Google Home app brings battery-efficient widget, reduces gray device tiles

9to5google.com Sep 17, 2026

Google Home app brings battery-efficient widget, reduces gray device tiles

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 17, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google rolled out updates to its Home app, adding a battery‑saving homescreen widget that pauses background updates and polling when the phone’s screen is off, locked, or displaying a screensaver, then refreshes instantly upon unlock. The change also reduces power draw on connected cameras. In the same release, Google fixed a visual glitch that left sensor, camera, smoke and carbon‑monoxide detector tiles gray after users returned from device controller screens, eliminating the need to reload those pages. Additionally, three camera‑related bugs were resolved, and five Gemini for Home voice‑assistant enhancements were introduced. The updates were announced alongside Home MCP improvements and are now available to users of the Google Home ecosystem.

💡 Why It Matters

· By cutting unnecessary background activity, the widget extends device battery life while keeping smart‑home status current, addressing a common user complaint about power drain.

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Android Auto update lets you customize your Google Maps ‘driving avatar’ via…

Google has released an Android Auto update that lets users change their Google Maps “driving avatar” directly from the car’s display. The feature, previously available only on phones, now appears in the Maps app on Android Auto alongside home, work, and alert settings. Users can tap the avatar option to select an icon and color. The update is part of a server‑side rollout, first noted in Android Auto 17.8.163744 and Maps 26.38.01.980791571, though the option remains unavailable for some users.

💡 By enabling in‑car customization, Google streamlines the user experience and reduces the need to toggle between phone and vehicle interfaces. This shift underscores the company’s focus on seamless, driver‑centric navigation.

androidcentral.com · Sep 17

Triple launch: Boox debuts Note Air6 C and Palma 3 just in…

On September 16, Onyx Boox released three new ePaper tablets: the 10.3‑inch Note Air6 C priced at $579, the 8.5‑inch Note Mini C also at $579, and the 6.1‑inch Palma 3 starting at $339. All models feature color ePaper displays, front‑light with Dual‑Tone adjustment, Android 16, and Google Play Store access. The Air6 C offers a 4 nm octa‑core processor, 6 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and a Boox Pen 3 stylus. The Mini C and Palma 3 include BSR technology for smoother scrolling and improved battery life.

💡 The launch expands Boox’s ePaper lineup, offering a premium, Android‑compatible reading experience at competitive prices. It positions the company to capture a broader market segment seeking high‑quality, stylus‑enabled eReaders.

androidcentral.com · Sep 17

The Motorola Razr Plus (2026) is still my favorite foldable phone —…

Patrick, the eCommerce Editor at Android Central, highlights a limited‑time T‑Mobile promotion that offers the Motorola Razr Plus (2026) at no upfront cost when paired with a qualifying contract. The deal requires customers to activate a new line or upgrade an existing one, with the phone’s price subsidized through monthly installments built into the plan. Patrick notes the Razr Plus retains the iconic flip design while adding a larger 6.7‑inch foldable display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a 5,000 mAh battery, positioning it as a premium alternative to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. He emphasizes the importance of reading the fine print, as early‑termination fees and credit checks apply, and advises shoppers to compare the total cost of ownership against other foldable options before committing.

💡 The offer removes the high entry barrier for a flagship foldable, potentially expanding the market segment that can experience premium foldable technology.

9to5google.com · Sep 17

Android Canary 2609 adds ‘Require unlock for Quick Settings’ on Pixel

Google released Android Canary 2609, adding a “Require unlock for Quick Settings” feature that forces users to authenticate before toggling Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, and Airplane Mode. The update, identified as ZP11.260821.010, includes the September 2026 security patch and is available for a broad range of Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Support for Pixel 11 will arrive in the next Canary build, while Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are no longer supported. Canary builds are experimental and not recommended for general use.

💡 The new lock‑screen safeguard limits accidental or unauthorized changes to critical connectivity settings, enhancing device security for everyday users.

9to5google.com · Sep 16

Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 [Gallery]

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 began rolling out today as the penultimate preview before the scheduled December stable release. The update is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, 7 series, 8 series, 9 series, 10 series, 11 series, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Fold variants. Google’s rollout will occur over the next several hours, with developers and enthusiasts encouraged to install the build and report findings in the comments. Beta 5 introduces a series of visual and functional tweaks, though the article notes that the most recent changes appear at the top of the changelog. Users can follow a step‑by‑step guide to flash the beta on compatible hardware, and screenshots compare Beta 4 and Beta 5 side by side.

💡 The broader device coverage lets more users test refinements, accelerating bug detection before the final launch.

androidcentral.com · Sep 16

One UI 9 is finally rolling out to Galaxy S26 phones

Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 9 update for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, following a five‑month beta period that included seven test releases. The stable update launched in South Korea on September 16 and is now expanding to other regions, featuring the September security patch. One UI 9 introduces AI‑powered tools such as My FanCam, Now Brief, and enhanced security utilities, integrating camera, AI, and privacy functions into daily use. Samsung plans to extend the update to additional Galaxy devices and tablets.

💡 By weaving AI, camera, and security features into everyday tasks, One UI 9 offers users tangible productivity gains rather than mere visual tweaks. This holistic integration could set a new standard for how operating systems enhance daily smartphone workflows.