details: https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-hearing-aids-3520978/
7,149
Mishaal's Android News Feed

28 Jan, 18:01

The Google Play Store is going to show a "Verified" badge for some VPN apps.

These badges will appear on store listings for VPN apps that "prioritize user privacy and safety, help users make more informed choices about the VPN apps they use, and build confidence in the apps they ultimately download."

VPN apps have to earn the badge by "adhering to the Play safety and security guidelines" and successfully completing a "Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation." They also have to have at least 10k installs and 250 reviews, be published for at least 90 days, and submit a Data Safety section declaration while opting into independent security review and encryption in transit.

Nord, hide dot me, and Aloha Browser are among the few to secure the badge. You can easily find more by searching "VPN" in the Play Store.

Out of curiosity: What VPN are you currently using, and why did you choose it?
6,270
Mishaal's Android News Feed

27 Jan, 20:11

🚨 Breaking: Google is releasing most of the source code for Pebble, with its former CEO Eric Migicovsky telling me he plans to build a new watch based on the newly open sourced Pebble OS.
14,362
Mishaal's Android News Feed

24 Jan, 23:36

TalkBack image descriptions on the OnePlus 13 are powered by an on-device generative AI model from Google.

So I guess this confirms the OnePlus 13 indeed supports the multimodal Gemini Nano model.

The model occupies about ~4GB of space so I hope more use cases emerge for it. Once the AI Edge SDK opens up more, I'm hoping some 3P apps start to use it.
9,874
Mishaal's Android News Feed

24 Jan, 20:02

The Galaxy S25 sadly doesn't support the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF).

If this doesn't change in Android 16, it means the device won't support the new Terminal app that lets you run a Linux distro in a virtual machine.

The reason I'm surprised by this is that Android 15's vendor software requirements state that chipsets that launch with vendor API level 202404 must declare support for AVF. That means every device with the Snapdragon 8 Elite is capable of supporting it, but I guess Samsung still chose to disable it. Maybe it still interferes with the Knox hypervisor?

Hopefully Samsung adds support in a future release, because Android 16's Terminal app is shaping up to be an incredibly useful feature!
13,752
Mishaal's Android News Feed

24 Jan, 19:47

🎡 You'll soon be able to customize the haptics for your Pixel's ringtone and notification alert

An upcoming version of the Google Sounds app will let you change the vibration pattern for your selected ringtone or notification alert.

More details + a demo of this upcoming feature can be found in this article.
6,643
Mishaal's Android News Feed

24 Jan, 19:08

Evidently, the Galaxy S25 supports Satellite SOS messaging with Skylo as the service provider, but ONLY if you're on
Verizon.

Buried in Verizon's press release:

"Verizon now offers seamless connection to Satellite SOS messaging powered by Skylo on the Galaxy S25 series, in the unlikely event that you need emergency services and are in an area without cellular connectivity."


Why did Samsung not market this feature at all? What may have happened is that Samsung would rather not deal with deploying satellite SOS messages region-by-region and is leaving it up to carriers to make the respective partnerships, as Verizon has done with Skylo. Samsung went ahead and added support for a standards-based satellite solution in the form of the revived Snapdragon Satellite, so it's up to carriers to take advantage of it. I guess a lot of people would complain if Samsung had talked about the feature and how it's only available in a limited fashion, but I'm not sure why they didn't go the Google route and ink at least a nationwide deal.
7,066
Mishaal's Android News Feed

23 Jan, 20:49

πŸ”’Here's how Android's new Secure Lock feature will help secure your sensitive data

This'll solve a big security loophole:

If a thief who sees you enter your PIN steals your phone, they can unlock it and see notifications and widgets.

More details can be found in this article on Android Authority.
6,260
Mishaal's Android News Feed

18 Jan, 00:36

Oh, it seems this is now public. This 7-core variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is apparently intended for foldables (less heat generation), according to OEM sources.

In terms of performance, it gets 2% lower scores in AnTuTu and 7% less in Geekbench multi-core.
4,508
Mishaal's Android News Feed

15 Jan, 21:02

πŸ‘€ Android 16 could borrow one of the best OxygenOS multitasking features for tablets

Google is working on three-way split-screen multitasking for tablets, possibly inspired by the Open Canvas feature of some OnePlus devices.

More details and a demo video can be found in this article.
5,739
Mishaal's Android News Feed

15 Jan, 20:47

πŸ“±Android 16 could make multitasking better on phones with this split screen change

Google is preparing to add a 90:10 split ratio in Android 16, similar to how Open Canvas works in OxygenOS 15 on OnePlus phones.

Read this article for more details + a demo video.
5,238
Mishaal's Android News Feed

15 Jan, 17:53

Of these three volume panel designs, what do you think is the best?

Keep in mind the design that I put down for Android 16 isn't live yet and may not be the final design. Still, I know some of y'all have strong opinions on this, so vote in the poll.
5,300
Mishaal's Android News Feed

14 Jan, 18:06

πŸš— Android Automotive will be getting lots of new apps, starting next month

Google is finally launching the car ready mobile apps program that it announced back in May.

More details on this program can be found in this article.
5,194
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Jan, 22:42

πŸ”™Android 16 may bring predictive back support to three-button navigation

Currently, predictive back only works with gesture navigation, but that's set to change in Android 16.

More details + a demo video can be found in this article on Android Authority.
5,671
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Jan, 20:09

πŸ”Š Google may redesign the volume UI in Android 16, and here's a first look

The new design ditches the thick, pill-shaped sliders in favor of thinner, continuous sliders with handles.

You can see screenshots of the new volume UI by clicking on this link.
6,098
Mishaal's Android News Feed

13 Jan, 18:25

πŸ“±The OnePlus 13 gets Gemini Nano support in its first software update

The OnePlus 13 is not only the first OnePlus phone to support Gemini Nano, but it may also be the first non-Pixel to support the multimodal version of the model!

More details can be found in this article on Android Authority.
5,501
Mishaal's Android News Feed

10 Jan, 18:32

While I'm on the subject of smart home control, I thought I'd mention that Android 16 is adding a new PackageManager API that lets apps determine whether an Android device has Thread network support.

FCC docs suggest the Pixel 9 series has a Thread radio, but it's currently not utilized. That could change this year, though.
7,529
Mishaal's Android News Feed

10 Jan, 18:26

Google TV devices on Android 14, Google Nest devices, Chromecast, and some LG TVs can now locally control your Matter-enabled smart home devices

Google said at CES 2025 that it had integrated the Home Runtime into these devices, enabling them to control Matter devices without an Internet connection. Viewing or controlling these devices will now be faster, more reliable, and more private.
6,530
Mishaal's Android News Feed

10 Jan, 18:19

Android is getting ready to support the new Eclipsa Audio format for 3D sounds

At CES 2025, Samsung announced that its 2025 TVs and soundbars will be able to playback YouTube videos that support the new Eclipsa Audio format.

Eclipsa Audio is based on the spatial audio format that Samsung, Google, Arm, and the Alliance for Open Media co-developed called Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). IAMF is being pushed as a royalty-free spatial audio format in contrast to Dolby Atmos.

On the Android side, the latest Media3 1.5.0 release includes the media3-decoder-iamf module that allows for playback of IAMF audio tracks in MP4 files. However, developers will need to build the libiamf decoder locally. The Android media framework is also getting ready to support IAMF decoders. So far an empty build rule and boilerplate code for the decoder have been added.

For context, check out this article from Engadget.
11,434
Mishaal's Android News Feed

10 Jan, 18:01

Android 16 is adding a new Advanced Protection Mode API

Apps can check if you're enrolled in APM and then apply any extra security measures they deem necessary to safeguard your data.

This seems to be the Android native version of Google's Advanced Protection Program.

I first reported on Android 16's support for Advanced Protection Mode back in October, but it wasn't clear if the API would be open to 3P apps. However, these comments from some Googlers seem to confirm that'll be the case.
6,472
Mishaal's Android News Feed

07 Jan, 16:48

The OnePlus 13 is the first non-Pixel Android phone to support Android’s Powered Off Finding feature!

This feature lets you locate your OnePlus 13 via the Find My Device network even when it’s powered off or out of battery. This is thanks to specialized hardware within the device that keeps the Bluetooth controller running for hours after the OS has shut down.

The Pixel 8 series was the first to support this feature among Android phones. Despite messages in OxygenOS 15 suggesting otherwise, neither the OnePlus 12 nor the OnePlus Open support this feature as they don’t have the requisite hardware.

P.S. check out my OnePlus 13 review!
12,019
Mishaal's Android News Feed

07 Jan, 16:11

Lenovo unveils new premium Android tablets aimed at gamers and students

Here's what you need to know about the new Yoga Tab Plus, the Idea Tab Pro, the Tab LTE, and the Legion Tab Gen 3.
8,832
Mishaal's Android News Feed

06 Jan, 23:15

It's official: the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is launching on January 22!

If you reserve now using my link, you'll get $50 Samsung credit, 3X Samsung reward points in your pre-order purchase, and entry into a $5,000 sweepstakes.

All you need to do is enter your name and email address to reserve, and check the box to enter the sweepstakes.

(Disclaimer: I get a small commission if you use my affiliate link to reserve.)
8,397
Mishaal's Android News Feed

26 Dec, 21:26

Google is testing a new "download manager" feature in the Play Store.

This feature adds a new button to the top right that, when tapped, shows a list of apps you've recently installed but haven't launched yet. If you're in the middle of downloading a new app, it'll show up in this list, too, so you can see the progress.

@AssembleDebug spotted evidence for this feature a few weeks ago, but I just noticed that it's live for me. Anyone else see this?
5,053
Mishaal's Android News Feed

26 Dec, 18:42

When you enable Android's new Identity Check feature, biometric authentication will be required for the following actions when your phone is outside a trusted location:

* Access saved passwords and passkeys with Google Password Manager.
* Autofill passwords in apps from Google Password Manager, except in Chrome.
* Change screen lock, like PIN, pattern, and password.
* Change biometrics, like Fingerprint or Face Unlock.
* Run a factory reset.
* Turn off Find My Device.
* Turn off any theft protection features.
* View trusted places.
* Turn off Identity Check.
* Set up a new device with your current device.
* Add or remove a Google Account.
* Access Developer options.
* Change your password from account settings or through "Forgot password."
* Add or change recovery factors on the device.

You can continue to use PIN, pattern or passwords for Private Space, multiusers, autofill payments in apps, and password and payments autofill in Chrome.

Identity Check is currently available on Pixel phones running Android 15 QPR1 or later (December '24 Pixel Drop) as well as the Samsung Galaxy S24 running the One UI 7 beta. The feature only works on devices that support class 3 ("strong") biometrics. To enable it, go to theft protection settings - Identity Check will be listed there if your device supports it.
5,216
Mishaal's Android News Feed

26 Dec, 17:29

Happy holidays!

I wrote three new articles about One UI 7 that were published while I was away. They are:

1) One UI 7 lets you stop HDR photos from making your screen super bright

2) One UI 7 will make it easier to filter notifications that aren't important

3) One UI 7 is adding even more continuity features between your Galaxy phone and Galaxy Book
4,825
Mishaal's Android News Feed

21 Dec, 00:08

Google is rolling out the "Ask about this PDF" feature it announced at I/O!

When you open a PDF file using the Files by Google app and invoke Gemini on it, you'll soon see an "ask about this PDF" chip above the overlay. If you tap this chip, you can then ask Gemini questions about the doc.

Your device must run Android 15 and you must be subscribed to Gemini Advanced to use this feature. You also need to set Gemini as your assistant, obviously.

Thanks to Rob on my Discord for the screenshot!
8,853
Mishaal's Android News Feed

20 Dec, 21:43

🌧 Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait

A new Weather app category for is now in beta, but you can already download some weather apps for Android Auto/Automotive today.

More details on this new Weather category can be found in this article.
7,418
Mishaal's Android News Feed

20 Dec, 20:59

πŸš— Android Automotive is getting better multi-user support and a revamped media player app

Android Automotive 24Q4 brings a major new feature called Concurrent Multi-User support as well as other minor changes.

Everything you need to know about this update can be found in my latest article for Android Authority.
6,491
Mishaal's Android News Feed

20 Dec, 18:58

The Google Play Store app is starting to show your achievements for some game listings.

These achievements come from your Google Play Games profile.

At least two users on my Telegram group are seeing this now. Thanks to nothingToSeeInMe for the screenshots!
5,223
Mishaal's Android News Feed

20 Dec, 16:52

A few months ago, I posted about a document from the Wireless Power Consortium that implied that products could ship with Qi2 branding but NOT support magnetic charging.

Since that post was based on a document that was outdated (the WPC has since taken down the page), I've deleted my post on it so it can no longer be referenced.

Yes, it's true that products can support the Qi2 spec but not support magnetic charging. HOWEVER, the WPC's guidelines state that the Qi2 logo/branding can only be used on packaging/marketing materials if the device supports the Magnetic Power Profile.

That means if you see the Qi2 logo on a product, it supports magnetic charging. If you see the old Qi logo, then it does not.

I apologize for sharing outdated information, and I'm glad that the WPC didn't move forward with allowing non-magnetic charging products to have a different Qi2 logo as that would've been confusing for consumers.
5,227
Mishaal's Android News Feed

20 Dec, 16:40

You can now transfer Burst Photos from your iPhone to your new Pixel phone when using the Android Switch app!

Paul Dunlop, the Product Manager for Onboarding & Switching on Android, just posted on Threads that Burst Photo transfer support has rolled out.

"With this update, you'll always keep your full set of burst photos when transferring via cable or WiFi, meaning you can always choose a different best shot, even after making the switch from iOS to Pixel.

The feature is live now for up to date Pixel devices through initial setup and the Android Switch app."
4,713
Mishaal's Android News Feed

20 Dec, 14:39

πŸ“Έ Google Photos is getting ready to roll out its new β€˜Quick Edit’ sharing feature

The 'Quick Edit' page will appear before you share a photo, and it'll let you quickly 'enhance' or crop it before sharing.

Details + screenshots can be found in this article.
5,920
Mishaal's Android News Feed

19 Dec, 22:18

Great news for Android developers with personal accounts!

Google has quietly lowered the number of people who have to test your Android app before you can release it on the Play Store.

Now you only need 12 instead of 20 testers.

More details on this policy change can be found in this article.
6,272
Mishaal's Android News Feed

19 Dec, 21:25

I'm seeing this brought up a lot, but I haven't seen evidence yet to suggest that Google Keep will be a preinstalled system app on ALL Android 16 devices.

Just because Google has done it in Android 16 DP2 for Pixels doesn't mean it's required! This is something we'll have to wait and see.
7,145
Mishaal's Android News Feed

19 Dec, 20:40

✍️ Android 16 will let apps block AI writing tools

Android 16’s new WritingTools API lets apps decide if they want text generated by AI to be allowed in text fields

More details on this new API can be found in this article on Android Authority.
7,103
Mishaal's Android News Feed

19 Dec, 17:50

Android 16 DP2 tweaks the keyboard settings menu to add a new subpage for the four physical keyboard accessibility options (sticky keys, bounce keys, slow keys, and mouse keys).

Along with the new subpage, some keyboard accessibility options now have their own menu. For bounce keys and slow keys, you can adjust the threshold (0.2s, 0.4s, 0.6s, or custom). For mouse keys, there are now instructional images on how to use it.
5,086
Mishaal's Android News Feed

19 Dec, 17:42

Android 16 DP2 introduces the repeat keys feature that I first spotted in development in Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1.

When it's enabled, repeat keys lets you "hold down a key to repeat its character until the key is released." Disabling this could help users who have trouble picking their finger back up quickly enough after they press a key, as it would stop them from accidentally repeating characters they didn't intend to.
4,219
Mishaal's Android News Feed

19 Dec, 17:20

Android 16 DP2 introduces the "2-finger double tap" magnification shortcut that I previously found back in May.

This new shortcut lets you magnify the screen by quickly tapping it twice with 2 fingers. It joins the existing accessibility button, accessibility gesture, volume key, and triple tap shortcuts for screen magnification.
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