Cyber Attacks
Bitdefender finds firmware malware on MediaTek Android phones
Preinstalled malware on low-cost Android devices turns phones into proxies and installs apps without user consent, researchers say.
Android
Everything Threat Times has reported about Android: 50 stories, newest first. Part of our Tech News coverage.
Tech News
Third-party app enables Gboard Rambler mode and Writing Tools on non-Pixel Android devices
A new application allows Android users to access Google’s typing features without requiring root access or specific hardware.
Cyber Attacks
Midnight Mimosa Android Malware Compromises Firmware of MediaTek Phones
Researchers disclosed that the Midnight Mimosa campaign infected thousands of devices across 150 countries by embedding malicious code directly into device firmware.
Tech News
Googlebook testing reveals persistent Android connectivity and pairing failures
Early reviews of new Android laptops show that while setup is quick, maintaining phone links for file sharing remains unreliable and often requires manual intervention.
Tech News
Engadget Recommends 6GB RAM and 5.6-Inch Screens for Budget Android Phones
A new guide outlines non-negotiable hardware specifications for affordable Android devices to ensure adequate daily usability and performance.
Tech News
Google Location Accuracy Service Improves Android Positioning via Crowdsourced Data
Enabling the Location Accuracy Service on Android devices allows phones to use Wi-Fi, cellular, and sensor data to pinpoint position when GPS signals are weak or unavailable indoors.
Tech News
ASUS Googlebook 14 review: Hands-on with Google's new premium Android laptop
Windows Central tests the $1,299 ASUS Googlebook 14, finding a lightweight magnesium chassis and OLED display that challenges Windows dominance.
Tech News
WhatsApp tests scheduled messages in Android beta, raising European compliance concerns
WhatsApp is trialing a feature allowing users to schedule message delivery up to two weeks in advance, a move that intersects with strict European labor laws regarding after-hours work contact.
Tech News
Googlebook OS Review Highlights Potential for Android on Desktop
A review of Googlebook OS suggests Google has created a more optimized desktop experience for Android users than previous tablet attempts.
Tech News
Android October 2026 System Update Adds WebView API, Wallet Features
Google’s October 2026 system update introduces a new WebView API for developers and adds receipt scanning to Google Wallet on Android phones.
AI
Google Gemini May Soon Offer ‘Shop This’ Feature via Floating Overlay
Google is developing a new shopping feature for Gemini that may allow users to identify products directly from their screen using a floating overlay.
Malware & Ransomware
Bitdefender Identifies Firmware-Level Malware in Budget Android Phones From Supply Chain Compromise
Security researchers report that budget Android devices from brands like Doogee and Cubot were shipped with preinstalled malware designed to generate fraudulent ad revenue.
Tech News
Googlebooks Laptops Face Connectivity and Stability Issues in Early Reviews
Early hands-on testing of Googlebooks laptops reveals severe connectivity flaws and software instability that affect core productivity software performance.
Tech News
Android flagships may feature built-in cooling fans for peak chip performance
Reporters note that smartphone manufacturers are exploring integrated active fans to manage heat and sustain high performance in upcoming Android devices.
Tech News
OnePlus launches 16 in China with 9000mAh battery and 185Hz display
The OnePlus 16 debuts in China featuring a massive silicon-carbon battery, a high-refresh OLED screen, and upgraded cameras, marking the brand's first flagship since exiting Western markets.
Cyber Attacks
Bitdefender Finds Uninstallable Malware in Budget Android Phones
Bitdefender discovered the Midnight Mimosa campaign, which embeds persistent malware in the firmware of low-cost Android devices sold online.
Tech News
Author argues shifting conditions could make Linux phones viable alternative to Android and iOS
A 2026 op-ed suggests that hardware, software and market factors are finally aligning to allow Linux mobile devices to compete with major platforms.
Tech News
LineageOS 24.0 streams updates for faster installs and adds web flashing for Samsung devices
The custom Android release introduces web-based flashing for Samsung devices, streams installations for faster updates, and refreshes system apps with Material Design 3.
Tech News
Samsung Galaxy Models Face Value Criticism in Latest Market Analysis
A recent review identifies five Samsung smartphones that offer poor value compared to current market alternatives, despite their overall quality.
Tech News
Google Messages Adds Trash Feature to Restore Deleted Threads for 30 Days
Android users can now recover accidentally deleted conversations within the Google Messages app through a new Trash section that retains threads for 30 days.
Tech News
MeteoCompare Android App Introduces Forecast Uncertainty Visualization to Weather Reporting
A new Android application visualizes meteorological uncertainty alongside standard forecasts, offering users a more nuanced view of weather prediction reliability.
Tech News
Google Translate to auto-save transcripts for mobile live conversations
Google is rolling out a feature that automatically saves text records of real-time spoken exchanges in its translation app for mobile users.
Tech News
PS2 emulator for Android gains performance boost on MediaTek and older Pixel devices
A popular PlayStation 2 emulator for Android has received an update that improves performance specifically for devices using Mali graphics processors and MediaTek chips.
AI
Google tests new waveform and voice controls for Gemini Live mobile interface
Google is rolling out a test of a new waveform animation and dedicated voice output control for the Gemini Live feature on Android devices.