Android

Android’s New Safety Lock: Keeping your private info safe

Published

5 months ago

January 23, 2025

Everyone has a lot of private details on their phones these days, which makes them easy targets for thieves. If someone steals your phone when it’s unlocked, you can lock it from afar to keep your apps safe. But, if a thief watches you type in your lock screen code before taking your phone, just locking it remotely won’t stop them from getting in again. Google is working on a fix for this problem, and they might add a new feature called Safety Lock in the Android 16 update to make it tougher for thieves to get to your private info.

If a thief sees you put in your phone’s lock code before they steal it, you can’t stop them from unlocking your phone, even if you use fingerprint or face recognition. Android doesn’t mainly use biometrics for unlocking because they aren’t as secure as entering a code, PIN, or pattern. Biometrics can be tricked, even though it’s not very likely, so they are just a backup. But if someone knows your main lock code, this security setup doesn’t work well.

Google tried to solve this with a feature named Identity Check in the first Android 15 update. With Identity Check on, your phone needs biometric confirmation before you can change important settings when you’re not in a safe place. This means a thief with your lock code can’t change account settings or see saved passwords. But this doesn’t completely block access to all your private data, as things like app alerts, widgets, or voice assistants might still give away info.

This is where the new Safety Lock feature steps in. It’s being developed by Google to boost security by adding a mode you can turn on from anywhere. To unlock your phone in this mode, you’ll need both your lock code and biometric verification. It also limits things like app notifications, widgets, quick settings, and the voice assistant to keep your data secure.

Since Google hasn’t told us much about Safety Lock yet, I’ve done some digging. I found a new permission in Android 16 named MANAGE_SAFETY_LOCK_DEVICE, probably meant for Google Play Services, which runs Find My Device. It seems you might be able to activate Safety Lock remotely via the Find My Device site. While I haven’t proven this yet, it’s a good guess I’ll keep checking into.

Android

Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Published

1 week ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Carter

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.

How to switch between light and dark themes

Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.

To change the theme, follow these steps:

Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
Go to the settings menu.
Find the “Theme” option.
Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).

Why themes matter

Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.

In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.

Android

Google’s New Updates: Gemini 2.5 Pro, Android 16 features, and Messages change

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has just rolled out some exciting updates across its services and apps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new and what it means for you.

Gemini 2.5 Pro is here

Google has launched Gemini 2.5 Pro, the latest version of its AI model. This upgrade brings smarter and faster responses, making it easier for users to get helpful answers. Gemini 2.5 Pro is now available in Google’s AI Studio and Vertex AI, so developers can build even better tools and apps using this technology.

Android 16 brings more customization

Android 16 is adding new ways to personalize your phone. One of the standout features is the ability to hide the clock on your lock screen, giving you a cleaner look if you want it. This is part of Google’s push to let users make their phones feel more unique. There’s also a new animation for the power button, making the experience smoother and more modern when you turn your phone on or off.

Google Messages removes the unsubscribe button

If you use Google Messages, you might notice that the “Unsubscribe” button is gone from some business messages. Google has removed this feature, so users now have to find other ways to stop unwanted texts. This change might make it a bit harder to manage spam, but Google hasn’t said why the option was removed.

What does this mean for you

These updates show that Google is focused on making its products smarter and more personal. Whether you’re using AI tools, customizing your phone, or managing your messages, you’ll see some changes that aim to improve your experience.

Android

Here’s what’s new with Google Keep and Android Automotive apps

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google Keep is getting a fresh look with the new Material You design, making it more colorful and easier to use on Wear OS smartwatches. The update brings bigger buttons and clearer text, so you can quickly jot down notes or check your lists right from your wrist. This makes Google Keep more handy when you’re on the go and don’t want to pull out your phone.

On another front, Android Automotive is improving how apps show information while you drive. Instead of opening full apps, you’ll see simple cards on your car’s screen that give you important details at a glance.

These cards help keep your focus on the road by showing things like music controls, navigation updates, or reminders without distractions. This new card system is designed to work smoothly with apps like media players and navigation tools, making your driving experience safer and more convenient.

Together, these updates show Google’s effort to make its apps smarter and easier to use in everyday life, whether you’re walking around with your smartwatch or driving your car. The focus is on clear, simple designs that help you get things done quickly without hassle.

In short, Google Keep’s new look on Wear OS and the smart cards in Android Automotive are small but useful changes that make tech fit better into your daily routine.