Google is preparing to launch its "car-ready mobile apps program" for Android Automotive OS in February 2025, which will immensely increase the number of apps available for vehicles running this operating system.

One new feature in the first Android 16 beta versions is the Privacy Dashboard. This feature enables users to review a week’s worth of data instead of just 24 hours, making it easier to identify apps that have accessed permissions they shouldn’t have.

Android Automotive, Google's OS for cars, will be getting new car-ready apps in February, including video streaming, web browsers, and mobile gaming apps. Only cars certified with Google built-in will support these new apps,

Google helped pioneer widgets with Android but has neglected them since. Even Google's iOS widgets are better than their Android counterparts.

Android 16 could bring an updated volume slider and volume panel UI. Here's an early first look at the new designs!

Updated on January 11 with further information on Google’s new mobile privacy challenge in the U.S. courts, and parallels to its controversial digital fingerprinting now making a return.

The search giant will kick off the "Car ready mobile apps" program next month; the effort was announced last year at Google's developer event

Google Photos for Android is simplifying the bottom bar by removing the “Memories” tab, though the feed — now called “Moments” —

It starts with a simple call, a message, a popup — but it ends with a potentially life-changing loss. It is a dangerous enough threat that Google has updated Android to protect its users. While there are many warnings about apps you shouldn’t install on your phone or laptop, this is much simpler. You should never install these apps.

Judges in Amsterdam on Wednesday gave the green light to a Dutch foundation to press ahead with legal action against Google for infringing Android phone users’ privacy. The court ruled that the foundation and its approach to the case – which involves a litigation funder – is admissible and that it can proceed with the action on behalf of Dutch Android users.

Are you a frequent user of the Google Home app? Two new features are rolling out now to upgrade your smart home in a couple of key ways.