Hello!

I trust 2026 is off to a great start for you.

As January comes to a close I thought this would be a good time to dust off the newsletter and fire out a few updates. I’d like to use this platform a little more this year, so if you’re interested, feel free to reach out with your preferences for what should grace your inbox.

For now.. here are a few updates, as well as advanced notice for changes to Managed Info.

Managed Google Domains for Android Enterprise deployments

Back in December I wrote a short walk-through for managed Google domains. For those unaware, Google’s introduction of what was “Better Together Enterprise” means the approach for all new organisations creating an Android Enterprise bind changed from leveraging @gmail.com accounts to spinning up a full (free) Google cloud/workspace environment. This allows user-assignment of devices, and unlocks some pretty smooth cross-device experiences. Check out the link above for more, and do check out the rest of the Android Enterprise customer community festival content for 2025 here.

Year in review articles for Android Enterprise

Continuing the community contributions, I covered 12 features of AE that shipped in 2025. There were more, naturally.. but one does not simply skip the opportunity for a 12 days of Christmas theme when presented! So much so, I did it for my 2026 wishlist, also. If you’re out there, Googlers, I really need those provisioning-time logs. Thanks <3.

Managed Info is going licence-free

Several recent changes have hit the app to be fair, but the most impactful is the decision to go licence-free for almost all functionality. What does that mean?

• All custom cards - text, video, application & more can be created with no limit

• The app can be themed to your heart’s content. Neon pink text on lime-green backgrounds? Why not.

• Set the device wallpaper, deploy certificates, deploy APK files*
  (*in companion mode).

• Go full-launcher, and build custom application layouts with optional limited app-drawer access or admin-escape panels allowing access to hidden applications on the device

• Managed Settings integration

.. And more, as the project reaches 18 months of development, it’s been a fascinating and eye-opening experience to explore the other side of the Android ecosystem; building solutions for enterprise I’d typically always support.

I’m providing advanced notice here and on the website of this change, as if anyone has previously set licensed configurations, they’ll apply as 1.1.8.0 rolls out over the coming days!

Like the other projects, I don’t see who uses it, only devices checking in.. so this is as much of a heads-up as I can give.

Learn more about Managed Info here, and of course feel free to check out Package Search and Managed Settings while you’re at it! I look forward to hearing how they’re all used in deployments.

Oh, and I’ve updated the name to Info Hub with the aim that it reflects more than just the fixed info/support panel the project started with; it’s becoming something of a handy EMM companion app (not just for APKs, but Location tracking, Device Trust data, and metadata sync are all available to interested partners. Reach out for details!)

What’s new with AMAPI?

Honestly not much has happened since October.

The Android Enterprise team started restricting new GCP projects in November, they now require approval before devices can be enrolled, and new projects come with limits on the number of devices permitted (more can always be requested). Check out the permissible use page here to learn more and ensure your organisation isn’t left in a pickle.

If you’ve wanted a little more functionality around system update policies, as of today there’s an additional API for max days without an update:

I can’t say it’s the system update improvements I’ve been waiting for.. but every little helps!

I’m sure we’ll see a lot of good things emerging as the year ticks forward 😀

To wrap..

Short and sweet to ease into things for this newsletter, feedback is always welcome and I shall catch you on the next one!