Not ready to give up Google Assistant? There's apparently a way to bring it back

androidcentral.com Oct 13, 2026

Not ready to give up Google Assistant? There’s apparently a way to bring it back

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google replaced its Android digital assistant with Gemini on September 4, 2026, ending support for the legacy Google Assistant. A Reddit user shared a workaround that reinstates the older assistant by uninstalling updates to the Google app, then reopening the Assistant page in the Play Store and declining the prompt to switch to Gemini. After confirming the choice, users can set Google Assistant as the default again. To maintain the fix, automatic updates for the Google app must be disabled in the Play Store settings, preventing the app from reinstalling Gemini. The method, reported by Android Police, works on current Android phones but offers no guarantee of long‑term viability, as Google could block it with future updates or server changes for users.

💡 Why It Matters

· Enthusiasts can keep a familiar voice interface despite Google's pivot, showing that user demand can still outmaneuver platform shifts.

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Beta no more: Nothing OS 5 (Android 17) is rolling out for…

Nothing announced the General Release of its Android 17 update (OS 5.0) for the Phone 3, ending a two‑month beta period. The rollout includes deeper phone customization, a new Glyph Interface app, the Geist typeface, and upgraded Essential AI tools such as real‑time transcription and Smart Collections. Users can check for the update via Settings > System > System Update. The release will occur in a staggered fashion, with some regions receiving the patch earlier than others.

💡 The update marks Nothing’s first full‑scale deployment of Android 17, signaling the company’s commitment to AI‑driven user experience and setting a new benchmark for feature parity across its device lineup.

9to5google.com · Oct 13

YouTube bringing automatic background play to Android Automotive cars

Google announced updates for Android Automotive, expanding its app ecosystem and improving user experience. The rollout introduces a redesigned Play Store interface that adapts to various car displays, enhances app discoverability, and adds more than 700 apps, including STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar. A key feature is background play for YouTube Premium subscribers, allowing audio to continue when the vehicle is in motion after a parked video session. These changes aim to make Android Automotive a more versatile in‑car platform.

💡 By enabling background audio, Google addresses a long‑standing driver‑safety concern, allowing users to enjoy media without constant screen interaction. The expanded app lineup positions Android Automotive as a competitive alternative to other infotainment systems.

9to5google.com · Oct 13

Android Auto 18.0 update starts rolling out, continues to gear up for…

Google has begun beta rollout of Android Auto 18.0, a routine update that adds no new user‑facing features but includes bug fixes and a new asset named “cielo_launcher.” The asset signals the codename “Cielo,” hinting at an upcoming redesign that may replace the 2023 “Coolwalk” dashboard. References to “Cielo” appear in internal flags since November 2025, suggesting a long‑term build toward a sky‑themed interface that expands screen coverage and supports widgets. The update does not reveal a release date for the redesign.

💡 The emergence of “Cielo” in the codebase confirms Google’s commitment to a major visual overhaul, potentially redefining in‑car navigation experiences and setting a new standard for automotive UI design.

9to5google.com · Oct 13

The Sideload 047: The highs and lows of Pixel at 10

Episode 47 of The Sideload podcast celebrates Pixel’s 10th anniversary. Host Will Sattelberg hosts a roundtable with Ben Schoon of 9to5Google and Joe Maring of Android Authority, discussing the decade-long evolution of Pixel phones and speculating on future releases. The episode includes a rapid‑fire quiz testing listeners’ knowledge of Pixel devices. The show is sponsored by NordVPN, offering listeners a discount on a two‑year subscription. The episode is available on 9to5Google’s podcast platform and promoted across its social channels.

💡 The discussion highlights how Pixel’s design and software choices have shaped Android’s trajectory, offering listeners insight into the brand’s influence on the broader ecosystem.

9to5google.com · Oct 13

OnePlus 16 goes official with 9,000 mAh battery, and it just makes…

OnePlus unveiled its flagship OnePlus 16 in China, featuring a 9,000 mAh battery that eclipses the 7,300 mAh pack of the OnePlus 15. The device also upgrades to a 200 MP primary camera, addressing the previous model’s imaging weakness, and sports a 6.7‑inch AMOLED panel capable of 185 Hz refresh, though it defaults to 165 Hz except during gaming. Wired charging speed is slower than its predecessor, an oddity amid the otherwise aggressive specs. Pricing starts at CNY 5,999 (≈ $900 USD) with sales beginning October 31. OnePlus has withdrawn from most international markets, so the OnePlus 16 is expected to remain exclusive to China, limiting global consumer access.

💡 The launch underscores OnePlus’s pivot to a China‑centric strategy, turning the brand into a regional premium player while abandoning broader market ambitions.

9to5google.com · Oct 13

Oppo confirms list of devices getting its Android 17 update, rollout starts…

Oppo announced ColorOS 17, its Android 17 update, and listed devices slated for the rollout. The update focuses on smoother performance and AI features, introducing Liquid Glass design elements called Flow and a Luminous Rendering Engine for responsive animations. It claims 55% more stable app launches and 25% better memory retention. AI enhancements include AI Mind Space, AI Mind Pilot, AI Mind Suggest, and an AI Photo Agent. Global rollout begins October 29, with over a dozen devices updated before month’s end and further releases through early 2027, also covering Realme and OnePlus.

💡 The update signals Oppo’s push to compete in the premium Android segment by blending advanced AI with refined UI, potentially reshaping user expectations for performance and interaction in the mid‑tier market.