Google Could Soon Introduce a Simplified Version of Fuchsia OS to Android. Google, known for its flagship operating systems Android and ChromeOS, has been quietly developing another operating system called Fuchsia OS since 2016. Initially launched on the first-generation Nest Hub in 2021, Fuchsia OS is now set to play a more significant role in Google’s ecosystem.

According to a report by Android Authority, Google developers are working on a simplified version of Fuchsia OS that can run on a virtual machine within Android devices. While the specifics of Fuchsia OS functionality in Android remain unclear, it is speculated that this integration could enhance efficiency and flexibility.

Fuchsia OS, an open-source operating system, is distinct from Android as it is not built on the Linux kernel but on Zircon, a microkernel. Google claims that the microkernel architecture can “reduce the amount of trusted code running in the system,” potentially offering a new level of security and stability.

Although it is unlikely that Fuchsia OS will replace Android or ChromeOS, it could serve as an alternative to Microdroid, a lighter version of Android designed for on-device virtual machines. By potentially replacing Microdroid, Fuchsia OS could improve workload performance and security.

In April, Google launched a project called Microfuchsia, aiming to make Fuchsia OS bootable on devices through virtualization. Recent patches submitted to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) reference the Microfuchsia project, indicating ongoing development and integration efforts.

Google has already demonstrated the capabilities of running virtual machines on Android. The company showcased ChromeOS on a Pixel device, calling it Ferrochrome, to highlight Android 15’s virtualization capabilities.

Although Google later clarified that Ferrochrome was merely a proof of concept, the development of an app called “Ferrochrome launcher” suggests continued experimentation with virtualization on Android, potentially involving Fuchsia OS.

The future deployment of Fuchsia OS and its role in the development of Android and ChromeOS remains to be seen. However, it is evident that Fuchsia OS is poised to impact Google’s future operating system releases significantly.

WhatsApp is set to revolutionize user experience with an innovative AI feature that allows users to create AI-generated avatars of themselves in any imagined setting. This exciting development was uncovered by WABetaInfo in the latest WhatsApp Beta for the Android 2.24.14.13 update and has been further detailed by The Verge.

The new feature utilizes a combination of images, text prompts, and Meta’s AI Llama model to generate personalized images. According to a screenshot from WhatsApp, users can take photos of themselves once and then use text prompts such as “Imagine in…” or “@Meta AI imagine me…” to visualize themselves in various settings, from a dense forest to the expanse of outer space.

This feature, integrated into the Meta AI Chat, offers users the ability to create unique, personalized avatars by simply typing a prompt. The AI then uses the user’s likeness to generate the requested image, making for a highly customized and creative user experience.

While the exact release date for the wider rollout of this feature remains unclear, it is reported to be an optional addition to the app. This means users can choose whether or not to utilize the AI image generator.

In addition to this new AI feature, WhatsApp has recently introduced in-app custom stickers, which can be created in seconds, and has been developing its AI chat capabilities for several months. These updates indicate that Meta is committed to enhancing both AI integration and in-app creativity on WhatsApp.

With the upcoming AI image generator, WhatsApp continues to push the boundaries of user interaction and creativity, demonstrating a clear focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to enrich the user experience.

Valve is enhancing the gaming experience on Steam with the introduction of a new background gameplay recording and sharing feature, now available in beta. This update aims to provide gamers with console-like video recording capabilities directly within the Steam platform.

The new features include two recording modes, Background Recording and On-Demand Recording.

Background Recording automatically saves gameplay footage to a designated drive, allowing users to set specific duration and storage limits. On-demand recording gives players the flexibility to start and stop recording at their discretion.

To improve usability, Valve has introduced a timeline feature and the ability to add event markers, which helps players pinpoint significant moments in their gameplay. The system supports automatic marker generation for achievements, screenshots, and specific in-game events in supported titles.

Additionally, Valve has revamped the Recordings & Screenshots interface, providing “lightweight” tools for clipping and editing videos. A simplified sharing option allows players to post videos directly into chat sessions or to broader audiences with a single click. Videos can be shared across devices—from Steam Deck to PC, for instance—or sent as temporary MP4 links via the Steam Mobile App or a QR code.

A standout feature is the new Replay mode, accessible from the Steam Overlay, which lets players review their recent gameplay to analyze mistakes or revisit important game moments.

For developers, Valve offers a new SDK and API to integrate and enhance the recording features within their games.

Steam users interested in testing the beta can enable it by navigating to Settings > Interface > Beta Participation in their Steam client and selecting the Beta option. Game recording settings are adjustable via Settings > Game Recording.

Valve anticipates a public release following the beta phase, once all potential issues are resolved. This feature set represents a significant leap forward in making advanced gameplay recording accessible to the vast community of Steam gamers.