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Chrome OS 124 brings faster split screen, Wi-Fi QoS, Fast Pair for mice, and more

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus 02
Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority
  • Google is progressively rolling out Chrome OS 124 to all eligible Chromebooks and Chrome OS devices.
  • Chrome OS 124 brings a faster split-screen setup, Wi-Fi Quality of Service feature, Fast Pair for mice, and larger mouse cursor sizes.
  • Google did not officially announce this, but the Settings page has also received a Material You makeover.

Chrome OS is the OS of choice on Chromebooks, and it works wonderfully for users who operate solely from a web browser. Google is rolling out an update to Chromebooks, Chrome OS 124, which brings a few notable changes.

Chrome OS 124 comes with a faster split-screen setup, allowing you to snap windows in place more quickly. Once you snap a window in place on one side of your screen, you can choose an already-open window from the Overview to snap into the other side. You can also select something from the shelf to place on the other end.

Not so fast: Galaxy S22’s One UI 6.1 update halted due to a bug

Samsung Galaxy S22 Bora Purple vs Phantom White vs Pink Gold Head On
Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
  • Samsung recently began rolling out One UI 6.1 with Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy S22 series, starting with South Korea.
  • However, some critical bugs have been spotted in the update, so the rollout has been halted.

The Galaxy S22 series was launched in 2022, and the phones have aged quite gracefully thanks to the flagship headroom that they launched with. Samsung has newer flagships in the form of the Galaxy S24 series, but the company is bringing over its highlight Galaxy AI software features to the older Galaxy S22 series. The One UI 6.1 update with these features had just begun rolling out to the Galaxy S22 series, but it seems that rollout has been temporarily halted.

X user Tarun Vats noticed that the One UI 6.1 build for the Galaxy S22 series has been reverted from Samsung’s FOTA server. We spotted user reports on Samsung Community forums indicating that the Galaxy S22 series update was halted due to bugs. It appears that after updating, in some cases, the lock screen stops working, followed by the touch screen, prompting the need for a factory reset.

How to run Meta’s Llama 3 on your PC

Od: Gary Sims

Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has recently unveiled Llama 3, the latest iteration of its large language model. This advanced model is available in two versions: an eight billion (8B) parameter version and a 70 billion (70B) parameter version. In this article, we will explore how to run the 8B parameter version of Llama 3 locally, a more feasible option for standard desktops or laptops that may struggle to run the larger 70B version.

Llama 3’s performance overview

Llama 3 is an impressive large language model. The 8B parameter version, trained using 1.3 million hours of GPU time, outperforms its predecessor, Llama 2, in several ways. For instance, it is 34% better than the 7 billion parameter version of Llama 2 and 14% better than the 13 billion parameter version. Remarkably, the 8B parameter version of Llama 3 even surpasses the performance of the 13 billion parameter version of Llama 2. It only falls short by 8% when compared to the 70B parameter version of Llama 2, making it an impressive model for its size.

Most of you think 128GB storage is not enough for 2024 flagships

pixel 8 pro 128gb storage
Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

The first real-life images of the Pixel 9 Pro gave us a good look at the upcoming flagship, but many of us were also sticker-shocked by the paltry 128GB storage on offer. The mention of 16GB RAM added insult to injury, making it an even more confusing combination as Google seemingly decided to upgrade the RAM capacity without upgrading the internal storage.

With Android flagships becoming more powerful and feature-packed than ever, 128GB of internal storage feels stifling, even for the base variant. While it technically lowers the phone’s price and makes it accessible for more people, storage upgrades are cheaper than what the OEM usually charges the customer.

Sony’s Pixel 8a rival could pack a 3.5mm port and front-facing speakers

Sony Xperia 1 II review 1 year logo 1
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • A long-time leaker has posted a variety of apparent Sony Xperia 10 VI images online.
  • The images confirm the phone’s design along with a dual rear camera system and a 3.5mm port.

Sony has long offered the Xperia 10 series, generally offering solid if unspectacular mid-range phones. We’re expecting the Xperia 10 VI to launch at some point, and it looks like a trusted leaker has posted a ton of renders.

Evan Blass posted a smorgasbord of official-looking marketing images on X, giving us a good look at the Xperia 10 VI’s design and color options (Black, White, and Lavender). You can view the images below.

iPadOS will support third-party app stores in the EU later this year

iPad Pro 11 M1 back
Credit: Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
  • Apple will support third-party app stores on iPadOS in the EU later this year to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
  • EU-based iPadOS users will also get to opt for third-party, non-WebKit browser engines and be prompted to pick a default web browser.
  • Apple has also tweaked its Core Technology Fee (CTF) policy to avoid bankrupting indie developers and those not making revenue from their apps.

A few days ago, the EU designated iPadOS as a gatekeeper platform, giving Apple six months to comply with the Digital Markets Act. To avoid getting fined or leaving the EU market, the Cupertino firm will comply this fall by allowing third-party app stores on the iPad — likely via the iPadOS 18 update.

Through a post on its developer website, Apple announced that it would bring the EU-exclusive iOS features to iPadOS this fall. These features include support for third-party app stores, app distribution through the web, third-party, non-WebKit browser engines, a default web browser prompt, third-party contactless payments, and more.

VPN not working on your Windows PC? Blame Microsoft.

Microsoft Windows 11 Menu
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • The April security update for Windows has broken VPN functionality, Microsoft confirmed.
  • This issue affects personal and enterprise users running Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2008 or later.

Security updates are critical for modern operating systems, fixing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by bad actors. But it turns out that a recent security update for Windows broke key functionality.

Microsoft has confirmed (h/t: Bleeping Computer) that the April security update for Windows broke VPN functionality. This issue affects Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and newer.

ChatGPT’s alternative to Google Search might arrive on May 9

ChatGPT stock photo 71
Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority
  • Rumors suggest OpenAI may unveil a new search product on May 9.
  • The domain name search.chatgpt.com was recently registered.
  • This new search product might focus on providing AI-powered quick answers.

With the AI war between Google Gemini and Microsoft’s ChatGPT escalating, rumors pointing to a May 9 unveiling of a new ChatGPT-powered web search offering have surfaced, setting the stage for a direct challenge to Google’s search dominance.

A Reddit user spotted the creation of SSL certificates for the domain search.chatgpt.com. We also found a tweet by an AI podcast host reading, “Search (dot) ChatGPT (dot) com May 9th,” hinting at a potential release date. The subdomain mentioned currently displays a cryptic “Not found” message instead of throwing a 404 or domain error, further adding to the speculation.

Massive Sony Xperia 1 VI leak spills the beans on specs, camera, and more

Sony Xperia 1 VI leak
Credit: MSPoweruser
  • A massive leak may have revealed a plethora of new details about the Sony Xperia 1 VI
  • Sony is reportedly streamlining its camera apps into one user-friendly app inspired by Sony’s Alpha series camera.
  • The Xperia 1 VI could run on a Qualcomm 8 Gen 3 processor.

Sony has managed to do a decent job of keeping information about the upcoming Xperia 1 VI from leaking. Until now, we have mostly only heard a handful of details, like the potential dimensions and the camera setup. However, a new report appears to give us a more complete picture of what to expect.

The folks over at MSPoweruser appear to have gotten their hands on new information regarding the Sony Xperia 1 VI. Although no source was given, this leak may reveal details about the camera, audio, design, display, performance, battery life, gaming features, and perks for owners.

Android 14 quietly made multitasking better on tablets

  • When you press Alt+Tab on a keyboard connected to a tablet running Android 14, a small row of apps appears near the top that you can cycle through.
  • This app strip shows you six of your most recent apps.
  • Pressing Alt+Tab on earlier versions of Android would simply bring up the full recents screen, which doesn’t have a visual cue showing which app is selected.

Over the last few years, Google has been hard at work improving the experience of using Android on large-screen devices. It released its first tablet-oriented OS update in years, Android 12L, in early 2022, and every new OS update since has included incremental improvements to the large-screen experience. Last year’s Android 14 release was no different, adding features like an improved taskbar and the ability to force apps to adopt a specific aspect ratio. Although these two changes were added in quarterly feature updates to Android 14, there was one change introduced in Android 14’s initial release that slipped under the radar until now: a revamped Alt+Tab experience.

In Android 13 and earlier, pressing Alt+Tab on a Bluetooth or USB keyboard connected to an Android tablet or other large-screen device would simply bring up Android’s recents screen. While you could cycle through apps by pressing the Tab key while continuing to hold down Alt, there wasn’t a visual cue that showed you which app you selected. Furthermore, quickly pressing Alt+Tab wouldn’t switch to the most recently used app; instead, it would briefly flash the recents screen and then return to the current app. Compared to desktop operating systems, the way Android handled Alt+Tab presses made for a clunky multitasking experience.

A MediaTek-powered premium phone is coming to the US, and we have a hunch about what it could be

MediaTek Dimensity logo at MWC
Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority
  • At an ongoing conference, MediaTek confirmed that its chipset will power a “premium segment” phone in the US this year.
  • While the exact phone remains unknown, a possible OnePlus flip-style foldable seems like a strong contender.

MediaTek is one of the biggest smartphone chip makers, powering an array of mid-range and even some flagship phones internationally. The company recently announced its flagship Dimensity 9300 chipset, which is a worthy rival to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Gen 3 chipset.

However, the company’s flagship offerings have been largely absent from the US market. This may be about to change, with MediaTek hinting at a “premium segment” Android smartphone launch in the US later this year, equipped with a MediaTek chipset. (h/T: 9to5Google)

Turning up the volume: What does Apple Music need to surpass Spotify?

A picture of Apple Music vs Spotify on a OnePlus 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S10e, respectively.
Credit: Lily Katz / Android Authority

If you’re a long-time Android user like me, chances are that you haven’t considered an Apple Music subscription. For over a decade, Spotify and YouTube Music (formerly Google Play Music) have reigned supreme as the de facto music streaming apps.

Spotify, in particular, has amassed a loyal following even though its Premium tier is a standalone subscription service. On the other hand, the Apple One subscription bundles 50GB of iCloud storage with the company’s music and TV streaming services — all of which can be useful even if you’re an Android user. This makes it an excellent deal compared to Spotify’s Individual Premium plan, which costs 60% as much for music alone.

Google Play Store is rolling out a new badge for government-made apps

google play government badges
Credit: Google
  • Google is rolling out a new badge for official state and federal government-made apps.
  • Over 3,000 apps from 12 countries are receiving the badge starting today.
  • The Play Store had previously been testing the feature with a small percentage of users.

Knowing whether an app is legit or not can sometimes be a little tricky. To make it easier to tell, at least for apps made by state and federal governments, the Google Play Store is rolling out a new badge.

Starting today, apps made by state and federal governments are getting a new government badge to help users better identify official apps. The company states that at launch, users will be able to see the badge on over 3,000 government apps from 12 different countries. These countries include:

Circle to Search is starting to roll out on the Pixel Tablet

  • Google’s Circle to Search feature is starting to roll out for some Pixel Tablet users.
  • Google announced in late March that the feature would be coming “soon” to the Pixel Tablet, though it didn’t give an exact launch date.
  • The feature launched on the Galaxy S24, but has since become available on other Samsung and Pixel devices.

Circle to Search is one of the best features that Google has released in years. The company knows it, too, which is why it’s been advertising the feature everywhere. Circle to Search allows you to quickly highlight some text or images on your screen, and it will then search for that info on Google. The company has been slowly rolling out the feature to more and more devices since the original announcement, and now it’s making its way to the company’s Pixel Tablet.

After debuting on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in mid-January, Circle to Search quickly made its way over to the Google Pixel 8 series via a surprise Pixel Feature Drop that very same month. The feature remained exclusive to Google’s and Samsung’s latest flagship phones until late March, which is when Google rolled it out to its own Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. Meanwhile, Samsung rolled out its big Galaxy AI feature update to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series.

Google’s plan is to annoy you relentlessly until you update Messages

Google Messages Prompt To Update
Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
  • Google is rolling out a new way to conduct Google Messages updates.
  • The update notification takes up your entire display and opens every time you start the app.
  • It’s a not-so-subtle way for Google to encourage you to keep Messages up to date.

Keeping your Android apps up to date is important. Not only do updates bring new features, but they also sometimes incorporate new security protocols to keep you and your device safe. However, it looks like Google is now going to take updates very seriously — so seriously that it might just be a huge annoyance.

Let’s take Google Messages updates, for example. For a long time now, if there’s been an update for Messages, you would get a notification about it when you open the app. The notification would take up about half the screen and could be easily closed. Once you close it, that’s it — you wouldn’t get notified about it again until there’s another update.

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Samsung rolls out One UI 6.1 with limited AI features to S21 series and older foldables (Updated)

  • Samsung is rolling out One UI 6.1 to its 2021 and 2022 flagships, including both S-series and Galaxy Z foldables, starting with its home market of South Korea.
  • The update is rolling out to the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3.
  • Other regions are expected to receive the update soon with Galaxy AI features.

Update: May 2, 2024 (12:45 PM ET): As of now, the Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are getting a limited taste of Galaxy AI features. The changelog for these phones mentions only the Circle to Search feature as part of the One UI 6.1 update. The Z Fold 3  seems to be getting many more AI features, including AI-generated wallpapers and Generative AI image editing.


Original article: May 2, 2024 (10:09 AM ET): Galaxy AI features are the hottest new set of features in One UI 6.1, and they played a big part in the Galaxy S24 experience. Samsung has been rolling out One UI 6.1 with Android 14 and Galaxy AI to the Galaxy S23 series, and the update recently reached the Galaxy S22 series. But the company is not done here, as the update has been spotted rolling out to the Galaxy S21 series and several of the company’s previous generation foldables, namely the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3.

Android 15 features: Everything you need to know about confirmed and leaked features

Android 14 was publicly launched with the Pixel 8 series back in October 2023. We’re a few months into the new year, and Google has begun testing the next version of Android, now up to the Android 15 Beta 1.2. This is still only intended for early adopters, but things are coming along.

In this article, we’re going to tell you everything we know (and think we know) about Android 15 so far!

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Take a look underneath the surface of the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI pin

  • The YouTube channel for iFixit performed a teardown of the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin.
  • The video shows that both devices make repairability a pain with difficult to remove batteries.
  • iFixit finds that both devices probably should’ve just been an app.

The first wave of AI devices is here for better or worse depending on your viewpoint of the technology. Regardless of where you stand, the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin do introduce us to a new category of device for the first time in a long time. So you may be wondering just what’s under the hood of this hardware. A new video gives us exactly that answer.

The YouTube channel for iFixit recently released a teardown video of the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin. Just as a bit of background, both devices rely on large language models (LLMs) that run on the cloud for their heavy AI processing. As such, don’t expect to see much inside of these devices outside of what’s needed to make them run.

These are the best new streaming movies this week: Beautiful Rebel, Unfrosted, and more

There is a lot to watch on the various streaming services available in 2024 — sometimes, it almost feels like too much. To simplify things for you, we’ve compiled some of the best new streaming movies to watch that are new this week.

Check out our top picks from major streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and will sometimes even bring you an exciting new VOD movie or two. In addition to the latest movies from this week, we also give you other recommendations for shows that have arrived on a new streaming platform in the last 30 days. 

Helium Mobile, the $20 decentralized mobile network, now offers group plans at same $20 price

Helium Mobile Group Plans Promo Image
Credit: Helium
  • Helium Mobile is rolling out support for group plans.
  • Each line of a group plan has the same $20-per-month cost as an individual plan.
  • Unfortunately, each person added to a group needs to be a new member, although this will change in the future.

Late last year, a young company called Helium Mobile stepped out of early access and into nationwide coverage. The company is a decentralized mobile network, meaning it is designed to work on individually owned and operated nodes rather than traditional cell towers. As a fallback solution, users connect with T-Mobile towers when Wi-Fi and the decentralized network aren’t available.

Helium’s entry to the scene was exciting, but it lacked a core tenet of mobile service: group plans. Today, the company is rectifying that by rolling out group plan support for up to eight lines.

WhatsApp makes Communities more organized with events and announcement replies

WhatsApp logo on smartphone next to everyday accessories Stock photo 4
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • WhatsApp Communities is getting two new features.
  • Users in Communities will be able to plan events directly in the app.
  • Users are now able to respond to announcements from admins.

WhatsApp just got a new update that introduces two new features the company says are meant to bring communities closer together. One of those features is event planning, and the other is replies in Announcement Groups.

In a blog post, the WhatsApp team announced it is rolling out new features for WhatsApp Communities. The first new feature will allow users to plan events directly on the app. This can include occasions like birthdays, dinner parties, or virtual meet-ups. As the firm explains, anybody in the group can set up an event and others can RSVP to make it easier to know who is attending.

Just release it already: Spotify HiFi leaks yet again

Spotify stock photo 1
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Several new prompts and UI elements related to Spotify Hifi were spotted recently, indicating that the feature is still being worked on.
  • Spotify announced Hifi in 2021, but the lossless music feature has not been released yet, even though rivals have offered the same feature for some time now.

Spotify has been staring at an upgrade to lossless music for what feels like ages, but the update has still not arrived. Announced back in September 2021, Spotify HiFi was going to be a new lossless streaming tier launching by the end of 2021. We’re in May 2024, and HiFi is clearly not here. Rumors pointed to a rebrand of HiFi to a $20-a-month “Supremium” plan that would be an upgrade over Spotify Premium, but we’re not there either. If you are still hopefully holding onto the dream of lossless audio from Spotify, Spotify HiFi continues to be spotted in UI leaks, indicating that it’s still alive.

Redditor OhItsTom has shared screenshots that show a few dialog prompts and system settings related to Spotify HiFi. The HiFi feature is not available yet, but some of the UI elements could be forcefully surfaced.

Another day, another streaming service gets a price hike

Crunchyroll stock image
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
  • Anime-focused streaming service Crunchyroll has announced its first price hike since 2019.
  • The price increase affects its middle and top tiers in several countries, including the US.
  • Thankfully, the entry-level plan is still $7.99 a month.

We’ve seen a ton of streaming services institute price increases in the past few years, with the likes of Disney Plus, Netflix, and Hulu all hiking subscription fees. The anime-focused Crunchyroll has resisted this urge since 2019, but all good things must come to an end.

Crunchyroll has announced a price increase on its website this week (h/t: The Verge), affecting its middle and top tiers in “Argentina, Colombia, France, Portugal, the United States and select additional countries.”

iOS 17.5’s ‘Repair State’ feature may let you track your iPhone during repairs

Apple Find My logo on smartphone next to AirTag Stock photo 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • iOS 17.5 beta 4 includes a new Repair State feature that allows users to keep Find My enabled when sending in an iPhone for repairs.
  • The feature is currently in beta, so there’s a small chance it won’t make it to the stable release when it launches later this month.
  • We advise iOS beta users not to enable the Repair State feature on their iPhones, as there’s currently no way to turn it off.

For a long time, Apple has required users to turn off Find My before sending in their iPhones for repairs. That’s to ensure that the device isn’t stolen and that the customer is its legitimate owner. However, that practice poses a serious risk, as sometimes these iPhones get stolen in transit. To address users’ concerns, Apple is developing a new Repair State feature for the latest iPhone.

As per a 9to5Mac report, iOS 17.5 beta 4 includes a new Repair State feature in the iPhone’s Find My app. This addition is currently exclusive to iOS, so those on the latest iPadOS and macOS betas won’t be able to utilize it. Through Repair State, a user can verify that they’re the owner of the iPhone without disabling Find My. In essence, you’re just proving that the iPhone is yours without disabling Find My tracking features and the Activation Lock, so you can continue monitoring your iPhone’s location during the repair.

Galaxy S22 phones are now starting to get One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI

Samsung Galaxy S22 display on cushion
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • Samsung has quietly pushed the One UI 6.1 update to the Galaxy S22 series in Korea.
  • The update brings Galaxy AI features to the company’s 2022 flagship phones.
  • We’re guessing a wider release can’t be far away now.

The Galaxy S24 series launched with a variety of Galaxy AI features. We’ve already seen most of these features come to the Galaxy S23 series and several other flagship phones as part of the One UI 6.1 update, but it looks like the Galaxy S22 series is next in line.

Galaxy S22 owners in Korea have confirmed that Samsung has pushed the One UI 6.1 update to their phones (h/t: Tarun Vats), weighing in at 3.1GB. Check out the machine-translated screenshots below.

Bitwarden launches its own free and open-source Authenticator app

bitwarden 1
Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority
  • The makers of Bitwarden Password Manager have launched Bitwarden Authenticator.
  • Bitwarden Authenticator is a two-factor authentication app that serves TOTP codes.
  • This is a standalone app, but integration with Bitwarden Password Manager is planned for the future.

Even though passkeys are the future of passwords, you likely still use a good old password on hundreds of logins that haven’t yet begun supporting passkeys. You likely still have hundreds of passwords for websites that you’ve signed in to over the years, and apps like Bitwarden are our top Android app choice for the simple reason that they help you manage all of your passwords and do it while being free and open-source. Bitwarden is back with another free and open-source app, this time to serve your 2FA needs.

Bitwarden Authenticator has just been launched by Bitwarden Inc. (h/t Artem Russakovskii). As the name suggests, it is an authenticator app for generating Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) authentication codes for two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is advised for all important accounts, even if you use a passkey or a complex password, as it adds an extra layer of security.

More Spotify users will now have to pay for lyrics

Spotify on mobile
Credit: Tech Team / Android Authority
  • Spotify started testing paywalled lyrics with a limited number of accounts back in September, pushing free users to upgrade to Premium.
  • This change appears to be rolling out widely now, as many free users have complained about the matter for the past few days.
  • YouTube Music has arguably become a better music streaming platform for users seeking free access with fewer limitations.

Last September, Spotify restricted some free users from accessing its lyrics feature as part of an A/B experiment. After months of testing, it now appears that the company is rolling out this new restriction widely. Those wanting to view song lyrics while listening must now pay for Spotify Premium.

In the past few days, multiple Redditors (1, 2, 3, 4) have voiced their frustration regarding Spotify’s latest limitation. What was a free feature for years now requires users to pay a monthly fee.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 problems and how to fix them

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is one of the best Android foldables around, with impressive improvements from its predecessor, including a redesigned hinge and a more durable build. However, like any phone, the latest Samsung foldable suffers from its fair share of bugs and glitches. We look at some common Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 problems and how to fix them.


Problem #1: Delayed notifications

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 app drawer

Google Pixel 8a rumors: Expected release date and what we know so far

Update: May 2, 2024 (04:50 AM ET): We’ve updated our Google Pixel 8a hub with the latest leaks, including leaked screenshots confirming specs, a super-long update policy, and more.


Google launched its first A-series phone in 2019 with the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. At the time, those were some of the best Android phones you could get for the price. Since then, Google has released a new A-series Pixel every year. We are now only a few days away from the expected announcement of the Pixel 8a.

Who needs the Galaxy Store? Samsung Good Lock is now on the Play Store

Samsung Good Lock 2021 Splash
Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority
  • Samsung has listed its Good Lock app on the Google Play Store.
  • That would be a major change as Good Lock has been restricted to the Galaxy Store since the beginning.

Samsung’s Good Lock suite of modules is one of the best reasons to buy Galaxy phones, allowing you to deeply customize your device. Unfortunately, the apps are only available via the Galaxy Store, but that’s changing today.

X user Litto Biju Pappachan (h/t: Tarun Vats) spotted Good Lock on the Google Play Store. We can confirm seeing this listing, but we’re unable to download it just yet. That suggests the suite isn’t widely available just yet, although the X user also posted a screenshot suggesting that it’s available as a preview to some.

Who needs a Pixel 8a launch event after this huge leak?

Google Pixel 8a and cases by Evan Blass
  • A trusted leaker has posted a bunch of screenshots showing off a Pixel 8a product page.
  • The screenshots confirm seven years of updates, as well as a host of Pixel 8 series features.

The Google Pixel 8a is expected to launch this month, but we’ve already seen a ton of leaks so far. However, a long-time leaker has just dropped perhaps the biggest info dump yet.

Evan Blass posted a ton of screenshots from an apparent Pixel 8a product page. The images include machine-translated text overlaid on them, giving us a good (but not perfect) idea of what to expect. Check them out below.

HUAWEI Pura 70 series launches globally: Best camera phone contenders?

  • HUAWEI has launched the Pura 70 series of phones in global markets.
  • The Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, and Pura 70 Ultra are launching outside China.
  • Expect to pay ~$1,605 for the Pura 70 Ultra.

HUAWEI launched the Pura 70 series in China a few weeks ago, but it turns out we didn’t have to wait too long to get these camera phones in global markets.

The manufacturer has launched three out of the four Pura 70 series phones outside China, with the Pura 70 Pro Plus being the sole China-only phone. Otherwise, global users can choose between the Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, and Pura 70 Ultra.

Chromecast killer? Walmart’s leaked 4K box could be the ultimate streaming device

walmart onn 4k android tv box
Credit: Walmart
  • YouTuber SuperDell-TV got his hands on Walmart’s unreleased Onn 4K Pro Google TV box.
  • The leaked device features powerful specs, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, and hands-free functionality.
  • While Walmart hasn’t officially announced the Onn 4K Pro, its price could be around $50.

Google’s I/O conference might bring a new Chromecast with Google TV, but Walmart could steal the spotlight this year with a surprise contender, the Onn 4K Pro Google TV box.

YouTuber SuperDell-TV got his hands on Walmart’s upcoming streaming device, and the sneak peek reveals a fresh design, better specs, and a competitive price that could give Google a run for its money. (h/t: Android Police)

AT&T will now let you pay to skip the wireless waiting line

ATT logo stock image 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • AT&T has launched a new service called AT&T Turbo that allows customers to pay extra for prioritized data.
  • It aims to provide faster speeds and reduced lag, particularly in congested areas or during peak traffic times.
  • AT&T Turbo is available as a $7 per month add-on for eligible plans.

AT&T has announced a new service called AT&T Turbo, allowing customers to pay for prioritized data on their wireless connections. Launching on May 2, the feature is designed to enhance the experience of real-time activities such as gaming, live video streaming, and video calls, especially in congested network situations.

By subscribing to Turbo, AT&T customers gain network priority when network traffic is high. This could translate to significant benefits in crowded areas like sporting events, where many people vying for bandwidth can lead to slower speeds. Turbo users would theoretically experience less lag, buffering, and faster connectivity compared to standard AT&T customers.

T-Mobile brings Mint Mobile into the fold, here’s what it means for you

T Mobile Mint Mobile
Credit: T-Mobile
  • Mint Mobile is now officially part of T-Mobile.
  • The carrier says it will continue offering Mint Mobile’s $15 plan.
  • Customers are also getting a couple of new benefits.

On April 26, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved T-Mobile’s acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation, the parent company of Mint Mobile. The carrier has now completed the deal and it will bring a couple of new benefits to Mint Mobile customers.

Today, T-Mobile published a press release announcing that Ka’ena Corporation is now officially part of its business. Along with the acquisition, the Un-carrier brings Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Plum under its wing.

Fossil’s Wear OS watches hit rock bottom prices before going extinct

fossil gen 6 wellness and fossil gen 6 wellness
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • Fossil is holding a massive sale on its Wear OS smartwatches.
  • Originally priced around $300, these watches are now being sold for a mere $79 each.
  • Fossil had previously announced its exit from the smartwatch market.

Fossil’s smartwatch era is officially extinct. After announcing its departure from the smartwatch scene earlier this year, the company is now practically offering its remaining Wear OS watches at prices that would make even a T-Rex wince. The sale, first spotted by Droid-Life, is currently live on Fossil’s website and includes multiple variants of the Fossil Gen 6, Gen 6 Wellness Edition, Gen 6 Wellness Edition Hybrid, Gen 6 Hybrid, and Gen 5E smartwatches.

Fossil’s smartwatch journey started with hybrid models, but it eventually transitioned to full-fledged Wear OS devices. All of Fossil’s Gen 6 Wear OS models currently on sale were originally priced around $300. While Fossil managed to carve out a niche for itself, its smartwatches often fell short of competitors in terms of features, fitness tracking, and overall value. However, at this firesale price, we have to admit that these watches have become a much more tempting proposition.

Nothing Phone 2a’s latest update brings ChatGPT integration

Nothing Phone 2a glyph timer
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • The Nothing Phone 2a is getting a new update.
  • The latest update introduces ChatGPT integration, like starting a voice conversation with ChatGPT from the the Nothing X app.
  • The update also introduces a number of fixes and optimizations.

When it comes to updates, Nothing has been on the ball with the Phone 2a. In fact, the handset received three updates just one month in April. Now the Nothing Phone 2a is getting another one, with the key highlight being ChatGPT integration.

Nothing announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Nothing OS 2.5.5 has rolled out to the Phone 2a. With that update, owners will get a handful of new ChatGPT features including:

The Rabbit R1 has Android 13 under the hood

rabbit r1 sim tray and usb port
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • We now have evidence proving the Rabbit R1 is running Android 13.
  • This means the device could run other Android apps outside of the “Rabbit OS” app that currently controls the R1.
  • The weak processor in the R1, though, would prevent it from doing much.

Yesterday, we broke the news that the software that allows you to control the AI-first Rabbit R1 device is actually just an Android APK — essentially a proprietary launcher. We even showed you the app running on a Pixel with minimal hacking necessary to get it on there. This heavily suggested that the Rabbit R1 is just an Android device running some form of AOSP, but we couldn’t fully prove it at the time.

Today, though, we can confirm that the R1 is specifically running Android 13, the 2022 version of the operating system. We obtained this from Mishaal Rahman, a frequent contributor to Android Authority. Rahman posted the confirmation on his various social channels:

Google Photos will soon allow you to back up all new folders if you want (APK teardown)

Google Photos app with photo stack edited
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
  • Google is working on a feature in the Photos app that will automatically back up newly created folders.
  • The feature will appear as an on/off toggle in the Device folder settings.
  • This feature was found in version 6.81.0.628906483 of the Google Photos app.

When using the Google Photos app, you can choose whether you want to back up a folder or not. The problem is, however, this has to be done manually for each folder you want to be saved in the cloud. But if you wish this could be done automatically, you may soon get your wish.

Android Authority discovered that the latest version of the Google Photos app (v6.81.0.628906483) appears to introduce a new “Back up new folders” feature. The feature appears as an on/off toggle and is accompanied by a description that reads “Automatically turn on backup when a new folder is added.”

The next Apple Watch Ultra may have ‘almost no’ hardware upgrades

An Apple Watch Ultra user controls music playback in the Spotify app.
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
  • Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says there will be an Apple Watch Ultra update this year.
  • However, the new smartwatch will have almost no hardware upgrades.

When the Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched last year, it was more of an evolution than a revolution with a few hardware improvements here and there. And it sounds as if the next iteration of Apple’s Ultra smartwatch could be even less of an advancement.

There were suspicions that Apple would forego releasing a new Apple Watch Ultra in 2024. However, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has told MacRumors that the tech giant does plan to update the series this year. But if you were hoping for big improvements, you’re probably going to be let down. Kuo adds that the new smartwatch will have “almost no” hardware upgrades compared to the previous generation.

iOS 18 may finally get the Calendar and Reminders apps to talk to each other

iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island small island
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 will reportedly allow iPhone users to view and create reminders directly from the Apple Calendar app.
  • Reminders created in the Calendar app would still be accessible from the dedicated Reminders app.
  • Along with the Reminders integration, the Calendar app on iOS 18 is expected to feature some design changes.

If you’ve actively used Apple’s productivity suite on an iPhone, then you’re probably familiar with how disconnected the Calendar and Reminders apps are. The two applications pretty much don’t communicate at all, making it tough for users to view their full day-to-day plans without opting for third-party solutions. Fortunately, that could all change with iOS 18, as the update will reportedly integrate Reminders into Calendar.

According to information obtained by AppleInsider, iOS 18 may allow users to create and view reminders using the Apple Calendar app. This would enable users to browse a more comprehensive hub that bundles Calendar events and Reminders tasks in a single spot.

Wallpaper Wednesday: More great phone wallpapers for all to share (May 1)

Welcome to Wallpaper Wednesday! In this weekly roundup, we’ll give you a handful of Android wallpapers you can download and use on your phone, tablet, or even your laptop/PC. The images will come from folks here at Android Authority as well as our readers. All are free to use and come without watermarks. File formats are JPG and PNG, and we’ll provide images in both landscape and portrait modes, so they’ll be optimized for various screens.

For the newest walls as well as all the ones from previous weeks, check out this Drive link. Want to submit your own? Head to the bottom of this article.


Wallpaper Wednesday: May 1, 2024

Another week, another set of awesome Android wallpapers for you to share! Remember that we are always looking for submissions from our readers. Head to the bottom of this article to find out how you could have one of your images featured in an upcoming Wallpaper Wednesday!

Amazon deal shaves $100 off the Fitbit Sense 2

Whether the upcoming summer is going to be more about the fitness journey or the social scene for you, the Fitbit Sense 2 would make a fine wrist adornment. Its $300 retail price puts it beyond a lot of people’s smartwatch budget, but it’s a different prospect today. A $100 price drop on Amazon has taken the wearable back to its all-time low price for the first time in months.

Fitbit Sense 2 for $199.95 ($100 off)

This Ultra flagship could be a telephoto beast with a 200MP periscope camera

Vivo X100 Ultra and vivo X100S
  • Vivo’s upcoming X100 Ultra flagship could feature a 200MP periscope camera, possibly enabling 200x digital zoom. Practical benefits could be more visible with pixel-binned hybrid zoom.
  • Other phone specifications could include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a 50MP front camera, a 50MP primary camera, a 5,500mAh battery, and 80W wired charging.
  • The phone is expected to launch in China this month and could also feature satellite communication tech in the highest variant.

Different smartphones take different approaches to photography, but Android’s Ultra flagships usually try to pack in every possible upgrade to try and become the best camera flagship. With primary camera upgrades plateauing after a point, we’re seeing more and more companies focus on telephoto cameras as the next big upgrade. Samsung opts to include two telephoto cameras on its Galaxy S24 Ultra flagship for two different optical zoom setups, while other companies are using periscope zoom on a higher megapixel sensor, opting for hybrid zoom instead of just optical or digital. This upcoming Ultra flagship on the block could take it to the next level, pairing a 200MP sensor with a periscope zoom lens for the best telephoto zoom experience.

The vivo X100 Ultra flagship is slated for its home market this May, and renders of the device have just emerged on Weibo.

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