Google preps Find Hub separation alerts ahead of Pixel Tag sale, adds Android features

Android Authority said code in Find Hub indicates the separation reminders are in development for item tags, headsets and other supported accessories. Users will be able to set trusted exclusion zones to silence separation alerts at specific places, such as home, either globally or per device. The feature also appeared in the October Google Play Services Update changelog, according to the report.

Upcoming Find Hub controls will let users move notification and reverse-ringing settings between devices without unpairing and re-enrolling accessories, Android Authority reported. The publication said it found more clues in Find Hub indicating progress on these tracking accessory features.

In the Play Store update to v53.8, Google is adding gaming features. Ask Play responses will soon show relevant videos with citations and timestamps, Android Authority reported. The Sidekick overlay is getting a "Playbacks" utility that retroactively records the last 30 seconds of gameplay and stores the video locally for later access. Users will also be able to share Play Shorts via a link that recipients can open on Android devices, iOS devices and the web.

Google Play Services v26.42 adds the ability to connect Android XR glasses to a smartphone, according to the report. The update also allows true wireless stereo earbuds to pair silently in the background without changes to notifications, audio or vibration. Android Authority reported that the release improves loading speeds on the Google One storage management page, fixes bugs, improves how earthquake and crisis alerts are displayed and adds developer features.

The report said Google Play Services v26.42 also includes a new menu in Google Account settings, bug fixes for Device Connections services and new developer features for Google and third-party app developers supporting device connectivity. It also includes bug fixes for System Management & Diagnostics services on PC.