News
Android’s New Scam Shield Uses Gemini to Read Suspicious Texts. Here’s Which Phones Get It
Google Messages' new enhanced protection mode uses Gemini to catch slow-burn scam texts. Here's what it does, which phones get it and when.
Android Captain
Latest stories
Every story we publish on Android phones, Pixel and Galaxy updates, apps, AI and gadgets, newest first.
Smart TV
Your Chromecast With Google TV Just Got Its First Update in 11 Months
Firmware UTTA.260813.002 lifts the 4K Chromecast with Google TV to the August 2026 security patch. The HD model is still waiting.
Accessories
CMF’s $59 Milk-Carton Speaker Is the Smart Buy. The $109 Model Has to Earn Its Extra $50
Nothing's CMF launched the Speaker S at $59 and Speaker M at $109. Same battery life and IP68 rating, so the extra $50 buys…
Applications
Ask YouTube Is Free for Everyone in the US Now, and It Changes How You Search the App
YouTube's Gemini-powered Ask search has moved beyond Premium and is rolling out on Android and iOS to all US users. Here's how to use…
Utilities
Google Wallet Wants Your Paper Receipts Now. Here’s Everything Else in October’s Play Services Update
Play services v26.40 adds receipt scanning to Google Wallet, plus a faster Chrome checkout, clearer merchant names and a message center.
News
The Play Store Now Sells Phones, and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Sits Right Next to the Pixel
A new Shop devices tab in the Play Store lists Pixel and Galaxy hardware side by side, with checkout through the Google Store.
Wearables
Fitbit Air Will Soon Spot 100+ Workouts on Its Own. The $69.99 Metal Band Is the Lesser News
A Fitbit Air update later this month expands automatic workout detection from 10 to 100+ activities. Google also added a $69.99 Metal Mesh band.