Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Ring promises to bring health tracking to a smaller wearable than the company has ever offered, and leaks are offering more insight into the device ahead of its full launch. This week, a set of Galaxy Ring model numbers once again hints at the sizing options coming, but raises some questions.

Google today released new Android 14 QPR2 builds with the April 2024 security patch for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro, though there isn’t an on-device OTA update at the moment.

In the world of virtual and mixed reality, Meta’s Quest series has been among the most popular, and a big part of that comes down to the well-built and well-supported software. Today, Meta has announced that it will let other headset makers use the same software found on Quest, “Horizon OS,” on their own hardware.

We have a trio of smartphones on sale to headline Monday’s best deals. One of the best prices ever on Google Pixel 7 Pro lands at $530, while Motorola’s folding razr+ smartphone starts at as low as $533. Plus, you can still score the first discount of the year on Nothing Phone (2) at $649. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

Samsung has launched its next major update, One UI 6.1, for select Galaxy devices. Here’s the full list of phones and tablets being updated.

Recent software updates have seemingly caused a persistent “green line” issue on the Galaxy devices of many users, but it seems that Samsung is now offering free display replacements for those affected, but only to select models in India.

Google’s mid-range Pixel lineup has offered some great deals over the years, but the prices have crept higher year by year. With Google Pixel 8a, another leak adds fuel to the fire that the price will be going up.

Following past series, Samsung is now selling refurbished Galaxy S23 devices under its “Re-Newed” program, with discounts of over $200 off.

In recent days, the Fitbit Dashboard available on the web has been bugging out — by going blank — amid speculation that Google might be shutting down the site for an app only experience.

After skipping a year before launching the Galaxy S23 FE in early-2024, Samsung is continuing the series with the Galaxy S24 FE reportedly coming later this year.

Despite being announced over a month ago and available on iOS for some time, Google Drive on Android is now getting the promised search filters option.

YouTube has become a hub of some of the greatest talent in the entertainment industry, with rising stars that put out incredible content. But would you ever pay directly to watch your favorite YouTube channel?

7 years of updates. It’s something that’s still borderline unbelievable, but Google set as the new standard for software updates with its latest Pixel releases. But months later, some still seem to not understand what this update promise means…

Google is rolling out a second April update for the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro. The out-of-cycle OTA addresses network issues that some Pixel owners have been experiencing.

Following more frequent authentication on Android phones, Google Wallet for Wear OS might be requiring PIN code entry before allowing tap-to-pay transactions.

Roborock, the leader in high-tech floor cleaning with the most robotic vacuum sales worldwide of any brand, has released its latest flagship robotic vacuum/mop, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. This self-cleaning, all-in-one solution is primed to help you with “Cleaning Beyond Limits.”

Google Maps has long featured the ability to show buildings in 3D while navigating, but recently started rolling out that view to its Android Auto and CarPlay experiences. Here’s how to disable that.

Last week, Google announced that it would soon shut down the VPN service included with Google One. The company pointed to it only being used by a fraction of subscribers, and I wonder if part of that is due to a lack of consumer trust.

While I like Google’s particular brand of whimsy, the Messages app should really add an in-app setting to turn off its animations and other expressive effects. 

My technological “how often do you think about the Roman Empire” is the double twist shortcut introduced with the Moto X that would launch the camera from anywhere, including when the screen is off.

Google is working on a new way to show the health of storage in your Android phone.

Following the launch of Nothing Ear and Ear (a) this week, Nothing is also rolling out a new update for Nothing Phone (2) which delivers quite a few upgrades, including ChatGPT integration.

Welcome to the sixth episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk about Android 15 Beta 1, widgets, and Google Wallet.

Subscribe

• YouTube Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Pocket Casts
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast

Before we head off into the weekend, let’s gather up all of Friday’s best deals on Android games and apps. Joining today’s Google Play offers, we are also seeing notable deals on Google’s latest Nest Thermostat with Matter, the HD Chromecast with Google TV,  and Google Nest Cam Indoor, but for now we are focused on the apps. Today’s highlights include titles like Exolotl: Zian, Super Onion Boy 2, Million Onion Hotel, Bloons TD 6, and more. Head below for a complete look at today’s best Android game and app deals.