The Google Play Store is introducing a handy new feature that lets apps open on their own right after you install them. This update, which is rolling out to Android users worldwide, aims to make the app installation process smoother and more convenient. Instead of manually tapping to open a new app, you can now let the Play Store do it for you.

When you download an app, you’ll notice a new “Auto-open when ready” toggle just below the usual “Cancel” and “Open” buttons. If you turn this toggle on, the app will launch automatically five seconds after the installation finishes. A notification with a countdown timer will appear, giving you the option to hit “Open” sooner or “Cancel” to stop the auto-launch.

This feature is turned off by default, so you’ll need to enable it each time you install an app. Unfortunately, there’s no way to hide the toggle if you don’t want to use it, which might feel a bit cluttered for some users.Google has been testing this auto-open feature since June 2024, with early signs appearing in September of that year.

Now, it’s finally reaching more devices, likely with Play Store version 42.5.15 or later. The goal is to help users who often forget to open apps after downloading them, especially larger ones like games. This is part of Google’s broader effort to improve the Play Store experience, which also includes reminders for unopened apps 24 hours after installation.

Alongside this, Google has added other updates, like the ability to install or update up to three apps at once, making the process faster. While the auto-open feature is a small change, it could save time for those who want to jump straight into using their new apps. As Google continues to tweak the Play Store, users can expect more ways to streamline their Android experience.

Google’s Android 16 brings exciting updates to keep your phone safer and make calls smarter, especially for Pixel users. These changes focus on stronger security through a feature called Advanced Protection and improved call handling with AI-powered tools. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it makes your phone experience better.

Stronger Security with Advanced Protection

Android 16 introduces a handy security feature called Advanced Protection, designed to shield your phone from threats with one simple toggle. Found in the Settings app, this mode activates multiple safeguards at once, like blocking unsafe apps, stopping risky connections, and protecting against spam calls and messages.

A new addition in Android 16 lets apps check if Advanced Protection is on, so they can turn on their own security measures. Right now, Google apps like Chrome, Play Store, Messages, and Phone support this, but third-party apps can join in if they use the right tools. This means your apps can work together to keep your data safer, making it tougher for hackers or scammers to cause trouble.

Smarter Calls with AI Features

Google is also upgrading how Pixel phones handle calls, and you don’t need the latest Pixel 10 to enjoy these perks. The “Take a Message” feature lets an AI assistant answer your calls and create messages from voicemails, all without needing an internet connection.

Another cool tool, Call Notes, now uses AI to figure out next steps after a call, like reminding you to follow up or schedule something. This was thought to be exclusive to the Pixel 10 but is now available on the Pixel 9 series for US English users. These features make managing calls easier, saving you time and hassle.

Why These Updates Matter

These Android 16 upgrades show Google’s focus on making phones more secure and user-friendly. Advanced Protection simplifies keeping your device safe, while the new call features help Pixel users stay organized and avoid spam.

Whether you’re worried about security or just want smarter call handling, Android 16 has something for you. To try these features, update your Pixel 6 or newer to Android 16, or wait for Samsung’s One UI 8 to bring Advanced Protection to Galaxy phones.

Samsung is gearing up to launch its next budget-friendly flagship, the Galaxy S25 FE, and there’s buzz about the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new charging features. Recent leaks have given us a clear look at what to expect from these devices, and they’re shaping up to be impressive additions to Samsung’s lineup.

The Galaxy S25 FE has appeared on the Google Play Console and briefly on a Portuguese retailer’s website, revealing key details. It boasts a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for vibrant visuals and fluid scrolling.

The phone is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. Its camera setup includes a 50MP triple rear camera and a 12MP front camera for sharp photos and selfies. Powered by a 4,900mAh battery, it supports 45W fast charging, 25W wireless charging, and reverse charging, making it a strong contender in its price range.

The device is expected to come in colors like Navy Blue and a light grayish-blue, with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage options. Samsung plans to unveil the S25 FE in September 2025, with sales starting soon after. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to bring a major upgrade with Qi2 wireless charging, following the lead of devices like the Google Pixel 10 series.

This technology uses magnets for better alignment and faster charging, but there’s a catch—it might mean losing the Wireless Powershare feature that lets you charge devices like Galaxy Watches or Buds using the phone. Samsung introduced Qi2 charging with the S25 series, but it required special cases with magnets.

The S26 Ultra could have built-in magnets, though this might make the phone slightly thicker. There’s also talk of a redesigned camera island for improved performance, inspired by competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro, and rounded corners for a fresh look.

Both devices show Samsung’s commitment to blending affordability with cutting-edge tech for the S25 FE and pushing innovation with the S26 Ultra. Fans are eagerly awaiting their release to see how these features perform in real life.