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Showing posts from February, 2024

Google revives its 360-degree Photo Sphere mode on older Pixel phones

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Google has brought back Photo Sphere for the camera app. The feature was previously taken away after the launch of the Pixel 8 series. Photo Sphere is not available on the Pixel 8 series, but is on older Pixel handsets. It wasn’t that long ago, but Pixel phones used to have a Google Camera app feature called Photo Sphere. Although Google took the feature away after the launch of the Pixel 8 series, it appears the feature has come back. First spotted by Reddit user PourJarsInReservoirs , it appears the latest update to the Google Camera app (version 9.2.113.604778888.19) has brought back Photo Sphere mode for some Pixel owners. Specifically, Pixel owners who have devices that previously supported the camera feature. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/wqOhDWj

Our favorite Android smartwatch is cheaper than it's EVER BEEN at Amazon right now

With almost $80 off on the 44mm version of the Galaxy Watch 6, it's even easier to appreciate the responsive capacitive bezel, ultra-fast charging, and personalized HR Zones on Samsung's latest smartwatch generation. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/e4d8BoU

The Apple Watch’s microLED future gets even more dicey

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Series 9 Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Apple has canceled its microLED project with one of its suppliers, leaving the project in limbo. Apple was expected to equip the 10th-anniversary edition of the Apple Watch, dubbed the Apple Watch X, with microLED as a key hardware upgrade, with a launch due in 2025. Past reports have suggested that microLED Apple Watches could be as far away as 2027. Apple has high ambitions for the Apple Watch, and they are warranted. The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of the best smartwatches you can buy, and that’s despite a heavy iPhone lock-in. It’s in Apple’s economic interests to maintain its experience lead with the Apple Watch, and the company was long rumored to make the jump to a microLED display as one of the possible ways it could do so. But it seems that microLED hardware upgrade may remain a wishlist item for some more time. As display analyst Guillaume Chansin from DSCC notes, Apple has canceled its microLED project w...

Best OnePlus Watch 2 bands 2024

The OnePlus Watch 2 uses standard 22mm quick-release bands, meaning you have an incredibly wide selection of great straps to choose from. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/3YuMjZi

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumors: Everything we know and what we want to see

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Update: February 28, 2024 (10:00 AM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumor hub with the codenames for the Fold 6 and the rumored cheaper model. Original article: February 22, 2024: We’re deep into 2024, and it’s about time we learn more about Samsung’s next wave of foldables. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 are expected to be the highlights of Samsung’s foldable ambitions, refreshing its lineup a bit past the middle of the year. Leaks and rumors have begun flowing in, and we now have a fair idea of how the book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, will shape up. Read on to learn more about this upcoming device! from Android Authority https://ift.tt/MryteOH

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is top value at $530 off

We’re advocates of stepping back a generation when it comes to getting value for money on your next phone. This is especially true if the latest model is only a modest upgrade, as in the case of the jump from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 to the Z Fold 5 . With the 18-month-old Z Fold 4 down to a new low of just $1,269.94 on Amazon right now, this is the more affordable way to get on the Samsung foldable train. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 for $1,269.94 ($530 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/31GAnbX

TECNO unveils Camon 30 Premier, debuts first in-house imaging tech

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Credit: Tecno TECNO announced it will launch the Camon 30 Premier in Q2 2024. The Camon 30 Premier will feature the company’s first-ever in-house imaging system called the TECNO PolarAce. The firm claims this imaging system allows for industry-first 4K/30fps full-scene AI-NR HDR video capture. It’s MWC 2024 , and there have been plenty of exciting announcements, including TECNO’s next Android phone — the Camon 30 Premier. The company’s upcoming phone will feature its first-ever self-developed pre-imaging signal processor (ISP) chip. The next iteration in the Camon series sports a refreshed design compared to its predecessor. While the firm avoided giving out all the details, the Camon 30 Premier looks to make a few big improvements upon last year’s release. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/cfC1uoB

Samsung Galaxy S24 review: Should you buy it?

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Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S24? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/JNtMVbg

At MWC 2024, this smartphone company is fighting for privacy and consumer choice

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Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority The Punkt MC02 phone is now available for purchase at a price of $749. It features middling hardware but puts a strong focus on data privacy. The device is now available in Europe and North America. You may not have heard of Punkt, but of all the usual smartphone brands on the MWC 2024 show floor, it’s the only one doing things differently. The Punkt MC02 is a new privacy-focused phone you can now purchase in Europe and North America. First introduced in November 2023, the Punkt phone is only now starting to ship to its first set of customers — a niche group of smartphone users who value choice and want complete control over the data their handsets put out in the world. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/F26W1DG

There’s a new cheap foldable phone, and it undercuts the Pixel 8

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Nubia has revealed the Nubia Flip 5G for Europe, and it’s got an aggressive price. This is a rebranded version of the ZTE Libero Flip, which is the world’s cheapest foldable. Expect a price tag of €599 when the phone is eventually released. ZTE surprised us last week by launching the Libero Flip in Japan, offering a ~$420 price tag that meant it was the cheapest foldable phone in the world. Now, it turns out this foldable is coming to Europe with a new name. ZTE-affiliated brand Nubia is showing off the Nubia Flip 5G at Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC), and this is indeed a largely rebranded version of the Libero Flip. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/0DsYQc7

OnePlus Watch 2 launched globally: A Wear OS smartwatch with over 2-day battery life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wcIgXNie8Q OnePlus has launched the new OnePlus Watch 2 globally. You can buy the Watch 2 in the US for $299.99 from March 4, 2024 onwards from Amazon and OnePlus.com. OnePlus is also offering a $50 discount when you trade in any watch in any condition when purchasing through OnePlus.com. Key specifications of the OnePlus Watch 2 include Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC, BES2700 co-processor, Wear OS 4 support, 500mAh battery, 47mm size, IP68 protection, and more. OnePlus entered the smartwatch space with the first-gen OnePlus Watch. But the company oversold the “smart” in smartwatch, as the first-gen device ran on a simpler RTOS platform without an app store. Three years later, the company is back with a true smartwatch with Wear OS, but surprisingly, it isn’t letting go of RTOS either. This is the OnePlus Watch 2, and its unique dual-architecture setup and massive battery help it become the Ultra smartwatch on the Wear OS side of things. The highlig...

What towers does Mint Mobile use? Does it have its own?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Thanks to pretty constant marketing, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Mint Mobile . The carrier prides itself in affordable pricing and is notable for only offering its plans in prepayment packages of 3, 6, or 12 months. If you’ve considered Mint Mobile, you might be curious about what towers Mint Mobile uses as well as what the Mint Mobile coverage map looks like. Good question! What cell towers does Mint Mobile use? Mint Mobile is an MVNO . That means it partners with another network to provide customers with service. In this case, Mint partners with T-Mobile and works exclusively with T-Mobile radio equipment to provide both 4G LTE and 5G access. Of course, there’s a bit more to it than that. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/c8snOdD

Tracfone vs Straight Talk: Both are owned by Verizon, but how do they differ?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority MVNO carriers are more popular now than ever before. Naturally, Verizon , AT&T , and T-Mobile have all sat up and noticed this trend. In order to win over prepaid customers, traditional carriers have mostly resorted to either making their own prepaid brands or buying out existing carriers. For Verizon, that meant the creation of Visible as well as the purchase of several once-independent brands like Tracphone. What makes matters more confusing is that Tracphone has its own sub-brands like Net10 and Straight Talk. In this quick guide, we take a brief look at Tracfone vs Straight Talk to better explain the differences.  I’ll be honest about my experience up front: I’ve used both carriers in the past, but it’s been a while. I’m very familiar with the network they run on, but obviously, the plans and pricing have changed. I also have family and friends on both of these services. I spoke to them briefly about their experiences t...

Xiaomi 14 review: Altering the flagship status quo

The Xiaomi 14 has the same great design as its predecessor that makes it ideal to hold one-handed. And this time, you're getting one of the best camera packages around. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/9OYH4zD

From Xiaomi 14 Ultra to Watch S2, you can now buy Xiaomi’s latest gadgets globally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzZaJwcSaEI&feature=youtu.be Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 14, and several other gadgets globally. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the star of the show, owing to its impressive camera system. Expect to pay ~$1,076 for the Xiaomi 14 and ~$1,647 for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra Xiaomi traditionally launches its flagship phones in China before bringing them to global markets. Now, the company has indeed brought the Xiaomi 14 to global markets. However, the company is skipping over the Xiaomi 14 Pro in favor of launching the Xiaomi 14 Ultra globally as well. The Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra have a number of features in common, namely a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an IP68 rating for water/dust resistance, a 32MP selfie camera, and Hyper OS atop Android 14. These phones will also receive four major OS updates and five years of security patches. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ovb7r9x

Next OnePlus smartwatch may switch to Google's Wear OS

Oppo teased a new smartwatch that uses Wear OS, and it looks suspiciously like the upcoming OnePlus Watch 2. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/RIf7BPL

A VR headset isn't going to bring Huawei back from the dead

Right or wrong, Huawei was driven out of the tech arena in the West. A rumored headset won't change that. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/1TO8590

We’re slowly moving to a subscription phone, thanks to AI

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Chat Assist on the S24 Plus is a sometimes-helpful part of Galaxy AI. Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority For better or worse, AI is shaping up to be the cornerstone of smartphones for the foreseeable future. Google’s Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series are already imbued with various AI capabilities, while many other Android brands and even the usually snail-paced Apple are hurrying to make their upcoming phones properly “smart.” Although we’re currently enjoying the explosive growth phase, with manufacturers throwing features at us left and right, we will soon find out whether consumers are willing to pay extra for AI in the longer term. The writing is on the wall that at least some mobile AI features will eventually move behind a paywall. Samsung states that Galaxy AI will remain free until 2025. While the brand hasn’t made concrete decisions about the fiscal future of Galaxy AI, it has hinted that more advanced AI features could arrive for paid subscribers at...

Google could be looking to reimagine Android’s home screen Search widget

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority A Google Opinion Rewards survey gives us a sneak peek at some possible reimaginations of the Google Search widget that is present across all GMS-equipped Android smartphones. Google could add more buttons, surface on-device content through universal search, provide a news showcase, or even make it easier to search through AI. If you use any popular Android smartphone , chances are you’ve unboxed it and set it up to find a prominent Google Search widget in the center of the home screen. This Search widget is included as part of the “Mobile Application Distribution Agreement” (aka MADA), and its positioning and appearance are uniform across all devices that ship with the Google Play Store. But Google could be in the mood to switch things up if a recent Google Opinion Rewards is any clue. While setting up a new phone, I removed the Google Search widget from my home screen. Shortly after, Google Opinion Rewards presented me with a su...

Deal alert: The Acer ZeroFrame monitor drops to just $79.99 (38% off)

Whether you’re a gamer or just in need of a new display for your PC, not everyone has a huge budget for a new monitor. This deal on the Acer SB242Y 23.8-inch FHD ZeroFrame monitor is an ultra-affordable solution, with the sleek screen down to its best price yet of just $79.99 on Amazon right now. Acer SB242Y 23.8-inch FHD ZeroFrame Monitor for $79.99 ($48 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rjDfbpP

Yes, the HUAWEI/Porsche Design partnership is over

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Porsche Design has confirmed that its tie-up with HUAWEI ended in mid-2023. The news comes after HONOR launched its first Porsche-branded smartphone. HONOR announced a partnership with Porsche Design earlier this year, and the assumption was that the German marque’s deal with HUAWEI was over. Now, Porsche Design has indeed told Android Authority that its deal with HUAWEI ended last year: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/92aAEYs

The best foldable phones you can buy right now

While the concept of foldable phones has been around for a while, the first products didn’t actually surface until 2018. A year later, Samsung entered the scene, quickly becoming the biggest player and really the only major option in the US. Thankfully, that has changed recently with Google, Motorola, and even OnePlus helping to push foldables to new heights in 2023. If you’re looking for the best foldable phone, you have more options than ever before. This article will examine the current foldable phones on the market and whether or not they would be a great fit for you. The best foldable phones: At a glance Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: If you’re looking for the most established tablet hybrid choice, the Z Fold 5 is a beast with tons of optimized features that help take advantage of its unique displays. Google Pixel Fold: The Pixel Fold might not be as polished as the Z Fold 5, but for fans of Google’s vision for Android, it’s an easy choice. It’s also an excellent camera that produ...

AT&T says massive service outage was caused by a technical error

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority AT&T experienced an outage yesterday that left tens of thousands of customers without service. The carrier and government agencies investigated the issue to see if the cause was the result of technical problems or a cyberattack. It appears the cause was the result of an update error. Yesterday, AT&T experienced a massive outage that left tens of thousands of customers without cellular service. At the time, an investigation was carried out to discover if the cause was just a technical error or linked to a cyberattack. It appears the answer is the former and not the latter. After conducting an investigation into the hours-long service outage, AT&T said the problem was not caused by a cyberattack but rather by a mistake on their part. The carrier didn’t explain too much in detail, but blamed the incident on an update error. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VYlgC3B

Want a foldable phone? This one is the cheapest in the world right now

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Credit: ZTE ZTE is launching a new foldable created for the midrange market. The Libero Flip has a similar design to the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The new foldable is being sold for $420, but it’s currently up for pre-order for $265. If there’s one thing foldable phones are known for, it’s how expensive they can be. But ZTE may change that perception with the Libero Flip, which has claimed the title of the cheapest foldable phone currently on the market. First spotted by The Verge , ZTE is selling the Libero Flip in Japan for only $420. It’s even more affordable if you pre-order , as the company will cut the price down by $155, which would put it at $265. That’s a steal compared to the $1,000 price tag that comes with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/87r6Z9S

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumors: Everything we know and what we want to see

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We’re deep into 2024, and it’s about time we learn more about Samsung’s next wave of foldables. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 are expected to be the highlights of Samsung’s foldable ambitions, refreshing its lineup a bit past the middle of the year. Leaks and rumors have begun flowing in, and we now have a fair idea of how the book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, will shape up. Read on to learn more about this upcoming device! Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: At a glance from Android Authority https://ift.tt/IKZHGAg

The 256GB iPad Mini 6 is $120 off for the first time

iPad sales always catch our eye, and this one is unprecedented. The 256GB model of the iPad Mini 6 just dropped to $529 on Amazon, slashing the retail price by 18%. That wouldn’t be too noteworthy for some other brands, but this is Apple we’re talking about, and it’s the best price we’ve tracked on the tablet in the two years it has been available. Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen, 256GB) for $529 ($120 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Zy6zJhr

Nothing more to hide: Phone 2a official-looking renders leak

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Credit: Nothing Nothing has released official renders of the Nothing Phone 2a. The renders reveal a dramatically redesigned back compared to other phones from the company. The Phone 2a still has the Glyph lighting setup the company’s phones are known for. Over the past few months, we’ve seen multiple Phone 2a leaks, some more plausible than others. The latest leak, however, appears to look like the real deal and gives us our best look yet at the upcoming handset. Today, someone who goes by Greg2024 on the Nothing community forums leaked what are believed to be official renders of the Phone 2a. These renders show off the device in two colorways: Black and White. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/L3skHqW

WhatsApp tests new feature to help protect your profile photos more effectively

A new security feature promises to stop people from capturing your profile pictures for good. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/yVuIE5D

Wallpaper Wednesday: More great phone wallpapers for all to share (February 21)

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Welcome to Wallpaper Wednesday!  In this weekly roundup, we’ll give you a handful of Android wallpapers you can download and use on your phone, tablet, or even your laptop/PC. The images will come from folks here at Android Authority as well as our readers. All are free to use and come without watermarks. File formats are JPG and PNG, and we’ll provide images in both landscape and portrait modes, so they’ll be optimized for various screens. For the newest walls as well as all the ones from previous weeks, check out this Drive link . Want to submit your own? Head to the bottom of this article. Wallpaper Wednesday: February 21, 2024 Another week, another set of awesome Android wallpapers for you to share! Remember that we are always looking for submissions from our readers. Head to the bottom of this article to find out how you could have one of your images featured in an upcoming Wallpaper Wednesday! We’ve got three awesome im...

Google tests using AI to show 'App highlights' in Play Store listings

Google has been testing AI-generated summaries of apps in the Play Store, and the latest iteration is called "App highlights." from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/sugv9mY

Here's how Android Auto's Message Summary feature shortens texts with AI

With the release of Samsung's Galaxy S24 series, Google announced a new feature called AI summaries in Android Auto. Today, the company explained how it works. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/RLen0uy

OPPO Reno 11 series to get ‘an array’ of generative AI features very soon

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Credit: Ryan McLeod / Android Authority OPPO announced it has created a dedicated research and development center to create user-centric AI features and products. The phone maker also revealed it would roll out generative AI features in the second quarter of 2024 to the OPPO Reno 11 series. These AI features will come to Reno 11 series owners globally. As companies like Samsung and Google go all-in on AI for smartphones, OPPO is following suit. The firm plans to start working on new generative AI tools and eventually bring them to its Reno 11 series later this year. Today, OPPO announced it is taking a serious step into generative AI with the creation of a dedicated AI center. According to the press release, this AI department will focus on the research and development of AI and its applications to deliver user-centric AI features and products. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/pQGcAYz

First deal on the new ASUS Vivobook 16 drops price by $200

You expect the first deal on a new laptop to be modest, but that’s not Amazon’s approach on the new ASUS Vivobook 16. Despite only launching late last year, the impressive machine today got a massive 25% price drop on Amazon, reducing the price to only $599.99. ASUS Vivobook 16 for $599.99 ($200 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/EsxBefL

15 best Android survival games

Survival games are some of the most popular on mobile. It’s also one of the few where the primary mechanic is in the name. You have to survive. Players usually set up a base, craft various things, create defenses from outside threats, find food, and, sometimes, make friends. There are a lot of different takes on the base gameplay mechanics. Most survival games have a distinctive survival feel but manage to remain reasonably separate from one another. Here are the best survival games for Android. We also have a full list of the best RPGs and JRPGs games . They aren’t hardcore survival games, but they do have survival elements. We also recommend Out There: Ω Edition ( Google Play ). It’s excellent, but it hasn’t been updated in a few years. This War of Mine ( Google Play ) is also good, despite its crash bug issues. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Ef3HXrq

PSA: OnePlus 12R is not working on Verizon, but OnePlus is on it (Update: Fixed)

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Update: OnePlus has fixed the issue affecting some Verizon consumers. Consumers can now connect to Verizon’s network on their OnePlus 12R without any issues. Previously, the OnePlus 12R did not work properly on Verizon’s network despite having the appropriate band support. The company assured a fix. Update, February 19, 2024 (10:19 AM ET): OnePlus has fixed the issue affecting some Verizon consumers. Consumers should not have any issues connecting to Verizon’s network with the OnePlus 12R. The OnePlus 12R has also been added to Verizon’s BYOD program as a valid option. Original article, February 15, 2024 (13:31 AM ET): Back in the day, OnePlus had partnerships with both Verizon and T-Mobile that saw its phones land on store shelves. The company hasn’t enjoyed that status for a few years now, but most OnePlus phones still work on those networks — you just can’t buy the phone directly from the carriers. from Android Au...

Verizon and other US carriers want you to ditch your grandfathered plan — should you?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority We’ve all been there: You found a phone plan that you’re reasonably happy with, and then suddenly your carrier changes it all up with new offerings. The good news is that carriers typically don’t force consumers to change phone plans every time they update their options. There are a few reasons for this. The most obvious reason is customer retention. A carrier would rather you stay with an older plan than jump ship entirely. There are also legal reasons why your older plan may be protected. Unfortunately, in the current economy, carriers are doing whatever they can to encourage users to move to another 5G plan . In this guide, we explain what a grandfathered phone plan is and how each carrier currently handles its legacy plans. Beyond this, we’ll also take a look at which carrier does the best job here and if there are any worthwhile alternatives to explore. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/6cQHgMR

These are the most important features hikers need on their smartwatch

Hikers need a watch that ensures you'll never get lost, or you can call for help if you do. These are my favorite brands and the things they do better than their rivals. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/g1uIxF2

Paramount Plus and Peacock might be the next streaming platforms to merge

Two streaming services, Paramount+ and Peacock, might be joining forces to survive the streaming war. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/md5VnAS

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which camera is better at night?

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Google and Samsung competing for the title of best Android camera phone is a tale as old as time. On one side, we have the Pixel 8 Pro with its trio of cameras and Tensor G3-powered processing. On the other, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra counts on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a mountain of megapixels to help it keep pace. Both setups are capable of impressive results in good lighting, but what happens when the lighting isn’t so good? Let’s look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro in a night mode showdown to find out. How does night mode work again? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/wFW0urt

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week and all the latest app news – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome to the 522nd edition of Android Apps Weekly, where we discuss the latest in mobile news and take a closer look at some of the most interesting new apps and games . Let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the biggest highlights from the last week: This week Android 15 released its first developer preview , which aims to offer privacy enhancements, screen recording, tools for better gaming performance, and more. Those with compatible Pixel phones can install the preview now but beware this is a very early build and the official stable release isn’t likely to arrive until late 2024.   Google Maps may soon show Plug and Charge locations for electric vehicles, as indicated by a recent APK teardown by Android Authority. For those unaware, Plug and Charge tech lets EV owners quickly charge their vehicles without a card or app, as the car effectively makes the payment instead.  Google may soon allow users to edit messages sent in the messages app . The feature was...

Why the Nintendo Wii could be reborn on the Meta Quest 3

Between a surge in 2000s nostalgia and a need for mainstream attention, Meta's Quest 3 is a perfect platform to bring back the Wii era and its motion-controlled magic. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/3npiCLl

Apple’s foldable iPhone allegedly hit a snag, failing panels may be to blame

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A new rumor suggests Apple has shelved its foldable phone project. Allegedly, the displays on the foldable prototype were failing Apple’s tests. The rumor claims the project is on hiatus for the foreseeable future or at least until Apple finds a display that lives up to its standards. Apple has been conducting research and development on foldable phones for years now. There’s even been reports of the Cupertino firm having foldable prototypes. But all of that work may now be in jeopardy if a new rumor is to be believed. First spotted MacRumors , a Weibo tech video blogger who goes by fixed focus digital claims Apple has temporarily suspended development on its foldable phones. It appears the reason is allegedly due to the screens not holding up to Apple’s tests. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/1kmd59z

Apple iPhone SE 4 rumors: What we want to see, and what we know so far

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Update: February 16, 2024 (12:30 PM ET): We have updated our Apple iPhone SE 4 rumor hub with information about the phone’s display. Apple’s iPhone SE range has long been the most affordable new iPhone series you can buy. Coming in at under $500, these handsets still bring a powerful processor, water resistance, and wireless charging. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/NRxnIpZ

iPhone SE 4 could be the first in the series with an OLED display

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Apple’s display suppliers have proposed prices for supplying OLED screens. The iPhone SE 4 could end up using the same OLED display used for the iPhone 14. This would make the iPhone SE 4 the first SE model to have an OLED display. Traditionally, Apple uses LCD screens for its budget-friendly SE series iPhones. But it looks like the company may break with tradition for the next entry in the line. According to a report from The Elec , Apple’s display supply partners have all proposed prices for OLED displays meant for the iPhone SE 4 . Reportedly, Samsung offered the lowest price at $30 per unit, while BOE and Tianma offered $35 and $40, respectively. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/DnBWEew

Best price yet on the Garmin Forerunner 745 at $113 off

It may feel like winter is dragging on forever, but better weather is on the way, and getting in shape now might be on your mind. A fitness-orientated smartwatch can help you focus on your goals, and the Garmin Forerunner 745 is a prime candidate in this Amazon deal. It just got a massive price cut, dropping to $286.99 for the first time. Garmin Forerunner 745 for $286.99 ($113 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/OPZsgMQ

Google already is pushing Gemini 1.5, giving its AI a turbo boost

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google is launching Gemini 1.5 today, with Gemini 1.5 Pro being available to developers and enterprise users. The firm claims that Gemini 1.5 Pro operates on par with Gemini 1.0 Ultra. Gemini 1.5 Pro reportedly beat Gemini 1.0 Pro on 87% of benchmark tests. Time really flies, but it has been two months since Google launched its new large language model (LLM) — Gemini . And just a week ago, the company rolled out the high-end version of the AI known as Gemini Ultra. Although Gemini hasn’t been around for all that long yet, Google is already announcing an upgrade to the LLM. Today, Google revealed it is launching Gemini 1.5 for developers and enterprise users, with a full rollout to consumers in the near future. The first version that will be available to these users is Gemini 1.5 Pro. Gemini has three versions — Nano, Pro, and Ultra — and Pro is the mid-sized general purpose model. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/AhoMy...

Two top $400 tablet deals you won’t want to miss

It’s as if it’s Android Tablet Deals Day on Amazon — with a host of slates dropping to killer prices. Two in particular caught our eye, with significant markdowns on the OnePlus Pad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE. Both are solid mid-range tablets and are just $399.99 today. The OnePlus Pad is the newer of the two devices, dipping by $80 to the price we only previously saw in the Black Friday sales. It features a sizeable 11.61-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, and 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage. We were also impressed with the rapid 67W SUPERVOOC charging and crisp speakers. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/KblCQNt

Today only! Use this Visible promo code to save $10/month on your phone bill "forever"

For ONE DAY ONLY, the Verizon-owned carrier Visible is dropping $10 off its Visible Plus plan every month for as long as you stay active. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/fKgRQ1B

Fresh Xiaomi 14 Ultra renders reveal the device in all its glory

Xiaomi is bringing its flagship series later this month, and the first renders of Xiaomi 14 Ultra are out ahead of their launch. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/XAcsvf8

Zuckerberg: Quest 3 is a 'better product, period' than Vision Pro, hints at where Quest 4 will go

The Meta CEO wants to bring back eye tracking and add a new "neural interface" to future Quest headsets. As for his pseudo-review, well, it's obviously biased towards his own product, but he makes valid points. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/tkF4oRW

The Anker 150W GaNPrime charger drops to unbeaten $79.99 deal price

Anker is the don when it comes to charging accessories, and the Anker 747 150W GaNPrime Charger is among its top-tier options. It’s a great investment if you’ve got a number of devices that need powering up in double-quick time. That’s especially true today, with the wall charger at its lowest price ever of $79.99. Anker 747 150W GaNPrime Charger for $79.99 ($30 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/j50SGUW

An alarming 80% of influencers aren’t disclosing sponcon, per new report

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority A new EU report suggests that 80% of influencers fail to disclose every time they release sponsored content, or “sponcon.” The report screened 576 influencers and found that 97% posted sponcon, but only 20% reliably reported it as advertising. Additionally, 119 influencers in the study promoted unhealthy or hazardous activities. Sometimes, we assume something to be true based on simply existing in the world, but having an official study done to prove our assumptions is always helpful. For example, everyone reading this probably assumes that influencers on social media and YouTube are lying a lot about the purpose of some of the content they create, but now there’s an official report to prove it. Per Reuters , a study conducted in the EU suggests that four out of five influencers fail to disclose sponsored content, commonly known as “sponcon.” In the EU (and in the United States), it is against the law to accept money for crea...