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Showing posts from March, 2025

The $80 Amazfit Bip 6 is a budget Apple Watch with much better battery life

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The Amazfit Bip 6 enters the wearables arena with a compelling offer: a feature-packed smartwatch at an impressively low price. In a market flooded with options, the Bip 6 stands out by delivering tools typically reserved for higher-end models — without the hefty price tag. Its design and functionality are reminiscent of Fitbit’s now-discontinued Versa lineup, offering an Apple Watch-like experience without the Apple ecosystem. An Apple-like aesthetic from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Jf8S7j9

The 'only budget earbuds worth buying' are even cheaper during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

CMF Buds Pro 2 by Nothing are the most unique earbuds you'll find anywhere, and they're back on sale for a short time. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/R8QCOFl

Goodbye N64 emulators: Recompiled N64 ports are getting a major power up

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The N64: Recompiled tool will soon get a big upgrade, with many new features. Among the changes are full support for mods and better performance on weak GPUs. The update is expected to drop in the next few weeks. While N64 emulation has largely stagnated, the past year has seen an explosion in native ports thanks to a tool called N64: Recompiled . In short, this makes it easier to create code that perfectly matches original games, but runs natively on x86 and Arm machines. In the next few weeks, the tool’s developer Wiseguy will release a huge update (via Readonlymemo ) with a ton of features that will revolutionize the way we play N64 games. The biggest change is a new support framework for mods. It allows anyone with basic modding knowledge to implement changes to anything in a game, no matter how trivial. For example, the Dab Mod for the N64 Recompile of Majora’s Mask adds a mask that makes Link dab, granting temporary immunity. Others add higher-resolution textures, r...

Google is now letting free users try out Gemini 2.5 Pro

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Credit: Rushil Agrawal / Android Authority When Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) debuted, it was only available to developers and Advanced users. Google’s latest AI model is now available to free users. Google also plans to expand the Gemini Live video feature. It was only a week ago when Google announced the rollout of Gemini 2.5 . The first AI model of this new generation is an experimental version of Gemini 2.5 Pro, which was only available to developers and Gemini Advanced users at the time. However, Google has now opened the floodgates for everyone to try it. In a surprising turn of events, Google announced this weekend that Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) is rolling out widely for all users. This means in addition to developers and Advanced users, non-paying users can now also play around with Google’s latest AI model. You’ll find Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental) in AI Studio and the Gemini app . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/l3ufDpg

Quick! Grab over $100 OFF the Galaxy S24 FE before Amazon's Spring Sale ends

Samsung's Galaxy S24 FE gets a 16% discount for the Amazon Big Spring Sale, marking over $100 off what's otherwise a fairly expensive phone. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/vouAd3y

Garmin Connect Plus in-depth hands-on: Much more than an AI, unfortunately

The Garmin Connect Plus AI is a harmless novelty, but there are some vital tools behind the paywall that will upset long-time Garmin fans used to free software. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/qcau2og

The bump was better: How Google smoothed away the Pixel 9a’s identity

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Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority Run your fingers across the back of the Google Pixel 9a , and you’ll notice something missing. The distinctive camera bar, a hallmark of recent Pixel design, is gone. By removing that signature element, Google hasn’t just flattened the phone’s profile but has also stripped away much of the Pixel’s unique character, leaving it looking bland to say the least. For me, a phone isn’t just a functional tool. It should be visually appealing as well — something unique I actually enjoy looking at and holding. The latest Pixel 9a, with this design shift, has lost that vital spark, and frankly, I’m not a fan. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/e7U2AdO

Can you use Wi-Fi calling for free while traveling abroad?

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority If you’re planning to travel internationally this year, you’ll want to have a solid game plan for phone coverage during your trip. There are several options available, including using a foreign SIM or eSIM, or even opting for a special travel SIM plan. For many, the most convenient method is simply using their carrier’s roaming solution, though not all carriers are created equal in this regard. If your international roaming options are limited, you might be wondering if you can simply connect to an international Wi-Fi network to place phone calls instead. In most cases, the answer is yes, but whether you’re charged for it depends on your carrier’s policies. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VEGHl7T

Last chance! Treat yourself to 16% OFF the powerful Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Amazon's Big Spring Sale includes an 18% discount on the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, a capable premium phone that was only launched in January. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/wrbDPZu

Everything will turn into a subscription unless we stop paying for them

It seems we're forced to "rent" everything. It will end if we stop doing it. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/cPeJjxF

I tried Google’s new Find My feature for people; I’m going back to Google’s old Find My for people

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority What’s old is new again with Google, always. As part of the March Feature Drop for Android phones, Google announced that it was bringing people finding to its existing Find My Device app . Since I’d been using Google Maps location sharing for years, I wondered if this would be a duplicate feature, the same thing, or different/better. So I waited for people finding to pop up in the Find My Device app on my phone and started testing. The positive? It works, and Google didn’t create an additional solution; it basically integrated this with the existing Maps location sharing for people but made it also available in the Find My Device app so you have one central place to track your things and your people. The negative? Why did it take a whole year to add what is essentially just a quick copy/paste of an existing feature, and why is it missing a few extra options that Maps has? Let’s delve in. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/47YQDu...

The new Oppo Find X8 Ultra shot better low-light images than the iPhone16 Pro with dual periscopic lenses

The upcoming flagship Find X8 Ultra is promised to be boasting impressive camera upgrades and Hasselblad integration. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/x6IQurO

Wondering when your Pixel 9a will arrive? We finally have dates!

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Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority Google has finally announced retail launch dates for the Google Pixel 9a. Previously, the company delayed the retail launch because of a “component quality issue.” The phone will now hit US and Canada retail on April 10, 2025, with other countries getting it a few days later. Google formally announced the  Pixel 9a on March 19. Usually, this launch would have seen the company reveal the dates that the phone would hit retail shelves. However, Google declined to do this at the last minute. Later, we found out that it had delayed the launch due to a “component quality issue.” We still don’t know for certain what component that refers to or  what was wrong with it. Regardless, Google has now finally revealed when you’ll be able to get a Pixel 9a worldwide. Check out the dates below, which vary by country: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/gYQ2CO4

Nintendo has a new Android app where you can get updates on the Switch 2

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority The Nintendo Today! app has launched for Android and iOS devices. The app functions as a calendar and event tracker. It also serves Switch 2 news, information on games, videos, comics, and more. Although the Switch 2 is on the horizon, Nintendo is far from being done with the original Switch. Today, the company held a Direct event where it showcased a slew of games coming to the system. In addition to games, it also revealed a new app for Android and iOS. Nintendo has announced a new app called Nintendo Today! that’s available in the Play Store and App Store right now. This new app offers a few features that users will likely find helpful for staying on top of the latest Nintendo news. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XxlN6In

Forget the Fenix 8 — save hundreds on Garmin watches during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

From the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3S for mainstream buyers to the Epix Pro and Fenix 7X Pro for power users, all of our favorite Garmin watches have good deals. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/xnQqFHM

Nintendo Switch 2 rumors: Everything we know so far

Update: March 27, 2025 (10:57 AM ET): We’ve updated this Nintendo Switch 2 rumor hub with pre-order information and Nintendo’s game launch strategy. Original article: Even if you love it and still use it daily, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch is getting old. Launched in 2017, the hybrid console celebrated its seventh birthday in March, which means it’s getting close to retirement. With this in mind, one can’t help but wonder: where is the sequel, presumably called the Nintendo Switch 2? Thankfully, Nintendo has confirmed that a successor is coming soon. There have also been some rumors and leaks surrounding the sequel to Nintendo’s best-selling home console. We’ve rounded up the most trustworthy of them here. Towards the end of the article, we also have a few wishlist items — things we hope to see but don’t have any evidence for quite yet. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/BgYE8yL

The best all-flash Plex NAS finally gets a great discount — act now!

TerraMaster's F8 SSD Plus is the best NAS if you're ready to switch to all-flash storage, and it's now on sale. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/FyEwNkI

Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 accessory leaks hint at evolving design

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Accessories for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 have leaked. The leak contains two images of cases for the Flip and two images of a protective film for the Fold. The cases seem to confirm that the Flip will have a larger cover screen. Samsung’s next foldables are on the way and every leak we get makes it a little clearer what to expect. While the rumor mill has previously produced a few renders for us to look at, a new leak now gives us a glimpse at some of the accessories that may be available. The latest leak comes from well-known tipster  Ice Universe  via X (formerly Twitter). In their social post, the tipster shares four images consisting of accessories for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Specifically, there are two images of a protective film for the Fold and two images of a clear case and a black case for the Flip. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/7yM3qhj

Android Auto’s latest update gets ready to hit the brakes on Google Assistant

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Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority Android Auto 14.0 is now rolling out, and there are some under-the-hood signs that Gemini will soon replace Google Assistant on the app. The app’s code includes strings like “Gemini is now the personal AI assistant in your car.” Despite these indicators, the latest update doesn’t yet offer any user-facing changes. The latest version of Android Auto has started rolling out to users, and some will be disappointed to see that there aren’t any visible changes just yet. However, a deeper dive into the app has strongly suggested that Gemini is almost ready to replace Google Assistant in your car. According to 9to5Google , Android Auto 14.0 is now reaching users via the stable release in the Play Store. A teardown of the app’s code reveals several new strings and assets that reference Gemini and Gemini Live. One line flatly states, “Gemini is now the personal AI assistant in your car,” while others refer to user surveys and feedback pro...

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally LIVE — see the best deals on Android smartphones, wearables, and more

The next big sale from Amazon is March 25-31, and I've gathered all of the best deals for Android users. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/b7iZ89D

The best PS4 emulator just got a ton of improvements, including HDR support

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A new version of the ShadPS4 PlayStation 4 emulator is now out. The update brings support for mouse and keyboard input remapping, gyro and acceleration sensor fixes, HDR support, and more. ShadPS4 version 0.7.0 isn’t available for Android yet. There are plenty of PlayStation 4 emulators to choose from, but thanks to bringing Bloodborne to PC, ShadPS4 is known as one of the best available. Now, this emulator is even better than before, as the new update has delivered some additional features and quality-of-life improvements. The people behind ShadPS4 have just released version 0.7.0 of the emulator. This latest version of ShadPS4 introduces support for mouse and keyboard, shader compiler fixes, support for HDR, gyro and acceleration sensor fixes, and more. You can check out the full changelog to see how this new version stacks up to the previous version. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/5EvYj6u

Pixel 9a delay sparks speculation of overheating issues, but don’t lose hope

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Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority Google announced the Pixel 9a but delayed its release due to a “component quality issue affecting a small number” of devices. A leaker suggests that overheating around the camera may be a silent factor in the delay. Early hands-on footage shows potential throttling and lag issues. After months of anticipation and leaks, the Pixel 9a is here! Sort of, at least. Google announced the Pixel 9a, but you can’t actually pre-order or buy the phone yet. Google cited a “component quality issue affecting a small number” of Pixel 9a devices as the reason for the delay. A new rumor suggests that there could be more to the Pixel 9a’s delay. Leaker Tech Auntyji cryptically mentions that a “very high profile” phone was suddenly withdrawn because of heating issues, especially around the camera. The device is said to return in April after an update fixes its bugs, which aligns with the general timeline Google has set for the Pixel 9a and gives h...

Gemini’s upcoming video generation feature may have a catch (APK teardown update)

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Credit: Google We’ve spotted additional details about Gemini’s upcoming video generation capabilities. It looks like the feature’s usage may be capped for some users. We can now confirm the feature’s codename, providing further evidence of its development. Update: March 24, 2025 (11:20 AM ET): The latest beta version of the Google app now makes it clear that Toucan is the codename for Gemini’s video generation feature. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kFeGqEu

Google TV app may be getting a blue makeover and fresh features (APK teardown)

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The Google TV app seems to be preparing some design tweaks and new functions. The most noticeable update is a shift in the app’s color palette from gray to blue and darker blacks. Search in Google TV is also possibly getting a useful update and a new content tab may be in the works. Google appears to be working on some visual and functional updates for its Google TV app. Since there’s no public beta for the app, we dug into the code of an internal beta build of Google TV. This behind-the-scenes look has revealed several potential changes that could make their way to users in the near future. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Dxrvf5Y

Samsung trolls U.S. Galaxy phone users, pulls all mentions of One UI 7 release in April

Samsung unexpectedly removed its announcement post of the One UI 7 stable rollout for the U.S. Galaxy phone users, originally set for April 10. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/QiSjXUa

Samsung’s Android-powered smart glasses might launch sooner than you think

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Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority Samsung is reportedly preparing to release its Android-powered smart glasses, codenamed “Haean,” The Haean smart glasses are expected to prioritize comfort by fitting various face shapes and include multiple cameras and sensors to track movement. The glasses could debut later this year in a dual launch alongside the Project Moohan headset. Samsung’s Project Moohan XR headset is an exciting showcase of what Android can bring to the mixed-reality space. But let’s be honest, few people are likely to adopt a bulky headset. It’s simply not practical for extended, everyday use. That’s where smart glasses come in. Lightweight and wearable throughout the day, smart glasses offer a level of comfort and flexibility that larger headsets, like Apple’s Vision Pro or Samsung’s upcoming Project Moohan, just can’t match. Fortunately, Samsung seems to have recognized this and, unlike Apple, is reportedly already close to launching its own XR sma...

I hate Gemini in my Gmail, so here’s how I turned it off

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority It seems like I can’t escape Gemini in Google’s products and services. From Android phones and Google Calendar to YouTube and more, Google’s chatbot and AI model are everywhere. I’m not a fan of many generative AI features, to begin with. But I really dislike Google’s AI integration in Gmail, and it got to the point where I just decided to turn off Gemini in Gmail. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/plYIojE

Nothing and Pixel prove that stock Android is a thing of the past

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When you think of a phone running stock Android, what comes to mind? If I had to guess, you probably think of a Google Pixel first and maybe a Motorola phone second, but you’d be wrong on both accounts. It’s not entirely your fault, though — Google makes Android, and Google makes Pixels, so it makes perfect sense to link the two together. However, if you picked up a Pixel running a truly stock version of Android, I don’t think you’d enjoy it all that much. Sure, it would work, but the truth is that stock Android just doesn’t really exist anymore. A light Android skin isn’t the same as stock Android from Android Authority https://ift.tt/HeI1cMV

Quest developers are joining forces to solve the 'VR visibility crisis'

VR devs are seeing their games buried under Gorilla Tag clones. With Meta and Sony not helping, they're finding new ways to make VR profitable again. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/7KQUnLB

The Google Pixel Tablet has crashed back to its Black Friday price, days before Amazon's Big Spring Sale

As part of Amazon's early Big Spring Sale, the Google Pixel tablet has dropped 30% in price, bringing it down to under $280. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/pXLW31O

What’s better than a phone with a 200MP camera? A phone with two of them, but hold your horses

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Android OEMs are experimenting with a larger 200MP primary sensor that could enhance low-light performance and reduce reliance on dedicated telephoto modules. This is likely the new 200MP larger sensor from Sony that is intended to be used as a primary sensor instead of being relegated to periscope telephoto duties. While a phone with a 200MP large primary sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor would be the holy grail, no OEMs are currently working on such a phone. Phones like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the vivo X200 Pro have pushed the boundaries of what you can expect out of your Android camera flagship . One of the highlights of these phones is the 200MP periscope telephoto camera that performs excellently. What if you could have more of that 200MP sensor, possibly even on the primary camera or the ultrawide? If you’re already dreaming of phones with multiple 200MP cameras, you’ll have to wait a while for those dreams to...

Apple could get foldable Android phones to adopt this advanced metal alloy for durability

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority Apple is reportedly planning to use Liquidmetal for the hinge on its foldable iPhone. The move aims to improve durability, maximize screen flatness, and minimize the screen crease. Android smartphone brands are expected to also adopt the material to compete against the upcoming foldable. While Samsung, Motorola, and other Android brands have already established a strong foothold in the foldable market, Apple is looking to break into the segment with its own device. As Apple continues development on this foldable iPhone, some new details have emerged, and they could have market-wide implications. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo , Apple is planning to use Liquidmetal, which is manufactured using a die-casting process, in the hinges of its foldable iPhone. Apple reportedly decided to use this material for the purpose of increasing durability, maximizing screen flatness, and minimizing the screen crease. For this, Dongguan EonTec ...

Kobo Libra Colour review: The obvious upgrade to the Kindle Oasis

After five years of using the Kindle Oasis, I finally found an e-reader that's better — this is the Kobo Libra Colour. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/oRtXCN8

The Nothing Phone 3a’s intricate see-through back might be revealing more than intended

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Some Nothing Phone 3a buyers report dust and scratches inside the back glass. Complaints on Reddit suggest the issue is very minor but noticeable on close inspection, with most opting not to seek a replacement. It’s unclear how widespread the problem is, but a spokesperson for Nothing emphasized in a statement that the company uses “industry-leading quality controls” and that “defects are rare.” The recently launched Nothing Phone 3a is certainly a competitive addition to the Android phone market, but some early buyers are reporting minor cosmetic defects that could raise questions about its build quality. Several users on Reddit’s r/NothingTech subreddit have shared complaints about dust and scratches appearing inside the phone’s glass panel, suggesting possible assembly issues. One user, Old-Use9195, noted that they spotted a speck of dust trapped inside the back glass on the same day they purchased their Nothing Phone 3a....

Google Photos loses Memories tab for a simplified bottom bar

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Google Photos’ simplified bottom bar is rolling out more widely. The update moves Memories to the Collections tab and renames the feed “Moments.” The bottom bar now only features three options: Photos, Collections, and Search. If you’ve recently opened the Google Photos app and thought something looked different, you would be right. An update that simplifies the bottom bar is rolling out more widely on Android devices . Previously, the bottom bar in Google Photos featured four tabs: Photos, Memories, Collections, and Search. Last year, Google released a redesign that changed this to three tabs, moving Memories into Collections. At the time, this was a server-side update for the app on iOS, but it started to roll out on Android in January. As spotted by 9to5Google , it appears the update is now arriving on a larger number of Android devices. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/xlZqSdI

Worst to best: The Samsung Galaxy S series, ranked

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Samsung ‘s Galaxy S series made its debut on June 4, 2010, and since then it’s become the phone line most people think of when Android is mentioned. Not all phones are created equal though, so with over a decade of Galaxy S devices on-tap we thought it would be a good idea to rank each generation in order from worst to best. We tried to balance the critical and commercial reception with the actual importance of each phone(s), the features and specs on offer, and our own gut feelings. We’ve also decided to only stick to the mainline releases, so that means no entries like the Galaxy FE series and Galaxy S4 Zoom. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Vs5vCpa

Google finally rolls out fix for 'Untrusted Device' errors on older Chromecasts

Early this month, older Chromecast owners encountered “Untrusted device” errors. While Google has quickly addressed the issue, it now has released a fix. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/dGxPqfj

Google delays Pixel 9a pre-orders due to ‘component quality issue’

Google launched the Pixel 9a today without opening pre-orders or even sharing a precise release date. This is a marked departure from past Pixel announcements. The company now confirms that concerns over component quality are driving this new approach. Google just formally introduced the Pixel 9a , its latest attempt at offering a slightly more affordable point of entry into the world of Pixel phones. And despite being one notch down from flagship status, it still delivers a pretty darn attractive hardware package, including the largest battery in a Pixel phone yet . But news of the Pixel 9a’s debut hasn’t arrived without a little unexpected uncertainty, as Google has yet to share full details of its plans for both pre-orders and the start of actual retail availability. With phones like last year’s Pixel 8a , Google opened pre-orders for the hardware immediately, and communicated a specific date for the phone’s release. With the Pixel 9a, however, all we have from Google so fa...

Sick and need answers? AI Overviews on Search now cover more health topics

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority AI Overviews in Search are expanding to cover more health topics. Google is also adding support for health queries in Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. There will be a new feature on Search called “What People Suggest.” AI Overviews in Search are getting a health-related boost to help people find relevant information on conditions and illnesses. It is also getting support for more languages and a new feature aimed at helping you find information from others who have your condition. Today, Google announced a few changes coming to AI Overviews. The Mountain View-based firm says it is using AI and ranking systems to further improve its “knowledge panel.” With this change, Google states that AI Overviews will now cover “thousands more health topics.” These knowledge panel answers already covered common topics like colds and the flu, but now it will be able to address a wider range of ailments. from Android Authority https://...

Your Amazon Echo is losing the ability to process Alexa commands on-device

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Credit: Roger Fingas / Android Authority Amazon is removing Alexa’s on-device processing capabilities in preparation for its generative AI upgrade. The company recently alerted users of this change in an email stating that the ‘Do Not Send Voice Recordings’ feature will no longer be available starting March 28. Amazon will automatically switch the Alexa setting to ‘Don’t save recordings’ on affected devices later this month. Amazon finally announced the highly anticipated generative AI-powered upgrade for Alexa late last month. The new and improved voice assistant, dubbed Alexa Plus , is scheduled to roll out in early access later this month, giving users access to new capabilities, like a more conversational experience, personal memory, smarter music and video controls, visual understanding, and more. However, it’s also dropping support for a key feature. Amazon recently sent an email to Alexa users (via Reddit ), highlighting that it will soon disable the on-device p...

The Galaxy S25 Edge might surprise with higher prices for certain models

Galaxy S25 Edge price, colors, and storage options for Europe just leaked. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/9gtL5r0

Gemini’s image generator seems to excel at removing watermarks

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Gemini 2.0 Flash users are using the model to remove watermarks from images. The model will even try to fill in gaps created by the watermark. Gemini 2.0 Flash’s image generation feature is currently only available in Google’s developer-facing tools. Recently, Google expanded access to Gemini 2.0 Flash’s image generation capabilities. The model fully utilizes Google’s latest image synthesis tool, Imagen 3, to give users the ability to generate and edit images. Now that users have had some time to test out the feature, they’re noticing it can do some things it probably shouldn’t be able to do. It didn’t take long for people to begin testing the boundaries of Gemini 2.0 Flash’s image-generation feature. While the tool is capable of generating some impressive results , it also appears to be lacking some important guardrails. Users are finding that the model has zero qualms about depicting celebrities or copyrighted characters ....

This Play Store tweak could offer a new way to highlight quality apps (APK teardown)

Google is working on a small tweak for Play Store app listings. The Play Store may begin emphasizing metadata with new highlights. Information like app rating and any badges awarded could be stressed in this manner. What sort of thing catches your eye when you’re shopping for a new app? Venues like the Play Store are all about app discovery , but apps still have to do their darnedest to stand out from the pack, hoping to grab your attention with a colorful icon or catchy name. But there’s lots of other info associated with an app that might be relevant to someone thinking about installing it, and it looks like Google might be thinking about doing something to bring it to your attention. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mR65321

AYANEO's next flagship gaming handheld is coming soon

AYANEO has been making waves with the number of premium gaming handhelds its been producing, and the company doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/8thGHnd

The Forerunner 975 and 275 will show how much gas Garmin has left in the tank

Our two favorite running watches should get new models in the next couple of months, but how many new ideas does Garmin have left? from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/TZr4iu3

Android 16 looks to be even better for gamers than we expected

Google announced that the Vulkan API will be the default starting in Android 16. That's not only great for playing games on your phone, but it could mean that gaming handhelds are actually updated more frequently. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/IyWZ9vt

Actually, I won’t miss the alert slider on future OnePlus phones

When I first heard OnePlus was planning to replace its alert slider , I was pretty disappointed. It’s about as important to the brand’s identity as its proprietary SuperVOOC charging or the iconic green finish that’s been around since the days of the OnePlus 8 series. I was especially bummed when I realized that not only was the alert slider going away, but that it would be replaced with a very iPhone-like multifunctional button — just another Android brand trying to copy its biggest rival. So I sat down, ready to write out all my complaints and beg OnePlus to change its mind, but I’ve since realized I can’t do that. I can’t insist that OnePlus stick with the design traits it’s always had because change isn’t always a bad thing. After a few hours of thinking about it, I’ve realized that I won’t miss the alert slider, and neither should you. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Ldcgp1A

Samsung's mid-range phones get One UI 7 ahead of the Galaxy S24

Samsung still hasn't rolled out the Android 15 update to the Galaxy S24, but its mid-rangers come with the latest version of Android. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/I1K5aX8

I tested the 12-year-old Lumia 1020 against my favorite Android smartphone camera. Here's how it went

After roughly 12 years, I took the Nokia Lumia 1020 and pit its 41MP camera against the OnePlus 12. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/oHs4YSX

This underrated Google Wallet feature is one of my favorite things about the app

Google Wallet, while not the most exciting app in Google’s portfolio, is one of the Google apps I use all the time. It’s my default digital wallet on every Android phone I use. All of my store rewards/membership cards are in it, and it’s fantastic for concert tickets and airplane boarding passes. Over the last couple of months, I started using a little-known and often-forgotten Google Wallet feature that began rolling out last summer: custom passes. You’ve long been able to add anything with a barcode or QR code to Wallet, but the implementation was pretty barebones. Last August, Google upgraded the experience to use AI to help you create a custom pass for virtually anything. And, I have to admit: it’s incredible. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/eFAqZRh

5 things I wish I would’ve known before purchasing an Oura Ring

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No one got down on one knee to present the Oura Ring to me — I fell in love with the device all on my own. A subtle, jewelry-inspired fitness tracker without a distracting display and with fantastic battery life? Sold. But while I love my Oura Ring 4 for many reasons, there are a few things (good and bad) I wish I had known about ahead of time. 1. Access to the best of the platform takes time from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9oOfZQj

Nintendo Switch 2 might launch with a PS5-level price tag

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Credit: Nintendo Analysts predict that the Nintendo Switch 2 could sell for around $400 or $500. One analyst says Nintendo has a first-day inventory of 6 million to 8 million, which would make it the biggest console launch ever. Another analyst predicts the Switch 2 will launch in June. The Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time. Many factors contribute to its success, but its affordability compared to the likes of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can’t be overlooked. Since Nintendo found success with that $299 launch price, will the Switch 2 be just as affordable as its predecessor? Industry analysts seem to be leaning toward no. In a report from Bloomberg , several industry analysts have weighed in on what they think the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 will be. All of whom seem to believe that the next-gen system will be more expensive than the original. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/gNPWmi6

Record 37% price drop on the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

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Credit: Amazon Bose is running a Spring Sale right now, triggering discounts on Bose hardware across retailers. The most eye-catching offer we’ve spotted by far is a huge price drop on the high-end Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. It usually retails for $899, but it’s down to only $568.42 on Amazon right now. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar for $ 568 . 42 ($232 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/CvI0STX

Google may soon give you more control over how your Calendar data is shared (APK teardown)

Android already has an existing permission for calendar access. Google Calendar appears to be working on a new setting that would prevent the app from sharing its own info with other calendar apps. Calendar is also experimenting with a bolder font option. What’s the most sensitive data on your phone? Your email? Health info? We keep a lot of personal, private information on our mobile devices, and our calendars have got to be right up near the top of that list. Android already enforces permissions for how apps can access your calendar, but now it looks like Google’s own Calendar app is working on some new controls for how its contents get shared with other apps. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/FuMrCWP

Hands-on: Google will soon let you customize icon shapes on your Pixel’s home screen

The Pixel Launcher is adding an icon shape customization feature in a future Android release. The feature isn’t live yet in Android 16 Beta 3, but we managed to enable it to show what the feature’s like. There will be six total shapes to choose from, including the default circle. While many third-party Android launchers offer extensive customization options, the stock launcher on Google Pixel phones is more limited. To its credit, the Pixel Launcher does have some pretty unique features, but the lack of even basic icon customization options leaves many users wanting more. An icon shape changer is finally coming to the Pixel Launcher, and we were able to activate it for an early look. Back in November, we spotted the first signs of Google’s work to bring back icon shape customization to Pixel devices, a feature that existed in Android 11 but was later removed. In the first beta of Android 15’s second quarterly release, we discovered a new “app shape & layout” menu in th...

T-Mobile’s latest price hike is official; who will be affected and when?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority T-Mobile is increasing prices on legacy plans by $5 per line starting April 2, though not all plans are affected. Impacted customers are now starting to receive notifications. Plans with a true Price Lock Guarantee won’t be impacted, but those under the newer Uncontract Promise may see increases. Customers can either pay the increase, switch to another T-Mobile plan, or change carriers — with options like Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, or Google Fi offering potential savings. Just a week after T-Mobile’s CEO hinted that prices on legacy plans would see further increases this year, it’s now official . T-Mobile has updated its website with news of a $5 increase set to take effect on April 2. The support page doesn’t specify which legacy plans will be affected, but a megathread on Reddit sheds some extra light on the situation. Notifications are now starting to go out to T-Mobile customers who will see an increase early next m...

Are 3nm or 4nm chips better than 5nm chips? Does size really matter?

When it comes to electronics, smaller is usually better. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/jBheJmZ

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is $300 off today and selling fast

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority We always like a solid discount on a good phone, so a huge deal on the king of Android phones was never going to pass us by. If you move quickly, you can score a straight $300 price drop on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — direct from the manufacturer. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $999.99 ($300 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/23CVsie

Google’s Pixel Weather app begins testing snowfall forecasts with latest update

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Google recently rolled out a fresh update for the Pixel Weather app, which introduced a couple of quality-of-life changes. The update also brings a new snowfall forecast card, but it’s not widely available at the moment. This card displays the estimated hourly forecast, intensity of the snow, and the time. Google recently rolled out an update for the Pixel Weather app , bringing a couple of useful tweaks to users. The update introduced a minor UI change for the app’s 10-day forecast feature , which now also displays the dates for the forecast along with the days of the week. In addition, the app has received a new shortcut to help users easily save a new location and display it on the homepage. However, that doesn’t seem to be all that’s new in the latest release. SmartDroid reports that Google has also started testing snowfall forecasts with the new Pixel Weather update (version 1.0.20250127.729684887). This feature does not see...

Genshin Impact on Android is finally adding controller support, four years after iOS

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority Genshin Impact will add controller support on Android in Version 5.5. Controller support has been available on iOS since Version 1.3, released in February 2021. The update is expected to launch on March 26, 2025. Five years after the open-world gacha giant Genshin Impact took the world by storm, Android users will soon finally be able to play with a controller. In the latest Developer’s Discussion posted earlier today, miHoYo announced that controller support will be added to the Android version of the game as part of Version 5.5. The post only lists four compatible controllers: Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller, DualSense Wireless Controller, Xbox Wireless Controller, and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Notably, all of these are wireless controllers that require Bluetooth to function. In other words, USB-C-based telescopic gamepads like Razer Kishi may not be officially supported. from Android Authority https://ift...

Pixel 9a Spigen case listing lets us see the upcoming phone from every angle

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Credit: Spigen A case listing for the Pixel 9a has gone up on Spigen India. The listing contains a plethora of marketing material for the unannounced phone. At this point, the Pixel 9a is far from a well-kept secret. In addition to numerous leaked renders and specs, the device was recently caught on video recording a wrestling match. If that wasn’t enough, the budget Android phone has leaked once again, this time from a case listing. Case maker Spigen has recently published a new case listing on its Indian site . The listing features a case called the Ultra Hybrid Back Cover Case, which is designed to protect the Pixel 9a. As you would expect, the listing contains images of the case, but it also includes marketing material for the Pixel 9a. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/MBQh2Ew

This small change to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with One UI 7 is a step in the right direction

The One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 includes a new button for quick access to additional cover screen functionality. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/O4Fs7gp

Gemini’s second language support takes another step toward rollout (APK teardown)

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Google is working on letting you have a conversation with Gemini in more than one language. Previously, the beta version of the Google app had an option to add a second language, but you couldn’t select any of the choices. The latest beta now allows you to select a language. If you are multilingual, wouldn’t it be nice if Gemini still understood what you were saying if you were to switch back and forth between two languages? Something like this could also be helpful if you’re learning a new language and you want to practice speaking in that other language. Google has been working on a feature that would let you talk with Gemini in more than one language and it just got a step closer to going live. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rofxeIg