Android 17's new Now Playing bar finally fixes the most annoying part of media switching
… Included in the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 is a new Now Playing media controls bar that doesn't just show one media bar at a time. …
Search
Android Auto’s new media controls are finally rolling out
… Several Android Auto users on Reddit report seeing the new media playback UI on their vehicle's infotainment system this morning via Android Authority . The most noticeable change is the wavy progress bar, matching the Material 3 Expressive design guidelines that media player apps on Android follow. …
I turned YouTube into the perfect social media app by eradicating Shorts
Jon Gilbert Apr 24, 2026, 9:30 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. …
Landmark verdict holds Meta and Google liable for addictive by design social media apps
… That’s why we’re consulting about issues such as banning social media for under-16s. I’m very keen that we do more on addictive features within social media. …
Top stories
I've been switching apps for years, and this Google Messages upgrade might finally fix that
… I’d start a conversation in Google Messages, send a photo there, then switch to WhatsApp for better media or features my friends prefer. Over time, I stopped noticing how often I switched apps to keep the conversation going. …
Sonos' Android app finally fixes one of its biggest issues
Rahul Naskar Mar 11, 2026, 3:30 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. …
Budget Android phones are finally getting flagship AI — if manufacturers don't cut corners everywhere else
… It's designed to evoke a glimmering light or spark, and you'll spot this same motif used across Google's various AI-powered features throughout its apps. …
OpenAI may design its own chip for an AI-first smartphone
… Instead of apps, users will rely on AI agents to get things done. …
Google Photos power users are about to lose a major backup feature
… After that date, the Google Drive desktop app will no longer back up media to Photos. …
I reviewed the Xiaomi 17T Pro, and a Pixel-beating feature won me over
… Xiaomi 17T Pro screen and performance MediaTek wins, Corning doesn't MediaTek has supplied its Dimensity 9500 processor for the Xiaomi 17T Pro, a small upgrade over the last model, but the screen has stayed almost the same. …