Dbrand’s new Fitbit Air band launches as the first official third-party strap

9to5google.com Nov 11, 2026

Dbrand’s new Fitbit Air band launches as the first official third-party strap

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 11, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Dbrand has released the Pulse band, the first official “Made for Google” strap for the Fitbit Air. Developed at Google’s request, the rugged silicone band comes in two sizes and a single black color, priced at $34.95. The band features sweat‑resistant material and molded channels for ventilation, offering a comfortable alternative to existing options. Dbrand, a long‑time partner of Google since the Pixel 7, says the Fitbit Air’s popularity prompted the collaboration. The Pulse band is available immediately on Dbrand’s website.

💡 Why It Matters

· The launch signals Google’s willingness to broaden accessory support beyond its limited in‑house lineup, potentially encouraging other third‑party brands to expand Fitbit Air options.

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Android Auto is getting a Gemini upgrade, but only if you use…

Google announced that Gemini Intelligence will soon provide proactive, personalized suggestions on Android Auto, but only for Pixel users. The feature will connect data across apps, enabling actions such as sending a meeting location with a single tap when a friend asks for directions. The rollout is limited to Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 models that already support Gemini Intelligence. Google first revealed the plan earlier this year, and recent updates have prepared the platform for the upcoming release.

💡 By tying Gemini’s contextual AI to in‑car navigation, Google deepens the integration between mobile and vehicle ecosystems, offering a more seamless, hands‑free driving experience.

androidcentral.com · Nov 11

This Android developer wants to turn your old phone into ‘the perfect…

Dash, an experienced tech journalist, serves as Editor at Android Central after a prolific tenure at UK gaming magazines, contributing over a hundred pieces to PLAY, Edge, PC Gamer, and SFX. He has judged the Golden Joystick Awards and sits on the PC Gaming Show nomination council. A lifelong Android enthusiast, Dash’s personal device history spans HTC Legend, Moto G4 Play, BlackBerry KeyOne, and the current Honor flagship, positioning him as a prominent MagicOS advocate.

💡 Dash’s deep industry insight bridges consumer tech and gaming, offering readers authoritative guidance on evolving Android ecosystems. His firsthand experience with diverse devices informs nuanced reviews that shape user expectations and market trends.

9to5google.com · Nov 11

Motorola MA2 wireless Android Auto adapter is now available, but at nearly…

Motorola has released its MA2 wireless Android Auto adapter in the United States, listing it on Amazon for $69.99 after months of anticipation. The device follows the earlier MA1 model, which was notable for being the only adapter engineered by Google and had been out of stock for several months. MA2 adds hardware upgrades, includes both USB‑C and USB‑A cables, and retains the Google‑engineered claim. Although the launch price is lower than the MA1’s near‑$100 cost, it is nearly double the $39.95 price that was originally advertised, matching a listing on Motorola’s website. Shipping estimates show delivery in mid‑late December, with regional availability varying. The product’s release fills the gap left by the scarce MA1 and promises hands‑on testing soon.

💡 Consumers seeking a Google‑certified wireless Android Auto experience now have a viable, albeit pricier, option, forcing buyers to weigh official integration against cost. The price gap also underscores the challenges of delivering promised pricing in fast‑moving accessory markets.

9to5google.com · Nov 11

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 for Pixel

Google has begun rolling out Android 17 QPR2 to its entire Pixel lineup, including phones, tablets, and watches. The update arrives a month early, adding new features such as “Create My Widget,” HiLight for Google Messages, and a revamped Pixel 10 Rambler. Users can now customize accent colors, toggle message glows for favorite contacts, and adjust status‑bar icon visibility. Battery‑related UI tweaks include an outline around the battery icon when charging or in Battery Saver mode. The OTA is available for all Pixel models via Settings > System > System update.

💡 The early release demonstrates Google’s push to keep Pixel devices competitive with frequent, feature‑rich updates, potentially influencing user retention and setting a new cadence for Android rollouts.

androidcentral.com · Nov 11

Samsung Gallery can finally sync your photos directly to Google Photos

Samsung has launched Galaxy Sync, a feature that lets Galaxy smartphone users back up photos and videos directly to Google Photos without leaving the Gallery app. The integration, available with One UI 9, automatically syncs new media to the user’s Google account, enabling cross‑device access on other Galaxy devices signed into the same accounts. Existing Google Photos content does not appear in Gallery, and the feature includes a “Free up space” option that removes backed‑up files from the device while keeping thumbnails. Samsung plans phased rollout to additional devices.

💡 By tying its native Gallery to Google Photos, Samsung offers a seamless backup solution that leverages Google’s expansive cloud storage, giving users a practical way to manage space on their devices while maintaining cross‑device accessibility.

9to5google.com · Nov 11

Android 17 QPR2 November update rolling out with 33 Pixel fixes

Google released Android 17 QPR2 ahead of schedule, delivering the November 2026 Feature Drop and security patch to a broad range of Pixel devices, including the 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10a, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, 11 Pro Fold, Tablet, and Fold. The update addresses 135 security issues on 2026‑11‑01 and 97 on 2026‑11‑05, with an additional 166 fixes in the Google‑device bulletin. It includes comprehensive fixes across Apps, Audio, Battery & Charging, Bluetooth, Camera, Connectivity, Display & Graphics, Framework, Performance, Sensors, System, Telephony, and User Interface. OTA packages are now available for sideloading, and a device‑key system helps users interpret the changelog.

💡 The early rollout tightens security for a wide Pixel lineup, reducing exposure to high‑to‑critical vulnerabilities. It also streamlines the update process, allowing users to sideload patches without waiting for carrier or carrier‑specific releases.