Google Play Store: number of apps 2023
The Best Android Phones For 2024
Google's Android platform is the dominant global mobile operating system for good reason. Here's how to find the right device for you, along with the top Android phones we've tested.
By Iyaz AkhtarI'm one of PCMag's mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I've covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
Read Full Bio social share https://www.Pcmag.Com/picks/the-best-android-phonesNew Update: You Can Already Download Android Auto 12.2 Ahead Of Launch
15 photos Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google has become super-committed to improving Android Auto's reliability and stability, and the frequent updates landing on the beta channel prove that the search giant is working around the clock on this front.
Android Auto 12.1 landed in the stable channel a few days ago, and now the Mountain View-based company is ready to begin the public testing of a new update.The search firm promoted Android Auto 12.2 to the public beta program, so users who are enrolled in the testing ring can download a fresh build today. However, everybody can try out Android Auto 12.2 ahead of the official launch using the stand-alone APK installer.
Sideloading the new update takes a few seconds and starts with downloading the APK installer. When the file lands on your device, you can navigate to its location and tap the installer. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process, and if required, grant the necessary permissions to update Android Auto to build 12.2 beta.
The most intriguing part of a new Android Auto release is the changelog. However, Google no longer offers such information, giving users no option but to install every update and thoroughly inspect every feature and menu.
The update is still recommended for all users once it lands in the production stage, as it likely includes bug fixes and under-the-hood optimizations.
Meanwhile, Google is also working on bigger changes for Android Auto, and these updates could pave the way for their introduction. Google announced at the I/O conference not long ago that Android Auto will be included in a massive project whose goal is to expand the app ecosystem in the car.
The company will start scanning apps on the Google Play Store built for large screens to determine if they can run on Android Auto and Android Automotive. If they meet certain requirements, these applications will become available behind the wheel, allowing users to launch them from the infotainment screen without the need for other tweaks.
The project opens the Google Play Store doors wide open for Android Auto, though it'd be initially limited to certain software categories. Google will also unlock video apps, meaning YouTube will finally launch on Android Auto.
YouTube is already available on Android Auto with third-party methods, but Google will soon allow everybody to watch videos when the vehicle is parked. The experience will be blocked when the car starts moving.
Keep in mind that this new Android Auto build shouldn't be installed on your main device and used as a daily driver. Beta builds come with an increased risk of bugs, and Google does not recommend installing pre-release software to replace production builds. If no major bug is found, Android Auto 12.2 should make its way to the Google Play Store in the coming days.
First Hacks: The Brand New Nokia 5G Gateway Router
Aside from being the focus of a series of bizarre conspiracy theories, 5G cellular networks offer the promise of ultra-fast Internet access anywhere within their range. To that end there are a new breed of devices designed to provide home broadband using 5G as a backhaul. It's one of these, a Nokia Fastmile, that [Eddie Zhang] received, and he's found it to be an interesting teardown and investigation. Spoiler: it runs Android and has exploitable bugs.
A privilege escalation bug in the web administration tool led to gaining the ability to export and modify configuration files, but sadly though a telnet prompt can be opened it's not much use without the password. Uncovering some blocked-off ports on the base of the unit revealed a USB-C port, which was found to connect to an Android device. Via ADB a shell could be opened on Android, but on further investigation it was found that the Fastmile is not a single device but two separate ones. Inside is a PCB with an Android 5G phone to handle the connection, and another with a completely separate home router.
With access to the Android side and a login prompt on the router side that was as far as he was prepared to go without risking bricking his Fastmile. It only remained to do a teardown, which reveals the separate PCBs with their own heatsinks, and an impressive antenna array. Perhaps these devices will in time become as ubiquitous as old routers, and we'll see them fully laid bare.
It's a shame that we've had to write more about the conspiracy theories surrounding 5G than real 5G devices, but maybe we'll see more teardowns like this one to make up for it.
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