Google services Archives

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Google is linking your phone number to accounts you wanted to keep separate

Google has started automatically linking phone numbers to all Google accounts signed in on Android devices, including primary, secondary work, and alternate profiles. Users have reported receiving verification emails indicating their phone numbers have been verified without consent. This feature aims to improve services like account recovery and RCS messaging but raises privacy concerns, particularly regarding the separation of personal and professional accounts. Users can disable the automatic verification feature in their settings, but some have noted that it may revert to default without warning. Disabling the feature does not remove existing links; users must manually delete their phone numbers from accounts they wish to disassociate. Google has not clarified whether it will change this policy or the reasoning behind it.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

What’s actually eating all the storage space on your Android Phone?

Running low on storage space on Android devices is common due to apps, images, videos, and downloads. To free up space, users can uninstall unused apps via Settings > Device Care > Storage > Apps, or archive them to keep settings intact. Android's auto-archive feature can free up nearly 60% of an app's storage when space is low. Deleting unwanted images and videos can also help, with options to back up media using Google Photos, which offers 15GB of free cloud storage. For larger collections, a Google One subscription provides additional storage. Users can free up space in Google Photos by deleting backed-up items and enabling Smart Storage. Additionally, exploring sections for Duplicate files and Large files in Settings can reveal items for deletion. Clearing cached data from streaming and social media apps and regularly emptying the trash can further save storage space.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Android Auto 18 Now Available With Hidden “Cielo” Major Update Evidence

Google is preparing a significant update for Android Auto, with the latest version, Android Auto 18, currently in beta. The update, codenamed Cielo, represents the first major overhaul since Coolwalk and will introduce a new interface featuring widgets integrated alongside the main display. This design aims to maximize screen usage across various vehicle displays, including unconventional shapes like round screens. Android Auto 18 will also include a dynamic font called Google Sans Flex and enhancements to Work Profiles, allowing users to activate a work profile when connecting their phones to the vehicle. Additionally, the update will improve the capabilities of Gemini, which will leverage data from other Google services for contextual responses. Users can download the Android Auto 18.0 beta via an APK installer, but it is advised not to rely on this version for daily use due to potential issues.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Google is now selling refurbished Pixel 9 phones, and the prices are pretty tempting

Google has expanded its Certified Refurbished program in the U.S. to include the Pixel 9 series, which consists of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 is priced at 9, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are priced at 9 and 9, respectively. Each refurbished device undergoes rigorous quality checks, uses genuine replacement parts, and comes with a one-year warranty. Buyers receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Google AI Plus, which includes 2TB of cloud storage. The base Pixel 9 may be out of stock, but the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are available for purchase. The refurbished Pixel 9 series offers savings of approximately 0 compared to the original launch price. Each device undergoes a multi-point inspection evaluating critical components, and only genuine parts are used for repairs.

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

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.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Amazon’s new Alexa Tablets drop the Fire branding but are more Android than ever

Amazon is rebranding its Fire tablets as Alexa Tablets, integrating full Android capabilities and allowing access to the Google Play Store. The new lineup includes three models: the Alexa Tablet 8 priced at , the Tablet 11 at 9, and the flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starting at 9. The tablets feature unibody aluminum housings, a 16:10 display ratio for the first two models, and a 3:2 display ratio for the 12 Pro. The 12 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor, has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a resolution of 2800×1840, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 500 nits. Accessories include a keyboard for and a stylus for .

BetaBeacon

October 8, 2026

SteamOS now on android Droid Deck performance test in Dragon Ball Z Kakarot

Google has introduced a passive sign-in feature for YouTube, allowing users to stay signed in to their Google account while accessing the platform.

BetaBeacon

October 7, 2026

Valve’s Lepton could do for Android games what Proton did for Windows, but it’s starting smaller

Lepton is an Android compatibility layer for Linux that aims to help developers bring over Android VR games to the Steam Frame headset.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

What’s new in Android’s October 2026 Google System Updates

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" provide updates on Google platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and the Play system, benefiting both end users and developers on various devices. The "Google System" includes first-party applications for improved user interaction. Users can access updates through device settings, but feature availability may vary. Key updates include: - Google Play services v26.39 introduces OEM Design Tokens for Android Automotive customization, new developer features for Maps, and bug fixes. - Security updates allow NFC support for Find Hub tag details and a new registration flow for setting up tags. - Wallet updates include support for card art and payment network logos in notifications. - Google Play Store v53.5 adds AI labels for images in India and enables users to track their review influence. - Android System Intelligence B.29 / C.7 includes bug fixes and maintenance changes.