Android
Android 15 set to enhance messaging security with Google Contacts managing encryption keys

With Android 15, Google is set to improve secure messaging by allowing Google Contacts to manage encryption keys. This new feature will make it easier for users to send and receive private, verified messages, ensuring a higher level of security across different apps.
In modern messaging, a system called asymmetric encryption is used. This method relies on two keys: a public key, which is available to others for encrypting messages, and a private key, which only the message recipient holds to decrypt those messages. While public keys are accessible to verify a sender’s identity, some messaging services require extra steps to find or confirm these keys, adding complexity to secure communication.
The upcoming Android 15 update, which began with its initial beta release, indicates that Google is taking steps to simplify this process. According to reports (via AssembleDebug and Android Authority), Google Contacts will now work in tandem with Play Services to manage public encryption keys. This update will streamline the verification process, ensuring more reliable identity checks and encrypted communications, removing the need for users to verify public keys on a per-app basis.
Centralized Key Management Across Apps
The system for managing and verifying public keys was first introduced in Android 15 as an API feature. It was designed to allow users to oversee their contacts’ public keys across the entire Android ecosystem rather than relying on individual apps to manage them. A teardown of the Google Play Services APK revealed that development is in progress, with new activities and features related to key management and onboarding. Users will be able to confirm a contact’s key by scanning a QR code or manually comparing code numbers across various apps.
This central verification process brings added convenience and security, as users won’t need to rely on each app’s own methods to check encryption keys. A similar feature was introduced by Apple about a year ago, which simplified key management and improved the overall security experience for its users. Apple’s centralized key verification approach showed how managing these keys within a single service could ensure smoother, safer communication.
Android’s Approach to Improving Messaging Security
While Google’s implementation is still in development and may seem basic at the moment, it promises to offer a more secure way to handle public key verification once fully rolled out. Users will benefit from the simplicity of managing encryption keys through Google Contacts, ensuring a more consistent level of security across multiple messaging apps.
Though Apple rolled out a similar feature earlier, Google’s move toward centralized key management represents a significant upgrade for Android users. As this feature evolves, it’s expected that it will further enhance both privacy and ease of use, giving users confidence in their digital communications.
By integrating encryption key management into Google Contacts, Android 15 is taking a major step toward ensuring that messages remain private and secure, making it a standout feature for future releases.
Android
Android Auto 14.3 brings more bug fixes and starts wider rollout

Google has started rolling out Android Auto version 14.3 more widely after a limited release earlier this month. This update doesn’t bring new features, but it focuses on making things work better by fixing bugs and improving performance.
Android Auto 14.3 began showing up for more users through the Google Play Store, especially those using the beta version. If you’re already part of the beta program, you should see the update soon. For others, the rollout is happening gradually, so it might take a few days to appear.
While Google hasn’t provided detailed patch notes for this version, early users say that the update improves the overall experience by making the system more stable. Users haven’t noticed major visual changes, but smoother performance is always welcome, especially during driving.
As usual, Android Auto updates mostly happen in the background. If you want to check which version you have, open Android Auto settings on your phone. You can also join the beta program or install the APK manually if the update hasn’t reached your device yet.
In short, Android Auto 14.3 is all about improving stability and fixing problems that users might have faced in previous versions. It’s part of Google’s regular efforts to make the in-car experience better and safer for everyone.
Android
Android 16 brings smart notification shortcuts with ‘Magic’ actions

Android 16 could include an update to make notifications simpler to process. Google is working on a feature called “notification cooldown with action buttons,” which addresses repeated alerts and provides helpful buttons whenever needed.
If you keep getting lots of notifications from the same app, Android usually does not alert you right away. Android 14 and 15 are currently testing the feature known as notification cooldown.
Now with Android 16, Google could go one step more by allowing app developers to add smart actions to each notification. They are helpful because they can respond to your recent usage of the apps or programs.
In some cases, if you get notified while using music, the message will also have an option to immediately handle your music settings. Similarly, a “reply” button may appear quickly or you could get other options useful for whatever is going on in your phone. It allows you to perform tasks you see in the notification without going into the app.
There is no official release yet, yet the code included in Android 16 hints that it is under development. If this solution is used, it may make receiving notifications more useful and less troublesome.
Generally, Android 16 attempts to make receiving notifications easier and more useful with its “magic” actions.
Android
Gboard gets a fresh emoji menu with a cleaner look

Google is rolling out a new look for the emoji section in Gboard, giving it a cleaner and simpler design. This updated layout is starting to show up for users on the latest Gboard beta version (13.9), and it might soon come to the stable version too.
In the new design, the emoji panel now floats above the keyboard instead of being attached to it. The search bar, category tabs, and the emoji grid all appear inside a neat floating window with rounded corners. This gives the whole emoji section a modern and less cluttered appearance.
The categories at the top are still there, but they now sit in a card-style bar that blends nicely with the rest of the UI. The search bar has also been updated with a clearer background, making it easier to use. Even though the layout looks different, the actual emoji and features like stickers and GIFs are still available and work the same way.
Some users have also noticed that this new style matches the look of other Google apps that follow the updated Material You design. It’s part of Google’s effort to make its apps feel more consistent and user-friendly across Android.
Right now, the redesign seems to be rolling out in stages, so not everyone will see it immediately. If you’re using Gboard beta, you might already have it, or it could show up soon.
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