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AppWizard
September 3, 2026
Safe Mode on Android disables all third-party applications and engages Airplane Mode to help troubleshoot device issues. It can be activated by holding down the Power Off button and selecting the Safe Mode option, which may lead to unintentional activation. To disable Safe Mode, users can either restart the device or tap the notification in the Notification Menu indicating Safe Mode is active. After exiting Safe Mode, Airplane Mode may remain active, which can be turned off through the Quick Settings menu. Google Play Protect also provides additional security measures that may cause user frustration.
AppWizard
September 3, 2026
Google has reintroduced the My Pixel app, previously known as Pixel Tips, with the Pixel 11 series, which has started sending unsolicited push notifications to users of older Pixel devices about the latest smartphones and the Pixel Watch 5. A poll showed that 93.9% of 9,600 respondents believe smartphone ads have become intolerable. Users find the notifications from the Pixel Tips app particularly annoying due to their invasive delivery method, which differs from traditional ads. There are tools available, such as NextDNS and Blokada, to manage unwanted ads.
AppWizard
September 3, 2026
Device Intelligence is a new suite of features for Android-powered laptops that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve user experience. It includes an automatic file sorting capability that organizes documents into topic-based folders, which is initially off by default. Users can activate this feature, which comes with a pop-up description regarding its purpose and privacy. A desktop widget will also be available for easy access to organized collections. Additionally, Device Intelligence integrates with Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM), allowing users to add local files to their notebooks and share files directly from Google Photos. There is a file size limit of 200MB for shared documents. The insights are based on an APK teardown, and not all features may be included in the final release.
AppWizard
September 2, 2026
Google has unveiled a new app called "Look up," designed to enhance user interaction with its upcoming Googlebook platform. The app allows users to query any word, sentence, or paragraph using Google’s services, including Search, Maps, and Flights. Users can highlight text and select the Look up option from the context menu, or access it through a three-dot button on smaller devices. The app features a chatbot-like interface that encourages users to ask further questions. Although it was briefly available on the Play Store, it has since been removed, but users can sideload the APK from APKMirror. Users can manage the app’s settings through their device's settings menu. The Look up app is expected to accompany the launch of Googlebook laptops this fall.
AppWizard
September 2, 2026
Google's Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 introduces a streamlined approach to app permissions, particularly for installing unknown apps. Key features include an inline dialog for managing permissions without disrupting current activities, one-time install permissions that grant temporary access for a single installation, and three options for APK installation prompts: "Only this time," "Always allow," and "Don’t allow." Additionally, users can manage "Install unknown apps" settings with options for "Always allow" or "Ask every time." These updates enhance user control and security for app installations.
AppWizard
September 1, 2026
The September Android Drop introduces features to enhance connectivity, including the ability to track essential items using Gemini integrated into Find Hub. Users can remember the locations of important items by saying, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer,” and can attach photos for easier identification. This functionality will be available on Android 16+ devices in supported regions.
AppWizard
September 1, 2026
Gemini can now remember the locations of important items without a tracker by allowing users to inform it where they placed an item or upload a photo, which it logs in Find Hub. Users can later ask Gemini for the item's location or view saved locations in Find Hub's new memory tab. This feature was introduced in Google's September Android Drop as part of a broader update.
AppWizard
September 1, 2026
Google Messages has received two enhancements: Custom Chat themes and Google Keep integration. Users can add a Keep note to conversations, allowing all participants to view, edit, and contribute. Individual chats can be personalized with curated wallpaper collections or by uploading personal photos.
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