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First Android 16 Dev Preview Is Here As Google Pushes Up OS Launch Window

In 2025, Google plans to release the next version of Android a quarter earlier than usual 'to better align' with the launch of popular Android smartphones.

By Rob Pegoraro
android 16 logo on a blue background

Android vs. iOS: Which Phone OS Really Is the Best?

You've probably already picked a side, but is it the right one? Here's how Apple and Google's mobile operating systems stack up on 14 key features.

By Michael Muchmore  & Gabriel Zamora
Android vs. iOS

Google Announces Play Store Tweaks to Entice More of Your Attention and Money

Other news for Android developers includes more AI assistance in coding and more frequent software development kit updates.

By Rob Pegoraro
A collage of screengrabs shows Google Play's new full-screen video format, its cart-abandonment reminder, and its search suggestions

Google Android 15 Review

3.5

Android 15 launches with many improvements that make your phone or tablet more convenient, but there's not enough to warrant an immediate download.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android 15 Logo

Google Ships Android 15, Unwraps New Pixel Drop for Recent Devices

The mobile operating system update adds 'Private Space' for sensitive apps, better support for satellite connectivity, and features for foldables and tablets.

By Rob Pegoraro
A composite image of Android 15 features, including Private Space and theft protection

Xbox's Android App Will Actually Start Selling Games This Fall

Thanks to a recent court ruling forcing Google to let third parties host their own app stores on Android, Microsoft will allow for in-app purchases and gameplay via the Xbox Android app.

By Kate Irwin
A rendering of Xbox app showing games in front and behind, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and Crash Bandicoot.

Google Play Must Open Up to Third-Party App Stores, Judge Rules

The ruling could usher in huge changes for the Play Store in the next three years. However, Google plans on appealing the ruling, which stems from the Epic Games antitrust case.

By Michael Kan
Google Play Store logo

Google Rolls Out New AI Security Features for Android to Stop Phone Snatchers

The features, first previewed at I/O, detect if your phone has been stolen and locks it down.

By Will McCurdy
Credit: Qcon/Shutterstock.com

5 Android Features That'll Make You Toss Your iPhone

Pledge your allegiance to Apple? Even with iOS 18's enhancements, some things are just better on an Android phone.

By Gabriel Zamora
Android Features You Want

Uninstall Now: This Android App Is Secretly Stealing Crypto

A fake WalletConnect app has been installed over 10,000 times on Android devices via the Google Play Store, successfully swiping over $70,000 in crypto thus far.

By Kate Irwin
Close-up on Android smartphone with Google Play Store app selected showing "My apps" submenu.

How to Send Files Between Android Devices and PCs With Quick Share

With Quick Share, Google's version of AirDrop, Android users can quickly swap photos, videos, and other files with nearby Android devices and Windows computers.

By Lance Whitney
google nearby share logo

Google Drops 5 New Android Features As It Ships Android 15 Source Code

Expect the OS to reach recent Pixel phones in 'the coming weeks,' with other phones coming later.

By Rob Pegoraro
An illustration depicts some of the new features Google announced as seen on an Android phone and a Wear OS watch.

How to Replace Google Assistant With Gemini AI on Your Android Device

Want to give Google Assistant an upgrade? Here's how to swap it out for the company's more powerful AI and what Gemini can do for you.

By Lance Whitney
gemini and google assistant logos

With Gmail Q&A on Android, Gemini Can Answer Questions About Your Inbox

Those with a Google One AI Premium account can ask Gemini to answer questions about emails or summarize a topic. It's rolling out on Android now and coming soon to iOS.

By Jibin Joseph
A photo of the Google Gmail logo displayed on an Android smartpthone.

This Android Malware Can Swipe Your Money Using NFC Tech

Cybersecurity firm Eset uncovers Android malware that can mimic your payment details to make fraudulent transactions or pull money from your accounts at an ATM.

By Kate Irwin
An Android phone being held near a wireless portable payment reader in an outdoor coffee shop setting.

Google Wallet Adds Support for California Driver's Licenses, ID Cards

After giving Apple Wallet the nod earlier this month, the state of California is expanding its mobile driver’s license program to Google Wallet.

By Jibin Joseph
A graphical representation of a digital ID card.

Ditch Google: How to Store Credit Cards, Secure Logins With Samsung Wallet

If you're looking for mobile payment options beyond Google Wallet, Samsung phone owners can use Samsung Wallet to purchase items, access gift cards, and earn cash back rewards.

By Lance Whitney
samsung wallet app

Security Flaw on Pixel Phones Traced to Hidden Bloatware

At issue is a third-party program called Showcase.apk on Pixel phones. However, the flaw can only be triggered if the app is manually turned on, according to iVerify researchers.

By Michael Kan
Google Pixel 8 phones

How to Use Google Wallet to Store Your Credit Cards, Train Tickets, ID, and More

With the demise of the Google Pay brand, Google Wallet is the new go-to mobile payment service on Android devices. Here's how to set up it up and pay for things from the app.

By Lance Whitney
google wallet app

Google's Pixel 9 Phones Get Their Own Satellite SOS Feature

Google is working with Skylo, which uses existing satellites to supply space-based connectivity.

By Michael Kan
Pixel Satellite SOS