Android 18 December 2025 - 15 January 2026

New Pixel Weather Rival Gradient Weather Draws Android Buzz — But There’s a Catch
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New Pixel Weather Rival Gradient Weather Draws Android Buzz — But There’s a Catch

Gradient Weather, a new Android app from London-based Subtle Signals, is gaining traction as an alternative to Google’s Pixel Weather after Google limited its weather features for non-Pixel users. The app offers customizable alerts, animated effects, and dashboard cards, but some features require a Premium upgrade. Its Play Store listing shows over 1,000 downloads. Pixel Weather remains exclusive to Pixel 6 and newer devices.
April 28, 2026
Android 17 Leak: Split Quick Settings & Notifications, Separate Wi‑Fi/Data Toggles Return — With a Foldable Catch
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Android 17 Leak: Split Quick Settings & Notifications, Separate Wi‑Fi/Data Toggles Return — With a Foldable Catch

Leaked builds of Android 17 show Google testing a “dual-shade” interface that splits notifications and Quick Settings into separate panels, with users swiping from different sides to access each. Phones may offer a choice between the new and classic layouts, but large-screen devices could be locked to the split view. Separate Wi‑Fi and mobile data toggles may return, reversing a change from Android 12.
January 15, 2026
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel: battery drain, charging-limit and Wi‑Fi fixes — plus a quiet Recents change
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel: battery drain, charging-limit and Wi‑Fi fixes — plus a quiet Recents change

Google began rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to eligible Pixel phones, foldables, and tablets on January 14, 2026. The update includes the January 2026 security patch and targets battery drain, charging bugs, Wi‑Fi slowness, and system crashes. The Recents screen loses “save image” and “open in Lens” actions. Pixel 10 models receive the update only via on-device OTA, not downloadable images.
January 15, 2026
Samsung quietly lists Galaxy A07 5G with a 120Hz display — and a surprisingly long Android update pledge
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Samsung quietly lists Galaxy A07 5G with a 120Hz display — and a surprisingly long Android update pledge

Samsung’s Galaxy A07 5G appeared on Samsung Thailand’s site with a 6.7-inch 120Hz LCD, 6,000mAh battery, and prices starting at THB 5,499 ($175). Samsung promises up to six major Android OS updates for the A07 line, an unusual move for entry-level phones. The A07 5G ships with Android 16 and One UI 8.0, with updates planned through Android 22. Two memory variants are listed: 4GB/128GB and 6GB/128GB.
January 14, 2026
Google Confirms Android Volume Button Bug Linked to “Select to Speak” — What’s Happening, Who’s Affected, and the Fastest Workaround (Jan. 14, 2026)
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Google Confirms Android Volume Button Bug Linked to “Select to Speak” — What’s Happening, Who’s Affected, and the Fastest Workaround (Jan. 14, 2026)

Google has confirmed a software bug causing Android volume buttons to adjust Accessibility volume instead of Media volume when “Select to Speak” is enabled. Users also report the keys no longer trigger the camera shutter. Google is working on a fix but advises disabling Select to Speak as a temporary workaround. No timeline for a permanent solution has been given.
January 14, 2026
Google Pixel January 2026 Update Rolling Out on Android 16: Big Pixel 10 GPU Fixes, Battery Drain Patch, and Critical Security Updates
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Google Pixel January 2026 Update Rolling Out on Android 16: Big Pixel 10 GPU Fixes, Battery Drain Patch, and Critical Security Updates

Google’s January 2026 Pixel update is rolling out with GPU performance improvements for the Pixel 10 series and battery drain fixes for Pixel 8 and newer models. The update includes the 2026-01-05 security patch. Devices from Pixel 7a to Pixel 10, including Pixel Fold and Tablet, are receiving the update. Region-specific builds are available depending on carrier and location.
January 14, 2026
Before You Factory Reset Your Android Phone: The 2026 Checklist to Save Your Data, Protect Your Accounts, and Avoid “Ghost” Devices
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Before You Factory Reset Your Android Phone: The 2026 Checklist to Save Your Data, Protect Your Accounts, and Avoid “Ghost” Devices

India is weighing new mobile security rules, sparking debate among phone makers. Instagram addressed a password reset issue after reports of phishing risks. Android Authority warns users risk losing data or access to banking and authentication apps if they factory reset phones without preparation. Factory resets are rising as security concerns grow in 2026.
January 12, 2026
Android’s “My Calling Card” leak: Google Phone beta could bring iPhone‑style caller posters to outgoing calls — including on Samsung Galaxy
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Android’s “My Calling Card” leak: Google Phone beta could bring iPhone‑style caller posters to outgoing calls — including on Samsung Galaxy

Google has enabled a new “My Calling Card” feature in the latest beta of its Phone app, allowing users to customize how they appear when calling others with photos, fonts, colors, and privacy controls. The option is live as of January 11, 2026, and may soon be available for Galaxy phones. Recipients will see the caller’s chosen image and details, unless they’ve set their own preferences.
January 11, 2026
Dynamic Island on Android: How dynamicSpot Turns an iPhone Feature Into a Useful 2026 Upgrade
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Dynamic Island on Android: How dynamicSpot Turns an iPhone Feature Into a Useful 2026 Upgrade

Dynamic Island-style notifications are surging in popularity on Android, driven by apps like dynamicSpot that turn the camera cutout into an interactive hub for alerts and controls. The trend arrives as notification privacy and regulation tighten. dynamicSpot leads with features like music controls, timer countdowns, and direct replies from the popup. Customization options set Android implementations apart from Apple’s version.
January 11, 2026
Pixel volume buttons broken after Android update? Workaround spreads as Accessibility Suite is blamed
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Pixel volume buttons broken after Android update? Workaround spreads as Accessibility Suite is blamed

Some Google Pixel users report that holding volume buttons no longer adjusts audio continuously after recent Android updates, forcing single-step changes. Similar complaints have appeared on Samsung and Asus devices. Uninstalling Android Accessibility Suite updates or disabling certain shortcuts restores normal function for some. Google has not commented on the issue.
January 9, 2026
Android 16 Was Boring at Launch — Now Google’s Update Is Packed With Changes
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Android 16 Was Boring at Launch — Now Google’s Update Is Packed With Changes

Google’s Android 16, first released to Pixel phones in June 2025, has seen major changes through quarterly updates, including a full interface redesign, lock-screen widgets, and new multitasking features. An Android Authority poll found 82% of 239 respondents rated it the best Android version in recent years. Google now delivers features in stages rather than a single annual update. The next quarterly release is in beta testing.
January 9, 2026
Google Play Store may soon let you try paid Android games for free before buying
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Google Play Store may soon let you try paid Android games for free before buying

Code in Google’s Play Store app shows Google is developing a “Try before you buy” feature for paid games, allowing limited-time trials with progress carrying into purchases, according to Android Authority. Strings in the code reference trial periods from minutes to hours. Google has not announced a release date. The feature appears limited to games and would require developer participation.
January 8, 2026
Google starts January 2026 Android system updates with WebView v144 security fixesSan Francisco, January 8, 2026, 02:34 (PST)
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Google starts January 2026 Android system updates with WebView v144 security fixesSan Francisco, January 8, 2026, 02:34 (PST)

Google began January 2026 system-services updates with Android WebView v144, citing security, privacy, and developer improvements. The company said rollout timing may vary and some features are experimental. Not all users will see changes immediately. WebView updates install automatically on most Google-certified devices.
January 8, 2026
Nexus One Anniversary: How Google’s First Nexus Phone Shaped Android — and Why CES 2026 Feels Like Its Sequel
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Nexus One Anniversary: How Google’s First Nexus Phone Shaped Android — and Why CES 2026 Feels Like Its Sequel

Google launched the Nexus One on January 5, 2010, aiming to set a standard for “pure Android” without carrier modifications. Sixteen years later at CES 2026, Google is highlighting AI-first phones, foldables, and Android XR at the Las Vegas Sphere. Foldable prototypes with new designs are drawing attention. The Nexus One’s legacy remains in Google’s push to define the Android experience.
January 6, 2026
Android Factory Reset Mistake Leaves “Ghost” Devices Behind — Here’s the Correct Way to Wipe Your Phone
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Android Factory Reset Mistake Leaves “Ghost” Devices Behind — Here’s the Correct Way to Wipe Your Phone

Factory resetting an Android phone may leave “ghost” devices tied to your Google account in Google Play and Find Hub, according to a December 2025 Android Authority report. Removing your Google account from the device before resetting it is necessary to prevent this issue. Google’s help pages confirm that factory reset alone does not fully detach the device from account services.
December 31, 2025
Android Security Checklist (Dec 29, 2025): 10 Quick Checks to Protect Your Phone From New Year APK Scams
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Android Security Checklist (Dec 29, 2025): 10 Quick Checks to Protect Your Phone From New Year APK Scams

A WhatsApp scam is circulating, tricking Android users into installing malicious APKs disguised as New Year greetings, according to The Indian Express. Samsung confirmed some Galaxy phones are missing recent Google Play system updates, with fixes delayed until January 2026. Google’s December 2025 security bulletin flags two Android vulnerabilities under targeted attack.
December 29, 2025
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 lands on Pixel with new location tracking alert, Samsung-style buttons, and a major Pixel 10 GPU driver upgrade (Dec. 18, 2025)
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 lands on Pixel with new location tracking alert, Samsung-style buttons, and a major Pixel 10 GPU driver upgrade (Dec. 18, 2025)

Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 (build CP11.251114.006) to Tensor-powered Pixel devices, adding a tappable blue location privacy indicator and the ability to flip 3-button navigation order. The update also introduces adjustable flashlight brightness and GPU driver updates for Pixel 10. The OTA rollout began this week. Stable release is expected by March 2026.
December 18, 2025
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Stock Market Today

  • Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC) Stock Shows Signs of Overvaluation After Mixed Performance
    May 23, 2026, 10:39 PM EDT. Westpac Banking Corporation's (ASX:WBC) recent stock performance has been mixed, with a 2.0% increase over the past week but declines of 6.6% over one month and 6.2% year-to-date. Despite strong long-term gains-21.3% over one year and over 80% in five years-valuation assessments suggest caution. An Excess Returns model estimates an intrinsic value of A$33.07 per share, approximately 10.5% below the current trading price near A$36.55, indicating potential overvaluation. The bank scored only 2 out of 6 on Simply Wall St's valuation checklist, raising questions about alignment between share price and fundamentals. Investors are urged to reassess risk and consider valuation methods beyond headline ratios amid ongoing sector scrutiny and sector-wide volatility in Australian banking shares.