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Android

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Google Is Giving You Less Free Storage for Your Android Backups

Following the change, backing up data like SMS messages, call history, and device settings will all count toward the 15GB of free storage Google gives you.

By Will McCurdy
Android Cropped

Google Set to Show Off Pixel 11 Lineup at Aug. 12 Event

Will the ongoing memory shortage mean higher prices for Google's flagship phones?

By Michael Kan
Google pixel

I Needed to Replace My Pixel 9 Pro's Screen. It Was Easy, With One Big Caveat

Google only has 10 stores in the US, but the DC location came in clutch when my Pixel screen suddenly started showing a pink vertical line. Here's what to expect if you have one nearby too.

By Rob Pegoraro
A Pixel 9 Pro phone showing a bright pink line running down its screen, with a Google Store entrance door in the background

Android 17 Is Now Live for Anyone With a Pixel Smartphone

The update adds a ton of creative features, like built-in screen recording in the camera, multitasking app bubbles, and additional biometric security. Wear OS 7 is out today too.

By Florence Ion
a photo of the android 17 logo on a Pixel 10 Pro

Google Will Soon Spot Fake Calls on Supported Android Phones

June's Android feature drop also expands AirDrop compatibility, Personal Safety features for kids, and fashion-finding options.

By Rob Pegoraro
How an Android phone running the new fake-call detection feature will warn you that it's not really your mom calling: a dialog saying "This may not be Mom: Someone may be pretending to call from your contact's number"

Android 17 Beta 4.1 Is Now Live: Here's Every Feature You Can Test and Eligible Phones

Can't wait to try out Google's version of Handoff and revamped Android Auto? Here's how to get the latest Android 17 beta on your Pixel phone today.

By Jason Cohen
hand holding pixel 10 Fold with Android 17 logo overlayed

With Android 17, Google Finally Adds a Handoff-Like App Continuity Feature

Though designed to work bidirectionally, Google's 'Continue on' feature will initially be limited to handoffs from Android phones to tablets.

By Jibin Joseph
A Google executive explains the Continue On feature at Google I/O 2026

Google Unwraps Plans to Put AI to Work for Android, Web Developers

New Play Store features aim to ease marketing and management burdens for app developers. But Google is focusing this vibe-coding venture only on a few app categories to start.

By Rob Pegoraro
Screenshots showing how you can use the Ask Play AI feature to inquire about an app's features

Google I/O 2026: Everything We Expect and How to Watch

Google's yearly developer conference is upon us. The company kicks things off on Tuesday, May 19, and is expected to showcase major changes to Gemini and Android Auto, plus more details on Googlebooks powered by Aluminum OS.

By Florence Ion
A photo of the google io 2026 logo

5 New Android 17 Features That Would Make My Phone Feel Better Instantly

Android's open ecosystem is its superpower, but fragmentation is its kryptonite. As we head into Google I/O, these are the Android 17 upgrades that would help crush my daily frustrations.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android 17 Wishlist

Your Android Phone May Soon Predict Your Habits to Suggest Helpful Apps

The ‘Contextual suggestions’ feature is popping up on recent Pixel phones.

By James Peckham
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in different colors showing the camera

Here Are the 15+ Android Phones Set to Get AirDrop Support Next

The feature is designed to make sharing between both Android and iOS easier. Phones that don't support it yet will be able to generate a QR code through the Quick Share menu.

By James Peckham
airdop support

Android vs. iPhone: Which OS Dominates in the 2026 Smartphone War?

The walls are coming down, but which side of the fence is better? We pit Apple and Google against each other across 14 essential categories to see who truly rules the smartphone space.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android vs. iOS

In Android 17, 'Gemini Intelligence' Can Automate Tasks Across Apps

Examples include booking a better spot in a spin class. It's one of several 'Android Show' announcements that cover spam calls, enhanced video recording, Android Auto, and more.

By Rob Pegoraro
Google's sales pitch for Gemini Intelligence: "Explicit user control," "Comprehensive data protection," and "Operational transparency"

How to Watch Google's Pre-I/O Android Show Today

Ahead of its developer conference, Google provides a peek at what's to come for its mobile OS.

By Rob Pegoraro
Google's bugdroid mascot for Android twirls in iridescent shades of blue, pink and purple

Samsung's Next Big Android Update Is Out Now. Here Are the Phones That Will Get It

One UI 8.5 is coming to 17 Samsung phone and tablet models, adding AirDrop support and more.

By James Peckham
The Samsung Galaxy S25 with its screen turned on

25 Android Settings You Should Change to Get the Most Out of Your Phone

Google's feature-packed mobile OS contains many useful tools just underneath the surface. Ahead of Google I/O, we’ve rounded up 25 simple tips and tricks to unlock your phone's full potential.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android Hero Art

Android PC Game Emulator Unlocks Multi-Frame Generation for 100+ FPS

For AAA games compatible with Game Native, this could help more phones run games smoothly.

By Jon Martindale
Lossless scaling FPS demonstration.

The Best Android Apps for 2026

The Google Play store has millions of apps. Some are great, many are duds. Our guide, which covers 13 key categories and 100 top apps, features the ones that deserve a place on your Android phone or tablet.

By Gabriel Zamora
Google Play logo

Google Owes Android Users $135M. Do This to Get Your Cut of the Settlement

Google settled a case over the Android OS draining cellular data on Android devices, which could put up to $100 in your pocket. But you should do this one thing to make sure you get paid.

By Michael Kan
Android logo