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Showing posts from January, 2023

Leaked Nothing Ear (2) renders reveal more of the same, hint at customizable ANC

Renders of the Nothing Ear (2) have leaked and show minimal changes from its predecessor. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/uzJpk1H

The Nothing Phone (2) doesn't need a U.S. release

Nothing is going more premium with the Nothing Phone (2) and aiming for a proper release on U.S. carriers, but this is a mistake others have already made. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/0d3fTsX

Jumbo Privacy has all the tools you need to protect your online footprint

Jumbo Privacy can help you maintain a safer presence on the internet once you figure out all the settings. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/iydVam4

Meta may be working on a new version of its previously canceled smartwatch

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Credit: Kuba Wojciechowski Meta may be developing a new version of its previously canceled smartwatch. A leak claims the watch could use a custom version of Android that’s not Wear OS and run on a Qualcomm chip. The device is reportedly very similar in physical build to the first iteration of the smartwatch. The parent company of Facebook , Meta, may not be done with its plans to compete in the smartwatch market quite yet. A new leak suggests the social media behemoth is once again working on a smartwatch device. Last year in November, we reported that Meta was taking measures to be a leaner and more efficient company after laying off over 11,000 employees. To do so, the company cut some of its projects that were still in development. This included multiple smartwatch projects, one of which — codenamed Milan — was scheduled to go on sale in 2023 for around $349. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ZiTMQog

Acer's latest batch of Chromebooks are coming to a classroom near you

Acer has announced four new Chromebooks, all of which will be available starting in April. These are education-focused, offering a balance of power, portability, and durability. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/rqHb7Ap

What is Disney Plus with ads?

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Disney Plus has become one of the top-tier streamers since its launch in 2019. With a huge subscriber base in the U.S. and an expanded library internationally through its Star and Hotstar services, Disney Plus is one of the more essential streamers. In late 2022, the company rolled out Disney Plus with ads to attract even more subscribers. Related: Are ad-supported streaming services worth it? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/snAjogq

Best Android VPN apps in 2023

There are plenty of Android VPN apps available, but how do you know which is the best? We've done the hard work, so you don't have to. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/LlRfPgh

AC Podcast 590: Is AI actually intelligent?

Searching for intelligent life from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/3OJ7wYn

The best Cricket Wireless deals: Free phones, and more

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Cricket Wireless is the no-contract subsidiary of AT&T , offering customers a way to get affordable smartphones with cheap prepaid plans. While many of Cricket’s smartphones are already priced pretty reasonably, some special Cricket deals stand out right now. We’ve compiled the best Cricket deals in this post, but please note that various terms and conditions apply. Cricket mainly offers savings on phones when you join the carrier, although they have occasional price drops on plans. To learn more about what Cricket offers in terms of plans, check out our Cricket Wireless buyer’s guide . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/0MB1xEG

Official Galaxy S23 images and details get leaked by AT&T

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Credit: AT&T An AT&T store post about the Galaxy S23 has gone live. The post provides a description of the phone and official specs. It also shows official images of the Galaxy S23 in all four colors. Samsung’s February Unpacked event is so close you can almost smell it. But it appears that we’ve gotten official Galaxy S23 details ahead of the show thanks to a new leak. It was expected that we’d see Samsung introduce the world to the Galaxy S23 on February 1. And due to multiple leaks leading up to the event, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Samsung’s next flagship. However, today’s leak gives strong support to everything we’ve heard up until now. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/x6PRsEJ

Is the Garmin InReach Messenger worth buying?

This pricey device goes well beyond what a satellite phone can do, letting you send your location and check-in messages to family or contact emergency services with no cellular signal. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/D3uFpPx

10 best Android lock screen apps and lock screen replacement apps

The Android lock screen has evolved many times over the years. There have been various slide-to-unlock methods and OEMs have always put their own spin on things. As it turns out, there are also a lot of lock screen apps in the Play Store that can do even more. These days, we usually recommend people just use a fingerprint scanner to bypass the lock screen altogether. It’s okay if you don’t want to do that, though. Here are the best lock screen apps for Android. It’s important to note that lock screen apps are a bit of a dying breed. Most biometric unlock methods bypass the lock screen entirely, and a lot of people don’t even look at it anymore aside from maybe checking a notification or the time. Plus, nearly all Android phones come with always-on displays by default, a feature that used to require an app. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/NgUyOEa

The Pixel Tablet could come with two dock options

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Credit: Google The Pixel Tablet could come with two different docking options. One dock could be a combination of a speaker and a charger, while the other might be a charging-only station. The Pixel Tablet is due to launch later this year and has been doing the rounds in leak land for a while now. Before the weekend, we saw some photos of the device and also heard some details about the unannounced Pixel Tablet Pro thanks to code hunter and tipster Kuba Wojciechowski . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/DdOaCTm

One UI 5.1 changes leaked, including exclusive Galaxy S23 features.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority A new leak has detailed many of the ew features coming to Galaxy phones with Oen UI 5.1. The list includes some exclusive Galaxy S23 series software tricks. Samsung’s Galaxy S23 flagships are set to launch on February 1 with One UI 5.1 on board. The new software is also expected to trickle down to older Galaxy flagships , but it looks like it will have some exclusive features for the Galaxy S23 series at the beginning. Thanks to a detailed leak from WinFuture , we now have a good sense of the new One UI 5.1 features and changes. The software will bring a number of functional improvements instead of significant design changes. We’ve pasted the complete leaked One UI 5.1 changelog at the end of this article. For now, let’s talk about some of the most prominent changes the new software is set to bring. One UI 5.1: What’s new? One UI 4 Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority from Android Authority https://ift.tt/N...

Here’s what it’s like using the Nothing Phone 1 in the United States

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority When the Nothing Phone 1 landed in the middle of 2022, US buyers were disappointed to hear that it would not come to the United States. A lack of carrier partnerships and a lack of proven marketability were likely the primary reasons behind this move. However, just because the phone isn’t sold here doesn’t mean you can’t use the Nothing Phone 1 in the US. You just can’t buy one and have it shipped to a US address. This slightly changed at the beginning of 2023. Nothing opened up a new paid beta program for US buyers. For $299, you get a Nothing Phone 1 and early access to a beta version of Nothing OS 1.5, based on Android 13 . This program ends on June 30, 2023, but beta testers can keep the phone permanently. Nothing makes it clear that certain things won’t work properly, but the core experience should be OK. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VfzPK5O

Asus Zenfone 9 revisited: The good and the bad, six months later

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Options are somewhat limited if you’re after flagship hardware in a compact form factor. Although Apple and Samsung offer smaller entry-level models for those who want a phone that will more comfortably fit in their pocket, they’re perhaps not the most unique compact phones . Enter 2022’s Asus Zenfone 9, a little phone with a 5.9-inch display that tries its best not to scrimp on flagship specifications. Despite a few hardware omissions, we quite liked most of what we found during our Zenfone 9 review testing. Its design, performance, and additional software gestures earned the handset a solid four out of five. But what’s the phone like to use six months after it was first revealed and over four months after it hit the market? Is it still worth buying? Let’s find out. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/wl9iQdN

QuietOn 3.1 sleep earbuds review: Drowning out the competition at a hefty price

The QuietOn 3.1 earbuds aren't your typical pair of headphones; they're designed to muffle snoring and other distracting nighttime noises, but does that justify the high price? from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/BJZN0Og

Forget more megapixels, your next phone’s camera could offer whiter teeth

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Qualcomm and MediaTek have both announced their new generation flagship processors in the last couple of months, set to power 2023’s high-end smartphones. In fact, we’ve already seen phones launching with these chipsets, such as the OnePlus 11 , Xiaomi 13 series , and Vivo X90 range . The processors bring increased horsepower, hardware-based ray tracing, and satellite connectivity, but it definitely seems like more of an evolutionary year in terms of classical camera capabilities. Both Mediatek and Qualcomm’s high-end chips don’t see major changes in terms of photo and video resolutions or frame rates. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kBF5swa

YouTube Music has a pesky censorship bug on Nest Hubs; here’s how to bypass it

My wife got me a Google Nest Hub for Christmas this year, and I am a big fan. I keep it in the kitchen and jam out to some music while we cook food. It’s loud enough to use when we’re in the adjacent living room and dining room as well. So, it came as a surprise to me when one day, it randomly stopped playing music through YouTube Music . I checked to see what was happening and saw a sensitive content warning on the display. I couldn’t get it to go away and play the song. I couldn’t even skip that problematic song. All I could do is go back, which just goes back to the home screen and awaits further instructions. After testing, and asking the internet, I found a way to bypass it. However, it’s not a very good system. Let’s discuss the issue and how to bypass it. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/WfdLgsO

The Pixel 5 is the most underrated Pixel to date and I wish it had a successor

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Opinion post by Rita El Khoury A few weeks ago, I completely reset my Pixel 5 , packed it up, and sent it to my mom to replace her old, dying smartphone. Even though I hadn’t used that Pixel 5 for over a year as my daily driver, I still felt a pang of nostalgia as I let it go. Sure, knowing it’ll be used every day and that my mom will get the Pixel’s exclusive features and excellent camera is better than leaving it in a drawer for months on end, but still, this particular Pixel was pretty dang special. Google released the Pixel 5 at the most uncertain of times. 2020 was a weird year for most humans and smartphones weren’t the top priority for those of us stuck in the middle of a pandemic. The phone was a child of its time — small, unassuming, and practical. To date, I think the Pixel 5 is the most underrated phone in Google’s line-up and it got so harshly treated by everyone who didn’t use it. Or those who barely used it for a...

Are ad-supported streaming services worth it?

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Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority The streaming market has been on a wild ride for the last few years. During the early days of lockdowns, Netflix and other streaming services saw massive subscriber gains as more of us stayed indoors. All good things must come to an end, though, and 2022 was a much rougher year for streaming services as inflation ran amok. It also didn’t help that many of us started returning to our everyday lives. As subscriber growth slowed down, many of us also trimmed down how many streaming services we subscribe to. To counter this change in the market, many streaming services are now pushing ad-supported tiers. We’re also seeing established paid services spinning off their own FAST (free ad-supported streaming) alternatives, such as Amazon’s Freevee . Personally, I don’t mind ads. Sure, I’d rather do without them, but I can’t deny that it’s an easy way to save some cash. Unfortunately, the current state of ads isn’t without a few quirks or sacri...

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week – Android Apps Weekly

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Welcome to the 469th edition of Android Apps Weekly . Here are the big headlines from the last week. India’s Supreme Court upheld a court ruling this week in regard to how Google handles Android. The ruling requires Google to allow OEMs to choose which Google apps to include, lets users choose their search engine of choice, and a host of other changes. The changes may change how Google handles Android in other parts of the world as well. Hit the link to learn more. Google reportedly has over 20 AI products in development right now. The company shifted to AI to compete with ChatGPT, which is a much larger disruption than Google thought. Some products are for developers, and others are going to be useful to us consumers. That includes a possible chatbot function within Google Search. We’ll keep you updated if any of these projects release to the public. Apple is allegedly in a silent war against Google . The company is apparently investing in a variety of products to combat Google ...

How to take notes on the Amazon Kindle Scribe

Before you buy the Kindle Scribe, you'll want to know how, exactly, note-taking works and whether or not you can use those notes for work or school. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/1T9kPag

The 20 best movies to watch on Amazon Freevee

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Credit: Amazon Amazon Freevee is the video streaming service that’s not quite Amazon Prime Video . Unlike that service, where you have to pay a subscription fee to access its lineup of movies and TV shows, Freevee offers thousands of TV series and movies completely for free, with some ads that are dropped in before and during the films. The free streaming service has a pretty solid library of titles, but what are the best movies on Freevee, at least currently? We have 20 movies that we think are worth your time, and they are all currently available on Freevee. You can access the service now at the link below: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/qgnNwz7

Google agrees to address issues and offer clear information to EU users

Google's latest agreement with the European Commission deals with providing clear information for consumers using its services. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/lGrcBO7

Last chance offer! Reserve a Galaxy S23 and save $50 — no payment required today

Samsung Unpacked is only a few days away, so now's your last chance to reserve the new Galaxy devices and save up to $100. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/rbdJVZn

New Galaxy S23 leak appears to further confirm custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip

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A new leak regarding the Galaxy S23 has emerged. The leak seems to confirm a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip may be used for the Galaxy S23 series. The leak also seems to confirm a downgraded selfie camera for the Ultra. Even though we’re less than a week away from launch day, Galaxy S23 leaks keep on coming in. This time, a leak is seemingly confirming the chip that may be used in the flagship and a camera downgrade for the Ultra. Reliable leaker Roland Quandt took to Twitter today to show off two new images. These images seem to further support what we’ve heard about the Galaxy S23 lineup. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/O4HieN5

The 20 best TV shows on Freevee to binge watch

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Credit: Amazon Amazon Freevee is not just the place to watch movies for free you can’t find on its sister paid service Amazon Prime Video . It’s also the place to binge-watch some great television series as well. But what are the best TV shows on Freevee? The free streaming service has a pretty solid library of titles, ranging from classics of the 1960s to more modern shows. We have picked 20 TV shows currently available on Freevee, and we think you will enjoy all of them. Most are older shows, but there are a few exclusive and original series to check out as well. You can access the service now and start watching. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/paes6h8

Garmin Bounce vs. Garmin Vivofit Jr 3

While both the Garmin Bounce and Garmin vivofit jr. 3 are designed for kids, they actually have some very different features that could sway your decision to one over the other. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/g2t9Obu

40% price drop on the Amazon Fire HD 8, and more tablet deals

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Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority Tablets haven’t replaced laptops like some predicted they would, but they’re still popular gadgets for work and play on the go. Apple keeps improving the iPad line, and Amazon’s Fire tablets are as affordable as ever. We’ve tracked down some of the best tablet deals available right now to help you choose. See also: Best tablet guide from Android Authority https://ift.tt/npZXlGM

Best Oculus Quest 2 headphones 2023

While the Oculus Quest 2 has its own audio solution built-in, many people prefer headphones a little more tailored to their preferences. Here are the best headphones for the Oculus Quest 2. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/KVtqylR

Samsung will use Snapdragon for the Galaxy S23 and other flagships globally

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority A report claims Samsung will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip on all Galaxy S23 models globally. Rumor suggests that Samsung will continue to rely on Snapdragon until it’s done developing its own chip. Thanks to numerous leaks and rumors, it’s already expected that Samsung will stray away from using its Exynos processor on the Galaxy S23 series in favor of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip. However, a new report claims Samsung may continue down this path for other flagships as well. According to the publication Daum , Samsung plans to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in all global models of the Galaxy S23 lineup. This may not come as a surprise as we’ve reported before that Samsung may use a souped-up version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on all three phones. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uDjfk0G

Don’t pay! Free streaming content is everywhere: Best free shows on YouTube

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority As traditional streaming services raise the price, you might find yourself looking for more free streaming content. Luckily there are plenty of sources, including YouTube. YouTube has had free, ad-supported movies on its service for a while now for folks who simply don’t want to pay for premium streaming services like Netflix or Disney Plus . However, recently, Google added some free YouTube TV shows to the mix as well. While the selection of free YouTube TV shows is pretty bare-bones, there are a few gems in here that you can check out for free. You can also get rid of the ads as one of the features of YouTube Premium . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Ea5UoVY

Best Android phones under $200 in 2023

These days, you don't need to spend $1,000 to get a good Android experience. If you need a new phone but only have $200 budgeted for it, your best best is Android and these are the phones you should consider first. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/IZw5AHq

Save 38% on the Amazon Halo View, and more great smartwatch deals

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Smartwatches have cemented themselves as staples of any tech collection, but they’re not all created equal. Some, like Fitbit , excel at health tracking while others, like Fossil watches, are focused more on fashion. But one thing we love about any smartwatch is saving money on a great deal. Related: The best smartwatches you can buy from Android Authority https://ift.tt/TSq8pC4

Amazon Kindle Scribe review: A 'flagship' e-ink tablet with budget hardware

While the Kindle Scribe could be a much more tempting buy with some software updates, you have every reason to wait and see if Amazon can pull it off. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/uUfWHGs

Galaxy S23 series to be the first phone to use Gorilla Glass Victus 2

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Corning confirmed that Samsung’s next flagship will be the first phone to sport the latest generation of Gorilla Glass. The new version of Gorilla Glass improves drop performance and scratch resistance. It’s likely the glass will be used to protect both sides of the device like the S22. Looks like it’s going to be a lot harder to damage the Galaxy S23 than the Galaxy S22. Samsung’s next flagship phone will be getting the latest version of Gorilla Glass the maker confirms. Today, Corning announced that the Samsung Galaxy S23 family will be the first smartphone to be protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The reveal doesn’t come as much of a surprise since this has been a trend with Samsung being the first to get the original version of Victus and the S22 being the first to get Victus Plus. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/S2jFQUB

Boosteroid offers an alternative cloud gaming solution for Chromebooks

Boosteroid has been available as an alternative cloud gaming solution for almost a year. However, a new update brings Boosteroid's PWA to the Play Store, along with a free trial for Chromebook owners. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/FMvu5Ni

Apple engaged in “silent war” against Google fueled by grudge over Android

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Former Apple engineers claim Apple is still engaged in a “silent war” against Google. Apple is reportedly ramping up the fight by taking steps to separate itself from features offered by Alphabet. Apple’s plan is taking a three-pronged approach. It’s no secret that Apple and Google aren’t exactly on the friendliest of terms. But it seems the rivalry is even colder than it appears as Apple works to separate its mobile operating system from the features Google’s parent company, Alphabet, offers. According to a report from the Financial Times , former Apple engineers claim that the company still holds a grudge against Google over Android. They also claim the industry behemoth is engaged in a “silent war” with Google, hoping to separate its products from Google’s services. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/watN4Go

Save 36% on the Skagen Gen 6, and more fitness tracker deals

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Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority A fitness tracker is one of the most helpful gadgets when it comes to getting in shape . It won’t magically make you fit, but it can keep you on top of your fitness goals and stay motivated. Some manufacturers even offer fitness trackers just for kids . We’ve gathered deals from all of the major players, and you can check out our favorites below. Related: The best smartwatches you can buy from Android Authority https://ift.tt/FVdczv2

Big changes in store for Android in India, may affect it globally in the future

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Google is making changes to Android in India following a ruling from the Competition Commission of India. The changes will things like allowing sideloaded apps and app stores, user choice billing, default search engine choice, and more. It’s possible that this change could affect how Android operates in other parts of the world. After India’s Supreme Court upheld an antitrust order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) last Thursday, Google was ordered to change how it runs its Android platform. The company has now revealed how it plans to comply with the country’s laws and regulations, which could lead to big changes for Android in other parts of the world in the future. Today, Google announced that it’s making some major updates to Android and Google Play in India to follow directives laid out by the CCI. The key changes coming to the ecosystem Google pointed out include: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mqhBZz...

Android 13's successor could make it impossible to sideload outdated apps

Google appears to be working on implementing stricter restrictions on apps that target older versions of Android, beginning with Android 14. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/TGYd1OB

Are Garmin Bounce watch bands replaceable?

The Garmin Bounce is designed for kids who might want to change up the look from one of the three band colors it comes with. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/x9eNO7t

Google may rollout new Fast Pair feature when the Galaxy S23 launches

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google could make it easier to set up your next Android phone. Lines of code hint that Google could add Android phones to the list of devices supported by Fast Pair. Google may be planning to roll out support on the same day as the Galaxy S23 launch The purpose of Android’s Fast Pair feature is to make it faster and easier to set up new devices. Right now it supports devices such as headphones and smartwatches, and will provide support for tracker tags and styluses eventually. A recent APK teardown suggests Google could be adding a new device to that list soon — Android phones. Lines of code found during an APK teardown suggest that Google is planning to add support for Android phones, based on a report from 9To5Google . Once the ability is added to Fast Pair, it would essentially take the pain out of setting up a new phone. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Q3adKLc

The Best Super Bowl TV deals on the web today: $79.99 smart TVs, $1,000 price drops, and more

Football's Big Game is just around the corner, so get ready to catch all of the thrilling action (and a lot of commercials) with one of these outstanding TV deals. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/pr3n6Mg

DOJ files lawsuit against Google for having a digital ad monopoly

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The US Department of Justice has officially filed a lawsuit against Google. The DOJ claims Google created a digital ad market that unfairly favors its own products. The DOJ is joined by eight states in its complaint. Google found itself in a lot of legal trouble in 2022. For example, it was sued for reportedly collecting location data even after users disabled it. It also was sued for reportedly gathering the biometric data of people in Texas without their explicit consent. For 2023, it seems like the company will continue to struggle with legal issues as it was just sued for its digital ad market. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially filed a lawsuit against Google, according to TechCrunch . In the suit, the DOJ argues that the search giant has a monopolistic grip over the digital ad market that allows it to unfairly favor its own products. Joined in the suit are eight states that include New York, California, Colorado, and others. from Android Authority ht...

Roborock’s Dyad Pro is a smart vac and mop without robot prices

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Roborock revealed a minor surprise at CES 2023 in the form of the Dyad Pro, a smart vacuum that isn’t a true robot like its new S8 line. Instead of piloting itself, you control it like a conventional stand-up unit — the difference being that it can switch between suction and mopping automatically, so there’s no need for a separate mop, or even switching out attachments. I recently had the chance to test it out, and for the most part, I was pretty pleased. About this Roborock Dyad Pro review: I tested the Roborock Dyad Pro for one week. The unit was provided by Roborock, but the company had no say in the direction of published content. Roborock Dyad Pro Seamless vac and mop functions Smart app control Light and maneuverable See Review MSRP $ 449.99 $449.99 at Amazon Roborock Dyad Pro features and design from Android Authority https://ift.tt/K5uUsW2