Android
Weird question marks appear in texts sent from iPhones to Android

A new issue is causing weird question marks to appear in texts sent from iPhones to Android devices. The issue seemingly arose because of texts resorting to the SMS protocol. While iPhones receive accurate messages, Android devices are getting weird question marks in texts.
The question mark problem in texts reported by a few Canadian carriers. Whenever an iPhone user sends a text message to an Android user, weird question marks join the text. Consumers have reported their concerns on Reddit’s Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and Koodo subreddits.
Apple announced to bring RCS support for iPhone models to enhance texting across platforms. RCS messaging is way more secure than the conventional SMS and MMS protocol. However, the company has yet to push the new feature to iPhone users on the Stable channel.
“My husband has a Google Pixel and all of my spaces and letter d’s are question marks this morning,” “Happening with me and one of my friends, but not another. They both have iphones and i have android,” “I’m also having this problem and alot of things are really hard to read and it’s getting annoying,” “Ugh this is happening to me, I have iPhone and my husband is on a Samsung how do we fix it it’s so annoying.”
Temporary fix:
You can temporarily address the problem by adding a special character like ‘&’ or an emoji. AndroidPolice reports it to be a proven solution to the question marks issue in texts. We expect the weird bug will be addressed soon and users will have a better texting experience.
Android
Google apps and Android Auto get fresh looks and smart updates

Google is bringing a cleaner and more modern design to many of its apps with the latest Material You changes. Apps like Google Calendar, Contacts, and others now have rounded corners, better spacing, and improved colors. These small updates make the apps look more polished and easier to use, especially on tablets and foldable phones. Google is quietly adding these updates through server-side changes, so users don’t need to download anything extra.
At the same time, Android Auto is also getting a helpful new feature. Google is testing built-in climate controls that let you adjust your car’s temperature and fan settings directly from the Android Auto screen. A demo shown by Google includes a new “Climate” button on the screen, which opens controls like temperature, fan speed, and even seat heaters.
This update is meant to reduce distractions while driving, as drivers won’t need to switch between different screens or reach for physical buttons. Google says the feature will work on cars that already support digital climate control systems.
Together, these changes show how Google is making its software not just prettier, but smarter and more user-friendly. Whether you’re checking your calendar or driving to work, these improvements are designed to make daily tasks easier and safer.
Android
Google Pixel Weather app now shows pollen info in the US

Google is adding a new feature to its Pixel Weather app. Now, users in the United States can see pollen levels in their area. This update is especially helpful for people who have allergies and need to know when pollen is high.
In the Weather app, there’s a new section under the daily forecast that shows pollen conditions. It uses simple labels like “low,” “moderate,” and “high” so it’s easy to understand. This new feature pulls information from the same source that Google Search uses for pollen updates.
However, the new pollen section in the Pixel Weather app is only available in the US for now. If you’re outside the US, you won’t see the pollen data yet. Also, not every user may get it immediately, as Google is still rolling out the update.
To use the feature, you need to have the latest version of the Pixel Weather app, which comes built into Pixel devices. Google may expand this feature to more countries in the future, but there’s no official date yet.
Overall, this small update can make a big difference for users who want quick and easy access to local pollen conditions without searching separately.
Android
Google updates Gboard emoji kitchen and Android Auto with new features

Google is bringing some fresh updates to make Gboard and Android Auto even better.
Starting with Gboard, the Emoji Kitchen now has a new “Browse” section. This makes it easier for users to find different emoji sticker combos. You can tap on any emoji and instantly see all the creative mixes available. Plus, there’s a search bar to help you look for specific stickers. This new feature is rolling out first to Pixel devices, with other Android phones expected to get it in the coming months.
On the other hand, Android Auto is now getting the 14.3 beta update. Although there are no big changes yet, this version mainly focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance. Testers have noticed slight speed improvements, but no new features have been spotted so far. Google might be preparing for bigger changes in future updates.
Both these updates show that Google is working hard to make its apps smoother and easier to use. Gboard’s new browsing tool will make messaging more fun, while Android Auto’s small fixes are important for a better driving experience.
If you have a Pixel phone or are part of the Android Auto beta program, you might already see these updates. Otherwise, they should be available to more users soon.
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