Latest news with #AndroidTeam
GSM Arena
8 hours ago
- GSM Arena
Asus launches Android 16 Beta program for Zenfone 12 Ultra
Asus launched the Zenfone 12 Ultra earlier this year, and the phone is now getting its first Android 16 Beta. In case you have enrolled in the beta program, of course, which is a straightforward process, especially compared to other brands. To enroll in the A16 Beta program, go to Settings > System > System update > tap on the gear icon > Enroll in Android preview program. You don't have to be a community member or wait for approvals. It also doesn't seem like the program is limited to a certain number of users. Even though it feels like Asus is a bit late to the party, as most other manufacturers have already launched their Beta programs, that doesn't necessarily mean the developers' team will be late with the final and stable update this fall once Android 16 officially launches. After all, Asus has only one 2025 model to take care of. Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Source
Android Authority
06-08-2025
- Android Authority
Poll: What do you think Android 17's dessert codename will be?
Google has a fun tradition of codenaming Android versions after desserts in alphabetical order. In the early days of Android, these dessert codenames were part of the Android name/branding. However, with Android 10's release in 2019, Google dropped the codename from the public name, even though it has continued to use the dessert codename internally. Android 15 is internally called Vanilla Ice Cream, whereas Android 16 is called Baklava. With Android 16 out for a while now, and Android 16 QPR1 also on the horizon, it got us wondering: What would Android 17 be called? To start, here's a brief history of all the Android dessert codenames so far: Android Version Number Dessert Codename Year of Release Android Version Number 1.0 Dessert Codename No codename Year of Release 2008 Android Version Number 1.1 Dessert Codename Petit Four (internal) Year of Release 2009 Android Version Number 1.5 Dessert Codename Cupcake Year of Release 2009 Android Version Number 1.6 Dessert Codename Donut Year of Release 2009 Android Version Number 2.0, 2.1 Dessert Codename Éclair Year of Release 2009 Android Version Number 2.2 Dessert Codename Froyo Year of Release 2010 Android Version Number 2.3 Dessert Codename Gingerbread Year of Release 2010 Android Version Number 3 Dessert Codename Honeycomb Year of Release 2011 Android Version Number 4 Dessert Codename Ice Cream Sandwich Year of Release 2011 Android Version Number 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Dessert Codename Jelly Bean Year of Release 2012 Android Version Number 4.4 Dessert Codename KitKat Year of Release 2013 Android Version Number 5.0, 5.1 Dessert Codename Lollipop Year of Release 2014 Android Version Number 6 Dessert Codename Marshmallow Year of Release 2015 Android Version Number 7.0, 7.1 Dessert Codename Nougat Year of Release 2016 Android Version Number 8.0, 8.1 Dessert Codename Oreo Year of Release 2017 Android Version Number 9 Dessert Codename Pie Year of Release 2018 Android Version Number 10 Dessert Codename Quince Tart (internal) Year of Release 2019 Android Version Number 11 Dessert Codename Red Velvet Cake (internal) Year of Release 2020 Android Version Number 12, 12L Dessert Codename Snow Cone (internal) Year of Release 2021 Android Version Number 13 Dessert Codename Tiramisu (internal) Year of Release 2022 Android Version Number 14 Dessert Codename Upside Down Cake (internal) Year of Release 2023 Android Version Number 15 Dessert Codename Vanilla Ice Cream (internal) Year of Release 2024 Android Version Number 16 Dessert Codename Baklava (internal) Year of Release 2025 Since Android 1.5 Cupcake in 2009, Google has diligently used dessert codenames alphabetically. The company finally broke its tradition with Android 16, which should have started with a dessert codename that began with 'W.' Instead, Android 16 jumped to 'B' with Baklava. The reason for this is Android's trunk stable project, which my colleague Mishaal explains in better detail when he revealed Android 16's dessert codename. Assuming Android 16 is a good baseline, Android 17's codename will very likely be a dessert that begins with the letter 'C.' Do you have any guesses on what it could be? What do you think Android 17's internal dessert codename will be? 1744 votes Caramel Custard 12 % Cheesecake 28 % Cherry Pie 12 % Choco-chip Cookie 7 % Churro 15 % Coffee Cake 6 % Crème Brûlée 13 % Crepe 7 % I've compiled a few popular dessert codenames in the poll above for you to vote on, but feel free to sound off other desserts that start with C in the comments below! If you ask me, Android 17 would be pretty sweet as Churro, but I can also see why it could be Cheesecake or Choco-chip cookie too. I will judge those who go for Crepe, as it can be sweet or savory, and that's practically breakfast territory if you ask me. Follow
Android Authority
17-07-2025
- Android Authority
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 is here to install with Google's latest bug fixes
Google just changed the way we're going to be looking at new Android features with the introduction of its public Canary program, and while that's going have a major impact on how Android 17 reveals itself to us, the company's existing Beta programs are rolling right on like always. This summer we've already seen lots of progress towards what we'll be getting from the next Pixel Drop in the form of Google's Android 16 QPR1 releases, first with Beta 1 in May, and then Beta 2 in early June. Now it's time for one of the final updates in this series, as we get our hands on Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.
Phone Arena
10-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Android 16 arrives for Pixel phones with with smarter alerts, desktop-ready features, and more
Android 16 Android 16 Receive the latest Android news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Better accessibility for hearing aid users Accessibility also sees a notable leap forward. Hearing aid users can now route call audio through their phone's microphone, improving clarity in noisy environments. Native hearing device controls are also being added, allowing users to manage settings like volume directly from the phone. Accessibility also sees a notable leap forward. Hearing aid users can now route call audio through their phone's microphone, improving clarity in noisy environments. Native hearing device controls are also being added, allowing users to manage settings like volume directly from the phone. With Android 16 , users will be able to change mics for LE hearing devices. | Image credit — Google New security options for those who need it most Security-wise, Google is introducing its Advanced Protection feature to Android. Available within settings, it enables a suite of defenses aimed at protecting users from phishing, malware, and scam calls — particularly helpful for those at higher risk of targeted attacks. Security-wise, Google is introducing its Advanced Protection feature to Android. Available within settings, it enables a suite of defenses aimed at protecting users from phishing, malware, and scam calls — particularly helpful for those at higher risk of targeted attacks. A big step toward desktop-style multitasking On the productivity front, Google is laying the groundwork for serious multitasking. Android 16 will eventually enable desktop windowing on tablets and large-screen devices, developed in partnership with Samsung. The feature allows users to open, move, and resize multiple app windows freely, echoing the flexibility of Samsung DeX. Though the full experience will roll out later this year , it points to a broader vision for Android as a productivity-first platform on tablets and external displays. Additionally, Google will launch a feature later this year that will allow you to create your own custom keyboard shortcuts. There is also taskbar overflow which will provide a way to find apps that cannot be easily found due to the taskbar being full Taskbar keyboard overflow in Android 16 . | Image credit — Google Smaller updates round out the release Other under-the-hood changes include HDR screenshot support, adaptive refresh rate controls, and new identity check tools. While Android 16 may appear iterative at first glance, it brings deeper refinements that many users have been asking for, especially those looking to use Android beyond the smartphone screen. Google says that more updates tied to Android 16 and Pixel devices are expected in the coming weeks, and we'll be sure to keep you up to date on all new developments. In the meantime, a slew of additional features are being rolled out to Pixel devices today with the Other under-the-hood changes include HDR screenshot support, adaptive refresh rate controls, and new identity check tools. Whilemay appear iterative at first glance, it brings deeper refinements that many users have been asking for, especially those looking to use Android beyond the smartphone says that more updates tied toand Pixel devices are expected in the coming weeks, and we'll be sure to keep you up to date on all new developments. In the meantime, a slew of additional features are being rolled out to Pixel devices today with the June Pixel Drop , which you can check out here. One of's most practical changes is the introduction of grouped notifications and live updates from compatible delivery and ride-share apps. Instead of digging into an app to see where your food or driver is, Android will surface real-time updates on your lock screen. The feature will soon extend to other brands, including Samsung, OPPO, and OnePlus.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- The Sun
Google offers secret VIP ‘protection mode' on millions of mobiles for free – it's meant for celebs to avoid being hacked
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, MILLIONS of phone owners can take advantage of a special "protection" mode used by VIPs to avoid being hacked. It's called Advanced Protection and anyone can use it for free – though it's built for celebs, politicians, and other important figures. Protection features were first launched in 2017, but the system has been upgraded in the new Android 16 update. It has special tricks like preventing your phone from being hacked by a physical cable, and using AI to detect scam call and text conversations live as they're happening. The feature activates a long list of hardcore security measures designed to boost your security and dodge scams. "Android 16 enhances and expands the Advanced Protection features that Google first launched in 2017," said Google's Stella Loh. "Making it simple to turn on an array of robust device security features." Stella, who works on the Android team, added: "Whether you're a public figure or just want the best of Android's powerful security features, you can turn on Advanced Protection for peace of mind that you're protected against the most sophisticated threats." WHAT IS GOOGLE'S ADVANCED PROTECTION PROGRAM? Google is the company behind the Android software that powers billions of phones around the world. And there's a special feature called the Advanced Protection. Google says that this serves up its "strongest protections against targeted attacks". "Advanced Protection ensures all of Android's highest security features are enabled and are seamlessly working together to safeguard you against online attacks, harmful apps, and data risks," Google explained. Deepfakes more 'sophisticated' and dangerous than ever as AI expert warns of six upgrades that let them trick your eyes To get all the latest protections, you'll need Android 16. That's currently out in beta version, which you can try for free today. Or you can wait for a full release, which may take several months to turn up on your mobile. Once you've got the latest Android update, go into Settings. 4 HOW TO UPDATE YOUR ANDROID PHONE Get the latest upgrades... Updating your Android phone is extremely important. For a start, it means you'll get fancy new features to make your phone better. But updates often include fixes that can repair security problems – or help you to stay safe from crooks. You can check what software version you have by going into Settings > About Phone > Android Version. And if you want to update, you can just go to Settings > System > Software Update. Note that your Android phone will probably have worse battery life in the days following an update – but it should get better. Picture Credit: Google Then go to Settings > Google > Personal & Device Safety > Advanced Protection > Device Protection. From there, you'll be able to see a list of all of the features that are activated once you toggle the setting on. For instance, there's a Theft Detection Lock that means your phone automatically locks itself if it detects "suspicious activity indicative of theft". Your phone will also lock itself if it goes offline for a prolonged period. ADVANCED PROTECTION – GOOGLE'S WORD ON IT Here's what Google says Advanced Protection serves up... Best-in-class protection, minimal disruption: Advanced Protection gives users the option to equip their devices with Android's most effective security features for proactive defense, with a user-friendly and low-friction experience. Easy activation: Advanced Protection makes security easy and accessible. You don't need to be a security expert to benefit from enhanced security. Defense-in-depth: Once a user turns on Advanced Protection, the system prevents accidental or malicious disablement of the individual security features under the Advanced Protection umbrella. This reflects a "defense-in-depth" strategy, where multiple security layers work together. Seamless security integration with apps: Advanced Protection acts as a single control point that enables important security settings across many of your favorite Google apps, including Chrome, Google Message, and Phone by Google. Advanced Protection will also incorporate third-party applications that choose to integrate in the future. Picture Credit: Google There's a USB Protection that prevents "physical attacks" using your phone's charging port. Safe Browsing modes block dangerous websites for you. And there are special AI-powered scam detection tools for both phone calls and text messages that flag up if you're being swindled in real-time. The feature also blocks you from connecting to outdated 2G phone networks, and won't automatically reconnect to Wi-Fi networks "known to be insecure" either. GOOGLE'S 'GOLDEN RULES' FOR AVOIDING SCAMS Here are the official Google "golden rules #1 – Slow it down Scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency. Take time to ask questions and think it through. #2 – Spot check Do your research to double check the details you are getting. Does what they're telling you make sense? #3 – Stop! Don't send No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment or your personal information on the spot. Some of the features won't arrive until "later this year", according to Google.
