Posts

Showing posts from October, 2024

Pixel Studio’s AI-generated stickers are coming to your keyboard (APK teardown)

Pixel Studio currently lets you generate stickers, but what are you supposed to do with them? Gboard shows evidence of preparing to add support for a Pixel Studio sticker pack. This solution feels like it’s intended to replace the scrapped “Emogen” system. Your new Pixel 9 is a powerful, capable smartphone — that just also happens to also be great at generating images of animals wearing clothing. Pixel Studio is a fun, AI-powered tool that lets you tap into your creative side, without requiring a lot of annoying “skills” or “experience” before you’re able to create some very impressive imagery. Today we’re checking one new way that Google could soon start let you use all the pictures you make with it. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/29BUqEe

Batman: Arkham Shadow review: A refreshing return with a new perspective

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a return to the series' roots, taking place between Arkham Asylum and Origins, and is exclusive to the Meta Quest platform. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/InVgqbf

Google Chat is giving you more control over how it looks

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google Chat is rolling out a new option that lets its web users switch between Comfortable and Compact interfaces. The default Comfortable mode has a more modern design but shows fewer elements at a time. The opt-in Compact mode offers a denser user interface that displays more information on the screen. Google Chat is a solid messaging app for businesses, allowing colleagues to connect easily, share files, discuss ideas, and more. For a long time, the platform limited its users to a default view, which doesn’t cater to all preferences and needs. Fortunately for web users, Google Chat is now rolling out an option that lets them customize its appearance. Google announced yesterday that it will let its Chat users choose between Comfortable and Compact modes on the web. The former option is the default, which follows the modernized Google Material Design 3 guidelines. While it arguably looks more futuristic and is easier on the...

Mint Mobile’s new kid-friendly mobile plan will save you some money

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Mint Mobile is introducing a new mobile plan made for kids. The plan offers unlimited talk and text with 5GB of data for $15 per month. Parents will be able to monitor their child’s data usage and will receive all communications connected to the account. It’s not uncommon to see kids get special discounts at restaurants, museums, and plenty of other places. Now members of Mint Mobile can also add phone plans to that list. Mobile Mint has announced it is launching a mobile plan made for children. Today, Mint Mobile revealed Mint Kids, a new wireless plan designed specifically for your “mini-me(s).” This plan will give the youngster unlimited talk and text, along with 5GB of data all for $15 per month. However, it’s important to note that there’s an introduction rate of $45 that will secure you there for three months. After that period is over, you’ll be free to modify, add more data, or cancel depending on your needs. from...

Pokemon TCG Pocket brought me right back to my childhood in the best way

When Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket was first announced, I wasn’t that convinced. Even though I collected the cards religiously as a kid and played the Game Boy Color game for literally hundreds of hours, I didn’t really see how a gacha game could recapture that magic. After playing for a few hours, I’m happy to report I was wrong. Focusing almost primarily on the collecting part of the Pokemon TCG allows it to sidestep most of the pitfalls of mobile games. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/780ZnIj

Netflix now has a seamless way for you to revisit and share your favorite scenes

Netflix now lets you save and share the best scenes from your favorite movies and shows. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/cJDdXxW

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Which one should YOU buy?

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are big on features, including AI. So, which one should you buy? We've got the answers! from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/InlE2Tm

Download these Halloween wallpapers for your phone

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Halloween is only days away, and we know many of you are getting ready for our favorite spine-chilling holiday. Whether you’re going out trick-or-treating, throwing a great Halloween party, or both, showing your Halloween spirit with a fitting wallpaper is always fun. Let’s get you in the mood with an excellent selection of Halloween wallpapers you can use until the festivities come or for the rest of the year. It’s up to you! Download these Halloween wallpapers for your phone Let’s go over an important rule before you start getting spooky. Here’s how our wallpaper posts work: the image previews you see below are for demonstration purposes only. These have been compressed and optimized for improved website performance, so the quality has also been reduced. If you want to get the full-resolution, uncompressed files, download these Halloween wallpapers using the button right below the previews. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/...

YouTube tests hiding views and upload dates, leaves fans bemused

Image
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority YouTube is testing hiding views and upload dates on its homepage. The proposed changes have drawn a largely negative initial reaction from fans. The platform hasn’t revealed the reasons for the testing, but it could be to encourage engagement with a wider range of videos. In recent years, both Instagram and Netflix have removed user metrics from content. There’s always a backlash at these things, but whether you agree with it or not, they’re usually done for the benefit of the platform overall. It appears that YouTube is considering following suit, with the ubiquitous streaming service conducting a test of hiding views and upload dates from its homepage. An X post from @vidIQ yesterday showed a screenshot of the controversial test. In the image, the video titles and owners are the only bits of information displayed. The test is thought to be relatively narrow in scope, so most YouTube users won’t have noticed any change. fr...

The Pixel 9a could outperform Google’s latest flagships on one front

Image
Credit: Android Headlines A new leak has revealed that the Pixel 9a could get a massive battery upgrade. The upcoming device could feature a 5,000mAh battery, about the same size as the top-end Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google is expected to launch its next Pixel A series device around March next year, but we’ve already seen several leaks about the Pixel 9a. Over the last few weeks, we’ve learned that the next-gen budget phone from Google could feature a refreshed camera island design and pack the same 48MP primary camera as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Now, a new report suggests that the Pixel 9a could also pack a much larger battery. Although Google has dramatically improved its Pixel A series devices in almost all aspects over the last few years, the devices haven’t received a notable bump in battery capacity since 2021. The Pixel 5a was the last model to pack a significantly larger battery than its predecessor, with all subsequent releases hovering around the 4,500mAh mark. That co...

Google and Apple are making HDR photos work better on Android and iOS

Google and Apple are adopting the ISO 21496-1 standard for gain map metadata used in HDR photos. This will allow HDR photos taken from an iPhone or an Android phone to be viewed as intended on any platform. ISO 21496-1 support is available in Android 15, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and Chromium-based web browsers on Windows. One of the best features of last year’s Android release was support for true HDR photography . Instead of simulating an HDR-like effect by stacking photos and applying computational photography tricks, phones running Android 14 or higher are capable of capturing true HDR photos using Google’s Ultra HDR image format. While Ultra HDR was a great advancement in mobile HDR photography, it had one big problem: a lack of cross-platform compatibility. Thankfully, that’s no longer a problem, as both Google and Apple have embraced a standard that makes HDR photos appear as intended on Android and iOS. The way that Google designed Ultra HDR was quite clever. Rathe...

Redditors game Google AI to keep favorite food spots influencer-free

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Redditors are leaving rave reviews for a touristy London restaurant, hoping Google AI will recommend it. The plan is to drive influencers and tourists to that eatery and away from food spots favored by locals. It started after one user bemoaned the number of influencers flocking to a sandwich shop at Borough Market. Actor and columnist David Mitchell once described London’s Aberdeen Angus Steakhouse chain as having a “proud heritage of serving shoe leather with Béarnaise sauce to neon-addled out-of-towners.” This may be a comedic description, but Londoners would certainly agree that the prominently placed restaurants are a tourist trap. Nevertheless, a wave of positive reviews for the steakhouse are appearing on Reddit . These users have an ulterior motive for their praise — to trick Google AI into diverting diners away from their favorite local spots. As reported by Gizmodo , this trend emerged on the /r/London subreddit, wh...

Latest One UI 7 hands-on gives us so much hope for a prettier lock screen

Image
Credit: Mobile Wala Bhai A new hands-on video has given us another glimpse at One UI 7 in action. This video shows off a few new tweaks to the lock screen, Quick Panel and notifications shade, and Task Changer. The public release of One UI 7 is still not due until 2025. Samsung’s One UI 7 is still months away from its stable release. Making the wait a little more bearable, a hands-on video emerged online last week, providing a few details about the update. We also reported on what we saw in a sneak preview earlier this month. If that wasn’t enough to satiate your curiosity, a new hands-on video gives some more information to go on. Just like last week, YouTube channel Mobile Wala Bhai has published a new hands-on video with One UI 7. The first video showed off the new pill-shaped battery indicator, updated app icons, charging indicator, and camera interface. In this second video, we get to see tweaks to the lock screen, Quick Panel and notifications shade, and Task ...

Google’s Jarvis may soon book your flights and find shopping deals on its own

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google is reportedly developing an autonomous assistant called Project Jarvis. Jarvis will take over your web browser to handle tasks like research, shopping, and booking flights. It may be previewed as early as December, debuting alongside the Gemini 2.0 AI model. Google is reportedly developing an AI with the potential to upgrade how we interact with the web. Codenamed “Jarvis,” this autonomous technology is designed to “take over your web browser” and complete tasks such as conducting research, making purchases, and booking flights, as reported by The Information on Saturday. The name “Jarvis” might ring a bell for Marvel fans, bringing to mind Iron Man’s super-intelligent AI assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S. While Google’s Jarvis may not be able to help you with time travel just yet, it could still be a valuable tool for anyone who wants to save time and effort on common web-based tasks. Imagine being able to ask Jarvis to researc...

Ayaneo Pocket S Review: Defining premium Android gaming

The Ayaneo Pocket S is almost the perfect dedicated gaming handheld powered by Android. It falls short in a couple of ways, but there's still a lot to like. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/pXhtcDm

The Pixel 9 Pro’s camera is too boring compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s Photography Styles

Image
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Opinion post by Dhruv Bhutani If the success of the Fuji X100 series of cameras and the resurgence of point-and-shoot cameras is anything to go by, we’re back in the era of vibes taking precedence over pinpoint accuracy. It’s really no surprise either. While manufacturers battle for ‘natural’ looking images to take up the mantle of the best camera smartphone , actual users overwhelmingly tend to use filters ranging from Instagram’s built-in options to VSCO and Lightroom. But what if there was a way to achieve a middle ground? Filters built into phone cameras aren’t new. Xiaomi, vivo, and many other brands had the feature for years. But the iPhone 16 series and its Photographic Styles do it differently, and I’m here for it. Over the last month, I’ve been dual-wielding the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Pixel 9 Pro , and nine out of ten times, it is the iPhone that I opt for when it’s time to take a photograph. Simply put, I’ve been h...

Smartwatches and rings make health a game; the challenge is being ready to lose

Smartwatches and smart rings do a pretty good job of monitoring your health metrics, but you should also be mindful of how you feel. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/pBWekbT

Motorola doesn’t stand a chance against Samsung without software updates

As a general rule, I like Motorola’s approach to Android. I like that its close relationship with Google is still visible in the current state of HelloUX . I’d grab its Razr Plus (2024) over Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 for several reasons, from the cover screen to the vibrant colors to the comfortably rounded frame. Motorola has even shown more motivation to improve its wired charging, refine its camera setup, and boost its build quality to compete with Google and Samsung at all levels, from budget to flagship . However, one thing will keep Motorola trapped behind its closest rivals: A commitment to software updates that’s just not acceptable in 2024. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/X48hoGm

Smartphone photography has moved on, but Samsung is still stuck in 2021

Image
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Software has seemingly become just as important (if not more important) than hardware when it comes to the best camera phones . In fact, I bought my Pixel 7 Pro back in 2022 because I thought it provided a fantastic blend of camera software and hardware. However, spending time with phones like the HUAWEI P60 Pro and vivo X100 series has made me realize that Chinese brands, not Google or Samsung, are on the bleeding edge of camera hardware. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/sJPtaE8

When is a photo not a photo?

Google will add metadata that says AI was used whenever you do any of its fancy tricks on your Pixel phone. That's a good thing. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/sXxZd5p

Google may let you resize Quick Settings tiles in Android 16

Android 16 may let you resize Quick Settings tiles, according to evidence we discovered in the latest Android beta. You’ll be able to resize any Quick Settings tiles, though they can only be either 1×1 or 2×1 in size. This resizable Quick Settings tiles feature seems to be part of the overhauled Quick Settings panel that Google is working on for Android 16. Last month, we reported that Google is working on a major overhaul of Android’s Quick Settings panel for next year’s Android 16 update. From what we managed to enable, it looks like Google wants Android to show more notifications and Quick Settings tiles on screen, and the best way to do that is to split the notifications and Quick Settings panels into two separate pages. However, there’s another way to fit more Quick Settings tiles on screen, and that’s by making them resizable, which is something that Google is seemingly working on for Android 16. While I was digging through the latest Android beta update that Google rel...

Poll result: Most of you are unconvinced by the Kindle Colorsoft

Image
Credit: Amazon It’s only five days until the release of the new Kindle Colorsoft, which is the first color e-reader from the iconic brand. It will retail for $279 if you want to buy it, but our indications suggest that it won’t be flying off the shelves. We ran a poll of Android Authority readers asking if you’re likely to buy the Colorsoft, the results of which are below. In fairness to Amazon, which owns the Kindle brand, we put our thumb on the scale before asking the question. Writer and Kindle fan Dhruv Bhutani wrote a well-reasoned article about why he won’t be looking to buy the Colorsoft just yet, and it was at the end of his piece that we ran the poll. He felt the device is lacking in useful new features, particularly note-taking and color-coded organization, which are available in competing e-readers like the Kobo Libra Color. The low-resolution color display (150ppi) was another concern for him, and he also criticized the removal of physical page-turn buttons, w...

YouTube expands the hyperlinked comments no one asked for to even more users

Image
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority YouTube appears to be expanding its hyperlinked comments experiment. Clicking on hyperlinked words or phases will initiate a search for related topics and information. It appears the change is only being seen on mobile. There are plenty of reasons to avoid scrolling through the comments section of a YouTube video. Now you’ll have one more reason to steer clear as hyperlinked comments are appearing more widely on mobile. Back in 2023, it was revealed in a YouTube Creator Insider announcement that the platform would start running a limited experiment that would allow users to initiate a search on certain topics straight from the comments section. Specifically, a word in a comment could be hyperlinked if related information or topics are available. Any word chosen to be hyperlinked would appear blue with a magnifying glass next to it. Clicking on the hyperlink would take the user to a results page as their video continued to play...

Latest Google Messages update brings back dual-SIM RCS (again) — we hope for real this time

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Users report that dual-SIM RCS features have been spotted in Google Messages with the latest beta update. The feature has been spotted twice before, but Google stopped the rollout for reasons unknown. Google Messages has become the torchbearer for RCS messaging on Android, so it’s fair to expect the app to pack some key features. Users have been demanding dual-SIM RCS features for a while now, and Google seems to be working on it too. Dual-SIM RCS was spotted on Google Message early this year, but Google didn’t roll it out widely. It appeared once again in August, but again, Google didn’t roll it out widely. Now, the feature has landed once again, and we hope third time’s the charm. Reddit user meter1060 spotted that RCS was working on both their SIMs in the latest Google Messages beta, specifically v20241018, in Canada. Another user, NadeemAltaf , also got it working on their device in Pakistan on the same beta. from And...

T-Mobile Go5G Next vs Magenta: Finally a plan worth switching to?

Image
Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority In April of 2023 T-Mobile introduced two new plans, dubbed Go5G and Go5G Plus. These plans weren’t dramatically different from the existing Magenta and Magenta Max offerings. The biggest changes were adding more hotspot data and access to killer deals previously reserved for new customers only. T-Mobile isn’t done yet, as it recently announced a third plan called Go5G Next. This new plan goes into affect today.  This new plan is almost literally identical to Go5G Plus, but it has a secret weapon that helps it stand out: yearly upgrades. In this guide, we take a look at T-Mobile Go5G Next vs Magenta and the other pre-existing T-Mobile plans. Is this finally a plan worth switching to for Magenta subscribers? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/CgkUQqs

Samsung Galaxy AI gains support for four new languages

Samsung also added a couple of dialects support to existing Galaxy AI languages as part of the rollout. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/g7WE1ty

iOS is making permanently ditching the first-party app store easier than Android

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority iOS 18.2 beta introduces a change that allows iPhone users in the EU to uninstall the App Store. Apple has introduced this change in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. On Android, users have to rely on ADB or rooting their devices to uninstall the Play Store. Apple recently rolled out the first beta build of iOS 18.2 with a new batch of Apple Intelligence features. The update also introduces a change that allows iPhone users in the EU to uninstall native apps, like Camera, Safari, Messages, and Photos, and even remove the App Store from their devices. In addition, it adds a new hub in Settings that lets users easily change default apps for messaging, calling, email, browser, keyboards, and more. Apple has introduced these changes in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (via 9to5Mac ), which requires companies like Apple and Google to allow users to remove preinstalled apps from their devices and use third-pa...

Galaxy Z Fold 7 leak hints that it could come in two flavors

Image
Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority Samsung is reportedly working on two versions of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The regular model has the codename Q7, while the variant’s codename is Q7M. It’s unclear if this variant could be the rumored triple-screen phone or something else. The region-limited Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition recently launched in South Korea. This is the first time the Fold line has had more than one model in a generation. A new report claims we can expect more of this in the next generation as well. According to the folks over at GalaxyClub , Samsung is working on two variants of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The outlet draws this conclusion from its sources who revealed the codenames for Samsung’s next foldables. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rUQ9ckG

Google Keep likely to get advanced handwriting mode and other new features

Up until now, hand-sketched notes could be shared as image files, with the new feature, however, they will soon be shared as PDF files. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/qtYl9ZF

Rather than pay for Google ads, this carrier wants to directly give fans up to $1500 for referrals

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority US Mobile has cut ties with Google Ads due to Google’s latest policy changes, which require all payments to be made using ACH. The carrier claims Google’s new payment policies would cost it around $300k a year in current savings through cashback rewards on credit cards and other payment methods. To help offset the costs of ditching Google ads, the company is upgrading its referral program in a big way. While the first two referrals only pay $25 each, future referrals climb in value to $225 each after the fourth referral with a max of 10 per year. You can earn $1,500 in total. A new chapter in the mobile wars is unfolding as big carriers quickly start buying up every prepaid carrier that matters with major acquisitions like Verizon buying Total Wireless, T-Mobile buying Mint Mobile, and the list goes on. The new reality is that a growing number of prepaid carriers are arguably just puppets for big wireless. The good news is US M...

Spotify just made your custom playlists even more personal

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Spotify just introduced a custom playlist cover art editor. The feature is available in beta to both Free and Premium users across 65 markets. As well as adding photos, customization options include text styles, colors, gradients, visual effects, and stickers. There are a similar number of custom Spotify playlists as there are people alive on the planet, and the music streaming giant is now allowing users to add an extra level of individuality to their creations. As of today, subscribers have the option to design and customize their own Spotify playlist cover art. News of the development was announced on Spotify’s website on Tuesday morning. The feature, which just rolled out in beta, allows both Free and Premium users to get creative with their playlist covers and share the results with the world. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VlQ6RgG

YouTube Music is finally letting you add custom playlist thumbnails

Google previously announced that it would let you use your own images as playlist thumbnails, and the feature is now rolling out for YouTube Music users. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/LdF1kXW

This Pixel 9 Pro’s camera bar is popping off, literally

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority A Reddit user reported that the camera bar on their Pixel 9 Pro was separating from the back glass despite no apparent damage. Since the phone was under warranty, a Google Store replaced the unit. This appears to be a one-off defective unit, but you should still check your unit for any noticeable gaps between the camera bar and the back panel. The Google Pixel 9 series is an excellent flagship lineup from the company. It does most things well enough to be recommended as a  top Android flagship . The phones feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and are also fairly durable. But a Redditor had a strange experience with their Pixel 9 Pro’s camera bar, raising questions about its durability. Redditor lakhip noticed the camera lens of their Pixel 9 Pro fogging up when the phone was on the sink in their shower (h/t Android Police ). When the user took the case off the phone, they noticed that one side of the phone’s ...

You might not see the full effects of the Epic v. Google ruling for years

One part of the court's injunction will still bring required changes starting next month, however. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/oUhHIAg

It’s been years, but I still miss these dead Android apps dearly

Image
I’ve used some great Android apps over the years. Many of these still exist and find a home on my home screen to this day. However, a slew of apps have come and gone. Feeling particularly nostalgic, I donned my rose-tinted glasses and took a longing look back at some of the dead Android apps that I still wish were actively developed, listed on the Play Store, or weren’t shuttered by their owners. Weather Timeline Weather Timeline was well ahead of its time. Built by Buzzkill and Bouncer developer Sam Ruston, the app used plenty of Material Design UI cues, pastel tones, and simple yet functional elements. It drew its data from Dark Sky, another platform and app wretched from Android devices far too soon. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ufrcmXR

This new Android 15 feature could be bricking some Pixels

Image
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority The new Private Space feature introduced in Android 15 seems to be causing problems with Pixel 6 devices. Some users report that their device was bricked shortly after enabling the feature. It’s unclear how widespread the problem is. Last week, Google rolled out Android 15 to all eligible Pixel devices. The update is packed with several new features, including a privacy tool called Private Space. If you have a Pixel 6 device, you might want to avoid enabling Private Space, for now, as some users claim it has bricked their phone. For context, Private Space is a feature that carves out a space in your phone designed to be a separate and secure environment. Simply put, it’s like a digital safe that you can put your apps into if you want to hide them from prying eyes. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/yt8k0AU

Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition: A sleeker, more powerful foldable

Image
Credit: Samsung Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition in South Korea. The phone is thinner and lighter, get’s an upgraded 200MP camera, and features a stripped pattern metal/glass design. There is no word on the international availability of the phone. After months of leaks and rumors, Samsung has finally announced the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. Launching officially on October 25 in South Korea, this new model boasts a slim profile, powerful hardware, and a reworked design. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Ps1IUNo

OnePlus 13 makes a surprise debut at an eSports event

Image
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority Gamers were seen using the unreleased OnePlus 13 at a recent event in China. Images from the event showcase the device in three colorways: black, blue, and white. OnePlus has already opened pre-orders for the phone in China, but the company hasn’t announced a launch date. OnePlus has officially opened pre-orders for the OnePlus 13 in China and shared a teaser giving us a glimpse of its updated back panel design. But you don’t have to wait until the launch to get a better look at the phone, as it has already been spotted in the wild. Users on the Chinese social media platform Weibo shared images from the Peacekeeper Elite 2024 event earlier today (via Notebookcheck ), revealing participants using the unreleased OnePlus 13. The photos showcase the device in three colorways, including the black variant we saw in a recent leak, a dual-tone variant with a blue back panel and a white camera island, and a white variant with a silver ...

We compared smart ring heart rate data with smartwatches, and the results may surprise you

After the Oura Ring 4 launched with a major fitness focus, we decided to test it and other smart rings to determine how well they do for heart rate accuracy. Here's what we discovered. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/3VJv2fU

The thumbs-up emoji is having a thumbs-down moment

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Even over text, I can spot some of the signs that my partner is mad at me. I might not know if I’ve said or done something wrong right away, and then I send a message to which I might expect an effusive response. What do I get instead? A thumbs-up emoji. That’s when I know I’m in trouble. As a millennial who grew up watching the evolution of messaging, I’ve noticed this shift in the meaning of the once-reliable thumbs-up emoji. It was once one of the few go-to emojis — an easy way to acknowledge a message without too much effort. But I tend to avoid it these days, and it’s not just me. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/yt8wbIR

Can a fitness tracker be bad for you?

Image
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Make no mistake, I’m not about to suggest that fitness trackers are a bad thing. We love them here at Android Authority , and the vast majority of owners either see positive benefits from owning one or are at least neutral about them. It’s very rare that a fitness tracker or smartwatch has a bad or negative effect on your health or any other aspect of your life other than perhaps your bank balance when you fork out for it. That said, fitness trackers can pose some relatively small but real risks. As unlikely as they might be to impact you, it’s important to be aware of them. Let’s talk about some of the main ones. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/7sSMPfo

Making sense of the Google Chrome and ad blocker extensions mess

Changes made for extensions mean plenty need to be updated and can't have the same access they used to. And everyone hates it. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/0kTfmB3

Pixel 10, watch out: My most-used camera of 2024 isn’t a 1x camera

Image
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority For a while now, I’ve felt that the best camera phones are broadly similar when it comes to main camera quality. Sure, there are minute differences in terms of detail, colors, HDR, and a few other factors. But generally speaking, primary cameras on high-end and even mid-range phones have been good, if not great, for a while now. The same couldn’t be said for telephoto cameras, though. Between small sensor sizes, narrow apertures, low output resolution, and unsatisfactory hybrid zoom, these cameras often struggled to get anywhere near the image quality of primary lenses. My 2022-era Google Pixel 7 Pro went some way to addressing these issues, but I recently switched to the vivo X100 Ultra as my secondary device and realized something: I’m shooting far more photos with this phone’s telephoto camera. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mWJZik0

Google is just teasing us now

Android 15 has arrived, and with it comes a new feature that turns the Pixel Tablet into more of a dedicated smart home hub than it already was. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/h1MNkFY

I tested Android’s new Theft Detection and learned how to properly steal a phone

Image
  My phone is the center of my digital life, so when Android 15 added some new theft protection features, I knew I should check them out. Specifically, I wanted to test the novel Theft Detection Lock. Sure, it’s not going to do anything to prevent the actual theft of my phone, but it should keep thieves from accessing my bank account or my photos or deleting all of my Pokemon Go shinies. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/GtUQOjp

Smartwatch maker Polar dodges bullet in recent hack, but some customers still affected

Image
Credit: Adam Sinicki / Android Authority Polar’s US online store suffered a data breach last week. Fortunately, only a few accounts were compromised by the hack. If you weren’t already contacted by the company, then there’s nothing you need to do. Data breaches happen so frequently these days that it seems like we’ve become almost desensitized to the announcement of a hack. Despite that, data breaches are nothing to take lightly. Smartwatch maker Polar is the latest company to report being hacked, but fortunately, the incident doesn’t sound too serious. In a statement on its website, Polar reveals it was “subjected to various levels of disruption” on its US online store. While the attack led to compromised accounts, it says only a few customers were impacted by the breach. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Dgv1MEI

Hot deal: The Motorola Razr 2024 plunges to a new all-time low price!

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority The Motorola Razr 2024 is no stranger to deals, and it just keeps breaking record-low prices. Maybe sales aren’t doing great. Regardless, this presents an excellent opportunity to those looking to get a great foldable smartphone at a low price. The Motorola Razr 2024 has reached a new all-time low price of $449, saving you about $251! Buy the Motorola Razr 2024 for only $449 from Android Authority https://ift.tt/4JEUjva

Google Wallet’s list of supported banks is bigger than ever with these new additions

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google Wallet is further expanding the number of financial institutions it supports. The app is adding 16 new banks this month. It has also added a new prepaid gift card option. Google Wallet already supports a large number of financial institutions across the US, but there are many that remain unsupported. That means there’s still plenty of work to do so the app can be used by anyone, regardless of who they bank with. Continuing on its mission, Wallet is adding 17 more options to its list. As spotted by Android Police , Google has updated its Wallet support page with new additions. This month, it appears 16 new banks are joining the roster plus one prepaid gift card option. You can check out the latest additions in the list below: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/hZ4uADY

Motorola jumps on the Circle to Search bandwagon with these phones

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Motorola quietly announced that Circle to Search is coming to its smartphones but did not mention which devices. We’ve spotted the feature on the Motorola Razr 50 and the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. Circle to Search launched as a Galaxy S24 exclusive in January and expanded to the Pixel series and other Galaxy devices shortly after. More recently, more OEMs, including Xiaomi and HONOR, have been getting the handy search feature on their phones. Now, you can add another OEM to the list: Motorola. As spotted by 9to5Google , Motorola silently announced that Circle to Search is available on some of its phones. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/u7MUk6o

Mint Mobile is slashing up to 50% off, well, everything — from its Unlimited plan to our favorite Pixel phones

Mint Mobile is now offering its Unlimited plan for $15 per month when you buy select phones, and you can pair it with additional deals to maximize savings. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/TP3N9fF

F-Droid is the first third-party app store to support Android 15’s app archiving feature

F-Droid is adding support for Android 15’s app archiving feature, making it the first third-party app store to support the new capability. App archiving is a feature that lets you reclaim storage space by deleting an app’s installation files without deleting its data. The Google Play Store already supports app archiving, but Google opened it up to third-party app stores in Android 15 by making it a system-level feature. If your phone is running out of space, an easy way to free up storage space on Android is to uninstall some apps. However, it’s a hassle to uninstall apps that you might need later, which is why it’s better to archive them. Archiving an app lets you reclaim storage space by deleting the app’s installation files without deleting its user data, but Android won’t even let you archive the app unless the app store that installed it in the first place can restore it. Android 15 makes it possible for third-party app stores to support app archiving, and F-Droid appear...

Google Flights will let you prioritize lower prices over a little inconvenience

Image
Credit: Google A new “Cheapest” tab is being introduced on Google Flights. The tab will present cheaper options made possible by giving up some convenience. The Cheapest tab will be rolling out globally over the next two weeks. One of the many barriers to travel is the cost of flights. A variety of factors, like the destination or the airline you choose, can lead to your tickets costing an arm and a leg. But if you’re willing to give up a little convenience, a new tab in Google Flights will attempt to find you the cheapest flights available. Today, Google Flights is introducing a new “Cheapest” tab. According to the tech giant, you’ll be able to enter your details and click on the Cheapest tab to get more options with even lower prices than usual. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/n3gWkOw

AI Weather Reports and Weather Map are coming to more Pixel devices

Image
Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google is finally bringing the new Pixel Weather app to older Pixel devices. The app is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices with the October 2024 Pixel Feature Drop. It features a revamped interface, new widgets, AI Weather Reports, and a new Weather Map. Google debuted a new weather app with the Pixel 9 series earlier this year . The app features a completely revamped interface and a host of new AI-powered tools. Previously, it was  exclusive to Google’s latest flagship devices, but it’s finally reaching older models. Google is rolling out the much-awaited Android 15 update for its Pixel devices. The update arrives alongside the October 2024 Pixel Drop that introduces new features in addition to the ones in the Android 15 update. These include Night Sight support for Instagram, Google’s new Theft Protection suite, Adaptive Vibration, and, of course, the Pixel Weather app. from Android Authority https://ift...

Android 15 helps your Pixel phone vibrate smarter in any environment

Image
Left: Pixel 9 Pro, Right: Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Android 15 has introduced a new feature called “Adaptive Vibration” to make your phone’s vibrations more intelligent. This feature uses your phone’s microphone and other sensors to detect your surroundings and adjust the vibration intensity accordingly. Adaptive Vibration is available now on Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 7 series and newer models. Google has officially released the stable version of Android 15 , beginning its rollout with the Pixel 9 series and other Pixel devices. While it doesn’t look dramatically different, it packs some neat new tricks to make your smartphone experience smoother. One such addition is the new Adaptive Vibration feature. We first spotted the Adaptive Vibration feature in Android 15 Beta 2 back in May , and now it’s officially making its way to Pixel phones with the full Android 15 release and the latest Pixel Drop . So, what does it do? In a ...

Google’s long-awaited casting feature is here but not for the device we want

Image
Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority Google has revealed that the long-awaited cast to nearby devices feature is finally coming to the Pixel Tablet. This feature allows you to cast media between the Pixel Tablet and Pixel phones. Unfortunately, the feature isn’t available on the Google TV Streamer, standard Pixel phones, or the mid-range Pixel handsets. Google revealed the nifty ability to cast media between the Pixel Tablet and Pixel phones back in January. It’s been a while since this feature was announced, but it’s finally ready for prime time as part of the latest Pixel Drop . Google confirmed that the cast to nearby devices feature is launching in the “next few weeks” and will support Spotify tracks and YouTube videos. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/KALiuZk