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During its most recent earnings call, Samsung has re-confirmed that its Project Moohan Android XR headset is launching “this year.” Samsung has previously hinted at a 2025 release date, and this is the latest confirmation that it’s still on track. An earlier report suggested Project Moohan could be released as early as October. Samsung has had a busy 2025, launching the Galaxy S25 series at the start of the year and most recently releasing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Watch 8 series. But there’s another Samsung gadget that’s still on track to be released this year, and it’s arguably the company’s most interesting: its Project Moohan Android XR headset . Samsung has remained pretty tight-lipped about Project Moohan since the headset was first teased in January, though it has repeatedly insisted that the headset is launching in 2025. But as the months roll on and there’s still no sight of it, doubt has begun to creep in. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/qPuX...

Google owns Android, but there's a distinction between what belongs to everyone and what Google keeps close. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/C1vZ0dR

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Motorola will launch a special edition Razr in collaboration with Swarovski. New renders provide a look at the special edition phone from a variety of angles. This collaboration is limited to the vanilla Razr. A few weeks ago, we learned that Motorola was joining forces with jewelry maker Swarovski to create a special edition of the Razr 2025 (a.k.a. Razr 60). Days later, the company began officially teasing the collaboration, announcing plans to unveil the phone on August 5. So far, we’ve only seen one leaked render and a teaser video, but a new leak has given us a little more to chew on before the launch. The previous leak provided a look at the front and back of the device in a folded state. In this leak, courtesy of YTECHB , the handset is shown folded, unfolded, and at different angles. As a result, this is our best look yet at the Swarovski Razr 2025. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/l6vyjIQ

Google Chrome is testing a predictive back feature that previews the previous page, preventing users from accidentally navigating away. Leveraging Android’s built-in functionality, the preview shows the prior page in your history, but a gray screen if it’s returning home. The feature is currently in A/B testing in Chrome’s stable version, but users can enable it manually via feature flags. Accidentally exiting an app can be frustrating, especially when it leads to lost progress or data. That’s why Google introduced a feature called Predictive Back in Android 13, which lets you preview the previous screen before completing the back gesture. This saves you from inadvertently leaving an app you want to stay on. Web browsers are a perfect use case for this, as they can preview the previous page in your history. Now, it seems Google agrees, as the company has begun testing this exact functionality in Chrome for some users. The other day, I noticed that when swiping back in Google ...

It's been five years since the last DS model was discontinued, but AYANEO is here with a modernized and more powerful take thanks to the Pocket DS. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/lRHJzKV

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority NordVPN has launched a Scam Call Protection feature for Android users in the US. It flags suspicious numbers using metadata, without listening to or storing call content. The feature works on any Android device with the NordVPN app and Premium plan. Scam calls aren’t slowing down and are getting smarter in many cases. While most modern smartphones already do a decent job of flagging suspicious numbers, NordVPN thinks it can do better. The company has just launched a new Scam Call Protection feature for Android phone users in the US. In a blog post published this week, NordVPN explained that the tool analyzes call metadata to detect potential fraud before you even pick up. If it spots something suspicious, it flashes a warning message next to the incoming number. The feature is included with NordVPN’s Premium plan and works through the existing app, whether connected to a VPN or not. Once enabled in the Threat Protection tab, it ...

New code in an Android Canary build corroborates previous leaks of a new on-device AI assistant, likely called Magic Cue. The assistant will proactively suggest info and actions relevant to what you’re doing on screen. Google is expected to debut the feature on the Pixel 10 series next month. The Google Pixel 10 series is launching in a little over three weeks, but as usual, a lot of information has already leaked about it. We previously reported on one of its biggest new features: a powerful contextual AI assistant called Pixel Sense. Last month, alleged screenshots of the assistant were leaked, revealing it might launch under a different name. Whatever it’s called, it’s clear that Google is working on some kind of new AI assistant, and the latest Android Canary build corroborates this. As we reported earlier this year, Pixel Sense is designed to use data from multiple Google apps and services — like Calendar, Chrome, Docs, Files, Gmail, Messages, Photos, and YouTube — to p...

Credit: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Google is testing a visual refresh for Gemini Live’s compact overlay in the latest app beta. The redesigned UI includes rounded corners, smaller icons, and a dark background. The corner widget has also been updated to be circular with a more vibrant waveform. Update, July 28, 2025 (12:31 PM ET):  We’re still waiting to see Google push this new look for Gemini Live’s overlay public, but ahead of its formal debut, we’ve got a new, better look at it — now in action: Original article, July 21, 2025 (12:33 PM ET):  Google isn’t done refining the Gemini Live experience. Following last month’s reveal of a more compact overlay interface, we’ve now uncovered some potential visual updates to that same UI. In our opinion, they make a big difference. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/CxgT9hA

Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority Meta may have once again revived the smartwatch project it has been working on for the last several years. It’s reported that Meta has partnered with Huaqin to manufacture the device. The smartwatch may be publicly revealed in September during the Meta Connect conference. Meta has long been working on a smartwatch to add to its collection of hardware. However, that project has had a rough development cycle as it has been canceled and revived several times since it was first reported . A new rumor claims that the project has been picked up once again and that we could even see a public reveal in the near future. According to a rumor from DigiTimes Asia , Meta is giving its smartwatch project another go and has partnered with Chinese manufacturer Huaqin for the latest attempt. If you are unfamiliar with Huaqin, it is a top original design manufacturer (ODM) that has previously partnered with Samsung, HUAWEI, and Xiaomi on smartwatch...

Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority The Android 15 update is causing some Fairphone 5 phones to become bricked, but only if the fingerprint sensor is broken. A Fairphone rep confirmed stricter hardware checks in Android 15 are to blame. A fix is in the works, but for now, users with faulty sensors should avoid the update. For phone geeks like us, an OS update is usually exciting, but it doesn’t always go smoothly. Multiple reports suggest that the Android 15 update is causing some Fairphone 5 handsets to become bricked, but only if they already had an existing biometric fault. According to a user and several respondents on the Fairphone Community Forum , the update is freezing some Fairphone 5 devices on the boot screen and making them unable to start. In each case, the phone gets stuck partway through the Fairphone boot animation, displaying only a green “I” on a blank screen. The only way to recover appears to be rolling back to a previous Android version or wip...

Credit: AYANEO AYANEO just launched a new, budget-focused sub-brand called KONKR. It’s first device is the Pocket FIT, with more details coming soon. This is the first serious threat Retroid and ANBERNIC have faced in the budget/mid-range Android handheld space. Right at the end of its three-hour-plus livestream today where it revealed gorgeous dual-screened Pocket DS , AYANEO dropped yet another bombshell on the handheld gaming space. The brand is known for expensive, luxurious gaming devices that spare no expense, but now it’s launching a budget-focused sub-brand to compete with the likes of Retroid and ANBERNIC. Called KONKR, the new sub-brand was initially going to be announced alongside the new Qualcomm gaming chips back in March. That all but ensures that its first device, the Pocket FIT, will be sporting one of these new chips. AYANEO only revealed that it will be a Qualcomm chip in today’s announcement, but my money is on the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2. That’s the sam...

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority Samsung appears to be disabling bootloader unlocking in One UI 8 on more devices than before. Previously, only US models lacked the OEM Unlock toggle, but the restriction now seems to be spreading to global models as well. A contributor on XDA Developers discovered that Samsung is likely stripping out the necessary code to unlock bootloaders entirely. Samsung might be quietly locking down its phones even more tightly with the One UI 8 update. A new report from an XDA Developers contributor reveals that Samsung appears to be removing the ability to unlock the bootloader on more devices, including international versions that previously supported it. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/4NrKHUO

Credit: Lil Katz / Android Authority Google has acknowledged a bug affecting voice commands for smart lights. The company says it is aware of the issue and will share an update soon. Many users say they can still control lights via the Google Home app, but not through Assistant voice commands. Google has confirmed it’s investigating a bug preventing users from controlling their smart lights through Google Assistant voice commands. We first reported on the issue over the weekend, as user complaints have continued to pile up on Reddit and Google’s support forums in recent days. Android Authority’s Rita El Khoury also experienced the problem firsthand, noting that her Nest Audio speaker stopped responding to voice commands to turn off the lights. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/PIbHgL5

A great back-to-school deal for students and professionals alike. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/kONuqzX

The "cheap" Flip 7 still costs $900. Is it worth the asking price? from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/6Z3BoRg

I may not be that big of a productivity nerd, but I do like my things organized, and I go to great lengths to find a system that works for me. My style is that I don’t control every minute of my day — so I’m less of a calendar person and more of a to-do list guy. That’s a subtle way of saying that I’ve tried a lot of to-do apps before zeroing in on one. I have an unbeatable favorite that works perfectly for my workflow, but there are several others that are equally capable, if not more, and could easily become the app you impulsively open. Here are some of the top to-do list apps you can try, along with my favorite one: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/srO96Id

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Many users are reporting not being able to control lights or groups of lights with an ‘Ok Google’ command. I noticed this issue on my speakers yesterday, but thought it was a random bug. It seems more widespread, and the Google Nest account has acknowledged the issue. Yesterday evening, as I went to bed, I told my Google Nest Audio, “Hey Google, turn off all the lights.” Normally, this is one of the easiest commands, and my success rate with it is better than many other commands that continuously fail and irritate me. But this time, I just got back silence. So I shrugged, thinking it’s a glitch, reached out to the Hue button on my bedside table, and long-pressed it to turn off all my lights. Today, though, my Android Authority colleague Luka pointed out to me dozens of Reddit threads from users who are also having trouble controlling their lights. Turns out this wasn’t a simple glitch but a widespread issue affecting many Google...

Android wasn't always great. But we had a lot of fun trying to make it that way! from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/NsQZPYS

Samsung furnished the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with some pretty awesome specs, but is S Pen support one of them? Let's find out. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/g5iybTJ

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 owners complain it won’t charge properly on Samsung’s wireless charging pad. The issue stems from the curved default strap, which prevents the watch from lying flat on the Wireless Charger Duo. The included magnetic puck charger works fine, but users are frustrated by the poor fit with official accessories. Samsung has clearly impressed  many people with the Galaxy Watch 8,  including us . However, the tech giant may have overlooked a much more basic element of the wearables’ design. Pushing engineering boundaries with the hardware is all well and good, but fans may protest if the smartwatch won’t sit on its own charging pad. A Reddit post now gaining traction on r/GalaxyWatch shows how the 44mm Galaxy Watch 8 doesn’t lie flat on Samsung’s own Wireless Charger Duo. That’s gone down badly with users, with the opening poster considering a refund over what they called a “stupid” design oversight. ...

Gemini picked up support for Audio Overviews earlier this year. While Gemini could generate these virtual podcasts, it lacked a native way to play them. In its latest update, the Gemini app is now picking up its own Audio Overview player. The next time you cross paths with an AI nay-sayer who just doesn’t get what’s so useful about these tools, pull out your phone and introduce them to Audio Overviews. Google launched this output mode with NotebookLM last year, and it’s really something, generating a virtual “podcast” hosted by a pair of AI characters who entertainingly break down the topic at hand. Since then we’ve seen Google expand access, bringing Audio Overviews to Search and Gemini , and today we’ve got some news about an improvement for the latter. As Gemini expands to do more and more, we’ve noticed Google paying more attention to ways it can make those new corners of the Gemini experience feel more like natural growth of the service, and less like tacked-on extensio...

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (Gen 3) are rumored to be just around the corner, and with upgraded specs comes a rumored new look. Here's what we know so far. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/SrZ5DeN

Credit: Amazon Amazon has launched a cheaper Kindle Colorsoft 16GB and a new Kindle Colorsoft Kids model. The Kids version includes a year of Amazon Kids Plus, a colorful case, and parental controls. Both devices use the same color screen as last year’s model, which we didn’t love. Amazon is still betting on color E-Ink , even if it had a somewhat rocky start last year. The company just added two more devices to its Kindle Colorsoft lineup: a cheaper 16GB version and a new Kindle Colorsoft Kids. Both are available starting today. As outlined in Amazon’s press release , the 16GB Colorsoft costs $249.99, shaving $30 off the Signature Edition from last year by dropping the wireless charging and cutting the storage in half. Otherwise, it’s the same device, complete with the same color screen, adjustable warm light, and ability to highlight text in different colors. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/P8bLYoG

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority T-Mobile’s 2021 data breach victims have started receiving payments from the $350 million settlement. While most users received around $56 or $226 each, those who proved extensive financial harm received much more — over $4,000 in two cases. Such submissions required verifiable losses, such as identity theft, and included claims for associated expenses like legal fees and credit repair fees. Last month, users began receiving their share of the $350M settlement arising from T-Mobile ‘s 2021 data breach. Most users got $56.54, followed by $226.19 to a lesser extent. However, claims for reimbursement were allowed to be up to $25,000 for verified financial harm. Users are now sharing that they’ve received over $4,000 as settlement money from this data breach. Reddit user brokenshells disclosed that they received $4,263.22 as settlement, whereas Reddit user OnePiglet3249 got a check of $4,136.33. The latter claimed $1,800, but the se...

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has ultra-wideband (UWB) support, but the feature is exclusive to the South Korean model. UWB is a wireless technology that enables highly precise location tracking for features like digital car keys and Google’s Find Hub. It’s unclear why UWB is limited to the Korean model, but it may be due to regional demand or the cost of regulatory certification in other countries. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip lineup offers most of the features seen in the company’s other flagship devices, including a top-tier chipset, the latest version of One UI, and Galaxy AI. However, the series traditionally misses out on some features due to its compact form factor or for strategic reasons. For example, every device in the Z Flip lineup, including the new Galaxy Z Flip 7 , was thought to lack support for ultra-wideband ( UWB ). As it turns out, that’s not entirely true. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 does support UWB, but only if you buy it in Samsung’s home market of South Korea. UW...

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Code spotted in the latest Google app and Google One app suggests a potential new “Google AI Lite” plan. This new tier could potentially sit between the current free and Pro subscriptions, offering increased rate limits for features like deep research and video generation. Google has not officially announced this plan, and it’s unclear if and when it will launch. Google Gemini is available for free to all users with a personal Google account. If you want to try out what Gemini can do for you, the free plan gives you a fairly extensive trial, but understandably, there are rate limits for features like image generation, Deep Research , and more. If you want more generous limits or access to features like newer models, you need to pay $19.99 a month for Google AI Pro or $249.99 a month for the Google AI Ultra plan. While the pricing feels fair, it can still be steep for users who want just a bit more than the free tier. There mig...

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority AT&T was named best network by Rootmetrics, while T-Mobile claims the Speedtest crown, showing there’s no single “best” carrier for everyone. Different awards use different methods, so the right carrier depends on your priorities and where you live. Local coverage varies a lot, so always check how each carrier performs in your area before deciding. Recently, Rootmetrics awarded AT&T as the best network for the first half of 2025. This might sound strange if you’ve seen T-Mobile’s latest ads, which claim that after years of Verizon being on top, the Uncarrier now holds the crown . So which is it, AT&T or T-Mobile? And where does Verizon stand in all of this? The truth is, there’s really no such thing as “the best” network; the right choice depends on your needs and location. First, it helps to understand there’s more than one major report carriers use to declare themselves the best. T-Mobile’s results come from the...

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority The next Galaxy Edge phone is rumored to be even thinner than its predecessor. The rumor also suggests that the device may have a larger battery. To achieve this feat, Samsung may use “new battery material technology.” The Galaxy S25 Edge stands out from the rest of the Galaxy S25 line due to its slim and light design. However, to achieve this slender frame, Samsung had to make a number of sacrifices, which may have played a hand in its poor sales numbers . Despite selling fewer than expected units, it seems the device may still get a successor. That successor may fix the Edge’s biggest flaw. Reputable leaker Ice Universe shared some details about the Galaxy S26 Edge on X (formerly Twitter) today. According to the tipster, Samsung intends to make the Galaxy S26 Edge even thinner than the Galaxy S25 Edge. That would be an impressive feat considering how thin the Galaxy S25 Edge already is at 5.8mm. However, this rumor mentions som...

The Chromecast with Google TV was a major evolution for Google’s media streamer. While it retained much of the design language of the original Chromecast series, the new device had remote support and the full power of the Android TV-based Google TV platform . Years later, Google is ditching the Chromecast brand altogether with the new Google TV Streamer . Is it worth upgrading, or is the Chromecast still worth sticking with or finding one on sale before it’s retired in the Google graveyard? Let’s jump right in and take a closer look. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/hz5nP1s

Pixel Watch gets an unexpected July patch, but only in a few countries. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/HW7yLBJ

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Nothing may be planning a new “Lite” or “T” branded phone. The move could extend Nothing’s reach into the budget segment below the Phone 3a series. Xiaomi and OnePlus have used similar naming strategies to compete in the budget space. Nothing may be looking to broaden its smartphone range with the addition of more affordable models. The company has so far focused on flagship and mid-range devices, but that strategy could be evolving. According to reliable leaker Yogesh Brar on X , Nothing is exploring phones branded as either “Lite” or “T” models. He didn’t share specific details, but noted that “Pro models are just not cutting it,” suggesting the company could be considering lower-cost alternatives to keep up interest. Brar was spot on with his tip about Nothing releasing three phones in the first half of 2025, so this rumor is certainly credible. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kw7hfYd

As part of its big Material 3 Expressive overhaul, Google’s been rethinking its approach to the Gemini overlay. Instead of just gently sliding onto screen, Google’s been working to give Gemini a little bouncy momentum. The latest version of this animation we’ve uncovered is easily the most dynamic yet. Change is coming to Google’s Android software, and that change’s name is Material 3 Expressive . The company’s latest design language is being implemented across Android apps and the system UI itself, and we’ve been working hard to bring you all the early previews we can manage of these changes as they’re being developed. And today we’re starting off the week with an update on one we’ve already checked in with. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/udbiX0Y

We don’t talk enough about the amount of paperwork we come across every day. From essential bank documents, work contracts, tax notices, and bills to invoices, application forms, IDs, letters, and more, keeping everything organized can be a chore. And even more so if there’s a mix of physical and digital paperwork to deal with. Scanning your documents and organizing them digitally is a smart idea. But while there are plenty of scanner apps, any features you might need beyond basic scanning are usually stuck behind a paywall and expensive subscriptions. That’s where the PDFgear Scan app comes in. And like its fantastic PDF Editor, PDFgear Scan is not only packed with features, but also completely free. Here’s what you need to know! from Android Authority https://ift.tt/FRoq7U3

Peacock is raising the prices of its Premium and Premium Plus plans. The Premium tier will go up to $11, while Premium Plus will cost $17. The price hike will go into effect on July 23 for new subscribers and August 22 for existing members. Another day, another subscription service raises its prices. The streaming platform Peacock will soon raise its subscription rates for both new and existing customers. According to Bloomberg , Comcast Corp has announced that it will hike the cost of its Peacock plans. The ad-supported Premium tier will go up to $11 per month, while the Premium Plus tier will cost $17 per month. Currently, the service that streams NBC shows, movies, and sports sells its Premium tier for $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Meanwhile, the Premium Plus plan goes for $13.99 per month and $139.99 per year. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/8qOcQuP

The Samsung Running Coach may help beginner runners, but there are fundamental issues with accuracy and personalization to work out first. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/QUFnE5M

Travel has always been a huge part of my life. Whether I’m planning a weekend getaway for a hike or a longer multi-country backpacking trip, I’ve relied on travel apps to help keep things organized. But after years of using some of the best travel apps like Wanderlog, TripIt, making notes in Google Keep or Notion, or even maintaining a pen and paper journal, I realized they all came with frustrating trade-offs. Too many ads, pushy upgrade prompts, opaque subscription models, lack of features, and most worryingly, an always-on stream of data collection and tracking. For something as personal as travel, that’s something I really don’t want. So earlier this year, I started looking for alternatives. I wanted something lightweight, customizable, and private. If it was self-hostable and open source , even better. Turns out, there really is an open-source project for every need. That search led me to AdventureLog , a self-hosted, open source travel tracker and itinerary manager that’s as fu...

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is an excellent Wear OS smartwatch that falls short in some areas, but will the Pixel Watch 4 fix that? Here's what we know. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/6jAPCJb

Samsung's antioxidant index is an objective (but limited) way to rate how healthy your diet is, without needing to log food. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/xV8hGi3

If you're looking for the "best" phone, you need to know what it's supposed to be the best at. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/xRoU25e

Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority After initially launching outside of the US, the Galaxy A56 5G is now available to order. The mid-ranger includes features like Circle to Search, Best Face, Auto Trim, and more. It’s available on Samsung’s website in Awesome Graphite or Awesome Lightgray. When Samsung launched this year’s A-series phones , the US got the Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A36 5G. Although the Galaxy A56 5G launched outside of the US, Samsung confirmed that the mid-ranger would come to this market later in the year. After months of waiting, the A56 5G is now available in the US. The Galaxy A56 5G has finally made its debut in the US after a fairly successful stint overseas. In fact, a report from earlier this month found that sales of the A56 5G in Western Europe were up 12% compared to its predecessor in the first seven weeks after launch. Now the phone that was making waves in Europe is available to order stateside. from Android Authority https://ift.tt...

Get these suave Galaxy Watch 8 Classic bands to liven up your new wearable. These are the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic bands that you should buy. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/bAD1ik4

A new Pixel Watch 4 leak has revealed that the pricing may remain unchanged from the Pixel Watch 3 in Europe. Unless there are any tariff impacts, this suggests US prices may also remain flat, starting at $349. With the upgrades to the specs of the Google wearable looking modest, it would be logical that there would be little to no price hike. It’s not too long now until we meet the Pixel Watch 4. While we’ve managed to get some insight into the specs and colors of the next Google wearable, one aspect remained a mystery. However, we now have our best insight yet into how much it might cost. According to a report from Dealabs , Google will keep the Pixel Watch 4 pricing unchanged in France and the wider European market. The smaller 41mm model will be priced at €399 for Wi-Fi and €499 for LTE, while the larger 45mm versions will come in at €449 and €549, respectively. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/F9cAOPv

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Google is rolling out Song Search history to Circle to Search. Tapping on the new icon will open a page with your past searches, complete with song titles, thumbnails, and artist information. The feature is available on Android in the beta and stable channels. Finding out the name of a song or the artist behind it is as easy as bringing up Circle to Search and activating Song Search. But what if you want to listen to a song you previously searched for, but you can’t remember anything about it? That won’t be a problem going forward, as Circle to Search now has a Song Search history feature. We’ve been keeping an eye on this feature for a while now, first spotting that it was in development back in February. While the Song Search history view wasn’t operational at the time, it did start rolling out for beta testers in April. We then reported in June that Google planned to add a new icon to Circle to Search that would serve...

Viture's Immersive 3D is worth the hype, even if it's currently very limited in scope on Android. I tested out the feature on several Viture glasses and came away impressed. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/sSomtJO

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority Samsung has rolled out a new update for the Theme Park Good Lock module. The update tweaks the UI, adds a new “Effects” menu, and fixes minor bugs. The Effects menu offers five options to customize the look of your icons. If you’re a fan of customization, the Theme Park module in Good Lock can help get your Galaxy phone looking just the way you want it. From changing the colors of keycaps to adjusting the shape of icons, there is no shortage of ways to give your UI a unique look. If that wasn’t enough, users are now getting one more way to customize their screen. Samsung has rolled out an update for Theme Park (version 1.1.01.23), which it details on the Galaxy Store page . According to the changelog, this update tweaks the UI, applies minor bug fixes, improves app stability, and fixes a few issues. Most notably, it also adds an “Effects” menu to the icon pack. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Z792twl

Credit: Weibo HONOR just announced the X70 phone, set to go on sale on Friday in China. Despite its $165 price tag, the HONOR X70 features a massive 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery and military-grade toughness. At 8.2mm, it’s about the same thickness as the iPhone 16 Pro. A $165 smartphone wouldn’t usually raise expectations about its specs, but one manufacturer clearly didn’t get that memo. Despite the price tag, the new HONOR X70 boasts an insane 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery along with military-grade toughness, and it isn’t even a brick. In a new post on Weibo , HONOR confirmed that the X70 is now available for pre-order in China, with a full launch set for July 18. Despite the budget price, the phone boasts a battery that’s more than double the size of the one inside the Galaxy S25 Edge , along with what the company calls the “industry’s first gold standard triple-drop protection.” It also features a new internal structure likened to a bulletproof vest, supposedly...

Credit: Nick Fernandez / Android Authority ES-DE Frontend just launched version 3.3.0, with native Android game and app support. Previously workarounds required a separate file and a few extra steps. The update also added support for new emulators and four additional languages. When it comes to retro emulators on Android, organizing your files and emulators can be a nightmare. Even with a properly formatted microSD card stacked with your legally-ripped ROMs, it’s still a pain to browse your games on most emulators . Emulation frontends solve this problem, and now one of the best, ES-DE Frontend , has finally incorporated native Android game and app support. Apart from touchscreen support, this was the main missing feature of the otherwise excellent Android port of Emulation Station. On previous versions it was technically possible to add Android apps and games to the menu, but it required a separate file download and some extra file configurations. Now, it will work out...

Out of every One UI 8 Watch change, the new Tiles are an immediate standout that totally changed how I use my smartwatch. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/lRNZUFG

Credit: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Android 15 and newer devices include a Failed Authentication Lock feature that locks the device screen after detecting multiple failed login attempts in apps or settings. Unlike other theft protection features, this feature is enabled by default on all devices, and there’s currently no way for users to turn it off. Google may soon add a new option to the theft protection settings that will allow users to turn off Failed Authentication Lock. In addition to the theft protection features available on all Android 10 or higher devices, Android 15 and Android 16 devices include an additional security measure called Failed Authentication Lock . This feature is enabled by default and locks down your device after detecting multiple failed login attempts in apps or other OS functions protected by user logins. It’s an effective way to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data if your phone is stolen. But it can pose issues for users w...

Credit: Satechi Satechi is launching two new additions to its OntheGo collection. These additions include the 67W Slim Wall Charger and USB-C Lanyard Cable. Both items are available in Black, Sand, and Desert Rose. When you’re on the road, you never know when you’ll need to stop to charge your various devices. That’s why it’s crucial to always pack a charger and cable. And the more travel-friendly those items are, the better. On this front, Satechi has a whole line of products designed to be convenient for traveling and it’s launching two new additions to that collection. Today, the San Diego-based brand announced it is rolling out the OntheGo 67W Slim Wall Charger. This wall charger has a thin design and foldable prongs, allowing it to fit neatly into pockets, bags, or be tucked behind furniture. Along with that, it features GaN technology and two USB-C ports. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mWjsvDq

Google is testing a new search bar design in Chrome Beta for Android that includes an AI Mode shortcut. This new design, which also repositions voice search and Lens shortcuts, appears in two variants across different devices running the same Chrome Beta version. The integration of an AI Mode shortcut into Chrome aims to increase user awareness and usage of the feature, given Chrome’s significant market share. While Google is still the most dominant search engine, its dominance is being threatened by AI-infused tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. To avoid losing users to these rivals, Google recently introduced AI Mode into its flagship Search product. AI Mode can answer complex questions, saving users from digging through multiple search results. Since its debut, Google has added AI Mode shortcuts to several locations, and it’s looking like Chrome is next. When I opened Chrome Beta on one of my Android phones the other day, I noticed a different search bar design on the new ...

A future Android update will give the lock screen widget page a blurred wallpaper background, aligning it with the Material 3 Expressive design language. This visual change, which replaces the current opaque colored background, was spotted in the new Android Canary build, making the UI more consistent. Although lock screen widgets are currently exclusive to tablets, Google has confirmed they will be coming to phones in the Android 16 QPR1 release. Material 3 Expressive , the latest version of Google’s design language, brings a more visually engaging and playful feel to Android through a new physics-based animation system, vibrant colors, larger buttons, and background blur effects. While Google has updated many UI elements to Material 3 Expressive, some parts of the OS still use the old design. For example, the lock screen widgets page doesn’t use the same background blur effect found elsewhere, but that’s finally changing. Last week, Google launched the Android Canary progra...

As a big fan of flip phone foldables, the new Galaxy Z Flip 7 looks like a phone I’ve been wanting from Samsung for years. Samsung’s Z Flip handsets have always been a safe choice in the flip phone market, but the Flip 7 looks like a truly exciting one. Between the vastly improved cover screen, larger main display, and slimmer design, it’s an impressive piece of kit. But for everything Samsung seems to have gotten right with the Z Flip 7, I do have some concerns. The switch to an Exynos chip instead of a Qualcomm one is a puzzling change, and the total lack of camera, charging, and other upgrades is disappointing, too — especially since the Flip 7 is still quite expensive at $1,100. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/eaqXiHj

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority A Google executive has reportedly confirmed that the company will combine Chrome OS and Android into a single platform. This news comes after we reported in November that Chrome OS will be merged into Android. This also follows Android 16’s release, which brings several desktop-themed features to the platform. We exclusively reported back in November that Google was working to merge Chrome OS into Android . Now, a Google executive has effectively confirmed the company’s intentions to combine the two platforms. Sameer Samat, president of Android ecosystem at Google, asked a TechRadar journalist why they were using an Apple Watch, iPhone, and MacBook: from Android Authority https://ift.tt/53CtjxP

Google's latest Android Canary build for Pixel devices brings "Parental controls" next to Digital Wellbeing, aiming to provide robust tools for parents to manage screen time and filter web content. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/wS56kzo

Older Galaxy Watches have fallen well behind, but is the Watch 8 or Watch 8 Classic different enough from the Watch 7 or Watch 6 Classic? from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/YWPRLzl

While fitness trackers and smartwatches are the better-known devices in the wearable tech world, there is a third, less popular option. Smart rings are slowly becoming more attractive alternatives. I’ve tested more than a dozen of these minimalist devices, and below are the best smart rings you can buy. Oura Ring 4: The best smart ring overall No matter how many smart rings I test, Oura continues to set the standard. The company’s newest model, the Oura Ring 4 , solidifies the brand’s lead with reliable sensors, a refined form factor, and one of the best companion apps in the wearable space. It’s the ring I reach for most often, and the one I always compare new products against. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/pTIdX6P

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra still packs a punch, but this deal runs out on Sunday. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/wlJev3W

Just $180 for this HP Chromebook with a 15.6-inch screen. from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/9ZbfQGv

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Looking for an upgrade to your streaming setup? The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is available at an impressive discount. We gave it a solid nine-star rating in our review , so we were excited to see it on sale today. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $34.99 (42% off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/KoLmCyB

Credit: Amazon Right now is a great time to consider upgrading your TV setup. If you’re looking for the ultimate Prime Day deal on a new screen, the Hisense U8 Mini-LED TV is on offer during Amazon Prime Day. This impressive TV is now available for $999.99, a significant drop from its retail price of $2,199.99. The 2025 release was selling for that much as recently as May, and we’ve never tracked it much lower than $1,400. Hisense U8 Mini-LED TV for $997.99 (55% off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/wCL3tkq