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Showing posts from November, 2024

This Google Fi deal on the Motorola Razr 2024 hit me right where it hurts — in my wallet

I hate spending money. I love saving money. This is supposed to be easy. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Kl2kZVN

The best new Android apps and games for December 2024

Many new Android apps are out there. Keeping track of them is tough, but we’re happy to do that hard work for you. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best new Android apps and new Android games available, focusing on titles that offer something different to the status quo. Be sure to visit our list of the best Android apps of all time, the best Android games ever, and our selection of the best new Android apps released in 2023 for more. The best new Android apps and games for December 2024 Aggregator RSS Clean As Duck TED Tumblewords Snaky Cat PixelShot Carrion Aggregator RSS An RSS aggregator with a dizzying number of sources and a clean UI. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/32V4uOP

Here’s what Google’s Pixel lineup has in store for 2025 and beyond

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Thanks to a series of leaks in recent weeks, we now know a great deal about Google’s plans for its future Pixel smartphones and tablets right out until 2026. There’s been an awful lot to keep track of, so here’s a recap of everything we’ve learned and the key need to knows about the Pixel product roadmap. Google Pixel 10 Artificial Intelligence and cameras are the cornerstones of Google’s smartphone lineup, and it’s no surprise to learn that the Pixel 10 range will double down on these attributes . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/x2oefdM

I use the OnePlus 12R every day and it's worth every penny, especially with $100 off

I daily drive the OnePlus 12R and cannot recommend it enough. Good news, Black Friday has knicked $100 off it! from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/ml7b3RX

Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus colors seemingly confirmed as SIM card trays leak

A strange leak appears to confirm the five colors for the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/F5rM8jN

I use a foldable phone every day, and Black Friday is the perfect time for you to get one

If you're intrigued by foldable phones, but put off by the price, now's your chance to take the leap. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/PmRDu1X

Samsung makes a sneaky Galaxy Tab S10 FE reference, hidden in the fine print

Earlier this year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and S10 Ultra, but no S10 FE models. When those two S10 tablets launched, Samsung put up a webpage advertising the special offers for which they’re eligible. Sometime around the start of October, that page was updated to include reference to the “Tab S10 FE series.” Everyone’s thinking about holiday shopping right now, with Black Friday right around the corner. While smartphones can be a little tricky to give as a gift, something like a tablet can make a lot more sense — and there are some great Android tablets to consider this year. Those include Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S10 series, which debuted back at the end of September. This year’s lineup was a little meager, though, with only Plus and Ultra size options, and while it’s still not looking like we’re ever going to get a base model Tab S10, a recent discovery has us looking forward to what could be Samsung’s next tablet. Like plenty of device manufacturers, S...

Thanksgiving deal slashes the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra to just $434

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Samsung is keen to catch your eye as you enjoy the holidays. And to be fair, this record deal on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth a first and second look. The high-end smartwatch is over $200 off for the first time right now, dropping to just $434.29 on Amazon. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for $434.29 ($216 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/1xulUBF

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL catches $250 price drop in improved Black Friday deal

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google fans might want to take a turkey break this Thanksgiving to check out Google’s latest Black Friday offer. In a surprise move, the manufacturer has doubled down on its Pixel 9 Pro XL deal, dropping the price of the high-end Android phone again. That means you can save $250 on the device right now — by far the best discount on it to date. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for $849 ($250 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/baeLHpz

This Black Friday deal makes the newest Meta Quest cheaper than a Nintendo Switch

We didn't expect the Meta Quest 3S to be on sale so soon, but this Black Friday deal absolutely blew us away! from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/vRBpbLt

The sequel to the world’s cheapest foldable just had its specs and design leaked

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Credit: 91mobiles A follow-up to the Nubia Flip 5G is in the works. The Nubia Flip II has been spotted on the TENAA and MIIT databases, revealing the design and specs. The second-generation device will look quite different from the original. Do you remember the Nubia Flip 5G? It launched earlier this year and made a name for itself by becoming the cheapest foldable in the world, starting at $499 for the base model. Well, it looks like ZTE-owned Nubia is planning to follow it up with a successor. That second-generation foldable has recently been spotted on two regulatory databases. Discovered by 91mobiles , the Nubia Flip II has appeared on the Chinese certification website TENAA. This listing contains multiple images of the handset, revealing the design. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/MNye2DP

Plex’s new interface is a big step forward, and two steps back

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority It might surprise you, but Plex is the center of my media consumption. Much of what I watch has been dumped from my Blu-ray and DVD collection and, rarely, collected from the high seas. The platform offers me everything that streaming services don’t — ownership over my media, the ability to watch uncompressed video on my 75-inch television and home theater system, and the option to take it with me on the go. The refreshed Plex interface keeps most of the functionality and amps up the design. But the one thing it’s been lacking is a great interface. Don’t get me wrong. The current Plex UI works and does everything you need from it. However, it looks dated, requires more taps than needed to accomplish oft-used tasks, and just doesn’t feel great. As it turns out, Plex thinks the same. There’s a new Plex interface out — on mobile first, but coming soon too other platforms — and I’ve been testing it over the last few days. Oh boy, the...

Black Friday bargain: Beats Studio Pro drops 54% to best price yet

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Credit: Beats We’re finally at the business end of the Black Friday sales, which means the biggest discounts ever on some hot hardware. The Beats Studio Pro deal that dropped today is a prime example, with the stylish headphones down to an all-time low price of just $159.99 on Amazon. Beats Studio Pro for $159.99 ($190 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9Hg7aLs

Spotify makes returning to old content easier with 90 days of listening history

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Credit: Tech Team / Android Authority Spotify is rolling out a new page called “Recents.” This page will save anything you listened to over the last 90 days. The new page is rolling out today for Premium and free subscribers on Android and iOS. Finding that podcast you meant to finish or that album you planned on listening to is about to get easier. Spotify is introducing a feature that will remember all the media you interacted with for you. Spotify has announced (via Engadget ) that it is rolling out a new feature called “Recents.” As its name suggests, Recents is a new page that will show you all the music, podcasts, and even audiobooks you recently listened to. Recents will hold onto whatever content you consume for 90 days. This way you can quickly return to that paused podcast when you’re ready or simply review what you listened to previously. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/OXUA9pf

Google Pixel Watch 2 slashed to record-low $145 in Black Friday deal

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great deal at its $279.99 Black Friday price , but the real value this holiday season lies in stepping back a generation. The Pixel Watch 2 is still a top-tier smartwatch , and this deal means it’s almost half the price of its successor right now at just $145. Google Pixel Watch 2 for $145 ($105 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/IJyRUFm

There’s a Star Fox 64 fan port on the way, and it looks incredible

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The team behind the native decompilations of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask have a new project. Called Starship, it’s a native PC port of Star Fox 64 with enhanced performance and graphics. It was shown off in a two-hour live stream, with the public build expected as early as next month. While Nintendo has put the kibosh on several emulation projects like Yuzu , it’s been an incredible year for native ports of retro classics. Decompilation projects have recreated the source code of classic titles like Majora’s Mask, which now have fully native Android ports with higher framerates, widescreen support, cheats, and much, much more. Over the weekend, the team revealed a new project on Discord, this time targeting Star Fox 64. This title really put the original Nintendo 64 hardware to the test, and considering the limitations of N64 emulators , it hasn’t been the best experience. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Y75OiFo

Score the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus as low as $150 in latest Black Friday deal

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Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority It’s finally Black Friday week, which means the retailers are ready to go all out with the best offers of the season. Today that includes the best Android tablets on the market, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 Ultra getting their biggest deals to date. Combining offers can let you pick up the Tab S10 Plus for as little as $149.99. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus from just $149.99 from Android Authority https://ift.tt/obMOyKc

One UI 6 Watch is starting to arrive on older Galaxy models in the US

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Older Galaxy smartwatches in the US are starting to get One UI 6 Watch. The update will come to the Galaxy Watch 6 series first, then sequentially to older models. One UI 6 Watch brings select features from the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 to previous generations. One UI 6 Watch began its rollout last week , bringing new features to older Galaxy Watch models. If you’ve been wondering when the update will come to devices in the US, the answer is now. Galaxy Watch users in the US are starting to report that have received One UI 6 Watch. The first of Samsung’s older smartwatches that will get to try on the new OS is the Galaxy Watch 6 series . The update will then trickle down in sequential order to the Galaxy Watch 5 series, Galaxy Watch 4 series, and the Galaxy Watch FE. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XM4J5Vv

I dissed the Google Pixel Tablet at launch, but it’s aged well and is worth a new look

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Way back in 2022, Google first teased the Google Pixel Tablet, an innovative device that aimed to mix an Android tablet with a smart display. The company finally launched the product in May 2023, and it was…well…underwhelming, to say the least. As a tablet, it was pretty mid, and as a smart display, it couldn’t even hold a candle to the Google Nest Hub Max , which at that point was already in its fourth year of existence. When I got the device in for review, I’ll admit that I set it up, realized it was underbaked, and put it in storage only a few days after my Pixel Tablet vs. Nest Hub Max comparison article went live. I have barely thought about it since. In my mind, the device was DOA. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/PFqATQy

Android Auto and Nest cameras exist, so why not a Google dash cam?

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Dash cams are fast becoming essential for every driver, recording road events in real-time for security or insurance purposes. Many firms occupy this space, but one notable absentee is Google. Dash cams intersect with several of Google’s properties, including Android Auto and Nest cameras, so it would make perfect sense for the company to join the fray. A Google dash cam is more appealing than you’d think Although it might not appear a suitable fit at first, Google has all the ingredients to make a compelling dash cam product. The company’s design, service backbone, and manufacturing prowess could all be put to good use in the space. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rviEJ9R

The Polar Vantage M3 has premium guts in a mid-range package — with one key flaw

The new Polar Vantage M3 is an intriguing mid-range running watch; I put its GPS and HR accuracy to the test against Garmin and COROS. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Efv9uk3

Forget 2024 models! Last year's best Motorola phone is 44% OFF during Best Buy's Black Friday sale

Black Friday is just around the corner, and Best Buy is carving $350 off our favorite Motorola phone from 2023. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/OLcoUB0

How I boosted my productivity using a free app and two simple docs

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Credit: Bogdan Petrovan / Android Authority Like everyone else, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my productivity. Over the years, I’ve run through my fair share of solutions: I tried Google Keep for quick notes, Slack for real-time task reminders, Any.do for simple to-do lists, Pomodoro Chrome extensions to timebox my focus, Asana for project-level oversight, OKRs for aligning big-picture goals and objectives, and over-engineered Airtables for bigger projects with many sub-tasks. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/TZCoyme

The Garmin Enduro 3 is too big for me, but I’m obsessed with its battery life

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Given my choice, I’m a small tech guy. I’d rather game on an Analogue Pocket or Lenovo Legion Go than on a PlayStation 5, and my preferred phone has a screen no larger than 6.3 inches. To me, it’s tough to beat the flexibility of having extra space in my backpack or my pockets. Usually, that love of smaller devices extends to the watch on my wrist, too, with the featherweight Coros Pace 3 guiding me through my most recent marathon. Right now, though, the massive Garmin Enduro 3 is trying its best to change my mind — and it’s working. Size really does matter from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Vg3OLMJ

Australia's proposed social media ban for kids is a 1950s solution to a 2024 problem

Nobody ever said being a parent was supposed to be easy. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/P1hIoeJ

I easily scammed Google’s new Scam Detection feature

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Earlier this year, Google rolled out a new feature for Android phones called Theft Detection Lock. Ostensibly, when a thief quickly grabs your phone out of your hands and then makes a run for it, this feature uses sensors in the phone to understand what’s happened and then trigger a lockdown. This won’t get your phone back, but it will at least help prevent the thief from accessing any of your sensitive data. While this sounds great, there was just one problem: it didn’t work that well. In our testing of Theft Detection Lock , we found that a thief would need to grab your phone and then run or drive with it in a very specific way for the lockdown to initiate. If the thief doesn’t do this, well…no lockdown for you. I highly recommend reading that article, as it’s a fun one. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/bmZlAzS

For real? Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses just got their first HUGE discount ever!

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are the best smart glasses ever and now this Black Friday sale gets them down to their best price ever! from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/qonfGIu

This is why you should take the Galaxy S25 Ultra dummy unit leaks with a pinch of salt

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority Prolific leaker Ice Universe has reiterated why users shouldn’t mistake early dummy units as complete representatives of the real phone. Early dummy units do not capture the phone’s precise colors, material, and finish, especially for high-end smartphones, and the final product’s fit and finish are usually better in hand. The Galaxy S25 series is expected in early 2025, and we recently saw leaked dummy devices for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. These dummy units give us a glimpse of what the device could look like in real life. But as with all leaks before a device is finally and officially launched by the phone company, one should always treat dummy units with a healthy dose of skepticism. One of the most prolific leakers is hammering in that point, highlighting how dummy units did rather grave injustice to the actual product that the company ended up launching. Prolific leaker Ice Universe shared a post on Weibo highlighting how...

Is the Onn 4K Pro actually a better deal than the Chromecast or Google TV Streamer?

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I’ve used virtually every major streaming platform over the years but ultimately I settled on Android TV as my platform of choice. While it isn’t perfect, it suits my needs well, and I love that I can switch between using the streamer with a remote or casting content from my Android phone . For the past few years, we’ve been a Chromecast with Google TV family. That changes with the arrival of the Onn 4K Pro. The Onn 4K Pro packs a ton of features unavailable on the Chromecast with Google TV , and yet it retails for the same price. But is the Onn 4K Pro really a better deal than the Chromecast with Google TV? Based on my time with it so far, I think that for many, the answer will be yes. But before you run out and buy it, you need to fully understand what you’re getting into with a value brand product like this. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/vT18Xni

Disney CEO’s hot mic moment sheds light on key streaming numbers

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Disney CEO Bob Iger was caught in a hot mic moment during a Q4 earnings call. Iger was heard saying that he didn’t know if he was supposed to disclose Disney Plus’ ad-supported tier numbers. It was revealed that 37% of US and 30% of global users subscribe to the ad-supported tier. We all have had a moment when we’ve said something aloud we weren’t supposed to say. However, those moments often aren’t as public as Bob Iger’s recent gaffe. The CEO accidentally revealed key Disney Plus numbers during a Q4 earnings call. This morning, Iger headlined Disney’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call. While answering questions about the company’s growth outlook and pricing strategy of Disney Plus, the CEO let it slip how many of its subscribers are on the ad-supported tier. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mrZApJk

Google Black Friday sale slashes record $200 off the Pixel 9 Pro

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority A ton of new Black Friday sales launched today, with Google’s Pixel deals really catching our eye. There are huge discounts on several of the flagship devices, including a record price drop on the Pixel 9 Pro . The middle child in the Pixel 9 series is down to just $799 right now on Amazon. Google Pixel 9 Pro for $799 ($200 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/N8jYIuP

Android 16 DP1 automatically hides some sensitive notifications from the lock screen

Android 16 hides the content of certain sensitive notifications from appearing on the lock screen, in particular notifications with OTP codes. This follows a change in Android 15 that blocks untrusted apps from reading sensitive notifications with OTP codes. This feature is live in Android 16 DP1 and should arrive in the stable release unless Google removes it. It might be tempting to have all your notifications show up on the lock screen so you don’t have to unlock your device to see them. However, doing so exposes your sensitive information to potential threats, such as thieves who could easily access your notifications if they steal your device. Even worse, if notifications containing two-factor authentication codes appear on the lock screen, someone could see them and potentially get access to your online accounts. Fortunately, Google is working on a new feature in Android 16 that protects your most sensitive notifications containing two-factor authentication codes. After...

The best fitness smartwatch drops $100 in record-low deal

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Taking advantage of the Black Friday deals is easier to justify if it’s for improving your lifestyle, and what better way than saving on the best fitness smartwatch on the market? Now’s your chance, with both the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S dropping by a record $100 in the most recent Amazon deal. Garmin Venu 3 for $349.99 ($100 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/hAO8MpC

The world’s first foldable phone maker is now out of business

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Royole Technologies, the company behind the world’s first foldable phone, has been declared bankrupt. Its first phone, the Royole FlexPai, launched in 2018 and featured a 7.8-inch 1440p flexible display. Although Samsung, Motorola, Google, OnePlus, OPPO, and HONOR currently control the lion’s share of foldable phone sales worldwide, none of these brands were the first to bring a foldable smartphone to the market. Royole Technologies, a little-known Chinese OEM, launched the world’s first commercially available foldable smartphone back in 2018. Sadly, the headstart didn’t do much to help the company stay in business. According to a recent report from IT Home (via Digitimes Asia ), Royole Technologies was declared bankrupt following an investigation of its current assets and liabilities. An announcement from the Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People’s Court states that the company could not clear its debts, and its assets were insufficient to cover all debts. from Androi...

Older Nest cameras are getting the Google Home app treatment

Google is bringing more old Nest cams into the Home app. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/dhEYVCL

Samsung slashes $275 off the Galaxy S24 Plus in its holiday sale

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Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Not only is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus our favorite handset of the flagship series, but I also capitalized on the holiday sales to buy myself one! If you’re tempted to follow my lead, your timing couldn’t be better. Samsung’s Black Friday sale includes a massive $275 price drop on the Android phone in the exclusive online colorways. Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus for $724.99 ($275 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XBs9bSZ

The Pixel Tablet finally gets Google VPN support in Android 15 QPR2

With the upcoming Android 15 QPR2 release, the VPN by Google service will likely be available for the Pixel Tablet. VPN by Google is the replacement to Google One’s VPN service and is available exclusively for free on the Pixel 7 and later. The service originally didn’t support the Pixel Tablet, but Google has finally added support in the latest Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 release. If you want to access geo-blocked content, then there are plenty of VPNs you can use to do so. It’s generally recommended to avoid free VPN providers if you value your privacy and want the best speeds, but if you own a Google Pixel device, then you should give Google’s VPN service a shot. VPN by Google is available exclusively for the Pixel 7 and later at no extra cost, but it hasn’t been available for the Pixel Tablet. That’s finally changing with the next Android release. When Google killed off the VPN service offered with Google One subscriptions, it migrated Pixel users over to its new VPN by Goog...

Ahead of Black Friday, Mint Mobile is offering 3 months service for just $30 a month!

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Traditional postpaid plans have seen significant price increases over the last few years leaving many of us turning toward prepaid carriers as a way to save money. One of the best-known options is Mint Mobile. The carrier offers some of the cheapest pricing available for those who only need a couple of lines or fewer, with rates as low as $15 a month — though you have to pay upfront annually to qualify for this rate. Want to try Mint Mobile now for dirt cheap and don’t need a lot of data? For a limited time (from now until January 2nd), Mint Mobile is offering three months of its 5G plan for just $30, or what works out to $10 a month . To get the best offer, you’ll want to hit the button below and use the promo code FREEMONTH at checkout. Want unlimited data instead? You also have the option of getting three months of unlimited for $45 a month as well , with no promo code required. Please be aware both offers are for new customer...

I tried gaming on the Google TV Streamer, and it was just awful

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The Google TV Streamer is one of the best and most surprising Google products launched this year. It’s Google’s first non-Chromecast streaming product (the Nexus Q doesn’t count), and it incorporates features you don’t find in many other streamers, including access to Google Home controls and working as a Thread border router. During my Google TV Streamer review , I fell in love with how speedy, simple, and powerful the device is. One thing the streamer does not explicitly do is operate as a gaming machine. However, it runs on the Android TV platform, meaning it at least has the capability of both on-device gaming and game streaming too. This, of course, begets the question: Is the Google TV Streamer any good for gaming? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rOXsq0Q

Black Friday smartwatch deal hunters should look at smart rings instead

Black Friday smartwatch deals are a dime a dozen. But there are very few reliable smart rings, and deals on them are hard to find. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/1k70g2n

Apple could launch the AirTag 2 next year with three key improvements

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Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority Apple could launch the long-awaited AirTag 2 next year. The next-gen model will pack a new wireless chip, offer better range, and improve privacy. Although it’s been over three years since the original AirTag hit the market, Apple has yet to release its successor. While some rumors suggested that the company could launch the second-gen model this year, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed this January that it wouldn’t arrive until next year. Now, Gurman has revealed that the AirTag 2 is on track for a 2025 launch and will come with three key upgrades. According to this week’s Power On newsletter, the AirTag has “now progressed in manufacturing tests, and Apple is ready to bring it to the market.” Gurman reports that the second-gen model, codenamed B589, will look similar to the original AirTag but bring three noteworthy changes. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/McU46Db

Move over Pixel, here’s what my perfect phone looks like

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority Opinion post by Hadlee Simons The year is approaching its final weeks and we’ve seen loads of great Android phones throughout 2024. From Samsung and Google to OnePlus and Xiaomi, you really couldn’t go wrong with these flagship devices. None of these phones were perfect, though. The Galaxy S24 still uses the same aging camera system, the Pixel 9 phones are underpowered, and the Xiaomi 14 series brings a polarizing software experience. But what would my perfect Android phone look like in 2024? I decided to pick and choose some features to make my ideal phone. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/b6jpkry

It took Google years to add this Android 15 feature, and it’s still half-baked

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority If there’s one feature I’ve had on the top of my Android wishlist for nearly a decade now, it’s notification sync across devices. I realize my use case is extreme since I have several Android phones on my desk right now and many more in my gadget drawer, but there was a time when I just had one phone and one tablet and I still got tired of seeing duplicate notifications across both of them. But notification dismissal across phones is here now, finally, as part of Android 15 ! Well, uh, scratch that. It’s here if you have a Pixel 6 or newer, because it’s only rolling out as a Pixel-exclusive option . That’s one of the first limitations of the option for me. The other is more… complicated. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/HVNeWgw

I took three phones to Europe, but only used my Fujifilm pocket camera

Taking a vacation — especially in my line of work — is often easier said than done. Not because I have a particularly strict schedule or a demanding boss but because the constant stream of smartphone launches throughout the year makes it hard to decide which one (or ones) to bring with me. While most people sit down to double-check whether or not they have enough pairs of underwear packed for a few days away, I sit down to see how many phones I can pack before the TSA thinks I’m a smuggler (I’ve yet to figure out the number, by the way). So, when I headed off to Amsterdam for a few days off ahead of running my second marathon, I decided I’d bring three great camera phones with me: the iPhone 16 Pro, which still held my personal SIM; the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, which I was in the process of reviewing; and the Google Pixel 8a, which I had just picked up for a six-month revisit. All told, I was heading off with eight modern camera sensors to capture my adventure, which seemed like more t...

Canada's government is opening a research center for AI safety. The US should do the same.

AI is worth using as long as it's done the right way. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/Qj4vdBZ

My love-hate relationship with the iPad, explained

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Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority I’ve been an Android user since I started using  smartphones . But I received an iPad (9th gen) as a gift a while ago and have been using it on and off ever since, but with mixed feelings. While there’s plenty to love about it, there are just some things that I can’t wrap my head around and some I can’t get used to. First things first Let me start off by saying that despite using Android for the last 15 years or so, I would not describe myself as an Android fanboy. By fanboy, I mean that I never praise Android just because I use it and then throw shade at Apple and its products because of the rivalry between the two companies. I always found that mentality stupid. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/YZWo6gn

Android 16: Expected features, codename, leaks, release date, and everything else we know so far

Google switched things up with Android 15 when it decided to decouple the platform update from the Pixel 9 series . That decision gave both the software and hardware their own breathing room and independent timelines. With the official stable Android 15 update now out for the Pixel lineup, it’s time to look forward to what Google is cooking up for Android 16. Here’s what we know about Android 16 and the features we expect to see in the upcoming update in 2025. Main index to primary sections: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/NR0yH7w

Google to stop showing political ads, paid YouTube promotions in the EU next year

Google says the requirements coming with the regulation on Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) are challenging. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/gPHLJtT

Source: Google is working on the Pixel Tablet 2 along with a keyboard

A source tells Android Authority that Google is working on the Pixel Tablet 2 and that this time the company might release a keyboard case. We were also told the Pixel Tablet 2 will have a new camera and upgraded Tensor chip. Google released the first Pixel Tablet last year with the Tensor G2 chip alongside a charging speaker dock, but no official keyboard or stylus accessories. Many of the best Android tablets on the market are excellent media consumption devices, but only a few of them are also great for productivity. The Google Pixel Tablet , for example, is great at media consumption like many other tablets, but its use as a work tool is limited due to its lack of productivity-focused software features and input accessories. The former is something that Google has already been addressing via software updates, and the latter is something the company can correct by releasing its own first-party input accessories. It seems Google is looking to do just that with its second-ge...

The Galaxy A36’s camera specs have leaked and it’s got something new to try

The Galaxy A36 will likely use the same rear cameras as the Galaxy A35. The selfie camera is being upgraded to a new 12MP sensor. The upgraded selfie sensor should offer better low-light performance Samsung makes a lot of phones, and the headlines usually focus on the flagships, like the upcoming Galaxy S25 or the Z Fold and Flip series. They might be the exciting models, but Samsung’s A series is incredibly popular, providing excellent value at almost any price. The Galaxy A35 impressed us this year and it looks its successor will do the same with some tweaks to its camera hardware. If we look at the pattern set by previous models, Samsung should launch the Galaxy A36 sometime in Q1 2025, and the leaks and rumors are only going to become more frequent as that time approaches. The cameras on the A35 impressed us for a phone in this price range, and the A36 will use the same primary 50MP sensor according to Galaxy Club . Details for the other two sensors are still unknown so...

Google launches Gemini app on iPhone with Imagen 3 and app extensions

Google announced the launch of its "Gemini on iPhone" app. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/N4jRHio

I tested Apple’s Google Lens alternative, and it’s actually kind of good

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I’ve been using Google Lens for as long as I can remember. Whether I’m trying to figure out which version of a Nike running shoe I’m looking at or if the plant I just brushed up against is poison ivy, I love to whip out Google Lens for a quick answer. Then, when Apple announced Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 16 as part of its Apple Intelligence rollout, I was intrigued. It looked almost exactly like the experience I got from Google but with additional answers powered by ChatGPT. I waited patiently for the public beta of iOS 18.2 to arrive and set out to explore the latest chapter in the battle of Apple vs Google. Here’s how Apple Visual Intelligence compares to Google Lens. Oh hey, a use for the Camera Control from Android Authority https://ift.tt/oepIL0S

Google Play Store may offer more control over when your game auto installs (APK teardown)

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Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority Google Play Store may soon let you choose how your game auto-installs. You’ll be able to set your preference to “Over any network” or “Over Wi-Fi only.” Users will be notified to confirm their install preference if the game size is larger than expected. Having the Google Play Store auto-install a game for you is a pretty convenient feature. However, it’s a little less convenient when it decides to eat up your mobile data to do so. Soon you may not have to worry about your games auto-installing while you’re away from a Wi-Fi network. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/tbVum57

Are you getting conned into an unlimited data plan you don’t really need?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority More is always better, right? These days, you won’t even find limited data plans outside of prepaid options and we’re constantly being marketed on the idea we need unlimited data in today’s world. The reality is that many unlimited data plans aren’t even truly unlimited but even for those with truly unlimited plans, many consumers are paying for usage they simply don’t need. An Ericsson Mobility Report released in June 2024 claims that the average smartphone user globally consumes around 17GB of data per month. To be fair, this is a global report and the US has its own trends. According to Statista , the average American uses 29GB a month. Still, these types of reports are generally skewed by ultra-heavy users or those who rely on a mobile connection as their primary gateway to the web. They also don’t account for age groups, so the actual figures could be well below this, especially for those who are in their 30s, 40s, or beyond...

The only good PlayStation 3 emulator for PC and Mac

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PlayStation 3 is one powerful console. It had some amazing games, and the industry was just starting to get into things like HD gaming. It can be emulated, but there are surprisingly few emulators capable of doing it compared to, for example, Sega emulators . Luckily, there is at least one good option in RPCS3. We’ll go over that and a few other PlayStation 3 emulators for PC and Mac below. The best PlayStation 3 emulators for PC and Mac RPCS3 PlayStation Plus Other PS3 emulators RPCS3 from Android Authority https://ift.tt/JixDhnH

I ditched Google Keep for Simplenote — 6 reasons why I’m never going back

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Opinion post by Dhruv Bhutani Lately, I’ve been on a mission to simplify my digital footprint. While tools like Notion and Anytype have come in handy to bulk optimize my life, I find simplicity is key when it comes to writing or note-taking. I’ve tried documenting my work, life, and more in some of the best diary and journal apps like Notion, but I reverted to Google Keep for the longest time. It was easy enough to use, available everywhere, and it backed up everything neatly — sounds perfect, doesn’t it? It worked fine, but my needs have evolved since then. As Google Keep tacks on new features, it’s become a bit too bloated for my needs, and the interface’s lack of focus on long-form writing started irking me. So, I looked for the perfect alternative. That’s when I struck upon SimpleNote. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/fJmO8tv

Chrome may be everywhere, but it’s still a second-tier browser for most of you

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority For better or worse, Google has a stranglehold over much of our tech lives. The Chrome browser is so ubiquitous that you might expect most people to use it by default, but a poll we ran on the matter paints a different picture. We decided to ask for your opinion because our writer, Andy Walker, vented his frustration about Chrome in a recent article. Andy explained that while Chrome’s integration with Google services is convenient, he finds it frustratingly limited. It’s missing key features he values — like switching between multiple accounts on Android, using mobile extensions, and choosing custom search engines. Plus, Chrome’s content-heavy design, with trending searches and a rigid Discovery section, feels more cluttered than useful. He finds Firefox a much better fit, with customization options, add-ons, and a setup that’s easy to use one-handed.  from Android Authority https://ift.tt/zFOVmKQ

The next RedMagic gaming phone is set to break some records

Official renders reveal the RedMagic 10 Pro in all its stunning detail. from Android Central RSS Feed https://ift.tt/NayqvHL

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

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Update: November 12, 2024 (10:58 AM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S25 series rumor hub with a rumor about the launch date and the possibility of a fourth model. 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/dlw08mU