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Chrome for Android could get a (very limited) bottom bar again
A new flag for a bottom-based custom tab interface was spotted, but it will only be available with links opened from the Google app
A long time ago, Google experimented with moving some Chrome interface elements to the bottom on Android devices. The company has long scrapped these tests, and even though Chrome for iOS offers an optional bottom-based interface these days, we don’t see anything remotely like it on Android. This could finally change soon, but it looks like the bottom bar will only be used for some very specific activities.
Google paid out $10 million in vulnerability awards last year
The company held its first ever live-hacking event targeting LLM in 2023
The more complicated software gets, the more likely it is to have bugs or security loopholes. Google and many other companies recognize that, and they want to give hackers and security researchers an incentive to find and report problems. That’s where Google’s Vulnerability Rewards Program (VRP) comes in. Last year, the company paid out a total of $10 million to researchers reporting problems with Google software all around the world.
Google TV needs to get better, and it needs to do it now
Ditching Android 9.0's UI design sure would go a long way
Since the Google Play Movies & TV app’s discontinuation in late 2023, the heat has been on Google TV to fill the gap with a polished new app providing a quality service for enjoying movies and TV shows. As an up-to-date version of Android TV, Google TV is a decent hub platform for all your streaming services, whether you use an external Chromecast dongle or a Smart TV. However, there are some things the app could improve on, especially concerning presentation, convenience, and user agency.
In this day of modern always-connected smartphones, it’s fair to say that the built-in navigation systems in most cars have become passé. After all, Google Maps can provide so much more detailed and current information on where you want to go, plus reliable and up-to-the-minute traffic information sourced from hundreds of drivers along your route.
People love smart devices right now; everything from sunglasses to fridges has upgraded counterparts that integrate with other technology to improve the user experience. We can't seem to avoid appliances that want to connect with our reliable Android phones. But while many of these devices are cool, their smart feature lists often aren't very substantial, especially when considering their hefty price tags.
How to report speed traps and hazardous conditions in Android Auto
Android Auto makes it easy to report incidents while driving
Map applications like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps use crowdsourced data to glean info about road conditions. They also use historical traffic patterns to determine efficient routes and make journeys easier. Community reports inform users about accidents, hazards, speed traps, lane closures, traffic incidents, and road work.
Switching from iPhone to Android will get much easier next year
At least in the EU, thanks to the DMA
The EU-based dominos for Apple continue to fall. On the heels of this week's release of iOS 17.4 — which, among other things, preps the iPhone for third-party app marketplaces to arrive in Europe — we're learning more about what the Digital Markets Act (or DMA) means for Apple's mobile future. In addition to those external App Store rivals, the company plans to add even more functionality to the platform, including an option that might make migrating to Android a whole lot easier.
I tested Apple’s EU-only iOS 17.4, and it doesn't feel any closer to Android (yet)
The EU forced Apple to open up its platform, but there isn’t much to see right now
Last year, the EU introduced new rules for big tech companies deemed gatekeepers as part of its Digital Markets Act (DMA). Among the targeted companies are Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, but also Apple. While Google only had to change a few details about the way it handles Android with some small Android 14 upgrades, Apple was forced to drastically change its iPhone app store model, opening up its platform for third-party app markets and allowing more types of previously forbidden apps.
This popular Android screen-mirroring tool gets better keyboard support and more
Scrcpy v2.4 adds some much-needed refinements
With tools like Link to Windows or ChromeOS’s Phone Hub long available, scrcpy may not be the star of the show anymore. The ADB-based command-line tool allows you to remotely view and control your Android phone from your computer, but ever since Google nerfed its ability to view and record secure apps, it’s not as vital for many people as it used to be. The open-source program is nevertheless still actively developed and used by many people, and the latest update to version 2.4 adds some much-needed refinements.
Google's March Feature Drop is here, but not for you
The new release will roll out March 11 in the US, while everyone else will get it starting today
It’s the first Monday of March, and you know what this means. Google is back with a new round of updates for its Pixels as part of its Pixel Feature Drop initiative, adding a bunch of capabilities to its devices every three months. Many of the additions were already in testing in Android 14 QPR2, and they’re now finally coming to everyone with a recent Google device. If you’re in the US, you’ll have to wait just a little longer, though. While the Feature Drop rolls out internationally today, Google says you’ll have to wait until March 11.
Best VPN for Google TV in 2024
Watch the latest shows around the globe right at home with the best Google TV VPNs
An easy way to get all your favorite streaming services in one spot is with a Google TV box. It allows you to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more with a press of a button. It won't provide access to all the latest movies and TV shows, though, as these streaming platforms have geo-restrictions in place, meaning you can only watch what's available in your region. That can be a drag, but a VPN can resolve the predicament.
There are two distinct types of smartphone music listeners. Type one is the Spotify streamer, the MP3 listener who can vibe to their tunes without a care in the world. Headphones that sound like they're made of tin are good enough for them. Type two is the audiophile, someone who avoids lossy music and cheap headphones. Nothing less than the best-wired headphones will do for their discerning ears.
What is the Android Open Source Project?
The foundation that helped shape Android into what we know it as today
Android is the most popular open source operating system (OS) globally and shows no signs of slowing down. Its presence across various products, from Android-based tablets and smartphones to smart home devices, is undeniable. These devices impact our lives and require a universal tool to make them a reality. Creating a universal Android ecosystem of mobile devices is no small feat. This is where the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) shines. This guide discusses the specifics of AOSP and how it benefits the Android developer community.
How to change your Android Auto view
Take full advantage of one of the best infotainment systems available
Historically, car infotainment center software has been clunky. In a scenario where you need access to crucial features and functions fast and with minimal distractions, these apps were often bloated with intermediary screens, disclaimers, and splash screens that made them more of an annoyance than a convenience. They're necessary if you don't want to rely on one of the best tablet car mounts or your phone to get directions while driving.
Carsifi Wireless Android Auto Adapter review: A smooth ride for some single-vehicle families
It'll take a specific use case for this adapter to make sense
If you’ve purchased or rented a new car in the past five years or so, there’s a good chance it supports Android Auto, Google’s smartphone projection system that lets you put Google Maps and other Android apps up on your dashboard in a way that’s vastly superior to the infotainment systems found in most vehicles.
Google still hasn't given us a good in-car interface on Android phones
It's been a long and bumpy road
Google has tried to create a functional car interface for smartphones several times already, but it seems to have fallen short every time. Attempts include both features in existing products and discrete apps like Android Auto for Phone Screens. These mixed fortunes haven’t stopped the folks at the Googleplex from trying, though — Google still offers a car-centric mobile UI in Google Maps Driving Mode.
Will 2024's Android flagships actually last seven years?
As Android heavy-hitters promise longer software support, how gracefully can we expect our hardware to age?
The days of groundbreaking changes to slab smartphones are largely behind us, with modern flagships only seeing iterative upgrades each year. And while we've seen some important efficiency gains recently, systems-on-a-chip and other critical hardware don't jump in performance year-on-year.
5 things the Google Play Store desperately needs to improve
Ads galore, poor quality control, and fake reviews make up a few of Google's issues
One of the most vital apps on our Android devices is the Google Play Store. It's the beating heart of the Android ecosystem that serves as an open marketplace for applications and games, both good and bad. So you would think that such an important service would be kept in good standing with its users and developers, keeping devs and users happy and engaged, which makes the Play Store's decline even more glaring. Google has let the service slip into too many bad habits, from a lack of quality control to aggressive use of ads, making the user experience a nightmare as a result.
How to hide unwanted or private apps on Android
You may want to hide apps for several reasons, and it's fairly simple to do
You've been here before. You have too many apps on your Android phone and feel bogged down by the clutter. Maybe you have apps that contain sensitive information, such as banking apps, that you'd prefer didn't show in your apps list. Perhaps you want to prevent your toddler from tapping an app that could result in disaster, like ordering an item on the Play Store when you've set your phone to one-tap buy.
Android TVs are a popular choice for many TV buyers, thanks to their customization options and selection of apps. If you're considering purchasing an Android TV box, learn how to maximize its potential. We put together a list of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your device.