Android

Android is the mobile operating system used by the majority of smartphones sold globally. It competes with Apple's iOS as the operating system of choice for most people.
Unlike iOS, which is only available on iPhones, Android can be found on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and televisions. What's more, it's used by multiple brands including Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi and of course its creator, Google. As a result of Android’s flexibility and adaptability, you can find Android phones at every price point, with features such as fast charging, high-resolution displays, and multiple cameras.
As Apple does with iOS, Google releases new Android versions on a yearly basis, though different Android manufacturers will often bundle it with their own features and brand it as something different. For example, Android 13 made its debut as OneUI 5 on Samsung phones and ColorOS 13 on Oppo phones.
Android 14 is expected to release on Google Pixel phones towards the end of 2023 and could focus on generative AI, with other smartphone brands following shortly.
Latest about Android

Android 16 could steal a thief-thwarting security feature from iPhones
By James Rogerson published
Inactivity reboot could be coming to Android, giving thieves a time limit to unlock your phone using biometrics.

Google Photos tipped to get a major design overhaul – and it’ll make the app much better for finding specific images
By Hamish Hector published
Here's hoping the new design drops soon

Snapdragon vs MediaTek chipsets: which is best for your smartphone?
By Max Slater-Robins published
We look at the key similarities and differences between Snapdragon and MediaTek mobile chipsets.

Google Messages just added a fun upgrade to one of its best chat features
By David Nield published
It seems you can now trigger full-screen Screen Effects animations with emojis as well as phrases.

Google Messages remote delete will soon save you from texting embarrassment – and here's how it works
By David Nield published
We've now seen the remote delete feature in action, following on from the rumors of its arrival last month.

Google Messages could finally be getting this WhatsApp-style group chat feature
By Jamie Richards published
Google Messages could be getting a new mentions feature similar to apps like WhatsApp, as well as a redesign to coincide with the upcoming release of Android 16, according to some unreleased code.

Android 16 Beta 3 has arrived – here are the 4 features I think will be the most useful
By Jamie Richards published
New accessibility features, battery health, and more

Android 16 could bring an improved Samsung DeX-style desktop mode to more phones
By Jamie Richards published
Let's talk about DeX

Android 16 beta users are reporting major battery drain issues – but I’m not too worried about it
By Jamie Richards published
Drained out

Android 16 brings a much-needed upgrade to Google Maps that iOS users already have
By Jamie Richards published
Google Maps has become the first app to get live update support with the latest Android 16 beta, with the app now able to show directions and other information on your phone’s lock screen.
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