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A password manager is all but necessary these days, even as passkeys continue to gain traction. But if you’re a 1Password fan, you better prepare to have to spend a little more on your annual charges beginning next month — even if you’re on a family plan.

Waymo autonomous vehicles date back to Google’s self-driving car project that started in 2009. As of today, you can get a ride in 10 cities across the US.

Discord has spent the last couple of weeks in the crosshairs of the internet, as its decision to launch an ID-based age verification program proved even more controversial than most of us likely expected. In a lengthy blog post, Discord says it’s postponing a global rollout for this initiative while it works to improve both transparency with its users and verification options, though it’s unclear if that’s enough for its frustrated user base.

In August of 2024, Google Messages started testing a circular redesign of read receipts. This has been slowly rolling out since then, and there now looks to be wide availability for beta users.

Just under a year after expanding to the US, YouTube Premium Lite is adding background playback and offline downloads for “most videos.” 

As Samsung prepares to announce the new Galaxy S26 series, recent sales data shows that the Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperformed the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung will want to ride that trend with the Galaxy S26 series.

While Samsung’s drawn in plenty of foldable attention lately for its TriFold and whatever it ends up calling its heavily-rumored “wide” device, it’s not the only manufacturer looking to up its folding phone game. Oppo’s ready to unveil its Find N6 in China in the coming weeks, and our first teaser points to a pretty big — if expected — display upgrade.

On the back of expansive recent updates, NotebookLM appears to be testing the option to add banner images for further customization.

WhatsApp has historically relied on OTP codes for user sign-ins, though an upcoming update appears to contain an option to add a traditional password for added security. Better late than never!

Samsung’s foldables — and, really, foldables in general — have come a long way since their first couple of generations, and nowhere is that clearer than in the durability realm. This summer’s upcoming Galaxy Z-series, including that newly-added “Wide Fold,” might come with a new software trick that helps keep that inner display from potential debris.

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.