Pixels get Android Canary 2509, call recording in US & UK, Samsung copies Pixel Quick Settings & more

It’s been a packed week for Google and Pixel fans, and we’ve been keeping close track. Earlier this week, we covered the Pixel Watch app’s big revamp with on-device AI, as well as updates ranging from a Pixel-style Chromebook to expanded Pixel 10’s Gemini-powered photo editing. We also highlighted issues with the Pixel 10’s ring stand accessory, the Pro XL display win, and more, alongside coverage of Tensor G5’s GPU clock speed tests, mic issues, and a Now Playing bug on multiple Pixel devices.

Now, in the last 24 hours, even more Pixel-related news has emerged. From the latest Android Canary 2509 update going live to call recording appearing in the US and UK, and Samsung borrowing from Pixel’s Quick Settings playbook. Here’s a quick rundown.

Android Canary 2509 goes live

Google has quietly pushed out Android Canary 2509 (ZP11.250829.007 / .008 for Pixel Tablet), marking the latest highly experimental release in the newly restructured Canary channel. Unlike the old Developer Previews, flashing once now ensures monthly OTA updates without reflashing, but with a big warning: Canary builds are unstable and may carry bugs or incomplete features.

The release brings updated SDK system images for nearly every Pixel model from the 6 series to the new Pixel 10 lineup, plus GSI. Developers are encouraged to test APIs, and Google is actively seeking feedback via a short survey.

Pixel call recording makes a comeback

Another notable sighting comes via the Google Phone app’s latest beta (193.0.809761572-publicbeta), where some users are spotting full call recording options on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. The feature, long restricted due to regional laws, appears to be resurfacing alongside Call Notes and Magic Cue in the Call Assist suite.

Currently, the rollout seems limited with sightings in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, but Google’s updated support page hints that Pixel 6 and later, plus Android 9+ devices, will eventually be supported. The UI places the toggle right under Caller ID & Spam, with recordings accessible from Recents.

Samsung follows Pixel’s Quick Settings playbook

While Google reshaped Quick Settings in Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive update, Samsung is preparing to borrow the same trick. Leaks of One UI 8.5 reveal resizable Quick Panel toggles, a feature that debuted first on Pixel. Users will be able to resize individual tiles, sliders, and widgets — giving Galaxy users the same level of control Pixel owners already enjoy.

Expect this update with the Galaxy S26 series launch, with older devices likely receiving it in early 2026.

Tensor G5 deep dive on Made by Google podcast

Google’s latest podcast episode spotlights the Tensor G5 chip inside Pixel 10 and the hidden tricks ushering in the era of the “AI phone”. Beyond the basics, the episode dives into how the silicon drives voice-based Live Translate, agentic Magic Cue, and even 100x ProRes Zoom on the Pixel 10 Pro.

For those who want more than surface-level takes, we unpacked the hidden gems from the episode in this piece. The full podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 get an update

Rounding things off, Google has also rolled out a fresh Pixel Buds Pro 2 update arriving as version 4.467. According to the official support thread, the firmware adds adaptive audio, loud noise protection, head gestures, and clear Gemini Live interactions in noisy environments alongside the usual stability and performance improvements.

This week has already been dense with Pixel news. From the Pixel Watch app revamp and on-device AI covered yesterday, to earlier highlights like Pixel-style Chromebook and Pixel 10 photo editing expanding to more Android users. Now, with Android Canary 2509, a potential call recording revival, and Samsung taking cues from Google’s Quick Settings, the Pixel ecosystem continues to stay at the center of Android’s rapid evolution.