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Showing posts from February, 2025

Samsung looks like it’s ending Galaxy S24 availability, starting with the Ultra

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority The Galaxy S24 Ultra is no longer available on Samsung’s website. You can still order the S24 and S24 Plus, but the landing page says these models are also out of stock. It’s possible they could re-emerge as part of the Certified Re-Newed program. The Galaxy S25 series is great and all, but if you don’t need Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 family offers fairly similar specs. But if you want to buy a Galaxy S24 Ultra , you’ll have to go somewhere other than Samsung’s e-shop. The same may soon be true for the base model and Plus. It appears Samsung has quietly pulled its stock of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the landing page is still there, it is clearly marked “sold out.” Going to the order page , every option is greyed out from picking your carrier to storage options. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/980Y4aJ

Best OnePlus Watch 3 bands 2025

The best OnePlus Watch 3 bands are versatile and affordable. Grab an outfit for every occasion. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/9AuIYQ3

YouTube Music may start helping you find more albums like the one you’re currently enjoying

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Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority YouTube Music is testing a new feature to help you easily discover similar albums. It could soon add a Recommended carousel to album pages, showing other albums by the same artist and similar albums from the same genre. YouTube Music appears to be testing the feature with a few users, and it’s not widely available at the moment. YouTube Music’s algorithm already does a great job of helping you discover new songs based on your unique taste in music. It offers song, artist, and album recommendations, as well as a host of curated playlists right on the home page, making it easy to find your next favorite tune. Now, YouTube Music appears to be testing a new change to help you find albums like the one you’re currently listening to. If you scroll through an album in the latest stable build of YouTube Music on Android, the app shows a carousel with other versions of the same album. However, according to a user report on Reddit , the app c...

Apple’s Find My network can be exploited to track any Bluetooth device, even Android phones

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Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority A flaw in Apple’s Find My network can be exploited to track the location of any Bluetooth device. It lets hackers trick the network into thinking an Android phone or gaming console is an AirTag and then pinpoint its location to within 10 feet. The exploit doesn’t require administrator privileges and works on Bluetooth devices running Linux, Android, or Windows, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and VR headsets. Apple’s Find My network makes it easy for users to track the location of their iPhones, Macs, and other possessions using an AirTag. However, as seen previously, it can be misused to stalk unsuspecting users. While Apple has implemented anti-stalking measures to prevent others from tracking your whereabouts with a hidden AirTag, a newly discovered exploit can let hackers leverage the Find My network to track any Bluetooth device, including Android phones . Discovered by a team of researchers from George Mason University, this exp...

Samsung's slimmest Galaxy S25 Edge tipped to be launching sooner

Last month, Samsung announced the new Galaxy S25 Edge at the Galaxy Unpacked event. The latest information indicates its availability. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/HKLeubh

When is Pixel Scam Detection actually arriving? Google removes ETA from announcement

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Previously, a Google Store blog post said Scam Detection would come to Pixel phones in March. The post has been updated to remove any mention of the feature. It’s now unclear when the feature will arrive. Google’s March Pixel Drop will be here before you know it, and it should bring a bevy of new features to Pixel devices. It was looking like Scam Detection could be one of the features included in the update, but it now seems like that won’t be the case. Yesterday, we reported that a recent Gemini Nano-related blog post contained some interesting information on the Pixel’s incoming Scam Detection feature. Originally, the post said that “Scam Detection in calls and messages arrives on Pixel phones in March 2025.” However, Google has now updated the blog. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/y1KAERW

Google has a fix coming for Pixel’s buggy Now Playing feature

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Pixel users have been facing problems with the Now Playing feature for several months. A new comment on Google’s Issue Tracker states that a fix will be included in an upcoming release, likely the March Pixel Drop. Pixel users have been facing issues with the Now Playing feature for several months. As per user reports, the issue seems to affect all models from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9 series, with the feature either failing to recognize some songs or not working altogether. If you’ve encountered problems with Now Playing on your Pixel and have been waiting for a fix, we’ve got some good news. Google appears to have finally addressed the underlying issue, and you won’t have to wait too long for a fix. A recent comment on Google’s Issue Tracker (via Reddit ) confirms that the company has successfully quashed the Now Playing bug and plans to release the fix “in an upcoming release.” Although it doesn’t explicitly state the release...

Amazon’s smarter Alexa is finally here, but not everyone will get it for free

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Credit: Stephen Schenck / Android Authority Amazon has announced Alexa Plus, a next-generation AI-powered version of its voice assistant designed to be smarter and more personalized. Alexa Plus can remember personal details, automate tasks, and even browse the web to complete tasks independently. The service costs $19.99 per month but is free for Amazon Prime members, with early access rolling out in the US starting next month. Amazon’s Alexa has long been a staple in the smart home space, but it’s been due for an upgrade for years. While it was once a frontrunner among smart assistants, it’s been lagging behind newer AI-powered competition . That changes now, or at least that’s what Amazon would like to believe. The company has officially announced Alexa Plus , a revamped and AI-enhanced version of its voice assistant that promises to be more intelligent, proactive, and genuinely useful. Some of its new abilities include: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/EnDuO...

This lifesaving Pixel Watch 3 feature will soon reach users in the US

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Google has received FDA clearance for the Pixel Watch 3’s Loss of Pulse Detection feature. The feature will roll out to users in the US towards the end of March. It uses the Pixel Watch 3’s heart rate sensor to detect a potential loss of pulse and automatically calls emergency services if the user doesn’t cancel the check-in within 15 seconds. Google debuted a unique, lifesaving feature with the Pixel Watch 3 that can detect when the wearer’s pulse has stopped. The Loss of Pulse Detection feature initially rolled out in several European countries last year, and it will soon be available to users in the US. As its name suggests, the Loss of Pulse Detection feature uses the Pixel Watch 3’s heart rate sensor to detect your pulse. If it doesn’t detect a pulse, it vibrates your watch and pushes an emergency notification to check if you need help. In case you don’t respond to the check-in within 15 seconds, the smartwatch makes an ...

Galaxy Z Flip 7 leak suggests we may be getting larger displays

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Credit: Android Headlines Renders of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 have leaked. The clamshell foldable is reportedly a smidge larger than its predecessor. The pricing is expected to remain the same, starting at $1,099. Just a couple of days ago, we were treated to renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 . Now a new leak is giving us a peak at the next iteration of Samsung’s clamshell foldable — the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Today’s leak comes courtesy of Android Headlines , which includes renders and a few of the handset’s specs. Based on the renders, Samsung appears to be using pretty much the same design from the last generation. However, there are reportedly a few changes that aren’t easily noticeable from these images. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/5wHubmK

Google now offers an easier way to remove your personal information from Search results

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google has redesigned its Results about you tool to help users easily remove their personal information from search results. The tool has a new hub that simplifies sign-ups and gives users an overview of search results with their personal information. Users also get the option to request removals right from the Search results page and even request an update for outdated search results. Google has announced an update for its handy “Results about you” tool to make it easier for users to remove personal information , like addresses and phone numbers, from Google Search results. In a recent post highlighting the changes, Google says that Results bout you has a new hub that simplifies the sign-up process for new users. Once set up, the tool automatically alerts users when it finds new search results with their personal information and adds them to the hub for review. The hub also shows all current and approved removal requests. ...

Huawei's tri-fold Mate XT is the most exciting phone I've used in a long time

Huawei's Mate XT is clearly the next evolution of the foldable design, and the unique device is the most exciting — and costliest — you can get today. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/Ciazm6f

The world’s thinnest foldable forgot the global part of its ‘global’ launch

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Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority OPPO has confirmed that the Find N5 won’t be coming to Europe. Outside of China and Singapore, the company hasn’t revealed what other markets it will be available in. When the OPPO announced the Find N5, there was hope that the foldable would come to the US in the form of the OnePlus Open 2 . However, those hopes were dashed when OnePlus confirmed it had no plans to release a new foldable in 2025. But it looks like the US won’t be the only market missing out on the world’s thinnest foldable, it will also be skipping over all of Europe. The OPPO Find N5 had its global launch last week. While it was known that the device wouldn’t be available in the US, it was believed that the Find N5 would be released in Europe. However, OPPO has shut down those expectations as well. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/gQq4wGZ

The best Snapdragon 8 Elite phones you can buy

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is Qualcomm’s paciest chipset, forming the beating hearts of the best Android phones of 2025. But what are these devices, and which should you consider buying? Below, we look at the best Snapdragon 8 Elite phones, including their strengths, specs, and more! The best Snapdragon 8 Elite phones Samsung Galaxy S25 series OnePlus 13 ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Xiaomi 15 HONOR Magic 7 Pro Realme GT 7 Pro nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best Snapdragon 8 Elite phones as new devices launch. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/PDGJH9r

Galaxy Z Fold 7 renders tease Samsung’s thinnest and biggest-screen foldable yet

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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 will reportedly measure just 4.5mm thick unfolded, with a big 8.2-inch inner screen. The phone would come in at only 9.5mm thick folded shut, including the width of the camera package. Expect the foldable to arrive running a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor this summer. Samsung made a strong, early play in foldable smartphones, and that’s a move that’s helped it emerge as a leader in this very much still-evolving market segment. But even with that success, 2025 may prove to be one of the most challenging years for Samsung yet, as foldable competition really pushes design limits. With the pressure on, Samsung needs to step things up, and it may do just that with an innovative double-folding design . That’s also going to mean refreshing its existing foldable lineup, and today we get our first look at how that effort could be coming together, with the publication of some CAD renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. from Android Authority https...

Pixel 9a was also quickly featured on the Galaxy S25 Edge leak video

Pixel 9a’s launch could be sooner rather than later as more hands-on videos surface, that too in interesting ways. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/BZxnjcK

Listen to an early preview of the new voices for Google Search’s AI Mode (APK teardown)

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Credit: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Google Search’s upcoming AI Mode is expected to offer improved voice search capabilities. Google has introduced four new voices with the latest Google app beta on Android for this feature. We’ve also spotted the updated Voice settings page for the AI Mode. Google is working on a new AI Mode for Search that will offer users a more conversational search experience. The feature will reportedly let users search with their voice and, like Gemini Live , will let them ask follow-up questions to refine their queries. Google recently started testing the feature internally, and we’ve now spotted evidence suggesting that it could come with a new set of voices. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/KN1IrCM

Google just gave Pixel owners a new choice when it comes to warranty plans

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Google now offers a two-year, one-time payment Preferred Care plan for Pixel phones. Previously, this option was only available to Fitbit devices. Asurion has replaced Assurant as the insurance provider. Whether you dropped your phone on the sidewalk or forgot it was still in your pocket as you jumped into the pool, accidents happen. That’s why warranties exist, to give you some peace of mind in case something goes wrong. For Pixel owners , Google offers an extended warranty plan called Preferred Care. While this service has long only been offered as a monthly plan for Pixel devices, it looks like you’ll soon have a second option. If you visit the Preferred Care support page , you might notice it has recently been updated. The most notable of the changes is the inclusion of a 2-year plan for Pixel devices that only requires a one-time payment. Previously, this 2-year option was only available for Fitbit models. from Android A...

The Galaxy S25 Edge get shown off in now-deleted YouTube video

A YouTuber showed off the Galaxy S25 Edge for the first time, revealing some of the phone's specs. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/BK3klMZ

Amazon abandoning its Appstore only makes Google's lock stronger

Amazon is not your friend. They aren't Google's, either. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/P5EID6l

I'm almost embarrassed how much I dig this gimmicky smart ring

I thought the Casio ring watch was too goofy to be real; now I'm hooked on wearing it and wondering if I want more smart ring "gimmicks" from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/InfGALs

I asked ChatGPT to meal plan for me and I’m never going back

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I grew up spoiled by a mother who made it a priority to put a homemade meal on the table every evening for our family of eight. Depending on the day, she’d flip through sauce-stained handwritten recipes, prepare a memorized favorite, or improvise with whatever was on sale. This gave the illusion that dinner time was always easy. But nearly twenty years after leaving her house, I still hadn’t figured it out—until I started asking ChatGPT to do the work for me. Leaning in on AI tools from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3kEbZdu

These are the first settings I change when setting up a new smartwatch

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Whenever I set up a new smartwatch (which is often in this profession), I customize a number of settings right off the bat. From the latest Apple Watch to the Pixel Watch 3 , the process varies depending on what I’m strapping on, but many general considerations apply to any device. For the most part, I look for opportunities to maximize battery life, personalize my device, and get the most out of each wearable. To be frank, many watches offer basic setup guidance, but I know most of those tutorials by heart. Below are the additional changes I make to ensure I max out my experience and don’t end up infuriated by standard settings (looking at you, notification center). 1. Customize the watch face from Android Authority https://ift.tt/0LVyRGc

You shouldn't steal eBooks unless you have good lawyers

You shouldn't steal eBooks. It looks like Meta didn't get that memo. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/4YkD7lh

The OnePlus 13 is proof Samsung is asleep at the wheel

We’re almost through the second month of 2025, and already, we’ve seen two of the biggest smartphone launches of the year. OnePlus kicked things off in January with the OnePlus 13 , and earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series debuted. Although the OnePlus 13 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 trio received positive reviews, the two launches couldn’t have been any different. The OnePlus 13 is a significant improvement over the OnePlus 12, offering meaningful internal and external changes that make it a thoroughly impressive year-over-year upgrade. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is about as flat of an update over the S24 as you could ask for. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/bmdvynM

News Weekly: OnePlus' 'Meda' mistake, Oppo's slimmest foldable is here, and more

This week we saw OnePlus slip up on its Watch 3, Oppo's foldable Find N5 launched, Nothing compares Phone 3a's camera to the iPhone 16, a massive Pixel 9a leak brings full specs and Samsung confirms the existence of the unreleased Galaxy devices. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/d2Fb4XQ

Sony’s next Xperia flagship could go all out with not one, not two, but three Exmor T sensors

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Credit: Alex Walker-Todd / Android Authority A rumor claims the Xperia 1 VII will use Exmor T sensors for all three rear cameras. Last year’s model only had an Exmor T sensor for the main camera. The Exmor T sensors could reduce noise in low-light shots and improve dynamic range. Last year’s Xperia 1 VI did little to improve the rear camera situation from the previous year. The hardware was largely identical to the Xperia V, but with some quality-of-life improvements. But a new rumor suggests the story could be different for the Xperia 1 VII . According to a Weibo leaker (spotted by Smartphone Digest ), Sony’s next flagship smartphone could include Exmor T sensors for all three rear cameras. This would be a notable upgrade from last year’s model which only used an Exmor T sensor for the primary camera. The ultrawide and telephoto cameras on the Xperia VI used the decade-old Exmor RS sensors. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/tEvHFXK

Leaked Phone 3a series renders reveal their full design and the new anticipated camera button

Nothing is gearing up for Phone 3a and 3a Pro launch on March 4. Ahead of the launch, both handsets appear in renders. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/9ItNzx7

Here’s an early look at the Play Store’s AI avatar generator (APK teardown)

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google is working on an AI-powered avatar generator for Play Games profiles. We’ve enabled it before the official rollout to give you an early look. Google is developing an AI-powered avatar generator for the Play Stor e that will allow you to create a custom avatar for your Play Games profile. We first spotted evidence of this upcoming feature earlier this week, and we’ve now managed to get an early look at how it may work upon release. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/naNB0zm

One year later, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still ripping a hole in people’s pockets — literally

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Credit: Reddit user partyhat-red Multiple Galaxy S24 Ultra users are reporting ripped pockets due to the phone’s sharp corners. A phone case can help, but it adds bulk to the already large device. Samsung has softened the corners on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, fixing the design flaw on the new phone. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is considered one of the top Android flagships of its time. Even though the Galaxy S25 Ultra has been released, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has enough overkill across all of its specifications for it to remain in people’s pockets for many more years to come. However, if you plan to do so, you should be careful, as many users are sharing how the Galaxy S24 Ultra made a hole in their pocket, quite literally. Reddit user partyhat-red shared how the Galaxy S24 Ultra and its sharp corners ended up ripping their jeans. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/voNOHBW

Android Auto's new update causes glitches for some users

A recent Android Auto update seems to have caused wireless connectivity issues for some users. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/2HyOTVM

Boost Mobile’s iPhone 16e deal cuts the price tag by more than half

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The iPhone 16e will be available at Boost Mobile. The carrier is offering the iPhone 16e for only $199. Customers can start pre-ordering Apple’s latest phone on February 21. Apple just launched the iPhone 16e , the successor to the iPhone SE 3, and now all of the carriers are starting to share their deals for Apple’s latest phone. T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile recently revealed that their customers can practically get the device for free. Boost Mobile has now announced the deal it is offering its customers. If you’re a Boost Mobile customer, you can start pre-ordering the iPhone 16e on February 21. New customers who sign up for a Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium plan at $60 per month can get the iPhone 16e for only $199. That takes some of the sting out of the disappointing $599 price tag. This offer also doesn’t require a trade-in on iPhone plans or promotions. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/58PWLr1

This is how terribly underpowered the Nintendo Switch was, and what devs want from the Switch 2

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority Japanese Nintendo Switch port developers revealed how the Nintendo Switch’s underpowered hardware hampered development. Everything from the weak CPU to the paltry 4GB of RAM was an impediment compared to its competitors. The number one thing developers want from the Switch 2 is “improved overall hardware specs.” It’s common knowledge that the Nintendo Switch was underpowered when it was released in 2017, but now we know exactly what that meant for developers. Automaton Media interviewed a group of Japanese developers of Nintendo Switch ports about their experience with the platform, revealing just how limiting the hardware was. For starters, the CPU was constantly at full capacity, meaning that background loading was nearly impossible. Typically, this would allow the console to pre-load the next scene before it starts, smoothing out transitions and reducing load times. On the Nintendo Switch, most developers simply accepted tha...

Here’s why third-party launchers work poorly on One UI

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Credit: Mitja Rutnik / Android Authority Third-party launchers sometimes aren’t as smooth as the default launcher, especially regarding animations. The lead developer of the popular Niagara launcher explains that Samsung and Google don’t support third-party access to some functions related to animations. Of course, Samsung wants you to use its launcher and has no incentive to make other launchers work better. If you’ve ever tried out a third-party launcher on a Samsung phone , you may have noticed that some things don’t work as expected. Certain animations, for example, aren’t as smooth — or sometimes not there at all. Over on the r/Samsung subreddit , user “Amazing_Emergency_69” was curious about this. Specifically, they wondered why the One UI app launch/close animations don’t work on third-party launchers. They contacted Max Rumpf, the lead developer of the popular Niagara launcher. Rumpf’s explanation is not super surprising, but is still enlightening. from Andr...

Love Android but hate Google? This Pixel Tablet is for you

Murena is selling a Pixel Tablet with all Google software removed. The $549 tablet runs the Android-13 based /e/OS. Privacy advocates can feel secure that Google isn’t gathering their data. For some people, choosing a mobile device that’s loaded with Google software is half the point. They want Gmail. They want YouTube. They’re bought in to Google’s ecosystem. And with Android, these shoppers are like a kid in a candy store, almost spoiled for choice. But there’s also another kind of mobile device user, one who will go to some effort to avoid Google software and services wherever possible. Privacy advocates like that are getting a new option with this week’s launch of the Murena Pixel Tablet . We’ve seen Murena working before with companies like Fairphone to sell versions of its handsets running the de-Googled open-source /e/OS. Now it’s doing the same with Google’s own Pixel Tablet. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/cZbRDij

One UI 7 beta 4 could be the final beta release for the Galaxy S24 series, after all

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Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority Samsung officially concluded the One UI 7 beta program for the Galaxy S24 series last month, but the company released another beta update earlier today. A seemingly official comment on the Samsung Community forums suggests that One UI 7 beta 4 might be the final beta release. Although Samsung officially closed the One UI 7 beta program for the Galaxy S24 series last month, there’s still no sign of a stable release. Instead, the company recently rolled out another beta build to last year’s flagships, bringing new features, tweaks, and bug fixes. While leaks claim that Samsung may release two more One UI 7 betas before rolling out the stable update, a new seemingly official comment on Samsung’s Community forums claims otherwise. The comment in question comes from a Samsung Community moderator (via Reddit ) who appears to be part of the India Beta Team. They claim that the One UI 7 beta program is now closed and that the “stable upd...

Ever wished you could call your dog? With the ROLA PetTracker, you can!

With the ROLA PetTracker you can give your dog a call, check on its location, record its walks, or train it using the virtual fence tool. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/skWfl2u

Gemini could soon be upgraded with video generation features (APK teardown)

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority Code within the Google app suggests Gemini may soon be able to generate videos. This feature is not yet live, and its release is uncertain. Google has been steadily adding features to Gemini , its AI-powered digital assistant. We’ve seen features that add deeper context, easier file handling, and even chaining across apps. Google doesn’t seem to be done yet, as we’ve spotted the company working on a video generation feature, possibly coming to Gemini in a future update. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/A2YmKe8

Gemini Live could soon start summarizing your conversations (APK teardown)

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Credit: Google Google is working on an easy way to help you summarize your Gemini Live conversations. Currently, the only way to summarize a Gemini Live conversation is to ask for a summary before ending a conversation. We’ve spotted a prompt Google could use to automatically generate summaries of Gemini Live conversations. Gemini Live makes it easy to see everything you discussed in a conversation by providing a full transcript as soon as you end the conversation. However, it currently doesn’t offer a simple method to summarize key points. Google plans to change that with an upcoming change. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/0xPALo3

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy vs. regular Snapdragon 8 Elite: Is there a difference?

I tested Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset against the new "for Galaxy" variant in the Samsung Galaxy S25 — here's what I learned. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/X6dwjIs

Does T-Mobile still have any real advantages over the other 2 big networks?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority It’s no secret that T-Mobile has faced its fair share of controversy over the past few years, thanks to various factors, including frequent price increases (some of which seemingly ignore its earlier Price Lock guarantee), security breaches, and the gradual decline of T-Mobile Tuesdays. Many of these complaints stem from the fact that T-Mobile has fallen significantly from where it once stood in several key areas — but, to be fair, so has the entire mobile industry. That said, T-Mobile still holds several advantages over Verizon and AT&T. Of course, there are also areas where its rivals come out ahead. Nonetheless, there’s a reason T-Mobile managed to gain 3 million additional subscribers in 2024 , while Verizon added only 82,000 and AT&T gained just half a million. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/DL1YzlB

A beloved Pixel feature hasn’t been working properly for months, leaving users fed up and fuming

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Pixel phones, from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9 series, are facing significant issues with the “Now Playing” feature, which is failing to recognize songs as it did before. Reddit and Google community forums are flooded with complaints about the feature not working, even after the release of an update aimed at improving it. Users have suggested clearing the cache for Android System Intelligence as a potential fix, but many are still frustrated with the persistent issues. One of the best features of Pixel phones is their ability to identify music playing nearby and display the song title and artist name on the lock screen. Known as “Now Playing,” the feature has been a fan favorite ever since Google introduced it on the Pixel 2, helping users instantly recognize songs they hear in restaurants, cars, or other public spaces. However, it seems Now Playing is experiencing significant issues across Pixel devices, with its functionality seve...

One of our favorite Fire tablets just scored a 32% price drop during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale — but you're running out of time

Amazon's Fire HD 10 goes on sale fairly regularly, but this 32% discount for Presidents' Day might be a good opportunity to pick up this cheap tablet. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/HZxym4z

Smartphone names suck in 2025: Give me a Google Pixel 10 Vortex

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority When Google launched the latest Pixel series last year, there was a murmur of excitement around the smartphones’ names. Google had revived the XL moniker for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, a suffix not seen since the Pixel 4 lineup. The fact this caused even a minor stir tells you a lot about the state of the iOS and Android phone industry. Phone naming conventions in recent years are tedious, and it bothers me. Max, Plus, Pro, and Ultra have been so overused that they’re all but meaningless — if they ever offered much meaning in the first place. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/GEF7Qpm

This is my real issue with the OnePlus Open 2 delay

Heading into 2025, the OnePlus Open 2 was one of my most anticipated new phones. The first OnePlus Open was a massive hit, and rumors of its successor painted a promising picture. If OnePlus’s first folding phone was so good, imagine what the company could do with its sequel. Well, it looks like we’ll be waiting a while longer to find out. On February 13, OnePlus confirmed it won’t release a new foldable in 2025 , saying it’s “carefully considered the timing” and “next steps in foldable devices.” In doing so, the company decided not to launch the Open 2 this year. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/T0MyP3C

Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Powerbeats Pro: A killer upgrade for runners and gym nuts alike

Apple took almost six years to upgrade the Powerbeats Pro, so are the Powerbeats Pro 2 worth the wait? You should know about these differences before upgrading. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/8ZnbtjO

7 years of updates aren't what you think they are and Samsung just proved it

The Galaxy S24 will miss out on features the hardware can't support. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/27hdO9T

I tried Samsung’s viral face-generating AI and I’m both amazed and mildly creeped out

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Perhaps you’ve seen the viral posts on X — people sharing selfies where part of their faces are obscured by hands or various objects. Then, the same selfie with the object removed as if by magic. Instead, you see the person’s full face, a pixel-perfect reproduction of how they look IRL. Or so it seems if you don’t know the person very well. With the Galaxy S25 series hitting the stores, users have been having a blast with this Galaxy AI Object Eraser feature and sharing the results online. Samsung jumped on the bandwagon by, how else, taking a potshot at Apple . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kptEom4

Only Apple can save foldables now

OnePlus announced that the Open 2 would not be released this year, leaving just Google and Samsung in North America. With the current state of affairs, Apple might be the only saving grace. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/fYtSG6C

Google TV Streamer update just dashed the hopes of audiophiles

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google TV Streamer doesn’t support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, but the options were present. An update has now removed these options from the device. The update appears to have fixed some issues. The Google TV Streamer supports a variety of audio settings such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are also listed as detected audio codecs, but these two options haven’t been available since the device launched in the second half of last year. A new software update has arrived for the set-top box, and it’s bad news for these lossless audio formats. Although Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD weren’t supported at launch, being listed as detected audio formats kept users hopeful that support would be added in a future update. Unfortunately, it seems the opposite happened after the latest update for the device. Google has not revealed what’s included in this patch, but users are n...

T-Mobile’s Valentine’s Day gift is an $830 discount on a new phone without a new line or upgrade

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority T-Mobile is offering up to $830 off new iPhones for Valentine’s Day. There seems to be no need to change plans or add lines, but a qualifying trade-in is required. A similar deal with a $500 discount is said to be available for Samsung and Google, too, but we could not locate more details. Today is Valentine’s Day, and T-Mobile seems to be spreading the love with two new iPhone upgrade deals for its customers. The best part about this update deal is that it apparently doesn’t require you to change or upgrade your plans or add a new line. A qualifying trade-in is needed, though, and that would net you a great discount on your next phone. Reddit user  awashbu12 claims to be a T-Mobile store-in-store employee, and they’ve shared that the company has introduced two Valentine’s Day iPhone promos: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rufQqX0

AT&T will pay you up to $800 per line to switch from your current carrier

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority AT&T has a new promotion offering up to $800 per line when you switch and have an existing balance on your phone repayment plan with another carrier. AT&T will cover up to 10 devices under this promotion, but your account must be in good standing and have a history of at least four payments made. Most major carriers and prepaid providers qualify as long as they offer installment plans, though AT&T brands like Cricket Wireless are excluded. It’s Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air — but maybe not when it comes to your US mobile provider . If you’re fed up with your current carrier but still owe money on your device, AT&T wants you to join the Big Blue network and is willing to help by offering up to $800 per line to pay off your existing provider . This promotion applies to both postpaid AT&T accounts and its first responder partner service, FirstNet. As you might expect, there are a few caveats: from...

Need an eReader? Amazon Kindle Colorsoft discounted for the first time!

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Credit: Amazon If you’re looking to get an eReader, Amazon has pretty much taken over the market, and one of its hottest ones is the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It’s pricey, and it only launched last October, so deals have been non-existent until today. The first Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition sale gets you a $50 discount, bringing the price down to $229.99. Get the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition for $229.99 ($50 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/yQkjM5G

Waiting for the OnePlus Open 2? We have bad news

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority OnePlus confirms it will not launch a foldable phone in 2025, ending speculation about a OnePlus Open 2. The company says it’s “recalibrating” its foldable strategy, while OPPO takes the lead with the upcoming Find N5. Existing OnePlus Open users will continue receiving software support, but a true successor won’t arrive before 2026. OnePlus made a strong entrance into the foldable phones market with the OnePlus Open, earning plaudits from us and many others for its design and functionality. Naturally, anticipation for a successor had been building, with rumors pointing to a 2025 release. However, OnePlus has now confirmed that it will not be launching a new foldable this year, putting an end to speculation surrounding the OnePlus Open 2 . In a post on the OnePlus community forum , Open Product Manager Vale Gu reflected on the success of the original device, highlighting its industry recognition and strong reception among users. ...

Samsung’s got a new update to keep the Galaxy S25 and its latest foldables firing on all cylinders

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Samsung is releasing the latest software update for the Galaxy S25 series. The update includes February’s security patch. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 have also started receiving this month’s update. Not long ago, the Galaxy S25 series received its first firmware update . Now, Samsung is rolling out another update, as well as the monthly security patch, for its latest flagship. But the Galaxy S25 series isn’t the only Galaxy line getting some attention today. According to SamMobile , February’s software update for the Galaxy S25 family is hitting South Korea today with other markets to follow soon after. This update features firmware version S93xNKSU1AYB3, which weighs in at 585.9MB. It includes February’s security patch, which offers bug fixes and likely performance enhancements. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Ugq3NfA

Play Store now warns you that the app you’re looking at might suck

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The Google Play Store now has an app quality warning. If an app has a potential issue with its overall quality, a yellow alert box on its Play Store page will inform you. Warnings include frequent uninstalls, less frequent engagement, and a low user count. Generally, if you’re looking for an app on the Google Play Store , you can gauge the overall quality of the app by the user ratings and the number of downloads. However, sometimes, these might not tell the whole story. For example, an app might have terrific reviews and millions of installs but has not been updated in years, so it doesn’t work well on newer devices. Likewise, an app might have a 5-star review and a million installs, but there’s a similar app available with 100 million installs and a 4.9-star review, making it the better choice. Google will now help with this contextual info with its new Google Play Store app quality warnings. Previously, we first spotted thes...