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Instead of designing more durable phones, Google is designing Pixels with cases in mind

otterbox symmetry case google pixel 8 pro
Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority
  • In an interview, one of the leads on the Pixel team said the company designs Pixel phones specifically with cases in mind.
  • “90% of people use cases,” said Claude Zellweger. “We’ve begun to design the product with the case together from the beginning.”
  • Interestingly, Zellweger does not mention designing phones to simply be more durable without a case.

It’s a well-known fact that the majority of smartphone owners use a protective case of some kind. While some cases offer added functionality — such as a kickstand, a place to store credit cards, or magnetic charging — the number one reason people use cases is that phones are made of glass and break easily.

In a new interview with Inverse, Google Pixel design lead Claude Zellweger discussed how the company approaches phone design, specifically regarding case usage. Interestingly, Zellweger admits that, starting with the Pixel 8 series, Google has started designing phones with case usage in mind from the beginning.

I struggled through a whole day with the Rabbit R1 so you don’t have to — here’s how it went

By now, you’ve probably seen the Rabbit R1 — the $199, bright orange, AI-powered companion gadget — all over the internet. It’s been making waves for its retro-inspired design, reasonably approachable price tag (with one colossal asterisk), and its vaunted ability to quickly answer straightforward questions. Unfortunately, you’ve probably also seen almost every reviewer under the sun roasting the Teenage Engineering-designed companion for its limited set of day-one features, app integrations that only work with a healthy dose of luck, and its tendency to get the more complicated queries completely wrong.

So, which version of the Rabbit R1 is real, and which would vanish when put into a magician’s hat? Is it a capable AI companion powered by a cloud-based “Large Action Model,” or is it just specialized hardware for a platform that should be an app (and, in some ways, provably already is)? Let’s find out!

Apple and OpenAI closing in on deal for ChatGPT in iOS

Apple Logo EOY 2020
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • According to a trusted industry analyst, Apple and OpenAI could be finalizing a deal to bring ChatGPT features to iOS.
  • It is unclear if Apple’s AI features based on its own LLM would debut on iOS alongside OpenAI features.
  • Meanwhile, a separate negotiation with Google to bring Gemini features to iOS is still ongoing.

Over the past six months, Google has been hitting Gemini hard. It seems Gemini is now in everything Google does, including the Android operating system, the most popular mobile OS in the world. Meanwhile, Apple hasn’t done that much at all with generative AI and large language models (LLM). All signs point to that changing very soon — just not through Apple itself.

Over the past few months, we’ve learned that Apple has been in discussions with both Google and OpenAI (which owns ChatGPT) about using their respective LLMs to power future features coming to iOS. Now, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s deal with OpenAI might be close to finalized.

A budget Pixel phone is an oxymoron in 2024

Google Pixel 8a v Pixel 7a
Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority

Google has made its bed and must now lie in it: There is no such thing as a budget Pixel anymore.

Looking at the new Pixel 8a, a few things regarding Google’s strategy and priorities became abundantly clear to me. The definition of a “Pixel phone” has evolved, and with it, the feasibility of a budget phone that fits this new vision. Let me explain.

These are the best new streaming shows this week: Bodkin, Blood of Zeus, and more

We have an exciting list of shows for you, from supernatural Korean dramas and reality television revolving around strange houses to spooky true-crime dramas set in coastal Ireland. Get ready to explore brand-new shows and returning titles as we answer the question: What are the new streaming shows this week? And where can we watch them?

This list is updated every week, so you never run out of binge-worthy options for the weekend. 

Xiaomi Mi Band 9 wishlist: All the features I want to see

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (a.k.a. the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 in Europe) has an incredibly long list of features considering it costs under $50, which we currently recommend for budget shoppers in our best fitness tracker guide. Every year the next Mi Band arrives bringing further refinements to the series, often delivering features previously reserved for much more expensive devices. Although we still have plenty of time before a new model, here’s my wishlist for what I’d like to see next year from the Xiaomi Mi Band 9.

A hardware back button

The Mi Band 8’s entire UI is navigated through touch, which can be a bit tricky with such a small display. I’d wager this is mostly about cutting costs, but it’s also likely at least a little bit about sticking with the Mi Band’s very barebones, minimalist philosophy. Still, a physical back button would make navigating the UI significantly easier, even if it might add a tiny bit of bulk over the current model and would clutter up the design slightly.

The Pixel Watch’s battery full notification has mysteriously disappeared

Google Pixel Watch 2 charging
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
  • The Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 send a notification to your phone once it is done charging.
  • Users are reporting that they are no longer seeing this fully charged notification.
  • Some are even saying that they never had the feature in the first place.

Back in November 2023, Google quietly rolled out a feature to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. The feature would tell an owner that their smartwatch was done charging via phone notification. It was a highly requested feature, which is why its seemingly sudden disappearance is so unfortunate.

Some Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 owners have started to notice they are no longer receiving the battery full notification. One of our own writers also reports that they have not seen the notification in the last few weeks. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even an entire thread on Google’s community page full of owners who claim the same or report never seeing the notification in the first place.

Google just patched a zero-day Chrome exploit, update your browser asap

Google Chrome running on a Windows laptop stock photo (4)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • A zero-day exploit was discovered in Chrome and has now been patched.
  • The security vulnerability appears to be a “user after free” flaw.
  • The fix is currently available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

If you’re someone who uses Google Chrome as your browser of choice, or a Chromium-based browser, you’ll want to make sure you’re running on the latest update. Google has just released a patch that fixes a serious zero-day vulnerability.

First reported by Bleeping Computer, Google has released a note about a stable channel update for Chrome. The note in question says that the company is “aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-4671 exists in the wild.” This vulnerability is a high-severity issue that has been classified as a “user after free” vulnerability.

Walmart confirms its ‘Pro’ Google TV streamer is landing this month

Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Box and remote
Credit: Walmart
  • Walmart confirmed its new 4K Google TV streaming box will launch this month.
  • The Onn Pro will go on sale for $49.88.

Details about Walmart’s new 4K Google TV streaming box first emerged just last month after a listing was spotted on the Bluetooth SIG website. Since then, some people have already managed to get their hands on the device early. Now Walmart has confirmed a launch window for the Onn Pro.

In a statement to 9to5Google, Walmart revealed it will be launching the Onn Pro soon. No exact date was given, but the company did say that the device will be available to everyone “this month.” It was also confirmed that the streaming box will go on sale for $49.88.

Windows 11’s Start Menu could soon get even busier with floating widgets

Windows 11 Logo
Credit: Microsoft
  • Microsoft is testing Start Menu Companions on the latest Windows 11 beta build.
  • These are apps that provide Adaptive Cards that will be displayed on the left or right of the Start Menu.
  • These cards are web-centric, much like desktop widgets.

Everyone seems to have a love-hate relationship with Windows. The newer versions of Windows are quite nice, but Microsoft has the habit of overdoing things often and spoiling a good thing, like the forced Copilot integration. Microsoft seems to be testing some new changes for the Windows 11 Start Menu, mainly by adding in floating widgets, in case you didn’t already have some elsewhere on your desktop.

X user Albacore spotted support for “Start Menu Companions” on Windows 11 beta, build 26212 (h/t The Verge). As the leaker describes, these companions are apps that provide Adaptive Cards that display on a floating island alongside the Start Menu.

Samsung’s One UI 6.1 update comes to the Galaxy S22 and more in the US

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Galaxy S22 Plus camera module green on green
Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority
  • Samsung is rolling out One UI 6.1 to the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Tab S8 series.
  • The update is available in the US and around the globe.
  • The 2022 devices will get Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Chat Assist, Interpreter, and more.

Samsung initially started rolling out One UI 6.1 to the Galaxy S22 series and its 2022 foldables at the beginning of the month. However, it ended up pausing the release after noticing some issues. But as they say, second time’s the charm, as the tech giant has restarted the rollout.

In a blog post, Samsung announced it has begun pushing out One UI 6.1 to the Galaxy S22 series, Fold 4, Flip 4, and Tab S8 series. The update is arriving for device owners in the US and several countries around the globe.

Oura Ring can now tell you your heart’s true age and your cardio capacity

A user holds and Oura Ring 3 between two fingers, displaying the devices sensors.
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
  • Oura Ring is adding support for cardiovascular age and cardio capacity.
  • Cardiovascular age collects 14 days of data to tell you how your heart health aligns with your chronological age.
  • Cardio capacity measures your cardiovascular and respiratory system health.

The Oura Ring can already measure a wide range of heart-related health factors like your heart rate variability and workout heart rate. Now the company is adding two new features that can tell you how old your heart really is and how to optimize your respiratory system to improve long-term heart health.

Oura has announced today that its smart ring will soon be able to measure cardiovascular age and cardio capacity. The aim of these two features is to allow users to check their cardiovascular health status and take proactive measures.

Google Messages’ text editing feature is live for beta users, and it could come to you soon

Google Messages logo on smartphone laying on table (2)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Google is working on a sent text editing feature for Google Messages, which would allow you to easily edit any message sent within the last few minutes.
  • The edited message will show the original message in the message details.
  • The feature is now available to beta users, indicating that it could be rolled out to users on the stable branch very soon.

Google has several messaging apps, but the Google Messages app is and remains one of the best texting apps for Android. Many of us use it for our SMS and RCS needs, and it gets the job done without a lot of fuss. Google was spotted working on a message editing feature for Google Messages in February, which now seems to be rolling out to beta users.

X user Jhowkira2000 mentions (via AssembleDebug on X) that Google Messages’ message editing feature is now available on some of their devices on the beta track.

The Pixel 8a is the best of the Google Pixel A series, and the worst of it

The Google Pixel 8a is here after months of rumors and leaks. On paper, this is the most impressive Pixel A series Google has released to date and one of the best mid-range Android phones available to buy today. And at a time when other startups are rushing to release half-baked AI hardware, it’s refreshing to see a phone made for normal people that works the way it’s supposed to and without breaking the bank.

But there’s something utterly ‘uninteresting’ about the Pixel 8a, despite how good it is. Just look at its announcement: It came without any fanfare from Google. No press conference, just a blog post. The company didn’t dedicate a 15-minute chunk of its yearly Google I/O presentation to announce this latest budget entry. Even if this phone is supposed to bring Google’s Android vision to the masses, it’s almost as if the Pixel 8a is insignificant in Google’s eyes — at least when compared to the bigger AI picture looming in the background.

OnePlus 13 rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

Update: May 10, 2024 (06:05 AM ET): We’ve updated the OnePlus 13 rumor hub with an early outline depicting the phone’s rear camera placement.


Original article: April 24, 2024 (5:17 AM ET): The OnePlus 12 launched globally back in January, but we’ve already seen some OnePlus 13 leaks and rumors start to trickle in. So what do we know about the upcoming flagship phone? Read on to find out all the major details and leaks we’ve managed to gather.

Microsoft says its Play Store rival launches in July, won’t be an app

blu g90 pro review preinstalled apps bloatware candy crush soda
Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
  • Microsoft has announced plans to launch a mobile games store in July.
  • This will be a web-based store that initially launches with Microsoft’s own games.

Microsoft has long stated its intention to build a mobile app store as an alternative to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It turns out we won’t have to wait too long to see this storefront launching.

Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed during the Bloomberg Technology Summit that Microsoft would launch a mobile game store in July. The store would launch with Microsoft’s own games before later opening up to other publishers. Microsoft will also offer discounted in-game items for titles like Candy Crush.

How to fix pictures not showing on Google Chrome

Have you opened a website on Google Chrome to find that no images appear on the page? Of course, the website might be the issue and have broken images. A quick way to check if that’s the case is to open the site on another browser. But if the problem isn’t limited to a single site, the Google Chrome browser might be at fault. Here’s how to fix pictures not showing on Google Chrome.

Read more: How to change the search engine on Chrome

The OnePlus 13 and 13R’s camera islands could look like this

OnePlus 12R vs. OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12R (left) looks very similar to the more expensive OnePlus 12 (right).
Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority
  • A new leaked outline of the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R shows off the rear camera deco for both phones.
  • The OnePlus 13 could retain the same camera setup as the 12 but move the camera island to the center.
  • The specs of the 13R’s cameras have not leaked, but the setup could ditch the circular camera island and adopt a square deco.

OnePlus is having a good run with the OnePlus 12, considered one of the best Android flagships this year. But that doesn’t stop the rumor mills from working their way up to the OnePlus 13, which is expected to launch in China at the end of this year if OnePlus follows its own tradition. A new leak is giving us a very early look at the rear camera island outline for the OnePlus 13 and the OnePlus 13R.

Leaker Yogesh Brar has shared an outline of what the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R could look like. The caveat here is that these are still based on very early development prototypes. Hence, there will remain a probability that OnePlus could decide to make some substantial changes to the final products.

Apple says sorry after poorly received iPad Pro ad ‘missed the mark’

A frame from the iPad Pro M4 ad featuring artist equipments being crushed.
Credit: Apple
  • Apple has apologized for a new iPad Pro video ad it posted online.
  • The ad shows a hydraulic press crushing musical instruments, camera lenses, and more.
  • The company acknowledged that it “missed the mark” with this video.

Apple released a controversial video ad for the iPad Pro this week, showing a variety of objects being crushed by a hydraulic press. Now, the company has reportedly apologized for the spot and confirmed it won’t be running the ad on TV.

The ad showed everything from a piano and record player to an arcade cabinet and DSLR camera lenses being crushed. An iPad Pro emerged once the hydraulic press was raised. The video drew a negative response from many internet users, particularly creators. Some users felt that Apple was effectively crushing symbols of human creativity, while others drew unfavorable comparisons to Apple’s acclaimed 1984 ad.

New update incoming for Samsung Galaxy S24 series!

Samsung Galaxy S24 Family 7

Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority
  • The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is now getting the May security update.
  • It fixes 45 security vulnerabilities in Galaxy devices.
  • The update is now rolling out in the US and Europe.

Folks using a Samsung Galaxy S24 series phone — there’s a new update heading your way. The company has started pushing out the May update for the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra in the US and Europe.

OpenAI may have a ChatGPT surprise planned just before Google I/O 2024

ChatGPT stock photo 12

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • OpenAI is now expected to launch its ChatGPT-powered search engine on May 13.
  • If the information is accurate, the new service might end up eclipsing Google’s big I/O 2024 announcements on May 14.

OpenAI has been brewing up a new Google Search competitor, as per reports. The ChatGPT-powered search engine was previously expected to launch on May 9, but it looks like the company now wants to one-up Google’s all-important announcements next week.

Telecom consolidation continues: T-Mobile and Verizon eye US Cellular next

UScellular MVNO carrier stock photo 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • T-Mobile and Verizon are reportedly in talks to acquire US Cellular in separate deals.
  • T-Mobile is already nearing a $2 billion deal for a significant portion of US Cellular.
  • Verizon’s negotiations for the purchase of the remaining US Cellular assets are in an earlier stage.

Industry giants T-Mobile and Verizon are in discussions to purchase separate portions of regional carrier US Cellular, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

Sources close to the negotiations state that T-Mobile is already nearing the finalization of a $2 billion deal for a significant part of US Cellular. Simultaneously, Verizon is considering a purchase of the remaining assets, although discussions remain less advanced.

Google’s Find My Device network quietly rolls out to some outside North America

  • Last month, Google announced that its Find My Device network was rolling out to Android devices globally, starting with the US and Canada.
  • Over the past few days, some users outside North America reported being able to opt into the Find My Device network.
  • This signals a wider global rollout may be imminent, possibly coinciding with next week’s Google I/O event.

When Google launched its Find My Device network last month, it mentioned that it was rolling out to Android devices globally, starting in the United States and Canada. It’s understandable that Google is staggering the rollout of a feature as significant as the Find My Device network since it needs some buffer time to catch any bugs that pop up before the rollout reaches a critical mass. But it’s also disappointing since it means that power users outside of the US and Canada — like many Android Authority readers — must wait even longer to get a feature they’ve already been waiting on for nearly a year. Thankfully, though, it appears that Google is finally starting to roll out the Find My Device network outside of North America, at least to some users.

If you haven’t heard, Google first announced the Find My Device network all the way back in May 2023 during that year’s I/O developer conference. Before the launch of the Find My Device network, devices needed to self-report their location to Google’s Find My Device service. That meant lost offline devices could only be located by their last known location. The Find My Device network, on the other hand, allows lost devices to be located even if they’re offline. This is possible because billions of Android devices can report each others’ locations.

ASUS teases ROG Ally X with major battery upgrades and revamped UI

ASUS ROG Ally Hollow Knight
Credit: Nick Fernandez / Android Authority
  • ROG Ally X, the upgrade to the ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld, will launch on June 2.
  • The Ally X focuses on addressing battery life concerns, along with increased RAM and potential design tweaks.
  • A revamped Armory Crate SE software is also coming, promising a cleaner interface and better customization.

Just about a year after its initial foray into the Windows handheld gaming space, ASUS is revving up for an upgraded successor to the ROG Ally. The company dropped a YouTube video titled “The next ROG Ally is coming” today, hinting at some major upgrades, with additional details confirmed in an interview with The Verge.

The ROG Ally X isn’t a next-gen upgrade to the original, but it directly addresses key areas where users wanted more from the ROG handheld. While it will retain the same AMD Z1 Extreme chipset and 7-inch VRR screen as the Ally, it directly addresses many of its pain points.

Google’s Pixel 6 series appears to miss out on Bluetooth LE Audio support

  • The Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a don’t seem to support Bluetooth LE Audio, the standard that defines audio streaming over Bluetooth Low Energy.
  • Bluetooth LE Audio enables lower latency, higher quality audio streaming via the LC3 codec, as compared to the standard SBC codec used by Bluetooth Classic Audio.
  • By missing out on Bluetooth LE Audio support, the Pixel 6 series will also miss out on Android 15’s new audio streaming feature, which is based on Auracast.

Although Bluetooth LE Audio was announced at the beginning of 2020, there still aren’t that many audio products on the market that support it. In 2024, though, we’re finally seeing many audio products come on the market with LE Audio support either out of the box or soon in a future update. However, to actually take advantage of LE Audio’s numerous benefits and new features, you need to own a mobile device or PC that supports the standard. Unfortunately, if you own a Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Pixel 6a, then you may need to upgrade your phone entirely to use Bluetooth LE Audio.

When you connect your phone to a pair of wireless earbuds, the source device (your phone) and the sink device (your wireless earbuds) establish a connection via their Bluetooth radios. During the pairing process, the devices negotiate to find out what profiles they both support. These profiles define how the two devices exchange data. The profile typically used for streaming audio from the source to the sink device over Bluetooth is called the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). The exact codec that’s used to store the audio data that’s transmitted between the two devices depends on what codecs both devices support, but at a minimum, both devices must support the low-complexity subband codec (SBC).

T-Mobile delays free internet loophole fix after running into a problem

T Mobile logo on smartphone (3)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • T-Mobile was planning to roll out address verification for existing Home Internet subscribers on May 8.
  • The company has now delayed those plans for “later this year.”
  • It has also delayed the launch of its new Away plan.

After discovering that its customers were taking advantage of a loophole to access its Home Internet service while traveling, T-Mobile announced a fix would be coming. The fix was scheduled to roll out on May 8, but the company has now postponed it.

On May 8, it was expected that T-Mobile would send out notifications to Home Internet subscribers announcing a crackdown on using the service while on the go. Specifically, the crackdown would enforce address verification on gateways, so customers would no longer be able to take their 5G gateway with them on travel to access free internet without penalty. As an alternative, the company was planning to offer a new Away plan for those who are frequently on the road.

The Pixel 8a will soon support display output over USB-C

  • Out of the box, the Pixel 8a won’t support mirroring its display when you connect it to an external monitor.
  • However, in the upcoming June update, Google will add support for display output over USB-C.
  • This capability will also come to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro soon.

Since its inception, the Pixel lineup has omitted display output as a feature for reasons on which we can only speculate. However, Google finally changed gears with its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones, which have hardware support for display output via their USB-C ports. Neither phone in the Pixel 8 series launched with display output enabled out of the box, though. Instead, Google quietly enabled display output on the Pixel 8 in an Android beta update. Similarly, Google’s brand new Pixel 8a smartphone doesn’t ship with display output enabled out of the box, but this feature will likely be coming in next month’s software update.

The Google Pixel 8a, like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chipset. Thus, it’s no surprise that all three phones share a lot of internal components, such as their USB controller. Although Google wired up the USB-C port on all three phones at the factory to support sending a DisplayPort Alternate Mode signal over a connected USB-C cable, the company disabled this capability using a software flag. The system property persist.vendor.usb.displayport.enabled is read by the USB initialization file for all Tensor G3-series devices, and if the property is set to 0, then DisplayPort Alternate Mode is disabled.

WhatsApp gets major makeover, introduces new colors, icons, and better dark mode

English WhatsApp UI Refresh Updates
Credit: WhatsApp
  • WhatsApp is introducing a new color palette and updated icons, illustrations, and chat background.
  • The Android app is getting a bottom navigation bar.
  • A new attachment layout is coming to iOS.

WhatsApp has seen numerous adjustments to its design over the years, with the last major change occurring in 2021. The company has now refreshed the app once again. While some of the changes have already rolled out to the iOS and Android app, there are some new changes as well.

Today, WhatsApp announced it is updating the appearance of its platform to help keep it looking fresh, simple, and approachable. To do this, the firm has applied a variety of changes, one of the most notable being a new color palette. Along with having a more consistent green palette, WhatsApp says they have also increased the usage of neutral colors, which it claims allows it to be more selective about where and how the green is used throughout the app.

Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks: Make the most of your device

Apple Watch Series 9 watch face complicatinos
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest model of one of the market’s leading smartwatch lineups. It’s packed with sensors, tools, and features, including updated user interactions and a redesigned interface. We rounded up our top Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks to make the most of your device.


Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks


Access and customize your Smart Stack

A user customizes their Apple Watch Series 9 Smart Stay

Comcast goes prepaid: Launches new internet and mobile services (Update)

NOWTabletPhone
Credit: Comcast
  • Comcast is launching a new brand of mobile and internet products called Now.
  • NOW Internet and NOW Mobile will be prepaid services.
  • Both services have now launched at full-scale across all Comcast service areas.

Update: May 9, 2024 (12:00 AM ET): Comcast’s new prepaid services — NOW Internet and NOW Mobile — have now launched nationwide.


Original article: April 17, 2024 (12:00 PM ET): Comcast is adding to its portfolio by introducing new mobile and internet services that can go up against the likes of prepaid carriers like Mint Mobile and others. These services will join NOW TV and NOW WiFi Pass under the NOW brand.

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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Samsung made impressive gains in the US thanks to S24, as Google stutters

Samsung Galaxy S24 series backs standing
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Samsung’s US market share grew to 31% in Q1 2024, according to a new report, up from 27% a year ago.
  • This is the company’s highest Q1 market share in four years, and was attributed to the Galaxy S24 series.
  • Google suffered a decline in market share that was attributed to the S24’s performance.

The US smartphone market has been dominated by Apple in recent years, with Samsung falling further behind the iPhone maker. There’s some encouraging news for Samsung in the latest US market share report, though.

Counterpoint Research reports that US smartphone shipments declined by 8% year-on-year in Q1 2024. Apple’s share of the market stayed flat at 52%, matching its share from a year ago. However, Samsung’s share of the market grew to 31%, up from 27% a year ago.

The new Moto G Stylus 5G adds wireless charging to the budget stylus phone

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 6
  • Motorola has launched the new Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), adding wireless charging capabilities and a new design, for a starting price of $400.
  • The phone features a new 6.7-inch pOLED display, upgrading from the LCD present on the previous generation.
  • The 2024 version also gets a new stylus with reduced latency and a larger contact area.

Most people don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on an Android flagship, as their needs and usage patterns often don’t justify dropping that much money. A lot of us can get by just fine with a budget Android device instead, which would serve our needs quite modestly. However, if you want a new smartphone with a stylus, you unfortunately do not have a lot of options. You can either drop a lot of money on a Galaxy S24 Ultra, or you can opt for the budget Moto G Stylus 5G. Motorola has just updated its budget stylus phone with a new design and wireless charging, giving it a better chance at taking on the year ahead.

Motorola continues to call its phones without numeral prefixes, so the new Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) succeeds the old Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). Thankfully, there is a new countered design here, so you can tell the two phones apart with just a look. The highlight upgrade this year is the addition of wireless charging, which many users would appreciate, especially in the budget range.

ChatGPT’s upcoming Context Connector could be a boon for Google Drive and OneDrive users

ChatGPT stock photo 71
Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority
  • OpenAI is working on a Context Connector feature for ChatGPT, with initial support for Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
  • This would make it easy for ChatGPT Plus users to feed files directly to ChatGPT from these online service solutions without needing to download the file and reupload it.

ChatGPT is an amazing tool once you learn how to use it properly. If you are a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, you can supercharge ChatGPT by uploading your files and asking the AI assistant questions based on the data in your file. For folks who have migrated most of their lives to online storage solutions, ChatGPT appears to be working on a Context Connector feature, which would connect with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive and make it easier for you to feed online files to the AI assistant.

X user legit_rumors has shared an early look at the upcoming Context Connector feature. This feature connects Google Drive, OneDrive Personal, and OneDrive Business to ChatGPT, making it super convenient to feed any file stored in these online storage services.

The Bear season 3: Release window and other rumors

FX’s acclaimed series, The Bear, follows the journey of a chef who returns to his roots in Chicago to manage his family’s sandwich shop. Created by Christopher Storer, season one of the streaming show earned a perfect 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 13 Emmy nominations. Its second season was released in 2023 and broke the streaming record to become the most-watched premiere of any FX show.

Season two left fans hungry for more, but season three promises new action, more guest stars, twists, turns, and delicious drama. If you’re a fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that the upcoming season premieres this summer. We’ll tell you all about The Bear season 3 release window, cast, plot speculations, and other rumors.

Download these Art Deco wallpapers for your phone

Smartphone with Art Deco wallpaper
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Changing your phone’s wallpaper is the easiest way to give your device some personality. Of course, you want something that looks great, and nothing represents great aesthetics like the Art Deco movement. It has been turning buildings, bridges, house items, and anything you can think of into art pieces since the early 1900’s. There are still plenty of fans, so we know many of you will love these Art Deco wallpapers for your phone.

Download these Art Deco wallpapers for your phone

First things first, we have to tell you how things work in these wallpaper posts. We wouldn’t advise that you download the images you see right below. These are image previews, and we put them there for demonstration purposes only. The previews have been compressed and optimized for faster loading speeds and improved website performance, so they won’t look as great. Take a look at them, and when you make up your mind on which Art Deco wallpapers you want, hit the download button below the images to download the full-resolution files.

The Rabbit R1 might be (somehow) sketchier than first thought

rabbit r1 home screen on table
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • A trio of developers have claimed that the Rabbit R1 isn’t really powered by a so-called Large Action Model (LAM).
  • This contradicts Rabbit’s claims that it’s using an AI model on its servers to facilitate interactions on the gadget.
  • The developers also got Doom and Minecraft running on the Rabbit R1’s servers.

We’ve uncovered some pretty interesting information about the Rabbit R1 in recent days, such as the fact that it’s actually an Android app that can run on a standard Android phone. We were also able to confirm that the AI gadget runs Android.

Now, software developers @xyz3va, @schlizzawg, and @MarcelD505 have dug into the servers powering the Rabbit R1. One of the key findings is that the servers running the AI gadget’s interactions apparently aren’t running a Large Action Model (LAM) as previously claimed.

Nintendo Switch 2 rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

Update, May 9, 2024 (06:50 AM ET): We’ve updated this Nintendo Switch 2 rumor hub with official confirmation that the console is coming. We’ve also added leaks around the device’s early specifications, size mockup, and corroboration for the launch timeline.

Original article: Even if you love it and still use it daily, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch is getting old. Launched in 2017, the hybrid console celebrated its seventh birthday in March, which means it’s getting close to retirement. With this in mind, one can’t help but wonder: where is the sequel, presumably called the Nintendo Switch 2?

Thankfully, Nintendo has confirmed that a successor is coming soon. There have also been some rumors and leaks surrounding the sequel to Nintendo’s best-selling home console. We’ve rounded up the most trustworthy of them here. Towards the end of the article, we also have a few wishlist items — things we hope to see but don’t have any evidence for quite yet.

New Nintendo Switch 2 leaks highlight specs, launch timeline, backwards compatibility, and more

Nintendo Switch Header 17
Credit: Curtis Joe / Android Authority
  • A set of new leaks give us an early idea of the Nintendo Switch 2’s specifications, size, and launch timeline.
  • The Nintendo Switch 2 could feature 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Switch 2 could also retain backward compatibility with first-gen Switch games.
  • More information on the Switch 2 could emerge in Fall 2024, with a release planned for March 2025.

The Nintendo Switch was a runaway success, thanks to its design, which allowed it to be enjoyed both as a handheld and as a console docked to your TV. The gaming console was launched in 2017 and is desperately due for a refresh. Nintendo has confirmed that a successor will be announced soon, and now, new leaks have merged that give us an early idea of what the specs of the Nintendo Switch 2 could be, how it could measure against its predecessor, and what its launch timeline could be.

Community members at Famiboards, a discussion forum for Nintendo games and consoles, have been tracking shipment and customs data between Nintendo, NVIDIA, and other companies in an attempt to find hints of the Switch 2’s specifications. Famiboards forum member LiC claims to have analyzed the various shipment listings and arrived at these possible specifications for the Switch 2.

Everyone hates this tone-deaf iPad Pro ad, and we can see why

A frame from the iPad Pro M4 ad featuring artist equipments being crushed.
Credit: Apple
  • Apple has posted a controversial ad featuring a hydraulic press crushing art equipment to create the new iPad Pro M4.
  • Internet users have mostly negative opinions about this ad, as they find it disrespectful toward creatives and their art.

Apple and controversy go hand in hand. From killing the headphone jack to embracing the 60Hz refresh rate on many of its flagship devices — the company is no stranger to questionable decisions. Its latest oopsie comes in the form of a controversial iPad Pro M4 ad, which has triggered people across the internet.

Titled Crush!, the advertisement features paint buckets, a piano, a retro arcade game, and other old-school artistic equipment being crushed by a hydraulic press. The iPad Pro M4 then emerges, symbolizing how it can handle a wide range of creative and entertainment tasks — despite its competitively slim design.

Back again: One UI 6.1 rollout restarts for Galaxy S22 series

Samsung Galaxy S22 Bora Purple vs Phantom White vs Pink Gold Head On

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
  • Samsung has reportedly resumed the One UI 6.1 rollout for the Galaxy S22 series.
  • The update was pulled last week because of a major bug.
  • The new build is currently being distributed in Samsung’s home country and should reach other regions soon.

It looks like Samsung is resuming the One UI 6.1 rollout for the Galaxy S22 series after putting a pause on its rollout last week. According to tipster Tarun Vats, a new One UI 6.1 build is now rolling out to users in South Korea. The firmware carries version numbers S908NKSU3EXE1/ S908NOKR3EXE1/S908NKSU3EXD7 and weighs around 3.2GB.

It’s official: The next ASUS ROG Ally is coming soon

  • ASUS has scheduled a YouTube premiere for its “next ROG Ally” device.
  • A recent leak suggests that the Taiwanese firm will offer a refreshed model rather than a ROG Ally 2.

ASUS launched the ROG Ally handheld roughly a year ago, and it’s a respectable Windows-based handheld that isn’t without its flaws. It looks like the company isn’t wasting time, as it’s just teased the arrival of a new model.

ASUS has scheduled a YouTube premiere for later today at 3:00 PM ET (seen above), with the video titled “The next ROG Ally is coming.” The company didn’t reveal any more information about this device, so we’ll just have to wait for the video to land later today to get official details.

What US ban? Pura 70 teardown shows a more self-reliant HUAWEI

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro in hand.
Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority
  • A new teardown of the Pura 70 Pro has revealed that HUAWEI is using more Chinese suppliers.
  • The most notable change is the switch to locally packaged storage from South Korean-sourced chips.

A trade ban has forced HUAWEI to be more self-sufficient if it hopes to keep producing smartphones. The manufacturer already turned heads when it launched the Mate 60 Pro late last year, featuring a 5G-enabled in-house chipset. Now, it looks like a teardown of the Pura 70 series reveals HUAWEI’s efforts at self-sufficiency too.

A teardown of the Pura 70 Pro commissioned by Reuters has revealed that the company is using more Chinese suppliers this time. The most notable new, domestically made component is the NAND storage. The outlet reports that the storage was likely packaged by HUAWEI’s HiSilicon chip division.

Wear OS just got an Apple Watch feature with the latest Play Services update

google pixel watch wear os watch face prime os 2

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
  • Google is adding a new School Time feature to Wear OS devices.
  • It comes alongside the latest Google Play Services update.
  • The feature will let parents limit the apps their child can use and silence their device.

Google is adding a handy new feature to Wear OS that will help parents better manage and monitor their child’s smartwatch usage.

Motorola’s next Galaxy Z Flip rival might bring a welcome upgrade at the same price

motorola razr plus cover screen laying down

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • The price and colorways of the Motorola Razr Plus (2024), aka the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, have leaked.
  • The phone could cost the same as last year with a welcome storage and RAM upgrade for the base model.
  • Motorola is expected to announce the new Razr in June.

Motorola’s next foldable phone — the Razr Plus (2024), also expected to be called the Razr 50 Ultra in some markets — might come in at the same price as last year. A new leak with screenshots of the phone’s price from a European retailer shows that it could cost €1,200 (~$1,289) in the region. That’s the same price as the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, aka the Razr Plus (2023).

The new App Mall promises to simplify app discovery on Chromebooks

ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip review 9
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • A new “App Mall” is in the works for Chromebooks, promising a streamlined way to discover and install apps.
  • The App Mall draws inspiration from the existing Explore app and makes installing web apps incredibly easy.
  • Currently, the App Mall features only Android and web apps, not Linux apps.

Chromebooks offer impressive versatility, with the ability to run PWAs (Progressive Web Apps), Android apps, and even Linux apps. Until now, there was no single source to browse through and install all these various kinds of apps for Chromebooks, but that’s about to change. Currently in the preview stage, the new App Mall promises a centralized location featuring the best apps and games for Chromebooks.

The folks at Chrome Unboxed discovered that the App Mall is currently available for preview, even if you’re not on a Chromebook. Chromebook users wishing to access the App Mall will need to enable the chrome://flags/#cros-mall flag within the Canary channel of ChromeOS 126. This should add the App Mall icon to their shelf and app launcher.

The Pixel 8a can also be located through Find My Device when it’s out of battery

  • The Pixel 8a, like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, supports Android’s powered-off finding feature.
  • Powered-off finding enables devices to be located on Google’s Find My Device network even when they’re off or have run out of battery.
  • This is made possible by specialized hardware that reserves power to the phone’s Bluetooth chip for several hours.

Google’s Find My Device network finally launched last month, and although its rollout has been slow and limited to the United States and Canada so far, there’s a lot to look forward to. Once fully rolled out globally, the Find My Device network will help billions of Android users find their lost devices. Select Android devices like the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro can be located through the Find My Device network even when powered off or out of battery. This is made possible by specialized hardware on the Pixel 8 series, which means it can’t be enabled through an over-the-air update on other devices. Thankfully, it looks like Google’s newly launched Pixel 8a will also support this feature.

The way that Google’s Find My Device network works is basically as follows. Android devices that contribute to the Find My Device network broadcast a beacon over Bluetooth that other nearby Android devices can pick up on. The devices that pick up this beacon then encrypt the location of the broadcasting device and upload it to Google’s servers. Location data is end-to-end encrypted with a key that’s only accessible to the broadcasting device’s owner and whoever the owner shared the location of that device with.

Google Messages notifications will show names of unknown people who contact you

Google Messages logo on smartphone laying on table (2)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Names of unknown people who contact you could start showing in Google Messages notifications.
  • For this feature to work, those people will need to have profile discovery enabled and have the number linked to their Google account.
  • Google is working on allowing users to enable or disable profile discovery within Messages.

Wish you could know who that unknown sender who just contacted you out of the blue is? Google appears to be working on a feature for Messages that will tell you that person’s name in the text message notification you receive.

While looking through the latest beta version of Google Messages (messages.android_20240506_01_RC00.phone_samsung_openbeta_dynamic), we discovered a change to the notification you receive whenever you get a new message. If you get a text from a number that’s not saved in your contacts list and they have profile discovery enabled, that notification will include the sender’s name. You can see an example in the picture below.

The Pixel 8a’s first update will bring Google’s AI wallpaper generator

  • The Pixel 8a will get access to Google’s AI wallpaper app, which is currently exclusive to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
  • Google’s AI wallpaper app will arrive in the phone’s first software update.
  • The app uses a generative AI model to create entirely new wallpapers.

Yesterday, Google surprised the tech world by announcing its new Pixel 8a smartphone a week before its upcoming I/O event. The Pixel 8a bears a lot of similarities to the Pixel 8, from its seven years of software updates to its slew of Google AI features. One AI feature that’s currently exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, though, is Google’s AI wallpaper generator. That feature is coming to the cheaper Pixel 8a, however.

After announcing its AI wallpaper generator at last year’s I/O event, Google debuted the app on its Pixel 8 series released last fall. The app uses the power of generative AI to create completely new wallpapers based on certain themes and keywords.

Google is bringing a “Circle to Search” variation to Chrome for Desktop

Pixel 8 Pro Circle To Search
Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
  • Google Chrome is getting a visual upgrade to its Lens feature, with an animation that mirrors the Circle to Search experience.
  • This change promises a more intuitive way to search for information on web pages.

Google’s innovative Circle to Search feature has been a popular topic of discussion. This feature, which allows users to initiate searches by simply circling on-screen content, is already available on select Pixel and Galaxy devices. Now, it appears Google Chrome users will soon be able to enjoy a similar search experience.

Google Chrome’s current integration with Google Lens empowers users to find more information about text or images on web pages and discover visually similar images elsewhere online. It seems like Google is working on an upgrade that promises to streamline this experience further.

Google Messages is getting a new gallery picker UI

Google Messages app open on smartphone (1)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Google appears to be working on a new gallery picker for the Messages app.
  • The latest beta adds a camera icon that opens up access to your gallery when starting a new message to a group.
  • After picking an image, you can then select the recipients.

Google has been working on quite a few new features for the Messages app as of late. A few weeks ago, it was discovered Google could let users turn off expressive animations. More recently, however, we spotted a redesigned Selfie GIF feature. Now we have found that Google could make a change to the UI to introduce a new gallery picker for group messages.

In the latest beta for Google Messages (messages.android_20240506_01_RC00.phone_samsung_openbeta_dynamic), we have uncovered a change to the app’s UI. When you tap the new camera icon on the main page (which the stable channel of Messages doesn’t have yet), it takes the user directly to their photo gallery before starting a new group message.

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Android 15 could bring better video stabilization to third-party camera apps

  • Android 15 adds support for a new Eyes Free videography extension that locks and stabilizes a given region or object of interest.
  • This will be made available to third-party camera apps through a new Camera2 extension on supported devices.
  • Android 15 could also add a software implementation of this extension so that it’ll be available to apps even on devices where the OEM didn’t implement it.

If you don’t like the stock camera app that came with your Android device, there are a lot of third-party camera apps for Android you can try. These third-party camera apps often add advanced, pro-level camera controls and filters you won’t find in the stock camera app. On the flip side, they usually lack some of the basic features offered by the OEM’s camera app. The solution to this is for the OEM to package its features into an “extension” that third-party camera apps can use. Android currently supports five different types of extensions, but the upcoming Android 15 update could add support for a sixth extension called Eyes Free videography.

Under the hood, every camera app — whether it be the OEM stock app or a third-party app — is built on top of Android’s Camera2 API (the Jetpack support library called CameraX is a wrapper for Camera2). The Camera2 Extensions API provides a way for camera apps to access extensions that OEMs have implemented on their devices. As of Android 14, the Camera2 Extensions API supports the following five types of extensions:

Find My Device can find your Pixel 8 even if its been off for hours

  • Google’s Find My Device network can continue tracking a powered-down Pixel 8 for “several hours.”
  • Users need to make sure Bluetooth and Location are on before the device shuts down.
  • The feature is said to work thanks to “specialized Pixel hardware.”

Google’s updated Find My Device network can help you locate your lost devices, including your phone. And it appears the feature will continue to work even after your phone shuts down if you have a Pixel 8 series phone.

While setting up the Find My Device network on the Pixel 8, the folks over at 9to5Google discovered something interesting about the service. The outlet received a notification that said, “If this phone runs out of battery or is powered off, the Find My Device network can locate it for several hours.”

Samsung unveils surprise 2-for-1 deal on the Galaxy Watch 6

In a surprisingly generous Mother’s Day promotion, Samsung just revealed an amazing deal on the Galaxy Watch 6. It’s an old-fashioned buy-one-get-one offer on any configuration of the smartwatch, meaning you could save up to $380 on the second wearable. We have to admit, it’s a great excuse to treat yourself at the same time as your mom.

Buy one Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, get one free

Mobvoi debuts the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro for outdoor adventurers

TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
Credit: Mobvoi
  • Mobvoi is launching a new smartwatch aimed at outdoor enthusiasts called the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.
  • The smartwatch can last up to 90 hours in Smart Mode and 45 days in Essential Mode.
  • TicWatch’s health tracking features have been consolidated into a single app.

When the TicWatch Pro 5 launched, we came away pretty impressed by solid battery life, high-quality chipset, and the inclusion of Google’s latest Wear OS software. Now Mobvoi is releasing a new version of that device aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.

Today, Mobvoi announced that the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro will be the latest addition to its collection of smartwatches. This version of the Pro 5 maintains a sleek profile while introducing comprehensive improvements to its fitness features.

Comments could soon be coming to Notes on Google Search

Google Search on smartphone stock photo (3)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • We’ve spotted hints that a comments feature is coming soon to Notes, which is an experimental feature for Google Search.
  • Notes allows users to post their opinion about content present on the internet, while comments would extend the ability to reply to such notes to other users.

In November 2023, Google announced a new Google Search Labs feature called Notes. This opt-in feature lets users write brief comments about content online and decorate these notes with stickers, text, and background photos. Notes essentially builds a comments community around articles on the internet, letting users share their experiences and thoughts on what they just read. Soon, other users will be able to reply and comment on your Google Search Notes.

Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug managed to activate a new Comments section under Notes settings. This setting isn’t visible to end users currently. Since the Comments setting rests under the Notes header, it is fair to say that this could allow the original poster of the Note to toggle comments on and off for other users.

This handy new trick brings Google’s Circle to Search to iPhones

Pixel 8 Pro Circle To Search
Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
  • The official Google app on iPhone now offers an image-scanning shortcut that users can access anywhere across iOS.
  • Once set up, users can trigger the shortcut using the Action button, a double or triple back tap, and/or Siri.

Android phone users have been able to use Google’s handy Circle to Search feature for months now. This allows them to look up images, text, and other elements visible on their devices’ screens. While Google will never be able to bake this feature natively into iOS, a new shortcut bridges the gap and gives iPhone users a taste of Circle to Search.

As highlighted by 9to5Google, the official Google app on iOS now offers a shortcut to scan an inputted image using the company’s Lens feature. While Google Lens isn’t identical to Circle to Search, the company has stated that both features are powered by the same optical character recognition (OCR) technology. To set up the shortcut, follow the steps below:

Wallpaper Wednesday: More great phone wallpapers for all to share (May 8)

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 8, 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!

Apple stops shipping chargers with the latest iPads in some regions

apple ipad air 5th gen 2022 rear 2
Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
  • The iPad Air M2 and iPad Pro M4 don’t ship with charging bricks in the EU and UK due to the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) rule.
  • Customers in other regions will still receive charging bricks when buying one of the new iPad models.
  • Apple has also stopped including stickers of its logo in new iPad boxes worldwide to deliver completely plastic-free packaging.

Apple has finally launched its highly anticipated iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2. While these tablets pack mostly welcome changes, a few drawbacks have managed to slip through. It appears these iPads’ boxes don’t include chargers in the EU and the UK, prompting some customers to buy charging bricks separately.

As per a 9to5Mac report, Apple has stopped including charging bricks in its latest iPad boxes in the EU and UK. This decision seems to have been made to comply with the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) — an EU rule that aims to limit e-waste. As a result, those buying the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2 in other regions will still receive a charger as usual.

Here are the carriers that get you a Google Pixel 8a free, or at least close to it

The Google Pixel 8 is one of the most popular Android phones available today, but what if it’s just a hair out of your price range? That’s where the newly announced Google Pixel 8a comes in. With the power of the Tensor G3 and a price tag of just $499, this is looking to be a great affordable phone. If that’s still too much for you, the good news is that there are several ways to get the Pixel 8a for free, or at least close to it.

How do I get a Google Pixel 8a for free?

Pixel 7a vs Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8 back covers angled

OnePlus keeps adding bloatware to the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open, its premium flagships

  • OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open now have as many as four third-party apps pre-selected for installation during device setup.
  • The OnePlus Open also continues to ship three Meta apps that cannot be easily uninstalled.
  • We also spotted evidence in the OnePlus 12’s latest firmware of many more third-party apps that were once destined to be preloaded on OnePlus devices. However, there is a chance that OnePlus does not proceed with this plan.

OnePlus has released some great Android smartphones recently, including premium flagships like the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open. I like what OnePlus has done on these devices, with standout features like Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open and the amazing battery life on the OnePlus 12. But lately, these devices have received updates that have added third-party apps (aka bloatware), and we’ve found evidence of more bloatware possibly coming soon to these premium flagships.

The bloatware problem on the OnePlus 12

Content creator Gauraang Arora spotted that the “Review additional apps” screen presented during the setup process on the OnePlus 12 now includes some new apps. This screen allows users to deselect four pre-selected apps, which have been mentioned under the “From OnePlus” header, meaning that OnePlus made the decision to push these third-party apps through the Google Play Store. The third-party apps are LinkedIn, Policybazaar, Block Blast!, and Candy Crush Saga.

Amazon wants you to go shopping when you pause a show on Prime Video, despite a subscription

Amazon Prime Video stock image 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Amazon is introducing three new ad formats for Prime Video: Shoppable carousel ads, Interactive pause ads, and Interactive brand trivia ads.
  • These ad forms take different approaches but commonly allow users to add products to their Amazon shopping cart.
  • These ads will be shown to Prime Video subscribers who pay for the ad-supported subscription tier. The ad-free tier costs $3 more than the ad-supported subscription tier.

Amazon Prime Video has some great movies and TV shows you can stream. However, the service has been in the limelight recently due to the rise in subscription prices. If you don’t want to pay the higher prices, you can stick with the lower pricing with the condition that you now get ads while streaming content. This ad-supported streaming tier is about to become infested with shopping ads now, as Amazon is introducing new ad formats.

Amazon Ads has announced new interactive and shoppable ad formats for Prime Video (h/t ArsTechnica). In the upcoming broadcast year (i.e., from September 1), Amazon says brands can use “shoppable carousel ads” during ad breaks in shows and movies on Prime Video. There are also “interactive pause” and “brand trivia ads” that brands can use during TV shows, movies, and live sports streams.

After phones, the US now wants to hurt HUAWEI’s laptop business

Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 back cover
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Intel and Qualcomm’s export licenses to HUAWEI have reportedly been revoked by the US government.
  • This could seriously affect the company’s PC business, with the firm offering laptops since 2016.

The US trade ban against HUAWEI has hurt the Chinese manufacturer in several ways, but it’s the company’s smartphone division that’s suffered the most. However, it looks like the US government is now taking aim at HUAWEI’s PC business.

Reuters reports that the US has revoked Intel and Qualcomm’s export licenses to sell to HUAWEI, citing three sources familiar with the issue. A fourth source told the newswire that the license revocation was effective immediately. The Department of Commerce reportedly confirmed that it revoked several export licenses to HUAWEI but didn’t reveal more details.

Here’s Gemini’s upcoming YouTube Music extension in action

YouTube Music logo on smartphone, next to headphones and Nest Mini (2)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • We’ve managed to activate YouTube Music as an Extension in the Gemini Android app. This demo shows how the extension will work within Gemini.
  • The YouTube Music Gemini Extension allows Gemini to access your YouTube Music information to provide better search results.
  • The extension is not currently live within Gemini but could launch soon.

The race for AI has been underway for years, but ChatGPT pushed the industry from a marathon to a sprint. ChatGPT’s arrival caught Google somewhat off-guard, and the company has since doubled down on its AI efforts under the Gemini rebrand. One way Gemini could reach critical mass is to attract more users who are already present within the Google ecosystem, and Gemini Extensions could achieve this with tighter ecosystem integration. Google has been testing a Gemini Extension for YouTube Music that we have detailed previously, and we now have a better demo video to share with you on how it will work when it rolls out.

Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug managed to activate a new Gemini Extension for YouTube Music in the Google app v15.17.28.29.arm64. With some more work, we got the extension working well enough for a demo.

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Could the Galaxy S25 finally be the device where Exynos is better than Snapdragon?

Galaxy S24 Plus cameras
Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority
  • Samsung reportedly thinks the Exynos 2500, expected to power some Galaxy S25 models, won’t lag behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
  • We’ve heard similar claims and reports before, so you shouldn’t hold your breath for this one.

Samsung offered the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus in two flavors this time, namely a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant and an Exynos 2400 model. Our own testing found that the Snapdragon models had better performance but worse battery life than the Exynos variants.

Now, Twitter tipster Revegnus has claimed that Samsung is optimistic about the Exynos 2500’s performance against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The leaker specifically reports that Samsung reckons the Exynos 2500 doesn’t lag behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in terms of “quality.”

Accused season 2: Plot, cast, release window, and more

Accused is a fast-paced take on courtroom dramas and crime thrillers. Just like Criminal tells us what happens in the interrogation room; how people lie or almost get caught in crimes they didn’t commit — Accused tells us what happens when innocent people are taken to court for crimes they had nothing (or little) to do with.

Read on to know the Accused season 2 release date, plot speculations, and other details.

Can’t get Circle To Search? Google Lens could have you covered (APK teardown)

Google Lens stock photos 1

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • A teardown has revealed that Google Lens could gain two changes to bring it in line with Circle to Search.
  • The first would be the ability to search for content in videos, while the second would offer a new translate button.

Circle to Search is a pretty nifty way to search for content on your screen, but it’s restricted to recent Samsung and Google phones right now. Fortunately, Google Lens offers similar functionality for older phones, and it could be getting even more functionality to bring it in line with Circle to Search.

Google Wallet and Google Pay will co-exist in this country

Google Wallet logo on smartphone next to credit cards and cash Stock photo 3

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

  • Google Wallet is now available in India, where it can be used as a digital wallet for storing passes, tickets, and more, but not for payments.
  • The app will coexist alongside the Google Pay app in India, which will continue to handle payment functionality through cards and UPI.
  • Globally, Google Wallet has integrated Google Pay’s payment functionality within itself, so users only have to use the Google Wallet app.


Google is infamous for its confused ecosystem strategy, and the Google Wallet and Google Pay apps are prime examples of said confusion. At an event in India today, Google launched the Google Wallet app for the country, but it will coexist alongside the Google Pay app.

Google Wallet in India

Google Wallet in India (2)

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

Google has officially launched Google Wallet in India. The Wallet app will allow users to store boarding passes, gift cards, loyalty cards, event cards, movie tickets, car keys, access cards, and even provide transit OTAs.

Expanding on the above, this is what you can do with Google Wallet in India:

  • Save movie and event tickets with partners PVR and Inox
  • Access boarding passes with airline partners Air India, Air India Express, and online travel companies MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Ixigo.
  • Redeem loyalty or gift cards with shopping partners Flipkart  (Supercoins), Dominos, Shoppers Stop, and brands supported by loyalty program enablers like Pinelabs, EasyRewardz, and Twid.
  • Store your transit tickets when traveling with partners Kochi Metro, Hyderabad Metro, VRL Travels, and Abhibus.
  • Use your Android phone as your corporate badge with system integrator partners like Wavelynx and Alert Enterprise.
  • Digitize physical documents that contain a barcode or QR code, like luggage tags or parking receipts.
  • Automatically view important tickets from Gmail, whenever you get a confirmation email for movie tickets, IPL tickets, or train tickets, provided you have smart personalization settings in Gmail turned on.

Google Wallet in India (1)

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

Google Pixel devices sold in India will come preloaded with the Google Wallet app. Users can also add Google Wallet as a lock screen shortcut, allowing for quick and easy access. Further, Pixel users can quickly add boarding passes to their Google Wallet by taking a screenshot and tapping the “Add to Google Wallet.”

Sadly, Google also confirmed that Google Wallet is not extending to wearables in India. So, the stored data in Google Wallet will remain accessible only through your phone.

Google Pay will coexist alongside Google Wallet in India

You might have noticed that payment-related functionality seems weirdly absent from Google Wallet in India. That is because the Google Wallet app will coexist alongside the popular Google Pay app in India.

Google Pay will remain the primary use case for payments in the country, while Google Wallet is a digital store of access information. No payments will be done through Google Wallet in India. If you want to add a card or pay through your phone’s NFC, you will have to use the Google Pay app, which supports this functionality.

Google keeps complicating Google Wallet and Google Pay in its ecosystem

Google first launched Wallet in 2011 and then launched Android Pay in 2015. In 2018, Android Pay and Google Wallet were merged into a single app called Google Pay.

Separately, Google launched Tez, a mobile payments service, in 2017 in India, specifically targeting UPI payments. Google Tez was then rebranded into Google Pay in 2018. At this point, there existed Google Pay and Google Pay (Tez) apps for Android users, demarcated by where you live.

Then, in 2022, Google launched Google Wallet globally as a digital wallet platform, mentioning that the Google Pay app will update to Google Wallet. However, Google Pay would coexist with Google Wallet in the US and Singapore. In India, Google Pay (the Tez version) would exist without any wallet functionality.

Google Wallet 3

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

Now, in 2024, Google announced earlier in the year that Google Pay in the US would be shut down in June, with its functionality largely replaced and integrated into Google Wallet. The Google Pay app will remain only in Singapore and India.

In India, Google Pay is very popular as a payment platform for daily UPI payments through QR codes, so I can see why Google would want the branding to remain. But today, Google Wallet has been launched in the country, bringing us back to a situation where both apps coexist (but only in India and Singapore). For the rest of the world, everything is now within the Google Wallet app.

You can see how confusing the whole ordeal is. We hope Google remains committed to simplifying its branding and following a more cohesive app strategy.

Leaked Pixel 9 cases offer design clues, hint at a four-phone lineup

  • A case maker has listed out protective cases for the Pixel 9 series, confirming rumored design changes.
  • The listings support rumors of three Pixel 9 models, including a new, smaller Pixel 9 Pro.
  • The Pixel Fold 2 case listing suggests it may launch alongside the Pixel 9 series this fall.


With the Google Pixel 9 launch still several months away, eager accessory makers are already spilling the beans on the upcoming Pixel flagships. Multiple case manufacturers, including Thinborne, have begun listing alleged Pixel 9 series cases, potentially validating some earlier rumors while challenging others. (h/t: Android Central)

Pixel 9 series case renders

Credit: Thinborne

Probably the most exciting detail revealed by these listings is the potential for a three-phone Pixel 9 lineup. This supports previous whispers of Google releasing both a compact Pixel 9 Pro and a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.

While these case renders don’t reveal anything completely new, they do add weight to existing design rumors. The Pixel 9 series is rumored to sport much flatter edges, like the latest iPhones, while the rounded corners from the Pixel 8 series will stay intact. The distinctive Cyclops-visor camera bar also appears to be getting flat edges instead of curving into the sides. The rumored design changes on the next Pixel Fold are also evident in the renders Thinborne has used.

Pixel Fold 2 leaked case

Credit: Thinborne

We had previously reported on the possibility of Google renaming its next foldable as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The casemaker has also added the new Pixel Fold among the Pixel 9 cases, supporting rumors that Google may indeed launch it alongside its flagship series this fall.

There’s still a hint of mystery, however, as the case listing names the foldable as the Pixel Fold 2. While it could be possible that Google is reconsidering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold moniker, it’s more likely that the company has simply not finalized its naming decision yet.

It’s too early for definitive answers about the Pixel 9 series, but these leaks make it increasingly unlikely that Google’s next foldable will debut at the company’s 2024 I/O conference next week.

Samsung’s first 3nm Exynos chip nears mass production phase

Samsung logo stock photo from CES 2024 (3)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

  • Samsung has announced it is preparing to begin mass production of its 3nm chips.
  • The company is currently in the final process of designing.


Samsung initially began production of its 3nm process chips back in 2022, beating out rival TSMC to the milestone. Now almost two years later, the Android smartphone manufacturer is almost ready to go into mass production.

Announced through a joint press release with partner Synopsys, the two companies revealed they are preparing to enter the mass production phase for Samsung’s 3nm chip. Currently, the two companies are in the final design stage, which is known as “taping out.” In this process, the design is sent to the foundry so that they can create masks used for mass production. It is expected that mass production could start in the next few months.

If you’re not familiar with Synopsys, it is an electronics design automation firm. Samsung has partnered with the company so Synopsys can assist with maximizing yield and improving the chip’s performance.

Although Samsung had already been manufacturing 3nm chips before this, these new chips will be the firm’s first complex and high-performance 3nm chips. These new chips use Samsung Foundry’s 3nm Gate All Around (GAA) process.

The press release doesn’t specifically say where these high-performance 3nm chips will first appear. But there’s a possibility the first 3nm chip will come in the form of the Exynos 2500 SoC for the Galaxy S25 series.

Android 15’s new screen magnification gesture makes it easier to zoom in

  • Android 15 is adding a two-finger double-tap screen gesture that magnifies the screen.
  • The operating system’s built-in magnification feature can already be launched through an on-screen button, volume key press, or triple tap of the screen.
  • The other options take longer to invoke, take up screen space, or, in the case of the triple-tap gesture, slow down your device.


Android is used by billions of people worldwide, so it’s no wonder that accessibility is a key concern for Google. The company has developed several accessibility tools for its mobile operating system, including the Android Accessibility Suite, which offers a built-in select-to-speak function, a screen reader tool, additional navigation options, and more. Google also baked several accessibility features right into the OS, such as text and display scaling, color correction, and screen magnification. Screen magnification can currently be activated in one of three ways, though a fourth option is being added in the upcoming Android 15 update.

Screen magnification — not to be confused with the Pixel-exclusive Magnifier app, which allows you to use the camera to see real-world objects that are small or far away — is a native feature of the Android operating system that zooms in on the screen to make elements easier to see. It’s found under Settings > Accessibility > Magnification (at least on Pixel devices) and can be set up to magnify either the entire screen or a specific area of interest. It’s an especially nifty tool for anyone who has difficulty seeing, which is why Android offers a couple of methods to activate it on demand.

These activation methods, which can be found under the “magnification shortcut” submenu, currently include an on-screen accessibility button, a gesture that involves pressing and holding down both volume keys, and a gesture that involves quickly tapping the screen three times. The first method is the most convenient but takes up part of the screen and always magnifies the center. The second method doesn’t take up space on-screen but has the longest activation time. The third method is really convenient and also lets you zoom in on the exact part of the screen you want to magnify, but it also slows down your device since Android has to add a delay to every screen tap.

The new, fourth activation method for screen magnification — currently being developed for Android 15 — will let users quickly tap the screen two times with two fingers to zoom in. This new “two-finger double-tap screen” magnification shortcut isn’t visible yet in the latest Android 15 Beta 1.2 release, but we managed to surface the toggle manually, as shown below. This toggle is shown above the collapsed-by-default “advanced” dropdown, which currently contains the “triple-tap screen” shortcut. The likely reason that Google hid the triple-tap screen shortcut under a dropdown is that it slows down other tap inputs, as mentioned before. Its description even warns that “this shortcut may slow down your device.”

Interestingly, this text is missing from the description for the two-finger double-tap screen shortcut, suggesting it won’t slow down your device. However, in our brief testing, we noticed that there’s still a slight delay in screen taps when it’s enabled. This could be because the feature isn’t finished, or it’s actually working as intended, and Google just hasn’t updated the description to reflect the behavior. Either way, users who rely on Android’s screen magnification feature should look forward to the Android 15 update and its numerous accessibility improvements.

Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak hints at a much-needed change, but it’s still not enough

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 unfolded on grid

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

  • Images of alleged screen protectors for the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s outer display have surfaced online.
  • The images suggest the Z Fold 6 features a slightly wider outer display compared to the Z Fold 5.


Samsung’s Z Fold series single-handedly launched the foldable smartphone segment. While the Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t expected for a few more months, recent leaks offer a glimpse into what the upcoming foldable might look like — and it’s not a good look.

A signature design element of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has also been its most controversial — the narrow and tall outer display. While functional, the Z Fold 5’s ~23:9 aspect ratio outer display makes everyday smartphone tasks cumbersome and awkward. Typing, web browsing, and even watching videos feel frustratingly constrained.

Galaxy Z Fold 6 screen protector

Ice Universe, a reliable tipster, has shared images and videos of alleged screen protectors for the Z Fold 6. These protectors suggest a marginally wider outer display, moving from roughly 57mm wide on the Fold 5 to around 60mm on the Fold 6.

Along with the increased width, the corners of the leaked screen protectors also appear considerably sharper, mimicking the design language of the Galaxy S24 series. This marks a departure from the Z Fold 5’s softer, rounded corners.

While welcome, this improvement is unlikely to be transformative. A slight improvement to a ~22:9 aspect ratio would bring the Fold 6 closer to usability norms but still lag behind competitors. The OnePlus Open, for instance, already boasts a wider ~20:9 aspect ratio for its outer display. This disparity spotlights Samsung’s seemingly lethargic approach to overhauling the foundational usability of the Z Fold line.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 folded in hand

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

The potential for yet another less-than-optimal outer display isn’t the only concern for Samsung enthusiasts. The Z Fold 5’s camera system, while capable, falls short of expectations for a premium foldable. According to current rumors, this trend could continue with the Z Fold 6.

As a long-term Galaxy Fold user, my only glimmer of hope lies in the rumored ‘Ultra’ variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This higher-spec model could rectify many of the issues plaguing the standard model. A superior camera system, more user-friendly outer display, and potentially even S Pen integration, as enjoyed by the Galaxy S24 Ultra, could be the game-changers Samsung needs.

While Samsung’s foldables enjoyed an almost monopolistic position in the global market, that landscape has shifted with the launch of the Google Pixel Fold and the OnePlus Open. With both these devices poised for upgrades in the second half of the year, Samsung’s iterative upgrades on the Z Fold series could become a case of too little, too late.

CMF by Nothing’s first phone has key details revealed in new leak

Nothing Phone 2a camera bump

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

  • A new leak may have revealed details about CMF by Nothing’s upcoming phone.
  • The phone is said to be an entry-level device that runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 5G chip.
  • It will reportedly come in three colors including orange, white, and black.


Only a few weeks ago, an Android smartphone made by Nothing’s sub-brand was discovered on the BIS certification site. At the time, almost no information was available on the device. However, that may have changed thanks to a new leak.

According to 91mobiles sources, CMF by Nothing’s upcoming phone will be called the CMF Phone 1. This device will reportedly feature a plastic body and will come in three color options that include black, white, and orange.

Meanwhile, the display is said to measure 6.5 inches and will have some version of Gorilla Glass protection. On the back, there is a single camera, however, nothing is known about the lens.

Sitting inside of the device will reportedly be a MediaTek Dimensity 5G chip. This SoC is said to be joined by a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging support.

On top of that, the device will run on Nothing OS, however, it won’t have all of the features that are available on Nothing’s other phones. The sources claim that CMF could announce three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates.

Although the details are mostly vague, it sounds like an affordable entry-level handset that will be a tier below the Nothing Phone 2a. Further supporting this, the price is alleged to be around Rs 12,000 in India (~$144 USD). For comparison, the Nothing Phone 2a sells for $349.

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