Android: Google system update for November with new features

Every month, Google releases updates via Play Services and the Play Store. The updates bring new features to smartphones and other products in the Google ecosystem, such as tablets, watches, smart TVs, Android Auto, and Chromebooks, without requiring a full Android update from device manufacturers.

With updates to Play Services version 25.44 and Play Store 48.8, Google is delivering some new features for end-users, while others are specifically for developers. According to the release notes for the November update, the innovations focus on the categories of account management, security & emergencies, and more.

Play Store: New way to manage apps on all devices

One of the new convenience features that Google is delivering with Play Store version 48.8 is the ability to uninstall apps from the Play Store from your smartphone without having it present. Users can now find the “Uninstall” button directly in individual app entries to remove the app from different devices.

Previously, it was only possible to install apps on devices linked to the Google account. The new method, in combination with the filter in the “Manage apps and devices” section, offers more convenient app management.

Also new in the Play Store is the option for users to view all active subscriptions and Play Points collected over the year in the subscription center. This is intended to provide more clarity on ongoing costs and available points.

Play Services: Live videos during emergency calls

The update to Play Services version 25.44, which has been rolled out to users progressively since November 10th, brings a lot of new features for users and developers. On the user side, the feature that allows sharing a live video during emergency calls is noticeable.

With this feature, users can grant dispatchers access to their smartphone camera in emergencies, giving them a better overview of the situation. Google has not yet provided specific information on how the function works.

Other new features included in the Play Services update are some minor ones. For example, before blocking the Gemini app via the parental control settings, users will now receive a confirmation message.

As early as the beginning of November, Google had announced a new parental control feature with version 25.43 of Play Services. At that time, it was stated that Google had made “improvements to the features for parent-managed contacts and the school mode” to simplify parental supervision.

For developers, the updated Play Services version offers new features to support processes in their apps related to Google Maps. This developer feature is not only for smartphone apps but also for apps for cars, TVs, and wearables.

The Play Services update from October 2025 included, among other things, an optional nudity detection for videos for Google Messages.

(afl)