- Any phone or tablet that has been updated to Android 14 can access the new Easter egg, which is a space game that works offline and does not require special permissions.
Google is introducing a new screen in the October Google Play services update for Android 16 that informs users about applications checking the system’s Advanced Protection status. This feature is part of the Advanced Protection mode, which enhances device security. The screen displays a list of applications that have queried the operating system to determine if Advanced Protection is enabled, allowing apps to adjust their security protocols accordingly. Initially, only Google’s own applications, such as Phone, Messages, and Chrome, accessed this status information. The feature is currently active on a single device in a beta release of Android 16, with plans for broader rollout in the future.
GameSnacks, a Google-made app with simple games optimized for in-car displays, is seemingly being deprecated in the Android Auto beta release track, indicating it may be shut down soon.
Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1, concluding the September Quarterly Platform Release (QPR). Pixel users can revert to the stable version without a software wipe, but some did not receive the stable update. Users on Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 are facing issues with Google Wallet and VPN functionalities. Complaints are particularly noted among Pixel 9 series users. QPR updates are quarterly updates for Pixel devices, and the following devices are set to receive Pixel Feature Drops this year: Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 7 series. QPR2 is expected in December, and QPR3 in March 2026. Android 16 was introduced in June, with Android 17 expected next June.
The Horizon OS v81 PTC update allows users to launch Quest Link PC VR games directly from the Horizon OS library, eliminating the need for the outdated Rift Dash interface. Quest Link enables Meta's headsets to function as PC VR headsets via USB or Wi-Fi. The Public Test Channel (PTC) provides beta versions of upcoming updates, which may not all transition to stable releases. With the new update, PC VR Store applications are displayed as 'PCVR' in the Horizon OS library, and users can access the Horizon OS interface directly with the Meta button on the Touch controller. This update improves the user experience by streamlining the process of launching PC VR games, but it currently only applies to Meta's PC VR Store games, not those purchased on Steam.
Google has released the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, which includes the September 5, 2025 security patch. Eligible devices for this update are Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel Tablet. The update introduces Themed icon shapes with five options: Circle, Square, Four-sided "cookie," Seven-sided "cookie," and Arch. The Display & touch settings have been redesigned, and Health Connect now automatically tracks steps. The update has achieved Platform Stability, allowing developers to test apps without unexpected changes. It has the build number BP41.250822.010. Starting September 2026, verified developer registration will be required for app installations on certified Android devices in select regions.
The latest beta release of Android 16 introduces enhanced dark mode capabilities, allowing for intelligent inversion of the UI in apps that lack built-in dark mode support. This feature evaluates an app's "Light Theme" attribute to determine if inversion is necessary and applies color inversion techniques to standard Android Views, Composables, and WebViews. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 can generate themed icons for apps without their own, using a color filtering algorithm to ensure they match the user's selected theme. This functionality is aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with low vision and photosensitivity, as well as catering to users who prefer a darker aesthetic. The beta version is currently available only to Pixel device owners, with a public release expected later this year.
Android's Identity Check feature will be enhanced in the Android 16 QPR2 update, requiring biometric-only authentication for apps using the biometric prompt, eliminating screen lock credentials as a fallback. This aims to improve security for sensitive applications by preventing unauthorized access, particularly in untrusted environments. The update expands Identity Check to more applications, ensuring that access necessitates biometric verification. Users can activate this feature through Settings on their Pixel devices. Future updates may allow the use of a smartwatch as a trusted unlock mechanism, bypassing biometric authentication when connected.
The PostgreSQL Global Development Group has released security and maintenance updates for versions 17.6, 16.10, 15.14, 14.19, 13.22, and the third beta of PostgreSQL 18. The updates address three critical vulnerabilities:
1. CVE-2025-8714 (CVSS 8.8) - Allows code injection during dump restoration via pg_dump operations.
2. CVE-2025-8715 (CVSS 8.8) - Enables SQL injection through newline injection in object names during pg_dump.
3. CVE-2025-8713 (CVSS 3.1) - Exposes optimizer statistics data.
The update also improves BRIN index performance, logical replication, and resolves WAL segment removal issues. PostgreSQL 13 will reach end-of-life on November 13, 2025. The third beta of PostgreSQL 18 is in development, with general availability expected in September-October 2025. Administrators should perform reindexing after the upgrade if using specific BRIN indexes.
Waze has introduced a new requirement in its beta version (v5.9.90) that users must have Android 10 or higher to access future features and updates, changing from the previous requirement of Android 8.0 or higher. Support for Android 9.0 has ended, and while users on older versions can still use the app, they will not receive updates or new features. This change is expected to reach non-beta users soon, typically within one to two weeks after the beta release. As of earlier this year, only 5.8% of Android devices were operating on Android 9.0 or older.
