Android Archives

BetaBeacon

October 12, 2026

Android Automotive vs. Google Built-in: How Google’s Two Car Platforms Actually Differ

- Google Built-in is a package of Google apps that carmakers license and add on top of their Android Automotive systems, providing access to Google Maps, the Google Play Store, and Gemini. - Gemini is officially taking over from Google Assistant as the voice assistant across 16 car brands, offering features such as real-time traffic updates, EV-specific routing, smart navigation, and the ability to check email, build playlists, and order dinner. - Not every automaker wants to use Google's assistant, with some like Ford and Rivian investing in building their own AI assistants. - Some drivers are skeptical of native systems like Google Built-in, believing that the motive behind them is new revenue rather than a better driving experience.

BetaBeacon

October 12, 2026

Which older Samsung Galaxy devices still get software updates in 2026?

Samsung links software support to the price of the device, with flagships getting up to seven years of updates, midrange phones getting five to six years, and budget models getting up to four years. The A-series models are affected the most by this difference. Samsung does not announce when support ends, so users must check their model's support status. Once security patches end, the phone is vulnerable to hackers and apps may stop working. It is important to check a phone's support date before purchasing.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

The open-source mobile OS LineageOS upgrades to Android 17, escaping the ecosystem without losing the apps

LineageOS has released version 24, transitioning to Android 17, which includes numerous security patches. The update features a new image editor called Canvas, enhancements to the Android TV launcher Catapult with a battery indicator, and improvements to the music application Twelve for faster loading times. It also expands support to 24 additional devices. A comprehensive list of supported hardware and a downloads page are available in Changelog 32. LineageOS aims to provide a version of Android free from Google's ecosystem, allowing users to reduce bloatware and unwanted services, although some Google-dependent applications may face issues.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Someone ported Pixel 11’s Rambler voice-to-text to other Android phones

Google's Pixel 11 and the Googlebook feature the Rambler voice-to-text functionality, which uses AI to improve traditional voice-to-text capabilities by refining spoken words into coherent text with proper grammar and formatting. Rambler is currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, but a developer has ported it to other Android devices through an app called "PixelBoard," a modified version of Gboard. Users can sideload this app from GitHub, but they should proceed at their own risk. Testing on a Galaxy Z Fold 8 showed that the app functions effectively, similar to Rambler on the Pixel 11. It is unclear if Google will extend Rambler support to other devices, and alternatives like Microsoft’s SwiftKey are available on the Play Store.

BetaBeacon

October 11, 2026

The Witch’s Bakery Coming to Crunchyroll Game Vault for Android and iOS

- In Paris, there are several districts with main characters, activities, and shops to explore. - "Le Quai des Bouquinistes" in the 6th arrondissement is known for its book sellers and collectors of entertainment goods. - Each district in Paris has its own unique features and attractions.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Android’s New Sideloading Rules Add a 24-Hour Wait

As of September 30, Google has introduced a 24-hour waiting period for Android users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand before they can install applications from unregistered developers. This initiative aims to enhance security against potential scams. Users can still access apps from recognized stores, including Google Play and various manufacturer-specific app markets. The rollout is currently limited to the specified countries and has not been implemented globally. The new verification process may affect users who prefer alternative app stores and those who do not use a Google account.

BetaBeacon

October 11, 2026

A classic Zelda-style adventure can be tried for free on smartphones – Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King released on Android and iOS

FDG Entertainment has released the mobile version of Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King, developed by Castle Pixel studio.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

What’s the difference between Android Automotive and Google Built-In?

Car manufacturers are moving away from phone mirroring applications like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to adopt native infotainment systems, supported by Google's Android Automotive and Google Built-in software. General Motors (GM) has chosen Google Built-in since 2023, abandoning Android Auto. Google Built-in allows access to applications like Google Maps and the Google Play Store, and is used by sixteen automotive brands including Honda, Volvo, Chevy, Nissan, Ford, BYD, and Renault. Android Automotive is a customizable software solution for managing vehicle functions, while Google Built-in consists of licensed applications. Google is integrating advanced AI features, such as the Gemini chatbot, into its infotainment systems, enhancing capabilities like real-time traffic updates and voice-activated assistance. GM is also developing a proprietary AI assistant alongside integrating Gemini.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Android 18 UI Breakdown: Deep Material You Upgrades, Progressive Blurs, and Hardware Synergy

Google is teasing the return of the Android Dev Summit, focusing on Android 18 and its visual transformation. Key upgrades include: 1. Modern Graphics: Introduction of multi-point mesh gradients and real-time progressive blurs for enhanced visual fidelity. 2. Evolved Material You: Development of tactile glassmorphism and fluid component scaling for a three-dimensional user experience. 3. App Efficiency: Stricter performance benchmarks to minimize resource-heavy background processes and ensure smooth operation. 4. Hardware Synergy: Optimizations in Android 18 designed to complement next-generation displays, particularly for the upcoming Pixel 12.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

3 Budget Android Phones That Work Without A Google Account

Google is working on a new Android Developer Verification system to enable users to sideload third-party app stores like F-Droid and Aurora. Budget-friendly Android phones that operate without a Google account include the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G, Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026), and Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, all priced under 0. The TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G, launched in 2025 for 0, features 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, and a 5,010 mAh battery. It offers one major Android OS upgrade and two years of security patches. The Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) was initially priced at 0 in November 2025 but has increased to 0. It includes 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and a 5,200 mAh battery, with two years of major Android OS upgrades and three years of security patches. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G debuted in January 2026 at 0, featuring an Exynos 1330 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 5,000 mAh battery, with six major Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches. All devices allow users to avoid Google account sign-in and related background processes for improved performance.