ARMSX3 is a new project by the creators of ARMSX2, an experimental port of RPCS3 for Android devices in the proof of concept stage, aiming for full PlayStation 3 emulation on smartphones.
Third-party advertising tools embedded in Android applications are automatically collecting location data, often without the app developers' awareness. Software development kits (SDKs) used for advertising come with location data collection enabled by default, unless developers actively disable this feature. Historical location data has been sold to military and intelligence agencies, including the FBI, and used in immigration enforcement actions in the US. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reported that app-level location permissions do not provide meaningful consent for location collection by third-party advertising SDKs. The EFF identified four advertising SDKs—InMobi, BidMachine, Verve's HyBid, and Huawei's Petal Ads—that collect and share location data by default. Two analyzed apps had been downloaded 60 million times without providing a privacy notice or seeking user consent for third-party location sharing. Users can manage location permissions through their device settings, but the EFF emphasizes that developers should ensure user data is not shared by default.
Many users of Google Photos have reported that the drag-to-select feature, which allowed for easy selection of multiple photos by dragging a finger across the screen, has seemingly vanished. Users can still initiate multi-select by tapping and holding a photo, but dragging now only scrolls the screen, requiring individual selection of images. This issue affects various devices, including Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus models, with some users noting that the feature still works on certain devices like the Pixel 6 Pro. The situation appears to be a bug rather than a deliberate change, and users are awaiting a resolution from Google.
NFC technology enhances daily life by allowing users to automate tasks through NFC tags. These tags are inexpensive, with a pack of ten costing around , and in the U.S., fifty tags can be purchased for just under . Users can create routines on Samsung phones by accessing Settings, selecting Modes and Routines, and scanning NFC tags to trigger automated actions.
Practical routines include:
- Morning Routine: Scanning an NFC tag turns off an alarm, adjusts phone settings, opens Google Calendar and Google Keep, and allows for news updates.
- Work-from-Home Routine: Optimizes phone settings for productivity, including keeping the phone unlocked and using the Pomodoro technique with the Tomato app.
- Pre-Outdoor Exercise Routine: Activates location services, adjusts Bluetooth settings, opens a podcast app, and reminds users to take essential items.
- Android Auto Routine: Simplifies the connection process between the phone and Android Auto using two NFC tags for connecting and disconnecting.
- Cooking Routine: Launches Samsung Food and Google Clock to set timers while cooking.
- Bedtime Routine: Launches a white noise app, prompts a review of notes, and adjusts settings for better sleep.
These routines illustrate the versatility of NFC tags in streamlining daily activities.
OpenAI is developing a feature in ChatGPT's Android app that would allow users to create stickers and export them directly to WhatsApp via an "Add to WhatsApp" button. This feature is not yet officially announced but aims to simplify the current multi-step process of creating custom WhatsApp stickers from ChatGPT. The anticipated functionality would enable users to convert text prompts into WhatsApp stickers easily. OpenAI has removed usage limits for free ChatGPT users, and image generation has become a popular feature. The integration with WhatsApp could enhance user engagement and streamline the sharing of AI-generated images as stickers.
Notesnook is a free, open-source note-taking app that offers end-to-end encryption and syncs across devices, featuring a text editor, support for attachments, and organizational tools. Obsidian serves as a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins, Graph View, and Advanced Tables for structured note-taking. TickTick is a to-do app with essential features in its free version, including task lists, subtasks, reminders, and Smart Recognition for creating tasks using natural language. Trello is a project management tool with a Kanban-style interface, allowing users to manage multiple projects with custom fields and subtasks. Toggl Track is a time management app that logs hours spent on tasks and provides insights into productivity through a calendar view. Airtable is a database app with a spreadsheet-like interface for organizing information, customizable for various purposes. Raindrop.io is a bookmark manager that allows users to save articles, images, and videos, with tagging and search features for easy retrieval. MacroDroid is an automation tool for Android that enables users to create macros for repetitive tasks, improving efficiency.
People reach outside the Play Store to download APKs for emulators, early builds of apps, region-locked releases, modded versions of apps, and apps like betting and casino apps that are restricted by Google's store policies. Google has found that there is over 50 times more malware coming from internet-sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. Starting in September 2026, Google will require every developer to verify their identity for apps installed on certified Android devices, including sideloaded apps. To sideload without getting burned, users should pull APKs from reputable sources, match permissions to the job, keep Play Protect switched on, and revoke the "install unknown apps" permission after installation.
Google has released the Android Canary build version 2608, which allows users to customize the Quick Settings layout. The build, ZP11.260717.006, includes the August 2026 security patch and is compatible with various Pixel devices, including Pixel 10a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 9a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 8a, 8, 8 Pro, 7a, 7 Pro, 7, 6a, 6 Pro, 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. This will be the final release for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and transitioning to stable production releases will require flashing the most recent production build, which involves a data wipe. The update also features AI-generated lockscreen clocks and a returning app lock feature, accessible through Settings > Settings & privacy > Privacy > App lock. Users can customize the Quick Settings layout by tapping the pencil icon and accessing a new “Layout” tab, allowing for reordering of the Brightness bar, Tiles, and Media player with six possible combinations.
Google is updating the visual design of its Wear OS applications, particularly for the Pixel Watch series, ahead of the Pixel Watch 5 launch. The Clock and Stopwatch apps are receiving a redesign with a more natural color palette and refined aesthetics. The Clock app now features a classic 10:10 hand positioning and a toned-down appearance, while the Stopwatch app has a revamped color scheme. These changes are part of Google's broader effort to modernize its smartwatch offerings.
