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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Google is preparing to roll out rounded keys in Gboard. Fortunately, it also added an option to use the older, rectangular keys. The change is part of the upcoming Material Design 3 Expressive, which will be announced at Google I/O. Google is preparing a Material Design 3 refresh known as “ Expressive ” and as we edge closer to release, we are starting to see early versions of the design leak in a bunch of apps. We’ve seen it used in the Android settings app , and more recently in Google account settings . Now, Google is preparing such a refresh for its keyboard app too. Thanks to a source inside Google, Android Authority was able to explore a mature version of the in-development Gboard feature, and we’ve seen evidence of a design change that some users might not like. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/beEIL6a

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Landscape mode in Google Messages is getting a tweak that makes the width of the chat screen and chat list equal. Text has been added for the call, video, contact info, and search buttons. The app is also adding previews for PDF files in RCS messages. Whether necessary or not, Google loves to tweak the UI of its products. For example, YouTube recently started testing out a new UI for the media player. The company’s latest target, however, is Google Messages, which should see a few handy improvements. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/P6xktv5

My phone is the center of my digital life, so when Android 15 added some new theft protection features, I knew I should check them out. Specifically, I wanted to test the novel Theft Detection Lock. Sure, it’s not going to do anything to prevent the actual theft of my phone, but it should keep thieves from accessing my bank account or my photos or deleting all of my Pokemon Go shinies. What I didn’t expect was that I wouldn’t be able to get it to work at all. Well, not without a little help, at least. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/PIJLugw

Buyers can currently get $50 off our favorite mid-range Fitbit at Best Buy, but we aren't sure how long this one will last. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/cM8DCJj

T-Mobile is giving away a free mini tote for T-Mobile Tuesdays on April 29, 2025 The last physical freebie for T-Mobile Tuesdays was in February 2025 Grab it while supplies last at corporate T-Mobile stores only T-Mobile Tuesdays is often filled with cheap movie tickets, free food offers, various discounts, and more. But the best T-Mobile Tuesdays promos in the past have been physical items that you can get at a T-Mobile store, such as bags, stadium seat cushions, touchscreen gloves, various types of cups, and even socks. It’s been a while since T-Mobile gave away a physical freebie that wasn’t food, the last one being a magenta umbrella in February, as the company has transitioned more to digital promos, but this week’s is a good one. T-Mobile is giving away its own mini tote today, April 29, for T-Mobile Tuesdays. Now, you may have seen the madness surrounding those Trader Joe’s mini totes, especially the new pastel spring colors. If you’ve been wanting one of those, but d...

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/Am4rdaZ

Credit: Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority With One UI 7 finally rolling out widely, many Galaxy S24 Ultra owners are voicing their displeasure with the status bar in the new update. There is more blank space in the top corners, which works well for phones with rounded corners but not for phones with sharper corners, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra. This change also limits the number of icons the status bar can display, much to everyone’s displeasure. After a bunch of misses, Samsung is finally rolling out One UI 7 widely. The new update is reaching users of older Galaxy flagships on the stable branch, making it the first time a lot of users are trying out Samsung’s Android 15 -based update. While the overall impression of the update (outside of its rollout speed) is positive, many Galaxy S24 Ultra owners seem irked by the wasted space in One UI 7’s status bar. Reddit user DiFF7Skyns highlighted the difference in the status bar across One UI 6.1 and On...

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Spotify is testing a setting allowing users to fully disable Smart Shuffle across the app. Users frequently complain that Smart Shuffle repeats similar songs despite claims of daily refreshed recommendations. The global disable option is rolling out gradually and may not appear for everyone yet. One of the biggest complaints that users have with Spotify is the “broken” shuffle order . For music streaming apps, proper “shuffle” is difficult to achieve as true randomization may not feel genuinely random to the end users. Complicating the issue is that some users also demand music discovery alongside randomization. Spotify took a crack at solving this with the Smart Shuffle play mode, but the results weren’t perfect either. If you are disappointed with the Smart Shuffle button and would rather not have it, Spotify is now letting users disable it. Reddit user kwabb spotted a new option in Spotify’s Playback settings. The new Ena...

Credit: Thomson Thomson has launched a copy of the discontinued Chromecast with Google TV. The Google TV dongle comes with an updated remote that features a dedicated “Live TV” button. Earlier this year, Google discontinued the Chromecast with Google TV and replaced it with the new Google TV Streamer . The old Chromecast had a compact, dongle-style design that plugged directly into a TV’s HDMI port. In contrast, the new Google TV Streamer features a more traditional set-top box design, with a separate unit that connects to your TV via an HDMI cable. The Chromecast was also much more affordable, with the 4K model costing about half as much as the new streamer. The good news is that a Chromecast alternative has just hit the market, albeit it doesn’t come from Google. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/G64vrgZ

The DiskStation DS925+ has made its debut, but is it even an upgrade, and should you buy it instead of the DS923+? Let's take a look. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/oc2YG0X

You'd be surprised how much an amateur can learn from the running stats of someone twice as fast as them! from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/VL8UnfA

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority If you’re in the market for a new phone and have $500 or less to spend, there are plenty of solid options this year. At the higher end, we have the Google Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro . If you’re looking to save a bit more without sacrificing too many specs, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and the standard Nothing Phone 3a are strong contenders. Below that, ultra-budget choices like the Moto G series still have their place. While these phones differ in many ways, one key area to focus on at this price point is the processor. Thankfully, budget chips aren’t as sluggish as they used to be, but choosing a high-performance processor is still a smart move. Who knows what apps, games, or features your phone might need to handle years down the line? Software support now stretches to four years or more—but the hardware needs to keep up, too. Planning ahead can save you both money and frustration later on. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/...

Plex is going to raise prices starting April 29, so if you use the service and need Plex Pass, now is the time to get it. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/3RcosCa

Motorola is copying Samsung's three-product strategy, which is a good thing. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/HnB8vuD

Credit: Andrew Grush / Android Authority Starlink has truly opened our eyes to the power of satellite technology, delivering speeds that rival cable internet in areas previously lacking high-speed options. But Starlink isn’t just about traditional internet use. Earlier this year, T-Mobile and Starlink introduced emergency satellite-to-cell features, including full texting, to mobile phone users for the first time. More recently, Verizon and some of its MVNOs followed suit with a more limited satellite-to-cell service launch for Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 users, in cooperation with Skylo. As satellite providers increasingly team up with major carriers, you might wonder: Will satellite technology ever surpass traditional services from big providers? It’s a compelling thought, but the reality is more complicated. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Mt3Qm2W

When it comes to fitness trackers , the best ones don’t just count your steps or monitor your sleep, they help you achieve your wellness goals. Or at least that’s what I tell myself whenever I pick up a new device to test. For me, the best fitness companion offers useful health data and keeps me motivated, but also fits into my real life. That balance can be hard to find. I’ve spent a few weeks with both Fitbit and Oura, and while each has its strengths, neither is quite right for me. If Fitbit were a coach, it’d be the kind that says, “I’m not angry, just disappointed.” Meanwhile, Oura is more like a well-meaning parent who insists, “The important thing is that you tried!” Fitbit: The Tough Love Approach from Android Authority https://ift.tt/KvYecHt

It's been over a year since Qualcomm debuted its Snapdragon X platform, and Chromebooks are finally joining the party. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/LPex4ID

Credit: Nothing / CMF CMF has released another teaser for the Phone 2 Pro. The teaser includes a close-up image of what appears to be a lens attachment. The CMF Phone 1 is a semi-modular phone that allows you to attach different cases and accessories to the body. Like its predecessor, the CMF Phone 2 Pro will adopt the same semi-modular design. Leading up to the upcoming launch, the sub-brand has now teased one of the new accessories you’ll be able to put on the next-gen budget Android device . As we’ve gotten closer to the release, CMF has been dropping Phone 2 Pro teaser after teaser. With three more days to go until launch, the company has shared its latest, and presumably last, teaser for the handset on X (formerly Twitter) . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ognjrPi

Motorola launched its Buds Loop and Watch Fit devices. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/iKXDw4V

Motorola launches its iconic Razr 2025 series, and this time it comes as a trio. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/OvSbaLi

Infinix somehow managed to create one of the best budget packages of 2025 — meet the Note 50 Pro+. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/3gExXo6

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Chrome for Android can now open PDF files without the need for a third-party app. The browser’s new native function is currently working for Android 15. Previously, this feature was locked behind a flag. In the past, if you wanted to view a PDF file while on Chrome for Android, you would have to open it in a different app. This was because Chrome for Android lacked a native PDF reader. But that has now changed, and you can finally start viewing these files without having to leave the browser. Google has now rolled out native PDF support for Chrome on Android. We have spotted the feature working on Android 15, but we have yet to see if it’s also available on older versions of Android. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/cRh4fP2

For a limited time, Best Buy has chopped $100 off the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are some of our favorite premium buds on the market. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/2Hu0kDb

Credit: X/@ericmigi Eric Migicovsky shared a video of the Core 2 Duo in its packaging, along with a charging dongle that will ship with the device. The dongle connects USB-C to the classic Pebble-style charging port, designed in collaboration with Nomad. The device still needs software work before shipping can begin. Following months of buzz, you can now catch a real glimpse of the Core 2 Duo’s final form — not just the smartwatch itself but also the new USB-C charging dongle and simple packaging it will ship with. Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky posted on X over the weekend to confirm that the first batch of complete Core 2 Duo units has arrived. While software work is still ongoing, he shared a short video showing the watch running. He also confirmed he’d connected it to his phone via Bluetooth and was able to download watch faces. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ZXiFqSM

Ocean Mode was created exclusively for the "Coral in Focus" project, which provides vivid underwater images to marine researchers. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/fkrUjag

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Google is working on a tweak to the UI for the “Rotate” chip in the Photos app. The new UI shows a bar at the bottom that includes the text “Original” and “Rotated.” It allows you to quickly switch between the two orientations. When you tap on an image in your Google Photos library, the app will occasionally provide a suggestion for an action you may want to take. This usually comes in the form of a chip that pops up at the bottom of the screen. For example, it may suggest rotating your picture if the app detects that the image may be in the wrong orientation. Google appears to now be working on a UI change to this particular suggestion. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VHvsiBL

Insta360 has launched the X5, a flagship 360-degree camera with several upgrades. It features larger sensors, 8K video, improved low-light performance, and replaceable lenses. The camera is available now for $549.99 from the Insta360 online store, Amazon, and other select retailers. Insta360 has carved out a loyal following among action and 360-degree camera enthusiasts. While it’s on the pricey side, the arrival of its latest flagship, the Insta360 X5, looks set to keep them happy. Officially announced today, the Insta360 X5 introduces a bunch of firsts for the brand’s 360-degree cameras, including a pair of much larger sensors, a new AI-powered low-light mode, and even user-replaceable lenses. It’s available to order now for $549.99. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/vSMIeH9

Credit: Instagram Instagram has finally released its highly anticipated video editing app on Android and iOS. The Edits app offers a host of useful tools that let you capture, edit, and export videos in one place. It also features dedicated tabs to help creators explore new ideas and gain valuable insights about their Reels. Instagram announced a new video editing app this January, aiming to provide creators an alternative to the popular ByteDance-owned CapCut video editor. Although it was initially scheduled to roll out the following month, the Edits app is now finally making its way to Android and iOS users. The Edits app features a mobile-friendly interface that lets you easily capture videos, arrange and adjust clips on a timeline, add trending audio and captions, and publish videos directly on Instagram and Facebook. The app also lets you export watermark-free videos, if you wish to post them on other platforms. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Z16CD8R

A recent leak has unveiled some of the new features of Samsung’s One UI 8, including a revamped native weather app with 3D avatars and improved design elements. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/MI9l1VC

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Samsung is working on at least three new Android tablets, namely the Galaxy Tab S11, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite. We’ve spotted code that indicates the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra are likely to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC processor. Further, Samsung could expand the existing Galaxy Tab S10 lineup with the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, likely powered by the Exynos 1380 processor. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series is the longest-standing and most successful Android tablet lineup ever. The Galaxy Tab S10 series includes the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, launched in September 2024. Now, we’ve spotted clues indicating that Samsung is working on successors for these, alongside a Lite variant for the existing lineup. We previously revealed the existence of the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro , as well as the processors that could be used on those devices. Thi...

You can grab the fourth beta for Android 16 now if you're feeling adventurous from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/Sl6AM9d

Credit: AYN AYN will pause shipments of its Odin 2 gaming handhelds to the US starting April 25. Retroid and Anbernic are also stopping shipments, as shipping companies are no longer accepting packages bound for the US. AYN hopes to find an alternative shipping method early next month. The retro gaming handheld scene has had a rough few months, first with the elimination of the de minimis exemption , then skyrocketing tariffs , and now an all-out trade war standing between them and their favorite retro games. The latest blow comes from AYN, the maker of the powerful Odin 2 lineup of handhelds, which will stop shipments to the US starting on April 25. The company hasn’t officially announced the policy, but the news comes from a customer who then shared a message from AYN customer support on the official Discord. The company is currently fulfilling orders from a successful Indiegogo campaign for the Odin 2 Portal , one of the best and most premium handhelds on the marke...

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google Photos is starting to roll out a new “Ultra HDR” editing option that lets users convert regular photos into Ultra HDR after capture. The feature is reportedly appearing in version 7.24.0.747539053 for some users via a server-side update. Ultra HDR images render richer colors and brightness levels on devices with HDR displays. Google Photos has been working on an “Ultra HDR” editing feature for a while now. We first spotted signs of the feature in the app last September, but at the time, the option wasn’t functional, and it wasn’t clear what it was supposed to do. Still, we had a hunch it was tied to the Ultra HDR file format Google introduced with Android 14. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/q9Axmpu

The feature was initially limited to Advanced subscribers, allowing users to share their screens or camera feeds with Gemini to get real-time assistance. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/E9Fdh6A

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority As Verizon and the other big three carriers continue to raise prices regularly, many of us are looking for alternative options to save money without sacrificing service or reliability. The good news is that plenty of excellent prepaid carriers operate on Verizon’s network while offering significant savings. Many of these brands are even owned by Verizon itself. For those that don’t know, I spend the vast majority of my time at Android Authority reviewing carriers, as well as general news and features around them. I’ve used a large percentage of the US carriers, including Verizon and several of its biggest prepaid partners. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nc8eFIN

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be another smash hit for the Japanese company, at least until pricing is considered. The $450 price tag on the console itself isn’t too far off from what most people expected, but the jump to $90 for games like Mario Kart World makes it a tough pill to swallow in today’s economy (and that’s before tariffs ). But the good news is there are Switch 2 alternatives! And I’m not talking about the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or even the PlayStation Portal. I’m talking about Android gaming devices , which have absolutely exploded in popularity over the past few years. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/TjgV7A9

Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority A leak reveals that Lenovo is preparing a successor to its compact gaming-focused Legion Tab Gen 3. The refreshed model could have an upgraded screen, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a thinner design. It may launch as early as May, though US availability timing remains unclear. I’ve been spending some time with the Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 3) over the past few weeks, and I’ve come away genuinely impressed. With its 8.8-inch 165Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a compact form factor that’s rare on Android tablets , it strikes a great balance between gaming performance and everyday usability. But just as I’ve been wrapping up my review, signs are pointing to Lenovo already working on its successor. (h/t: 9to5Google ) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ABwlhVX

The Moto G Stylus 2025 was recently launched, and there's already a lot to like about this phone. Here are some highlights. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/JaA4Wd9

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Metro by T-Mobile is easily the most recognizable prepaid brand in T-Mobile’s portfolio, followed closely by Mint . While Mint is clearly aimed at the budget segment, the difference between Metro and T-Mobile is less obvious. After all, Metro has its own stores and offers many features typically associated with major carriers, such as free phone promotions, streaming perks, and family discounts. To clear up some of the confusion, I took a deeper look at the two providers. While they share many similarities, a few notable distinctions set them apart. Curious about which one is the better fit for you? Join me as I explore pricing, phone selection, network priority, and more. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/1P8eDnq

I’ve been a Strava user for as long as I can remember — or at least since I started taking fitness seriously again at the tail end of college. Shortly after, I upgraded to Strava Premium , hoping it would give me a better training plan than I was getting from Nike Run Club. Since then, I’ve watched Strava evolve, picking up new mapping features and adding social elements like messaging, and I’m impressed by what it’s become. However, I also find myself using fewer and fewer of the platform’s latest features, either because I’m not traveling to as many new places or because I don’t need Strava DMs to keep in touch with my friends. So, I let my membership lapse and decided to try Garmin’s new Connect Plus service. Here’s how it’s going so far. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/gPHDefk

The prepaid phone market has changed considerably over the last few years here in the United States. Not only are mthere ore MNVOs than ever before, but many major carriers have also invested in their prepaid sub-brands. One such brand is Total Wireless, which is owned by Verizon Wireless. In this guide, we learn more about Total Wireless plans, pricing, phone selection, and more. Total Wireless is a prepaid phone carrier that began as a TracFone sub-brand until Verizon purchased it a few years ago. Big Red rebranded it to Total by Verizon in 2022, but just two years later it reversed course and returned to the original Total Wireless branding. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/CIi4MOb

Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority US college students can now grab the Google One AI Premium plan for free. This limited-time offer gives students access to advanced Gemini features and 2TB storage. Students can sign up for the offer before June 30 and get free access until Spring 2026. Google is giving students a limited-time opportunity to get the full Gemini Advanced experience without spending a dime. The company has announced a new promo for the exam season that gives college students in the US access to all Google One AI Premium plan benefits for free until Spring 2026. The promo will let students experience Google’s latest AI models, including Gemini 2.5 Pro and the recently released text-to-video Veo 2 model , as well as a host of advanced features with a long context window. Gemini’s Deep Research tool and NotebookLM Plus, which will be particularly useful for students, are included in the package, along with Whisk and Gemini integrations in Google D...

Samsung's One UI 7 update returns for the Galaxy S24 series. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/JWKwXAV

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Samsung may rebrand its upcoming Galaxy Buds FE 2 as Galaxy Buds Core. The new name appeared in an FCC filing for model number SM-R410. An earlier trademark filing suggests the earbuds may only launch in select regions initially. It’s been 18 months since the original Samsung Galaxy Buds FE landed, and we’re led to believe that the sequel has been inching closer. Now, a fresh leak suggests that Samsung’s next budget earbuds might not be called the Galaxy Buds FE 2 after all. According to a new FCC filing spotted by X leaker @DalgieshGX and reported by SammyGuru , the upcoming SM-R410 earbuds could launch as the Galaxy Buds Core. That’s the same model number revealed last month , when a leak suggested the successor to the original Galaxy Buds FE was already at an advanced stage of development. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/GbaApoc

Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority OpenAI has rolled out an image library for ChatGPT. The new library makes it easier to access all of the images you’ve generated. The image library is rolling out for Free, Plus, and Pro users on mobile and web. Trying to revisit your old AI-generated images in ChatGPT isn’t exactly the greatest experience. To get to those old images, you have to sift through your previous conversations. But OpenAI is now making the process easier by rolling out a new way to access your images. Today, OpenAI announced it is adding an image library to ChatGPT. This image library will be available to Free, Plus, and Pro users and is rolling out on mobile (Android/iOS) and on the web. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/9BYRb3O

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has a High Brightness Mode that's different from the rest, and we need full control. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/jPUGvEC

Earlier this week, many media outlets reported that Google is rolling out an auto-reboot feature to Android that automatically restarts devices that have been locked for 3 consecutive days. This auto-reboot feature was mentioned on the Google System Release Notes page, where Google routinely shares information on new and upcoming Android and Google Play features. Recently, Google quietly updated the wording on this page to say that the auto-reboot feature is optional and coming in the future. Earlier this week, Google quietly revealed — via its Google System Release Notes page — that it was rolling out a new auto-reboot feature to Android devices. The feature, as described, works similarly to Inactivity Reboot in iOS 18.1 or the auto-reboot feature in GrapheneOS. If an Android device has been locked for 3 consecutive days, then it’ll be automatically rebooted. Late last month, Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug tore down the Google Play Services app and discovered ...

Google is rolling out an update to its Gemini chatbot that adds support for Veo 2, its text-to-video AI model. Gemini Advanced subscribers can use Veo 2 to create short, 8 second video clips at 720p resolution. We came out impressed at how Veo 2 performed, though it’s clear that a lot of work still needs to be done. The rate of advancement in the field of AI has been remarkable. Today’s AI image generators can create incredibly high-quality images that can pass for real photos, a dramatic improvement from the blurry, low-resolution files of early models. While many predicted that it would take years for AI text-to-video generators to make the same leap, video creation models like Google’s Veo 2 demonstrate the rapid progress in this area. Access to Veo 2 has been limited thus far, but Google is now making the model available to the general public, allowing users with access to its Gemini chatbot to create short videos. What is Veo 2? Veo 2 is Google’s most advanced video ge...

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Gemini will soon replace the Google Assistant on all devices, including Android phones, Wear OS watches, and Android Auto headunits. On compatible smartwatches, the switch could happen with an update for the Assistant app for Wear OS. The Assistant app could get a new icon once Gemini becomes available on Wear OS watches. Android currently offers users the option to choose either the Google Assistant or Gemini as their default voice assistant. However, Google plans to take this choice away later this year and make Gemini the default chatbot on all Android phones . The switch from Assistant to Gemini is also on the cards for other devices, like Wear OS watches and Android Auto headunits. While Google has not shared specific details about the transition on these devices, a new report suggests it could happen with a simple app update, at least on compatible smartwatches. New strings in the latest release of the Assistant app for ...

Credit: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority The latest Google Play services update includes a new security feature for Android phones. The feature auto-reboots devices if they remain locked for three consecutive days. This new inactivity reboot feature could reach users over the coming weeks. We recently learned that Google was working on a new security feature for Android devices that would trigger an automatic reboot if the devices remain locked for three consecutive days. We first spotted evidence of the auto-reboot feature in a teardown late last month, with strings related to the feature suggesting it could arrive as part of Android 16’s Advanced Protection Mode . However, Google is rolling it out earlier than expected. Google has included the new auto-reboot feature in the latest Google Play services update (version 25.14). As per the release notes on Google’s Play System updates page, the feature will automatically restart your device if it remains “locked for 3...

AI Mode is Google’s latest Search enhancement, and it’s actually pretty good. So far you’ve been able to access AI Mode in the Google Android app through a shortcut beneath the main Search bar. The app is now experimenting with prominent AI Mode placement, right in that top bar. Google Search has changed a lot over the years, and while in the past that’s involved a lot of subtle refinement to the sort of results a given query would generate, over the past year or so we’ve seen Google make some of the most controversial and sweeping changes to Search yet. New AI-powered results have the potential to streamline access to information — assuming that AI can get all the details right . The latest incarnation is Google’s AI Mode , and it’s already pretty impressive. If you haven’t yet, you might be giving it a try soon, as Google starts experimenting with giving AI Mode some prominent placement in its Android app. Pull up the Google app on Android recently, and you’ve been presented...

Netflix has a new OpenAI-powered search engine in the works that will allow users to find movies and TV shows based on specific terms and their current mood. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/YQAGeMI

Google has raised the requirement for how much flash storage Android devices must have in order to pass the company’s certification program. Starting with Android 15, devices must ship with at least 32GB of storage, 75% of which must be allocated to the data partition. Android 15 also includes some other new requirements, such as requiring telephony devices to support sharing emergency contacts with emergency services and requiring chipsets to support Vulkan 1.3. While the best Android phones include at least 128GB of internal storage, many budget-friendly phones offer considerably less. Some Android devices even ship with as little as 16GB of storage, a significant portion of which the Android operating system occupies. Despite Google’s efforts to compress Android and its mobile apps for low-end hardware, 16GB of storage doesn’t provide much space for apps, resulting in a poor user experience. That’s why Google recently increased the minimum storage requirement for Android d...

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority Google is adding new Expressive Captions to Android’s Live Caption system. The list of Expressive Captions is expanding to include sounds like whispering, sneezing, snoring, gargles, and more. Last year, Google introduced Expressive Captions as part of Android’s Live Caption system. Expressive Captions not only show what’s being said in the audio but also how it’s being said, capturing elements like tone, volume, environmental sounds, and human noises. The goal is to make sure that even if you can’t hear the audio, you can still feel its impact. Now, it looks like Google is expanding the range of Expressive Captions available on Android devices that support Live Caption. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/evlihNm

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Since its launch in 2023, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 () has become a sensation in the world of content creation. As a creator, I see dozens of them at every tech event. Since I started using one myself, I’ve convinced the wider Android Authority team to adopt it. We now usually have three or four of them with us when we travel to major events like CES, MWC, and Google I/O. Recently, though, DJI launched another stellar product that everyone seems to love, too: the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P (). It’s similar to the Pocket 3 in that it is a travel-friendly accessory that helps you capture content quickly and easily. However, since it requires one of the best camera phones to function well, it differs significantly from the Osmo Pocket 3. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ruKQYEw

I love my Shokz OpenRun Pro. They’ve come in clutch for everything from early morning runs on busy roads to long train rides when I want to catch up on a podcast but still be able to talk to friends traveling with me. I have no hesitations about recommending a pair to someone looking to try bone-conduction headphones. And yet, my favorite thing about them is also their greatest weakness — they don’t block any outside noise. So, when the gas company came down my street, ripping up a strip of pavement in the name of maintenance, I thought I would lose my mind. I couldn’t escape the sound of jackhammering or the feeling of my entire apartment shaking, at least not with my favorite ‘buds in my ears. In a moment of desperation, I dusted off a pair of CMF Buds Pro 2 that I hadn’t used in a few months, and now I wish I’d been using them all along. Here’s why. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nZaYBOs

Three months after its release in January, the OnePlus 13 is holding strong as one of the best Android phones available today. Between its excellent and unique hardware, top-notch spec sheet, and surprisingly great software, it’s a damn near-perfect handset that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using. Although I’ve spent time with other Android phones throughout the year so far, the OnePlus 13 is the one I keep coming back to. I love its design and in-hand comfort; its long battery life and fast charging are unmatched, and — amazingly — its camera system is one of my absolute favorites to shoot with. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/jmQMRKf

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority The US has announced that a variety of electronics will be exempted from 125% tariffs on China. The affected electronics include smartphones, computers, displays, and more. President Donald Trump briefly instituted broad tariffs on countries around the world. The president then made a U-turn but maintained tariffs on China. Now, the administration has exempted a variety of electronics from any new tariffs, including levies against China. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XSMZ1RW

There isn’t a Garmin fitness tracker review that goes by that I don’t talk about how much I appreciate Garmin’s robust companion app. In fact, I usually talk about it as a comparison point when reviewing other brands as well. Garmin Connect Plus introduces a broad range of new features to the already excellent app, as well as a subscription fee, and while I’m not thrilled about the latter, I do like the suped-up app experience. How to activate Garmin Connect Plus Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Garmin Connect Plus takes the brand’s fitness tracking up a notch with personalized insights, customizable dashboards, added safety features, and more. However, these upgrades come at an additional $6.99 per month (or $69.99 annually). Fortunately, none of the existing features are locked behind the new paywall. If the new tools don’t catch your eye, you can continue using everything you love about Garmin Connect for free. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mGHxk6w

Credit: Wiki Muppets My friend hopped on the Studio Ghibli bandwagon last week, changing his WhatsApp profile picture to his anime likeness. I guess he wants his contacts to think that he’s being creative, but I’m convinced it’s because it’s a more flattering depiction of him. Still, I’ve been as impressed as everyone else with this latest ChatGPT evolution and wanted to see if it could turn me into a Muppet. It seemed a fun idea, and unlike my friend, no one can accuse me of using a Muppet likeness to make myself look more appealing. I tried it out, and once I saw the results, I knew I had to share them here. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/lXmNAOj

Credit: Proton Proton Mail is rebuilding its Android and iOS apps from the ground up using a new architecture. The revamped app is already in testing and offers improved performance and stability, along with new features like offline mode and advanced search. The Proton Calendar app is also getting a similar redesign, which will introduce new features like tasks, enhanced search, and offline access. Proton Mail is set to receive completely redesigned mobile apps , built from the ground up to deliver a better user experience and introduce a few new features. Proton, the Swiss company behind the privacy-focused email service, recently announced the new apps as part of its spring and summer roadmap, which also outlines a few noteworthy changes coming to its Calendar, VPN, Drive, and Pass services. Proton says it has already rebuilt its Mail and Calendar apps for Android and iOS using a “faster and more extensible architecture.” The new Mail app will not only offer faster...