The Xiaomi 18 Pro’s rear displays support Google apps, Spotify, and custom GenAI apps

9to5google.com Nov 13, 2026

The Xiaomi 18 Pro’s rear displays support Google apps, Spotify, and custom GenAI apps

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Xiaomi’s new 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feature a high‑resolution rear touchscreen that supports Google Maps, YouTube Music, Spotify, and other apps through a GenAI integration. The display, positioned above the camera island, offers on‑screen controls for music playback and navigation cues. Users can also create custom rear‑display apps with a built‑in AI tool by describing desired functionality. This marks the first practical use of a rear display in a mainstream smartphone, aiming to resolve the “useless” issue seen in earlier attempts.

💡 Why It Matters

· By turning a previously gimmicky feature into a functional hub, Xiaomi could redefine secondary displays, offering a new way for users to interact with navigation and media without lifting their phone.

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Android Auto 18.2 update starts rolling out with more light mode teases

Google has begun rolling out the Android Auto 18.2 update, initially to beta users, following the stable release of Android 18.1. The update focuses on bug fixes, addressing issues such as Gemini glitches, foldable device problems, UI quirks, connection drops, and double‑skipping songs. It maintains support for Android 9 while setting Android 11 as the new minimum requirement. A notable change is the overhaul of over 100 assets to prepare for light mode, though the feature remains unannounced.

💡 The light‑mode overhaul signals Google’s commitment to a more adaptable in‑car experience, potentially easing driver distraction and improving usability across diverse vehicle displays.

androidcentral.com · Nov 13

Google Pixel owners say ‘Geminification’ has ‘ruined’ their phones — what do…

Dash, a seasoned tech journalist, has built a diverse portfolio spanning gaming, mobile, and consumer technology. He began writing for UK titles such as PLAY, Edge, PC Gamer, and SFX, contributing over a hundred pieces. After a stint at TechRadar as Gaming Editor, he joined Android Central as Editor, focusing on Android devices and Chinese innovations. A lifelong Android enthusiast, Dash has owned nearly every major brand, from HTC Legend to Honor flagship, and champions MagicOS.

💡 Dash’s breadth of experience gives him unique insight into how Android evolves, making his commentary a trusted guide for consumers navigating rapid tech shifts.

androidcentral.com · Nov 13

Wide foldable craze is just getting started: Galaxy Z Fold 8 supercharges…

Samsung dominated the Q3 2026 foldable market as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 propelled its shipments up 13% year‑over‑year, delivering over 7.5 million global foldable units despite a 2% overall market decline. The Fold 8, Samsung’s first wide‑foldable, captured 69% of the segment and drove double‑digit growth in South Korea and Europe. The report from Smart Analytics Global forecasts a 55% YoY surge in foldable volume for 2027, driven by wide‑foldables from Samsung, Apple’s newly announced iPhone Duo, and Chinese manufacturers. While total smartphone shipments fell 20% YoY to a 14‑year low, analysts argue that pricing and consumer adoption will determine whether the projected rebound materialises. Global high‑end foldables now top $2,000, with Moto’s Signature 27 priced at $1,599, underscoring cost barriers that could temper growth in.

💡 Samsung’s wide‑foldable surge shows the form factor can revive a shrinking market, compelling rivals to target the premium segment.

androidcentral.com · Nov 13

Low storage space doesn’t mean no gaming – this new version of…

Dash, an experienced Android Central editor, has a long history in gaming journalism, having contributed over a hundred pieces to PLAY, Edge, PC Gamer, and SFX. He previously served as Gaming Editor at TechRadar, focusing on mobile software and accessories. His career began in UK magazines, and he has judged the Golden Joystick Awards and helped nominate titles for the PC Gaming Show. A lifelong Android user, Dash now champions Honor’s MagicOS and tracks Chinese tech trends on Weibo and RedNote.

💡 Dash’s deep industry insight bridges mainstream gaming coverage with emerging mobile technologies, offering readers authoritative perspectives on how platform shifts influence game development and player experience.

androidcentral.com · Nov 13

Think the Google Fitbit Air is your only option? We’ve tested trending…

Android Central reviewed six leading screenless fitness trackers, highlighting the Google Fitbit Air as the overall best for its thin design, accurate health metrics, and optional Google Health Premium AI features. Garmin CIRQA tops fitness‑centric users with robust activity tracking and a week‑long battery. Luna Band offers a subscription‑free AI experience, while Whoop MG delivers medical‑grade ECG data for premium users. Hume Band 2.0 and Amazfit Helio Strap provide affordable, subscription‑free alternatives focused on lifespan health and gym use, respectively.

💡 The rise of screenless wearables signals a shift toward unobtrusive health monitoring, enabling users to track vital signs without constant notifications. This trend expands accessible fitness technology beyond traditional smartwatches, offering diverse options for budget, data depth, and subscription preferences.

androidcentral.com · Nov 13

“Hey Google” has had a good run, but “Hey Gemini” is officially…

Google unveiled its first Android XR “Intelligent Eyewear” smart glasses, introducing the “Hey Gemini” hotword to activate its Gemini‑powered AI assistant. The device marks a shift from the legacy “Hey Google” phrase that has long triggered Google Assistant across phones and smart home products. Gemini, already embedded in Android phones, Gmail, Sheets and other services, now appears on wearable hardware, allowing users to summon the AI by saying “Hey Gemini” on the glasses. While the new hotword is currently limited to the XR glasses, Google has not confirmed plans to replace “Hey Google” on other platforms. The launch follows the retirement of Google Assistant last year and signals Google’s broader strategy to rebrand its AI experience around Gemini.

💡 The new hotword positions Gemini as the primary AI interface, hinting at a unified brand that could reshape how users interact with Google’s ecosystem across future devices.