📝Gboard's new AI Writing Tools are already rolling out to non-Pixel phones

Gboard’s Writing Tools feature lets you proofread or rephrase your text without uploading it to the cloud

I got it on my OnePlus 13 last night. Anyone else have it?

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/gboard-writing-tools-other-android-phones-3593589/

☀️Google's fan-favorite Ambient EQ feature makes a return on the Pixel 10

It's back as 'Adaptive Tone' on the Pixel 10, and it dynamically adjusts the display based on the ambient lighting.

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-10-adaptive-tone-3593626/

🔅Google is changing how Extra Dim works on the Pixel 10, and it's so much better

You don’t need to manually turn on the Extra Dim feature on the Pixel 10, as it’s integrated into the brightness slider

Hopefully this comes to other phones soon!

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-10-extra-dim-toggle-3593673/

Slam dunk win for Google in the U.S. antitrust case against it:

"Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment."

"Google will not have to present users with choice screens on its products or encourage its Android distribution partners to do the same."

However:

"Google will be barred from entering or maintaining any exclusive contract relating to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and the Gemini app. Google shall not enter or maintain any agreement that (1) conditions the licensing of the Play Store or any other Google application on the distribution, preloading, or placement of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app anywhere on a device; (2) conditions the receipt of revenue share payments for the placement of one Google application (e.g., Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app) on the placement of another such application; (3) conditions the receipt of revenue share payments on maintaining Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app on any device, browser, or search access point for more than one year; or (4) prohibits any partner from simultaneously distributing any other GSE, browser, or GenAI product."

But on the bright side for them:

"Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products. Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial—in some cases, crippling— downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers, which counsels against a broad payment ban."

ANDROIDIFY IS BACK!

🤖Google's beloved Androidify app is back with new features for making your own Android Bot

The new Androidify app uses AI to create an Android Bot that you can use on your social media profile

Here's how to download and use it, and how it works👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/create-custom-android-bot-with-androidify-3593760/

📱Your Pixel's big Android 16 QPR1 update brings more than just Material 3 Expressive

Android 16 QPR1 brings a major design overhaul, an early look at Android’s DeX-like desktop mode, and much more

Here's EVERY new feature in Android 16 QPR1👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-features-3594123/

🤖Google’s new Androidify app has helped create my favorite social media avatar yet

Google’s new Androidify app is a perfect tool for generating a social media avatar, especially for Android fans

Check out the Android Authority team's Bots in the link👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/androidify-app-hands-on-3594215/

(Huge thanks to the Android team for giving me early access!)

Confirmed: Gboard's new AI Writing Tools are rolling out to non-Pixels, but ONLY on devices with "Gemini Nano v2 or higher."

This means only devices with the multimodal version of Gemini Nano. Yes, this means the Pixel 8 series will not be getting Gboard's AI Writing Tools feature.

See the article linked👆 for more details.

🔐Tomorrow: I'll share some new info on Android's upcoming sideloading restrictions.

There's some good, some bad, and some confusing news.

Subscribe to the Authority Insights Newsletter and Podcast if you want the scoop!

End of an era: Kevin Barry, the original developer of Nova Launcher, is no longer working on the project. The plans to open source the project have also been halted.

Nova Launcher was acquired by analytics company Branch back in 2022.

https://teslacoilapps.com/nova/solong.html

🔒Is Google using Security as an Excuse to Kill Sideloading on Android?

On this week's pod, we break down Android's new sideloading restrictions, Google's win against the DOJ, and share some exclusive info about a new Pixel feature (!)

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/authority-insights-podcast-004-3594914/

🔓Google's plan to restrict sideloading on Android has a potential escape hatch for users

We've got some new info about how Android's sideloading restrictions will work, including a potential workaround.

Here's what you need to know👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/how-android-sideloading-restrictions-may-work-3595355/

Gemini's new personal context capability is really nice.

I was helping my dad research saltless vs salt-based water conditioners, and without even telling it, Gemini pulled in info about the water hardness level in our county.

So basically, personal context can help you fine tune your prompts.

🔊Google could redesign Android’s volume slider to be more like iOS

Android is testing a new horizontal volume slider layout, presumably for phones in landscape mode

More details + what its design might look like in the article linked👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-horizontal-volume-slider-3596184/

🗃The Pixel's latest Android update has a hidden trick for organizing your Quick Settings

Google quietly added a new, faster way to reposition Quick Settings tiles in Android 16 QPR1: A double-tap gesture.

Here's how it works👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/trick-to-organize-quick-settings-3596284/

🔐⌚️Android’s anti-theft protections will soon be less annoying thanks to your watch

Soon, if you have a Pixel Watch 3+ connected to your Android phone, you won’t be forced to use biometrics to unlock apps, even outside of trusted locations.

Details👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/identity-check-smartwatch-android-16-qpr2-3596334/