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Showing posts from July, 2024

Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 problems and how to fix them

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra now headline the Korean company’s smartwatch efforts. Both offer buyers a particular set of skills, with the standard model building on its predecessors’ strengths and the Ultra presenting a brand new development path. While they may now be among Samsung’s best smartwatches , there’s no getting around the fact that new models will always face teething issues. Thankfully, many of these problems can be remedied without much effort. Here’s a list of Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 problems and their fixes. Common Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 problems Excessive battery drain Display misalignment and green tint Fitness tracking and GPS problems Durability issues of the Galaxy Watch Ultra LTE connectivity problems Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 problems: Quick fixes More often than not, a reboot can solve most tech issues, which is true with the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. However, there are othe...

YouTube uses creators to bring you closer to the Olympics

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority YouTube has partnered with broadcasters spanning over 200 countries and territories, including Eurosport, Claro Sports, and CazéTV. Over 30 YouTube creators have been sent to Paris so viewers can watch the Olympics with perspectives from their favorite creators. Viewers can also watch full broadcast live streams and use the multiview in Latin America. The Olympics are in full swing and YouTube is making sure that you get all the coverage you can handle. In addition to live streams and highlights, viewers also have the opportunity to experience the games through the eyes of their favorite YouTube creators. In a new blog , YouTube explains the many ways you can catch all of the action happening in Paris. As you probably know by now, NBC is the main broadcaster of the Olympics for the US. As YouTube notes, you watch the coverage in 4K on YouTube TV, as well as catch clips and highlights on YouTube. from Android Authority http...

Latest Pixel 9 leak sets fast charging expectations

The Pixel 9 Pro XL may support 35W charging and be able to reach 70% capacity in 30 minutes. Google should start selling a 45W charger, instead of the 30W it has now. All standard Pixel 9 phones should start at 128GB storage, with the Pro and Pro XL available in as much as 1TB. Google’s Pixel 9 series is set to debut in under two weeks. While these are shaping up to be the most expensive Pixel phones to date, between some hardware upgrades and Google’s latest AI software magic, it may just be able to convince shoppers the investment is worth it. As we start getting down to the wire on leaks and rumors, we’re checking out a source that attempts to nail down some details about what we can hope to expect from Pixel 9 phones in terms of both storage capacity and charging. That question of how fast the Pixel 9 series might charge has been one we’ve been thinking a lot about since seeing Taiwan’s NCC share Pixel charging speed data two weeks ago. Based on the raw numbers, it looke...

Oura rings could soon help you track your fertility window (APK teardown)

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Oura is working on a new feature that could help users track their fertility window. The feature will rely on body temperature data to deliver fertility predictions. It’s not immediately clear whether the feature will be part of the Natural Cycles integration. In a bid to make its smart rings more appealing than Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring , Oura is working on a host of new features. We recently shared details about two in-development features that will give users better heart rate insights and allow them to log their meals. Now, we’ve spotted evidence of another upcoming feature that will provide users with fertility predictions. Oura currently relies on the Natural Cycles app for menstrual cycle tracking. This feature utilizes body temperature data collected by the ring to track users’ menstrual cycles and provide helpful insights. However, it requires a separate subscription for the Natural Cycles app. from Android Authori...

Play Store could soon handle updates for sideloaded apps (APK teardown)

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google Play could soon let users install updates for sideloaded apps. The change will show users available updates for sideloaded apps on the Play Store, and give them the option to “Update from Play.” This change should also work for apps downloaded from third-party app stores. The Google Play Store could soon let you install updates for apps that have either been sideloaded or installed from a third-party store. Evidence spotted in Play Store version 42.0.18 suggests that users may see a new “Update from Play” option on Play Store listings for apps installed from third-party sources, giving them the option to download and install updates from the Play Store instead of the original source. Google introduced a useful change with Android 14 that lets an app store set update ownership for apps downloaded from it. This move was intended to prevent users from accidentally installing the wrong version of an app from a different s...

Even AI doubters will love what Google is doing to shorten your commute

Project Green Light uses travel data from Maps users to model driver behavior at specific intersections. Google uses its analysis to make recommendations about adjusting signal timing to optimize traffic flow. The goal is to expand to hundreds of cities within the next few years. No one’s going to blame you for feeling a little burnt out on AI. Artificial intelligence seems like it’s been at the dead center of the tech zeitgeist for so long that it’s enough to have you feeling nostalgic for NFTs. And while there are absolutely situations where it’s being used poorly , or being used in ways that feel threatening, there are others where AI trying to smarten up an ancient, dumb system sounds like the very best thing that could happen for everyone involved. That is just what Google’s been up to with Project Green Light, an AI-driven effort to improve traffic efficiency, and this week the company offers a little insight into how well that’s been going. The problem Green Light wan...

OnePlus Nord 4 vs. Google Pixel 8a: Who's the winner?

Here comes the OnePlus Nord 4 vs. Google Pixel 8a mid-range battle. See which one offers better specifications without breaking the bank. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/8ebMOkS

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is $331 off right now!

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Galaxy S24 Ultra Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is still recognized as one of the best smartphones of 2024, despite it being launched at the beginning of the year. The great thing about waiting some months after launch is that deals will inevitably start showing up. Right now, you can save $331 on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which brings the price to just $969. Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for just $969 from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3zc7ypN

Samsung’s got a fix in the works for your Galaxy Watch 7’s pathetic battery life

Samsung confirms what you’ve been reporting — there’s a problem with Watch 7 battery life. A forum rep reports that engineers have identified the source of the problem. Software that fixes the battery drain should be available soon. Ever have that sinking suspicion that your brand-new gadget isn’t working right? Were your expectations just too high, or did the manufacturer really drop the ball? That’s a question that’s been bouncing around the heads of new Galaxy Watch 7 owners, as many found that their new smartwatches weren’t lasting nearly as long on a charge as they’d anticipated. Well, we’ve got some good news for you — this isn’t all in your head — and Samsung’s putting together a solution. We’ve been spotting reports all over the place from shoppers who had just received their new Galaxy Watch 7 and were underwhelmed by its battery endurance. Last week, we found so many of these over on Reddit that we wanted to extend the question to our readers, as well, and put toge...

I made the Pixel 8 Pro's display 20x better with a single line of code

The Google Pixel 8 Pro launched with an abysmally low PWM rate of 240Hz, but the custom ROM community has been able to push that as high as 4800Hz. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/k3rXHVK

Pixel Watch 3 leak reveals every band coming, including a brand new one

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority A leak claims the smaller Pixel Watch 3 will come with 10 band options, while the larger model will come with six options. A new performance band is reportedly coming for both models, but has been delayed. The Pixel Watch 3 is said to come in multiple case colors. There have been quite a few leaks related to Google’s upcoming products recently, including news on the Pixel 9 series and Pixel Buds Pro 2 . Now the Pixel Watch 3 is in the spotlight with leaks regarding what bands will be available, the colors, and case options. According to a report from Android Headlines , the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 will come with 10 different types of bands. It appears each band will be available in an assortment of colors to choose from. A few of these colors, which you can see in the bullet points below, are exclusive to the smaller model. This list will reportedly include: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mkzJqDf

Gemini will soon allow you to fine-tune your generated images (APK teardown)

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Motorola Razr (2024) Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Gemini will soon allow you to fine-tune a previously generated image. You’ll be able to do this through text prompts as well as manually circling what specific thing you want to change. Although we can see these features in the latest Google beta app for Android, we can’t get them to work yet. Image generation is one of the core features of any AI chatbot, and there’s no exception for Google Gemini on that front. As with other chatbots, Gemini allows you to create images from text prompts and then use those images for whatever you like. However, one thing Gemini lacks is the ability to tweak an image after it has been generated — but that could change very soon. In the latest Google beta app for Android (v15.29.34.29 beta), we see new tools related to fine-tuning AI-generated imagery. This could be incredibly useful for situations in which you like the image that’s been created but don’t like a particular de...

Gemini getting loads of new Google extensions, including Home, Phone, more (APK teardown)

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority In an APK Teardown of the latest Google beta app, we see information related to many new Google extensions coming soon. These extensions include previously unannounced Home, Phone, and a phone-focused one called Utilities, as well as Keep, Tasks, and Calendar, which Google previously confirmed would be coming soon. It’s unclear if these are all dropping at once or if Google will slowly roll them out. Google’s Gemini is very powerful on its own, but some of its most interesting capabilities require it to connect to other platforms. This is possible through the use of extensions. For example, the current Google Flights extension allows you to pull in real-time flight info for when you need up-to-the-minute information for a travel-related Gemini prompt. Other extensions already exist for Google Hotels, Maps, Workspace, YouTube, and YouTube Music. However, a teardown of the latest Google app beta shows that there are a lot more o...

Here’s more info on the ‘Google TV Streamer,’ including possible Ethernet support

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Credit: 9to5Google More information has come to light about the supposed “Google TV Streamer” we first heard about last week. It looks like the streaming box could have an Ethernet port as well as Thread support. Both features would make the Google TV Streamer much more robust and powerful than any of its predecessors. For years now, Google’s media streaming hardware has been made up of small, dongle-like devices, making them easy to install and hide behind your television. However, these simple form factors prohibited those devices from being as powerful as some competitor devices, such as the Roku Ultra , NVIDIA Shield TV, Apple TV 4K, and Amazon Fire TV Cube. Last week, though, we heard about a new rumored streamer from Google that would go up against these higher-end devices. Tentatively known as the “ Google TV Streamer ,” this new device takes the set-top box approach, abandoning the tiny dongle form factor of Google’s past streamers. Because of this increase in s...

Fitbit Arcade is for kids, but this adult wants to see it on every smartwatch

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The latest smartwatch for kids, the Fitbit Ace LTE , offers gamified activity tracking complete with incentive-based play in the Fitbit Arcade. From racing chickens in space to golfing around the world with a hoard of monsters, the games are as simple as they are entertaining, and most importantly, they help get children moving. But what about adults? I’m not saying access to wrist-based entertainment is the key to a fitness regimen, but I don’t see why we can’t also be motivated by addictive arcade games. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/xn7bwIN

Oh, flip yeah! Best Buy will give you $250 to buy the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best Buy has launched discounts of up to $460 off for trade-ins on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, and buyers will also receive a $250 gift card. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Dvfodwh

I'm giving Motorola another chance

I think Motorola is finding ways to turn itself back into the great phone maker it used to be. I'm ready to try them again. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Jd1NgEk

Pixel 9 Pro XL gets a video review, but one thing is curiously absent

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A Ukrainian YouTuber has posted a nearly 20-minute review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, the model he has is a design sample and is never shown with the display turned on, likely because it doesn’t actually boot. Regardless, we get many great shots of the phone’s design and a good idea of its size. Google is going to launch the Pixel 9 series on August 13. We expect to see the vanilla Pixel 9 alongside a similarly sized Pixel 9 Pro. In addition, there will almost certainly be a larger Pro model called the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Finally, there will be a foldable version known as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Today, three weeks ahead of time, we have a video review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The review (in Ukrainian, mirrored above) shows what appears to be a late-stage design sample of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. You can tell it is not a retail unit by the interesting geometric design that appears below the “G” logo on the back of the phone. Since it’s almost certainly a design sample, the Yo...

Downcycled: The story of Samsung’s failed deal with iFixit, as told by iFixit’s CEO

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority “Never take broken for an answer.” This motto, wrapped around a wrench, is emblazoned on Kyle Wiens’ red t-shirt. Wiens is the CEO of iFixit, one of the most popular destinations for everything you need when it comes to repairing smartphones , tablets, laptops, and more. The shirt — available from iFixit’s online store — is not just touting a clever slogan. For Wiens and everyone else at iFixit, it is a mantra, an attitude that defines everything it does. However, even Wiens himself probably didn’t anticipate how he would be forced to go against this mantra with a recently dissolved partnership with South Korea’s largest company, Samsung , which Wiens is here to discuss with Android Authority . Wiens sips a Diet Coke and settles in as I start explaining the framework of our conversation. He interrupts me politely to get a big caveat out of the way related to confidentiality terms iFixit still has with Samsung. “We’re generally very op...

Meta Quest 3s: Rumors, specs, and what we want to see

Rumors are heating up about the Meta Quest 3s, or Meta Quest 3 Lite, a more affordable way to get into the world of VR. Here's everything we know about the upcoming headset! from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/XrNAazM

The best Samsung Galaxy Ring alternatives

The Samsung Galaxy Ring has introduced the notion of finger-based trackers to the mainstream. No longer are smart rings novelties for fashionable folk too trendy to wear bulky smartwatches or heart-tracking rubber bands. Although it’s a breakthrough device in many ways, the Galaxy Ring has its work cut out to establish itself as the one ring. It faces steep competition from industry leader Oura and heaps of other companies wanting a slice of the smart ring pie. Importantly, this means that consumers have a broad choice, and choice is good. Here are the best Samsung Galaxy Ring alternatives to broaden your horizon. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/YMimCcp

Here are the Pixel 9’s new photo features in action

Pixel Screenshots is getting ready to crawl through your phone’s storage to find that lost memory. Add Me will let you composite photos featuring subjects from separate exposures. And, of course, Gemini AI will be present to do its best answering your questions. Is there anything better than a high-profile smartphone, just about to launch, that can’t help but keep leaking like a rusty colander? When it comes to the Pixel 9 , nobody’s keeping secrets anymore, and if leakers aren’t sharing their latest Pixel 9 finds , it’s Google dropping the teasers itself. Today we’re checking out a video of a Pixel 9 ad that gives us our first real look at some of the new features set to debut with the hardware. This minute-long clip is just the latest great find from leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka OnLeaks), who shares the footage with help of Android Headlines . The very official-looking Google ad understandably focuses quite a bit on Gemini, but we’re more interested in seeing some of the...

Google Gemini is getting faster today, will also provide new fact-checking tool

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Previously announced at I/O 2024, Google is rolling out Gemini 1.5 Flash. The “Flash” version of Gemini is faster and better at working with very long prompts. Additionally, Gemini is getting a new fact-checking tool that appears right within its responses. At Google I/O 2024, the company announced a new version of its generative AI system known as Gemini . Google promised the new system — dubbed Gemini 1.5 Flash — would be faster than even the Pro version of Gemini 1.0 and better at working with long prompts. Today, Google is making good on that promise by rolling out Gemini 1.5 Flash. This is not a slow rollout, either: Google is launching Flash in 230 countries and 40 languages instantly. This is now the basis for the free version of Gemini, with Gemini Advanced still working with Gemini 1.5 Pro, which is slightly superior to 1.5 Flash. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/j8gNiXC

Google expanding access to Gemini in Messages and its special version for teens

Starting today, Google is rolling out Gemini chats within Google Messages to more countries and languages. Google is also making the Gemini Android app available in more areas. The company is also expanding access to its special teen-centric version of Gemini. Earlier this year, Google Messages users gained the ability to chat with Google Gemini just like they would with friends and family, right in the app. As cool as this is, Google limited this feature to a small selection of countries and languages. Today, Google is expanding access to Gemini within Google Messages. Starting now, Google is gradually rolling out support for this feature to the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. These areas will also have the ability to chat in previously announced languages such as French, Polish, and Spanish. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Ydau2Ar

Goodbye USB-A, new Pixel 9 series may not ship with an A-to-C adapter

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Credit: Ankit Banerjee / Android Authority A big Pixel 9 series leak revealed an interesting detail about what will be included in the box. It appears this year’s model could ship without a USB-A-to-C adapter. This would be the first Pixel phone not to ship with an adapter. The Pixel 9 series is set to launch next month during Google’s hardware event. Yet a massive leak recently emerged ahead of the showcase, revealing all kinds of details about the next iteration of Google’s handset. One such detail suggests that Google will remove something that’s been included with every Pixel phone to date. The leak in question, which we covered here , includes a series of promotional materials for the Pixel 9 series. In one of the leaked slides, it shows what will be included in the box with your purchase. These items include the handset, a USB-C to USB-C cable (USB 2.0), and a SIM tool. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/IldkMJ2

New renders showcase Pixel Buds Pro 2 design changes and colors

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Credit: Lil Katz / Android Authority Leaked renders of the upcoming Pixel Buds Pro 2 have given us our first look at the flagship earbuds. The renders showcase an updated earbud design with larger grilles and a fixed wing for a snug fit. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will likely be available in four color options, including black, gray, pink, and green. Google will likely launch a pair of flagship wireless earbuds alongside the Pixel 9 series early next month. Although leaks about the rumored Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been scarce so far, we have learned that it might offer a fresh design with a larger case and, perhaps, a bigger battery. Now, leaked renders of the earbuds have surfaced online, confirming the design changes and revealing the new color options. After dropping a massive leak about the Pixel 9 series earlier today, OnLeaks has shared high-resolution renders of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in four colorways (via Android Headlines ). As you can see in the gallery below, the ea...

The battle for your next dollar will be fought with software

Hardware innovation isn't dead, but it's not growing in ways we can see. Software, though, is going to come at you like never before. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/nYAkZtT

Before you ditch Samsung Messages for Google Messages, here are 5 things you’ll lose

Well, it’s official — Samsung Messages is dead. Alright, not really, but it’s no longer the default messaging platform on Samsung’s own Galaxy devices, which feels pretty close to a death sentence. After years as the go-to for Samsung devices, both premium and affordable, it’s being replaced by Google Messages across the board. Sure, Samsung Messages will still exist, but you’ll have to head to the Galaxy Store to get it, which might not sit well when there’s another messaging app right in front of you. As a longtime Pixel fan and user who switches phones often, I welcome the change. One of the first things I do on any Samsung phone during setup is switch to Google Messages for a consistent experience across devices, and now I won’t have to. However, I know that Samsung Messages has its strengths, and it’s loaded with clever features that One UI users love so much. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LqOvMZN

Google Messages hints at a future with universal cross-platform secure group chats (APK teardown)

Google Messages may be preparing for the GSMA to add MLS support to the RCS Universal Profile. MLS in the RCS UP would mean secure group messaging, even with iPhone users. Google continues to work on its own MLS support in Messages. Rich Communication Services (RCS) has a posse. Or, at the very least, a cult of extremely enthusiastic proponents surrounding it, who want to share the good word about universal messaging. In all seriousness, RCS messaging really is packed with potential, and has the possibility to truly level the playing field when it comes to our ability to securely and clearly communicate all across the world, regardless of platform or carrier. Right now, though, implementation is bit irregular (to put it lightly), and key features lack universal support. We wonder if that could be getting better soon, as we discover a small change in Google Messages that might hint at RCS formalizing support for an important end-to-end encryption (E2EE) system. Earlier this m...

Prime Video simplifies finding Prime shows and movies with dedicated tab

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Credit: Amazon Prime Video’s UI has been redesigned in a new update. The redesign introduces a new “Prime” tab in the main navigation bar dedicated to content included with your Prime subscription. “Made for you” collections have been added to the “Movies” and “TV Shows” destinations. The next time you open up Prime Video , you’ll likely notice something different about the service. Amazon is rolling out an update that makes a few helpful changes to improve the user experience. Prime Video is getting a UI redesign that has started rolling out now and will become available to all users in the coming weeks (via Amazon ). This redesign introduces a new “Prime” tab to the main navigation bar that’s located at the top of the screen. In this tab, you’ll be presented with content that’s included with your Prime Video subscription, which means you won’t see any paid movies or series here. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VHXUuNo

Google Gemini is about to sound totally different

Google is experimenting with a fresh voice for its Gemini app on Android. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/1wK8E9P

Google Personal Safety tweak reminds us non-Pixel support even exists (APK teardown)

Google Personal Safety is reducing support for older versions of Android, but you shouldn’t be worried. Pixel phones will not be impacted by this change. It’s a big, scary world out there, but who better to have your back than your trusty smartphone? Android users have been able to relax a little under the watchful eye of Google’s Personal Safety app for a few years now, managing emergency contact info, prompting safety check-ins, and even automatically detecting car crashes. Initially a Pixel-exclusive feature, we eventually saw Personal Safety come to other companies’ phones , as well. But now Google’s narrowing availability just a bit, as it stops preparing certain Personal Safety releases for older hardware. If you still think of Personal Safety as exclusively for Pixel phones, we would not blame you. We first learned of work towards possibly expanding it to third-party phones about two years ago, but by the time that actually happened, it didn’t attract much attention. Th...

Tulsa King season 2: Release date, plot, cast, and other rumors

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Is Sylvester Stallone back for a much anticipated second season of Tulsa King? The first season was riveting, but the cliffhanger season finale left us with many questions. Let’s take a look at the Tulsa King season 2 release date, and what we can expect from the show this season. You can also check out the trailer above to find out what’s in store. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/SiuGjRt

Blackmagic Camera gets support for more Pixel, Samsung, and OnePlus devices

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Credit: Blackmagic Blackmagic Design has released a major update for the Blackmagic Camera app for Android. The update brings several new features and quality-of-life improvements. It also extends support to more Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi devices. Blackmagic Design is rolling out an update for the Blackmagic Camera app for Android, bringing new features and support for more devices. The latest version of the professional video camera app also includes a couple of quality-of-life changes and performance improvements that should help improve its standing among the best free apps on the Play Store. The Blackmagic Camera app made its way to Android towards the end of last month, over a year after its iOS debut. However, the app was initially available only for a handful of Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy flagships. With its latest update, the app will be available for more Pixel and Galaxy devices, in addition to a few OnePlus and Xiaomi phones. from Android ...

Google Play Store preps new tools for app discovery (Update: Screenshots)

Google appears to be working on an “interests” system for Play Store app discovery. Settings will let you control your interests by clearing previous selections. We expect to see the Play Store’s recommendations begin appearing in your For You view Update, July 21, 2024 (11:24 PM ET): Here are some screenshots for the “interests” feature as it shows up in the “For You” tab on the Google Play Store: We can see Google presenting the “interests” chips in the Play Store, ranging from Communication to Productivity to Photography. The “Based on your interests” section appears after you make a selection, displaying some popular apps based on your interests, helping in app discovery. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/P5M9VvR

Sorry, Samsung, I still don’t want to use Good Lock

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In 2023, Samsung completely changed its Galaxy Z Flip series when it expanded the cover screen and turned it into the Flex Window. It made notifications easier to interact with, widgets more useful, and even brought fully-fledged app support to the front of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 — well, at least for a small handful of apps. For everything else, you had to install Good Lock and jump through a series of hoops to create a second app drawer. I complained about the strange setup at the time but figured it was a one-year hiccup that Samsung would fix once it had more time to fine-tune its Flex Window experience. Boy, was I wrong, so here we go again. Sorry, Samsung, I still don’t want to use Good Lock on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 — at least not for this. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nXjtDTd

The OnePlus Watch 2R blew my low fitness expectations out of the water

The OnePlus Watch 2 had issues with health and fitness accuracy. After running with the Watch 2R against a Garmin watch for HR and GPS accuracy, I think OnePlus has solved those issues, and the Watch 2R could be a fitness watch worth buying. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/bD923Nt

Don’t buy a new Surface Laptop as a console game emulator

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While a Snapdragon X Elite -equipped laptop might be able to run Crysis (just about) , can it emulate classic console games too? That’s a tougher question than it first seems because most emulation software is written to convert classic console code to run on Intel and AMD processors. In other words, you’ll have to emulate an emulator to run it on an Arm chip like the Snapdragon X Elite. As you might have guessed, emulating emulators will likely cause a few issues, but it’s also a pretty good test for finding the limits of Microsoft’s Prism emulator. I started out with RetroArch, the popular choice for booting up vintage games from a wide range of deprecated consoles. I grew up on the classic Nintendo platforms, but unfortunately, Muppen-Next repeatedly crashed after every loading screen. ParaLLEI seemed to boot up the few N64 games I tried, and they ran as smooth as butter, as did BSNES and SNES9x for those 80s kid classics. So it looks like things work OK here, if not entirely p...

Move over, iPad; there’s a new multitasking king on the block

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Opinion post by Dhruv Bhutani My everyday workflow revolves around browser-based services, and a long-lasting tablet like the iPad is the perfect on-the-go device for me. In fact, I’ve documented my adventures with the iPad as my primary computer a few times in the past. However, as a compulsive multi-tasker, I keep coming back to my desktop. I swear by my 43-inch television-as-a-monitor multitasking setup, so you can see why a tablet just wouldn’t cut it for a full workday. However, OnePlus has a solution that changed my opinion. I’ve been checking out the brand new OnePlus Pad 2 , and I believe that the company’s Open Canvas system is the biggest step forward for multitasking on tablets so far. And yes, it’s better than Apple’s Stage Manager. But more on that later. First, let’s take a quick look at how Open Canvas multitasking works on the OnePlus Pad 2. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uMQI9yY

That huge 'Microsoft outage' probably didn't affect you, but the next one might

Software outages are messy and expensive. They can also be a great learning opportunity. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/EIvkGUO

Need a large tablet? Here are 4 reasons I love big slates like the 13-inch iPad Air

I’ve never been a large-screen guy. Given the choice, my SIM is usually in a flip phone like the Motorola Razr Plus or living as an eSIM in one of Apple’s smaller iPhones. You know — something that fits comfortably in a pocket for a long day away from my desk. I’ll reach for a Pixel 8 Pro or a Galaxy S24 Ultra when I need to, often for its camera chops, but it’s never my first choice. And yet, I can’t help but find myself drawn to big tablets — the bigger, the better. Right now, I’m carrying around the 13-inch iPad Air (2024) and forgetting what life was like without a tablet of this size. If you’re not sure whether Apple’s 13-inch slate or any other tablet that’s a little bit bigger than the norm is right for you, here are a few things I’ve been using mine for. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9pT8Acn

Fire Country season 3: Release date, cast, plot, and other rumors

Is Bode Donavan going to grace our TV screens with his presence this year? Will we finally find out what the verdict is on his complicated love story? Fire Country may just be making a comeback to answer your questions. Read on to know more about the Fire Country season 3 release date, plot expectations, and what we’ve heard about an upcoming spinoff. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/b9mA23x

Your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro could be delayed as Samsung deals with quality issues

Samsung has halted all Galaxy Buds 3 Pro shipments following user problems. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/q2cQUzY

Get ready to wear the Galaxy Ring wrong

Samsung offers a few pointers on how not to wear its new Galaxy Ring. Physical activities like exercise are at special risk of damaging the wearable. While Samsung avoids skin-irritating materials, users are still warned to be on the lookout for reactions. There’s a first time for everything, and for a lot of fans of mobile devices, Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring could be their first foray into the world of smart rings. And for a non-zero number of those, it’s probably their first time wearing any ring, period. Sliding a ring on your finger may sound like the easiest thing in the world, but Samsung (and its legal team) has clearly been spending a lot of time thinking about what could go wrong, and it’s put together some rather detailed warnings for new Galaxy Ring owners. A lot of this may seem obvious — a ring is out there, exposed on your hand, and if you go waving your hands around, banging them into hard things, you’re probably going to damage any ring. But there are also spe...

Google Photos’ Gemini-powered search feature makes a brief appearance

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority We’ve got an early look at Google Photos’ upcoming Ask Photos feature. Google appears to be testing the feature with a small number of users, and it appears to have received some UI changes. The feature shows up as an Ask button next to the search bar, and gives users a few sample prompts to try it out. Google demoed a new Gemini-powered Google Photos feature at I/O this year called “Ask Photos.” At the time, the company gave us a glimpse of the feature, revealing that it would let users ask Gemini to look up information from their photo library. Although the feature has yet to reach users, we now have a better idea of how it will work. Google has reportedly started testing Ask Photos with a few users to gather feedback ahead of a wider rollout. 9to5Google notes that a user briefly got access to a pre-release version of the feature on their Pixel 8 Pro and its UI had some changes compared to the demo we saw earlier this year....

Microsoft Edge could be about to get a whole lot whinier

Microsoft Edge is learning to look closer and closer at your interactions with browsers. The data gathered may empower Microsoft to dial up its promotion of Edge. No matter where you alliances lie in the great browser debate, when we’re comparing Chrome vs Edge , there are some compelling argument to be made for both sides. While PC users are free to choose one, split their time between both, or go with any number of alternative browsers, Google and Microsoft are very interested in improving their market share, and each has techniques it uses to grab your attention and keep you coming back. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing Microsoft dialing up those efforts, as some recent changes to Edge suggest the company’s about to add some new tools to its arsenal. Looking through a new canary build of Microsoft Edge, the team at Windows Latest finds a bunch of new strings referencing metrics for tracking browser use in Windows 11 (via XDA Developers ). While browsers pleading with ...

The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is coming later this month, but what is it?

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Credit: Nothing Nothing has announced plans for the Phone 2a Plus. There are no official details on what the phone will bring to the table, but it will be fully unveiled on July 31 at 5 PM ET. The Nothing Phone 2a Plus is likely going to have similar specs to the 2a, just a bigger form factor and maybe a few other small upgrades. The Nothing Phone 2a just arrived back in March, but that’s not slowing the company down as they have announced plans for yet another phone reveal. Just as rumors suggested , the Nothing Phone 2a Plus is on its way later this month. The phone will be fully unveiled on July 31 at 5 PM ET. Unfortunately, that’s really all we officially know about the phone so far. Nothing recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the announcement with the tagline “Plus. More. Extra,” which suggests to me that we’re going to see a bigger body and display. Beyond that, we’d imagine the updates will be relatively small. If we had to speculate, we’d say the pho...

Nintendo’s Joy-Con charging stand is 7 years too late, and you’re still going to buy it

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Credit: Curtis Joe / Android Authority Nintendo has revealed an official Joy-Con charging stand, which will become available on October 17. The upcoming stand supports charging up to two Joy-Cons at a time and relies on a USB-C connector. Impatient Nintendo Switch gamers can already buy similar accessories from third-party companies. Seven years after the Switch’s launch, Nintendo is finally releasing an official Joy-Con charging stand. This upcoming accessory will allow gamers to top up their controllers’ batteries without needing to attach them to the Nintendo Switch  itself. Charge your #NintendoSwitch Joy-Con controllers and Nintendo Entertainment System controllers with the Joy-Con Charging Stand (Two-Way) accessory, available October 17th. pic.twitter.com/qv6k8GAm6e from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ilDIZAz

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro struggle to block out noise as well as the Buds 2 Pro

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s ANC is worse than its predecessor. Samsung’s latest earbuds only block out about 76% of outside noise. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are able to block out about 84% of external sound. Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a drastic departure from the previous generation. The premium wireless earbuds feature a number of improvements ranging from the design down to some new capabilities. However, it seems the firm took a major step backward when it came to one of its most important functions — active noise cancelation (ANC). In case you weren’t aware, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offers a new AI-powered feature called Siren Detect. This feature is designed to allow sirens and alarms to pass through the ANC for safety purposes. After putting the Buds 3 Pro through their paces, our sister site, SoundGuys , found the feature to be largely redundant due to poor ANC. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XE5oBjk

Samsung could be going all-in on MediaTek for the Galaxy Tab S10

Rumors of Samsung embracing MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chips for the Galaxy Tab S10 are supposedly confirmed. The chip would be present in all size options across the Tab S10 lineup. Samsung may be planning to launch the tablet this fall. It’s only been a little over a week since Samsung turned the spotlight to its latest mobile hardware at Galaxy Unpacked. That brought us the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 , the inaugural Galaxy Ring , and a bunch of other new wearables and accessories. All in all, a really decent showing — unless you’re a tablet fan. When are we ever going to see the Galaxy Tab S10 ? The latest rumors have been pointing towards the fall , and as we wait for confirmation of Samsung’s launch plans, we’re hearing a little more about what to expect from the tablet’s hardware. The Galaxy Tab S9 family debuted right around this time last year, with all its options powerful yet expensive. All three sizes ran a custom version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, just like ...

Nearly all Samsung Galaxy Tabs are discounted for Prime Day

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Galaxy Tab S9 Plus Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority There is no doubt Samsung is among the most prominent players in the Android tablet market, especially if you’re looking for a higher-end model. In fact, our list of the best Android tablets is filled with most of its options. If you’ve been considering getting one of the latest Samsung Galaxy Tabs, they are almost all on sale due to Amazon Prime Day . The only exception is the Samsung Galaxy Tab Ultra. One very important factor to keep in mind is that these Prime Day deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. It might be worth signing up to take advantage of all these hot offers, though, even if it is just for a month. New members get a 30-day free trial , so it might be free for you! from Android Authority https://ift.tt/m7qrpcJ

Get up to 50% off on some of Garmin’s best smartwatches

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Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority Amazon’s Prime Day deals are still going strong, making this the perfect time to finally get that smartwatch you’ve been eyeing. One of the better deals available is on select wearables from Garmin. Specifically, you’ll find some great discounts on the Forerunner 745, epix Gen 2, and Instinct 2.  The Garmin Forerunner 745 may be a 2020 model, but it’s still one of the best hybrid smartwatch and fitness trackers out there. This device is normally sold at $399, but you can nab it right now in the color red for $259. That’s 35% off the retail price, which means you’re saving $140 with this offer.  from Android Authority https://ift.tt/0WnZItG

Here are the carriers that offer the Samsung Galaxy S24 for free

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The Samsung Galaxy S24 came out earlier this year and is now available through all major retailers and carriers. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series focuses more on AI and design refinement than major hardware changes, despite a price increase this year of around $100 for the Ultra model. The result is a device with the beastly power you’d expect from a Galaxy but with an AI experience more akin to the Pixel 8 series . Interested in the Galaxy S24 but looking to save some cash on the deal? It’s possible to get a Samsung Galaxy S24 for free or extremely cheap, though not without a few caveats. How do I get a Samsung Galaxy S24 for free? No one is going to just hand you a free Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, or S24 Ultra, right? Aside from long-shot options like giveaways, the only truly trustworthy way to obtain a free Galaxy is through your carrier. However, ‘free’ is a bit of a loaded term here, as most deals for free phones require a trade-in, a new plan, a new line, or a similar set of terms ...

Amazon Kindle 12 wishlist: All the features I want to see

The Amazon Kindle received a major update in 2022. The display was improved, charging speeds became faster, and even the storage was upgraded. The Amazon Kindle 11 is as close to perfection from an e-reader as we’ve ever seen, but there are at least a few small changes I’d love to see in the future. Here’s my wishlist for the Amazon Kindle 12. The Amazon Kindle lineup needs a revamp, and a simplified naming structure Recently, Amazon announced that the Kindle Oasis is now retired in the US , likely due to dwindling interest and the narrowing differences between Kindle’s various product lines. This decision leaves us with just three Kindle lines: the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite , and Kindle Scribe. While the latter stands out as more than just an e-reader, doubling as a virtual notebook, the same cannot be said for the first two. Back in 2022, the Amazon Kindle incorporated nearly every major feature from the Paperwhite series, except for the larger display, IPX8 waterproof rating, and...

Which Samsung Galaxy Ring features are exclusive to Samsung phones?

Some Galaxy Ring features are exclusive to a Samsung phone. These are the features you can use as a Samsung user. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Uc5RDGo

Google’s AI Overviews takes a backseat after bumpy ride

The visibility of Google’s AI Overviews has dropped from 11% to 7% in search queries. Queries related to education, entertainment, and e-commerce saw the biggest drop in AI Overviews. AI Overviews are also taking up less space than before, even when they make an appearance. Google’s AI Overviews launched earlier this year to all US users. This feature leveraged AI to display concise summaries of topics, making it easier and faster for users to find relevant information. While it seemed like AI Overviews could significantly improve the user experience, it wasn’t long before users began to spot that it spewed misleading and, at times, downright dangerous information, like suggesting people add glue to their pizza. Things have changed since then, though, and it appears that Google has been working to reduce the visibility of its AI Overviews. In June alone, the presence of AI Overviews dropped from 11% to 7% of queries, revealed a report from Search Engine Land (via  Androi...

Fairphone 5 gets more customizable after Android 14 rollout

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Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority Android 14 is coming to the Fairphone 5. The update brings more customization, security, and privacy to the handset. Included with the update is July 2024’s security patch. When the Fairphone 5 rolled out in 2023, it was promised to get up to five years of Android updates. Initially launched with Android 13, the Fairphone 5 is now getting its first of these major software updates. The company best known for its ethical approach to smartphone production, Fairphone, has announced that Android 14 is now rolling out for its fifth-generation handset. Users will see the update starting today, with all users set to receive the update in the coming weeks. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/6r3Ldbz

Apple allows a PC emulator on the App Store for the first time

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Retro PC game emulator UTM SE is now on the App Store. This is the first time Apple has let a PC emulator be in its marketplace. The UTE SE app is available for free on iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. There’s a first time for everything and Apple just had a first of its own. For the first time, the Cupertino-based firm has allowed a PC emulator on the App Store. First reported by The Verge , you can now download the retro PC game emulator UTM SE from Apple’s marketplace. The app is available for free on iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. UTM announced the launch in a social post on X (formerly Twitter). from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ztOvsk6