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Google Play Services

All articles tagged with #google play services

Play Terms clarify Android background data usage and earlier billing
news3 days ago

Play Terms clarify Android background data usage and earlier billing

Google published an updated Play Terms of Service ahead of its July 29, 2026 rollout, adding a System Services section that explains which Google services on Android may use cellular data in the background. It also makes users responsible for any carrier charges from these background updates and extends recurring subscription billing windows from 24 to 48 hours before the next cycle. The changes follow a prior $135 million settlement over idle data transmission.

Samsung phones: update these three Google core apps manually
news21 days ago

Samsung phones: update these three Google core apps manually

Google has rolled out updates for Android System SafetyCore, Android System WebView, and Google Play Services on Samsung devices (versions 1.0.925574157, 149.0.7827.91, 26.22.33); these apps aren’t listed in Manage apps & device, so update them manually via Settings > Apps > App details in store. The update is confirmed for One UI 8.5 and One UI 9 in India, with rollout details for other markets unclear.

Android gains native WhatsApp backup controls in system settings
technology22 days ago

Android gains native WhatsApp backup controls in system settings

Google is rolling out a Play Services update (v26.23) that adds a WhatsApp backup management page directly in Android’s device settings, making it easier to view and adjust backups; the feature isn’t widely available yet and should surface on eligible devices in the coming days, alongside other tweaks like an updated Google Contacts sync experience and Wallet history improvements as part of the Android 17 and June Pixel Drop rollout.

June Update Unlocks Password Exchange and Quicker Store Flows in Google Play
technology1 month ago

June Update Unlocks Password Exchange and Quicker Store Flows in Google Play

Google is rolling out Google Play Services v26.21 and Play Store v51.7 with several updates: Credential Exchange now lets users import/export passwords and passkeys between Google Password Manager and third‑party password managers; Play Store gains clearer sale pricing, a unified pre-registration/auto-install flow, and new banners for monthly challenges and Loyalty MAX; developers get Maps-related features in Developer Services.

Galaxy Watch Battery Drain Mystery Linked to Google Play Services
technology2 months ago

Galaxy Watch Battery Drain Mystery Linked to Google Play Services

A handful of Galaxy Watch users report unusually high background usage by Google Play services, spiking battery drain across models including the Galaxy Watch 6, 7, 8, and Ultra. The cause remains unclear and may be server-side or a UI issue, with mixed results from simple fixes like reboots or cache clearing. Reports come from Reddit, and there’s no official confirmation about widespread impact yet; more information is forthcoming.

Android’s Hidden System Services Menu Lets You Manually Update Google Services
technology3 months ago

Android’s Hidden System Services Menu Lets You Manually Update Google Services

The article reveals a semi-secret Android update area called the System services section in Google services settings, where power users can manually update Google system services (for example, Google Play Services for AR) and access the Quick Share Extension. This area isn’t about pushing the latest Gmail or app updates via the Play Store; it focuses on security and reliability, with the potential for feature updates as Google rolls things out behind the scenes. Access paths differ by device (Pixel: Settings > Google profile > Google services and preferences > System services; Samsung: Settings > Google services > All services > System services).

"Maximizing Find My Device: New Features and Compatible Devices Unveiled"
technology2 years ago

"Maximizing Find My Device: New Features and Compatible Devices Unveiled"

The Find My Device network on Android, initially announced at Google I/O, is finally starting to roll out, offering a game-changing feature that leverages the collective strength of Android devices to help users locate lost items. The delay in the rollout was attributed to waiting on Apple to implement protections in iOS for trackers used with Android, reflecting a commitment to fostering a secure and standardized ecosystem. The latest beta version of Google Play Services introduces the "Find your offline devices" feature, providing users with enhanced tracking capabilities, including options to find devices without the network, with the network in high-traffic areas, and with the network all the time. This feature reflects Google's commitment to continuously enhancing the functionality and usability of its services, empowering users with greater control and peace of mind in managing their devices.

"iOS 17.5 and Android Find My Device Updates: What You Need to Know"
technology2 years ago

"iOS 17.5 and Android Find My Device Updates: What You Need to Know"

Google's updated Find My Device network is now active in the latest beta of Google Play Services, indicating an imminent launch, likely around Google I/O 2024 in May. The network, similar to Apple's Find My network, will use various devices to pinpoint a device's location more accurately. The delay in launching the network is attributed to the need for Apple's support, but the recent development suggests that the wait may soon be over, potentially enabling the debut of AirTag-like trackers for Android at Google I/O 2024.

"New Privacy and Security Features Coming to Android and iOS Devices"
technology2 years ago

"New Privacy and Security Features Coming to Android and iOS Devices"

Android's Find My Device network, which leverages Google Play Services to help users locate lost items, is starting to roll out with the appearance of new network settings in the latest beta version. The settings allow users to choose how their devices participate in the network, with options for high-traffic areas or all areas. This rollout is likely the initial phase before a full launch, and it's expected to coincide with the release of iOS 17.5 for iPhone users.