Android 17 Beta 1 arrives with mandatory large screen support

Google has released the first beta of Android 17, focusing on mandatory large screen support for tablets and foldables, performance upgrades, stricter app behavior rules, and deeper privacy changes. Developers should pay attention to the new Canary channel for early access to new APIs and platform changes. Android 17 also introduces meaningful performance improvements, stricter app behavior rules, and enhanced privacy and security features.

Android 17 features

Google has officially released Android 17 Beta 1, marking the start of the Android 17 release cycle. Key features include Material 3 Expressive, Desktop Mode, Live Updates, and enhanced security measures. Android 17 will be known as “Android 17” with no dessert codename. The stable release is expected in June 2026.

The Best Android TV Apps for 2026 (Google TV Apps)

BuzzSpot's guide highlights the best Android TV apps of 2026, covering streaming, utility, customization, web browsing, privacy, and entertainment enhancement tools. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right apps to transform an Android TV into a personal entertainment hub, productivity tool, and digital assistant. It provides recommendations for top apps in each category, including streaming platforms like SmartTubeNext and Kodi, utility tools like FX File Explorer and Send Files to TV, customization launchers like Projectivy Launcher, web browsing apps like Browser TV Web, privacy tools like Proton VPN, and entertainment extras like VLC Media Player and TuneIn Radio.

12 Open Source Android Apps You Need It Now

This article from BuzzSpot highlights 12 open-source Android apps that prioritize privacy, security, and user control. These apps, ranging from VPNs to ad-free media players, offer robust features and customization options, empowering users to take back control of their digital lives.

Best Open-Source Android App Stores (Google Play Alternatives)

This article highlights the top open-source Android app stores as alternatives to Google Play, emphasizing their benefits and unique features. F-Droid, GitHub Store, RepoStore, OpenAPK, and Dragon Store are showcased for their commitment to privacy, innovation, and access to a wide range of apps not available on Google Play. Each store offers distinct advantages, from automatic updates and a vast collection of apps to a user-friendly interface and direct access to source code. These alternatives provide a valuable resource for users seeking more control, privacy, and creativity on their Android devices.

Google to Require Developer Verification for APKs on Android Starting in 2026

Rare bug with Pixel Phone app ‘Take a Message’ could leak your audio to callers

A small number of Pixel users have reported a bug where the 'Take a Message' feature is inadvertently sending their audio to callers who leave a voicemail. This issue, which appears to affect older Pixel models, has been confirmed by multiple users since September 2025. Google is currently investigating the problem.

What to expect from Google's upcoming Android Transit mode - Android Authority

Android Authority reports on Google's upcoming Transit mode for Android, designed to enhance the public transit experience. This new feature will automatically adjust Bluetooth and audio settings based on the user's commute, offering real-time updates and personalized transit information on the home and lock screens. Users will need to confirm their home and work locations and allow Google Maps to access their commute details for optimal functionality.

Nova Launcher: An update [Acquired by Instabridge; Google and Facebook Ad tracking added]

Swedish company Instabridge recently announced its acquisition of Nova Launcher from Branch Metrics, framing the move as a commitment to keep the long-standing app stable and actively maintained. While the new owners promise to honor existing Nova Prime purchases and keep the pai

Google Play preps upcoming "install without verifying" support - Android Authority

Google Play is preparing for an upcoming feature that will allow users to install apps without verifying the developer, following Google's previous announcement that developers would need to register even for sideloaded apps. The new system will provide advanced users with an option for manual installs from unknown sources, and will warn users about the risks of installing apps from unverified developers.

Mishaal Rahman leaving the Android scene - "This is my last day at Android Authority"

Critical flaw in Google's Fast Pair protocol lets hackers track an eavesdrop via Bluetooth

Exclusive: Google Pixel 10a Official Render

The A series really has been such a huge value.

Here’s everything new in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 [Gallery]

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 is now available for Google Pixel devices, addressing stability, performance, and usability issues. Key fixes include resolving critical system crashes, correcting battery management issues, and improving connectivity. UI glitches in the notification shade and app drawer have also been resolved.