Android Authority Archives

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

Apps won’t stop randomly crashing on some Pixel phones

Owners of Pixel smartphones are experiencing app-related issues, with reports of music applications skipping tracks and some apps failing to stay open. Users have reported varying experiences, with some experiencing crashes across all apps and others only with specific ones like Google Photos, Spotify, and CapCut. A Reddit thread has emerged where users share their frustrations, and one user noted that joining the System Services beta program resolved their app crashes. The issue seems to affect multiple models, including the Pixel 11 and at least one Pixel 9. Android Authority has contacted Google for further information.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Google sheds some light on the mysterious Android Pulse

Android users have recently noticed a new application called Android Pulse on their devices, which is developed by Google. Google has clarified that Android Pulse is a system service intended to improve the functionality of Android devices and enhance system health monitoring. The visibility of this app in user settings was part of an update aimed at making devices more secure and reliable. Android Pulse functions as an automated tool for maintaining optimal system performance, and users are advised not to be concerned about it, as it is an internal process.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Android Pulse has appeared in the Google Play updates – what does the new system app do?

A new system-wide application called Android Pulse has started rolling out to Pixel smartphones, enhancing resource management by monitoring abnormal resource consumption by the operating system and installed applications. It is included in the latest updates for Pixel devices and operates in the background without a separate interface. Android Pulse tracks unusual patterns in battery, CPU, or RAM usage, although Google has not confirmed the exact metrics monitored. The application is integrated within the system settings of Pixel smartphones and is referred to as "Pulse." It has over 10 million downloads on the Play Store, and builds have been available since at least March 27, 2026. Android Pulse may collect encrypted data regarding app performance, but users cannot delete this data.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Google Play Store Could Soon Let You Search for Apps With Images

Google is developing a feature for the Play Store that allows users to attach images to their queries within Ask Play, its AI-driven conversational search tool. This feature enables users to upload an image or capture a new photo as part of their search process, allowing them to ask questions about the content depicted in the image. Additionally, Google is exploring modifications to the Ask Play interface on individual app pages, potentially replacing the current "Ask Play about this app" section with a horizontal row of suggested questions. These features are currently in development and not yet publicly available.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Google is cracking down on Android apps that use too much memory

Google is implementing stricter memory management for Android applications, extending memory limits for individual apps introduced with Android 17 to devices with 4GB to over 16GB of RAM. The new strategy involves transferring app data into compressed memory (zRAM) when an app reaches its memory limit, which may slightly decrease performance. If an app continues to consume excessive memory, Android can terminate it. Google encourages developers to optimize their apps for these new constraints and is providing tools and resources to help identify high memory consumption issues. Users with limited RAM devices may experience fewer slowdowns, but apps that require substantial memory may face performance challenges or closure if not optimized.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Google has tightened its rules for uploading apps to Android

A new protocol is being implemented for installing applications from unverified developers on Android devices to enhance user security. Users must confirm their intention to download the app, restart their devices, and wait 24 hours before accessing the newly downloaded app. These requirements also apply to updating apps from unverified developers, ensuring ongoing protection against potential vulnerabilities.

BetaBeacon

August 18, 2026

Best Android Emulators 2026: 4 of 7 Play Store Banned

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AppWizard

August 17, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is pretty neat, especially if you hate fraud and scams

Google has rolled out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 for enrolled Pixel testers, introducing significant security measures against call-forwarding fraud. The update is available for Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet users, who will receive version vCP41.260731.005.A2, while other users will be on version vCP41.260731.005.B1. The beta addresses bugs such as "visual corruption" and unexpected device restarts, and resolves misleading battery capacity warnings. New security restrictions include API restrictions and an OS-level confirmation dialog for call-forwarding commands. The Quick Settings layout has been revamped, allowing users to customize their arrangement of key buttons. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been removed from the Android beta program, and the focus will now be on devices starting from the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 11 series has officially debuted with pre-order deals available.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

First Pixel and Samsung, now another brand could get Google’s Scam Detection

Recent findings indicate that Google’s Scam Detection feature may soon be available on vivo smartphones, making vivo the third Android manufacturer to adopt this technology, following Google and Samsung. The feature, which uses on-device AI to identify potential scams during phone calls, has recently been introduced on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. A teardown of the Phone by Google app revealed internal references to the codename “Sharpie,” linked to Scam Detection, suggesting its upcoming availability on vivo devices. While it is unclear which vivo models will support this feature, speculation points to the vivo X500 series as the likely first recipient, with the X300 series possibly following. It remains uncertain whether vivo will integrate Scam Detection into its own dialer app or use the Phone by Google app. The technology enhances user awareness by monitoring for suspicious patterns during calls, such as requests for payment via gift cards, and provides alerts for potential scams, excluding calls from saved contacts. The anticipated expansion of Scam Detection to vivo reflects a growing trend among Android manufacturers to enhance user safety against scams.