Android

Android released substantial architectural upgrades, introducing enhanced API integrations and updated workflow tooling for its Developer Tools ecosystem.

Android Studio Quail 4 has reached stable release status for production use. The release integrates Gemma 4 and specialized Android skills to improve code generation accuracy for Android-specific APIs.

Android developers can now use 'adb emu' terminal commands to programmatically control emulator states, including folding and unfolding foldable devices. This capability allows for automated testing of adaptive layouts without requiring manual interaction with the emulator UI.

WhatsApp has integrated FIDO-based passkeys to replace traditional SMS-based OTPs for user authentication. This implementation allows users to sign in using biometric authentication or device screen locks instead of passwords or one-time codes.

Google Play is implementing mandatory performance thresholds for dynamic memory usage, bitmap usage, and code optimization. Additionally, a new onboarding standard is being introduced to standardize secure login processes during device migrations.

Google Play is implementing a multi-layered defense strategy to detect and block applications that facilitate the creation or distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII). This initiative introduces enhanced platform-level technical defenses specifically targeting generative AI models that exploit distribution channels for harmful content.

Google is formalizing the security architecture for Android Automotive OS (AAOS) in Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) by utilizing virtualization to isolate distinct functional domains. The implementation leverages Cuttlefish-based virtualization to run multiple logical instances, such as instrument clusters and infotainment systems, on shared hardware.