iOS 18 beta 5 is now available to enrolled developers, featuring a new Distraction Control option in Safari. Through this fresh addition, users can hide static web elements, such as cookie popups, newsletter banners, and more. While you can technically use Distraction Control on iOS to block web ads, there’s a major limitation barring it from becoming a practical solution.

When hitting the new Hide Distracting Items button in Safari, an alert reads: “Hiding distracting items will not permanently remove ads and other content that update frequently.” This highlights that the feature isn’t designed to block ads on websites. Instead, it’s meant for static banners that don’t continuously refresh.

Due to the growing popularity of foldable phones and the resurgence of Android tablets, Google has been hard at work optimizing Android’s UI for large-screen devices. Their work is far from done, of course, but we’ve already gotten several exciting features from these efforts. For example, Android finally has its own taskbar, a dock that sits at the bottom of every screen so users can quickly switch between apps. The design and functionality of Android’s taskbar have changed significantly since its original inception, but one thing that hasn’t changed is its availability: it’s only available on large-screen devices. That could change in an upcoming Android 15 release, though, as Google is finally preparing to bring the taskbar to phones.

The taskbar was first introduced in 2022’s Android 12L release, a special release of Android aimed at large-screen devices. In its original version, the Android taskbar resided at the bottom of the screen, with app icons pulled from the user’s home screen dock. It was shown persistently on screen and stretched the entire width of the display, much like taskbars on desktop operating systems. With the release of Android 13, though, Google made the taskbar hideable by long-pressing on an empty space.

Garmin is extremely prolific when it comes to smartwatches, constantly churning out new models and updates. With the arrival of the Vivoactive 5, we see a very different watch to a line that hadn’t been updated since 2019, one much more akin to the Venu 3.

If you’re in the market for a new Garmin watch, you might have a tough time making a decision between these two. So which should you buy? Let’s take a look in this Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Venu 3 comparison.

Update, Aug 5, 2024 (11:40 PM ET): Google’s President of Global Affairs, Mr. Kent Walker, has released the following statement on this DOJ decision:

This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed to make it easily available.

When OpenAI launched ChatGPT towards the end of 2022, educators expressed concerns that students would use the platform to cheat on assignments and tests. To prevent this, numerous companies have rolled out AI detection tools, but they haven’t been the best at producing reliable results.

OpenAI has now revealed that it has developed a method to detect when someone uses ChatGPT to write (via The Washington Post). The technology is said to be 99.9% effective and essentially uses a system capable of predicting what word or phrase (called “token”) would come next in a sentence. The AI-detection tool slightly alters the tokens, which then leaves a watermark. This watermark is undetectable to the human eye but can be spotted by the tool in question.

Ten years ago, a tablet was the thing to have. Apple got everyone excited about this form factor in early 2010 with the announcement of the first iPad, and it wasn’t long before we had Samsung launching its own Galaxy Tab. Options from dozens of brands flooded the market over the next few years, peaking around 2014. Over the years that followed, interest (and sales) began to wane — only for the pandemic to turn the tide in 2020. But those few years of accelerated sales wouldn’t last, and recently tablet sales have found themselves in a slump. Luckily for our big-screen-loving friends, that trend already seems to be reversing.

Tablet sales are up year-to-year basically across the board, according to the latest statistics prepared by the International Data Corporation (IDC). Apple and Samsung, the two biggest tablet players, have enjoyed sales up over 18% in Q2, compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Lenovo’s holding steady as the third biggest manufacturer of tablets, but its share is down slightly, despite shipments up 16.7% — a testament to the growing size of the market overall.

TVs are nice, but nothing beats watching a good movie on a huge projection, curled up in your favorite blanket, next to your favorite people. The thing is, good projectors can get pricey, often more so than a TV. We have the right deal for you if you want to upgrade your movie nights! The XGIMI MoGo 2 projector is currently heavily discounted by $150, bringing the current price to just $250.

Get the XGIMI MoGo 2 for just $250

Tech companies are used to pushing boundaries, with everybody looking to become the next disruptor. But especially when it comes to their advertising, sometimes they push past the boundaries of good taste into some seriously cringe-worthy territory. We’ve seen situations like that play out time and time again over the years, and in some of those cases the response is so overwhelmingly negative that the company involved sees no better alternative than just taking their ad down. Now Google is the latest advertiser to find itself in the hot seat, all in response to an AI-focused spot it’s been running for the Olympics.

The video in question depicts a father whose daughter shows an interest in athletics and emerges as a fan of track-and-field Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The “Dear Sydney” ad continues as the father wants to help his daughter craft the best possible fan letter to McLaughlin. So, what’s next? A trip to the library? An after-school creative writing program? Nope: Gemini AI can just write it for you.

The Google Search widget on Android offers a few customization options that let you change the Google logo shown in the widget and adjust the search bar shape and transparency. Google even gives you granular hue and saturation adjustments to help you manually change the widget’s color. However, the widget currently doesn’t support Dynamic Color, which automatically matches the widget’s colors to your system theme. Google might soon address that with an upcoming redesign, but it might remove a few customization options.

9to5Google has spotted an upcoming Google Search widget redesign in the latest Google app beta update (version 15.30.x). The redesign replaces the hue and saturation adjustments with a new Device color theme that automatically adjusts the widget’s color per your device’s current theme.

When’s the last time you sideloaded an app on Android? The ability for users to directly install software they’ve acquired themselves (as opposed to finding it through the platform’s approved app store) is one of the core tenets that distinguishes Android from the likes of iOS. But just because it’s possible doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea — to say nothing of easy. But now Google seems to be tweaking its approach to app distribution in a way that threatens to be a serious thorn in the side of sideloading.

Historically, you’ve been able to manually install Android apps by means of an APK file: a single file that packaged up all an app’s resources in an convenient, easy-to-distribute format. Problem is, apps are far from one-size-fits-all, and trying to accommodate everyone all at once quickly becomes unwieldly. Back in 2018, Google rethought this approach and came up with a more modular solution: Android App Bundles.

Here at Android Authority, we’re all about Google and Android, but we know Apple products are great, too. We also know Apple devices don’t tend to come cheap, so if you’ve been looking to make some additions to your repertoire, today might be the best day to do so. There are currently a bunch of Apple deals, many of which bring the prices close to Amazon Prime Day levels. Let’s go over some of our favorite offerings!

• Get the Apple MacBook Air M3 for $850 ($249 off)
• Get the Apple MacBook Pro M3 for $1,399 ($200 off)
• Get the Apple iPad mini 6th generation for $380 ($120 off)
• Get the Apple iPad 9th generation for $250 ($79 off)
• Get the Apple iPad 10th Generation for $300 ($49 off)
• Get the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation for $189 ($60 off)
• Get the Apple Watch Series 9 for $299 ($100 off)
• Get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $700 ($99 off)
• Get the Apple AirPods 3rd generation for $140 ($29 off)
• Get the Apple AirPods Max for $400 ($149 off)
• Get the Apple AirTag 4-pack for $80 ($19 off)

The MacBook Air M3 is obviously the best deal, discounting you a whole $249. It’s also a great device, and we usually mention it’s one of the best laptops for most people. It’s super thin, gorgeously designed, and plenty powerful. Some people even use it for light 4K video editing. All mentioned iPads are great, too, so look into those if you’re looking for a tablet. Also, you get plenty of choices in terms of Apple smartwatches and headphones, ranging from the most affordable to the most expensive, all with pretty lovely discounts. Even AirTags are on sale!

Samsung took the wraps off its latest flagships earlier this year, the Galaxy S24 series, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra setting the early benchmark for other Android smartphones this year. It’s another year of refinement as far as the design goes but with a significant focus on AI-driven software and features. If that sounds familiar, it’s the exact intro we could have used for Google’s 2023 flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro. Interesting design refinements, upgraded hardware, and a plethora of new software features make for an interesting comparison between the two flagships. Here’s a look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro!

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: At a glance

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is still one of the best phones you can get, and it is usually mighty expensive at $1,300. Deals come and go from time to time, though, and right now, you can grab yourself one for just $949, a $351 discount.

Get the Titanium Gray Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $949

Android 15 is on its way, and if you’re a major smartphone manufacturer like Samsung, you are already hard at work on preparing updates for your Android 14 devices. With Samsung, we’re used to its development cycle including a public beta period, where interested users are able to sign up to test the next big One UI release ahead of its final, stable, build. So far, though, that’s yet to get underway for Android 15, despite a number of reports suggesting it could get going last month. Now the latest chatter we’re seeing suggests that our wait could just be getting started.

We’re talking about One UI 7, which will deliver Android 15 to Samsung Galaxy phones. The past month has been positively rife with One UI 7 leaks and rumors, detailing possible changes to notifications, icon design, and more. But maybe the biggest question has concerned just when we’d see this beta actually get underway. Dates suggested as possibilities have come and gone with no sign of Samsung pressing “go” on the beta.

I’ve been reviewing Android phones long enough to remember when they were fun. Every few months, one OEM or another would try something wacky that ended up falling flat — there were phones with game controllers (Xperia Play), projectors (Galaxy Beam), modular chins (LG G5), and all kinds of weird curves (who could forget the LG G Flex). But through trial and error, the smartphone formula has been refined to the point that most modern devices are nearly identical flat glass slabs. Some are faster or have better cameras, but the fundamentals of mobile computing don’t change when everything is so similar.

Foldables arrived just when traditional phones were getting oppressively boring, and they certainly jazzed things up, but they weren’t very good products. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, however, is very good. And unlike in past years, I don’t feel the need to qualify that statement.

You don’t have to be a spy to be concerned about concealed cameras. Frequent travelers are becoming more alert to the risk that they may be secretly filmed in their hotels or Airbnb. Advances in camera technology have also made places like changing rooms and public bathrooms easier to surveil covertly. Xiaomi might be leading the privacy fightback, with reports suggesting that its upcoming OS will be able to detect hidden cameras.

According to a report by Xiaomitime, a leak has revealed that Xiaomi Hyper OS 2.0 may include this novel feature. If true, it wouldn’t be the first time a manufacturer had attempted to offer this functionality, but it would be the most advanced approach yet in terms of a smartphone feature.

In the iOS versus Android debate, one area where Android generally comes out on top is notifications. However, Android still has some issues to deal with in that regard. For example, heads-up notifications are way too distracting when you’re watching a video or playing a game. Fortunately, Google has a fix in the works for this particular issue, and we could see it go live in an upcoming Android 15 release.

The heads-up notification was introduced nearly a decade ago with the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop. It’s a type of notification that appears in a floating window on the top of the screen that you can immediately see and interact with, no matter what app you’re using. It’s intended only to be used for important notifications that you need to know about immediately, such as messages from a close friend or family member. Notifications of this type can appear when they’re part of a channel with a high importance level or when an app is in fullscreen mode. When a heads-up notification appears over a fullscreen app, it can be quite distracting, which is why many people complain about the feature online and also try to find ways to disable it.

Jude Law and a group of newcomers are here for a brand-new rendition of Star Wars.

Let’s dive into everything we know about the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew release date, cast, and what we can expect from this story. Also, take a peek at the trailer above.

Google is on a bit of an AI kick right now, to put it mildly, finding reason to augment every nook of cranny of its software and services with (admittedly, often impressive) AI-powered functionality. The Play Store has been as much a target as any for these experiments, like with the App highlights feature we saw Google start playing around with several months back. For over a year now, Google’s been talking about using AI to summarize Play Store reviews, and after getting to see how that works in the app’s search mode, we’re now discovering how the next phase of those summaries could arrive.

When delivering Google Play’s most recent quarterly address, VP Sam Bright touched on the company’s progress with AI in the Play store, including the desire to get more of this AI-derived content in detailed app listings themselves. Sure enough, digging through Play Store version 42.1.21 we find new text strings for labeling information as “Summarized by Google AI.” And with the right flags enabled, we can get just such an AI-generated summary to appear at the top of user-written reviews:

Self-hosting your data and services with Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a great way to free yourself from the spiraling costs and tangled web of subscription fees. Whether you’re simply looking to back up your photos or stream 4K movies on your travels, there’s a wide range of products to pick from, but not quite so many to suit all budgets.

If you’ve been tempted by one of the best NAS systems but are put off by the expense or lack of gradual upgrade paths, building a cheap DIY NAS could be a better alternative for you.

Slowly, but surely, we’re getting a clearer picture of the set-top box Google is planning to replace Chromecast with Google TV with. The latest leak gives us details on the hardware’s full name, price, color, and possible launch date.

Leading up to next week’s Made by Google event, Dealabs has been leaking pricing information on to be announced products left and right. Its latest target is what we know as the Google TV Streamer, which its full name is reportedly the Google TV Streamer 4K. It’s unknown if this 4K suffix suggests that there will be an HD model in the future like with the Chromecast for Google TV.

If you’re not already using it, Windows Phone Link is an increasingly useful tool for Android users who own PCs. In addition to notification, text, and call synchronization, earlier this year, Microsoft enabled us to use our phones as webcams — helpful if you have an old laptop with a poor quality cam but not exactly essential. However, the latest integration of Android files directly into Windows File Explorer without the need for a wire is a feature I’m wondering how I ever lived without.

Linking your Android phone to File Explorer does exactly what you’d expect: your smartphone files are listed within Windows File Explorer, seamlessly integrated alongside regular PC files, OneDrive, and any other storage you might have attached. While previously that was only possible over USB, this new implementation uses Phone Link to manage everything wirelessly. You can open your phone’s files, copy from Android to PC and vice versa, and rename, move, and delete files all over the air.

Apple first revealed its M4 chip when it launched the iPad Pro (2024) earlier this year. Logically, the company plans to bring its latest processor to the Mac line, which is currently powered by its predecessor. The shift from M3 to M4 will reportedly start this year, and beyond the chip bump, at least one Mac model is expected to feature dramatic changes.

According to Bloomberg Power On’s subscriber edition, Apple will introduce M4-powered iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini computers in 2024. Interestingly, at least one of these machines is expected to include some significant modifications — apart from the M4 chip. Apple could then resume its M4 Mac overhaul next year by refreshing the MacBook Air, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. The newsletter states:

Google is pretty well known for building multiple apps to do virtually the same thing — like its five different messaging apps, for example. It seems like its weather app is about to receive the same treatment. Thanks to a source, we’ve learned that Google is making a new one to debut alongside the upcoming Pixel 9.

It’s worth mentioning Google launched a complete redesign of its existing weather section of the Google app last year, which makes launching yet another weather app so soon even more surprising.

Apple has been offering SE variants of its iconic smartwatch for years, catering to those with limited budgets and needs. Despite technically being the budget option, though, the current SE model starts at $249. That’s significantly more expensive than some of the affordable Wear OS rivals. To potentially cut its price, the Apple Watch SE 3 may retire the more costly aluminum build and opt for a cheaper plastic one.

According to Bloomberg Power On’s subscriber edition, the upcoming Apple Watch SE could replace the aluminum chassis with a rigid plastic one. This could help Apple drop its price and offer more distinct finishes. The newsletter reads:

The Google Pixel 9 series is launching just a few days from now, but information about the devices just can’t stop leaking. Google itself has confirmed a few details about the Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but leaks have practically given us everything we need to know about the devices. The latest leak shows off the European version of Google’s previously leaked 45W USB-C charger, and we can’t help but balk at the atrocious port placement.

We’ve seen this Google-branded charging brick with the model number GW8L7 before when it went through NCC certification. The latest leak from Arsène Lupin on X (formerly known as Twitter) shows off the charger in marketing materials destined for the European market.

Before the Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 ever became official, rumors were suggesting the company would launch a larger model called the Galaxy Fold 6 Ultra. While this model didn’t appear at Samsung Unpacked, the rumor mill claims another Fold variant is on its way. Let’s jump right in and discuss everything we know about the alleged Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim.

Keyword: At a glance

Apple Intelligence is arguably iOS 18’s most significant highlight, baking native AI features into the OS. While the technology likely won’t debut publicly until October, the company has already given iOS 18.1 beta testers an early look. One of its perks is AI summaries in the Mail app. Through this handy Apple Intelligence feature, users can save time, determine emails’ importance at a glance, get locked out of their accounts, and possibly lose considerable sums of money.

Yes, you’ve read that right. Apple Intelligence, indeed, can’t differentiate between phishing and legitimate emails. According to multiple Reddit users, the AI-powered filter in the Mail app is marking scam emails as a priority. This suggests that the technology categorizes emails based only on their texts, disregarding the senders’ addresses and other relevant signals.

Update, August 5, 2024 (06:40 AM ET): The “Everything Else” option in Google Wallet is now rolling out. 9to5Google mentions that they are seeing this option on Google Pixel devices, but not on devices from Samsung.

Original article, July 15, 2024 (08:28 AM ET): Google Wallet is getting a new feature that will let you scan and store digital copies of text-only documents and passes. Google first showcased the feature at I/O this year and, while it’s yet to roll out, we’ve managed to enable it manually to give you an early look.

In recent years, smartphone hardware upgrades have been incremental — for the most part, at least. This has pushed some manufacturers to develop exclusive software features for their latest products, enticing customers to upgrade more frequently. The iPhone’s case is no different. Apple Intelligence is only supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, which will likely make it an iPhone 16 key selling point. Though, given that the highly anticipated AI features have been delayed till October, will Apple still launch the iPhone 16 in September? Here’s what the rumors indicate.

According to Bloomberg, Apple will stick to its tradition and launch the iPhone 16 in September. Since the company typically introduces its flagship smartphones on a Tuesday towards the middle of the month, the publication suggests that the announcement could take place on September 10. The report states:

Whether it’s your headphones, your smartwatch, your mouse, or your keyboard, you probably use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect your devices each and every day. So many devices use the wireless communications standard that you might end up pairing or repairing them once every couple of days. Pairing Bluetooth devices can be a hassle, which is why Google created Fast Pair, a feature that greatly simplifies the Bluetooth pairing process. Fast Pair currently works with accessories like headphones, smartwatches, tracker tags, and mice, but Google is preparing to expand support to keyboards.

Google Fast Pair Service, or just Fast Pair for short, was introduced back in 2017 and was originally designed to simplify connecting audio accessories like speakers, headphones, and car kits with devices running Android. It’s implemented in the Google Play Services app on Android phones, tablets, smartwatches, and TVs, which means it’s available on any Android device that ships with Google apps preinstalled. Since March of 2023, it’s also been available in the Chrome OS operating system running on Chromebooks.

Although Android has long offered apps the ability to use your phone’s entire screen by letting them draw content underneath the status and navigation bars, many apps don’t take advantage of this. There are many reasons why developers have shied away from making their apps go edge-to-edge, but in the upcoming Android 15 update, they’ll have no choice but to do so — or at least, that’s what we thought.

For a bit of context, apps have long been able to go edge-to-edge by implementing a few APIs that tells the OS to draw the app underneath the two “system bars” (ie. the status and navigation bars). The reason that Google didn’t immediately enforce this behavior is that many apps might have UI issues if they were forced to go edge-to-edge. For example, an app might have an interactive element like a floating action button that would overlap with the navigation bar if it went edge-to-edge.

Everything comes at a cost, and AI is no different. While ChatGPT and Gemini may be free to use, they require a staggering amount of computational power to operate. And if that wasn’t enough, Big Tech is currently engaged in an arms race to build bigger and better models like GPT-5. Critics argue that this growing demand for powerful — and energy-intensive — hardware will have a devastating impact on climate change. So just how much energy does AI like ChatGPT use and what does this electricity use mean from an environmental perspective? Let’s break it down.

ChatGPT energy consumption: How much electricity does AI need?

Update, August 4, 2024 (11:55 PM ET): This feature from Google Lens that lets you add context to searches with your voice is now rolling out to the stable branch. Have you received the feature on your phone? Let us know in the comments below!

Original article, June 4, 2024 (10:02 AM ET): Google Lens is a nifty tool that makes it trivial to image search objects around you. It’s great for reading barcodes and QR codes and for looking up web results by just pointing your camera at something. While Google Lens is pretty good and gets the job done, sometimes an image search query could use some added context. Google is working on improving Google Lens’ ability to accept additional context with some key changes.

Apple Mail has long been the ugly duckling of email clients. While the app technically works, it’s pretty barebones in terms of functionality. Despite the latest iOS 18 beta not addressing all of its shortcomings, it does make using the client more desirable on iPhone 15 Pro models. With iOS 18.1, the iPhone maker has baked Apple Intelligence into the Mail app, enabling AI summaries, priority detection, and more. Some of these features have also made it to the Messages app, such as the newly-added smart replies. Sure, Apple Mail still has a long way to go, but boy, do these AI enhancements make my everyday life easier and give Google’s Gmail a run for its money.

It all starts before you even launch the app

What I love about Apple Intelligence on iOS 18.1 beta 1 is that it works from the moment you receive an email or text. The technology analyzes the notifications’ content to display summaries on the lock screen. So, instead of previewing the first two lines of an email, the notification now shows a handier, AI-generated summary of the entire message. We’ve gone from “Hi, I hope this email finds you well” to “The sender is inquiring about your availability tomorrow” in the notification center. It’s pretty neat if you ask me.

Opinion post by

Calvin Wankhede

Two years have passed since the Pixel Buds Pro first hit store shelves. Launched at Google I/O 2022, they were the first in Google’s buds lineup to offer high-end features like active noise canceling. But with a launch price of $199, the Pixel Buds Pro didn’t outshine the competition and lacked some features that were almost considered industry standard by 2022.

Fast forward to today, however, and the Pixel Buds Pro have become some of the most well-rounded true wireless earbuds on the market. And I’m not referring to the fact that you can often find them on sale for less than $140. No, I’m referring to the many, many firmware updates that have completely transformed them since their release.

We’ve heard rumors for a while now that Apple could be working on a foldable iPhone and a foldable iMac/iPad hybrid. Now, it sounds like both devices might launch in 2026.

While it’s hard to go wrong with any of today’s top-tier smartphones, ending up with the best bang for your buck or splitting the mid-range wheat from the chaff is still often a case of deciphering a phone’s spec sheet. This already laborious task isn’t helped by the marketing gobbledegook thrown around by various brands in a bid to make their otherwise mediocre handsets stand out. Just what the heck is “virtual RAM” anyhow?

To help, let’s break down all the key smartphone specifications and highlight what to look out for — and what to ignore — when making your next purchase.

Your phone’s brain: The processor

We’ll start with the processor (or SoC) first. Weirdly, this is both the most and least important aspect of your phone, depending on what you expect from your next handset. If you have to have the absolute best performance, features, and networking capabilities, then a flagship chip is a must, but often these features are surplus to requirements.

There are too many chipsets to get into them all, but virtually every smartphone processor built since the turn of the decade is ample for running key mobile tasks: browsing Facebook, scrolling Insta, that sort of thing. Google’s Pixel range is a prime example of smartphones that don’t pack the absolutely fastest processors around yet still offer one of the best mobile experiences in their price brackets. It’s more about what your phone can do than what it benchmarks. That said, I’d urge everyone to avoid the bottom-of-the-barrel processors you’ll still find in ultra-affordable handsets, if it can be helped. Anything that lists itself as little more than an “octa-core” processor is still probably bad news.

Ignore core counts and GHz; you need to look at a chip's broader capabilities.

iPhones, of course, all sport high-end chips, so there’s little issue (or choice) here anyway. If you want to be sure of top-tier Android performance, stick to flagship-grade chips from the big players. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 and 8S, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9___, Samsung’s Exynos 2___, and Google’s Tensor series are all rock solid, even if you pick a model that’s a generation or two old at this point. High-end mobile gamers, however, will find the latest features, such as ray tracing, and the fastest performance on the latest processors, such as a phone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is also a boon for heavy multitaskers and those who edit their photos and videos on the go. It’s those less mainstream use cases that really benefit from focusing on the processor as a key component, but even then, you have to consider thermals and cooling as well, and bigger phones tend to do better at that.

If you’re on a tighter budget, sliding down to the Snapdragon 7 or even 6 series, along with MediaTek’s more recent Dimensity 8XXX range, is a fair compromise that won’t disappoint on the networking or security fronts, and even AI capabilities are quickly making their way down to these price points.

How does the phone perform under stress, and does it have the gaming, AI, or other features you want?

Of course, you can get pretty granular on all the internal processor differences. CPU core counts and microarchitectures for general processing, GPU for gaming and other graphics, ISP capabilities for pictures and video, and the latest trends in NPUs for AI. While interesting from an enthusiast standpoint, we can’t mix and match these parts ourselves, and it would be a waste of time to make a purchasing decision based on specs like clock speed GHz or AI TOPS. It’s less of a headache to follow the general portfolio trends outlined above and pay attention to the on-device features that a given handset is capable of and maybe a benchmark or two if you need higher-end performance.

The bottom line is that picking the best processor used to matter a lot more than it does today. However, elite gaming and AI are starting to shift focus back to the flagship-tier chipsets once more.

Cameras, cameras, cameras

For most people, their smartphone is their primary camera. As such, navigating this increasingly complex area of a modern smartphone is a must, but it isn’t easy. First, let’s dive through the key terms.

• Megapixels — More is better? Well, it depends. In theory, more pixels mean more detail, providing enough light to make it to the tiny pixel. More pixels in a small space means less light per pixel, which can reduce dynamic range, increase noise, or longer shutter speeds. Not good. Modern pixel-binning sensors aim to get around this by merging data from nearby cells while allowing for high-resolution photography, but you’re often left shooting at a lower resolution by default. Still, remember that just 12MP is more than enough for a 12-inch print. Don’t be swayed by the allure of a 200MP sensor.
• Sensor size — The flip size of megapixels is the overall sensor size; the bigger the sensor, the bigger the pixels, and the better the light capture. 1-inch is as large as we’ve seen in smartphones, though around 1/1.3-inch is more typical for primary cameras and often much smaller for secondary and third cameras. Sensors below 1/2 are small by modern standards and won’t pair well with high megapixel counts or low-light environments. Bigger is better, but that comes with a larger camera bump as a trade-off, so there’s a limit, and around 1/1.5 inches or above is adequate.
• Aperture — Part of the “exposure triangle,” the aperture measures how wide the lens opening is. Again, wider means more light, which is good, and more bokeh, which is also deemed good (mostly). However, very wide apertures and very large sensors can struggle with partial subject focus, particularly at close ranges, and they don’t make for the sharpest landscapes. Thankfully, variable aperture technology gives you the best of both worlds, but it’s only found in a handful of premium smartphones. Don’t dwell on this spec, but be cautious of any smartphone lens with an aperture below f/3; it probably won’t be very good in low light.
• Focal length/zoom — These are two halves of the same coin; divide two lens’ focal lengths and you get the zoom factor when switching between them. For example, a 75mm telephoto lens has 3x the zoom factor of a 25mm lens. Paying attention to the optical zoom levels a phone has is important; you’ll receive the best image quality at these points. Factors in between will rely on software upscaling of some kind, which leaves a big gap between, say, a 1x and 5x lens. Equally, focal length tells you a little bit about what the lens is good for. Below 20mm is extremely ultrawide, good for landscapes and broad scenes but at the expense of distorted proportions. 35 mm is roughly equivalent to the human eye’s field of view, 50mm or so is considered the most flattering for portraits, and 100mm or more is a long-range zoom. Also, ignore any claims of 50x or 100x zoom; those are always digital and look terrible.

We could dive deeper into autofocus technologies (make sure your wide lens has AF at least!), backplane types, and the like, but that’s getting too deep into the weeds for this article and probably shouldn’t sway your entire phone choice unless you’re after something very, very specific. Instead, the next step is to look at what camera lenses the phone has. These typically fall into five categories: ultrawide, wide/primary, telephoto, periscope, and macro.

99% of the time, a dedicated macro camera is just there to pad out the numbers. They’re usually low resolution, tiny, and basically bad. Pretend the phone doesn’t have it; you’ll likely forget about it anyway. A wide and ultrawide pairing is most common in the mid-range market, offering a step back to fit more in but lacking long-range or truly portrait-friendly capabilities. Telephoto and periscope are two different ways of building a zoom camera; the latter bounces light off a mirror or two, creating a longer focal length but losing some light in the process. Ultra-premium phones regularly offer two zoom cameras to cover multiple distances with high quality. 3x to 5x is good for portraits and nearby subjects, while 10x will capture those concert stages. There are no strict winners here; take your pick based on the type of photos you typically take.

How many GB of space do I need?

Just like the processor, how much physical storage space (in gigabytes or GB) you need depends on how you use your phone. If you just make calls, check emails, and browse the same four websites, you can probably get away with a smaller storage option. But if you’re a gamer, photographer, or meme archivist, you’ll need a more forgiving amount of space.

Even though it’s still often the base configuration, 128GB isn’t all that much storage in the age of mass media and mobile photography. Subtracting the size of the OS and some apps, you might be lucky to be left with 80GB free for other content. That’s the equivalent of roughly 10,000 8MB JPEG photos, 20,000 four-minute MP3 tracks, or 80 hours of compressed 1080p video. That sounds like a lot, but bringing years of old pictures and whatever else to a new phone eats further into this. While you can mitigate physical limitations with cloud storage, that’s an expensive solution in the long term.

If you’re the designated family photographer, I recommend 256GB at minimum. You might even want to future-proof your purchase with 512GB, though those upfront prices can be eyewatering.

The other factor to consider is storage speed. While most flagships use the fastest storage available (UFS 4 at the time of writing), budget options often use slightly slower versions like UFS 3.1 or even 2.0. Mostly, this will marginally affect large app or game loading times or your phone’s ability to record very high-resolution (4K or 8K) video, which is less of a requirement for budget models anyway. I’d avoid anything still listed with eMMC storage, as that’s positively outdated.

Dazzling displays

Display technology has long been a battleground between the senses and snake oil. There’s a load we could get into here, from aspect ratios and contrast to sub-pixel layouts and refresh rates. Let’s hit those key terms again.

• Resolution — Can you see the difference between 4K and 1080p on a 6-inch screen watching a compressed YouTube video? Absolutely not. In fact, your phone almost certainly defaults to an FHD+ software resolution, even if it has a QHD+ hardware panel, to help save on battery. An FHD+ resolution (above or around 1,920 x 1,080, accommodating for aspect ratio) is sufficient, even for a large form factor phone; consider anything above that a bonus, but don’t quibble over a few pixels
• Brightness — Ripe for exploitation, peak brightness (in nits) is not a hugely helpful metric on its own because it fails to tell you under what circumstances this brightness is achieved and if it’s sustained. Often, the largest metric you see here refers to instantaneous peak brightness in a very localized part of the screen, such as when viewing HDR content. Ignore claims of 4,500 nits. 200 – 300 nits is all you need for indoor viewing, and 600 – 800 for outdoor. Anything above that is a bonus but not strictly necessary. Even if you love to watch HDR video on a tiny screen, peak 1,500 – 2,000 nits is plenty.
• HDR — HDR technology is a boon for movie viewers, but its benefits are contentious for tiny screens that are often viewed in less-than-ideal conditions. Still, most high-end and even mid-range panels are HDR-capable. They often come in flavors supporting HDR10+ and/or Dolby Vision; take your pick depending on your preferred content format.
• AMOLED, OLED, etc.— The OLED vs. LCD battle is over, and OLED won. Even many inexpensive smartphones now use some OLED in some form, whether that’s AMOLED, POLED, flexible OLED, or something else derivative, delivering superior viewing angles, contrast, and color. That said, ultra-budget phones still use LCD, and the viewing experience suffers as a result. I’d suggest springing for an OLED panel if you can.
• Refresh rate — This spec can make more of a meaningful difference to how responsive your phone feels. Scrolling through web pages looks much smoother at 120Hz than at 60Hz, with 90Hz being a decent compromise for mid-range models. What you really want here, though, is an adaptive/dynamic refresh rate, preferably with a display that can go as low as 1Hz to save power when not showing moving content. These are most often LTPO-type displays reserved for the higher end of the market.
• PWM rate — While refresh rate determines how quickly content updates on the display, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controls the actual pulsing rate of the display’s light in order to dim a display so it appears darker. Low PWM rates can cause headaches in the small percentage of users who are sensitive to flickering lights, even in cases where you can’t perceive any flickering. The effect is most acute when dimming the phone’s display when you’re in a dark room. Higher PWM values are good here, and an excess of 1,000Hz helps, but don’t agonize over this if you’re not sensitive.

A huge amount of technology is packed into the latest smartphone displays, and picking out exactly what you want depends on what you need from a display. Higher refresh rates will be most important if you’re a doom-scroller or gamer. If you like to read while commuting, a robust and reliable outdoor peak brightness will be key. Or if you find displays give you a headache while reading in the dark, grab one with a higher PWM rate.

RAM: Don’t just download more

Your phone’s temporary storage, or RAM, is further down this list but nonetheless important, particularly if you’re eyeballing a phone for AI or gaming. 8GB of RAM has been and remains plenty for most mobile multitasking use cases, but if you want to keep lots of apps and games open or run trailblazing AI features from Gemini Nano, you’ll want 12GB or even more.

Equally, those demanding use cases want RAM that’s quick. At the time of writing, LPDDR5X is the fastest available type of RAM, but LPDDR4X is still fine for a budget model where basic multitasking is more important than loading up Genshin Impact.

There is a recent gimmick to be aware of here, though: virtual RAM. You might also see this listed as Dynamic RAM, Memory Expansion, or such, but the idea is the same. This is essentially swap space that stores unused programs in a portion of your main internal storage rather than in RAM. The benefit is that fewer apps will close if you fill up your regular RAM, but storage is slower than RAM, so there’s absolutely no performance benefit for AI or gaming. Virtual RAM is useful for phones with a small amount of real memory, but only to a point, and is not a replacement for proper RAM.

RAM is more important for AI phones. Gloss over virtual RAM, it's not a cure-all.

Virtual RAM allows companies to claim a phone has very large amounts of memory, such as 24GB, but the split may only be 12GB real RAM and 12GB virtual. That’s fine, but there’s not a huge benefit to virtual RAM, especially in such huge sizes. Always check the fine print, particularly on mid-rangers from China, where this trend is more prevalent, and make sure you buy a phone with a healthy chunk of physical RAM.

Charging power and protocols

While we’re on the subject of inflated numbers, charging power has to be one of the biggest minefields to navigate in recent memory. It’s not just the Chinese brands claiming 100W or 200W that can catch you out; even Google’s Pixel 6 was caught playing fast and loose.

But more power equals faster charging, right? Well, yes, in theory, but are you measuring at the plug or the phone, how long can you sustain that power, and under what conditions? If I had a dollar for every ultra-high-wattage phone I’ve tested that failed to maintain peak power for more than two minutes, well, I wouldn’t be rich, but you get the idea. If you live in a warm country, these effects will be even worse. Even if you can hit 100W, so what if you’re confined to the in-box charger or bricks from one specific brand? While high power and fast times are nice, we should consider the battery longevity, real charge times, and ecosystem and e-waste trade-offs.

Forget 200W, grab a phone that charges nicely with third-party plugs and power banks.

What’s most important, in my book, is how quickly a phone charges via the USB Power Delivery standard — the default protocol for charging over USB-C. If your phone plays nicely with USB PD (and the newer USB PD PPS), it’ll charge quickly with virtually any modern plug. Around 45W takes even the largest batteries from empty to full in an hour or so, while 65W is properly fast for a phone and suitable for many laptops. 30W or below is on the slower side but still far better than many of the aforementioned proprietary brands that can sit at 18W or under when not using their special blend of brick and cable. Similarly, a phone with Qi or Qi2 wireless charging will play nicely with a range of accessories, even if it charges slower than proprietary standards.

Finally, a word on battery capacity (in mAh). This is too dependent on handset size and other specifications to give a definitive guide. However, 4,000mAh should see most users through a single day, while around 5,000mAh is better for gamers and power users. If you know you use your phone a lot, it’s better to err on the side of a bigger battery.

Maximum durability

After um-ing and ah-ing about the internals, you should also consider the external hardware protecting your phone. There are two main things to ponder: screen/glass protection and water/dust resistance.

We have a handy guide on IP ratings. Broadly speaking, some level of water protection is a must. Accidents happen, and you’ll be glad you invested in an IP rating when “someone” spills coffee all over that expensive new purchase. We’d suggest an IP54 rating as the bare minimum, with an IP68 rating being the golden standard when spending money on upper-mid and flagship smartphones.

Likewise, glass protection can be the difference between “few!” and “$100s” down the drain and hours wasted organizing a screen replacement. Corning Gorilla Glass is the industry standard, with Victus 2 and Gorilla Armor being the strongest options around. Apple uses Corning’s Ceramic Shield, which touts a similar, if not superior, hardening process, and there are various other industry players offering their own flavors. Comparing the various glass types is fraught with difficulties, but newer tends to be better, so we suggest not picking a phone with anything too dated. Of course, something is better than nothing at all. Oh, and be sure to check if there’s a difference between front and back protection, if your phone has a glass back. There usually is, but you don’t want to trade down too far and end up with a smashed case.

I’d place less emphasis on any metal parts mentioned. While these can marginally affect a phone’s weight, aluminum, titanium, or others offer little to no indication of a phone’s ability to withstand drops or bends, as we’ve seen countless times over the years.

Opinion post by

Robert Triggs

If you’ve seen our latest Google Pixel 9 exclusive, the phone’s Tensor G4 processor is set to be the smallest change to the series so far. While peak performance has never been a Tensor accolade, there’s little to no upgrade in the chip’s cornerstone AI capabilities either. The Tensor G4 reportedly features exactly the same third-generation TPU, codenamed “rio,” running at the same clock speed as the Tensor G3. The reason is that Google reportedly missed deadlines for a more potent custom chipset, which will now have to wait until the Pixel 10, and had to hastily cobble together an improved Tensor for the Pixel 9 series.

If this holds true, surely the Pixel 8 series should be able to run all of the Pixel 9’s upcoming AI features? Well, the CPU and GPU upgrades appear to be nowhere near big enough to make a meaningful difference to any AI processing, the DSP that runs camera algorithms is the same as last gen, and the identical TPU is the core that binds Google’s on-device AI capabilities together.

I’d argue that the Tensor G4 shares so many core similarities to the G3 that (virtually) the only reason why Google won’t bring its latest features, such as AddMe and Pixel Screenshots, to the Pixel 8 series, at least not in a hurry, is to upsell the Pixel 9. There’s no denying that bringing such features to the Pixel 8 would make Google’s best-ever flagship even more compelling but might undermine launch excitement about the new models, despite the camera and other hardware upgrades. This raises a big question: Just how committed is Google to backporting features via Feature Drops?

Virtually, the only reason Google won't bring the Pixel 9's latest AI features to the Pixel 8 series is to upsell the Pixel 9.

Google’s history with Feature Drops is pretty hit-and-miss. While it has brought plenty of new features to the Pixel lineup over time, we’re still waiting on some of the bigger promises like Zoom Enhance. There’s no guarantee that all of Google’s latest AI features will even be available for the Pixel 9 at launch, so any hope of features making their way back to the Pixel 8 series in a timely manner feels remote. Still, the similarities between the Tensor G4 and G3 make this all the more possible than in previous years, so here’s hoping that, even if there’s a reasonable delay, we see as many Pixel 9 AI features on the Pixel 8 as possible.

There’s one exception to all this — RAM. On-device AI is RAM heavy; it’s the reason the lower-specced Pixel 8 didn’t initially ship with Gemini Nano, while the 8 Pro’s larger 12GB RAM pool made it possible. According to leaks, the Pixel 9 is expected to ship with 12GB of RAM, and the Pro models will all receive a boost to 16GB. That’s a lot more memory than the baseline Pixel 8, but 12GB matches the capabilities of the Pixel 8 Pro. Once again, then, it looks like the more affordable Pixel 8 stands to miss out, but Google’s previous premium model should be capable of matching the Pixel 9. However, just how broken up Google’s AI feature set will become across models remains to be seen.

The Pixel 8's 8GB RAM might be too small, but the 8 Pro is capable of matching the base Pixel 9.

Even so, a processor with few upgrades cuts through the usual inter-generational barrier and puts Google and the Pixel series in an interesting position. Can Google rely on the superb hardware upgrades alone to sell the Pixel 9 while using this opportunity to show that the best software features can transcend generations? We’re already questioning whether seven years of updates really mean the same thing as seven years of cutting-edge features. Google could put the Pixel series on the map as an evolving platform for the industry’s best AI technology, regardless of which generation you buy in. But it’ll have to sacrifice a little Pixel 9 prestige to do so.

There are many obvious benefits to wearing a finger-based fitness tracker, which explains why shoppers have clamored for the Samsung Galaxy Ring. However, fingers are high-contact body parts. From grabbing to pushing to pulling and lifting, it’s hard to protect smart rings from potentially damaging interactions.

I’m no Olympian, but I do foray into various fitness activities, and in my months of testing the Samsung Galaxy Ring, Oura Ring, and other smart rings, I’ve discovered that there are specific exercises that I can’t do or would rather not do while wearing them. Here they are, in no particular order, and I hope that this list helps you decide whether a smart ring is a good fit for your exercise tracking or not.

• Weightlifting: Across the web, weightlifting is the most commonly referred-to example of a workout that is best done without a smart ring. Samsung specifically warns Galaxy Ring users against wearing their ring while using machines that equip “hard bar-like objects such as weights, dumbbells, or iron bars” and cites the possibility of injury or damage to the device. In my experience, it simply hurts, and that’s enough reason to take the ring off. I also wouldn’t recommend attempting pull-ups with a ring on hand.
• Rowing: Likewise, I find machines with handlebars uncomfortable to use while wearing a smart ring. Though I doubt that a rower would damage the ring, it does pinch my skin and eventually dig into my fingers painfully. I have not felt the same discomfort on an elliptical, as you don’t need to hold the handles nearly as tight. The stair machine has also been fine, even though I often end up holding on to the handlebar for dear life by the end of my workout.
• Swimming: Both the Galaxy and Oura ring are water resistant up to 100 meters, so you can safely clock laps with either device. However, even after using both brands’ sizing kits and choosing the appropriate fits for my fingers, each has a tendency to feel precariously loose underwater. When I tried swimming with my Oura Ring 3, I spent more strokes worried about it slipping off my finger than focusing on my form or breathing. My colleague Rita feels the same way. So, while I can technically swim with a smart ring, the fear of getting done with a grueling workout only to realize I need to scour the bottom of a pool for my $300 tracker is enough to rule out this activity for me. And let’s not even talk about open-water swimming — that’s a big no.
• Surfing: For similar reasons, I also remove my smart rings for surfing. If I might lose my ring doing the backstroke in a pool, I will definitely lose it tumbling beneath a white cap. The odds of recovering it from the bottom of the blue are extremely slim. I personally wouldn’t even wear a smart ring for snorkeling or casually swimming at the beach, but again, how your ring fits will impact your own comfort level. Both Samsung and Oura rings are safe for use in salt water, though it’s recommended to rinse the device with clean water afterward.
• Stand Up Paddling (SUP): SUP has the double whammy potential of being extremely uncomfortable to do with a smart ring and also being a horrible way to lose your device in a body of water. (Even if you have great balance, the best part of paddle boarding is tipping your companions and inevitably ending up submerged as well.) Long before those shenanigans, though, my hands blister almost every time I go out, and that’s without introducing a bulky metal component on my index finger. The carbon-fiber paddle can also ding or scratch the finish of a smart ring in a similar manner to weights.
• Tennis: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got wildly into the idea that I could learn to play tennis and have a lifelong hobby to share with my partner. It turns out he’s a really good player, and I’m really good at annoying strangers when I shank six serves in a row into their neighboring courts. Nonetheless, we still play often, and slipping my smart ring off my finger and into my racket bag is part of the routine. Any exercise that includes gripping a handle and bracing for impact isn’t especially conducive to wearing a titanium bangle on your finger. Smart rings are fine for pickleball which is mostly one-handed, as long as you wear your device on your non-dominant hand.
• Lacrosse: I know this is a niche sport, and the no-smart-ring reasoning is repetitive, but I love lacrosse so much that it deserves its own spot on this list. Like other handle-involving sports, lacrosse is significantly less comfortable with a smart ring on and can definitely lead to damaging the ring.
• Boxing: To be totally transparent, I tried boxing once, and as soon as I was lightly tapped in the face, I realized it was not the sport for me. I have, however, occasionally taken boxing classes (because bags don’t hit back), and while some smart ring users claim it’s perfectly fine to wear rings under a boxing mitt, this has not been my experience.

Beyond exercise

Personally, I also remove my smart ring when showering and doing the dishes. According to the manufacturers, this isn’t necessary, but I find both tasks more comfortable with naked hands. I also remove my ring when prepping certain foods. Rolling meatballs and hand-mixing cookie dough are two that come to mind immediately. I don’t make bread, but I watch The Great British Baking Show, and I imagine I’d take my ring off to knead dough if ever a contestant.

Some users report removing their smart ring for yard work, such as lawn mowing or gardening with a shovel. I can imagine how these chores might be uncomfortable depending on your grip and the boniness of your finger. Meanwhile, Samsung warns users that their Galaxy Ring might not work properly in close proximity to magnets. Both Oura and Samsung advise users not to wear their smart ring on the same finger or adjacent to fingers with other metal rings. Oura claims their devices are safe for saunas, hot tubs, ice baths, and cryotherapy tanks. Samsung issues more conservative warnings and urges Galaxy Ring users not to “expose it to sudden temperature changes in environments such as saunas and steam rooms.”

In other words, there are many scenarios to consider when trying to keep your smart ring safe from damage — and your hands safe from pain. Depending on your preferred workouts, it’s worth thinking through a ring’s limitations before investing in one.

I got my first Fitbit nearly a decade ago. Back then, you could argue that Fitbit was a proprietary eponym — a brand name that inadvertently became synonymous with similar products due to its success or popularity. This couldn’t be further from the case in 2024. The company’s decline started well before Google’s acquisition three years ago, but stalwart Fitbit fans will argue that Mountain View’s influence is the reason for its continued downfall. I’d argue that it’s a little more complicated than that.

When Fitbit was founded in the late 2000s, it was one of a few companies that seriously considered the fitness tracker space a budding technology segment. Initial products weren’t feature-packed, but the brand built a loyal following by introducing heart rate tracking technology at a time when few other consumer products did. Following its growing success, Fitbit listed publicly in 2015, making it one of the year’s hottest IPOs. However, that initial searing heat would dissipate rapidly in the coming years due to low sales, encroaching competition from Apple and others, and a series of troubled launches.

Understandably, when Google came knocking at the end of 2019, a wounded Fitbit was more than happy to listen. I’m sure that plenty of Fitbit users were, too. The company was faltering; financial and developmental backing from a tech giant would be a big shot in the arm. The deal was completed in January 2021, ushering in the Google Fitbit era.

The Google-Fitbit era

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

In reality, Google hasn’t been the greatest custodian of the fitness marque. Its priority has been implementing Fitbit’s smarts into its own refreshed health push rather than accommodating those already part of the ecosystem. Since it changed hands to Mountain View in 2021, Fitbit users have seen sweeping changes to the platform. While Google has integrated the Fitbit platform and technology with its Pixel Watch series, it has gutted other aspects of the overall experience to align with its vision.

It killed the popular Challenges, Adventures, Trophies, and Open Groups — fan-favorite gamification and social features. A few months later, it introduced a divisive app update with Google’s design language, lots of white space, and a layout that makes quick glances at key metrics a challenge.

Google's priority has been consuming Fitbit's smarts into its own health push rather than accommodating existing users.

Despite a loud and incessant user outcry, Google’s changes didn’t stop there. At the end of 2023, Google announced Fitbit’s exit from over 30 markets, more than halving its regional availability, to align the brand with Google’s own official product presence. This move was perhaps the most painful of Google’s decisions thus far, at least for me. It stripped the Fitbit brand from regions like South Africa, where it had operated for decades.

More turmoil came this month when the company shut down Fitbit’s online dashboard. It was the only other way users could view their Fitbit stats, input data, and control their devices beyond the app. Google’s forced shutdown and lack of a genuine web-based successor further alienated established users and gave those who explicitly relied on the interface no alternative. The requirement for Fitbit users to migrate to Google accounts is also rapidly approaching, forcing those with legacy Fitbit accounts to merge them with their Google profiles. Many users don’t want to serve Google their medical history.

Once a hardware company

Sure, these are arguably all fixable issues. Google could always revise its market availability, tinker with the app, or allow Fitbit accounts to remain siloed. These problems are small compared to the real issue: Fitbit’s waning hardware appeal. The devices released since Google’s acquisition make Fitbit’s place in Google’s wearable strategy more apparent.

There have been eight major device launches under the Fitbit banner since 2021, most notably the Charge 5, Versa 4, and Sense 2. The former launched without issue, but the fitness tracker has been plagued by software update issues that left many users’ devices bricked. Fitbit acknowledged the issue by July 2023. A year later, the company has yet to implement a fix.

Google-merger issues are small compared to Fitbit’s waning hardware appeal.

In 2023, the flagship Fitbit Sense 2 and second-string Versa 4 were the first smartwatches to debut under Google’s wing; however, they were a shadow of their predecessors. While the Sense 2 gained all-day stress monitoring and the Versa 4 a cleaner design, their support for third-party apps, smartphone media controls, and Google Assistant were stripped from the devices to artificially set the Pixel Watch apart as the range’s flagship.

With the Pixel Watch 2 following on in 2023 and no new Sense or Versa model released since, Google’s wearable strategy is pretty clear — Fitbit is no longer a serious hardware company. There’s a clear lack of vision at the top end of Fitbit’s range. While the Charge series is likely to continue, the Sense and Versa lines’ future is bleak.

Glimpses of the old Fitbit

There’s no doubt that Fitbit has changed under Google’s leadership. However, it’s worth noting that Fitbit has had some successes during this period, too.

Fitbit’s last significant device, the Charge 6, is among its best launches in years. Instead of stripping features from the troubled Charge 5, it took users’ issues to heart, replaced the idiotic touch-sensitive button with a physical pusher, updated its core health tracking accuracy, and introduced Google apps that were previously limited to smartwatches. This launch gave us a glimmer of hope — it proved that Fitbit under Google is still willing to build on its core tenets.

Since then, Google also rolled out the Ace LTE, not only Fitbit’s first connected smartwatch, but one that injects a fun new take on fitness tracking that would be great on adult devices, too. A Fitbit device with a personality in 2024? Is this really Google’s Fitbit?

To be contrarian for a moment, Fitbit's app redesign is growing on me.

Google has since rolled out more of its apps to the Sense 2 and Versa 4. Yes, it’s slow progress, but progress nonetheless.

To be contrarian for a moment, Fitbit’s app redesign is growing on me. It’s lacking compared to Samsung Health and Garmin Connect, but it’s zippy, easier to navigate, and more pleasant to look at. Last week, I strapped on the Sense 2 in preparation for this piece, and in terms of fit and comfort, I often forgot I was even wearing it. Stuck in bed with a bout of flu, the watch kept me up to speed with my sleep quality, rising resting heart rate, and spiking temperature. As a Galaxy Watch user for the past few years, I missed these intricate insights. Anecdotally, Fitbit offers more nuance when tracking and transcribing these metrics. It’s clear that Fitbit still excels in core areas that once made me a fan.

Fitbit isn’t ruined, yet

We’re quick to judge Google, and who can blame us? The list of properties the company has spawned or bought and then culled is lengthy and lengthening annually. Naturally, Fitbit users are wondering if it will soon join the pile, and there’s evidence that Google prefers to cut features rather than transform them. There’s no ignoring the building chorus of users taking to Reddit and other forums to air their displeasure at Google’s influence over Fitbit. And yes, Google’s interest in Fitbit is more aligned with its eponymous products, molding it into a platform for its smartwatches and neglecting the users it adopted. Still, I don’t believe it’s binning Fitbit any time soon.

Google continues to update Fitbit’s devices. This month, it rolled out Versa 4 and Sense 2 updates, including reworked heart rate tracking and GPS accuracy, YouTube Music control support, and other quality-of-life updates. Even the Inspire 3, the company’s cheapest tracker, saw some love. Google is also planning broader generative AI updates within the Fitbit app, providing users with data-based insights.

So, to answer my initial question: no. Google hasn't ruined Fitbit, but it's well on its way.

All this suggests that Google is trying to keep Fitbit alive, but it’s obvious that the brand, its legacy users, and new Fitbit-branded hardware are not the priority. That is understandable. Google’s Pixel Watch series has proved successful, while Wear OS is stronger than ever. However, the more Google focuses on future Pixel Watch buyers, the more this approach will push the users it inherited away from the platform it’s trying to build. Fitbit remains a popular brand with swathes of users globally. Google risks alienating and losing the trust of these users in the long run for short-term gain with its Pixel Watch series. There aren’t many Fitbit alternatives in the $100 to $250 segment, and if Google remains parsimonious, it may relinquish this market to the likes of Garmin and Xiaomi.

So, to answer my initial question: no. Google hasn’t ruined Fitbit, but it’s well on its way. Fitbit is the company that got me into wearables, but I will likely never buy another device from the brand. Judging by Fitbit forums and other online communities, many users feel the same way.

Earlier this week, we divulged a list of ways to make your phone last longer. Those tips can extend the lifetime of your device, but the unstoppable march of time eventually brings all things to an end. One day it’ll be obvious that you have no choice but to ditch that faithful companion, and we can help you decide when the time is right. Here are ten clear signs you need to upgrade your phone.

You might see articles like this one that tell you that poor battery or full storage are signs you need to replace your handset. We’re not going to cover those things here. If you want to switch devices because of poor battery life, it’s your call, but both that and the storage issue are fairly easily remedied without resorting to an upgrade. You can read the aforementioned article to find out how. What we’re talking about here are terminal issues for your poor old phone.

Signs you need to upgrade your phone

1. It’s painfully slow

Your phone will slow down over time for a number of reasons. There are plenty of measures you can take to speed it up again, but the performance of your device is only going in one direction overall. This affects every aspect of your use, and it’ll eventually become so intolerable that you’ll know it’s time to switch.

Here are just a handful of signs that your device’s performance is suffering:

1. Frequent freezing and lagging during basic operations like opening apps, scrolling through social media, or typing.
2. Slow app launches or delays in switching between apps.
3. A lag between your touch inputs and the phone’s response.
4. Apps or the entire operating system crashing frequently.
5. Your phone struggling to keep multiple apps open or running in the background.
6. Frame drops, stuttering, or long loading times while gaming.

2. No more updates

The updates that your phone receives from the manufacturer are crucial for keeping it viable as your daily driver. This represents something of a built-in redundancy for your device, which can understandably frustrate buyers. It’s also a factor that you need to consider when saving money on previous-generation smartphones.

The biggest smartphone manufacturers have heeded these consumer concerns and moved towards longer periods of update support for their handsets in recent years. It’s a smart move, but there will come a day when your phone gets its last update, and things can start going south quite quickly after that.

Here are some of the reasons why losing update support means that it might be time to upgrade your phone:

1. Phones that no longer receive security patches are susceptible to malware, viruses, and hacking. Some apps also face security compliance issues if they can’t interact with up-to-date software.
2. Many apps are built to only be compatible with the most recent versions of operating systems. If you’re running an outdated build of the OS, these apps won’t work on your handset.
3. Related to the previous section, updates often include enhancements for performance, battery efficiency upgrades, and bug fixes. Not getting these updates may contribute to your phone slowing down.
4. Similar to the apps, new accessories or advances in mobile technology may not be compatible with an older operating system version.

You may want to consider upgrading your phone before you start to face these issues, especially if you plan to sell it once you have a replacement. A phone that is beyond it’s last update is going to command a much smaller resale fee.

3. Screen problems

We’re not just talking about a crack in the glass here — that can be very annoying, but if it’s just the glass protection for the phone screen, your phone is probably fully functional. In terms of drops or impact, you face real problems if the damage goes as deep as the actual LCD or OLED display beneath the glass. This can render part or all of the screen unusable. Also, unlike the glass, it’s often extremely expensive to replace the screen of the device. Unless you only got the phone recently, these high repair costs might make it more financially prudent to upgrade your phone and write off the loss.

Even if you’re careful with your phone and protect it with a case and screen protector, there are a number of ways that your phone screen can break down eventually. For instance, all or part of the touchscreen could stop responding, dead pixels could start to appear, or your device may succumb to screen burn in. The dilemma you’re then faced with is the same as if you’d smashed it: fork out hundreds of dollars in replacing the screen, or move on to a new model.

4. Camera degradation

The ability to shoot high-quality photos and videos is one of the most important aspects of a phone to many people. If the camera on your handset is no longer up to scratch, it’s often another of those problems that range from a pricey fix to a phone upgrade.

There are some phone camera issues that are relatively easily remedied. If it’s a scratch or dirt around the glass, it might be a fairly easy fix at your local service center. Other problems with the camera can be caused by larger issues that we’ve already touched on like the app responding slowly or crashing due to the phone’s overall performance diminishing.

Then there are complications specific to the camera array that could render your device a shadow of its former self. These include the camera sensor degrading over time due to exposure to light and environmental conditions, mechanical parts in the autofocus system wearing out, and similar hardware failures. Like with the screen, a busted camera array is often so expensive to sort out that it might be time for that phone upgrade.

5. The sound is shot

It might sound antiquated in 2024, but you sometimes want to use your phone as a phone. This requires two delicate parts of the hardware to be in good working order: the speaker and the microphone. Even if you’re Gen Z and allergic to the idea of actually giving someone a call, losing the mic means the end of voice notes. Without the speaker, you’re not going to be streaming the sound on TikTok or YouTube anytime soon without a pair of headphones.

There are dozens of reasons why either your mic or speaker can stop working, and quite a lot of them a fixable. You might even be able to remedy it yourself if either has become clogged with dust or debris or if the problem lies in some sort of software failure. An intermittent or crackling sound might be attributable to a loose connection in your device, which a professional at your local service center may be able to sort out.

For all these reasons, diagnosis is needed before a phone upgrade. But if there’s a fundamental hardware failure causing one of the issues, the time to bid the device farewell may have arrived.

6. Connectivity issues

Connectivity issues could mean that your phone is on its last legs. However, even more so than the sound issues, it’s essential to rule out all other possibilities first. Connectivity problems are almost always related to something else. It could be an issue with software compatibility, your network provider, your Wi-Fi router, something interfering with the signal, or any number of other factors..

If you’ve exhausted all other avenues of inquiry, the issues might stem from a hardware fault in your device. Which bit of the hardware depends on where you’re struggling with connectivity. It could be the antenna, the Bluetooth module, the GPS component, or something else. Whatever it is, you’re back at that same dilemma: a potentially expensive fix or phone upgrade time.

7. Refusal to charge

It’s obvious to say, but if you can no longer charge your phone, its best use-case is as a bookend or a doorstop. Some charging issues are easily fixable, but some will mean a phone upgrade is more practical. An increasing number of phones have both wired and wireless charging options now, so a failure to charge via cable isn’t as fatal as it used to be, although it does limit your options if you can only charge wirelessly.

If you’re trying to charge with a cable and find it only works from certain angles, it could be that the prongs on the charging port are misaligned, or you have a loose connection. Dirt and debris can also contribute to charging problems. You can try to clean the ports, check the cable you’re using is working properly, or see if a professional can see an obvious issue that isn’t too expensive to fix. Charging issues could also relate to the battery rather than the connection itself. This is easier to diagnose on a phone that can also be charged wirelessly.

More serious charging issues can be related to damaged circuitry within the phone. If wired charging is your only option, this means either an expensive repair bill or upgrade time. If wireless is an option, then you could soldier on with it and accept that you’ll have slower top-up times and fewer opportunities, as you don’t find many wireless chargers out and about. If both your wired and wireless charging capabilities are suffering from circuitry problems, it’s pretty much game over for the device.

8. It’s extremely hot

All phones heat up with use, especially if you’re running resource-intensive apps or games for extended periods. Sunlight, a faulty charger, software issues, and a defective battery are among other reasons why your phone might be getting hot. A bit of heating up is normal, and a lot of heating up for any of the aforementioned reasons is something you can address.

If you’ve ruled out those types of issues and your phone is still overheating when you’re not using many resources, it could be an internal hardware problem, such as defective components or poor thermal management. That’s probably the point at which it’s time to upgrade your phone.

9. Random crashing

We’ve already mentioned that struggling performance can cause individual apps to crash or the phone to freeze. An even more ominous sign that your phone is on the way out is if it either shuts off or restarts at random intervals. It could even get stuck in a cycle of continuous restarting without fully booting up.

This could be due to a number of issues that have cropped up throughout this article. Overheating, battery issues, and software glitches can all cause your handset to go a bit haywire in this way. Malware can be another culprit. You’ll probably need your local service center to get to the bottom of it. The worst news they can deliver after an inspection is that the source of the issue is a failing motherboard or damaged components. While they might be fixable for a high price, you might just decide to write it off at that point.

10. Bulging or warping

You know that your device is about to bite the dust if it’s started becoming warped or bulged. This might be caused by a specific component, like the battery expanding. It could also be a result of an accidental drop or general overheating.

Whatever the reason, you can’t just hammer it back into shape like a dented car hood. Smartphones are highly refined pieces of equipment, and becoming misshapen can have all sorts of bad consequences. These include significant safety hazards, such as leaking, overheating, or even exploding. There’s also a higher risk of components being damaged and reduced functionality.

You can have the local expert take a look at the damage if you like, but don’t get your hopes up and keep an eye out for a good deal on your next handset.

Opinion post by

Hadlee Simons

I’ve owned an NVIDIA Shield TV streaming box since early 2020, and it was a fantastic experience for the first couple of years. This was largely due to a steady stream of updates (until the last year or two), plenty of features, and good performance.

Unfortunately, my Shield TV hasn’t received updates in a long time. But an even bigger problem was the fact that performance degraded to horrible levels in the last 12 months or so. So, I went back to the most basic tech trick ever to fix it.

Android TV and iffy long-term performance

It’s not uncommon for Android TV boxes to see a major drop in performance over time, owing to their modest specs to begin with. However, my Shield TV tube was on another level when it came to performance degradation, despite its slightly above-average specs.

The biggest issue I had with the box was massive lag. Simply navigating system menus, Prime Video, and Netflix became a huge pain. It got to the point where there was as much as ten seconds of lag between tapping a button on the remote and seeing the action take place on the screen. That’s not an exaggeration, by the way. Another major problem I had with my Shield TV was extremely juddery video playback in the aforementioned streaming apps.

Multi-second lag and juddery video playback were ruining my Shield TV experience.

All of this made for a truly frustrating experience in the last year or so, particularly in the last couple of months. I tried clearing the cache of various apps to no avail. Reboots didn’t work, either. My next path of action was a tried-and-tested solution. I decided to factory reset my Shield TV.

An obvious but helpful solution

The thought of having to set things up again initially deterred me from a factory reset. After all, signing in to apps via Android TV can be a tedious process. But I reached the end of my tether and decided to just go ahead and wipe the Shield TV earlier this month.

I had enough foresight to store APKs on my Shield TV’s microSD card for apps that I sideloaded (e.g. streaming apps that aren’t available in my region). But perhaps one of the more notable revelations was that signing into these apps wasn’t a major pain at all. I’d totally forgotten that many streaming apps now let you sign in to the TV app by entering a code on your phone instead of manually typing credentials. This included Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more. It’s clearly been a while since I’ve set up an Android TV box.

I still needed to set up streaming over the local network via VLC media player (Plex stopped working for me for some reason), but I could always log into my Shield TV from the Windows file explorer to transfer files if need be. For now, I’m 90% of the way there as far as my setup and restore processes are concerned.

Newsflash: Resetting a buggy tech product might fix those bugs.

What about the all-important performance, though? Now that the dust has settled, I’m glad to report that performance has improved in a big way. I still see the occasional jitter and rare bout of lag, but it’s a far cry from just a few weeks ago. Needless to say, you might want to factory reset your own Android TV box if it’s suffering from major performance issues. It’s not a silver bullet by any means, but it’s an obvious, time-tested option that can really make a big difference.

Quick Share is Samsung’s own file-sharing feature, allowing you to locally share files between Galaxy phones. Samsung also lets users share content between non-Galaxy devices over the internet, and it turns out the Galaxy maker is doubling the daily sharing limit for files shared over the web.

Quick Share lets users share files to non-Galaxy devices over the internet, but there is a 5GB individual file size limit and a 5GB daily transfer limit. That’s changing this week (h/t: @theonecid on X) as Samsung has increased the daily transfer limit to 10GB while also bumping up the individual file size limit to 10GB. This was also confirmed by the official Quick Share page. Check out the screenshot below.

We’re glad to see this transfer limit boost as it makes Samsung Quick Share a more useful file transfer service. So you don’t have to rely on a third-party transfer app if you want to send larger files to an iPhone, Mac, or something different altogether.

In any event, you can update the Samsung Quick Share app (version 13.6.51.13) via the Galaxy Store to take advantage of the raised file transfer limits. The app store listing also notes two other changes: displaying the total file size for the recipient in the incoming pop-up menu and showing up to two lines for nearby device names.

Move over Olympics, there’s a new game in town. If you’ve been eagerly waiting to watch your favorite die-for-money, get-killed-for-sport game show (I know I have), then we’ve got great news in store for you. Also, have a look at the date announcement above — for a little peek at what’s to come.

Read on to find out everything we know about the Squid Game season 2 release date, plot speculations, and cast additions.

Squid Game season 2 release date

Mark your calendars, because Squid Game Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on December 26, 2024. This Christmas gift from Netflix comes more than three years after the first season debuted in September 2021.

Squid Game cast

Season 2 will feature a mix of familiar faces and new additions to the cast. Returning stars include Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man, Gong Yoo as the Recruiter, and Wi Ha-jun as Hwang Jun-ho.

New cast members joining the series include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

What to expect from Squid Game season 2

In the first season, we were introduced to Seong Gi-hun, a divorced chauffeur and gambling addict struggling with debt. He, along with 455 other cash-strapped contestants, accepted an invitation to compete in a mysterious survival game with a grand prize of 45.6 billion won (approximately $38 million USD). The games, based on traditional Korean children’s games, turned deadly as losers faced fatal consequences.

After surviving the brutal competition and emerging as the winner, Gi-hun was left traumatized and conflicted about using his newfound wealth. The season ended with him making a last-minute decision to stay in Korea and confront the game’s organizers, rather than boarding a flight to see his daughter in the United States.

Now clearly, season 2 will follow Gi-hun’s quest for answers and justice.

According to the official synopsis, “Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway.”

Gi-hun’s pursuit of the truth will not be easy — how is that fun? The synopsis continues, “But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.”

Can we expect another round of intense, life-or-death games, possibly with Gi-hun participating once again? This time with the goal of exposing and destroying the organization from within, of course.

Front Man is back, so maybe we’ll be seeing more of the game’s inner workings and hierarchy. We may learn more about his backstory and how he came to oversee the games after being a previous winner himself.

New cast members are joining, so it’s very likely that fresh characters will bring their own stories and motivations to the series. These new players will likely face the same brutal challenges and moral dilemmas that made the first season so compelling.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has promised that the new season will be worth the wait. Enough said.

Where to watch Squid Game season 2

Squid Game Season 2 will be exclusively available on Netflix. As with the first season, it’s likely that all episodes will be released at once, for you to binge-watch.

Netflix has also announced that a third and final season of Squid Game is planned for release in 2025, so you have even more to look forward to in the future.

FAQs

The iPhone 15 series all offer the same 12MP selfie camera, but it seems like Apple could change things up with the iPhone 17 line in 2025.

MacRumors obtained a research note from Apple analyst Jeff Pu, and the analyst asserts that all four iPhone 17 models will pack a 24MP selfie camera. This camera is said to offer six plastic lens elements.

There’s no word on other details (e.g. sensor size, pixel size), but this could be a handy upgrade. Many phones offer selfie cameras with a wide field of view (ideal for group selfies), but also let you crop in for more conventional selfies. So a higher resolution selfie camera could make for more detailed cropped selfies.

A higher resolution selfie camera could also potentially make for improved low-light snaps via pixel binning. Although a pixel-binned 24MP shot is equivalent to an 8MP snap.

This wouldn’t be the highest resolution selfie camera in the smartphone space, as we’ve previously seen phones with 32MP, 40MP, and even 50MP selfie cameras. Samsung, in particular, offered a 40MP selfie camera on its Ultra phones. But the Galaxy S24 Ultra has since reverted to a 12MP lens. So we’re curious to see what’s the megapixel sweet spot for selfie cameras.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 leaked in a big way a few days ago, as renders and specs were posted online. Now, a veteran source has revealed apparent pricing information for the new wireless earbuds.

This week’s list has a lot of great picks. We’ve got a thriller starring Emma Myers and a very, very well-received Batman rendition. Let’s get started!

The best new streaming shows this week

Feel free to click on any links that pique your interest.

• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
• Unstable, Season 2
• Batman: Caped Crusader
• Futurama, Season 12
• Women in Blue
• Cowboy Cartel

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – August 1, Netflix

• Release date: July 1, 2024
• Genre: Mystery, Thriller
• Rating: N.A.
• Director: Poppy Cogan
• Cast: Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, Asha Banks, Raiko Gohara, Jude Morgan-Collie, Yali Topol Margalith, Yasmin Al-Khudhairi

Remember Enid from Wednesday? She’s back again. This teen mystery thriller follows high school student Pippa as she investigates a 5-year-old murder case for her senior project. The small English town of Little Kilton was rocked when popular 17-year-old Andie Bell disappeared, presumed murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh.

But Pip has always felt something was off about the case. As she digs deeper, interviewing witnesses and uncovering secrets, Pip realizes the truth is far more twisted than anyone imagined. With help from Sal’s brother Ravi, Pip follows a trail of clues that puts her in increasing danger.

Unstable (Season 2) – August 1, Netflix

• Release date: August 1, 2024
• Genre: Comedy
• Rating: TV-14
• Director: Rob Lowe, Victor Fresco, John Owen Lowe
• Cast: Sian Clifford, Rachel Marsh, Emma Ferreira, Aaron Branch, Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, Fred Armisen

Rob Lowe and his real-life son John Owen Lowe star in this workplace comedy as an eccentric biotech genius and his more grounded son. In Season 2, Ellis Dragon is determined to keep his son Jackson in the family company, even as Jackson seeks independence. When Jackson accepts a job offer from rival tech mogul Peter Martin, Ellis goes to extreme lengths to bring him back into the fold.

Meanwhile, the eccentric staff at Dragon deal with new additions like Anna’s awful stepdaughter intern Georgia. The show balances father-son dynamics with quirky office antics.

Batman: Caped Crusader – August 1, Prime Video

• Release date: August 1, 2024
• Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
• Rating: TV-Y7
• Director: Matt Reeves
• Cast: Hamish Linklater, Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, Diedrich Bader

This noir-inspired animated series brings Batman back to his pulp detective roots. Set in a 1930s-esque Gotham City, it follows a Batman early in his career, voiced with gravelly intensity by Hamish Linklater. The Dark Knight faces off against classic villains reimagined for this era, including Minnie Driver as a gender-swapped Penguin.

The show’s full of moody visuals and complex emotions rare in superhero fare. Weekly cases are balanced with season-long arcs exploring Bruce Wayne’s psychology and Gotham’s criminal underworld. For fans seeking a more grounded, noir take on the Caped Crusader, this series delivers in style.

Futurama (Season 12) – July 29, Hulu

• Release date: July 29, 2024
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
• Rating: TV-14
• Director: Matt Groening
• Cast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr

The beloved animated sci-fi comedy returns for its 12th season, picking up with the Planet Express crew in the year 3023. In the premiere, Bender gets caught up in the NFT craze, selling off “the concept of Bender” before realizing he’s lost his identity. He travels to Mexico to rediscover his robot roots, encountering his extended family.

The sci-fi parodies and quirky character dynamics remain entertaining. For fans of the long-running series, this is a great show.

Women in Blue – July 31, Apple TV Plus

• Release date: July 31, 2024
• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Rating: N.A.
• Director: Fernando Rovzar
• Cast: Bárbara Mori, Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez, Amorita Rasgado, Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappán

Set in 1971 Mexico City, this Spanish-language drama follows the formation of the city’s first all-female police unit. Four women from different backgrounds join the force: glamorous mother María, her activist sister Valentina, socially awkward Ángeles, and optimistic Gabina. But they soon realize they’re being used as a PR stunt to distract from the police’s failure to catch a serial killer dubbed “the Undresser”.

As the women fight for respect and equality within the department, María begins her own secret investigation into the murders. The show blends feminist themes with a chilling serial killer plotline, creating an uneven but compelling tone.

Cowboy Cartel – August 2, Apple TV Plus

• Release date: August 1, 2024
• Genre: Documentary, Crime
• Rating: N.A.
• Director: Dan Johnstone, Castor Fernandez
• Cast: Scott Lawson, Steve Pennington, Steve Junker, Brian Schutt, Kim Williams, Doug Gardner, Ginger Thompson

This true crime docuseries explores how an inexperienced FBI agent brought down Mexico’s largest drug cartel through their unlikely connection to American quarter horse racing. In 2009, José Treviño Morales, brother of two Los Zetas cartel bosses, began buying expensive racehorses and winning major races. FBI agent Scott Lawson, on his first posting in Texas, realized this was a rare chance to take down cartel leaders through a money laundering investigation.

The series follows Lawson’s meticulous work building a case, tapping phones, and following money trails. It offers an interesting look at how cartels operate across borders.

What was new and worth watching over the last month

Missed our other lists? Here’s a quick recap. Also, check out our list of streaming movies if you’re in the mood for something longer this weekend.

All American (Season 6) – July 23, Netflix

• Release date: July 23, 2024
• Genre: Drama, Sport
• Rating: TV-14
• Director: April Blair
• Cast: Daniel Ezra, Bre-Z, Greta Onieogou, Samantha Logan, Michael Evans Behling, Cody Christian, Karimah Westbrook

Following a significant time jump, Spencer James finds himself on the cusp of NFL stardom after a stellar college football season. Along with the pressures of potential draft picks and Heisman Trophy buzz, he must also confront the changes in his relationship with Olivia, who’s been studying abroad. Meanwhile, Jordan grapples with jealousy over Spencer’s success while planning his wedding to Layla.

The friend group, still residing at the Malibu beach house, faces new challenges including parenthood for Asher and Jaymee. As the characters prepare for life after college, they’ll need to balance their ambitions, relationships, and the evolving dynamics of their tight-knit “vortex”.

Elite (Season 8) – July 26, Netflix

• Release date: July 26, 2024
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Rating: TV-MA
• Director: Carlos Montero, Darío Madrona
• Cast: Omar Ayuso, Itzan Escamilla, Mina El Hammani, Miguel Bernardeau, Arón Piper, Valentina Zenere, André Lamoglia

Las Encinas welcomes a new academic year fraught with danger and intrigue. The arrival of siblings Emilia and Héctor Krawietz, who are heading the alumni association, sets off a chain of events that affects every student. As usual, a shocking murder rocks the school community.

Old rivalries reignite and new alliances form as the students navigate love, betrayal, and the high-stakes world of Spain’s most elite private school. There are some familiar faces and compelling new characters, with this season showing you the lengths some will go to protect their secrets.

Dress My Tour (Season 1) – July 23, Hulu

• Release date: July 23, 2024
• Genre: Game Show, Reality
• Rating: N.A.
• Director: Laurieann Gibson
• Cast: Kate Upton

Hosted by Kate Upton, this fashion competition series challenges designers to create tour outfits for music stars. Each week, a different celebrity guest judge tasks the contestants with designing a show-stopping look for their next tour. With mentors Marina Toybina and Laurieann Gibson offering guidance, the designers must balance creativity, functionality, and the artist’s unique style.

The competition kicks off with a high-stakes elimination challenge, designing for dancers, before moving on to outfitting JoJo Siwa. As the season progresses, tensions rise and alliances form, with designers voting to eliminate their peers. With $100,000 on the line, who will have what it takes to dress the biggest names in music?

Time Bandits – July 24, Apple Plus

• Release date: July 24, 2024
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
• Rating: TV-PG
• Director: Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, Taika Waititi
• Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Charlyne Yi, Rachel House

In this reimagining of Terry Gilliam’s classic film, 11-year-old history enthusiast Kevin discovers his bedroom is a portal to different eras. He joins a group of time-traveling thieves led by the sarcastic Penelope, who has stolen a map from the Supreme Being. As they hop through time, visiting places like Stonehenge under construction and the Trojan Horse, they’re pursued by the nefarious Pure Evil.

Kevin must use his historical knowledge to navigate dangerous situations while Pure Evil plots to steal the map and wreak havoc across time. Filled with witty humor and fantastical adventures, this series blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling for viewers of all ages.

Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose – July 24, Max

• Release date: July 24, 2024
• Genre: Documentary, Sport
• Rating: TV-14
• Director: Mark Monroe
• Cast: Pete Rose, Al Michaels, Marty Brennaman, Lesley Visser, Pete Rose Jr., Jon Miller, Mike Schmidt

This four-part documentary series delves into the complex legacy of baseball legend Pete Rose. Known as “Charlie Hustle” for his relentless playing style, Rose is very successful. He’s also known for his controversial fall from grace.

The series explores Rose’s journey from being a beloved player to his permanent ineligibility from baseball due to gambling. Through extensive interviews, including with Rose, the documentary examines the events leading to his ban, his years of denial, and the ongoing debate about his potential Hall of Fame induction.

Troppo (Season 2) – July 25, Prime Video

• Release date: July 5, 2024
• Genre: Crime, Thriller
• Rating: TV-14
• Director: Yolanda Ramke
• Cast: Thomas Jane, Nicole Chamoun, Sun Park, David Lyons, Yerin Ha, Ling Cooper Tang, Kate Beahan

Returning to the steamy landscape of Far North Queensland, ex-cop Ted Conkaffey and private investigator Amanda Pharrell find themselves in the middle of a new mystery. It’s a dangerous environment, and the duo must confront not only the case at hand but also their own personal demons.

With Ted still grappling with his past and Amanda’s unconventional methods raising eyebrows, their partnership is put to the test. Expect more crocodile encounters, local eccentrics, and the unique blend of suspense and dark humor that made the first season a hit.

Update: August 2, 2024 (5 PM ET): We’ve updated our Pixel Watch 3 rumor hub with the latest leaks, including official promo material, expected US pricing, and information on every type and color of band that will be available.

Original article: Google got off to a slightly rocky start when it released its first smartwatch in 2022, but it didn’t take the company long to find its way. While the Google Pixel Watch 2 remains a great watch, it’s only a matter of time before a successor arrives. Below we discuss all the Google Pixel Watch 3 rumors we know so far, as well as changes we hope to see from the next-gen watch.

Will there be a Google Pixel Watch 3?

It’ll be a little while before Google officially confirms its plans for a successor, but there will definitely be another Pixel Watch. The company has invested heavily in wearables with its acquisition of Fitbit, and it’s clear it has big ambitions for its in-house watch. Lending even further support to this notion, there are already a few rumors about the Pixel Watch 3. While we still don’t know a ton about it, rumors suggest it will look very similar to its predecessor, though it will allegedly come in two sizes this time around. This would be a welcome change for those who prefer more options.

What is the most likely Google Pixel Watch 3 release date?

• Google Pixel Watch — October 13, 2022
• Google Pixel Watch 2 — October 12, 2023

Although there have only been two releases so far, the Pixel Watch has thus far always launched alongside the Pixel series in October. However, this year, the Pixel 9 series is launching on August 13, so we expect the Pixel Watch 3 to make an appearance at this event too.

What will the Google Pixel Watch 3 look like?

Recently leaked renders have finally given us a closer look at the Pixel Watch 3 design. If you were hoping for something new, the next watch looks virtually identical to what came before it. There’s the same 1.2-inch display and rotating crown, though the body is slightly thicker now as a result of the slight battery increase and likely due to the addition of new components like UWB.

Initial reports claimed that the Pixel Watch 3 may measure 40.79 x 40.73 x 14mm, versus the Pixel Watch 2‘s body size of 41 x 41 x 12.3mm. However, we eventually learned that Google is making a second, bigger model. There will still be the same 41mm variant as always, but the bigger model is said to have a 1.45-inch screen and a 45mm dial. Though Google has yet to confirm it, rumors claim the bigger model will go by the name Pixel Watch 3 XL.

One thing that sticks out with the Pixel Watch’s design is the massive bezels. But thankfully, Google will be reducing the size of these bezels in the third iteration. According to our own sources, both models of the Pixel Watch 3 will feature 4.5mm bezels. In comparison, the Pixel Watch 2 had 5.5mm bezels. In the graphic below, you can see how much of an upgrade this will be.

Staying on the subject of the screen, we’re hearing that both models will sport a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This bumps the total nits up by 1,000 compared to the last generation. We’ve compiled all the display specs we have so far below:

As for colors, you’ll have a couple of options to choose from. You can see these options included in the table below.

In late July, a leak corroborated the case colors and bands we reported in the table above. However, that leak went a step further by revealing every band that will be available for Google’s next smartwatch. These bands include:

What rumored specs and features could the Google Pixel Watch 3 have?

There have been a few rumors and leaks about the Pixel Watch 3, including our own original reporting. Let us dive into everything we know about actual hardware and software changes.

More than one report suggests the Pixel Watch 3 will include an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip for short-range communication and location tracking. If you remember, UWB was also rumored to be in the Pixel Watch 2, but it was removed at the last minute. However, a source inside Google confirmed to Android Authority that it will indeed be in the Pixel Watch 3. Moreover, UWB support was recently spotted in FCC listings as well.

We still don’t have any information on how Google plans to use the technology, but we can speculate. One of the more obvious use cases would be precise device finding. As we recently reported, Google might be working on adding UWB support to the Find My Device app. Another possibility could be unlocking your car using Digital Car Key, which is already supported by BMW, Hyundai, and Kia, and many other manufacturers. Additionally, it may even be used to unlock the device, as indicated by teardown of the Play Services app.

The Pixel Watch 3 may also feature a slightly increased battery capacity. Before you get too excited, Android Headlines claims the new standard model will include a 307mAh battery, which is only 1mAh higher than its predecessor. However, our own report mentions a 310mAh battery, which still isn’t that much of a difference. The bigger model, on the other hand, is believed to have a 420mAh cell.

These increases alone won’t amount to drastically improved battery life; however, a more efficient SoC might do the trick. It’s believed that the Watch 3 will use a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 with a customer processor. This makes sense since Qualcomm has yet to make a W6 chip. Maybe someday we’ll see an in-house Google chip hit the Pixel Watch too? Again, that’s all just speculation and definitely unlikely for the Pixel Watch 3, at least.

In the last few days, Android Headlines has leaked the official promo material for the Pixel Watch 3 series, confirming many of the rumors we have been hearing so far. It’s all but confirmed that the Pixel Watch 3 will be available in two sizes: a 41mm model, matching the current Pixel Watch 2, and a larger 45mm variant. The 41mm model will feature a 10% larger screen (presumably owing to the thinner bezels), while the 45mm variant is touting a “40% larger screen” compared to the Watch 2.

Both models will utilize Google’s “Actua” display technology, offering 2,000 nits of peak brightness, double that of the Pixel Watch 2. The leaked images also mention an “ultra-responsive” display, suggesting a potentially higher refresh rate. Battery life is expected to remain consistent with previous models, offering up to 24 hours with always-on display and 36 hours in Battery Saver Mode. The 41mm model claims 20% faster charging compared to the Pixel Watch 2, which is a welcome addition.

Software changes

Leaked images also reveal new software features for the Pixel Watch 3, such as Nest doorbell and camera feeds directly on the watch face, allowing for convenient real-time monitoring. Runners will benefit from creating custom runs, competing against previous workouts, and receiving live feedback on their form, cadence, and stride.

Existing features like controlling the phone’s camera and using Google Wallet for contactless payments will remain. A new “Morning Brief” feature will summarize key health and fitness data each morning. While the leak does not mention Gemini-based AI features, it’s likely that the Pixel Watch 3 will incorporate Google’s AI capabilities in some way.

What might the Google Pixel Watch 3 price be?

• Google Pixel Watch — $349
• Google Pixel Watch 2 — $349

The Pixel Watch series has cost $349 since the beginning, though the LTE variant is always slightly higher at $399. Despite recent price increases in the tech industry due to the current economic environment, we initially anticipated that the Pixel Watch 3 would maintain its usual pricing. After all, most watches of this caliber continue to hover around this price range.

There might be bad news, though. Our first price leaks came via French outlet Dealabs, and an increase could be on the cards for Europe. The outlet reported that the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 Wi-Fi model will set you back €399 (~$436), while the 45mm Wi-Fi model could cost €449 (~$491). Want cellular connectivity? Then these prices could increase to €499 (~$546) and €549 (~$601) respectively.

Thankfully, a more recent leak, courtesy of Android Headlines, did give us some good news about the Pixel Watch 3’s US pricing. The report suggests the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 will be priced at $349 for the WiFi-only model and $449 for the LTE model in the US. While the WiFi model’s price remains the same as last year’s, the LTE model’s price is a $50 bump over its predecessor. Google could be doing this to make space for the Pixel Watch 3 XL, which is said to be priced at $399 for the WiFi model and $499 for the LTE model.

Should you wait for the Google Pixel Watch 3?

If you’re interested in a Google-made watch, the Pixel Watch 2 is already a great watch and has plenty of life ahead of it. However, with just a few days left until Google’s August launch event, it would be wise to wait and see what Google has in store for us. If nothing else, the introduction of the Pixel Watch 3 could certainly give you an even better deal on the Watch 2.

Not impressed by the Pixel Watch series? The most obvious alternative on the Android side of the fence is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series (). For those who don’t mind switching to an iPhone in the process, the Apple Watch Series 9 () is also a worthwhile alternative.

Google Pixel Watch 3: What we want to see

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is one of the best smartwatches on the market and has a long list of great features. Of course, nothing is perfect. Here’s our wishlist for what I’d like to see from the Google Pixel Watch 3.

Durability could use improvement

The Pixel Watch faced significant durability issues, particularly with its display, mostly due to the relatively thin glass used. The Pixel Watch 2 saw slight improvements in glass quality, yet there have been numerous reports from consumers and reviewers indicating that the watch remains fairly easy to damage. Compounding the issue is the watch’s nearly impossible self-repair process, forcing owners to rely solely on Google Pixel Watch Customer Support for repairs. This not only adds inconvenience but also results in being without the watch for an extended period.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 presents an opportunity to address these durability concerns definitively. Opting for thicker, more durable glass appears to be the most straightforward solution. Although this may slightly increase the device’s bulk, weight, and cost, it represents a worthwhile trade-off for enhanced durability.

The Pixel Watch 3 needs more sizes

Garmin, Apple, and Samsung all typically offer multiple sizes for their watches, but the same can’t be said for Google. The Pixel Watch 2 comes in just one size: 41mm. While that might be perfect for many, some of us have big wrists or just want a larger display or better battery life, even if it means it’s slightly heftier to wear.

The solution is simple, Google should add a 45mm option to the Pixel Watch 3. This would appeal to those who want a bigger display or a larger size that better complements their wrist size.

The good news is that, as we mentioned in the rumor section above, Google is very likely to do just that.

While we’re at it, how about more colorways?

The Google Pixel Watch 2 adopts a fairly reserved approach to case colors, opting for metallic shades of gold, black, and silver. Personally, I align with Henry Ford’s sentiment, believing black to be the only color anyone ever needs (half kidding), though I suspect my opinion might be a minority. Several smartwatches on the market offer a more diverse palette of unique shades. Apple, in particular, excels in this area with its Apple Watch Series 9, which is available in shades like Product Red and Pink.

If Google aims for the Pixel Watch 3 to stand out, incorporating a splash of color seems like a straightforward strategy. Perhaps Google could draw inspiration from its Pixel phone series and introduce colors such as Rose or Bay Blue, or bring back old Pixel favorites like Oh So Orange. I had the latter color on my Pixel back in the day, despite the fact I almost always get black phones. It just stood out in a way that was hard to ignore.

Here’s hoping the Pixel Watch 3 can do the same with its case colorway in 2024. Unfortunately no rumors indicate this is happening, but it’s still early enough that we can’t say for sure.

Safety Signal is a great idea, but it shouldn’t cost a dime

I really appreciate the Safety Signal feature on the Pixel Watch 2. In essence, it allows you to use SOS cellular features in an emergency without needing an active LTE cellular plan. Although this feature necessitates an additional $50 for the LTE model, it’s a minor sacrifice for the peace of mind it provides.

It’s always possible to find yourself on a hike or run with a dead phone. Having a backup solution for emergencies is reassuring. However, the requirement to pay for the Fitbit Premium subscription is less appealing. Although Premium costs only $10 a month, there are cellular plans for watches that start at a similar price point. Moreover, unlike a full cellphone plan, this service is only functional in emergencies.

I believe Google should cover the costs for emergency services and offer this feature for free to Pixel Watch 3 LTE users. This would position Google uniquely in the market, providing a standout feature that no other brand offers for free. While Apple and a few other brands have SOS features, they all require an active (and paid) cellular connection.

GPS accuracy needs to be improved

In our own Pixel Watch 2 review, we found the watch’s GPS to be fairly inconsistent compared to other fitness trackers and devices. For example, during our testing, we found that the GPS would disappear and yet still keep claiming it was tracking. The distance reported would be inaccurate compared to devices like the Apple Watch. Not a great look for a watch that is clearly aimed at fitness thanks to its association with Fitbit technology. Simply put, I feel Google needs to upgrade its GPS sensor for the Pixel Watch 3.

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