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Following a few years of getting spoiled with theater-quality exclusives on streaming platforms, 2023 was somewhat of a return to business as usual, with only a few big-budget movies launching on streaming services instead of having a traditional theater run (or even simultaneously). Regardless, it was a good year for streaming , and there were plenty of unique movies produced this year. Below, we’ve picked our 10 favorite titles of the year, as determined with input from the entire Android Authority team. We’ve also included a few honorable mentions. We are ordering this in order of our preference, though every movie in the top 10 is so close (and so different) that it’s really hard to go wrong with any of these. While most of these films are true platform exclusives, be aware some of these films had limited releases at film festivals or internationally but are only available in the US through streaming.  from Android Authority https://ift.tt/xWr38UK

Get ready for the AI watch wars, an explosion of smart rings and glasses, and a make-or-break moment for brands like Fitbit that need a real win to stay in the wearables game. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/X2DivQV

2023 delivered some of the best wireless earbuds and headphones that money can buy. From the sporty Jabra Elite 8 Active to the future-proof Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, there were plenty of feature-rich headphones to choose from. But with such fast-paced change and increasing competition from more affordable brands, can high-end manufacturers deliver the goods over the coming year? While there are no confirmed dates yet, we have gathered information on which headphones to look forward to over the next 12 months. Here is my list of the best headphones to expect in 2024. Sony WH-1000XM6 from Android Authority https://ift.tt/DTnvw2C

Though not perfect, the Gabb Watch 3 does an excellent job of balancing features that kids and parents want while keeping safety at the forefront. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/jDhig7p

What Google needs to do to win back user trust in 2024. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/NsKozyF

After taking a break for the holidays, Android Apps Weekly is back with its 515th edition. Let’s start by jumping right into the news: This week Google has finally settled its Chromebook incognito mode class-action lawsuit . For those that don’t know, a class action lawsuit was previously filed against Google in 2020 for the way it handles its incognito mode, with the plaintiffs alleging Google isn’t clear enough about what its incognito mode does and doesn’t track. While we don’t know the terms of the agreement, Google will not have to admit fault or make any major changes that will affect users.  An APK teardown hints that Driving Mode may be getting the ax, and it’s very possible Google wants people to use Google Assistant voice commands instead for calls, messages, and playing media while driving. A new version of Google Play Services suggests Nearby Share may soon be rebranded to Quick Share . This is interesting as currently Nearby Share and Quick Share largely do the sa...

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Opinion post by Rita El Khoury It’s been over seven years since Google pivoted the Chromecast app to become the new Google Home app and, after so many empty promises and missed steps, it finally seems to be on the right path. Now, I know what you’re thinking: One, it’s about darn time! And two, there are still lots of things missing from the Google Home app before it’s a solid dashboard and controller for your smart home. And in both cases, you’re right. I’m not saying the app is perfect now, but it’s moving in the right direction. Seven years late, but still. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/WKAG6NQ

Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority There were loads of smartphones launched in 2023, from Apple and Google to Samsung and Xiaomi. But what did Android Authority readers think of these devices at launch? We posted polls throughout the year asking whether you thought a newly launched device was “hot or not.” Now, we can return to these polls to find out which phones were the hottest devices of 2023 at launch and which ones were the coldest. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/KeaqLyj

This was a great year for Chromebooks and the overall ChromeOS platform. But there are a few things I'm hoping to see come over the course of 2024. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/BH6tUJr

Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority Several Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus users on Verizon have reported that their phones’ hotspot feature stopped working after their respective Android 14 updates. Workarounds suggested include switching hotspot on while toggling airplane mode, creating a hotspot Routine, and more. The issue could be related to an improper version of Carrier Services shipped with the update. Android 14 is the latest stable platform update for Android phones, and many flagships have received the update so far. Generally speaking, most users like the update for the subtle changes it brings to their phone experience. However, for a certain subset of Verizon users, the Android 14 update has frustratingly broken the hotspot functionality on their phones, and their OEMs have not issued correct fixes for the same. Fortunately, there is a solution to Verizon’s Android 14 hotspot problem. A few OnePlus 11 users on Verizon reported (h/t 1NormalUsern...

This year was a monumental year for VR in so many ways and, yet, 2024 has the potential to be even more amazing. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/mo3EbSi

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority A new leak suggests the upcoming Nothing Phone 2a price could be under €400 (~$444). That price would allegedly be for an 8GB/128GB model, but there might also be a 12GB/256GB variant. We’ll likely see this phone launch in late February 2023. Nothing has launched two phones so far: the Nothing Phone 1 and Nothing Phone 2 . Although the Phone 1 came with a mid-range processor, both devices were flagships, meaning they were the company’s premier product for that year. In 2024, though, we expect the company to launch its first non-flagship smartphone. The Nothing Phone 2a (the rumored name for this non-flagship device) has seen steady leaks over the past few weeks. Today, via frequent leaker Roland Quandt , we see two new bits of information: RAM/storage specs and a price range. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2nmtIEw

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority The close of another year brings us closer to the next-gen leap in smartphone processing capabilities, accelerating the latest and greatest phones to another level. The next few months are shaping up to be one of the more exciting periods in mobile chip design for a few years. We already know what Google’s AI-focused Tensor G3 and Apple’s powerhouse A17 Pro bring to the table, but the more unusual multi-core CPU designs in the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 have caught my eye for today’s discussion. It’s been over a decade since Arm debuted big.LITTLE, mixing power-efficient small CPU cores with larger, more powerful cores in a single cluster. It’s easy to take that development for granted in the modern age of Arm DynamIQ, which allows for the mixing and matching of a greater number and variety of cores. The original aim was to balance power efficiency and push peak performance. However, the first point seems less pressing ...

Android manufacturers released a lot of standout devices in 2023, and with 2024 just around the corner, here's what I want to see from phone manufacturers next year. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/ur0CbBU

Credit: Microsoft Microsoft softly launched a dedicated Copilot app in the Google Play Store. The app offers chatbot-like capabilities and can be used with Microsoft’s Edge browser for Android. Copilot for Android is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 and DALL-E 3. If you weren’t specifically looking for it, you likely missed a new Android app launch from Microsoft. The tech giant quietly released a dedicated Copilot app on the Google Play Store last week. Spotted by Neowin , it appears the Copilot app has been available in the Play Store since December 19, 2023. Although there’s an Android version of the app, it looks like Microsoft has yet to release a version for iOS. But the Bing app on iOS essentially offers the same experience. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uFyBzLA

Samsung is keeping its promise to bring some of the latest features to its Tizen-powered smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch 3 is amongst them to get with the newest release. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/bZYVP42

Christmas has come to an end, which means it's time for great Boxing Day sales from retailers like Amazon. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/3n5g9Ep

It's important to update ChromeOS on your Chromebook whenever an update is available, and it's really easy to do. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/f7sqzO9

Opinion post by Aamir Siddiqui I’ve been writing words on the Internet for a living for more than nine years now, and I’ve been typing things outside the Internet for much longer than that. It’s safe to say that you’d likely find my hands on a keyboard on any random Monday morning. While I do love my mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX red switches, my Logitech MX Master 3 is my work bestie, and I dread the days I have to work without it. I have been a long-time mouse user, even during the phases when I used a laptop full-time for work. Yes, as a power user, I should know and learn my keyboard shortcuts. But using a mouse and keyboard combo is the best desktop navigation and productivity system for me. I get a ton of messages throughout the day, and there are always at least four app windows active on my multi-monitor setup. It’s just super convenient to get everything done with a good mouse . So when I don’t have a mouse for navigation, I feel rather lost. from Android Autho...

Arlo has done a nice job of keeping its Essential line of cameras relevant with these updates. But withholding local storage options makes them a tougher buy. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/EDeG32X

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority The Garmin Fenix 7 series is one of the best Garmin smartwatches on the market, but it isn’t without its weak points. Even though a true successor is likely quite a ways off, there are a few things I’m hoping to see next year. With that in mind, here is my Garmin Fenix 8 wishlist. Currently has a low-contrast display, it could use an AMOLED from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kZ5pxU9

There are a handful of major Android interfaces out there that all offer something different, but no one version of Android is perfect. Here's what I want to see from major OEMs like Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO/OnePlus. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/FOUnIsj

As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to take stock of the pivotal events and devices that shaped the last 12 months. 2023 has largely seen some sizeable positives for the smartwatch industry, with the Apple Watch moving forward, the Pixel Watch 2 surprising us with its refinement, and Fitbit proving that it’s not dead under Google’s leadership. But not everything was worth remembering; there have been some notable failures, too. To this end, here is a list of the biggest smartwatch fails and flops of 2023. Apple forced to halt Watch sales from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9gtIHxN

For nearly a year after its release, ChatGPT behaved the same way for everyone. With the exception of the paid ChatGPT Plus tier and the optional GPT-4 language model, there weren’t many ways in which you could customize the chatbot. However, that finally changed when ChatGPT introduced custom instructions, which let you specify the chatbot’s response styles. Now, OpenAI is going one step further with custom GPTs that anyone can build and share with the world. Imagine a customized ChatGPT that can simulate an interview, teach you a new language, critique your creative work, or just recommend movies to watch on a weekend night. Custom GPTs can do all that, without the monotony of explaining the task to ChatGPT every single time. Sounds useful? We agree! Here’s how you can get started. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2s6wNiD

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Opinion post by C. Scott Brown We focus a lot on Android phones here at Android Authority . To cap off every year, we hand out an Editor’s Choice award for what we think is the best phone . We also run a multi-day event where you pick the Reader’s Choice award winner . However, we don’t do these types of events for all the product categories we cover, which left me nowhere to talk about my personal favorite overall gadget of the year: the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. When I say “favorite overall gadget,” I mean it. Nothing else has launched this year that’s excited me as much as the Osmo Pocket 3. Sure, I was pumped about the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel Watch 2 , both of which I bought and love. The advancements with foldable phones were pretty incredible, especially with the surprise smash hit in the OnePlus Open . I was also thrilled about the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED, which has become my favorite laptop. But none of these items solved m...

Google, Apple, and Samsung all tried to brew the perfect mix of smarts, health tracking, and fitness tools, while dedicated fitness brands tried to add mainstream smarts. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/InC5Tyx

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority There were plenty of bright spots for the smartphone industry in 2023. We finally got more foldable phone competition for Samsung, mid-range phones continued to bring the heat, and software update policies saw a major upgrade. It wasn’t all good, though. For every major win in the mobile space this year, there was a fail or major misstep. These were the biggest smartphone fails and flops in 2023. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/euJIaXY

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Apple Music is one of the top Spotify alternatives for lovers of good songs and podcasts, especially the more iOS-inclined. But it isn’t a more affordable option — the Individual plan of both streaming services costs $10.99 per month in the US. What you might not know is that the monthly subscription price of Apple Music is different in every country, and those differences can be quite stark. We’ve looked into how much Apple Music costs around the world and whether you can take advantage of these disparities. QUICK ANSWER from Android Authority https://ift.tt/K7ht4Pu

2023 is done. As we wrap the year up it's time to look back at what stood out for me. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/7uzD8Pk

Nearby Share seems set to be getting a name change to Quick Share, giving a nod to Samsung's file-sharing solution. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/o6HObYh

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Opinion post by Dhruv Bhutani As the OG of community-led brands, OnePlus might’ve had renegade origins and lofty ideals to change the smartphone status quo. However, the OnePlus of 2023 is a whole different beast. While value positioning is still a core aspect of the company’s market strategy, it isn’t all that OnePlus is about anymore. Today, the brand has a smorgasbord of options across price segments. It ranges from phones like the affordable Nord series and affordable look-alikes of flagships with the R-series to a true-blue flagship foldable. Ten years later, OnePlus isn't just about affordable performance anymore, but value remains at the heart of its product lineup. As a day-one OnePlus fan, I’ve tried out practically every phone the company made. Along the way, I’ve had experiences, good and bad, of devices that genuinely changed the smartphone industry, innovated with pop-up cameras and incredible design, and,...

There is a lot to watch on the various streaming services available in 2023 — sometimes, it almost feels like too much. To simplify things for you, we’ve compiled some of the best new streaming movies to watch that are new this week. Check out our top picks from major streamers like Netflix , Hulu , Prime Video , and will sometimes even bring you an exciting new VOD movie or two. In addition to the latest movies from this week, we also give you other recommendations for shows that have arrived on a new streaming platform in the last 30 days.  from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9ZbCrhx

I used over 200 products in 2023, and I'm sharing the devices — and moments — that stood out the most this year. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/tziDvbW

Credit: Disney Plus It’s hard to keep track of which streaming service is premiering which new show or movie from week to week. Netflix used to be king, but the streaming field is full of alternatives , and they’re all regularly pumping out new content. So, what are the best new streaming shows and where can you watch them? Every week, we answer that question for you, offering some exciting new and returning titles, including streaming originals , from services like Max , Hulu , Prime Video , Paramount Plus, and, yes, Netflix . We’ll be updating this list every week, so stay tuned for more new streaming shows on every major service. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/NqGCJKv

Google’s holiday season deals have been mightily impressive, but Amazon has outdone even the Black Friday offers on the brand’s top wireless earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro just dropped to a record-low price of $113.94, saving you $86 on the audio hardware. Google Pixel Buds Pro for $113.94 ($86 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3pBSCD0

As you use your phone, its battery naturally loses some of its capacity over time. Android is preparing to give you an estimate of your battery’s remaining capacity. Android’s new battery health settings could also tell you whether your device’s battery has been replaced. Android phones are receiving software updates for longer than ever, with devices like the Google Pixel 8 series receiving seven years of updates. Plus, device makers are expanding repair options and parts availability, with some even offering self-repair programs so you can fix your device yourself. If you’re planning to use the same phone for as long as it’s officially supported, then chances are you’ll need to replace its battery at some point. That’s because batteries degrade over time, reducing the maximum charge capacity and thus your phone’s runtime on a single charge. Knowing when you need to replace your phone’s battery is tough, though, because there’s no easy way to actually measure the remaining ...

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Opinion post by Dhruv Bhutani It’s rare to find a laptop webcam that doesn’t suck. The physical constraints, cost-cutting, and lack of smartphone-like software enhancements mean that even the most modern webcams aren’t all that far removed from what you’d find on a 2015 machine. You could, of course, spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy webcam that can follow you around or one that sports a large sensor like the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra . Even the best webcams are nowhere as good as modern smartphone cameras. Or you could take the more innovative route and use your phone as a webcam . In fact, I’ve been using my iPhone as a replacement for my MacBook Pro’s terrible built-in webcam ever since Apple announced the feature last year. I even tossed out my dedicated webcam for Apple’s solution. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/c325Nn4

Your productivity goals for 2024 might be easier to hit if you have the latest Chromebook in your backpack, and Best Buy has come up with a festive deal for the ages. The new HP Chromebook Plus usually retails for almost $500, but you can currently get it from the online retailer for just $249. HP Chromebook Plus for $249 ($250 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/5zt7m3Y

While traveling or communicating with colleagues or friends who speak a different language, real-time translation using the Google Pixel Buds Pro can make the process so seamless. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/RcKTimy

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Generational development is the most consistent story of 2023’s  wearables market. The top products of the year all build on the success of existing device lines with upgraded specs, added tools, and revamped features. In fact, none of our top five picks represent a brand-new competitor. We’re not complaining; everyone knows a rough draft plus a year of user feedback nearly always results in a more refined device (looking at you, Pixel Watch 2 ). Several companies found success in upgrading their established lineups, but what was the very best wearable of the year? Our team chose one device as Android Authority’s Editor’s Choice winner for the best wearable of 2023, and four more devices that came close. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/EskBOe8

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Some users are having issues with Apple’s financial services. Apple has confirmed that an outage is affecting Apple Pay, Card, Cash, and Wallet. The outage appears to have started this morning. If you tried using one of Apple’s financial services today — like Apple Cash or Apple Card — you might have encountered some problems. If you did, you’re not the only one unable to use these services. Some users began reporting issues with Apple’s financial services early this morning. The tech giant has since confirmed that there is an outage affecting some users and has said it is investigating the issue. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/FojR7bn

Solid ANC, excellent battery life, and a very robust app make these arguably the best affordable noise-canceling earbuds on the market right now. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/IfeJQBa

Here are the top 10 things of 2023 for Namerah, Android Central's accessories lead and resident gadget nerd. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/32cVQPa

Google is launching its podcast subscription migration tool. The option to export podcast subscriptions will appear on mobile and the web. The tool is currently only available to users in the US. When Google announced it was ending the Podcasts app, the company said it would release a tool in the coming weeks to make migrating podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music or other platforms easy. Today, the tool is starting to roll out for users in the US. In a support page post , Google announced it is launching a way for listeners to move their shows over to YouTube Music or other platforms. Available today, users will be able to see an export option when they open up the Google Podcasts mobile app or head over to the website. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LWqXu1j

Wouldn’t you know it — the best Xbox Series X deal ever just dropped to bring some festive cheer. If that weren’t enough, ordering the gaming console from Amazon in the next few hours might even get it to you in time for Christmas Day. What a last-minute gift that would make to the gamer in your family, although you’d be forgiven for treating yourself instead. At just $349, it’s hard to refuse. Xbox Series X 1TB for $349 ($150 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/b8jvJHw

As 2023 comes to an end, Android Central's Derrek Lee reflects on the moments that made this year better than he could have imagined. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/pInDi3q

When a retailer tries to entice you to buy by stating that stock is almost gone, you usually know that more stock will turn up soon enough. That isn’t true of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 if you’re in the US. Today’s shocking news about the halt of sales on both smartwatch models means that there is a very limited supply left to buy in the States, with no word of when you’ll next get the chance. The only silver lining to this bad news for Apple fans is that not only does Amazon have both models in stock, but you can save $70 on the retail price of either wearable right now. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/e610JxZ

Credit: Max Jambor A leaker may have uncovered the camera specs for the OPPO Find X7 series. Another leak may have revealed marketing material for the OPPO Find X7 series. The image shows two phones with a leather back, a prominent circular camera bump, and a four-camera setup. It’s been a busy 24 hours for OPPO Find X7 leaks. Not only did leakers potentially reveal the specs of the cameras, but they may have also given us a render that reveals the design. Starting off with the camera specs, Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station might have leaked the camera details for the whole series. According to the leaker, the Find X7 could feature a 50MP LYT808 main shooter, 50MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens with an OmniVision OV64B sensor and 3x optical zoom. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/1xK8Sb9

A very good morning to all, especially whoever at Amazon decided that today was a good day for some all-time low prices on previous-generation Samsung phones . Both the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are at least $450 off for the first time ever — just in time for a Christmas treat to yourself. The fantastic $549 deal price on the Galaxy S22 Plus is only available in the Phantom White colorway. It’s hard to care at this outlay, and you’ll be well advised to throw a case on the handset anyway. The device was one of the best Android phones of 2022 and still has plenty of updates ahead. While you wouldn’t pay the $1,000 retail price over getting the Galaxy S23 Plus or awaiting the Galaxy S24 line, a discount over $100 better than the previous best deal on the Galaxy S22 Plus represents sensational value. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/djDLP6C

The age of the consistent upgrade cycle is over. As more and more smartphone users wait upwards of three or more years to upgrade their daily drivers, the fight to stand out and grab a slice of the dwindling global market share is getting tougher by the day. With the margins between success and failure slimmer than ever, some of the more established companies have stuck stringently to their tried and true blueprints, while others have attempted to separate from the pack by offering a fresh spin on the smartphone formula. In 2023, the latter camp was mostly occupied by phones that leaned into new technologies or offered still recent innovations at a more affordable price point. And while some of the big names and iconic designs that continue to lead the popularity charts have started to become more than a little long in the tooth, that hasn’t stopped the very best phones from getting even better, nor the chasing crowd becoming even hungrier. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XT...

Our senior wearables editor looks back on the highs and lows of his year with Android Central, from step tests to attempted cat-murder. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/2gQNbuz

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Last week, for the millionth time or more, I found myself extolling the virtue of installing a motion sensor and smart lights in my hallway in front of complete strangers. Yes, this is my life; I mention that I write about mobile and smart tech at parties and get-togethers, and somehow find myself in the middle of big debates about the benefits of building a smart home , the best mobile operating systems, and what phone you should buy your grandma for Christmas. But as I mentioned my motion-controlled lights once more, it occurred to me that it’s the simplest and most basic smart home automation, so much so that many of us take it for granted now. A lot of smart home newcomers might get sucked into extreme setups, apps, services, and expensive appliances, all without realizing that one basic motion sensor and smart light can really change their lives. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/sdO17F0