Mishaal Rahman

Hello from Google 😁!

After over 10 years writing about Android, I'm SO excited to finally be ... working for Android!

Just as exciting is that my role includes community engagement, so I'll still be connected to the Android community I love and hope to help people learn to ♥️ Android as much as I do.

How am I gonna do that? You'll be hearing much more from me in the near future about these efforts, so stay tuned!

Some personal news:

This is my last day at Android Authority, and it also marks the end of my time posting Android news!

I've spent the past 10 years writing about Android, and I've enjoyed every moment of it. What began as a hobby in college — tinkering with custom ROMs and modding my phone — turned into a long career, one totally disconnected from my degree in Biomedical Engineering.

👓Google has extended its strategic partnership with XREAL for Android XR hardware, naming them its lead hardware partner for the ecosystem.

The companies will "collaborate on bringing Android XR to optical-see-through devices, like wired XR glasses, and work to expand support for Android XR development."

More news on Project Aura, a pair of Android XR glasses that deliver the full experience, is coming later this year.

🖥️What will happen to existing Chromebooks as Google transitions its PC efforts to the Android-based 'Aluminium OS'?

In an interview with Chrome Unboxed, Google VP John Maletis says the company is not giving up on them and to expect "continuity of experience and devices" as many millions of users are so reliant on them.

Furthermore, he says Google is maintaining its commitment of 10 years of support of these devices.

🔍Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut

The ability to launch an app from the Pixel Launcher by partially typing its name and then hitting the enter key is rolling out more widely.

Thanks to everyone for the tip!

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-launcher-app-opening-shortcut-rollout-3630852/

Google just got a huge win in the U.S. antitrust case against it:

"Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment."

"Google will not have to present users with choice screens on its products or encourage its Android distribution partners to do the same."