Spotify rolling out ‘User Notes’ and ‘Running Mode’ features on Android – here’s what they do

9to5google.com Aug 19, 2026

Spotify rolling out ‘User Notes’ and ‘Running Mode’ features on Android – here’s what they do

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 19, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Spotify has launched two new features: “Running Mode,” which creates workout‑specific playlists based on intensity, BPM, and music style, and “User Notes,” allowing users to add personal captions to tracks that appear in their library and shared playlists. Running Mode is available to Premium subscribers in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden, initially on iOS and now rolling out to Android in selected regions. User Notes roll out to free and Premium users in select markets for those 16 and older.

💡 Why It Matters

· By integrating workout‑tailored music and personal annotations, Spotify deepens user engagement and positions itself as a versatile fitness companion, potentially reshaping how listeners curate and interact with music libraries.

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Samsung just made dealing with device repairs way easier on Galaxy phones

Samsung introduced a Warranty and Care hub in One UI 9, consolidating warranty status, diagnostics, repair options, and support into a single interface for Galaxy devices. The hub debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, and Z Flip 8, displaying remaining warranty periods, Samsung Care+ eligibility, and coverage for other linked Galaxy products. Its Diagnostics tool can test battery health, charging, sensors, touchscreen and connectivity, while Bixby provides AI‑driven troubleshooting without leaving Settings. Users can request repairs from authorized service centers, access remote support, and compare estimated costs with Care+ pricing directly from the hub. Samsung plans to roll the feature out to the upcoming Galaxy S26 series and older flagships as One UI 9 expands.

💡 By centralizing warranty and repair workflows, Samsung eliminates the fragmented, often opaque process that has long frustrated Galaxy owners, streamlining service access and reducing support friction.

9to5google.com · Aug 19

Google Pixel strategy is now ‘attack,’ 13 million phones in 2026, ending…

Google will cease all production of its Pixel smartphones, watches and earbuds in China by 2027, shifting manufacturing to Vietnam and India, according to a Nikkei Asia report. The move follows a multi‑year effort that began in 2019 and was accelerated after the Pixel 11 series was fully developed and assembled in Vietnam, giving the company confidence to relocate the rest of its catalog. Google shipped roughly 12 million Pixel phones in 2025 and aims to sell about 13 million in 2026, an 8‑10 percent increase despite higher component costs from the ongoing “RAMageddon” shortage. To mitigate price pressure, Google has bundled Pixel component orders with its cloud business to improve bargaining power, while its internal strategy for 2026 is described as an aggressive “attack” to sustain shipment growth at all costs.

💡 By exiting China, Google reduces exposure to geopolitical supply‑chain risks and leverages lower‑cost Southeast Asian factories to keep its flagship hardware competitive. The aggressive growth push underscores the company’s commitment to expanding the Pixel ecosystem despite rising component prices.

9to5google.com · Aug 19

Samsung makes warranty repairs easier with Android 17, advertises it with AI…

Samsung has introduced a new “Warranty and Care” menu within the One UI 9 interface, currently live on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and expected to roll out broadly with Android 17. This centralized hub in the Settings menu displays warranty periods, expiration dates, and Samsung Care+ eligibility for the active device and all other Galaxy devices linked to the user’s Samsung account. The feature simplifies checking coverage status across the entire Galaxy ecosystem. Additionally, Bixby now supports diagnostics and troubleshooting through natural language prompts. When users submit a repair request, the system provides an estimated cost for the work. Samsung is promoting this update alongside its Galaxy Z Fold 8 marketing campaign, which notably features AI-generated guinea pigs in advertisements and on-stage presentations at Unpacked events. The integration aims to streamline the repair and warranty claim process for consumers.

💡 Centralizing warranty data reduces administrative friction for users managing multiple devices. This shift prioritizes post-purchase support visibility over pre-sales features.

9to5google.com · Aug 19

Gemini in Chrome and auto browse roll out on Android in the…

Google has completed the rollout of Gemini in Chrome for Android users in the United States. The AI assistant appears as a toolbar shortcut or in the overflow menu, opening a sheet that mirrors the desktop interface. Users can add the current page as context, toggle Personal Intelligence features like Calendar and Keep, and keep the sheet docked. Gemini can summarize pages, answer questions, and edit images via Nano Banana. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers gain auto‑browse, automating routine tasks with user confirmation for sensitive actions.

💡 The integration embeds Gemini directly into the mobile browsing experience, turning everyday web interactions into AI‑powered workflows that reduce friction for routine tasks.

9to5google.com · Aug 19

The Sideload 041: A vision of Pixels to come

Episode 41 of The Sideload podcast features Ben Schoon and host Will discussing Google’s Pixel 11, which aims to blend an always‑on AI assistant with a minimalist, digital‑wellbeing focus. The conversation also covers AI‑generated ads and posters, questioning whether monetization harms users. The episode is sponsored by NordVPN, offering listeners a discount on a two‑year subscription. The discussion is part of 9to5Google’s broader coverage of Android and Google product strategy.

💡 The Pixel 11’s design choices could redefine how consumers balance AI convenience with privacy and mental health, influencing future smartphone trends.

androidcentral.com · Aug 19

Gemini’s auto-browse in Chrome is finally here for Android to make the…

Google has released a Chrome update for Android that introduces Gemini’s webpage summarization, Q&A, and app‑integration features to all U.S. users. The update, available on August 18, brings Gemini 3.1 to the Chrome toolbar, allowing users to summarize long articles, ask questions, and connect apps like Calendar and Keep. AI Pro and Ultra subscribers gain auto‑browse, enabling Gemini to purchase items or book events based on prompts. Image generation via Nano Banana is also included. The rollout underscores Google’s push to embed AI into everyday browsing.

💡 By embedding Gemini directly into Chrome, Google turns routine web tasks—shopping, scheduling, content saving—into streamlined, AI‑powered actions, reducing friction for mobile users. This integration signals a broader shift toward AI‑augmented productivity tools that could reshape how consumers interact with the web.