✨Is Google turning Gemini into the next big Super App?

Gemini may soon become your AI reading assistant, all-in-one super app, and a helper for changing Google Account settings.

We explore these rumors in the latest Authority Insights Podcast👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/authority-insights-podcast-017-3626610/

🛜📶Google may finally reverse this controversial Quick Settings change

Google may finally bring back the separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles in a future Android release.

More details in the latest Authority Insights Newsletter👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/android-split-internet-quick-settings-3626933/

🚗🔒Android Automotive will let you PIN-lock apps to keep them private from passengers

Android Automotive’s new Sensitive App Protection feature lets you lock apps behind a PIN.

More details👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/android-automotive-sensitive-app-protection-3627645/

Android has taken over the Las Vegas Sphere again!

Google made a cute animation of the Android Bot going through a variety of virtual worlds to highlight the new Android XR platform + Gemini.

Google TV is getting some new Gemini-powered smart features, including:

* Deep dives into complex topics, plus a new response UI with imagery, videos, and real-time sports updates.

* Ability to search through Google Photos for specific people or moments and remix images or create immersive slideshows.

* Image/video creation w/ Nano Banana and Veo.

* Natural-language settings changes, eg. "screen is too dim" and Gemini will auto-adjust picture settings.

Coming to select TCL devices first and other Google TV devices in the coming months.

🔗 Say goodbye to menu hunting: Gemini brings voice control to Google TV settings

I've been quiet these past 2 weeks because there hasn't been much Android news due to the holidays...but rest assured, there's a TON of exciting Android news coming this year!

2026 will be a HUGE year for Android👀

Looking forward to seeing what Google is cooking up this year!

📱Sad news: ASUS won't be launching any new phones this year.

The company will still continue updates and warranty services for existing devices, though.

Still, this is sad because ASUS has been one of the most enthusiast-friendly brands over the years, and their phones offer really clean, stock Android-like experiences.

But the competition is really tough, their phones are expensive, and the number of models they make is low. Not surprised by this decision but not happy that it's happening, either!

🔗A big smartphone name might be done: ASUS confirms no 2026 phones

🚨Breaking: Google will now only release Android source code twice a year

Google has announced that it will publish Android source code to AOSP in Q2 and Q4 of each year.

More details👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/aosp-source-code-schedule-3630018/

So this means the source code for Android [Version] QPR1 and QPR3 won't be released, only the source code for Android [Version] initial release and QPR2 will be. The changes in QPR1 will obviously be included in the QPR2 source drop and the changes in QPR3 will be included in the next initial major release, though.

🚗 Snapdragon-powered cars will get faster updates thanks to Project Treble

Qualcomm has announced that it is aligning its software development roadmap for its Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms (the SoCs powering many new cars) with Google's Android Automotive OS roadmap, starting with Android 17, so car makers using Snapdragon will have faster access to the latest AAOS features.

Furthermore, Qualcomm is implementing support for Project Treble for 4 generations of its Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms (a total of 14 SoCs), enabling car makers to implement OS upgrades quicker. The company is also committing to 10 years of software support for these platforms.

🔗 Your Android-powered car will get faster updates thanks to Qualcomm

🔍Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut

The ability to launch an app from the Pixel Launcher by partially typing its name and then hitting the enter key is rolling out more widely.

Thanks to everyone for the tip!

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-launcher-app-opening-shortcut-rollout-3630852/

🖥 What will happen to existing Chromebooks as Google transitions its PC efforts to the Android-based 'Aluminium OS'?

In an interview with Chrome Unboxed, Google VP John Maletis says the company is not giving up on them and to expect "continuity of experience and devices" as many millions of users are so reliant on them.

Furthermore, he says Google is maintaining its commitment of 10 years of support of these devices.

Lastly, he says not all devices will be able to migrate to the new stack because of technical limitations.

🔗 Exclusive: Google VP confirms ChromeOS isn’t going anywhere, and neither is 10-year support

👓Google has extended its strategic partnership with XREAL for Android XR hardware, naming them its lead hardware partner for the ecosystem.

The companies will "collaborate on bringing Android XR to optical-see-through devices, like wired XR glasses, and work to expand support for Android XR development."

More news on Project Aura, a pair of Android XR glasses that deliver the full experience, is coming later this year.

Some personal news:

This is my last day at Android Authority, and it also marks the end of my time posting Android news!

I've spent the past 10 years writing about Android, and I've enjoyed every moment of it. What began as a hobby in college — tinkering with custom ROMs and modding my phone — turned into a long career, one totally disconnected from my degree in Biomed Engineering.

I am not a developer by trade or education, so I've had to learn a LOT to report on Android the way that I do. I've had my share of missteps along the way, but thanks to the help from the developer and enthusiast community, I've learned SO MUCH. I hope I've been successful in passing much of that knowledge on to you!

Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey. I wouldn't have done this work for very long if nobody was there to read it. Your comments encouraged me to invest countless hours into finding new Android features, all in the hopes of sharing these discoveries with people who love the platform as much as I do!

If you're wondering what's next, I'll have more to share later. For now, I've got about a month to take care of personal matters, hit the gym, and prepare for relocation! Thanks for everything!

P.S. If you're wondering, "where will I get my Android news from now?!" I highly recommend Android Authority! I'm obviously biased, but the team there is fantastic and the content they produce is solid! Also, do check out the Android Faithful podcast — Ron, Huyen, Jason, and Flo are a joy to listen to each week!

P.P.S. Due to the nature of my new job, I will unfortunately have to close down the "Playground for Android Nerds", or at least hand the reins to someone else. I'll for sure keep it open until the end of this week, but I recommend going to GappsLeaksChat if you want a chat group with similar vibes.

UPDATE: I have transferred ownership of the "Playground for Android Nerds" chat over to @KieronQuinn!