TechCapsules

Google unveiled Android Bench 2.0, a benchmark designed to assess large‑language models’ ability to perform software development tasks on Android. Unlike the first version, which measured incremental changes such as bug fixes, the new suite evaluates complex work like building new features, creating apps from scratch, and porting cross‑platform code to Android. Scoring shifts from binary pass/fail to a continuous metric that weighs functionality, visual fidelity, regression avoidance, and adherence to instructions, applying penalties for deviations. Tested [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]