Should Android apps have to explain why they need internet access?

Anyone else find it weird that some Android apps need internet access when they seem like they should work fine offline?

Like a calculator, a basic notes app, or some random utility app. Why does it need to connect to the internet?

I get that some apps need it for updates, syncing, or ads. But it'd be nice to know what's actually going on in the background.

I kinda wish Android had a built-in option to block internet access for individual apps, without needing a third-party firewall.

Do you guys use anything to control which apps can go online, or do you just leave everything as it is?

https://redd.it/1xhytpe
@reddit_android

Magisk v31.1 Stable - Removal of Hide functionality and Superuser prompts

I usually posted about Magisk updates with enthusiasm, but not this time. Magisk Hide and Superuser prompts have been removed in Magisk v31.1 Stable. More details in the release notes.

Release notes and Changelog:

https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/tag/v31.1

https://redd.it/1xhqsax
@reddit_android

do you actually show full message content on your lock screen notifications or do you hide them completely

when a notification pops up on your lock screen do you let it show the entire text preview so you can read it at a glance without unlocking the phone? or do you use the strict privacy mode where it just says hidden content or sensitive notification because you don't want people looking over your shoulder on the table?

what is your actual balance between daily convenience and keeping your private messages locked down in front of friends?

https://redd.it/1xi0i5d
@reddit_android

Mind Pilot in Color OS 17 is extraordinary.

Majority of the AI stuff on smartphones is plain garbage, but the inbuilt AI agent on COS 17 is extraordinary, I gave a prompt like: Collect all IRCTC (train) tickets in my filesystem and move them to two separate folders based on travel date and it did that perfectly for both photos and pdfs. Hope they'll improve it to work with third party apps as well. This might be very useful in organising stuff and has very potential in the future.

https://redd.it/1xho7lu
@reddit_android

Geekerwan: The Ultimate Phone Chip War: Apple vs Qualcomm vs MediaTek vs Xiaomi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjUzH4UcSkw

https://redd.it/1xhnm1b
@reddit_android

Is AI effective for creating your own apps within Android?

I was an android users for many years until switching over to iPhone when the iPhone X came out. Still on iPhone now. Switched to Android last year and ended up coming back again to iPhone, but now I am realizing I can potentially use AI for android apps? I use AI for many at-home scripts, family dashboard, etc, so I'm very familiar with the process, but never thought about it creating actual apps.

As basic as this sounds, can I make a simple digital wallet to keep track of my purchases? I would manually plug in the expense myself to the app like I do now with "Checkbook" app, but is creating apk (assuming I'm using that term correctly) files that much easier these days to get the phone I would truly want?

Thank you for any insight.

https://redd.it/1xhxqwl
@reddit_android

In 2027,google will block every android app whose developer hasn't registered with them (go to the link in the desc and see what you can do).
http://keepandroidopen.org

https://redd.it/1xih2jf
@reddit_android

Redmi K100 debuts with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 10,000mAh battery
https://www.gsmarena.com/redmi_k100_debuts_with_snapdragon_8_elite_chipset_10000mah_battery-news-75232.php

https://redd.it/1xhg9e0
@reddit_android

SD8E6 Geekbench scores on actual devices

https://preview.redd.it/7rj1tve8s4yh1.png?width=1474&format=png&auto=webp&s=cae021fdfb158d2faa5eb1bcd046a8964d0e043f

For reference, the Exynos 2700 is around 4000-4100 SC and 13000 MC.

https://redd.it/1xhdylc
@reddit_android

Omdia: Global smartphone shipments fell 20% in 3Q26, the lowest third-quarter total since 2013
https://omdia.tech.informa.com/pr/2026/oct/global-smartphone-shipments-fell-20percent-in-3q26-the-lowest-third-quarter-total-since-2013

https://redd.it/1xilsmp
@reddit_android

Android version distribution in October 2026: Android 16 leads
https://www.heise.de/en/news/Android-version-distribution-in-October-2026-Android-16-leads-11504842.html

https://redd.it/1ximdt0
@reddit_android

SMS of Death - A single malformed WAP Push SMS crashes com.android.phone on Android, dropping active calls (including emergency calls), with zero interaction from the victim.
https://smsofdeath.com/

https://redd.it/1xiscsl
@reddit_android

[Canadian users] Impact of the recent time zone changes in Canada
https://support.google.com/android/thread/474122198?hl=en

https://redd.it/1xixj0u
@reddit_android

The Play Store will evaluate foldable app quality starting next year, rewarding well-adapted apps with boosted visibility and prominent placement
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-foldable-app-optimization-3729109/

https://redd.it/1xjksee
@reddit_android

Motorola Signature 27 launch - November 5
https://x.com/Moto/status/2115783257912750474

https://redd.it/1xjkb6d
@reddit_android

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 code reveals Google is working to connect the Pixel 11 Pro’s rear HiLight LED array to its upcoming Notification Rules system
https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-11-pro-hilight-android-17-notification-rules-apk-teardown-3729902/

https://redd.it/1xjkoq7
@reddit_android

Motorola Signature 27 Exclusive Hands On: This Camera Is Insane - Danny Winget
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9KIX3ZStVk

https://redd.it/1xjn82t
@reddit_android

Mishaal Rahman: We've got a new Android beta for you to test: Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3! This update has some new & returning user-requested features. Here's what's new 🧵
https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/2115901191939088777

https://redd.it/1xjqq6n
@reddit_android

A backwards step but record-breaking staying power - Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 5G review
https://www.notebookcheck.net/A-backwards-step-but-record-breaking-staying-power-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-17-5G-review.1437533.0.html

https://redd.it/1xjq6zi
@reddit_android

Googlebooks Make Windows Look Like a Masterpiece - Just Josh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGSNR2EWTAg

https://redd.it/1xk1hdp
@reddit_android