TikTok dominated national headlines, but the most interesting Android news of the week might have been "Hey Google" related

Android is changing as Google narrows the gap to iPhone. For many longtime Android users, these changes will land badly as their phones lock down for the first time. But for the vast majority it will help them keep safe. As far as Google might be going on this catch-up mission, Samsung is about go much further.

Google is preparing to launch its "car-ready mobile apps program" for Android Automotive OS in February 2025, which will immensely increase the number of apps available for vehicles running this operating system.

Google helped pioneer widgets with Android but has neglected them since. Even Google's iOS widgets are better than their Android counterparts.

It starts with a simple call, a message, a popup — but it ends with a potentially life-changing loss. It is a dangerous enough threat that Google has updated Android to protect its users. While there are many warnings about apps you shouldn’t install on your phone or laptop, this is much simpler. You should never install these apps.

Android 16 could bring an updated volume slider and volume panel UI. Here's an early first look at the new designs!

One new feature in the first Android 16 beta versions is the Privacy Dashboard. This feature enables users to review a week’s worth of data instead of just 24 hours, making it easier to identify apps that have accessed permissions they shouldn’t have.

Android Automotive, Google's OS for cars, will be getting new car-ready apps in February, including video streaming, web browsers, and mobile gaming apps. Only cars certified with Google built-in will support these new apps,

The search giant will kick off the "Car ready mobile apps" program next month; the effort was announced last year at Google's developer event

Although it hasn't specified which ones, Google has confirmed that a new wave of Android Automotive-compatible apps is coming to the Play Store next month.

Multiple critical security vulnerabilities have been confirmed by Google and users of Android 12 through 15 are urged to update as a matter of urgency.