TechCapsules

GM just ‘unlocked’ over 200 Android Automotive apps, including YouTube, for its…

General Motors (GM) has announced that its Google built-in vehicles will support over 200 new Android Automotive apps, including popular streaming services like YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu. This update is part of a software rollout that will allow passengers to access a wide range of content on their own screens, including movies, shows, songs, podcasts, and live radio and TV channels. The new apps will be available on the center display and passenger screens in GM SUVs, starting with model year 2025 and newer vehicles.

💡 The addition of streaming services to GM vehicles with Google built-in marks a significant shift in the automotive industry, where entertainment is becoming a key differentiator. As consumers increasingly expect seamless connectivity and personalized experiences, GM's move to integrate popular streaming services directly into its vehicles may set a new standard for the industry.

Samsung is preparing Android 17 updates for these Galaxy devices

Samsung is preparing Android 17 updates for a wide range of Galaxy devices, including unreleased models. The company released its first Android 17 beta build in May, and the list of devices in preparation has been expanding. Devices ranging from the Galaxy S24 series to mid-range Galaxy A devices are expected to receive the update, with some devices already in beta testing.

Gemini Intelligence makes brief Pixel 10 series appearance on Android 17 QPR1…

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5, which includes a brief appearance of the Gemini Intelligence logo on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's outer display. The logo features a gradient 'G' and is situated at the bottom of the boot screen. This is the only device with Gemini Intelligence branding in the beta, and the features themselves are not present. The inclusion is likely an oversight, but it remains to be seen if Gemini Intelligence will undergo beta testing before its summer launch.

💡 The Gemini Intelligence branding's premature appearance raises questions about Google's testing process and whether the features will be ready for the summer launch.

Google Messages starts rolling out custom ‘Chat themes’ with wallpaper backgrounds

Google Messages is introducing custom "Chat themes" with wallpaper backgrounds, providing users with more extensive personalization options. The new feature replaces the existing "Change colors" option and allows users to customize their chat backgrounds and colors. Chat themes are available on Android devices, with a conversation preview at the top of the screen and a carousel of color and wallpaper options. Only the user will see these changes, and the rollout is being staged.

💡 The introduction of Chat themes addresses a long-standing user request for more customization options in Google Messages, bringing it in line with modern messaging apps.

I ended up using the Huion Note E Android tablet a lot…

The Huion Note E is an Android 15 tablet launched on May 20, 2026, priced at $369 on Amazon. It features an 8.4-inch paper-like IPS LCD with an anti-glare coating, a 6nm Mediatek Helio G99 processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The tablet comes with a battery-free EMR stylus and supports note-taking, drawing, and reading. Users can register their device on the Google Device Registration website to enable Play Protect and access the Play Store.

💡 The Huion Note E's unique blend of Android and E Ink-like features makes it an attractive option for users seeking a distraction-free experience. Its ability to mimic the feel of writing on paper with the stylus and native OCR capabilities set it apart from other budget tablets.

Gemini overlay gets expanded ‘plus’ menu to do more without opening app

Google has expanded the plus menu in the Gemini overlay on Android, adding four new tools: Videos, Music, Canvas, and Guided learning. The Neural Expressive overlay now offers a total of six tools, including Images and Personal Intelligence. The update allows users to access most of the Gemini experience from anywhere on Android without opening the full app, similar to the previous Gemini overlay design. The change is rolling out with stable version 17.32 of the Google app.

💡 The expanded plus menu enhances the user experience, providing more functionality without the need to open the full app. By streamlining access to key features, Google aims to increase user engagement and retention within the Gemini platform.