What you need to know

• Google extends free Satellite SOS by one year for Pixel 9 owners, with no additional charge.
• Satellite SOS launched in 2024 and lets users contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
• Regional availability varies, so the feature may not be accessible everywhere.

Google is giving Pixel 9 owners another year of free Satellite SOS access, pushing back the question of whether emergency satellite connectivity will eventually become another smartphone subscription. The extension comes just as the original two-year free-access period approaches its end, offering some welcome breathing room without answering the bigger question about long-term costs.

Google confirmed the expansion to PCMag when asked about plans for the service. “Confirming that we’ve extended this offering, at no additional cost, for one additional year,” a company spokesperson said, adding that Google had no further details to share.

Satellite SOS launched with the Pixel 9 series in 2024. For those unfamiliar, it lets users contact emergency services and send their location when there are no cellular networks or Wi-Fi available, making it particularly useful for hikers, travelers, and anyone involved in an emergency in an area with poor coverage.

The feature makes use of satellite connectivity hardware built into compatible Pixel phones, including Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which contains the Exynos 5400 modem. Users position their phone toward a satellite and send emergency messages following on-screen instructions, instead of using nearby cell towers. It’s the kind of feature you hope you never need, but you’re glad it’s there if things go sideways.

That said, Satellite SOS is not available on all Pixel phones. The Pixel 9a is excluded, while supported devices include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, availability is also dependent on the region.

The extra year is good news, but what happens next is a rather important detail that Google is keeping quiet about. The company hasn’t announced subscription pricing or confirmed whether the service will eventually be a paid offering. It has also continued to refer in its published specifications to the original period of two years.

For now, Pixel 9 owners can continue using Satellite SOS at no extra charge for another year. What happens next is anybody’s guess, and Google still owes customers a clearer answer on the future of a feature designed for emergencies.

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 has added a toggle to require PIN/fingerprint authentication before anyone can touch Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone.
• Non-security tiles like Flashlight, Auto-rotate, and Battery Saver stay unlocked and accessible without extra friction.
• The latest Android 17 beta release also resolves random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, idle battery drain, and buggy internet tiles.

Google is finally giving Pixel owners a way to stop thieves from disabling their phone’s connectivity right from the lock screen.

The new security feature is coming in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which will let users require authentication before anyone can toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or airplane mode. It's a small change, but it could make a stolen phone a little less useful to whoever walks away with it.

This update, which came on October 20 with build number DP11.261002.005, does more than just fix a number of bugs. The Android Beta team says on Reddit that it also fixes intermittent device crashes and unexpected reboots, Bluetooth pairing failures, excessive idle battery drain, and issues with the Internet Quick Settings tile. Below is the complete list of issues fixed in the latest beta round.

• Devices intermittently crash and reboot during normal use. (Issue #570031572, Issue #570031155, Issue #569529428, Issue #569222433, Issue #570414567, Issue #570725957, Issue #569237164, Issue #572493638)
• Internet Quick Settings tile displays persistent text when mobile data is active without Wi-Fi. (Issue #354469154, Issue #367059437)
• Media output dialog ignores the monochrome system theme when external audio devices are connected. (Issue #476304142)
• Pin icon glitches position next to pinned apps in the share sheet. (Issue #476234992)
• Internal PublishedApi declarations trigger unexpected API lint and source compatibility check errors. (Issue #562178518)
• Device unexpectedly shuts down during WhatsApp video calls. (Issue #554451749, Issue #559966303)
• Lock screen in-progress notifications overlap with other UI elements and cause stuttering panel animations. (Issue #547371609, Issue #548539836, Issue #562186670)
• Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services fail to connect on Dish Network. (Issue #537736046)
• Screen recording freezes and stops capturing frames after screen rotation. (Issue #541325203)
• System UI, fonts, and apps render at an abnormally small scale regardless of configured display size settings. (Issue #563321433)
• Display turns black and becomes unresponsive after ending a phone call. (Issue #564953545)
• Terminal app fails to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine after installation. (Issue #551657934)
• Wi-Fi Aware fails to establish subsequent data paths with a no interfaces available error after releasing an accept-any responder network request during connection confirmation. (Issue #550726291)
• Paired watch continues to ring after an incoming call is answered on the phone. (Issue #564594780)
• Airbnb app fails to connect when attempting to send messages. (Issue #563024453)
• Quick Settings Bluetooth subtitle is misaligned to the right. (Issue #559417120)
• App drawer unexpectedly closes when switching keyboard language. (Issue #558774933, Issue #540389222, Issue #533125590)
• Bluetooth pairing fails due to a connection timeout when attempting to pair with a device. (Issue #563675080)
• VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling are unavailable on the IT&E network. (Issue #556432987)
• High idle battery drain caused by motion sensors remaining active after using Face Unlock or the camera. (Issue #568078965)
• Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. (Issue #563089593)

A more interesting addition is the connectivity restriction, as noted in a few replies to the Reddit post. Sometimes thieves can disable a phone’s network connections from the lock screen, making it more difficult for owners to track down a lost device. It’s another hurdle to force you to unlock before changing these settings, though it obviously won’t prevent all theft or ensure recovery.

To enable it, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock or Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen, then turn Lock Quick Settings connectivity on. Once enabled, you must unlock the device before you can change any of the four protected connectivity settings.

Google is also leaving common shortcuts like flashlight, auto-rotate, and Battery Saver accessible, so the security feature doesn’t relegate the lock screen to a glorified clock. Locking each and every Quick Settings tile would be way too limiting for those who enjoy shortcuts without unlocking their phone. So it’s a more targeted way to protect the settings that could interfere with connectivity and tracking.

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 is available for eligible Pixel devices enrolled in Google’s Android Beta Program. As with any beta software, users should expect the possibility of bugs and avoid installing on a device they can’t afford to have misbehave.

What you need to know

• Samsung is expanding the stable One UI 9 (Android 17) update to the Galaxy A36 globally, landing in Europe after its initial South Korea launch.
• The over-the-air update (version A366BXXUCDZIF) weighs in at over 2.3GB and bundles the September 2026 security patch.
• The Galaxy A36 release is rolling out alongside updates for other A-series models, including the Galaxy A56, A37, and A27.

Samsung is rolling out its stable One UI 9 update to the Galaxy A36 in global markets, with Europe among the first regions outside South Korea to get the software. The rollout started on October 19, so owners of midrange phones can now enjoy Android 17 and Samsung’s latest interface improvements without having to buy a newer Galaxy device.

The update carries firmware version A366BXXUCDZIF and includes the September 2026 security patch, as spotted by X user @Kailash0729 (via SammyGuru). The download is over 2.3GB, so make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection and enough free storage before you begin installing. Just don’t expect Samsung to port every flagship feature to its more affordable hardware.

One UI 9 brings interface tweaks, more customization features, and security improvements. The update also is based on Android 17, while Samsung continues to customize some features for individual devices. The more advanced Galaxy AI features are still largely limited to compatible higher-end phones, so the A36 misses out on some of the more fancy additions.

It starts with a first stable release in South Korea on October 15, where the Galaxy A36 was shipped with the firmware version A366NKSU9DZIF. Samsung has since started to roll out availability outside of its home market, as well as updates for other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy A56, A37, and A27.

But a global rollout doesn't mean every country gets the update at once. Samsung typically releases major software updates in phases, so some owners may have to wait days or longer for the download to appear.

Ready to go with your Galaxy A36? Tap Download and install. Then, go to Settings > Software update. Check again in the next few days if nothing shows up yet. Samsung is expected to release One UI 9 to more eligible Galaxy phones in the coming weeks.

What you need to know

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro is rumored at €1,449 for 12GB/256GB and €1,649 for 512GB. The 18 Pro Max reportedly lands at €1,849 with 12GB/512GB.
• Global models may get smaller batteries, with the Pro dropping to 6,000mAh and the Pro Max to 7,050mAh.
• Battery endurance looks promising on paper, with reported runtimes of up to 66.5 hours for the Pro and 70 hours, 40 minutes for the Pro Max.

Xiaomi’s new flagship phones could be headed to global markets with eye-watering price tags and smaller batteries than their Chinese counterparts. The Xiaomi 18 Pro may start at €1,449 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant, with the 512GB model potentially costing €1,649, according to a new report from YTechB. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max reportedly starts at €1,849, with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed those prices, but they do indicate the company is pushing its Pro line more firmly into premium territory. To recap, the regular Xiaomi 17 launched in Europe at €999, while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra launched at €1,499. That leaves the global 18 Pro just €50 shy of last year's Ultra flagship, which is not exactly the kind of pricing that shouts bargain.

Larger bills, smaller batteries

The pricing news comes with another possible compromise. The global Xiaomi 18 Pro may feature a 6,000mAh battery, a decrease from the 7,000mAh capacity found in China, according to YTechB's report citing listings on the European Product Registry for Energy Labeling. It’s also said that the Pro Max will go down from 8,500mAh to 7,050mAh.

The charging speeds may also differ. The global Pro is expected to support 90W wired charging rather than the 100W in China. The Pro Max is said to keep 100W wired charging, whereas both models are expected to retain 50W wireless charging.

The listings also reportedly state a battery life of up to 66 hours and 30 minutes for the Pro and 70 hours and 40 minutes for the Pro Max. Both batteries are also rated to hold 80% of their capacity after 1,000 charging cycles. The numbers are reassuring, but in the real world battery life will, of course, be dictated by how people use their phones.

Premium hardware needs premium justification

The Xiaomi 18 Pro series was unveiled in China with dual 200MP Leica cameras, dedicated rear screens, and hardware-based privacy screens. The Pro Max also gets Qualcomm’s more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip.

Xiaomi has another reason to hike prices, as rising DRAM and NAND prices are likely putting pressure on smartphone makers. But buyers paying flagship money are going to want more than impressive specs on paper.

What you need to know

• Google is automatically linking your phone number to every signed-in account on Android, including secondary work and alternate profiles.
• Surprise verification emails are raising privacy concerns. Users say they received notifications without explicitly opting in.
• You can disable automatic verification under Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification, though some users report the setting switches itself back on.

Google is automatically linking phone numbers on Android to every Google account signed in on that same device, even if they are secondary work accounts or alternate profiles. The feature is meant to keep Google services running smoothly, but its default-on nature is raising questions about how much control users actually have over their personal information.

Some users took to Reddit to report that they're getting surprise emails from noreply-phone-verification@google.com saying their numbers have been verified (via TechRadar).

The setting allows Google and mobile carriers to periodically re-verify numbers, according to Google’s official documentation. The process enables services such as account recovery, RCS messaging, emergency features, and Quick Share. The problem is that the setting also links those numbers to every Google account signed in on the device.

That could be a problem for anyone that consciously splits out personal, work, and disposable accounts. Another relationship that a user may want to keep separate between profiles is a phone number associated with a secondary account. And since the feature doesn’t require an explicit opt-in prompt, users might not know anything has changed until they get a verification email.

Back on Reddit, users shared their experiences and theorized about why the process occurs on its own. You can fortunately check the setting yourself. Head over to Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification and disable "Verify phone numbers automatically." Menu labels may vary slightly depending on the device.

But some users also say the setting sometimes turns itself back on after being turned off.

It's worth noting that just turning it off will not delete the current links. Go to the Personal Info page of your Google Account, select Contact info > Phone, and delete your number from any accounts you don’t want it to appear on.

Google says it is for practical reasons. But convenience is no substitute for informed consent. The company hasn’t said why it made such a sharp turn or if it plans to reverse it, officially. Until then, it’s up to you to repeatedly babysit your privacy settings and scrub your number from accounts where it doesn’t belong.

Android Central has contacted Google for comment and will update this story when we hear back.