Google makes it easier to find apps and listen to YouTube in your car

What you need to know

• Vehicles with Google built-in are getting a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and improved YouTube playback over the next few weeks.
• The updated Play Store will make its catalog of apps easier to browse, with featured picks, new releases, and curated collections.
• YouTube will automatically switch to audio-only playback when drivers shift into drive, letting videos continue without distracting visuals.

Google is rolling out a more useful entertainment experience for cars with Google built-in, including a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and a YouTube upgrade that lets you keep listening after shifting into drive. Drivers will not have to do anything themselves to install it, as the changes will come automatically over the next few weeks.

The Play Store refresh is meant to make the app-finding process less painful. Google notes that there are already more than 700 available apps on compatible vehicles, but the new interface should help make browsing that catalog a lot easier. You'll see featured apps, new releases, and useful app details directly on the homepage, and curated collections will help you find options depending on whether your car is parked or moving.

Google is also moving on from one-size-fits-all interfaces. The new storefront will be able to adapt to the size, shape, and orientation of each vehicle’s infotainment display. One-tap downloads will make it easier and quicker to get new apps.

And there’s more to come. STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar are coming to the in-car app lineup, giving you more ways to stream shows, browse the web, and play games while you’re parked. These additions should make the charging stops and waiting periods more useful for passengers and drivers taking a break.

(Image credit: Google)

YouTube finally makes driving less annoying

The bigger improvement might be YouTube’s new background playback behavior. Previously, starting a drive would stop YouTube playback. In the new update, you can watch a video while parked and automatically switch to audio-only playback as you shift into drive.

That means podcasts, interviews, and other videos can continue to play without distracting visuals on the dashboard. The catch is, you’ll need a YouTube Premium subscription to take advantage of the feature.

Google has talked about this park-to-driving functionality before, but the latest announcement confirms it’s coming to YouTube on cars with Google built-in. Don’t confuse this with Android Auto, which shows compatible phone apps on a car’s display. Google has not said if the same automatic background playback feature is coming to Android Auto.

The updates will be pushed automatically to eligible vehicles over the next few weeks.

Beta no more: Nothing OS 5 (Android 17) is rolling out for the Phone 3

What you need to know

• Nothing's General Release for its Android 17 update (OS 5.0) is rolling out now for the Phone 3.
• Nothing OS 5.0 brings major updates to the Phone 3, such as deeper phone customization, improved Essential AI tools, a Glyph Interface app, and a brand-new typeface, Geist.
• An updated roadmap reiterates the Open Beta for several more phones (Phone 4a and 3a series), ahead of an eventual General Release.

It's been two months of testing for Nothing's Android 17 software, and the update is finally rolling out.

Nothing announced in a community post that its OS 5.0 upgrade (Android 17) is rolling out for Phone 3 users. This "General Release" brings the "full experience" to all users—those who participated in the beta and those who didn't. Nothing states users should expect a "staggered release" for Nothing OS 5. While some users have received the update since Nothing announced its rollout, others will have to wait.

Certain regions and users in those regions will see the patch before others. So have patience this week and into next. If you're curious, Nothing states Phone 3 users should head into Settings > System > System Update to check if their device is ready to download/install.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Nothing OS 5 is huge—beyond the fact that it's Android 17. In late August, the company launched the software's open beta, encouraging Phone 3 users to join. Highlights include the system's new typeface, Geist. This typeface is "cleaner and easier to scan." It joins other refreshes to the device's UI's status bar, camera, Settings, and Gallery.

Elsewhere, you'll find the Glyph Interface inside a dedicated app. All features and sounds are housed in one place.

Nothing's Essential AI tools have been upgraded in OS 5. AI features have become a focal point for the company, and its Android 17 update sees it doubling down. Real-time transcriptions have been improved, and Smart Collections can "suggest and organize content for you automatically."

All of this and more (deeper personalization, lock screen upgrades, etc.) are packaged neatly in Nothing OS 5.

One down, more to go

(Image credit: Nothing)

The Phone 3 was the first to enter Nothing's Android 17 Open Beta, and it's the first to exit. However, we're still waiting on several more updates. Nothing's updated roadmap shows that the Phone 4a, Phone 4a Pro, and the Phone 3a and 3a Pro are still in their respective Open Betas. These devices entered the Open Beta program in September.

There's a chance a General Release could arrive later in October or November for these phones.

Samsung Galaxy Glasses leak reveals lightweight design and a surprising range of styles

What you need to know

• Samsung’s Galaxy Glasses could weigh just 41 grams with standard lenses, making them lighter than earlier leaks suggested.
• Battery life could reach nine hours, with the charging case extending total runtime to 72 hours.
• Gentle Monster reportedly offers six frame designs across 16 variants, while Warby Parker plans three styles with multiple color and lens options.
• A November launch is reportedly planned, with Gentle Monster models targeting South Korea and the US, and Warby Parker versions initially limited to the US.

Samsung’s first AI-enabled smart glasses might be lighter than previous leaks have suggested, and they look to be available in a wider range of designs than we’ve seen so far.

New information obtained by SammyGuru reveals that the upcoming Galaxy Glasses weigh around 41 grams with standard lenses, alongside a detailed look at frame options from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.

Previous reports, meanwhile, have put the glasses in the range of 46 to 50 grams. Of course, prescription lenses will certainly add some weight, but the exact amount will depend on the model. If Samsung can keep the hardware this light, the glasses may be more comfortable for everyday wear.

The glasses are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip inside, with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The 12MP camera captures video at 3K resolution and 30 frames per second, and there are four microphones for calls and talking to Google Gemini. The audio comes through two open-ear speakers so you can still hear the world around you.

These glasses do not include a display but instead focus on hands-free AI assistance, photography, and audio instead of information in front of your eyes. It boasts a 155mAh battery that lasts up to nine hours and a charging case that offers a total of 72 hours of battery life. The IPX4 rating should also protect the glasses against sweat and light splashes, but the case itself is not water-resistant.

Samsung seems to be working just as hard on the styling. SammyGuru reports that Gentle Monster has six frame designs in 16 variants, including black, burgundy, cream, and pale lilac.

(Image credit: SammyGuru)

Warby Parker is also expected to have three named styles — Alden, Reid, and Wren — in colors like dark green, reddish brown, and black. Clear lenses and sunglasses are also said to be available depending on the frame.

(Image credit: SammyGuru)

The glasses are expected to run Android XR, Google’s operating system for extended reality, with AI features powered by Gemini.

Samsung is reportedly targeting a November release. Gentle Monster models are expected to be available in South Korea and the US, while Warby Parker versions will be US-only at launch. The glasses will be available for purchase through the brands’ stores and websites and Samsung Experience Stores in the US. Pricing and a definitive launch date have yet to be confirmed.

The big question is whether Samsung can assemble a competitive smart glasses offering against Meta’s well-established smart glasses without sacrificing comfort, style, or battery life. At 41 grams, its upcoming eyewear could have a promising starting point, but its success will ultimately depend on how useful Gemini proves in everyday situations.

CMF's speakers are colorful cartons of fun—you can even 3D print your own designs

What you need to know

• CMF launched its first speakers: the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M in various colors in a classic milk carton design.
• The Speaker S is designed for portability, while CMF empowered the Speaker M with more in-depth audio and clarity for rooms.
• Users can take off the Speaker S and Speaker M's volume knobs and panels and 3D print their own designs.
• The Speaker S is available for $59, while the Speaker M begins at $109.

CMF recently became its own company in India, divesting from Nothing. The company is now moving quickly with a new product launch that looks like a fresh carton of milk.

This morning (Oct. 12), CMF announced its first wave of speakers: the Speaker S and Speaker M. These speakers take inspiration from classic cartons of milk, but they're packed full of sound for any occasion. CMF says it went with a design that was "something unique" and fit its brand. The Speaker S looks like the milk cartons you'd get in school for lunch. It features a custom-tuned 45 mm driver in a short form factor.

CMF states it worked to enhance the lower frequencies on the Speaker S to achieve "deeper, more resonant bass." What's more, the Speaker S is aimed at portability since it's a bit smaller than the Speaker M. If you have two of the same model (Speaker S, in this case), CMF says users can turn them into "dedicated left and right channels" with Stereo Mode. Users can fill an area with more sound, as if they were using a standard sound system.

If you're sticking with one speaker, CMF's Wide Soundstage brings more audio depth to that solo device. Adaptive Tuning handles the speaker's EQ; however, users can create custom EQs using the Nothing X app.

Party Mode leans on Android's Auracast to sync multiple speakers. CMF states this will work with its speakers and devices from other companies.

(Image credit: CMF)

The CMF Speaker S features 18 hours of audio playback "at 50% volume with Ultra Bass on." A quick 10-minute charge reportedly delivers one hour of audio. Speaker S supports Tap to Pair, Bluetooth 6.0, and USB-C lossless audio.

The CMF Speaker S is available in white, dark grey, orange, and turquoise. Consumers can purchase the speaker for $59.

Speaker M

(Image credit: CMF)

The CMF Speaker M retains many of the same features as the Speaker S. Consumers will find Ultra Bass, offering "controlled low-end impact for playlists that need extra weight." This feature toggles on and off, letting users fine-tune their audio experience at a moment's notice. The Speaker M also provides Party Mode, Stereo Mode, Wide Soundstage, Adaptive Tuning, and Custom EQs.

However, the primary difference lies in its design. The Speaker M is taller, with a dedicated subwoofer and tweeter. CMF wanted to up the ante with the Speaker M's audio capabilities over the Speaker S. The post states the Speaker M pushes its clarity and bass for a "balanced" experience when broadcasting in larger rooms.

The Speaker M supports USB-C lossless audio, Tap to Pair, Bluetooth 6.0, Dual Device connection, and more. Its battery will support 18 hours of audio at 50% volume with Ultra Bass enabled, similar to the Speaker S.

Consumers can pick up the CMF Speaker M today (Oct. 12) in white, dark grey, orange, and turquoise for $109.

While the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M may look like completed products, the company says consumers can change their designs. CMF states users can take off the Speaker S and Speaker M's volume knobs and panels and switch them out. You can "mix and match," or you could 3D print your own designs.

CMF has provided users with the STL files required to begin 3D printing.

The Google Fitbit Edge gives you a week of battery life and a screen you can use

What you need to know

• Google’s new fitness tracker offers a touchscreen and advanced health features without the price of a full smartwatch.
• Its replaceable battery could extend the device’s lifespan and reduce electronic waste.
• The OLED screen is 45% larger and over 40% brighter than the Fitbit Charge 6’s display, according to Google.
• Preorders are live now for $180 ahead of an October 27 launch, alongside a $220 Stephen Curry Special Edition.

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker with a proper touchscreen, advanced health monitoring, and week-long battery life in a slim design.

Available for preorder for $180 starting October 12, the Fitbit Edge is targeting those who want more than the screenless Fitbit Air but don’t want to pay more for a full-blown smartwatch. It also addresses one of the biggest frustrations with wearable devices: battery replacement.

Google says the Edge is its first repairable fitness tracker, with a replaceable battery meant to extend its useful life rather than force owners to replace the whole device when the battery capacity declines.

The Fitbit Edge has an OLED touchscreen that’s 45% bigger and over 40% brighter than the screen on the Fitbit Charge 6, according to the Fitbit Edge product page. It also has a built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, blood-oxygen tracking, ECG readings, skin temperature sensing, and an altimeter to measure elevation on outdoor workouts. The tracker can automatically detect more activities and gives you the option to track your menstrual cycle on your wrist.

Google is also bringing its Gemini-powered Health Coach to the Edge via a Google Health Premium subscription. It gives you recommendations on what workouts to do and adapts your training plans to your routines and goals. Google Health Premium is free for three months for buyers.

(Image credit: Google)

Battery life is another strong selling point. Google says a single charge will last up to seven days, and five minutes of charging will provide a full day of use. It also has a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters and is compatible with Android phones and iPhones running iOS 16.4 or later through the Google Health app.

The Edge is available in Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon finishes, with bands sold separately for interchangeability. A Stephen Curry Special Edition, developed with the four-time NBA champion, costs $220.

But there are trade-offs. The Edge lacks NFC for contactless payments and has no microphone or speaker, so it won’t be a smartwatch replacement for everyone. That said, the Fitbit Edge will be on sale October 27.

This unofficial port brings Pixel 11's Rambler to any Android phone

What you need to know

• Google's Rambler uses AI to clean up voice typing, removing filler words, correcting grammar, and formatting text.
• Developer Akshay Kadam has released PixelBoard, a modified Gboard APK that enables Rambler on other Android phones.
• Users can reportedly access Rambler by installing PixelBoard and setting it as their default keyboard instead of Gboard.

If you've ever wanted to try the Pixel 11's Rambler feature on your Android phone, you can now do so, although there's a catch.

The Google Pixel 11 series launched earlier this year with several new AI features, including Magic Cue, Magic Capture, and Rambler. For those unfamiliar, Rambler is Google's new AI-powered voice typing feature that offers a much more advanced experience than the regular voice typing we've had on Android phones for years.

Similar to AI voice typing tools that have been available on desktops for a while, Rambler automatically cleans up your speech, fixes grammar and formatting, and removes filler words like "um" and "uh" to give you properly formatted text. It can also understand corrections while you're speaking, add emojis, and even rewrite your text in different tones, such as formal or casual.

Unlike traditional voice typing, though, Rambler doesn't show a live transcription of everything you're saying. Instead, once you've finished speaking and tapped the Done button, it processes your speech and returns a cleaned-up, properly formatted version of what you said.

The feature has been exclusive to the Pixel 11 series so far, but a developer has now found a way to bring it to other Android devices.

(Image credit: Future)

Developer Akshay Kadam has shared a modified version of Google's Gboard app, called PixelBoard, on GitHub. The developer has patched the Gboard APK to enable Rambler on Android phones that don't officially support the feature.

According to the developer, you can install the modified APK on your Android device and switch your default keyboard from Gboard to PixelBoard to access Rambler without needing a Pixel 11.

That said, PixelBoard isn't an official Google app, and installing modified APK files always carries security and privacy risks. There's also no guarantee that Rambler will continue working through this method. Since the feature is officially exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, Google could block the workaround through a future Gboard or server-side update.

But if you're curious about Rambler, the developer's GitHub project offers an unofficial way to try the feature without buying a Pixel 11. Just keep in mind that you're installing a modified keyboard at your own risk.

Threads takes 'Gems' to new places with badges for users who spur conversation

What you need to know

• Threads is reportedly starting a test in the U.S. called "Gems."
• These are badges that the platform's algorithm will reportedly hand out to posts and replies that spur conversation with original thoughts, perspective, and more.
• Earlier this year, Threads rolled out "Dear Algo," which puts users in the driver's seat of their algorithm for content they want to see more of.

Meta is starting a new test in the U.S. on Threads to spotlight posts and comments from users that get the conversation going.

Meta published an "About Gems on Threads" document this week, highlighting the test (via Android Headlines). The company states a "Threads Gem" will appear on "public posts and replies that started or continued these (standout) conversations." An automated system within the Threads app is responsible for dishing out these purple badges.

Gems are given based on the level of conversation, "not on how many followers a profile has." The company clarifies that Gems are decided based on a few factors, such as "Perspective." If a conversation or comment brings a fresh take (or a hot take), that could be the catalyst for a Gem badge. Originality is another key player in deciding these new badges.

Threads will also factor in the level of discussion, which seems like the bar for something like this. It states that if the post or reply facilitates "real back-and-forth dialogue" that progresses the thread, that might warrant a Gem.

Everything isn't fair game for Gems on Threads. The document says content is only eligible if you've posted on Threads and you're directly replying to the original post (if you're replying to a reply, that won't count). If you're given a Gem badge, it'll appear publicly for everyone to see, and you'll receive a notification about it.

You're a Gem

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

This reminds me of a forum—the Gem badges. If you frequent Reddit, you'll see badges there, too. They're called Awards over there, and they're given by the people. Threads kind of took that same concept, but handed the keys over to its software. I don't think it's a bad idea ... the Gems, not the algorithm part. It brings more of a sense of community. An online community that's interacting and talking through things.

Threads has had a couple of updates worthy of discussion. If we're talking about discussions on the internet (oh boy), you can't leave out the hottest of hot takes. Threads rolled out "ghost posts," otherwise known as disappearing posts. Users can set a ghost post to disappear in 24 hours. Threads says it rolled out ghost posts for "fresh takes/thoughts." Users can post their hot takes and more without "the pressure of permanence or polish."

However, since these are active for a time on the platform, others can reply. If this happens, all replies are sent to your DMs.

Threads had another update earlier this year called "Dear Algo." This is a system that puts users in the driver's seat of the algorithm. You can control what you see on Threads for up to three days via a "request." Users can share their algorithm requests with others to share the vibes.