Announcement from Google for Android theft protection features -

1. Identity Check to support all apps that use the Android Biometric Prompt

2. It's also enabling Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock by default for users in Brazil

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/android-theft-protection-upgrades-3635461/

@GappsLeaks

YouTube seems to be blocking background video playback on Samsung Internet, Brave, and other browsers

✅ Details - https://piunikaweb.com/2026/01/28/youtube-background-play-samsung-internet-brave/

@GappsLeaks

If some of your apps start crashing randomly today on your phone (specifically a pixel with Android beta), it is because of a new beta version (26.04.33) of Google Play Service. If you don't use beta of GMS, then you are fine.

🤷‍♂️

@GappsLeaks

Google is experimenting with a new workflow that would make AI Mode the default output for Circle to Search

Currently, it prioritizes standard search results with an AI Overview at the top.

✅ Details and demo video - https://www.androidauthority.com/circle-search-ai-mode-3636023/

@GappsLeaks

Chrome users complained, and Google is bringing back tab scrolling in H1 2026

✅ Details - https://piunikaweb.com/2026/01/29/chrome-tab-scrolling-coming-back-h1-2026/

@GappsLeaks

Google is testing a new dedicated toggle to switch between the AI-powered “Ask Photos” and the classic search experience

There are some noticeable UI changes as well

✅ Details and more screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-ask-photos-search-toggle-apk-teardown-3636245

@GappsLeaks

Google Lens is trying out an interface with Android’s new embedded photo picker for a seamless way to privately request photos

Other than this, Google Lens shortcut in the search bar no longer opens the camera UI first.

✅ Details/Video - https://www.androidauthority.com/lens-select-photos-3636155/

@GappsLeaks

Does your Google Photos app look different today? Here's what's changed

It’s still the same Memories feature, but it suddenly looks more fun

✅ Details and screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-memories-carousel-redesign-3636414/

@GappsLeaks

New Spotify update puts song lyrics exactly where you want them

A new server-side update is moving lyrics directly onto the Now Playing screen for easier access while you listen.

✅ Check screenshots & Video - https://www.androidauthority.com/spotify-now-playing-interface-lyrics-update-3636643/

@GappsLeaks

Spotify might bring back a feature everyone loved till 2018 (APK teardown)

You might finally be able to pick a real username on Spotify instead of that auto-generated alphanumeric jumble.

✅ More details - https://www.androidauthority.com/spotify-editable-usernames-3636618/

@GappsLeaks

The new contact sharing UI is now rolling out in Google Contacts app.

Version • 4.71.82.856460119

Spotted it back in November.

@GappsLeaks

Android CallCore is the new Google app which will provide necessary infrastructure for call Scam Detection feature on S26 Ultra

You can expect Scam Detection to be available on more Android devices in 2026

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s26-android-callcore-support-3636978/

@GappsLeaks

YouTube now blocking video downloaders, following crackdown on ad blockers, third-party clients, and background playback workarounds

✅ Details - https://piunikaweb.com/2026/01/30/youtube-blocking-video-downloaders-premium-crackdown/

@GappsLeaks

🚨 AssembleDebug's Weekly Android/Google Apps Feature Recap [26 - 31 Jan, 2026]

Scam detection on S26 series, reactions support in Google message on wearOS, Spotify, Google Photos new changes and more

👉 Check here - https://thespandroid.blogspot.com/2026/02/weekly-google-android-feature-recap-3.html

#WeeklyRecapAD

@GappsLeaks

This is our first look at Google's Pixel-like camera app for Android PCs

Pretty barebone currently, but can expect more features similar to existing Chromebook camera app

✅ Details and more screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-desktop-camera-app-3637089/

@GappsLeaks

Google Messages is bringing back the message editing history feature that was quietly removed

It was removed with the new message details UI back in July 2025.

✅ Details and screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-messages-edit-history-return-apk-teardown-3637127/

@GappsLeaks

New theme packs for your Pixel phone are coming soon, but dont hold your breath on AI icons

AI-based icon theming may not arrive before Android 17 (CinnamonBun)

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-theme-packs-3637156/

@GappsLeaks

Google Desktop Camera (from Aluminium OS)

Just a simple camera app that can take pictures, record video and scan documents.

The UI is optimised for desktops, so it looks a little weird on phones with portrait orientation with shutter button on the right side.

@GappsLeaks

Google Maps community edits could soon get a major Gemini makeover

A new chatbot-style interface discovered in code suggests users could soon use natural language to update local listings.

✅ Details/Video - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-gemini-suggest-an-edit-apk-teardown-3637395/

@GappsLeaks

AI overviews in Gmail app on Android 👀

This is currently available only on the web version for Pro/Ultra plan users in US

Other new feature which are coming to Gmail on Android -
1. Bills & Travels labels
2. Ability to create, edit and delete labels

@GappsLeaks

AluminiumOS isn't arriving anytime soon. The full release will happen in 2028. In 2026, it will offer ALOS only to "commercial trusted testers"

Source - The Verge

@GappsLeaks