Get a peek at the potential Google Home widget that could come to Android

google home app 1

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
  • Google discussed the importance of widgets at Google I/O 2024.
  • During the session, there was a slide that showed first- and third-party widgets.
  • Included in the slide was what appeared to be a widget for Google Home.

It has been a busy week with a ton of announcements, as expected for any Google I/O event. The company unveiled tons of new AI stuff, as well as news on Android 15, Wear OS 5, and more. If you were following the event closely, you may have even noticed a couple of things that seemed like sneakily quiet announcements, such as a potential widget for Google Home.

During the Build beautiful Android widgets with Jetpack Glance session, which is meant more for developers than consumers, Google discussed the importance of widgets. The company explained that great widgets are helpful, simple, adaptive, cohesive, and discoverable. However, it was a slide that showed up near the end of the session that was particularly interesting.

Samsung announces first-ever open enrollment period for its Care Plus subscription

Samsung logo stock photo from CES 2024 (3)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Samsung is offering an open enrollment period for Samsung Care Plus until June 30.
  • This program is available for owners of the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5.
  • Traditionally, enrollment in Samsung Care Plus is limited to the first 60 days after purchase.

Samsung is extending a helping hand to Galaxy smartphone users who missed the initial window to sign up for its comprehensive device protection program, Samsung Care Plus. This first-ever open enrollment period, available from now until June 30, offers a second chance for peace of mind for owners of the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5.

Traditionally, Samsung Care Plus enrollment is limited to the first 60 days after purchase. The program offers a suite of benefits, including unlimited repairs for accidents such as drops and spills, mechanical breakdowns, and even theft and loss (depending on the plan).

Done deal: ChatGPT will now learn from Reddit conversations

ChatGPT stock photo 12

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Reddit and OpenAI have announced a new partnership.
  • OpenAI will gain access to Reddit’s vast and diverse conversational data to train its language models.
  • Reddit will get OpenAI as an advertising partner, along with new AI-powered features for its platform.

In what seems like a significant move for the future of artificial intelligence and the online community in general, Reddit and OpenAI have announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing user experiences on both platforms.

Generative AI models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, rely heavily on real-world data and conversations to learn and refine their language generation capabilities. Reddit, with its millions of active users engaging in discussions on virtually every topic imaginable, is a treasure trove of authentic, up-to-date human interaction. This makes it an ideal resource for OpenAI to train its AI models, potentially leading to more nuanced, contextually aware, and relevant interactions with users.

Android 15 can automatically adjust vibration strength on Pixels

  • A new “adaptive vibration” feature has appeared on the latest Android 15 beta for Pixel phones.
  • This feature uses your phone’s microphone and other sensors to determine the sound levels and context.
  • It then automatically adjusts your phone’s vibrations based on your environment.

Earlier today, Google rolled out the second beta release of Android 15. Android 15 Beta 2 brings a load of new features, many of which Android Authority previously revealed. However, the new release has some features that we didn’t anticipate, such as a new “adaptive vibration” feature that’s quietly gone live for many Pixel users.

Under Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics in Android 15 Beta 2, there’s a new adaptive vibration option. This setting appeared for multiple Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro users, so it doesn’t seem to be limited to just one model. According to its description, adaptive vibration “automatically adjusts your phone’s vibrations based on your environment.” It does this by using your phone’s “microphone and other sensors” to “determine sound levels and context.” To preserve privacy, “no data is recorded.”

A new era of retro gaming dawns on Apple devices as RetroArch arrives

Delta for iOS emulator with N64 cartridges on table

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
  • RetroArch, a versatile emulator frontend, has finally launched officially for iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
  • The app offers access to numerous emulation cores, allowing users to play classic titles from various consoles.

Apple’s recent embrace of retro game emulators on its App Store continues to bear fruit. RetroArch, a free, open-source, and cross-platform frontend, has made its debut on Apple devices, bringing a vast library of classic games to iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.

While not an emulator itself, RetroArch serves as a versatile platform where users can load various emulation cores, enabling users to play games from a multitude of consoles. The platform supports a plethora of emulators, known as libretro cores, allowing users to revisit beloved titles from over 50 gaming systems spanning generations.

Strategies for Achieving Security Success in Mobile Application Management

In today’s digital era, where mobile devices play an integral role in both personal and professional lives, effective Mobile Application Management (MAM) is crucial for organizations aiming to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure data security.

Successfully managing mobile applications involves a combination of strategies, technologies, and best practices tailored to the unique needs of each organization. Here, we delve into key strategies for achieving success in Mobile Application Management:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Begin by outlining clear objectives and goals for your mobile application management strategy. Identify the specific business needs and challenges you aim to address through MAM, whether it’s improving employee productivity, ensuring compliance with data security regulations, or enhancing user experience.

2. Comprehensive App Inventory: Conduct a thorough inventory of all mobile applications used within your organization. This includes both company-sanctioned apps and those downloaded by employees independently. Having a comprehensive understanding of your app landscape is essential for effective management and security.

3.Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions: MDM solutions form the foundation of Mobile Application Management by providing centralized control over mobile devices and their applications. Choose an MDM solution that offers features such as app distribution, policy enforcement, remote device management, and data encryption to ensure comprehensive security and compliance.

4. Utilize Mobile Application Management Platforms (MAMPs): MAMPs complement MDM solutions by focusing specifically on app management aspects such as app deployment, updates, and usage analytics. These platforms enable administrators to streamline app distribution, enforce app policies, and monitor app performance across devices and users.

5. Embrace App Whitelisting and Blacklisting: Establish app whitelists and blacklists to control which applications are permitted or prohibited on company-owned devices. Whitelisting ensures that only approved and vetted applications are allowed, reducing the risk of security breaches and unauthorized data access. Conversely, blacklisting prevents the installation or usage of known malicious or non-compliant apps.

6. Enforce App Security Policies: Implement robust application security policies to safeguard sensitive data and mitigate security risks. This may include requiring strong authentication measures, encrypting data both at rest and in transit, and enforcing secure coding practices for in-house developed apps.

7. Regular Monitoring and Auditing: Continuously monitor app usage, performance, and security compliance through regular audits and assessments. Utilize analytics tools to track app adoption rates, user feedback, and potential security incidents, allowing for timely adjustments and improvements to your MAM strategy.

8. Provide Ongoing User Training and Support: Educate employees about the importance of mobile app security and best practices for safe app usage. Offer comprehensive training sessions, user guides, and support resources to empower users to make in-formed decisions and report any security concerns promptly.

9. Stay Updated with Industry Trends and Threats: Remain vigilant against evolving mobile threats and industry trends by staying abreast of the latest developments in mo-bile security and MAM best practices. Participate in industry forums, attend conferences, and engage with security experts to ensure your MAM strategy evolves alongside emerging threats.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can establish a robust Mobile Application Management framework that enhances security, optimizes app performance, and supports business objectives in an increasingly mobile-centric landscape.

The post Strategies for Achieving Security Success in Mobile Application Management appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Patient sues Ascension after BlackBasta Ransomware attack

A woman, whose identity has been protected, is taking legal action against Ascension Seton, alleging negligence in safeguarding patient data from ransomware attackers. This individual, hailing from Hays County, was admitted to Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital in Round Rock in 2023.

Following the revelation of a data breach at Ascension, which emerged online on May 8th, 2024, the woman asserts that the hospital administration failed to adequately secure her information from unauthorized access. Seeking compensation and justice for herself and fellow patients affected by the breach, she has initiated legal proceedings against the healthcare provider.

The lawsuit filed against Ascension stems from its purported failure to encrypt patient data, leaving it vulnerable to infiltration by the Black Basta gang, perpetrators of the cyberattack. The plaintiff seeks substantial compensation for all individuals impacted by the breach.

Regarding the likely course and outcome of the lawsuit, current ransomware laws in the United States hold the company’s leadership accountable in cases of malware attacks resulting in file encryption. Ascension may face legal ramifications for its alleged failure to implement adequate security measures.

In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that CEOs or technology heads could be subject to legal proceedings and potentially forced to relinquish their positions to undergo trial. Consequently, Ascension may encounter significant legal challenges in the coming weeks, possibly including testimony before governmental bodies such as the White House.

It’s important to note that succumbing to hackers’ ransom demands can also constitute a criminal offense, with Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) or Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) potentially facing legal repercussions.

Given Ascension’s extensive network of facilities, including over 15 hospitals and 230 care sites across states like Illinois and Chicago, the digital disruption resulting from the cyberattack has caused operational disturbances, with many ambulance-related calls being redirected to alternative healthcare providers.

 

The post Patient sues Ascension after BlackBasta Ransomware attack appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Pixel 8a gets its first software update with a new AI feature

Pixel 8a AI wallpapers

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
  • Pixel 8a receives its first software update, including the May 2024 Android security patch.
  • The update also brings Google’s AI-powered wallpaper generator to the Pixel 8a.

Amidst the flurry of announcements on Google I/O’s first day, the Pixel 8a quietly received its first software update. The approximately 190MB update brings some expected improvements to Google’s latest mid-range Pixel.

First and foremost, the update installs the latest May 2024 Android security patch, ensuring the device is protected against the latest vulnerabilities. However, the highlight of the update is the introduction of Google’s AI-powered wallpaper generator to the Pixel 8a.

How many times did Google say ‘Gemini’ or ‘Android’ at I/O?

Google Gemini logo and app shown on two Android devices at Google I/O

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

As Sundar Pichai laughed about Google’s obsession with the word “AI” and how many times it was used during the Google I/O 2024 keynote, it occurred to me that it wasn’t “AI” I was interested in as much as “Gemini.”

The whole two hours felt like a never-ending list of Gemini this and Gemini that, with Gemini Advanced, Pro, Flash, Live, Gems, and many other versions or iterations or sub-implementations of Gemini being mentioned left, right, and center. Oh, it was a doozy, even for someone like me, who is more or less on top of Google’s confusing AI plans.

Google’s conversational Gemini teaser sparks off multimodal AI war with OpenAI

Google Gemini logo on smartphone stock photo (1)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Google released a teaser video showcasing Gemini, its AI chatbot, effortlessly responding to both voice and video inputs.
  • The teaser dropped just hours before OpenAI demonstrated ChatGPT-4o, exhibiting impressive conversational fluency and understanding.

The AI chatbot wars are heating up, with OpenAI and Google locked in an intense battle for dominance. Just hours before Google’s annual I/O conference, the tech giant posted a video showcasing a possibly updated version of the Gemini chatbot, which can be seen processing both live video input and spoken prompts.

The demo, seemingly filmed during the I/O setup, showcased Gemini on a Pixel device, seamlessly processing live video and spoken questions to deliver accurate information. When asked about the ongoing preparations, Gemini identified them as arrangements for a major event.

Google could soon give Circle to Search barcode support (APK teardown)

Samsung Galaxy S24 Circle to Search prompt

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Google is working on bringing barcode support to Circle to Search.
  • Code referencing the feature was found in the beta version of the Google app.

Circle to Search was first introduced in January, along with the launch of the Galaxy S24 series. While the feature is helpful for searching for whatever you need at the moment, it still has room to grow. For example, if you use Circle to Search for a barcode, it will just present you with other barcodes instead of reading them. However, that could change in the near future.

While investigating the latest beta of the Google app, we stumbled upon code suggesting Circle to Search could gain barcode support. The code was discovered in version 15.19.45.29.arm64 beta and reads:

The best Chromecast alternative is a streaming box many of us can’t buy

walmart onn 4k pro google tv streaming box

Credit: Walmart

Opinion post by
Rita El Khoury

For the first time in a while now, I find my consumerist self jealous of not living in the US. The reason? Walmart, and more specifically, the latest Walmart Google TV streaming box. The new onn 4K Pro box is, by far, one of the most exciting Google TV streamers launched in recent years and one of the best Chromecast alternatives out there. The only problem is that it’s available in the US, and… well, that’s it. We won’t be getting it in Europe or other countries either.

Walmart’s new onn box caught my eye ever since the first leaks started. Contrary to previous onn sticks and streaming devices, this one was clearly not aiming for the very low-end $20 market. Instead, it seemed packed to the brim with features and specs that just made me look sideways at my 4K Chromecast and sigh, “Why not you?”

OpenAI could announce new multimodal assistant to directly take on Google

OpenAI on website on smartphone stock photo (1)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • On Monday, OpenAI is holding an event that could see an announcement about a new multimodal digital assistant.
  • Being multimodal would allow the assistant to use images for prompts, such as identifying and translating a sign in the real world.
  • This would be a direct threat against Google’s digital assistants, namely Google Assistant and the newer Gemini.

Over the past few weeks, the rumor mill has been churning, suggesting that OpenAI — the company responsible for ChatGPT — could soon launch an AI-powered search engine, which would be a direct threat to Google’s core business. Given how prominent ChatGPT has become in such a short time, this would represent the first real threat to Google Search in decades.

However, it’s looking less likely that OpenAI has a search engine on the way (via The Information). Instead, new rumors suggest that OpenAI’s scheduled event on Monday could see the company announcing a multimodal digital assistant. While not a traditional search engine, it would still allow people to search for things using the power of AI, so it would still be a significant threat to Google.

AI is already messing up the era of long-term smartphone updates

Opinion post by
Robert Triggs

When Samsung announced Galaxy AI alongside the Galaxy S24 series, one of the first questions on everyone’s lips was: will older phones receive these awesome features? After all, Samsung has one of the industry’s leading update policies, with modern handsets receiving five to seven years of major updates, raising expectations for prompt, long-term feature support.

After just a couple of months, Samsung rolled out its One UI 6.1 update, complete with Galaxy AI, to the Galaxy S23 series and the Tab S9 family, as well as foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. So far, so good — last year’s handsets run Galaxy AI just as well as the newer S24 series. However, it does beg a whole other question: why upgrade? Samsung stated that older handsets with long update commitments would receive a similar update in due time.

Xiaomi Mi Band 9 wishlist: All the features I want to see

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (a.k.a. the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 in Europe) has an incredibly long list of features considering it costs under $50, which we currently recommend for budget shoppers in our best fitness tracker guide. Every year the next Mi Band arrives bringing further refinements to the series, often delivering features previously reserved for much more expensive devices. Although we still have plenty of time before a new model, here’s my wishlist for what I’d like to see next year from the Xiaomi Mi Band 9.

A hardware back button

The Mi Band 8’s entire UI is navigated through touch, which can be a bit tricky with such a small display. I’d wager this is mostly about cutting costs, but it’s also likely at least a little bit about sticking with the Mi Band’s very barebones, minimalist philosophy. Still, a physical back button would make navigating the UI significantly easier, even if it might add a tiny bit of bulk over the current model and would clutter up the design slightly.

-- Get the right stuff from a partner you trust. --

Partners

-- IT NEWS --

Blog

admin December 11th, 2025

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Spotify is getting a new “Prompted Playlist” feature to help users create more […]

admin December 11th, 2025

TL;DR Four of the best Good Lock modules aren’t working properly on the One UI 8.5 beta. Home Up and […]

admin December 10th, 2025

This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in […]