This week’s top stories: Motorola layoffs, Android P DP1, new design for Google+, more

In this week’s top stories: Rumors of significant layoffs at Motorola in Chicago, Android P is shaping up to be a big update, and Google+ for Android gets a bright new redesign.

We kick things off this week with rumors (and later confirmation) of major Motorola layoffs. The whisperings seem to have originated with one supposed ex-employee saying that the company has told as much as half of its Chicago workforce that their last day of work will be April 6th.

Also, Google released the Android P Developer Preview and it’s a big update with numerous functional and visual changes. And the latest version of Google+ for Android has rolled out with a brighter, white design.

These and the rest of this week’s top stories below:

Android | 

• Rumors of Motorola layoffs swirl as future of Moto Z line potentially in jeopardy [Updated]
• Here’s everything new in Android P Developer Preview 1 [Gallery]
• KGI: Galaxy Note 9 likely dropping in-display fingerprint sensor ‘due to technological difficulties’
• March security patch rolling out to Pixel/Nexus devices, factory images and OTAs live
• HTC U12 design details leak hinting at a familiar design w/ special matte white metal finish
• Android P DP1: Google ruins notch-less screens by stopping status bar notification icons midway
• Google launches Android P Developer Preview 1 w/ notification revamp, increased app privacy & security, notch support
• How to force Google Pixel’s ‘dark mode’ with any wallpaper w/ ‘LWP+’
• Alleged OnePlus 6 benchmark screenshots seem to confirm 19:9 aspect ratio and notch
• How to control your Android phone from your computer with Scrcpy
• How to manually install Android P Developer Preview 1 on Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
• Here’s where to download Android P system images for Pixel, Pixel 2, Android Beta Program won’t arrive until next preview
• HTC U12 could launch in April, alleged specs leak w/ Snapdragon 845, 5.99-inch display, 6GB RAM, 3,420mAh battery
• Android P DP1: Redesigned notification shade arrives w/ new rounded look, redesigned quick settings, and smart replies
• How to use Android P’s ‘Markup’ screenshot editor on any Android device

Accessories |

• XtremeSkins for Pixelbook Review: Giving Google’s laptop a Pixel 2 XL makeover
• Review: The ‘LOFT’ turns your Google Home portable with an embedded battery
• Amazon’s Chromecast listing has disappeared after showing no stock for months
• Google Pixel Buds prep Double Tap for next track & Triple Tap/in-ear detection to sleep [APK Insight]
• Google Home expands free calls to the UK, live now

Apps |

• Google+ for Android adopts a brighter design, white bottom bar
• Gmail for Android will soon match your inbox type on the web
• Google Lens is rolling out now to all Android devices, coming soon to iOS [Update]
• Google Translate for Android updated w/ redesigned controls, dedicated voice input key
• Spotify is blocking playback on modified apps that give users premium features for free
• Explore Disney parks with Street View in Google Maps
• Starting today, Google Maps will let you navigate as Nintendo’s Mario all week
• Chrome 65 for Android rolling out w/ new Languages menu, ‘Simplified views’ option

Google |

• Chrome 65 rolling out to Mac, Windows, Linux w/ new developer & security features
• Google’s Quantum AI Lab announces new ‘Bristlecone’ quantum processor
• Google and Huawei facing class-action lawsuit over bootloop issue on Nexus 6P
• YouTube’s music service won’t launch in March, ‘never our plan’ to launch at SXSW
• Indie developer creates online demo of Fuchsia’s Capybara layout
• Google planning an Assistant ‘fun house’ for SXSW to showcase ‘voice-activated insanity’

This week’s top videos |

• This is Google Assistant’s powerful, upcoming Routines feature [Video]
• Friday Five: Top 5 new Android P features and redesigns [Video]

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