- Kids games designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 are now available on Android Auto, allowing them to play on the car's infotainment display while parked.
Google's March Pixel Drop introduces several enhancements for Pixel devices, including:
- Integration of live location sharing in Google Messages, allowing users to share real-time location within chats.
- Introduction of short app preview videos in Google Play for users to quickly assess app functionality before downloading.
- Enhanced Find Hub app for recovering lost luggage by generating a secure tracking link for tagged bags, which can be shared with participating airlines.
The tracking links expire after seven days and can be stopped at any time. Over ten major airlines, including Ajet, Air India, and Lufthansa Group, support this feature, with Qantas expected to join soon. Google collaborated with SITA and Reunitus to integrate this feature with baggage systems used by many airlines worldwide.
Google has introduced an enhancement to its Find Hub for Android, adding map layers to improve user navigation. A Floating Action Button (FAB) allows users to choose between map types: "Default," "Satellite," and "Terrain," along with a "Traffic" layer from Google Maps. This feature is useful for locating misplaced devices but can only be accessed from the main map view. The update is part of version 3.1.485-2 of Find Hub for Android, which is being distributed through the Play Store, although a server-side component is still being rolled out to select devices.
Google is enhancing Android's satellite connectivity capabilities, which will allow users to stay connected in areas without cellular service. A new Quick Settings tile and menu will streamline access to these features. Initially, satellite connectivity was limited to emergency messaging, but upcoming updates will include functionalities like WhatsApp calling and live location sharing.
In the latest Android Canary build, a toggle for a “Satellite” tile is available under Settings > System > Developer Options, indicating three states: On, Available, and Not available. The Pixel 9 supports satellite connectivity, but the tile is marked as “Not available” due to the user's T-Mobile plan lacking satellite access. Tapping the tile leads to a “Satellite connectivity” page listing compatible apps, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find Hub, Maps, and Settings.
WhatsApp is not currently listed, despite prior announcements of its support for satellite calls. The app list varies based on device and plan support for LTE-based or Narrowband NTN. If LTE-based NTN is supported, the app list could expand to include AccuWeather, Google Weather, Snapchat, and X, suggesting future satellite support for these applications.
The Satellite tile and landing page are operational in the Canary release but are currently accessible only through a developer option, indicating they may still be in testing. Future Android Canary releases will provide updates on this feature's development.
Google has started rolling out its latest Play Services update, which includes new features aimed at improving user experience, particularly in media controls and the Find Hub application. Key features include "one-tap transfer" suggestion chips for quick media swapping between devices and an upcoming "item location sharing" feature in Find Hub that will use encryption for secure sharing. The update also includes security enhancements and developer tools. The Find Hub application has been redesigned and now includes a "People" tab for easier location sharing. Future updates for Find Hub may include precision finding with ultra-wideband technology and satellite connectivity, as well as user-selected measurement units and more supported trackers.
Google's Find Hub application has been updated to version 3.1.458 as of November 10, introducing new features such as a Distance Units menu for customizable measurement preferences and a redesigned fullscreen account menu for improved navigation. The Find Hub website now includes a comprehensive list of over 60 compatible brands and more than 100 devices, including trackers and earbuds. Notable devices listed are Chipolo Pop, Chipolo Loop, Chipolo Card, Pebblebee Clip Universal, MiLi MiTag Go, Moto Tag, Rolling Square AirNotch Pro, Rolling Square AirCard Pro, July CaseSafe, Google Pixel Buds 2a, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL Tour Pro 3, Sony LinkBuds S, and Sony WH-1000XM6. An in-depth comparison of Chipolo and Pebblebee tracking devices is also available.
A selection of Android games and apps is currently on sale, featuring titles like Subnautica, Wind Peaks, Dragon Sinker, and Alvastia Chronicles. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has discounts of up to 0 for open-box units, bringing the price down to ,000. The Samsung 2025 43-inch 4K UHD M7 Smart Monitor is also at a new low price, and Pebblebee Google Find Hub trackers are available for a reduced price.
This Friday, there are deals on Android games and apps, including ARIDA: Backland’s Awakening, Doom & Destiny Worlds, and Nerd Survivors. The Anker Prime 25W magnetic charger with a display is available at a reduced price, along with various power banks. Early fall Prime Day deals offer discounts up to 50% on tech products, including exclusive offers on Google Nest gear. The Chipolo Card Point tracker integrates with Android Find Hub for tracking essentials.
Losing an Android phone can be distressing, and while Google’s Find Hub is useful, it's not foolproof. To improve recovery chances, users can integrate Samsung’s SmartThings Find service and utilize Samsung Routines. A user on the r/SamsungGalaxy subreddit demonstrated a setup where the phone adjusts settings upon receiving a text with a specific phrase, like “lost phone.” The phone will activate Wi-Fi and mobile data, increase volume to maximum, and enable location access.
To set this up on a Samsung phone, follow these steps:
1. Open the Modes and Routines app.
2. Tap the plus icon (+).
3. Select "Add what will trigger this routine."
4. Choose "Notification received" under the Event section.
5. Select "Messages" and enter a specific keyword (e.g., “lost phone”).
6. Define actions for the routine, such as turning on Wi-Fi, mobile data, setting sound mode to “Sound” at maximum volume, enabling location, and activating the flashlight.
This configuration enhances the phone's discoverability when the designated text is received, serving as a supplementary measure alongside other recovery tools.
Google's Find Hub app, version 3.1.399-3, has introduced visual enhancements aligned with the Material 3 Expressive design philosophy. The Device details page now features a centered image of the device and larger, bolder headers. Additionally, the factory reset button is now located within a pill-shaped box.
