9to5Google

YouTube videos have long supported the custom SRV3 caption format, which creators have been using in pretty creative ways. Apparently, that format has been disabled, and some are reporting that uploaded caption files are being deleted from videos.

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.

Google is rolling out a significant redesign and modernization of voice search on Android. 

Asus has reiterated that it will “no longer” be making “new” Android smartphones with its focus shifting towards the market built up by AI.

Smartphone accessories aren’t just add-ons, they’re a huge part of the experience of using and owning your device. But, for Android users, it’s often felt like we’re getting the short end of the stick, with a whole world of accessories that only ever seem to care about the iPhone. Finally, though, that feels like it’s changing.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have taken the world by storm over the past few years, but they’re pretty limited in terms of what they can actually do. The new “Mentra Live” smart glasses offer a lot of the same benefits as Ray-Ban Meta, but with an app store and more integrations, including support for YouTube livestreams.

The beloved show that’s been around longer than most of us is finding a new streaming option to immortalize itself. Sesame Street will be available on YouTube and YouTube Kids.

Google’s Fast Pair protocol delivers one of the best Bluetooth experiences you’ll find today, automatically pairing wireless earbuds, speakers, and other accessories and sharing those details across your account. Unfortunately, a new paper reveals some pretty serious security concerns with some Fast Pair devices, and you’ll need to update each of your gadgets individually to fix it.

Ayaneo might’ve made a splash late last year with is Xperia Play-esque Pocket Play smartphone, but if you’ve been holding out on buying one of those over, say, a new Pixel, you’ll need to wait a little longer.

YouTube is rolling out updates to its video search filters that include renames, removals, and other adjustments. These changes aim to “align better with your expectations.”

Announced at CES 2026 this week, the new 8BitDo Flip Pad is a USB-C controller for Android phones (and iPhones too) that sits on top of your display and seems just perfect for emulators.

Proper Qi2 support on Android has been rather elusive thus far, with only Google’s Pixel 10 series bringing the feature to a mass audience. While there are rumblings of support from Samsung in 2026, another Qi2 Android phone has been confirmed for next year, it’s just not one anyone expected.

You can play Flappy Bird and speedrun wearing out your foldable phone’s hinge at the same time.

After a somewhat underwhelming release last year, privacy-focused brand Punkt is back with the new MC03 smartphone, which is based on Android and ships with “AphyOS,” and coming to the US this year.

Coming from the same company that revived a physical keyboard for your smartphone, the “Clicks Communicator” is a dedicated piece of hardware that acts as a phone for your phone and is all about managing your messages.

Asus has seemingly confirmed that it is mostly done with Android phones, with no plans to release new devices in the Zenfone or ROG lineups in 2026.

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.

One thing that I thought we’d see more of in 2025 was how Gemini could control your Android phone. There was the May demo and other underlying work, but we don’t have Google’s complete vision yet.