All articles tagged with #google play services
Google Play Services v26.32 introduces Googlebook multi-device setup prompts for PC convergence, expands Tap to Share to include links and location sharing, adds Wear OS location sharing and Wallet age credentials, plus Play Store and WebView enhancements, signaling deeper Android ecosystem integration and groundwork for Googlebooks.
Google is bolstering Android’s anti-theft capabilities via Google Play Services, including Theft Detection Lock (motion-based auto-lock on snatch or sudden moves), Offline Device Lock (auto-lock when data is disconnected), and Remote Lock (lock a phone from anywhere at android.com/lock). Setup is found under Theft Protection in Settings (varies by device; Pixel/Samsung have similar paths). These features require Android 10+ and may not be available on devices with limited Play Services. Users should also use a screen lock and biometrics for Identity Check to maximize protection, with device-specific variations in how to enable these protections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Google Play Services v26.06 adds a new Local File Backup feature that automatically saves downloaded documents to Google Drive, keeping them accessible across devices. Details on how to enable/disable and exact behavior are not yet clear, and this feature appears separate from device-to-device or factory-reset backups.
Some Pixel 10 owners are experiencing app crashes caused by issues with Google Play Services, with a temporary fix involving uninstalling updates to Play Services, which logs users out of their accounts. Google is aware of the problem and working on a fix, but no official acknowledgment has been made yet.
A teardown of Google Play Services reveals that Google is still developing Quick Share for iPhones, with evidence of a sign-in requirement and a menu for sharing with iOS devices, indicating ongoing work on cross-platform file sharing features.
Google has added a new app listing for Google Password Manager on Google Play, providing Android users with a dedicated shortcut to access their passwords easily, although it functions more as a shortcut to Google Play Services rather than a standalone app.
Google is expanding its Android earthquake alert system to Wear OS smartwatches with the rollout of Google Play Services version 25.21, allowing users, especially those with cellular models, to receive timely earthquake warnings directly on their wrists, including estimated magnitude and distance to the epicenter.
Google has introduced a password-sharing feature in its Password Manager as part of the May 2024 Google Play Services update. This feature allows users to share passwords securely with members of their family group, making it easier to manage shared accounts and services.
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.