We've accepted that yearly updates are normal in the smartphone space. We get a new entry in each smartphone range, and major operating system updates, too. They keep the mill churning, keep putting out new features, new upgrades, new reasons to buy, more reasons for stock prices to go up. What do we get? New stuff. It seems like a good bargain. Except it isn't working. Companies are running out of steam. Even worse, there were signs this would be the case from the very beginning. From the start, very few smartphone ranges changed every year. The tick-tock model meant we got a phone with minim
I tried the Android 17 beta, and it proved Google needs to kill its annual update cycle… However, Google appears to have removed this functionality with the March 2026 Feature Drop. Unlike other Android phones, you can take a screenshot or even select text from within apps directly from the Recent apps screen on Pixels. …
… Last month was big for this Pixel-exclusive feature, as Google turned it into a standalone app , with leaks revealing these plans weeks in advance . Since its release last month, we've seen the app's functionality getting a visual upgrade on the lock screen . …
… Until now, Android has only allowed conversations to appear as bubbles, but this is the first time Google is extending the feature to full apps natively. Think of this feature somewhat similar to how you can see videos in picture-in-picture PiP , but for entire apps. …
… Related Android 17 might finally fix the app problem holding Android tablets and foldabales back Google asked nicely, now it is less polite App Bubbles look like they're going to be this year's big innovation If you haven't already seen, one of this year's big new Android features is " App Bubbles … …
… 07 / 8 Updates What is the name of the system Google uses to deliver core Android security and feature updates directly to devices without requiring a full OS update from the manufacturer? …
Jon Gilbert Apr 3, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT Jon Gilbert is a Features Writer for Android Police. I've covered Android since 2021, focusing on writing features and guides about Android apps and features that directly affect users. …
… 07 / 8 Updates What is the name of the system Google uses to deliver core Android security and feature updates directly to devices without requiring a full OS update from the manufacturer? …
… The company officially announced this feature with Beta 2 in late February, but it's only going live with the third beta. The feature essentially lets you run any app in a floating window that minimizes into a bubble when tapped. …
Rahul Naskar Apr 6, 2026, 7:29 AM EDT I have eight years of experience covering Android, with a focus on apps, features, and platform updates. I love looking at even the minute changes in apps and software updates that most people would scroll past, and sharing my opinion unabashedly. …
… The company will share updates to a thread on Reddit . If you’ve been refreshing the Google Nest app over the past few hours, you should know that the problem does not lie with you. …