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Android 17 Beta 1 is here with major updates for adaptive apps, performance, and media
AppWizard
February 11, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 is here with major updates for adaptive apps, performance, and media

Google has unveiled Android 17 Beta 1, targeting developers with enhancements for app adaptability and performance. Key features include: - Mandatory app adaptability for devices with a minimum width of 600dp, requiring support for resizing and windowed multitasking. - Introduction of professional-grade camera APIs for smoother mode transitions in camera apps. - Access to metadata from all active physical camera sensors. - Enhanced audio controls for normalizing loudness and support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC). - Performance improvements, privacy and security enhancements, and connectivity updates affecting VoIP calls. - New profiles for “Medical Devices” and “Fitness Tracker” to simplify application setup. - A new engagement mode for extended reality devices. Android 17 is set to follow a release schedule similar to Android 16, with Platform Stability targeted for March 2026 and the first major stable release expected in Q2 2026. Eligible Pixel devices for the Android 17 Beta 1 update include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold.
Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options
AppWizard
January 14, 2026

Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options

Google is developing two types of smart glasses: a lightweight, screen-free model in collaboration with fashion brands and a display-equipped version with hardware partners like Samsung and Magic Leap. A companion app for the glasses has been identified, featuring a pairing process and settings for power management and camera functionality. The app includes AI capabilities such as 'Conversation detection' to silence notifications during conversations, and it ensures that all recorded data remains private to the user. Additional features in the app allow for display adjustments and an "audio only mode."
Soon control Android with touchless hand gestures using neural gesture tech
AppWizard
January 6, 2026

Soon control Android with touchless hand gestures using neural gesture tech

Wearable Devices Ltd. (Nasdaq: WLDS) will launch its Mudra Link Android app in January 2026, which will enable neural gesture control without the need for a PC during onboarding. The app will feature out-of-the-box pairing, gesture customization, command mapping, and support for extended reality (XR) applications. As of the latest trading session, WLDS shares are priced at .37, with an 8.73% increase prior to the announcement, and a trading volume of 530,982 shares, below the 20-day average of 817,090. The stock is below its 52-week high of .40. The company has partnered with Rokid to bundle Mudra control with AI and AR glasses, targeting a launch in Q2 2026. Investors should monitor adoption rates of the app, especially during its demonstration at CES 2026. The potential exercise of new warrants could yield up to .7 million, posing dilution risks for existing shareholders.
Wearable Devices Brings the Touchless Magic to Android with Neural Gesture Control
AppWizard
January 6, 2026

Wearable Devices Brings the Touchless Magic to Android with Neural Gesture Control

Wearable Devices Ltd. has announced the upcoming release of its Mudra Link Android app, which will provide Android users with access to the full suite of Mudra features, including gesture customization and command mapping. The app will allow for out-of-the-box onboarding with seamless pairing and guided setup, eliminating the need for a macOS or Windows PC for initial setup. The Mudra Link Android app is set to launch in January 2026 and will be showcased at CES 2026.
I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress
AppWizard
December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.
Google Play Leaks Android XR Apps Ahead of Samsung Galaxy XR Launch
AppWizard
October 20, 2025

Google Play Leaks Android XR Apps Ahead of Samsung Galaxy XR Launch

Google's Play Store has launched a collection of applications and games for Android XR, indicating a strategic move into extended reality devices ahead of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset release. The Play Store features a dedicated page for "immersive experiences made for your XR headset," including popular titles like "Beat Saber" and productivity apps such as YouTube VR. The listings include well-known VR favorites and new entries optimized for the platform, emphasizing social and interactive experiences. Over a dozen apps marked with an XR compatibility badge span gaming and media consumption. Google is enhancing its developer tools for Android XR, supporting spatial computing capabilities and attracting major studios to expand the library post-launch. Other manufacturers, like Lenovo, are rumored to explore Android XR devices. Despite challenges in XR adoption due to costs and limited applications, Android XR aims to provide accessible entry points and innovative features to attract users. Concerns regarding privacy in immersive environments persist, as XR devices collect significant spatial and biometric data.
The first Android apps for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset are already showing up
AppWizard
October 19, 2025

The first Android apps for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset are already showing up

The Samsung Galaxy XR headset, also known as Project Moohan, is set to be revealed on October 21. A selection of Android apps for the device has started appearing on the Google Play Store, including a virtual reality crazy golf experience, a space shooter game, and an app for projecting a virtual television screen. The estimated starting price for the Galaxy XR is around ,760 / £1,315 / AU,715. The headset will feature advanced software capabilities, including Gemini and AI technologies for live translation and quick user responses.
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset First Apps Spotted in Play Store
AppWizard
October 17, 2025

Samsung Galaxy XR Headset First Apps Spotted in Play Store

Samsung will unveil its Galaxy XR headset on October 21, with the ecosystem software ready and several applications already available in the Play Store labeled “XR.” Developers have found immersive applications and interactive games for XR environments, indicating a strong app selection for the Android XR platform at launch. The collaboration between Google and Samsung enhances the content variety for the Galaxy XR. Samsung emphasizes practical applications of XR technology, aiming for seamless virtual collaboration and engaging media experiences. The Galaxy XR features an AI-powered platform, utilizing the Galaxy AI suite, Google’s Gemini models, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR processors for intuitive spatial interactions. Samsung aims to attract a broader market with a potentially accessible price point and practical applications available at launch.
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