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Android may get its own built-in Bluetooth tracker detection
A new APK indicates Google is at least looking into OS-level detection for errant AirTags and Tile trackers.
Google is working on a way for your phone to control Stadia games on a TV
Google is working on a feature called "bridge mode" that will give you a way to use your phone's display as a controller when you're playing on TV.
Google's 'Memory' feature could turn Assistant into an Android organizer
Google is working on a new feature for Assistant on Android called "Memory" that could transform it into into a handy organizer.
Google may add free trials and YouTube streaming to Stadia soon
At this point, it's safe to say Google's Stadia streaming service hasn't had the smoothest launch. Between missing features and less than stellar performance, the platform is, at the moment, more about future promise than current potential. However, it appears at least some of the features Google talked about at launch may soon make their way to Stadia users. Digging into the code of the latest Stadia app update, 9to5Google found evidence Google could add free Stadia Pro trials and other features soon.
Google could add call recording to its Android Phone app
Google's Phone app could soon let you not only record calls but transcribe them, according to an APK breakdown from 9to5Google and tests by XDA Developer. The latest version 44 of the app includes code that shows not only the existence of the feature, but how it could be legally implemented. On top of that, another snippet indicates that it might let you transcribe calls, likely using technology similar to Google's existing Recorder transcription app.
Google may soon let you search with a screenshot
Google might be about to do pair up two mobile screen-related features, "Edit & Share screenshots" and the AI-powered "What's on my Screen," according to some APK digging by 9 to 5 Google. A new feature called "Smart Screenshots," tucked into the latest version of the Google 10.61 app, brings up an updated toolbar when you take a screenshot. As before, you get edit, share and the option to use your favorite app to send the shot, but there's a new option with the latest version: Lens.
Google Photos will let you order same-day prints from Walmart or CVS
Google Photos has given users the option to create and buy physical photo books since 2017 -- now it looks like the app is expanding to offer prints and canvas prints as well. In an APK teardown of the latest version of the app, 9to5Google found that Google plans to work with CVS or Walmart to deliver same-day pickup for 4x6 inch photo prints, as well as a number of options for canvas prints with three-day print times.
Hidden Instagram code hints at voice and video call feature
Instagram might be able to offer everything you need to keep in touch with friends in the future. TechCrunch has discovered hidden codes and icons for "Call" and "Video Call" in the platform's and its standalone Direct messaging app's Android APKs. Instagram refused to comment about TC's finding, but APKs typically contain features developers plan to switch on later. Having the ability to make audio and video call from within direct messages would make Instagram an even bigger threat to Snapchat, which could spell trouble for Snap, seeing as Instagram Stories already has more users.
Google's Phone app is getting chat heads like Facebook Messenger
An update rolling out to Google phones, including Pixel and Android One devices, will give the Phone app a new but familiar feature. Android Police has discovered in an APK teardown that the app is getting circular floating chat heads, which are pretty much identical to Facebook Messenger's. They'll appear when you leave the call screen -- you can drag them anywhere on your display, and they'll stay visible on top of other apps. You'll also see a menu when you tap on the icon, with options to go back to call, to mute, to put it on speakerphone or to end it. Unfortunately, it's unclear if it'll eventually make its way to all Android devices.
Google explores texting from your browser
Google's Android Messages app could soon get a dramatic makeover with some interesting new features, judging by an APK teardown by XDA Developers and Android Police. Most significantly, it looks like you'll be able to pair your phone with a computer and text directly from a browser like Chrome, Firefox and Safari, much as you can with Google's Allo messaging app.
Google Maps Q&A feature taps into local expertise
While it's still just a beta release, the latest version of Google Maps (9.59.0, available as an APK installation) has some new features worth looking at. Key among those is a "questions & answers" section that lets you pose a query about a restaurant or attraction like the Eiffel Tower. In response, you can "get advice from the owner & broader community," according to Google, including from Local Guides or other experts.
Google readying tap-to-pay for Android Wear smartwatches
Google may finally be ready to bring tap-to-pay to Android Wear, judging by evidence discovered in the Google Play Services version 10.0 by Android Police. Text prompt strings with messages like "Try holding your watch to the terminal again" make it fairly clear that Google is in the late stages of testing the feature. If you have a compatible Android Wear watch (one with an NFC chip), it will let you touch your watch to an NFC-equipped retail terminal to pay for goods.
Google Slides adds Chromecast support for your next presentation (update: AirPlay too)
Fancy Google Slides over PowerPoint for your super exciting presentations? Well, if you've been using a cord to get your work on the big screen in the office, that task is about to get a whole lot easier. The folks over at Android Police discovered that with a forthcoming update, Slides will allow you to beam your info for all to see to a Chromecast from an Android device. On the desktop, you can already leverage Google's diminutive dongle for presentations thanks to the Google Cast Chrome extension.
This Windows Phone Pebble app isn't available for long
The Pebble Time may have broke $1 million in Kickstarter pledges at a record-setting pace, but it likely didn't do that with much help from Windows Phone users. The wearable lacks an official first-party app for Redmond's handsets, but Microsoft apparently developed a demo internally to show the smartwatch company how Pebble might work within its ecosystem. You can download that from Windows Central right this moment, but there's a catch -- it'll only be up for 48 hours. Past that? Where else it could appear is up to the internet, really.
Gmail for Android is ready to handle all your email accounts
The new version of Gmail for Android is slated to make its way to Google Play in the near future, but if you cannot wait to use it, you can download the APK right now and load it up. You'll notice some major changes the moment you launch it, since it'll ask what kind of email addresses you'd like to add: version 5 works not only with Gmail addresses, but also with Outlook, Yahoo and any IMAP- or POP-based email accounts. To choose the inbox you want to check, simply tap one of your accounts on the left-hand menu. Also, it comes with a Material Design interface makeover (there's a lot more red now) and a thread email system similar to what you get through Inbox. We can't say which Android flavors it's compatible with exactly, but we've installed it on an Ice Cream Sandwich tablet, so it'll likely work with all newer platforms. To find out for yourself, or to take a break from Google's busy Inbox app, head over to Android Police to download the file. Update (11/3): Google has officially announced the update, confirming it's rolling out now with support for Android 4.0+ devices. Want to take a look before making the switch? There's a video preview embedded after the break.
Google Play on Android has its flattest design yet
With how many of Google's core apps are getting updated to the new, flatter Material Design, the release of Android L can't be too much further away. While we wait for that, however, the Google Play redesign leaked not too long ago is available for sideloading right now, as spotted by Droid Life. With it, the "What's New" section's been moved back to the top of the store and you'll now be able to create device-specific profiles (like one for phones and another for tablets) for restoring a custom set of apps per gizmo-type. If you'd rather not wait your turn for the update from Mountain View, DL has the APK, while Android Police has a smattering of screenshots if you want an advance look of what you're getting into. If you haven't started a betting pool for when Android L will hit, now just might be the time.
Firefox for Android beta updated with Chromecast, Roku streaming
It was only a few weeks ago that Chromecast support was spotted in Firefox for Android's nightly builds -- now it's one step closer to primetime: the feature is now a standard part of the browser's beta package. This means that Mozilla fans eager to stream from their favorite browser can access the experimental feature from Google Play, rather than manually installing the update. It gets better, too: the official beta also has support for Roku streaming, assuming your set top box has the Firefox channel installed. Finally, Mozilla quietly announced that its bringing WebRTC support into the main beta channel of its desktop browser. All of these features are still in their early stages, of course, but if you want a sneak peek at what's next for Mozilla's stable releases, the source links are below.
Firefox for Android could soon support Chromecast
Looks like you won't have to wait for Mozilla's streaming dongle to stream from Firefox: the browser's nightly Android test build now supports Chromecast natively. Mozilla's Lucas Rocha casually mentioned the new feature on his Google+ page and, sure enough, if you download the latest build it's there - hidden under the tools section as "mirror tab." The feature works, but it's early: in our tests the mirrored tab was more than five seconds behind the handset, and was prone to crashing. Want to try it for yourself? You can download the Android APK at the source link below.
Google Drive for Android to lose document editing, prompt downloads of Docs and Sheets apps
Looks like the new Docs and Sheets apps were harbingers of changes for Google Drive's Android app. The good folks at Android Police parsed Drive's new, currently unreleased version and discovered that it no longer has document or sheet editing capabilities. Should you try to make changes, the app prompts you to download the appropriate app to do so. Choose not to download and attempt to open a file, and you'll be greeted by a view-only mode. While users may be a bit miffed at being force-fed a pair of new apps, it may prove beneficial. Separating the doc editing and cloud storage components will (presumably) let Google streamline the experience for each and give you option to download only the apps you need.
AllCast Android app brings screen-mirroring to Amazon Fire TV
After making fast friends with Android and Chromecast, AllCast is naturally ambling toward the next newest living-room device. If you're already bored using Amazon Fire TV for its intended functions, AllCast and Mirror support are currently in beta for Bezos' streaming box. And really, all you have to do is sideload the screen-mirroring app's APK onto your Fire TV and it should show up as a target for the Android application's content beaming. On Google+ developer Koushik Dutta writes that the receiver app's been submitted to the Amazon App Store, and he's just waiting on approval for it to go live. If you're feeling impatient however, well, maybe try reading a book -- we hear Amazon has a device for those, too.
