Latest news with #AndroidOS
Engadget
2 hours ago
- Engadget
Android 16 will protect users from fake cell towers and potential spying threats
It turns out that your smartphone could be an overlooked vulnerability that puts you at risk of being tracked. To combat this, Google is rolling out a new security feature in Android 16 that will warn users if their device is using a fake or insecure mobile network or if that network requests identifying information about a connected device. However, these features likely won't be available until the next generation of Android devices, as first reported by Android Authority . Since the current Android devices lack the hardware to support these features, the first compatible Android device we could see with this tech may be the Pixel 10 that's expected to debut later this summer. This feature is designed to counteract cell site simulators, or devices that act like a cell tower and trick nearby devices into connecting to it. Once connected, these simulators can glean sensitive information, like the location of a smartphone. These cell site simulators are better known by their commercial nickname, Stingray, and have been reportedly used by agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection. The upcoming security features are rolling out as part of the latest Android OS update, which was released earlier this month. Compatible devices will have the option to toggle "network notifications" on or off, which will warn you if your device connects to an unencrypted network or when the connected network requests your phone's unique identifiers. On top of that, there's another option that lets you turn on "2G network protection" to avoid the less secure mobile network type.
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Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Business Standard
Facing battery drainage issue on Pixel? Update Instagram, says Google
Google has confirmed that a bug in the Instagram app was causing excessive battery drain on Android smartphones, particularly on Pixel devices. The company said that Instagram has begun rolling out an update to address the issue and has urged users to update their app immediately to avoid further battery performance problems. According to Google's support page: 'Starting today, Instagram is rolling out an updated app that should fix a battery drain issue on Android devices. Please make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app (build 382.0.0.49.84) to resolve this issue.' Google did not specify whether the issue is isolated to particular smartphone brands or linked to specific Android OS versions, but confirmed that its Pixel lineup is affected – reported 9to5Google. Widespread complaints from Android users In some cases, users reverted to older versions of the app to mitigate the problem, but that proved ineffective. Overheating was also reported alongside battery drain. Many users switched to Instagram Lite, a lighter version of the app, and noticed a significant improvement in battery life—further suggesting the issue lay with the main Instagram app. Google's official advisory In response to the growing number of reports, Google published an advisory titled 'Battery drain on Android devices', confirming that a recent version of Instagram was responsible for the issue. The advisory acknowledged user concerns and stated that the issue was being actively addressed with the app update. Affected users are advised to check the Play Store and update to Instagram build 382.0.0.49.84 as a fix.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo-Google partnership expansion brings Gemini AI to drivers
Volvo Cars has expanded its partnership with Google to integrate the latest Android Automotive OS innovations, including Google Gemini, into Volvo models with Google built-in. This collaboration was showcased at Google I/O 2025 with the Volvo EX90, highlighting Gemini's advanced conversational AI technology. The integration aims to enhance the driving experience by allowing natural conversations for tasks such as messaging and accessing car manuals. Google Gemini, set to replace the current Google Assistant in Volvo cars later this year, enables drivers to interact naturally with their vehicle, craft messages, translate languages, and query information. This natural conversation ability aims to reduce cognitive load, helping drivers stay focused on the road and reducing distractions. Volvo Cars global software engineering head Alwin Bakkenes said: 'We strive to deliver human-centric technology, and a stunning customer experience is an essential part of this. Through this partnership with Google, we are able to bring the very latest features and capabilities from the leading consumer eco-system into our products first. 'With our expanding partnership, we're collaborating on cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of connected cars.' This strategic move positions Volvo drivers to be among the first to experience new Android features. The expanded partnership also positions Volvo as one of Google's reference hardware platforms for future Android OS development in vehicles. Google will utilise Volvo Cars as a primary partner for developing new Android OS features, ensuring that Volvo drivers have early access to the latest technological advancements. Google Android for Cars vice president Patrick Brady said: "For years, Google and Volvo Cars have collaborated closely to bring cutting-edge technology to connected cars. 'We're excited to deepen this partnership, accelerating the pace of innovation that will not only improve the driving experience for Volvo customers but also set new benchmarks for the automotive industry." In the financial year 2024, Volvo Car Group reported a record core operating profit of Skr27bn ($2.7bn) and an all-time high revenue of Skr400.2bn ($40.02bn). The company also achieved a milestone with global sales reaching 763,389 cars, marking a record year for the automaker. "Volvo-Google partnership expansion brings Gemini AI to drivers" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Google I/O 2025 Event Live Updates: Countdown starts with Google set to unveil Gemini 2.5 Pro, Android XR prototype
Google I/O 2025 Live Updates: Google will kick off its annual I/O developer conference today (May 20) at Mountain View, California, US, with an opening keynote that is widely expected to be all about AI. For the past two years, Google's Gemini has taken centre stage at the event with the tech giant looking to take on OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and others in the rapidly intensifying AI race. It is highly likely that AI will be the headliner at this year's I/O too as the company already wrapped up its major Android OS announcements last week. All eyes will be on the opening keynote as the company is expected to introduce the much awaited, upgraded AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, new Gemini features coming to devices, and updates on Google Deepmind's Project Astra, LearnLM, etc. But Google I/O 2025 won't be just about AI either, as we may also get a sneak peek of Samsung's Android XR headset codenamed Project Moohan. While the developer conference will run for two days, the main event is the I/O opening keynote from Google CEO Sundar Pichai and other company executives that will begin at 10:30pm IST on Tuesday. You can catch the I/O keynote live on Google's YouTube channel via the link below: We also have The Indian Express' Nandagopal Rajan on-site at the event, bringing you the news as it breaks.
Phone Arena
14-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
At $100 off, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) still outshines its successor
Looking for a stylus-powered phone but only have $300 to spare? Well, look no further and just go ahead and get the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) with this deal. Amazon is selling this handsome fella at a sweet $100 discount, letting you get one for just under $300, instead of its usual price of around $400. The phone is available at the same discount on Motorola's site as well, with the option of trading in your old phone for additional savings. It's worth noting that this isn't a new offer, but we decided to cover it again anyway, since it's still one you don't want to pass up. $100 off (25%) Amazon is slashing $100 off the sleek Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), letting you snag one for just under $300. With solid performance and a stunning display, it's a steal at this price. Don't miss out—act fast and save while the deal lasts! Buy at Amazon $299 99 $399 99 $100 off (25%) Alternatively, you can get the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) at the official store, where it's also discounted by $100. You can save even more with a trade-in. Buy at Motorola But now you probably wonder why you should get the 2024 model instead of the recently released 2025 variant. While the newer model has a few upgrades like a more powerful chip and a better display, it's not on sale right now, meaning you'll have to spend $100 more. Furthermore, the 2024 variant still brings a lot to the table. Equipped with a mid-range Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and 8GB of RAM, it handles day-to-day tasks like web browsing and streaming effortlessly. Plus, with its 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 2400x1080 resolution, it delivers beautiful visuals on the cheap. And while it's far from the best camera phones out there, its 50MP snapper takes decent-looking pictures with rich colors. In fact, the only thing that may stop you from getting this phone is Motorola's poor update policy, as, sadly, it won't receive any major OS updates anymore. So, yeah! The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is still a great pick! The only downside is that it won't get major OS updates anymore. On the flip side, it will continue to receive security patches until 2027, so you won't have to worry about replacing it soon. That's why our advice is simple: if not receiving the latest major Android OS updates isn't an issue for you, go ahead and grab the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) for $100 off while you can!
