Android 17 will let apps get the best out of your phone’s camera chops

Android 17 Beta 3 introduces a vendor-defined camera extensions, allowing phone makers to bring their advanced imaging features to third-party apps.

Google is preparing a priority charging feature for phones for rush scenarios

Google is testing a priority charging feature in Android 17 that shifts power away from background activity so your phone gains more battery during short charging sessions, without cutting off essential functions like calls and texts.

Android 17 has a cool new trick to keep AI assistants from screaming in your ears

Android 17 adds a separate assistant volume control, preventing sudden loud voice replies when you raise media volume. It’s a small tweak that makes everyday interactions with Gemini and other assistants far more comfortable.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: what’s the difference?

We compare the key specs and features of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Android web browsing just overtook iPhone speed, Google says

Android phones may now browse faster than iPhones, as Google claims Chrome has overtaken Safari in key speed tests. The real world impact depends on your device, network, and the sites you visit.

Android 17’s new Contact Picker stops apps from accessing your entire contact list

Android 17 is getting a new Contact Picker that changes how apps access your contacts list. Earlier reports hinted at this shift toward tighter privacy, and now Google is rolling it out. Instead of giving apps full access to your address book, you will…

A BlackBerry you might actually want just landed on Kickstarter
A BlackBerry you might actually want just landed on Kickstarter

When The Verge’s Allison Johnson went hands-on with the company’s Titan 2 Elite phone at MWC 2026, Unihertz didn’t divulge pricing info. But the compact Android phone with a BlackBerry-inspired keyboard is now available for preorder through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign and starts at $489, with a discount for early backers bringing it down to […]

Google’s Android Automotive is moving from the dashboard to the ‘brain’ of the car
Google’s Android Automotive is moving from the dashboard to the ‘brain’ of the car

Google announced a new version of its Android Automotive open-source operating system for software-defined vehicles. Whereas previously Android Automotive operated exclusively in the car’s infotainment system, Google is now expanding its “open infrastructure” to the non-safety parts of the car’s internal computer system. As cars have swiftly become “computers on wheels,” there is still a […]

GrapheneOS is taking a stand against digital age verification laws — but how long can its defiance last?

A privacy and security-focused fork of Android — GrapheneOS — is taking a stand against digital age verification laws.