Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanners work better in low light and with wet fingers than optical scanners, and all of a sudden are coming to so many new devices!
Just this month alone, the OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, iQOO 13, and Vivo X200 Pro were announced with ultrasonic scanners, and they all use modules from Goodix. I mentioned earlier this year that Goodix entering the market would lead to more devices adopting the tech, and it's wild just how quick the shift has been!
Of course, Goodix isn't the only supplier of these scanners. Google and Samsung use modules from Qualcomm for their Pixel 9 and Galaxy S flagship series respectively.
Just this month alone, the OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, iQOO 13, and Vivo X200 Pro were announced with ultrasonic scanners, and they all use modules from Goodix. I mentioned earlier this year that Goodix entering the market would lead to more devices adopting the tech, and it's wild just how quick the shift has been!
Of course, Goodix isn't the only supplier of these scanners. Google and Samsung use modules from Qualcomm for their Pixel 9 and Galaxy S flagship series respectively.
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Confirmed: Android 16 is coming MONTHS earlier than usual next year!
I reported last month that Google will launch Android 16 in Q2 of 2025, and Google just confirmed the news. Plus, the developer preview is coming soon!
More details here.
I reported last month that Google will launch Android 16 in Q2 of 2025, and Google just confirmed the news. Plus, the developer preview is coming soon!
More details here.
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BIG changes are coming to Android’s release cycle!
Google is not only releasing Android 16 MUCH earlier, but it’s also pushing out a second, minor release in Q4 2025 w/ new APIs.
Here’s how Android’s faster release schedule affects apps.
Google is not only releasing Android 16 MUCH earlier, but it’s also pushing out a second, minor release in Q4 2025 w/ new APIs.
Here’s how Android’s faster release schedule affects apps.
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Google will release Android 16 months earlier than expected and will also roll out a second minor release in Q4 2025.
How did Google speed up Android’s release cycle by so much?
I interviewed Google’s VP and GM of the Android Platform to find out.
How did Google speed up Android’s release cycle by so much?
I interviewed Google’s VP and GM of the Android Platform to find out.
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Android 16, Android’s faster release schedule, and new Gemini features in Android Studio, oh my!
We interviewed Seang Chau, VP & GM of Android Platform, and Matthew J. McCullough, VP of Android Developer Experience at Google, about these announcements over on the Android Faithful podcast. The interview is live now!
We interviewed Seang Chau, VP & GM of Android Platform, and Matthew J. McCullough, VP of Android Developer Experience at Google, about these announcements over on the Android Faithful podcast. The interview is live now!
Android Faithful
Interview: Google explains Android's faster release schedule and new Gemini features in Android Studio
We sat down with two Google execs to talk about the major changes in Android's release schedule plus new Gemini AI features in Android Studio.
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Android 14 ‘Upside Down Cake’, Android 15 ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’, Android 16 … ‘Baklava’?
Yes, Android 16’s dessert code-name is Baklava - that’s not a rumor anymore, as Google officially confirmed it to us on the Android Faithful podcast!
Yes, Android 16’s dessert code-name is Baklava - that’s not a rumor anymore, as Google officially confirmed it to us on the Android Faithful podcast!
Android Faithful
Google confirms the Android 16 dessert code-name is Baklava
Google told us what the dessert code-name for Android 16 is, and it's going to be Baklava. That's probably not what you were expecting.
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Google Play is getting new features for users, including a new full-screen experience for portrait videos and abandoned cart reminders, but it’s also adding some new security features for devs like app access risk and hardware-backed security signals😳
More details in this article.
More details in this article.
Android Faithful
Google Play adds better vertical video support and new ways to search and buy Android apps
Google has announced several new Play Store features that make it easier to engage with, discover, and purchase new Android apps. Here's what you need to know.
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Mishaal's Android News Feed
BIG changes are coming to Android’s release cycle! Google is not only releasing Android 16 MUCH earlier, but it’s also pushing out a second, minor release in Q4 2025 w/ new APIs. Here’s how Android’s faster release schedule affects apps.
Google has NOT yet confirmed its Android release schedule after 2025.
I specifically asked Google if it plans to push out 2 releases every year going forward, but Google told me that future timing after 2025 will depend on its internal roadmaps.
Of course, if 2026 will have 2 releases again...you know where you'll hear about it first 😉
I specifically asked Google if it plans to push out 2 releases every year going forward, but Google told me that future timing after 2025 will depend on its internal roadmaps.
Of course, if 2026 will have 2 releases again...you know where you'll hear about it first 😉
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UWB won't be available on every Snapdragon 8 Elite phone, after all
You may have read that every phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite will support UWB, but Qualcomm confirmed to me that won't necessarily be the case.
More details can be found in this article.
You may have read that every phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite will support UWB, but Qualcomm confirmed to me that won't necessarily be the case.
More details can be found in this article.
Android Authority
UWB won't be available on every Snapdragon 8 Elite phone, after all
It turns out not every phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite will actually support UWB, as it's up to device makers to actually enable it.
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Google has announced that the Android 15 QPR2 beta is right around the corner!
This beta program will cover the Android 15 March 2025 Quarterly Platform Release. Beta 1 will kick off soon and will automatically roll out to those who are still enrolled in the Android Beta Program.
If you want to receive the stable Android 15 QPR1 release, then you'll need to opt out of the program and wait for the update to roll out. If you don't want to wipe your data, then you'll also need to ignore the downgrade OTA and the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update if it's offered.
If you want to return to the stable release right now, you'll need to install the downgrade OTA which will wipe all data.
As usual, if you want to find out what's new in the upcoming Android 15 QPR2 betas, the best way is to follow me😉
—
By the way, there likely won't be an Android 15 QPR3 release. That's because Android 16 will release in Q2 of 2025.
Android 15 QPR2 = 25Q1, major SDK version 35
Android 16 = 25Q2, major SDK version 36, minor SDK version 0
Android 16 QPR1 = 25Q3, major SDK version 36, minor SDK version 0
Android 16 QPR2 (name TBD) = 25Q4, major SDK version 36, minor SDK version 1
This beta program will cover the Android 15 March 2025 Quarterly Platform Release. Beta 1 will kick off soon and will automatically roll out to those who are still enrolled in the Android Beta Program.
If you want to receive the stable Android 15 QPR1 release, then you'll need to opt out of the program and wait for the update to roll out. If you don't want to wipe your data, then you'll also need to ignore the downgrade OTA and the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update if it's offered.
If you want to return to the stable release right now, you'll need to install the downgrade OTA which will wipe all data.
As usual, if you want to find out what's new in the upcoming Android 15 QPR2 betas, the best way is to follow me😉
—
By the way, there likely won't be an Android 15 QPR3 release. That's because Android 16 will release in Q2 of 2025.
Android 15 QPR2 = 25Q1, major SDK version 35
Android 16 = 25Q2, major SDK version 36, minor SDK version 0
Android 16 QPR1 = 25Q3, major SDK version 36, minor SDK version 0
Android 16 QPR2 (name TBD) = 25Q4, major SDK version 36, minor SDK version 1
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🔗 Quick Share for iOS and macOS might be in the works
Google may bring its file sharing client to Apple devices so you can transfer files to and from iPhones and MacBooks
More details can be found in this article.
Google may bring its file sharing client to Apple devices so you can transfer files to and from iPhones and MacBooks
More details can be found in this article.
Android Authority
Quick Share for iOS and macOS might be in the works
Google may be working on bringing Quick Share to iOS and macOS, enabling file sharing between Android phones, iPhones, and MacBooks.
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🎵 Google may finally add album art to Now Playing on Pixel phones
For years, the Now Playing history page just showed a generic icon of a note for each recognized song, but that could finally change soon.
More details + evidence can be found in this article.
For years, the Now Playing history page just showed a generic icon of a note for each recognized song, but that could finally change soon.
More details + evidence can be found in this article.
Android Authority
Google may finally add album art to Now Playing on Pixel phones
The Pixel’s Now Playing history feature may finally show album art for each song instead of a generic note icon.
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📺Google is lowering Android TV's hardware requirements: Is 1GB RAM enough?
Also: Google TV now requires 2GB of RAM.
More details can be found in this article on Android Authority.
Also: Google TV now requires 2GB of RAM.
More details can be found in this article on Android Authority.
Android Authority
Google is lowering Android TV's hardware requirements: Is 1GB RAM enough?
The minimum amount of RAM an Android TV device must have is now 1GB, down from the previous 1.5GB minimum. Here's how Google's enforcing this.
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📺Google might skip Android TV 15 and go straight to Android 16 for TVs
Google plans to move Android TV to a biyearly release schedule, according to my source.
More details on what this means can be found over on Android Authority.
Google plans to move Android TV to a biyearly release schedule, according to my source.
More details on what this means can be found over on Android Authority.
Android Authority
Google might skip Android TV 15 and go straight to Android 16 for TVs
Google plans to move Android TV to a biyearly release schedule, meaning the next version of Android TV might be based on Android 16.
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Mishaal's Android News Feed
You love to see it: OnePlus made a changelog that's actually useful! This is the official changelog from the OxygenOS 15 Open Beta update for the OnePlus 12. (The changelog is too big to post here directly, see click the link below to see it in full!) 🔗OxygenOS…
That was fast: The OxygenOS 15 stable update is now rolling out for the OnePlus 12!
It's rolling out across IN/NA/EU/GLO regions with the following build IDs:
IN: CPH2573_15.0.0.206(EX01)
NA: CPH2583_15.0.0.205(EX01)
EU/GLO: CPH2581_15.0.0.204(EX01)
The OnePlus 12 is now the third non-Pixel phone after the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and Xiaomi 14 to receive Android 15 via an OTA update!
It's rolling out across IN/NA/EU/GLO regions with the following build IDs:
IN: CPH2573_15.0.0.206(EX01)
NA: CPH2583_15.0.0.205(EX01)
EU/GLO: CPH2581_15.0.0.204(EX01)
The OnePlus 12 is now the third non-Pixel phone after the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and Xiaomi 14 to receive Android 15 via an OTA update!
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The raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite plus the significant improvements in x86 emulation tools like Winlator are yielding incredible results!
A lot of PC games are playable on Android thanks to this combination of better hardware and software.
According to early adopters of 8 Elite phones in China (via @cozy_OSS), games like Jedi: Fallen Order and Resident Evil 2/3/7 hit 50fps.
The only problem right now is that setting up Winlator to play PC games is far from user friendly, but it looks like companies like GameSir are working on simpler solutions. Excited to see how this progresses!
A lot of PC games are playable on Android thanks to this combination of better hardware and software.
According to early adopters of 8 Elite phones in China (via @cozy_OSS), games like Jedi: Fallen Order and Resident Evil 2/3/7 hit 50fps.
The only problem right now is that setting up Winlator to play PC games is far from user friendly, but it looks like companies like GameSir are working on simpler solutions. Excited to see how this progresses!
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📁A lot of people don't know that Android has its own version of AirDrop called Quick Share ...
Google wants to fix that by adding a new page for Quick Share in the Android setup wizard.
Here's how and why that matters.
Google wants to fix that by adding a new page for Quick Share in the Android setup wizard.
Here's how and why that matters.
Android Authority
Google is bringing Quick Share to the Android 15 setup wizard — Here's why that matters
Google is requiring OEMs to add a page for Quick Share into the setup wizard, hopefully boosting awareness of the file sharing tool.
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Google is testing a new placement for the Magic Compose button in Google Messages.
In this test, the button is above the message box instead of within it or to the side of it.
This placement makes a lot more sense and will hopefully reduce accidental presses!
Thanks to Joe Lenington for the tip!
In this test, the button is above the message box instead of within it or to the side of it.
This placement makes a lot more sense and will hopefully reduce accidental presses!
Thanks to Joe Lenington for the tip!
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