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Showing posts from June, 2024

Samsung Health could soon help you better with your medication (APK teardown)

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Samsung Health could soon make adding medicines to the Medication feature easier by letting you scan them. It could also soon inform you about drug-allergy interactions, expanding from current warnings about drug-to-drug interactions. Samsung Health is Samsung’s health platform, which powers the health tracking features of its Galaxy Watches and, soon, the Galaxy Ring . Samsung’s ambitions for Samsung Health extend beyond mere tracking and measuring through its wearables, and we get the hint that the company is aiming at holistic health management. If you regularly use Samsung Health, you’d be glad to learn of these two upcoming features: medicine scanning and drug-allergy interaction. We managed to activate a bunch of new features in the latest Samsung Health app. In the future, users will be able to scan their medication to automatically add certain data like name, strength (mg dose), and form (tablet, capsule) to Samsung Heal...

I lost 30 pounds in a year. These are the apps, tech, and tools I used to stay on track.

After gaining over 20 pounds despite an active lifestyle, I decided to make a point of losing weight, without resorting to dieting trends. Within a year, I'd shed those pounds and lost another 10 (and counting). Here's the basic tech I used to pull it off. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/eXKvLdN

I blame Apple for Samsung settling into foldable mediocrity

Yes, it’s a spicy headline, but hear me out. Have you seen the most recent leaks of Samsung’s upcoming foldable phones? If not, I can save you some time — it looks like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be carbon copies of their predecessors, just with a healthy dose of Galaxy AI on board. There’s not much else to look forward to in terms of a shallower crease, updated cameras, or, in the Galaxy Z Flip’s case, an improved cover screen experience that doesn’t require Good Lock. If you’ve seen the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, you already know what you’re in for. And, like any good Android fanboy, I will blame Apple for all of my problems. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uX8HMEL

T-Mobile is becoming the mirror image of the carriers it claimed to fight against

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority In 2012, the wireless industry was in a less-than-ideal state. AT&T and Verizon dominated the market, despite a reputation for price gouging. Meanwhile, Sprint and T-Mobile lagged behind in third and fourth place, respectively. In an effort to change its trajectory, T-Mobile hired John Legere as CEO. Legere wasn’t your typical corporate suit. He wore jeans and T-shirts, and cursed like a sailor. He was also outspoken about the poor policies and practices of the larger wireless carriers, and actually made a ton of big changes to the company through the “Uncarrier” marketing initiative. This campaign aimed to disrupt traditional industry practices, such as two-year contracts, hidden fees, and sudden price increases. These transformations occurred against the backdrop of a planned merger with Sprint, which was finalized in 2020 after extensive negotiations. Fast forward to today, and the new T-Mobile now largely resembles the very...

News Weekly: The new 2024 Motorola Razr, early Pixel 9 event confirmed, and more

A close-up of the new Moto Razr series, Google announced that its Made by Google is arriving a month early, Samsung finally put all the rumors to rest and officially announced the Unpacked date, the Galaxy Watch shows up on Amazon, and Google released new AI tools specifically for educators. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/f30duVp

Is the Pixel 8a waterproof? I put it through three real-life tests to find out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZP1z-BzHUo As the official tech nerd in my family, the best bang for your buck phones, like the Google Pixel 8a , to my relatives and friends. After all, it’s getting harder to tell them apart from premium flagships. For example, the Pixel 8a has a very nice design, great performance, an amazing camera, and an overall awesome experience. But there’s one area in which these cheaper phones usually suffer more, and that is water resistance. How does the Pixel 8a handle water? Read on for all the finer details, but also be sure to check out the video above, where I put the Pixel 8a through three different real-life tests to see how the phone lives up to Google’s claims. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/GiYkTsa

Android 15 features: Everything you need to know about confirmed and leaked features

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Android 14 was publicly launched with the Pixel 8 series back in October 2023. We’re well into the new year, and Google has begun testing the next version of Android, now up to the Android 15 Beta 3 . This release brings the operating system to Platform Stability, meaning it is generally ready for the public. Google just needs to smooth out the kinks. In this article, we’re going to tell you everything we know (and think we know) about Android 15 so far! Fair warning, we’ve covered a lot of features in immense detail, so this article is very long. Consequently, this article has several indexes that should make it easier to navigate. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/lz93Toh

Android 15 beta 2 rolls out for the OnePlus 12, OnePlus Open

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority OnePlus is rolling out the second Android 15 beta update for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open. The update brings several bug fixes and improvements, but it’s not stable enough to be installed on your primary device. The builds still have a host of known issues on both devices. OnePlus was the first non-Pixel OEM to release Android 15 beta builds for its devices, and it seems to be keeping pace with subsequent releases. The second Android 15 beta for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open has started rolling out to beta testers today, bringing several improvements and bug fixes. OnePlus announced the rollout on its community forum earlier today (h/t: 1NormalUsername on Twitter ), highlighting the changes reproduced below. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kbz4o2i

Samsung Galaxy S25 series rumors and leaks: Everything we know so far

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Update: June 27, 2024 (012:00 PM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S25 series rumor hub with apparent camera specs, more chip leaks, possibly battery specs, and more! Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launched in the middle of January 2024, arriving a little earlier in the year than the last couple of generations. Along with it, the company introduced Galaxy AI , a titanium frame, new camera tricks, and a number of other features. But now that the Galaxy S24 launch has come and gone, it is time to start thinking about the next iteration in the series. How will the Galaxy S25 series set itself apart from its predecessor? What new features will Samsung come up with for the next generation? Will 2025 finally be the year we see a major shift in the Galaxy S design philosophy? Here, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the Galaxy S25. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/tI34BFj

Open AI holds off on releasing voice mode on Chat GPT

Open AI showed off its Chat GPT-4o about a month ago in all its glory; however, now, the company says it needs more time to launch its Voice mode. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/i3XgzSh

Samsung’s SDC date may hint at when One UI 7 will arrive

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Samsung is holding its annual developer conference on October 3, 2024. It’s possible that the tech giant could show off the features that come with One UI 7 at the event. Samsung could follow last year’s trend of releasing the stable version shortly after the conference. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is only a couple of weeks away, but that’s not the only event the company has scheduled in the near future. The firm also runs an annual conference for developers, and that conference just got a date. This development is notable because it may have revealed when Samsung plans to roll out One UI 7 . In a social post , Samsung’s X (formerly Twitter) account revealed that it would be holding this year’s Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) on October 3. The event will take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in Downtown San Jose, California. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/0TaShK2

T-Mobile’s controversial new bill credits policy goes live a week early

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority T-Mobile’s controversial new policy on bill credits has gone into effect. Going forward, you will no longer receive the bill credits remaining in your promo period if you pay your equipment installment plan off early. This policy was expected the change on July 1, but the carrier activated the policy a week early. Last week, it was discovered that T-Mobile was planning to make a change to the way it handles bill credits for device promotions. Customers are now finding that the new policy has already gone into effect. For a bit of background, T-Mobile runs device promotions in which customers can pay off their devices over time through an Equipment Installment Plan (EIP). These customers are also given discounts at are offered in the form of bill credits. Even if you paid off your device early, you would continue to earn the bill credits offered for the entire promo period as Recurring Device Credits (RDC). The report from las...

Verizon’s Network in a Box aims to solve connectivity issues at events

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Network in a Box is a portable private network prototype that Verizon is currently testing at sports events. The solution offers fast, reliable, and secure connectivity for gameplay and media operations. Verizon can scale the network to support up to 50 cellular radios per box. Verizon aims to address the network connectivity problems we often face at large-scale events with a portable private network dubbed ‘Network in a Box.’ The solution offers a secure and reliable private network for up to 50 cellular radios per box, and Verizon has already started testing a prototype at sports events. Verizon has announced that it successfully deployed the prototype Network in a Box at the UFL Championship game in St. Louis, Missouri, last week and has shipped similar portable networks for upcoming sports events in Sao Paulo, London, and Munich. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LdbJkVl

Samsung updates its Internet Browser to bring gestures to WearOS

Until now, users could go to the previous page with the click of a physical button on the smartwatch, which is likely to change. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/HNnkI3G

It’s not just the US: Galaxy Z Flip 6 will reportedly see a price increase in Europe as well

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority The Galaxy Z Flip 6 will see a price increase in Europe, lending further credence to a previous report suggesting the phone would see an $100 increase. The 256GB version will reportedly cost €1,339.99, while the 512GB model is listed at €1,466.99. This is a price increase that’s roughly similar to what has been suggested for the US. The new pricing information comes from a European retail database, so there are no guarantees of its legitimacy. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is less than a month away from being unveiled at Samsung’s next Unpacked event. At this stage, we know almost every major detail about the phone and even final details like pricing are finally starting to trickle in. Earlier this month, a report from prolific tipster OnLeaks suggested that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be more expensive than its predecessor, increasing its pricing by $100 for all configurations in the United States. Now we have learned Samsung may be r...

One UI 7 could give you another way to lock apps, thanks to Apple

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority One UI 7 /6.1.1 could bring a new feature called “App Lock” to Galaxy devices. This would add yet another way for Galaxy owners to lock their apps. Galaxy devices offer plenty of privacy and security features, such as Auto Blocker, Samsung Pass, Private Share, and more. That list could soon get a little longer with the addition of a new way to lock your apps. First spotted by Tarun Vats on X (formerly Twitter), it appears the upcoming One UI 7 update could introduce a built-in app locking feature. According to the screenshot, the feature would matter of factly be called App Lock. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/K2RfbdJ

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Going out in style

Jabra's latest Active earbuds stand tough while the company itself bows out. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/5QFYlg0

Apple is stepping up its work on AR glasses, but don’t expect them soon

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Apple has reportedly “renewed” efforts to develop its own augmented reality glasses. Unfortunately, it sounds like they’ll only be ready by 2027 at the soonest. Several companies have offered augmented reality (AR) glasses in recent years, featuring a display, smart features, or other tricks. It now sounds like Apple is stepping up its efforts to enter this segment, but we could be in for an extremely long wait. Bloomberg ‘s Mark Gurman reported in his Power On newsletter that Apple has “renewed” efforts to develop its own AR glasses. The journalist added that these would be “lightweight” glasses that could be worn all day. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/d23FIBC

Here’s why the iPhone 15, 15 Plus won’t have new AI tricks (it’s not the chip)

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Apple’s new AI features won’t come to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus as they lack enough RAM, according to a trusted journalist. The iPhone maker purportedly decided that 8GB of RAM was the minimum needed for its Apple Intelligence features. By contrast, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus only pack 6GB of RAM. Apple announced a variety of new AI tricks for its iPhones earlier this month, dubbed Apple Intelligence . Unfortunately, most iPhone owners are left in the lurch as only the iPhone 15 Pro series will get these features. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Nu0zUah

Moto Tag certified: Motorola’s first tracker to support Google’s network?

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Credit: Ryan McLeod / Android Authority A filing for the Motorola Moto Tag has appeared on the FCC database. This tracker could be Motorola’s first to support Google’s Find My Device network. The tag supports Bluetooth and UWB, while running on a standard watch battery. Google launched its Find My Device network earlier this year, and several brands have already chipped in with tracking tags . It looks like Motorola’s offering is a step closer to release with a new regulatory filing. The Motorola Moto Tag was listed by the FCC today (h/t: IT Home ), and it supports Bluetooth LE and UWB connectivity. The latter feature means that you can expect more fine-tuned, granular tracking support compared to a Bluetooth-only tracker. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/JhbncEQ

This is our first look at the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, and the notch is here to stay

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Credit: Android Headlines Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra renders have leaked online. The images show a premium tablet that looks virtually identical to the Tab S9 Ultra. Expect a display notch and thin design once again, but there’s no word on other specs or a launch date. We’ve already seen the first Galaxy Tab S10 series leaks and rumors appearing online, and a trusted source has now posted renders for the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Steve ‘OnLeaks’ Hemmerstoffer and Android Headlines posted apparent Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra renders online. Check the image above and the gallery below to get a look. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3ib1mzX

News Weekly: First look at RCS on iPhone, YouTube cracks down on VPN hacks, Android 15, and more

First look at RCS messaging on an iPhone, YouTube is coming for people using VPN hacks for subscriptions, Android 15's Beta 3 launches, first look at the new Motorola Razr, and Spotify introduces a new basic plan. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/kE3c8Kn

This is the one tablet that puts the iPad to shame

As it turns out, you don't need to constantly be on the lookout for something bigger and better. Sometimes, taking a step back makes you realize that what you need is right in front of you. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/G5PRIzn

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra drops again, now $700 off!

Just six months after launch, we’re excited to see a massive $700 discount on the powerful Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra . It isn’t the first time we’ve tracked savings on the laptop, but it’s the biggest markdown to date by some distance. If you catch it in time, you can pick up the device for $1,699.99. Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra for $1,699.99 ($700 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/lYBQWXT

Peak Design’s new Small Tech Pouch changed the way I carry my Android accessories

Peak Design just launched a lineup of new travel accessories, and after using them for a few weeks, I’m convinced the Small Tech Pouch is the best accessory organizer. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/7Y2luSz

Alexa’s upcoming generative AI upgrade might cost you $5 to $10 monthly

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority A new report suggests Amazon might charge a monthly fee for an upgraded, generative AI-powered version of Alexa. Allegedly, this monthly charge could be $5 to $10, but there could be a less powerful version that stays free. Amazon considers the current Alexa unprofitable and is losing ground to Google’s and Apple’s offerings. This year, we’ve seen digital assistants get serious AI facelifts. Google is by far the most prominent, with its Gemini platform already poised to take over for Google Assistant. Meanwhile, at WWDC24, Apple showed off what a generative AI-powered version of Siri will be able to do later this year. So far, the major digital assistant platform left out of this conversation is Amazon’s Alexa . Alexa hasn’t had a good couple of years. Amazon considers the platform unprofitable because not enough people use it for what Amazon wants them to use it for, which is buying products on Amazon, naturally. Alexa also ...

The newest streaming movies this week: Exhuma, Monkey Man, and more

We’re here with a new list for the week, featuring two long-awaited movies and an anime retelling you’re going to love. It’s a great month for movies and shows this month, you’ll find more if you scroll to the bottom of this week’s round-up. The best new streaming movies this week Feel free to click on the links if something piques your interest, or read through to discover what’s streaming to find your weekend watch. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/28K6Qwf

Upcoming OnePlus smartwatch resurfaces, confirming LTE support

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority An upcoming OnePlus smartwatch with LTE support has surfaced in Chinese regulatory body TENAA’s database. The certification filing reveals several similarities with the recently released OnePlus Watch 2. OnePlus is likely working on an upgraded version of the OnePlus Watch 2 , which could address one of its main shortcomings: the lack of LTE support. MySmartPrice has spotted an unreleased OnePlus smartwatch with the model number OPWW234 in a certification filing submitted to China’s regulatory body TENAA. The filing includes a render showcasing a smartwatch that looks strikingly similar to the OnePlus Watch 2 with a circular dial and two buttons on the right side. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/slK3zFC

Kindle Paperwhite 6 wishlist: All the features I want to see

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Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best e-readers on the market and is perfectly suited for all your e-book needs , but it’s also almost two years old. When will we see a next-generation model? While nothing is set in stone, I have a wishlist of features and upgrades I’d like to see when the reader is ready. Here is everything I want to see on the Kindle Paperwhite 6, which could also be referred to as the Kindle Paperwhite 12th gen. Dedicated page-turn buttons from Android Authority https://ift.tt/qMrulAe

What is Lockdown mode, and why would you need it?

Lockdown mode requires a PIN or password to unlock your phone the next time it's used. Know how to do it and why you might want to before you need it. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/sRAoujK

Sunbird just won’t quit, is now opening its iMessage on Android app to 171,000 waitlisters

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The Sunbird app promised to bring iMessage to Android but was discovered to be a security nightmare. The company halted activity for a bit but is now back, rolling out access to its waitlist of over 171,000 users. We advise anyone who added themselves to the list to be wary before trying the “new” Sunbird, at least for now. In late 2022, we learned about a new Android app called Sunbird. The app promised something that many Android users want, which is the ability to use iMessage on Android . While no company but Apple could ever actually port iMessage to Android, Sunbird claimed to have a simple (and free) way to do it by essentially bridging your messages to a virtual macOS machine. Sunbird got a lot of traction quickly, even seeing its app skinned over as Nothing Chats and included with the Nothing Phone 2. Unfortunately, the service barely worked and, most importantly, turned out to be a security nightmare. Within just hou...

Google Pixel Tablet 2: All the rumors and everything we want to see

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I was genuinely excited by the Google Pixel Tablet when it was first revealed. A media consumption tablet that also doubles as a Nest Hub? Sign me up. Unfortunately, the reality wasn’t quite the same as the promise. While it’s a good first effort, there’s plenty of room for improvement. Of course, we probably have a long time to go before the next Pixel Tablet arrives, but it’s still fun to speculate. Let’s jump into everything we know about the Google Pixel Tablet 2, as well as what we’d like to see. Will there be a Pixel Tablet 2? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ygT1oPj

Galaxy Buds 3's alleged stem design could use new pinch playback controls

Previous leaks have given us the Galaxy Buds 3 design aesthetics; the new one, however, gives us what to expect from the new stem design. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/ACgWsPm

Android 15 can automatically delete your face or fingerprint unlock if they aren’t working well

Strings in the latest Android 15 beta suggest the OS can automatically delete biometrics that aren’t working well. Android will delete your face or fingerprint unlock when they aren’t working well and then prompt you to set them up again. We don’t know how the OS determines when a biometric isn’t working well or if this feature is even live yet in the latest Android 15 beta, though. Most Android phones, even really cheap budget phones , sport some kind of biometric authentication method, whether that be through a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition. However, the accuracy of these sensors can vary drastically between devices due to differences in the sensor technology, the exact part that’s used, the specific tuning done by the vendor, and even the environmental conditions of the user. Internet forums are littered with users complaining about their phones’ biometrics, and one of the most common recommendations to fix biometric authentication issues is to re-enroll their fi...

Forget emulators, I’m excited for more classic retro games to go native on Android

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OOX6R6CNYQ As a child of the late 1980s, the Nintendo 64 was the first console that I really grew up with. Sure, we had an SNES in the house, but I wasn’t old enough to play without asking my dad to beat the hard levels until I bought an N64 in 1996. And what a legendary console it was. Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Goldeneye 007, Super Smash Bros., Ocarina of Time, and Majora’s Mask — so many classic titles that remain a core memory of my childhood. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/jaI4bpv

Samsung's wearable app reaffirms Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro's new stem design

The next pair of Galaxy Buds will likely opt for a stem design, and the new leak indicates how it would look different from the current lot. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/ViEdtcq

Rumor suggests no Galaxy S25 models with Exynos chips, just like in 2023

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority A rumor from a reliable source suggests the Samsung Galaxy S25 series could all feature Snapdragon processors globally. This would mean there would be no Exynos-powered models at all. The reason behind this is alleged problems with Exynos manufacturing. In 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series made headlines for launching with Qualcomm processors across the world. This was the first time that had happened in a very long time. Unfortunately, with the Galaxy S24 series , we went back to business as usual, with some phones getting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and some others getting Samsung’s own Exynos processors, which are mostly inferior to Qualcomm’s. Now, there could be good news on the horizon. According to reliable leaker Ming-Chi Kuo , Qualcomm could be the sole supplier of chips for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, which we expect to land early next year. If true, this would bring us back to the days of 2023, in which any Galaxy S ...

The JBL Boombox 3 plunges in price to just $349.95

A good Bluetooth speaker is absolutely essential for any summer gathering, so this record deal on the JBL Boombox 3 couldn’t have landed at a better time. Usually retailing for almost $500, you can pick up the highly rated speaker for just $349.95 on Amazon right now. JBL Boombox 3 for $349.95 ($150 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/iXY2Rca

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could be much more expensive to make, possibly driving up phone prices

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Previously, we confirmed that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 would be more expensive than the 8 Gen 3. Today, we have more information on this, suggesting a significant price jump of 25-30%. If true, it seems likely smartphone prices would go up in 2025. During the launch of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in October last year, Qualcomm told us that the eventual Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 would be more expensive than the 8 Gen 3. Today, we learned a little more about how much more expensive the flagship Android processor might be. According to reliable leaker Ming-Chi Kuo , the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could be 25-30% more expensive than the 8 Gen 3. This is a major jump, putting the chip’s cost somewhere in the $200 range. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/IEkpOHq

Apple plans to ‘significantly’ slim down the iPhone 17 and other devices

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Apple reportedly wants the iPhone 17 to be significantly thinner. The company is also working on making the MacBook Pro and Apple Watch thinner. The plan is to make these devices the thinnest and lightest in their categories across the industry. When Apple launched the new thinner iPad Pro in May, it harkened back to the days when Apple was focused on making its devices as thin as possible. It seems that mentality is making a comeback as the company plans to also shrink the iPhone, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch. While Apple’s update to the iPad Pro makes the tablet thinner, it also manages to maintain the same battery life as older models and fits in an M4 chip to make it as powerful as a desktop. In short, Apple found a way to cut the size of the tablet down without having to make any sacrifices. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg , Apple believes it can do the same with its other products. from Android Authority https://if...

Heart rate tracking on earbuds was probably a mistake

Heart rate tracking built into earbuds is an intriguing idea, but it's apparently one that's difficult to execute. Based on my test results, the data isn't especially trustworthy. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/IDvS7uJ

Buying a laptop in late 2024 is going to be hella complicated

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority For the past few years, buying a laptop has been pretty straightforward. First, you decide whether you want a Windows laptop, a Chromebook , or a MacBook . Then, you pick a budget and buy something you like that fits within it. That was all it took. In late 2024, though, things won’t be so simple. You’ll still need to decide between Windows, Chrome OS, and macOS, that’s for sure, but there are a lot of changes going on in the Windows world. The AI revolution has brought us new Arm-based processors from Qualcomm that will still run Windows, but not necessarily the same Windows experience you’re likely used to. Meanwhile, new chips from Intel are very different from their old chips, which might require you to alter your expectations of what you can do with your laptop once you buy it. Then, you’ll also have your usual Intel/AMD choices. On top of all this, AI features that appear on some Windows machines won’t appear on others. It’s ver...

Why your next laptop will have an NPU, just like your phone

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority If you’ve been weighing up a new laptop purchase, you’ll have no doubt spotted that they’re increasingly boasting NPU capabilities that sound an awful lot like the hardware we’ve seen in the very best smartphones for a number of years now. The driving factor is the push for laptops to catch up with mobile AI capabilities, embuing them with advanced AI features, like Microsoft’s Copilot , that can run securely on-device without needing an internet connection. So here’s everything you need to know about NPUs, why your next laptop might have one, and whether or not you should buy one. What is an NPU? NPU is an acronym for Neural Processing Unit. NPUs are dedicated to running mathematical functions associated with neural network/machine learning/AI tasks. While these can be standalone chips, they are increasingly integrated directly into a system-on-chip (SoC) alongside more familiar CPU and GPU components. from Android Authority ...

Apple's outsourcing to OpenAI is a very 'un-Appley' move, but it works

Apple could have built its own version of ChatGPT but it didn't. Now it has to rely on the competition for it. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/uDzxqr9

Google and Samsung won’t lose any sleep over Apple Intelligence

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Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update heralds a few major and many minor changes for Apple’s iPhone series. But besides the stuff Android has had for years, Apple Intelligence is undoubtedly the key announcement of the lot. However, there are a few caveats to Apple’s belated push for AI that should give us extra pause before jumping on the hype train. First, you’ll need a top-tier iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max to leverage the very best of Apple’s new features in a phone form factor, though that’s perhaps not super surprising as they have the best silicon. Apple is betting heavily on AI to encourage early upgrades, leaving iOS 18 with far less to offer the bulk of Apple’s current user base . But peel back the investor-schmoozing promises and media-friendly AI soundbites, and it’s pretty clear that Apple is still miles behind its AI rivals and has a significant gap to close before it’s anywhere close to parity with the market leaders. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/xWDdhUn

New leak suggests potential Samsung Unpacked countdown

Samsung has long been rumored to organize an Unpacked event right during the Olympics, and it looks like it finally came true. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Wk6VGQR

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

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Update: June 14, 2024 (12:41 PM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy Z Flip 6 rumor hub with more information about the release date. Original article: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has been a very popular smartphone amongst consumers, more so than the larger, book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 . The lower price and the accessible size are some of the reasons why users prefer this clamshell foldable. With 2024 now underway, we can look forward to Samsung refreshing this lineup with the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Here’s what we know about the Flip 6, what we can expect, and what we want it to be! from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kYeuy6E

Google Photos will finally let you mass delete backups (APK Teardown)

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority A new feature, “Undo backup for this device,” was spotted in the Google Photos app version 6.87. The feature will delete all backed-up data in Google Photos from a particular device. Locally stored copies of the data won’t be deleted. Google Photos is set to launch a new feature aimed at simplifying the management of cloud storage and photo library backups. Dubbed “Undo backup for this device,” this new addition promises to streamline the process of freeing up space in Google cloud storage. This feature was discovered in the Google Photos app ( version 6.87). The following code strings found within the app shed light on the feature’s functionality: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/NEY6CA1

Samsung’s budget-friendly Galaxy Watch FE is here

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Credit: Ryan McNeal / Android Authority Samsung announced it is launching the Galaxy Watch FE. The smartwatch comes in only one size — 40mm. You’ll be able to get the Bluetooth-only model for $199 and the LTE version for $249. Leaks suggested that Samsung wouldn’t wait until its summer Unpacked event to announce the Galaxy Watch FE. It looks like those rumors were right on target as Samsung has officially unveiled the new smartwatch . Today, Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch FE, revealing the specs, prices, colors, features, and availability. The FE is a 40mm smartwatch and is being positioned as an entry-level model, so expect the device to make a few compromises compared to the company’s flagship and premium offerings. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/acJpPBY

Android 15 is adding a defense system against sneaky attacks at charging stations

Android 15's Lockdown mode will soon block data transfer while your phone charges at public charging stations. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/kNLT6z4

Apple and Meta can't stop copying each other

The Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 are building off each other in a way we haven't seen since Android and iOS, and that's a good thing for everyone involved. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/tbvfNRS

Hallelujah, this is the Google Pixel Watch 3 XL

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Credit: Android Headlines Images of the larger Pixel 3 variant have leaked online. The variant is reportedly called the Pixel 3 XL. The Pixel Watch 3 XL will reportedly be thicker, coming in at 13.89mm. A new leak regarding Google’s next iteration of the Pixel Watch has emerged online. The leak is related to the rumored larger variant of the Pixel Watch 3 . The folks over at Android Headlines have gotten their hands on leaked renders of the upcoming larger variant of the Pixel Watch 3 with the help of tipster OnLeaks. According to the outlet, the smartwatch will not be called the Pixel Watch 3 Pro, but rather the Pixel Watch 3 XL. Additionally, it’s speculated that the XL branding suggests that the smartwatch won’t be any different from its smaller sibling. Whereas a Pro moniker typically means that there are more features or different hardware to warrant the designation. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/R6Em8G5

Google lets first batch of users test its new theft detection lock feature

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Credit: Google Google is letting the first users test out theft detection lock, offline device lock, and remote lock. The security features are coming to Brazil first. Users who want to get in on the test will have to fill out a form. During this year’s Google I/O, the Pixel maker unveiled theft detection lock , offline device lock, and remote lock. If you live in Brazil, you can try out the new security features before anyone else. Google announced today that Brazil will be the first country to test its new anti-theft features. To get access to the new features, these users will first have to fill out a form . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Rop3fsj

HONOR launches 200 series in Europe, brings Pro version to region for first time

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HONOR is launching the 200 series in Europe. The Pro version will be arriving in the region for the first time. The base model and Pro will be available for £499 / €599 and £699 / €799, respectively. The HONOR 200 series already debuted in China, but now the Android handset maker is launching the series in Europe. For the first time ever, the company also plans to bring the Pro version to this market. Today, HONOR held an event in Paris, France to announce the rollout of the 200 series in Europe. The 200 series hangs its hat on photography, and to emphasize this, the company has partnered with Studio Harcourt — a Parisian portrait photography house — to show off what the 200 Pro is capable of. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/tSuKgi7

Apple made RCS messaging an afterthought at WWDC, why wouldn’t it?

RCS messaging is coming to the iPhone with iOS 18, and Apple doesn’t care about how big of a deal that really is. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/vspnd1U

Galaxy Z Fold 6 could beat Apple Intelligence for this feature

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Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority A leak may have revealed a new AI feature that will come to the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The feature is able to transform doodles into pictures. It’s unclear when the feature will roll out. Now that Apple is entering the ring with Apple Intelligence , the AI wars are in full swing. Yesterday’s flurry of announcements has helped Apple position itself next to its biggest competitors despite its late start. However, a newly leaked AI feature for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 may show that Samsung is still a step ahead of its rival. Samsung’s next Unpacked event is scheduled for next month. It’s expected that this will be the event where the company shows off its next generation of foldables — the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 . Similar to the Galaxy S24, the phones should boast a variety of AI features. But the Fold 6 could have a rather interesting feature we haven’t seen yet. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/6wcYDgC

Apple says new Pixels and Galaxys will get longer software support than iPhones

For the first time ever, Android phones are the king of software support, led by Google and Samsung’s seven-year promise. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/k5BltN7

Xbox Series X goes all-digital with new discless model, also introduces a few other minor vairants

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Credit: Microsoft Microsoft has refreshed its Xbox Series S and X lineup with a few new minor variants. There’s a new color for the Series X, new storage variants for both the Series X and Series S, and a discless model. These will launch during the holiday 2024 season, though you’ll likely be able to place a pre-order in the next few months. While many gamers await the much anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro , Microsoft has introduced a few new options of its own. There isn’t a new Xbox Pro model or anything just yet, but for the first time, we are getting an all-digital Xbox Series X. The new all-digital version, available in Robot White, offers 1TB of storage and all the speed and performance of the standard Xbox Series X. The new model looks very similar to the regular hardware; the only major difference is the absence of a disc drive. This model will retail for $449.99, which represents a $50 savings over the disc drive version. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/...

Amazon eases up on annoying Fire TV video ads

Amazon is cutting back on the frustration with its automatic full-screen ads on Fire TVs. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/RQYapfX

Humane warns all AI Pin users to stop using its charging case

Humane has issued an urgent safety recall for the AI Pin charging case due to a potential fire hazard. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/uNHUqts

Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) review: Should you buy it?

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Should you buy the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024)? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nbRlWk5

WWDC 2024 should kick off a new AI fitness war between Apple, Samsung, and Google

Leaks suggest Apple will reveal 'Apple Intelligence' (aka AI) at WWDC 2024, and that it'll bring major feature updates to Apple Fitness. Samsung has its own AI plans for Samsung Health this summer, and it's the beginning of a new era. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/LZzsOY6

App of the Week: Inflow app helped me get my runaway ADHD symptoms back in check

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Credit: Inflow I’ve written a bit in the past about my struggles with ADHD and how devices like Bluetooth keyfinders can be helpful for someone like me. A few months ago, my struggles intensified when I had to temporarily go off medication due to stomach issues. At the time, I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of going off the meds while I healed. After sliding back into some truly bad habits, I started looking for alternatives that could help keep some of my worst ADHD symptoms in check, and thankfully, that’s when I discovered Inflow. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9rLJsVn

Overreacting is easy, but it will never fix any real problems

It's fine to hate what companies like Adobe and Meta do with your information, but you still have some control over it all. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/M4sbNQH

We have details on the new Instant Hotspot feature for Android thanks to live support page

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The new Android Instant Hotspot feature is not out yet, but its support page is live. The page tells us that Android Go devices won’t work, and some devices will get more features than others. We still don’t have a concrete timeline for the rollout of Instant Hotspot. At the end of May, in an Android Feature Drop , Google announced a new tool called Instant Hotspot. The company described it as a way to instantly connect to a different device’s internet connection through one notification tap. This is possible thanks to the new cross-device services feature coming to Android soon. Unfortunately, that’s about all we knew about Instant Hotspot — until now. At some point in the past 24 hours or so, Google published the official support page for Instant Hotspot, which gives a lot more details about the feature. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/EHN609Q

Best Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 screen protectors 2024

The fine Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 has a beautiful OLED screen that brings utter joy to look at. Maintain its beauty with a solid screen protector. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/9t1BMd2

Max raises the prices of its Ad-Free and Ultimate plans

Max shared new prices for its standard and ultimate plans; while both see a price hike for monthly and yearly plans, the ad-based plan remains unchanged. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/x9QCuXP

Best Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 cases 2024

Style your latest Moto G Stylus with all the best the current market has to offer. These are the best Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 cases. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/xEVM8QW

Google will bring RCS support to 911 emergency calls, starting this winter

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RCS message support will roll out to every 911 call center in a gradual process, starting this winter. In addition to texts, you’ll be able to send high-res video and images. There’s even support for automatically sharing location data and opt-in medical info. As a child, I was taught how to dial 911 from an early age. However, there are many situations where making a phone call might not be the most appropriate or safe option. For example, if your home is invaded, texting could draw less attention than a voice call. Hearing impairment is another scenario where texting could be more effective. While it’s already possible to text 911, this capability will improve dramatically for Google Messages users this winter, thanks to RCS integration . Currently, only 53% of US 911 call centers can receive text messages, and many of these centers cannot receive pictures or videos. Today, Google announced it is partnering with emergency technology company RapidSOS to upgrade call cente...