Android 15 will feature a much improved desktop mode with better window management
Android 15 is expected to launch alongside the Pixel 9 in August
Google to provide a four-year support period for Linux kernel releases used in Android phones
Mountain View is keeping Android Linux in shape
Microsoft bans China-based employees from using Android devices for work, mandates switch to iPhones
Part of Microsoft's global security push
Blackmagic launches free pro camera app for Android
Blackmagic Camera is a new camera app for Android phones that let you adjust settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO in a single tap, allowing enthusiasts to create cinematic videos through more intuitive controls.
Windows 11 Start menu is getting a permanent Phone Link integration, if you want it
The big picture: Microsoft really wants you to use Windows' Phone Link app. Once enabled, the fastest way to access it was through the taskbar's running processes menu. But now Windows is gearing up to integrate it directly into the Start Menu as a permanent sidebar feature.
Google will bring more Android into ChromeOS to push AI features
Chromebooks recently gained Gemini, writing assistance, and image generation features
Japan passes new law allowing third-party app stores on Android and iOS
The EU was the first region to force Apple to allow alternative app stores on iOS
Microsoft is bringing Tencent's Android games to Windows
Hasn't Microsoft completely given up on making mobile apps run on Windows?
Android 15 new privacy push includes theft detection and secret app locker
Google can now tell when your phone gets snatched, and lock it down
In a nutshell: The second beta of Android 15 is here, bringing along a handful of useful features to enhance the operating system's security. Google now allows Android users to have a tighter grip over their phones thanks in part to a new trick that could become a nightmare for a grab-and-run thieves.
With Project Gameface, Google lets you control Android games with your gestures and head movement
Developers can now add the tech to their apps and games
Fallout 4 on Android manages 30fps through Windows translation layer
DRM-free PC games playable on numerous Android devices
Google is working to add ChromeOS support to Android devices
With a bit of virtualization magic, an Android phone can run ChromeOS
Google and Apple establish new standard to alert users of suspicious Bluetooth trackers
Hopefully addressing the stalking problem
Google says passkeys are now used by over 400 million accounts, and over a billion sign-ins
Passkeys are more popular and feature-rich than ever
Google just removed RISC-V support from the Android kernel
RISC-V is gone from the general Android kernel, motivations aren't entirely clear yet
Google is rolling out "audio emoji" for voice calls, and they're really dumb
Audio calls already have verbal cues by nature
Devious "Brokewell" trojan masquerades as Chrome browser update to steal your banking data
Brokewell could make you broke if it gains control of your device
Google flexes security muscle, says it stopped 2.2 million rogue apps from hitting Play Store in 2023
A couple of crypto scammers also received some legal treatment
Ayaneo Pocket S Android handheld lands on Indiegogo starting at $400
Dedicated Android gaming on the go
Glance introduces customized lock screen content to US phones through Motorola and Verizon
Don't worry; you can turn it off
Nokia phone-maker HMD launches its first self-branded mobile devices
They're budget-friendly and easily repairable
Zuckerberg opens up Meta Quest operating system to third-parties, Asus and Lenovo headsets planned
Open vs. closed VR ecosystems
Something to look forward to: After spending tens of billions on virtual and augmented reality, Meta aims to position itself as the more accessible alternative to Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset and its visionOS. Competing with the Cupertino giant will prove challenging, but opening up the Meta Quest operating system and evolve into an open ecosystem could go a long way toward broadening its appeal.
New AV1 software decoder coming to Android promises improved video experience
The "best" AV1 software decoder is being released via an over-the-air update
The Best Phones: Top Picks for Every Price Range
Whether you're a budget-conscious buyer, a dedicated iPhone fan, or an Android enthusiast, there's a wide diversity in smartphone choices with many well-rounded options at every price level.
Android 15 might come with an improved desktop mode
Major improvements for one of Android's most basic features