Google’s Android TV-powered Chromecast shown off in new images w/ revised remote layout

With the Pixel 10a unveil last week, it’s officially a wrap on the Pixel 10 series. Before the next cycle begins, Google posted a fun “Pixel Colors Through the Years” infographic today.

Welcome to The Sideload episode 23, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will welcomes Brady Snyder onto the show for a double-header conversation. First, Brady and Will discuss the state of streaming media, starting with YouTube TV’s recently-launched channel packages before expanding to price hikes, hoop-jumping, and the return of physical media. Then the two turn their attention to Apple Music, a service both use despite their love of Android. What is it that keeps them on a rival’s platform, and is Apple’s Android app good enough to get other users to switch?

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The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.

Real-time Find Hub location sharing is coming to Google Messages for a more integrated experience on Android.

Following music generation last week, the Gemini app is upgrading video generation with templates.

A bug with Android Auto is causing users to be unable to use voice commands, with a prominent “voice commands aren’t available right now” notice appearing.

Google and Apple today announced that testing of encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone is now underway.

Google Maps is more than just a navigation app, as it contains a treasure trove of data about locations across the globe. But, suddenly, Google Maps appears to be changing how it functions for users who are signed out, including hiding reviews and images.

If there’s one thing we all agree on, it’s that weather apps almost universally kind of suck. You’re often stuck choosing between a nice design and an accurate forecast. Now, “Acme Weather” is confirmed for a launch on Android, and it’s a reboot of the popular Dark Sky app that embraces the inherent uncertainty of forecasting.

If you’re diving into the accelerating trend of crossbody straps and other mobile accessories, Peak Design might deserve your attention. The company responsible for some of the best photography straps and gear has expanded its mobile line, and these Peak Design phone straps might make me a believer in the form factor.

Samsung’s next Unpacked is set to kick off this Wednesday, and in addition to a very familiar Galaxy S26 lineup, we’re expecting two new earbud pairs perfect for pairing with your new phone. The Galaxy Buds 4 series might shy away from its predecessors’ AirPods comparisons, but that doesn’t mean Samsung isn’t following Apple’s lead on at least one upcoming feature.

The biggest feature being announced on the Galaxy S26 Ultra this year is Samsung’s new Privacy Display, and it looks pretty great in early leaks. And, apparently, other Android flagships will adopt the same tech as soon as later this year.

The Galaxy S22 is celebrating its fourth anniversary this week, but if you’ve been rocking with Samsung’s 2022 flagships since launch, this milestone probably hasn’t been going well for you.

The Galaxy S26 is effectively no longer a secret, with one creator’s early retail Galaxy S26 Ultra on full display. The posted leaks showcase some curiosities for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, like an S Pen that might infuriate people for more reasons than a lack of Bluetooth.

Ahead of its March 5 launch event, Nothing has just revealed the first official image of the Nothing Phone (4a), and it looks surprisingly, refreshingly normal.

Android might not be an official mobile branch to any desktop operating system — not yet, at least — but the past decade or so has seen plenty of first and third-party integrations with Windows. WhatsApp users might be next in line for a big desktop upgrade, as it could be the next service to see native support for Microsoft’s “Cross-Device Resume” feature.

Samsung’s phones are now seeing an update with its latest security fixes and improvements. The February 2026 update is rolling out to most of Samsung’s newest devices, including the Galaxy TriFold, which still isn’t quite back in stock.

Voice-to-text on Android is really good if you’re using a Pixel, and pretty hit or miss everywhere else. But the new “Wispr Flow” app promises some big improvements to voice-to-text on Android, all without replacing your keyboard of choice.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch is just days away but, somehow, one YouTuber managed to buy a Galaxy S26 Ultra early and has shown off the Privacy Display, design, and basically everything else.