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Showing posts from February, 2023

Google Assistant has forgotten how to control smart home devices

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google Assistant is currently having trouble with controlling smart home devices. The issue appears to be happening in the US and other locations. The problem seems to only affect Google Assistant. If you tried to use Google Assistant this morning to do something like activate your lights or turn on your TV, you may have noticed something weird. It appears Google Assistant has forgotten how to control smart home devices. The virtual assistant that can use your voice to control everything from appliances to your robot vacuum is experiencing technical difficulties. Specifically, it appears users are currently unable to get Google Assistant to “understand” prompts related to activating or deactivating a device. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/whjlOsX

How to connect a Chromebook to a TV

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Chromebooks are generally low-end machines, but they can handle many lightweight tasks like content consumption. However, most budget models come with small and often not-so-pleasant screens. So what do you do when you want to watch Netflix or do some game streaming on a Chromebook? You hook it up to a TV, of course. Here are a few ways to connect your Chromebook to a TV. QUICK ANSWER To connect your Chromebook to a TV, the device needs an HDMI port. If it doesn’t have one, you can buy a USB-C dongle with an HDMI port. Either way, connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your TV and the other end to your Chromebook. Alternatively, you can wirelessly cast your TV via Chromecast or Fire TV. KEY SECTIONS How to connect a Chromebook to a TV using HDMI How to Connect a Chromebook to a TV wirelessly Connect using Chromecast Connect using Fire TV How to connect a Chromebook to a TV using HDMI A wired connection is the best way to go about connecting your Chromebook to a TV. TVs...

Pixel owners, beware of this scary YouTube video

Pixel phones are encountering an odd problem when trying to watch a YouTube video. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/NTDzUJE

Samsung could be working on a Galaxy smart ring and AR glasses

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Samsung filed two trademarks at the Korean Intellectual Property Right Information Service. The trademarks are for a Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Glasses. The ring is described as a smart device for measuring health indicators or sleep. The glasses are tagged as “smart glasses,” “headphone,” “headset for virtual reality experience,” “headset for augmented reality experience.” During Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in early February, the company revealed its plans to work on extended reality devices. Although Samsung didn’t share any details back then, a freshly filed trademark hints that its first product may be AR glasses. And another trademark suggests those glasses may be joined by a smart ring. During all the commotion at MWC 2023, Samsung appears to have filed two new trademarks at Korea’s patent and trademark office — Korean Intellectual Property Right Information Service (KIPRIS). According to Wearable , one of the trademarks...

AC Podcast 593: Samsung Galaxy Ultra Iterative

Samsung, Sony, and Fitbit in the news from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/vVEwPjq

Record-low price on the SKAGEN Falster 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. There’s quite a lot of overlap between smartwatches and fitness trackers these days. If you’re looking first and foremost for smartwatch functionality, you might prefer to peruse our list of the best smartwatch deals available right now. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/JYhsjCz

OnePlus showed off a really cool new concept phone at MWC 2023

OnePlus showed off a unique version of the OnePlus 11 at MWC 2023 with a new Active CryoFlux cooling design. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/gC8T0na

The best Cricket Wireless deals: Get a free Samsung Galaxy A14

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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 be aware that various terms and conditions apply. Cricket mainly offers phone savings 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/h2sM5gt

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook might be the battery champ of the year

There are plenty of powerful Chromebooks out there, but if you're okay with sacrificing performance for battery life, then the IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is perfect for you. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/HrVUo6u

Lenovo launches a slew of laptops, including one made out of food

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Lenovo launched over a dozen laptops at MWC 2023. Of them, the Z13 is the most unique, with a cover made of flaxseed scraps. There are also Chromebooks, a new tiny-in-one, and a new high-tier support service. Mobile World Congress 2023 is officially on, and Lenovo is pulling out all the stops. The company launched over a dozen laptops in its Z, X, T, E, and L lines. It also launched a new tiny-in-one and a new service that promises the highest level of support from the company. There’s a lot to get through, so let’s dive in. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/oMS4aBA

TCL's MWC 2023 announcement shows the company's commitment to the budget market

TCL is already making waves in the TV space following some major announcements, and now it's shifting focus to the smartphone and tablet market. There are four new phones and two new tablets set to arrive just in time for the summer break. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/vXOjahd

Xiaomi 13 Pro review: Taking the fight to the Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is now official, and it brings Leica-tuned optics and a slate of exciting new features. Could this be the ideal alternative to the Galaxy S23 Ultra? Let's find out. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/ECXQl1x

Garmin vívomove Trend review: Gorgeous, casual, finicky

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better hybrid option for both looks and Garmin perks, but this watch won't be for everyone. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Cnmu0sW

TCL NXTPAPER 11 hands-on: Glare today, gone tomorrow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU9P0uu8yeM&feature=youtu.be TCL introduced its NXTPAPER technology a few years ago, essentially being a fancy term for a matte display. Now, the company has announced the NXTPAPER 11 Android tablet just prior to MWC 2023 , using NXTPAPER 2.0 tech. The new tablet is an 11-inch slate meant to be used in landscape orientation, although it works just as well in portrait orientation. TCL’s tablet weighs in at 460 grams, but this weight is well-balanced and it’s relatively thin, to boot. But the star of the show here is the aforementioned NXTPAPER 2.0 tech. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/607wXok

Gmail's visual refresh makes it more friendly with foldable phones

Google has rolled out a UI refresh for the Gmail app on foldable phones to better take advantage of the wider screen. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/kia9bcH

Is your Galaxy S23 Ultra having Wi-Fi issues? You're not alone

Have you found that your Galaxy S23 Ultra won't stay connected to your home Wi-Fi network? You're not alone, and apparently, Samsung knows that this is an issue. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/EDe6FXb

How to change your Minecraft name

Your Minecraft name is usually your Gamertag for whatever platform you play on. It identifies you to other players in multiple games, including Minecraft. There are ways to change your Minecraft name on each platform and also on the Java and Bedrock editions. We’ll walk you through the steps of changing your Minecraft name on every available platform, although it may not be the best idea in some cases. Please note that there are several old versions that aren’t in active development and also aren’t sold anymore. They include the PlayStation 4 Edition, Nintendo Switch Edition, Pocket Edition, and Xbox One Edition of Minecraft. We do still show you how to change your name in those old versions of the game in the FAQ section at the bottom of this article. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/PGQA8qB

Poll: Now that the PS VR2 is out, do you plan to buy one?

Sony has released the PS VR2 with improved hardware and a great lineup of games. Are you interested in purchasing one? from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/OKFNjX8

Frankenstein’s earbuds would sound monstrously good

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Credit: Thomas Triggs / Android Authority Despite frequently hopping between some of the best wireless earbuds , I still don’t feel like I’ve found my perfect pair. It’s not that any models I’ve used are bad in their own right. It’s more that I like each of them for different and specific reasons. Between the Samsung, Sony, and other buds at my disposal, I have an orchestra full of features that I enjoy. But it’s a pain having to switch between buds when I want to experience the best of a particular functionality. But what if I could somehow take them apart and put all of their best qualities together? With their high-end features combined, they’d make for an impressive set of earbuds indeed. Maybe then I could have all of the features I’m looking for all in one place. Strange though it is, Frankenstein’s earbuds would sound monstrously good. Here’s what they should look like. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XrbyICO

The Weekly Authority: 🐣 Weighty Pixel Fold, eggsorbitant prices, and more

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Welcome to The Weekly Authority , the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 233rd edition is here, with a hefty Pixel Fold rumor, a creepy (or cool) new Bixby feature, the price of eggs, and more… Happy weekend! It’s Andy here, unusually finding myself on Weekly Authority duty while Paula enjoys some time off. You can look forward to her stories from the Scottish countryside next week. As for me, I’m on my third cup of coffee today while tucking into a slice of homemade banana bread. Hungry for this week’s hottest stories? Let’s get stuck in. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uI01ekr

Google may give Gboard on Android an AI text-to-image generator

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Lines in the latest beta version of Gboard mention an “Imagen Keyboard.” The Imagen Keyboard would allow users to generate images via text. The feature may appear in the shortcuts strip or page. Delivering AI products has been Google’s main focus this year as it fights off threats posed by ChatGPT and Microsoft. One of those upcoming products may be Imagen text-to-image integration in Gboard. In a recent APK (Android Package Kit) teardown, conducted by 9to5Google , the latest beta version of Gboard — 12.7.05.507749191 — contains lines of code that mention an “Imagen Keyboard.” According to the outlet, this Imagen feature would appear somewhere in the shortcuts strip or page, the same place where you would find Clipboard and One-handed mode. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/6GXRSgI

The DSLR-like Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is the overkill king of 4K webcams

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Have you ever wanted a webcam that could capture all the details of your setup in sharp 4K quality? For those of us working from home, rushing to a meeting while still wearing our pajamas, that may be the last thing we want. But for others, such as streamers and content creators, those specs are an advantage. Packing the largest sensor ever seen in a webcam, the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra definitely raises the bar. While the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra might be overkill for most people, it will be a dream come true for others. Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra See Review $299.99 at Razer About this Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra review: I tested the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra over two weeks. It was running Razer Synapse version 3.8.116.10612. Razer provided the unit for this review. Sensor size matters from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Kwy3jXQ

Samsung's new Exynos 1380 brings support for 200MP cameras, advanced on-device AI

Samsung isn't ditching Exynos processors entirely, as its store has a new mid-range one. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/gEHZInz

Save 33% on the Pixel 6a, and more Google Pixel deals

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority The Google Pixel family has long had a list of features that make it a go-to for die-hard fans. Whether it’s the vanilla Android experience or the powerful camera, the Pixel packs some features that set it apart from the pack. As Android nerds, we’re always on the lookout for Google Pixel deals. The Google Pixel 7 line landed in 2022 and didn’t disappoint. It also led to some excellent deals popping up on previous generations of the Pixel. As we eagerly await the Pixel 7a , you can peruse our roundup of the best deals on everything from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 4 and even more nostalgic devices. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/qWlUiIV

Netflix cuts prices in some countries as it tries to hold on to subscribers

The said 30 regions include countries from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/tsSW92u

Apple may have delayed its mixed reality headset again

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority Apple may have delayed its anticipated headset once again. The headset could launch along with the iPhone 15 in Q3. Apple’s suppliers may be getting concerned. Every day Apple’s mixed reality (MR) headset sounds more and more like vaporware. Stop me when you think you’ve heard this one before. Apple may delay its AR/VR headset again, with plans to release it in Q3. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo took to Twitter today to say that the likelihood of Apple releasing its anticipated MR headset in spring is “decreasing.” Instead, it’s becoming more likely that the company will launch the headset along with the iPhone 15 in Q3. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/sDLZiEV

Magic Eraser is finally coming to more Android phones

Google is expanding Magic Eraser and other features to all Android and iOS users subscribed to Google One. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/KnYZfv1

Synology’s Darth Vader-like router taught me how to control my home network

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Routers and Wi-Fi networks are still more or less of a mystery to me. But as a mobile geek who loves trying out the latest phones and smart home devices, and who often finds herself with several unknown gadgets to test, I am increasingly wary of two aspects of my home network: stability and security. So when Synology reached out to ask if I’d like to test out the WRX560 router, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. My home network was getting overloaded and impossible to manage, and my current router lacked advanced controls. Or if it had them, I couldn’t tell — the interface was horrendous. In contrast, the WRX560 promised dual-band Wi-Fi with support for Wi-Fi 6 and an optional mesh network feature. Plus, having owned a Synology NAS drive for six years now, I knew the interface would be familiar and very easy to navigate. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ebFTNyu

OnePlus Nord 3 details leak again, and this time it’s for real, probably

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The handset may launch in mid-June or July. The OnePlus Nord 3 could feature a larger 6.72-inch AMOLED display with full HD+ resolution. The phone could be powered by an octa-core Dimensity 9000 processor. There’s been a lot of rumors swirling around the OnePlus Nord 3 , both right and wrong. The most recent leak, however, may give us the clearest details about the upcoming handset yet. MySmartPrice , in collaboration with tipster OnLeaks, appears to have obtained new details on the OnePlus Nord 3. The details are related to the device’s specifications and launch date. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/BguDGsw

Google TV update saves you from constantly jumping between apps

Google announced new content pages for Google TV, making it easier to navigate app content. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/I8uNkix

$800 off the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, and many more tablet deals

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Credit: Microsoft Tablets haven’t replaced laptops like some predicted, 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 to help you choose. One of the first decisions you have to make is which operating system you prefer. We’ve gathered Android and Amazon Fire deals, iPads, and Windows Surface tablets. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/RZtgX3K