Google Messages may soon make it easier to add new people to group chats. The company is working on a new feature that will let users invite people through a simple link or QR code.

Google first started developing this feature in May last year. However, it has not yet been released to all users. Now, a recent beta version of Google Messages shows that the invite link feature is working. This suggests that Google could launch it soon.

Once available, users will see an “Invite via link” option in their group chat settings. They can turn the feature on or off whenever they want.

Users will be able to copy the invite link and send it to others. They can also share it directly through Google Messages or other apps. Google Messages will also create a QR code, which people can scan to join the group chat.

Image – SammyFans

Google is also adding a useful security feature. Invite links and QR codes will automatically reset every 30 days. Group members can also reset them manually whenever they want. This can help prevent an old link from being used by unwanted people.

When invite links are turned on, Google Messages will show a notification in the group chat. Members can tap it to open the invite link settings. The feature has been in development for a long time, but Google has not announced an official release date yet.

Since the feature is now working in the beta version, it could become available to Google Messages users in a future update. However, users will have to wait for Google to officially release it.

YouTube Premium users may soon have to pay more for their subscriptions. Reports from Europe suggest that YouTube could increase its Premium prices again, just a few months after the last price hike.

Some users in countries including Portugal and Italy have reportedly received emails about higher prices. The individual plan could reportedly increase from €17.99 to €20.99 per month. The family plan could also become more expensive, reaching €29.99 per month.

In Finland, some users have reported a smaller increase. Their individual plan could go from €14.99 to €16.99 per month. However, YouTube has not officially confirmed these price changes. It is also not clear if the increases will happen in every European country or reach the US and other markets.

YouTube Premium users in the US already saw a price increase in April 2026. The individual plan went from $13.99 to $15.99 per month.

Premium remains popular because it offers several useful features. Users can watch YouTube without ads, play videos in the background, download videos for offline viewing and use YouTube Music Premium.

Still, repeated price increases may make some people think twice about keeping their subscriptions. Some users have reportedly already canceled their memberships after receiving price increase emails.

For now, YouTube users should wait for an official announcement before expecting a higher monthly bill. The latest price increase reports are still unconfirmed, but if they are true, YouTube Premium could become more expensive for millions of users.

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will make emoji reactions more fun. The company is introducing animated emoji reactions for some Android beta users. With this feature, some emojis will move for a short time when users use them to react to a message.

WhatsApp already allows some emoji to show animations when they are sent as normal messages. Now, the same animations are coming to message reactions.

To use the feature, users simply need to press and hold a message and choose an emoji reaction. If the selected emoji supports animation and the feature is available on the account, the emoji will move once before becoming still.

The feature is currently being tested with some users on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.33.4. WhatsApp is releasing it slowly, so not every beta user will get it at the same time.

Image via WABetaInfo

Currently, only a few emoji have animated reactions. These include Thumbs Up, Red Heart, Face with Tears of Joy, and Folded Hands. WhatsApp plans to add more animated emoji in future updates.

Users who do not like animated emoji can turn off the feature in WhatsApp settings. When disabled, emoji reactions will remain static. The company is also working on other reaction features, including custom emoji reactions.

For now, animated emoji reactions are available only to some Android beta testers. WhatsApp has not confirmed when the feature will be released to all Android users.

Samsung’s latest foldable phones are receiving a new One UI 9 Home app update this weekend. The company is running late on its August 2026 patch rollout, but key Galaxy apps and core One UI utilities are still being updated.

The new Samsung One UI Home app update comes with version 18.0.02.7. It’s available on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. It is expected to be available on select additional models running One UI 9 software.

As spotted by Alfaturk, the latest version aims to “improve the device’s stability.” This is usual changelog content, which often arrives with most updates.

Samsung appears to have polished the system launcher app. The newer foldable phones run Android 17-based One UI 9 official software. Users installing the new One UI Home should have a more reliable user experience.

One UI Home app updates often install in the background. The moment you restart your device, the update triggers itself. However, you can also check if there’s a new version available for installation in Galaxy Store.

Samsung advises Galaxy users to keep updating software and apps. This ensures the Galaxy device offers a reliable and stable user experience.

Galaxy S26 series also has One UI 9 through Beta Program. Samsung is gearing up to expand the Beta testing to more older models soon. The Galaxy S25 and S24 series are the next likely candidates for the Beta Program.

A new One UI Home Screen update has been released for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.‼️

This update improves the device's stability.‼️

Version :18.0.02.7 pic.twitter.com/AmtjgBTBK6

— Alfatürk (@Alfaturk16) August 20, 2026

Using Android Auto has been frustrating for some drivers recently. The service would suddenly stop working, freeze, or disconnect during a drive. Google has now released a new update that aims to solve this problem.

The problem could happen after only a few minutes. First, the audio could stop working, then the screen might freeze, and finally Android Auto could disconnect. This made the service almost useless for some drivers.

The issue affected both wired and wireless Android Auto connections. Some Pixel and Samsung phone users reported the problem. It was also seen with some cars and aftermarket head units.  The problem started for some users with Android Auto 17.1. Sadly, updates 17.2 and 17.3 did not fix it for everyone.

Now, Google says the problem has been fixed in Android Auto 17.4. Users who faced these connection problems should update Android Auto to the latest version. The update should make connections more stable.

Image via Android Auto community

Google has also fixed another Android Auto problem involving Pixel 10 phones. However, this second problem needs a different fix. Owners may need to update the software of their car’s head unit. The update must come from the car manufacturer, so updating Android Auto alone may not solve the issue.

For Android Auto users, the 17.4 update is welcome news. Drivers who were facing regular disconnections should now have a smoother experience. Hopefully, the update will make Android Auto more reliable during everyday drives.