Thursday 31 March 2022
How to enable cover screen app launcher on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
T-Mobile has some 'new' branding to share with anyone who forgot what tomorrow is
The last two years have seen most technology companies cancel their usual round of April Fools gags and goofs, what with the current state of the world. And as much as it's hard to argue that everything is "back to normal" just yet, one thing seems inevitable: we're getting some jokey press releases over the next few days. Even before the clock strikes midnight, T-Mobile is ready to reveal the first gag of the year: a brand-new hue for its branding.
These are the five best-selling smartphones in the US, UK, China, and more
Best Google Pixel 6 cases {year}
The best Verizon phone deals and plans: March 2022
Wednesday 30 March 2022
Best Oculus Quest 2 prices and deals in March 2022
Samsung quietly removes 'Z' branding in Ukraine, other European countries
Genshin Impact character guide: All playable characters, Passive Talents, Elemental Burst attacks, and more
Poll: Are you interested in the Nothing phone (1)?
Android Auto's audio suggestions are appearing for more users
Since shutting down its dedicated phone version, Google's been working to improve Android Auto on in-car displays. While we're still waiting on that leaked redesign — complete with enhanced multitasking — some lucky drivers spotted a new way to play music, podcasts, and news on their commute this morning.
Google Docs improves usability for Markdown and braille users
Google seems to love little more than constantly bringing new features to its Workplace suite, and Docs is always on the receiving end of that, recently picking up new tools for working with watermarks, summaries, and easily the most important — em dashes. This week we're checking out two of the latest tweaks, as Docs makes Markdown much more versatile, and introduces some braille improvements to make it easier for the visually impaired to navigate documents.
T-Mobile might be giving Sprint 3G users even more time to upgrade to 5G
T-Mobile reportedly delays Sprint 3G shutdown for the second time
Tuesday 29 March 2022
Google reportedly testing how the Pixel 6 Pro battery would be impacted by a Face Unlock update
Sony's PlayStation Plus revamp is only the beginning
Doogee's latest rugged phone looks like it has a smartwatch growing out the back
Cell phones have been experimenting with multiple screens since long before the days of smartphones, but the past few years have really seen things get nice and weird (in the best way possible). We've checked out everything from foldables with little external displays, to whatever fever dream led to the twisting, turning LG Wing. Today we're being introduced to another secondary-screen oddball, as Doogee launches its rugged S98 handset with an unusual circular screen on the back.
Best portable chargers and power banks 2022
The OnePlus Nord 2T might just return to that old-school 'flagship killer' experience
We are but a scant two days away from the official launch of the OnePlus 10 Pro — in most of the world, at least. While China has had access to the company's latest flagship killer for months now, regions like India, Europe, and North America are only just now about to get their hands on it. If you're concerned about OnePlus's ever-escalating price hikes year over year, the upcoming Nord 2T might be a better bargain, and with today's leak, we're learning nearly everything there is to know about it.
Best cheap Chromebook prices and deals: March 2022
Monday 28 March 2022
Nokia XR20 reportedly receiving Android 12 update
Face unlock for the Pixel 6 series may still be in the cards
Google wants to help you find your next favorite indie online shop
Amazon might be your go-to place for online shopping, but that doesn't mean it's a one-stop store. The web is filled with indie shops, filled with unique items from individual creators that you'll never find on the virtual shelves of e-Commerce giants. Google wants to help shine a spotlight on those storefronts where customers find themselves having an excellent experience, encouraging others to spread their business to respected indie shop owners.
Samsung is finally bringing Android 12 to one of its most successful phones ever
Best Oculus Quest 2 head strap & Elite Strap alternatives 2022
Sunday 27 March 2022
Top insiders reveal why vivo X Fold could be a threat to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Americans are using their iPhones much more than they realize
How to watch Peaky Blinders Season 6, Episode 5 online: a global streaming guide
WhatsApp is testing sharing media files as large as 2 GB with beta users
WhatsApp is trying new things lately, like a beta test of message reactions and features to let users have better control over recording voice messages. Not everyone gets a chance to work with such new tools, as most messaging and social platforms want to make sure they've got all the bugs worked out before a major app change rolls out to everyone. That's the case with another new beta WhatsApp feature we just learned about, the ability to send media files as large as 2 GB.
Larger 48MP sensor main reason behind thicker camera bump of iPhone 14 Pro: Kuo
Apple's newest AirPods and AirPods Max haven't been this affordable in quite some time
Saturday 26 March 2022
Pixel 6 units built in a specific month reportedly are more apt to have connectivity problems
Download all of Google's beautiful Chromebook wallpapers for Chrome OS right here
Are you tired of looking at your old boring wallpaper? Google recently published some fancy new wallpapers for Chrome OS, and you can download them right now — even if you don't own a Chromebook.
Malware disguised as cryptocurrency wallets used to steal from iOS and Android users
Cryptocurrency has been booming for a few years now, pulling in a lot of new investors who just want to see what's going on. This has been good for plenty of people and boosted the profiles of tokens beyond the more well-known Bitcoin and Ethereum — but the influx of new investors has also given scammers a much larger field of victims to target, and security researchers with Eset uncovered a complex scheme involving Android and iOS apps that look like well-known cryptocurrency wallets but are actually hiding malicious trojans designed to steal crypto instead.
The best Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors in 2022
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best Android phones out there, with a sleek design, high screen-to-body ratio and powerful hardware. To keep the screen safe from scratches and cracks, you'll need an effective screen protector that works with the display's slight curvature.
Google won't help sell ads beside content downplaying or dismissing Russia-Ukraine war
Big tech companies like Google and Apple haven't backed away from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many have pulled or limited services to Russia, up to shutting down the ability for Russian consumers to buy their products. One of the most recent measures demonstrates just how much power one of the tech giants can wield, as Google has said it will not allow ads that exploit the war — or that assist Russia — to play on websites, apps, or YouTube channels.
Leak says Sony's long-rumored record breaking smartphone camera sensor is being tested
Friday 25 March 2022
Best 5G phones 2022
Google Maps bug won't let you navigate in anything but English
Voice navigation is one of the most helpful Google Map features, allowing for truly hands-free use — so you don't, say, compound getting lost by also getting pulled over for looking at your phone. Recently, though, users have been complaining about glitches with the voice nav feature — especially for drivers who might want to use any language other than English.
Google will soon allow you to book a healthcare appointment using search
Josh Wardle nearly made a Wordle Android app in 2013
Samsung, please copy Apple and bring back phone subscriptions
We learned yesterday that Apple is planning a new, subscription-based sales model. The plan will reportedly include hardware like iPhones and iPads, plus insurance and access to subscription services like Apple Music, bundled for one discounted monthly fee. Here in Android land, we don't really have an analogous option. Sure, there's Google's Pixel Pass, but that's more of a financing plan — you pay for two years, then the phone is yours. Samsung briefly offered a program called Samsung Access that was more along the lines of what Apple's planning, but the program isn't available anymore. I think now would be a great time for Samsung to bring it back.
Thursday 24 March 2022
Tentacular review: Your friendly neighborhood Kaiju man
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro pick up bug-fixing Quarterly Platform Release beta 1.1
Odds are most of you aren't running the new Quarterly Platform Release betas, but if you switched to that release cycle to get the patches on your Google Pixel 6 or Google 6 Pro a little early, you might want to tap that "check for update" button. Google has just released a bug-fixing QPR3 Beta 1.1 update, exclusively for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Gmail rolling out option to pause mobile notifications when using your computer
Notifications on your smartphone are useful—one might even say essential to the experience. It was Android's early lead in notification management that helped it gain traction against Apple. Notification overload is a thing these days, with dozens of apps and services screaming for your attention, but Google is rolling out a new feature that will help cut down on the noise in one very specific instance. When you're using Gmail on your computer, you can pause the Gmail notifications on your phone. There's clearly still some work to be done, though.
Apple reportedly considering a monthly subscription program for iPhone and other hardware
Best Ring doorbell 2022
HBO Max wants to bring back that cable TV feel with random episodes
Unless you subscribe to a service like YouTube TV, most of us have moved from traditional cable TV to a lineup of streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. HBO Max has only been around for a couple of years, but it's already cemented itself among those giants, offering legacy shows like The Sopranos and The Wire alongside hits like Succession. With a new feature, the app wants to make it easier for you to pull up a random episode of your favorite sitcom — without having to put in the work.
After the Fall gets new map, weapon, and player skins in free update
Wednesday 23 March 2022
Can't see the Pixel 6's new battery widget? Here's how to get it back
The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro had a rocky start software-wise, and five months down the line, things haven't changed much. The March 2022 Feature Drop started rolling out to the phones two days ago, long after it came to earlier devices like the Pixel 3a and Pixel 5a. The update introduced several new features, including improvements to At a Glance, new language support in Assistant Quick phrases, and Live Caption for Calls, alongside plenty of bug fixes. Unfortunately, for some reason, the fancy new battery widget is not appearing for some users — and thankfully, there's a solution.
Instagram's chronological feed makes a grand return, but you can't set it as default
It's unclear if any user actually benefits from the algorithmic feeds every social network opted to impose, but it sure is a reality we all have to face online. Facebook and Instagram both offer algorithmic feeds instead of chronological ones, and while Twitter gives you the option to switch to a "Latest Tweets" feed, Instagram doesn't have a similar option. That's changing, though, as the chronological feed is finally returning — though not without a major catch.
Despite its commercial success, the Galaxy Watch 4 was a flop after all
Russians rush to download Wikipedia before Putin bans it
As Russia exerts more and more control over information sources during its invasion of Ukraine, Russian internet users are realizing some online resources might soon vanish, or at least become harder to access; Putin's government has already declared Meta properties Facebook and Instagram extremist organizations. Of course, people use the internet for a whole lot more than just social sites, and apparently there's currently a wave of Russian internet users scurrying to download backups of Wikipedia, fearing that it too may soon be forced offline.
T-Mobile partners with Red Bull on live action sports and Disney on VR in a 5G Forward blitz
This epic Samsung Galaxy S21 FE deal just gives you $200 instantly
Tuesday 22 March 2022
Disney Mirrorverse is a mobile action RPG that's launching in June 2022
Disney Mirrorverse is a visually impressive RPG now available for pre-registration
Kabam, the developer behind Marvel Contest of Champions and Transformers: Forged to Fight has a fresh game available for pre-registration on the Play Store, and it's a Disney game themed around the Mirrorverse. As you would imagine, this divergent Disney universe allows Disney and Pixar characters to deviate from their traditional lore, which is precisely how you create a collectible gacha game where every character is empowered to fight against the evil force known as the Fractured. This game is known as Disney Mirrorverse, and it's coming to mobile in June, with pre-registration starting today.
Roku OS 11 update takes a page from Google TV with personalized content
Samsung Galaxy A52s owners suffer performance issues after buggy One UI 4 update
Samsung launched the Galaxy A52s last August, running, at the time, the latest versions of Android and One UI. As part of Samsung's update commitment, the device was bumped to One UI 4 based on Android 12 in January, bringing along plenty of enhancements and new features. Unfortunately, the stable release has been anything but, as the new software is home to many bugs and problems.
Jiggle Physics 121: Perfect Dark, Hogwarts Legacy
Monday 21 March 2022
T-Mobile expands its affordable Connect prepaid plans, starting as low as $10
Apple blocks iTunes rentals and purchases on Android TV
It wasn't that long ago that Apple TV+ finally debuted for Android and Google TV devices. The service has yet to make its way to Android phones in classic Apple reluctance, but at least smart TV owners can watch Ted Lasso and other shows without needing to own any extra hardware. And while they still can, it just got a lot more difficult to access Apple content, as the company has now blocked new rentals and purchases through the platform.
Is the iPhone SE bad on purpose?
Amazon is having an epic sale on Samsung Galaxy phones, including the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, but you'll need to act fast
Android 12 and One UI 4 are coming to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and S6 Lite
Tablets might be Google's newest passion project, but it's Samsung that has kept the dream of Android-powered slates alive over the last half-decade. While the Galaxy Tab S8 series is the newest and hottest on the block right now, the Tab S6 and S6 Lite are still great tablets in their own right. If you're the proud owner of Samsung's 2019 flagship slate — it's 2020 younger brother — you're finally getting access to the latest software with a new update.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G was the top foldable phone shipped worldwide last year
Sunday 20 March 2022
The iconic Android dessert statues are missing from the Googleplex
Russian hackers' Cyclops Blink botnet targets Asus routers around the world
We're closing in on one full month since Russia invaded Ukraine and the slow drip of related threats continues. The war is, after all, happening online as well, and the net cast by state-sponsored Russian hackers is getting wider every day. Whether it's attempting to break into systems to find classified data or worse, the cyberfront is active and there are plenty of targets. A recent report from cybersecurity software company Trend Micro about activity from the ominously-named Russian botnet Cyclops Blink is just the latest example.
How to watch Peaky Blinders Season 6, Episode 4 online: a global streaming guide
Mozilla is finally adding AV1 support to Firefox a full two years after Chrome and Edge
If you have Chrome or Edge on a Windows 10 machine with an updated software package and great graphics support, you can probably run the AV1 video codec. As far back as 2020, Google and Microsoft were officially supporting hardware acceleration in their flagship browsers, but the Mozilla Foundation didn't make including AV1 video support in Firefox a priority because it requires powerful PCs with current software. According to Mozilla, that was just a small percentage of PCs.
Why did Google wait 8 months to add a new Search feature to Android after iOS got it first?
Soundpeats Mini Pro review: Lower price for better sound
Saturday 19 March 2022
Apple CEO Cook responds to dentist whose life was saved by an Apple Watch feature
Android 13 DP2 adds smooth At-a-Glance transition animation
Android's At a Glance widget was supposedly set to get a revamp with Android 12, but those plans were put on hold. If you rely on the feature and have felt impatient about seeing some improvements made, we've learned from former XDA editor and current Android Bytes podcaster Mishaal Rahman that the second developer preview (DP2) of Android 13 comes bearing glad tidings. Google has added a pretty smooth-looking little tweak to the way the OS transitions from the lock screen to home when you're in At a Glance.
When will my phone be updated to Android 12?
We're well into the age of Android 12 and if you own any of the select devices that have already been updated, you can count yourself lucky. For the rest of us with relatively new phones, there's only one question: when will I get it? We've dug for the answers, all you need to do is click through to find them out.
Google's Android app gets an update that lets users delete the last 15 minutes of search history
It's been close to a year since Google announced at its I/O event that some interesting new features were coming to mobile search, namely the ability to delete the last 15 minutes of your search history. The tech giant rolled out that key feature for iOS shortly after I/O, and now it's finally getting around to Android.
Delete these Android apps before they slowly bankrupt you
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is getting a new Android 12L release, but it's not the stable version
Google's Pixel phones already received a stable Android 12L update, but Lenovo device owners have had to wait a bit — part of a pattern of delaying certain releases. The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro didn't get 12L's second beta until weeks after Pixels received it and now — a month later — the final beta is available.
Friday 18 March 2022
The Galaxy Z Flip3 is Samsung's latest foldable to become a Star Trek: Picard prop
A longstanding urban legend had it that the invention of the cell phone was inspired by communicators seen on Star Trek, the original series that premiered in 1966. That proved untrue, which is too bad — real 21st century mobile devices showing up as props in a Trek spinoff in 2022 would've felt like coming full circle. And indeed, that's just what we're getting now, as Star Trek: Picard uses another Samsung foldable smartphone as a futuristic prop — for the second week in a row.
Google is fixing one of Android Auto's most common problems
The best car mounts for Android in 2022
Holding your phone while driving isn't just a guideline; it is illegal. You can only use a phone while driving via hands-free controls like Google Assistant Drive Mode and a phone mount to keep the phone easy to see without obstructing the road. There are plenty of car phone mounts to choose from, but it's crucial that you get one that's stable, easy to adjust, and built to last to protect your Android smartphone from damage.
Oculus Air Link just got a big upgrade on Quest 2
Android 13: Everything we know about Google’s next-gen operating system
It feels like Android 12 has just been released, and the new OS still hasn’t made its way onto the vast majority of phones out there. But Google’s development cycle calls for a new Android version every year, and to ensure it’s free of bugs and applications are ready for it, the company opens up developer previews in the early months of the year, with more fully-featured betas following later on. Given the open-source nature of Android and the fact that there are so many people involved in the massive project, there are quite a few things we already know about Android 13 long before its official release date.
Google Maps recovering from Friday morning outage
Thursday 17 March 2022
How to install the Android 13 Developer Preview on your Pixel
It's been barely a month since the first Android 13 Developer Preview dropped, but Google is already fixing problems and showing of new features in the new Android 13 Developer Preview 2 release. Getting your hands on a copy is not as simple as tapping the download button, since developer previews are made with a specific audience in mind (hint: developers). If you're the type who prefers to have a phone that just works, you'll probably want to wait for the upcoming beta version. But, if you're willing to take the risk—and not get upset if and when things go wrong—here's how you can install Android 13 on your Google Pixel.
TSMC continues to dominate the global foundry business with Samsung a distant second
Instagram finally gains parental controls with new 'Family Center'
T-Mobile brings unlimited 5G to new BMW iX and i4 electric cars
Android 13's new media player is large and in charge
It's been a couple of months since we first showed off Android 13's redesigned output picker, granting it a new coat of paint that overhauled the entire UI. With DP1, we also got an early look at the new media player style, though it wasn't live for testers just yet. If you've been dying to try out the new style on your phone, Android 13 DP2 has you covered.
Android 13 DP2 makes the power and settings buttons easier to find in the Quick Settings menu
Android 13 Developer Preview 2 is now available, bringing us one step closer to the public beta and a suite of new features for early adopters to try. Unlike in previous years, the public beta will launch before Google I/O in May, but until then each developer preview contains a few minor updates to satiate the masses.
Wednesday 16 March 2022
Why you need to install iOS 15.4 on your iPhone ASAP
CISA issues warning that Russian hackers are bypassing two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) can be an important component of the steps you take to keep your accounts and data secure, but it's not without its flaws. As if the existing threats weren't concerning enough, now we're learning about how Russian state-sponsored hackers are undermining authentication in supposedly secure systems and disguising their access as that of legit account holders.
Google promises to finally start showing tablets some Play Store love
Nevermind the years Google spent ignoring tablets as a form factor — the company is all about them right now. With the official launch of Android 12L in the rearview mirror, some changes are on their way to the Play Store to make it a whole lot easier to find quality apps for tablets and other big-screen devices while alerting users to software that fails to fall in line.
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet now averages more than 100 Mbps
Until recently, satellite internet was a last resort for people in rural areas, but you might actually want satellite internet if Starlink keeps up like this. The service, which was in beta until just a few months ago, now averages more than 100 Mbps down in 15 countries, according to Speedtest.net operator Ookla.
Asus ROG Phone 5 is getting upgraded to Android 12
Meta is adding parental controls for Quest VR headsets
Huawei reportedly working on a case that allows the 4G P50 series to access 5G networks
Cryptic Google I/O 2022 puzzle hides the date of the upcoming dev conference
Tuesday 15 March 2022
Best Samsung Galaxy S22 screen protectors 2022
You'll soon be able to browse the Stadia store without logging in
Today is the Google for Games Developer Summit, so there's some fresh gaming news to dig into (like the Steam alpha for Chrome OS reveal), and this includes Stadia. Up until this point, a Stadia account is needed to test the majority of games on the Stadia store. Sure, there have been a few free weekends and other promotions excluded from the need to use a credit card to create an account, but as you can imagine, this roadblock has been an issue for many since Stadia's inception. Well, soon enough, an account won't be required to peruse the Stadia store or test its games, so says Caren Yapp (Strategic Business Development) during the Stadia keynote at the tail end of the Google for Games Developer Summit, which is indeed excellent news.
Fossil Group confirms Alexa app rollout on Gen 6 smartwatches, more features to come
Samsung’s March 2022 security update starts landing on Galaxy devices in the US
It’s become customary for Samsung to send out security updates to its devices before the month starts. Its March release was no different, and started rolling out a few days before the end of February. So far, the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra, the Galaxy S10 Lite, the entire Galaxy S9 series, and the Galaxy A52 have all seen the update — at least in international markets. Now Samsung's extending availability to users in the US, as the new update starts hitting devices in the States beginning with the Galaxy S21.
Google announces Steam alpha for Chrome OS, finally making it a real gaming platform
It's been over two years since Android Police initially revealed that Steam was in the works for a Chrome OS release. In that time, we've seen incremental changes that showed again and again the feature was getting ever closer to release. You'd think an update as big as this would merit some sort of celebration, a major announcement from Google in partnership with Valve. Instead, the feature got a tossed-off remark at today's gaming-focused developer summit, officially marking the arrival of real games for Chrome OS.
Samsung begins rolling out One UI 4.1 to other phones; here's what you'll get
Monday 14 March 2022
Google Photos starts testing 'chips' for quickly interacting with text from images
Google Photos and Google Lens are a pair of very powerful companions for your phone's camera. For a while, the Photos app has offered integration with Lens to handle text inside both images you snap yourself, as well as screenshots — it may not be 100% accurate, but it works impressively well. In an attempt to make these features more accessible to users, Google's now testing new "chip" shortcuts when it detects there's text in an image.
Apple's top contract manufacturer forced to shut for at least one week as COVID returns in China
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 next in line to be punished by Geekbench
HBO Max and Discovery Plus to merge into one streaming service
Samsung's Galaxy Watch5 looks like it could get a battery upgrade
Samsung's wearable offerings are probably the best alternatives to the Apple Watch. Its partnership with Google for the Wear OS-based Watch4 series seems to have done wonders for everyone involved, as the company achieved its highest quarterly smartwatch shipments last year. Given the success, there's no doubt that Samsung is already working on a successor. Not long after we heard an interesting rumor about the Watch5's skin thermometer, there's a new report that sheds light on its battery.
AT&T beats T-Mobile to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ 5G availability punch
Sunday 13 March 2022
Turn the Galaxy S22’s hole-punch into a notification light
The Galaxy S22's hole-punch camera has inspired app developers to come up with some creative uses for its position within the smartphone's screen. One example is Energy Ring, which wraps it in a glowing circle to indicate remaining power, turning a function usually represented by a utilitarian little battery symbol into something akin to a special effect. Another developer just took a similar approach to notifications, adding even more visual flair.
Google's 2021 Nest Hub is now on sale at an irresistible price nationwide
How to watch Peaky Blinders Season 6, Episode 3 online: a global streaming guide
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases {year}
Links from YouTube video captions are being used to hide password-stealing malware
Malware can hide inside perfectly innocent-looking Play Store apps. One day you download something for two-factor authentication or even an app that looks like it was built to clean viruses off your phone and the next thing you know a hacker in Russia is logging in to your bank account. Malicious software can pretty much hide anywhere, not just app stores, and that includes captions for YouTube videos. In this case, the malware in question wants to steal your passwords and links to it have been associated with videos claiming to provide hacks and cheats for games.
New chip and maybe bigger screen will help 2022 iPad Pro show Air who's the boss
Saturday 12 March 2022
Google brings Gboard's real-time Grammar Check to all Android devices
Some Google Pixel users say March update disabled contactless payments
In a world that's been living in the shadow of COVID-19 for two years, contactless payment systems have been a godsend. No need to pass your debit card to another person or press buttons on a keypad that's already been touched by countless strangers leaving who knows what germs behind as they buy their gas or groceries. As long as the NFC connection between your device and the point of sale machines works, that is. According to some Google Pixel owners leaving comments on Reddit, a recent Android update is interfering with making contactless payments and even telling them their phones are "running uncertified software."
Nvidia and Samsung hackers take credit for Ubisoft attack
Ubisoft may be the latest victim in a cybercrime spree that has already affected chipmaker Nvidia and South Korean electronics giant Samsung. As a result, the company had to take measures to reassure users that their info was safe. While Ubisoft didn't lay the blame on anyone, Lapsus$ — the cyber gang linked to the previous hits — seemed to take credit for this one as well.
Sweet iPad mini 6 feature to be found on other iPads after next week's update
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold looks so futuristic, it scored a role on Star Trek: Picard
Many of us at Android Police are total Star Trek fanboys, and we happen to — maybe you've noticed — geek out over Android phones. So when we spotted what looked like a Samsung foldable phone being used as a prop in the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, our inner geeks started hyperventilating.
Sony Xperia Ace 3 leak reveals an iPhone SE 2022 challenger with a boxy design
Russian pressure against Google and Apple preceded Putin's invasion of Ukraine
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Vladimir Putin has instituted new and Draconian laws across the Russian Federation, including fines and prison terms for protesting the war or spreading what the Kremlin calls "deliberately false information." However, Putin's agents were already at work intimidating executives with big tech companies like Apple and Google before the first tank rolled across the border.
Friday 11 March 2022
Best Buy reveals distant Motorola Edge+ (2022) release date and reasonable 512GB price
Hands-on with Here WeGo's Android Auto beta, your next Google Maps alternative
Google Maps might be the default navigation service for most Android users — and, if we're being honest, most iOS users, too — but third-party map apps have come a long way. Ever since Android Auto gained support for new navigation apps, we've seen everything from ultra-localized GPS platforms to offline-first services launched for cars. Here WeGo is one of the best Google Maps alternatives on the Play Store, and with its latest beta update, it finally has support for in-dash displays.
The best Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors in 2022
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best Android phones out there, with a sleek design, high screen-to-body ratio and powerful hardware. To keep the screen safe from scratches and cracks, you'll need an effective screen protector that works with the display's slight curvature.
Google, Apple, other tech companies attack Texan anti-LGBTQ order in newspaper ad
Chrono Trigger is on sale today, along with The House of Da Vinci and Bad North
Welcome to Friday, everyone. It's almost the weekend, so it's time to check out the best Android app sales and the best Android game sales from the past week, all to get everyone prepped for the weekend. Our first standout is a sale for Chrono Trigger, which was recently updated with fullscreen support. Next is a discount on The House of Da Vinci, an excellent escape room game. Last but not least, Bad North: Jotunn Edition, an enthralling strategy game where you'll defend your island against hordes of enemies. As always, I've highlighted all of the interesting titles in bold in order to make discovery easier. So without further ado, here are the best temporarily free and on-sale apps and games for the weekend.
Apple brings back "The Underdogs" for a third video promoting its devices
Telegram picks up a new download manager and redesigns its attachment menu
Samsung Galaxy S22 review: The little smartphone that could
Thursday 10 March 2022
Twitter is experimenting with pop-out alt text badges for greater accessibility
Google's been getting plenty of well-deserved attention lately for the efforts it's taken to prioritize accessibility for its apps and services. Of course, it's far from alone in having this interest, and today we're checking out the efforts Twitter has been making to ensure that everyone who wants to can join in on the doomscrolling.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is rumored to feature a unique health sensor
Samsung Galaxy S22 update removes performance throttling in apps and games
Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S22 series has been mired in controversy following reports that the phones throttle performance in thousands of apps and games. The company's Game Optimization Service (GOS) measures things like temperature and battery level, and adjusts system performance in an attempt to find some kind of balance. Following all the negative backlash, Samsung promised to release an update to give users more control over GOS meddling, and now we're already starting to see it arrive.
What it means for Chrome to have ‘in-the-wild’ exploits and how Google fixes them
Browser security is a big issue these days. With so many of us relying on our internet-connected devices for work, play, communication, and everything in between, bad actors are very interested in gaining access to our private data strewn throughout the web. Browsers, in particular, are an excellent attack vendor, since they make it easy to break into users’ accounts and companies’ protected environments.
T-Mobile's big 5G Home Internet expansion to 7,000+ stores is officially underway
What is Qualcomm Snapdragon Connect?
Fitbit Premium vs. Nike Training Club
Oculus Move fitness stats will sync to Apple Health and mobile app in April
Wednesday 9 March 2022
Samsung Galaxy A73 leak shows off its design, details camera specs
Samsung's Galaxy S and foldable phones tend to hog all the limelight, but its mid-range A-series phones are arguably more important for the company's bottom line. They offer many of the key features of their flagship siblings at a more affordable price point. With the Galaxy S22 launch done and dusted, leaks surrounding the company's mid-range Galaxy A lineup for the year have picked up steam. Recent reports have detailed the Galaxy A53 5G, but we know that Samsung has the Galaxy A73 in the works as well, which is positioned just below the Galaxy S lineup in terms of price and specs. This phone has now been showcased in official-looking press renders detailing some of its key specs and changes.
Netflix answers whether it will offer an ad-supported subscription plan
Nokia X100 review: A budget phone that compromises in the right ways
The best Android tablets for 2022
Android has a reputation for not being less than ideal on tablets ("There are no apps!" is the most common complaint). While it's true that iPad OS enjoys access to more apps that are better optimized for big screens, the best Android tablets themselves are often great pieces of hardware, and we're hopeful Google's recent efforts will improve the software side.
Google promotes new Feature Drop capabilties with a splash screen sent to some Pixel models
Cities: Skylines and Team 17 games coming to Stadia this spring
Tuesday 8 March 2022
The new iPad Air further widens Apple's lead in the premium tablet space
Apple held its Peek Performance spring event today, where it announced a bunch of new products: an iPhone SE with 5G, a new desktop Mac, and an upgraded discrete 5K display. It also announced the new 2022 iPad Air, which retains the $599 price of 2020's model and packs Apple's M1 chip — the same one that powers the newest iPad Pro and several Mac laptops and desktops.
The new iPad Air (2022) is here, packing new pro-like specs
Beat Saber update adds new mechanics and six more songs for free
Spotify's back online, Discord still down as internet outages continue
It's never good when an outage hits a service you rely on regularly, but it's even worse when a widespread outage takes down multiple websites and apps. If you're trying to use Spotify, Discord, or Wikipedia, only to run into some major hiccups, it's not just you.
Preorder two new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro colors this Friday
Google is working on Android app archiving to help free up phone storage
Monday 7 March 2022
Pixel March 2022 feature drop is live with updates for Snapchat, At a Glance, and more
YouTube Music is starting to catch up to Spotify's social tools
Although Snapchat's quality on Android has long been questionable, it's been pretty cozy with Google lately. The company added Quick Tap to Snap back in December, making it easy to launch right into the camera UI without opening the app. Meanwhile, today's Pixel Feature Drop includes Night Sight support for improved low-light performance. Add another tool to the ever-growing list, as YouTube Music now shares directly to Snapchat.
The war in Ukraine: lending a hand and PhoneArena’s stand
Android Central's best of MWC 2022
Android 12L out now for Pixels, coming soon to Samsung, Microsoft, and Lenovo devices with big-picture changes
Android 12L, the big-screen updated version of Android 12, is now rolling out after months of testing, landing as part of today's Feature Drop update for Pixels and coming soon to other tablets and foldables from companies like Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft.
Sunday 6 March 2022
At MWC Oppo revealed the charging system you've dreamed about (VIDEO)
Pixel Watch users might swipe on their skin to control the wearable device
MediaTek's mid-range Dimensity 8100 SoC nearly does the unthinkable on benchmark test
Hurry and snag Apple's premium Beats Fit Pro at an unbeatable price (with 1-year warranty)
Last-minute March Apple event leak reveals a wild card launch
FCC outs first two phones to support Dish's own 5G network
How to watch Peaky Blinders Season 6, Episode 2: a global streaming guide
Saturday 5 March 2022
Twitter tipster shows us what the Galaxy S23 screen could look like with an under-display camera
Facebook agrees to settle lawsuit over Android user privacy
In 2018 developer Dylan McKay noticed that Facebook was doing something unexpected with information from his Android phone — it was recording names, numbers, and duration for every call. Shortly after he made this public via Twitter, multiple Android smartphone users got together and filed suit against the social media giant, alleging a violation of privacy. It's taken almost exactly four years, but now it looks like Facebook is ready to settle the claims.
Android 13 Developer Preview 1 hints at new "Hub Mode" for tablet users
Chrome Canary 101 takes tab group saving one step closer to completion
After testing tab groups in various forms for what seemed like ages, Google finally rolled out desktop support for the feature with Chrome Beta version 83 — allowing users to aggregate similar tabs together and label them with a custom name and color. Soon after, the tech giant added the option to collapse tab groups for more space. We've been hearing of a new option to save tab groups, and it looks like Google's making progress with the feature.
New Honor 60 Pro variant’s brilliant light show ensures you never miss a notification
Honor launched two mid-range offerings in December last year — the Honor 60 and Honor 60 Pro. The company is now releasing a new version of the pro model called Honor Code, which is essentially the same phone but with one significant difference on the rear panel.
Reliable tipster posts Galaxy S23 renders and they reveal big news for the phone
Friday 4 March 2022
Russia bans Facebook and Twitter from operating in the country
The best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases in 2022
You can keep your fancy, overstuffed Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and its S Pen; the 6.06-inch Galaxy S22 actually fits in your hand — and all the way into your pocket — while packing the same powerful processor and performance. While this "baby" model is much easier to grip and use one-handed, it still deserves a proper case to guard against shattering drops, slippery falls, and unsightly scratches. The best Galaxy S22 cases add protection, functionality while accentuating either Samsung's style or your own.
Disney officially introduces its cheap, ad-supported plan
Twitter could double down on audio with both Spaces and Podcasts
7 great reasons to buy the new REDMAGIC 7
It started with casual games like Snake, but the smartphone gaming scene has evolved beyond expectations and today offers everything between rich RPGs and thrilling FPS titles. With cloud gaming a reality now as well, smartphones are turning to be the de facto gaming consoles for millions around the world and Nubia’s REDMAGIC phones have been at the forefront of gaming smartphones. The all-new REDMAGIC 7 is no different, and you probably don't need to look elsewhere for a gaming phone.
Samsung is fixing Galaxy S22 throttling in an upcoming update
Thursday 3 March 2022
Twitter may soon join the already overcrowded world of podcast apps
Twitter has come a long way from its humble text-based origins, and lately the service seems to love nothing more than experimenting with new content formats. After introducing stories-like Fleets, the company began branching out into audio. Its first foray came in 2020 when it tested audio chat rooms in Spaces, its Clubhouse-esque platform. To help build up the feature, the company went as far as buying the podcast app Breaker. Now it looks like Twitter's ready to take things a step further with a full-blown podcast tab.
Best Samsung Galaxy S22 deals & trade-in values
The Galaxy S22 series is out — you can walk into your local carrier store or Best Buy and pick one up today (if you can find any in stock, anyway). We saw some truly great incentives during pre-orders, but general availability doesn't mean the end of deals: Pretty much everybody's still offering money off, bonuses, or both, some of which can save you hundreds of dollars. Here are all the best ones.
Verizon accelerates 5G Ultra Wideband network expansion, announces new +play service
Paramount Plus is celebrating its birthday by offering plans as low as $1 per month
Samsung's aggressive Galaxy S22 throttling can slow app performance by more than 50%
Samsung's new Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra may pack some of the fastest hardware you can get right now, but you might not actually be able to enjoy that benefit when playing games or other popular apps. According to Geekbench developer John Poole, and confirmed in our own testing, the Galaxy S22 series and earlier Samsung phones throttle performance severely when playing certain popular game titles, like Genshin Impact, and we've got the numbers to back it up.
Ultra-affordable Moto G22 goes official with 90Hz screen, Android 12, and stellar battery life
Wednesday 2 March 2022
The next Apple event is set for March 8, and the first 5G iPhone SE is expected
Fitbit recalls its first smartwatch due to overheating batteries
Fitbit released its first true smartwatch in 2017, and it was solidly "okay." I didn't love it at first, but Fitbit provided some much-needed wearable progress at a time when Wear OS was dead in the water. The Ionic isn't aging gracefully, though. Fitbit is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the Ionic due to overheating batteries that have caused burns in some cases.
Fitbit’s Ionic smartwatch is in big trouble, company to issue full refunds to owners
Mobvoi's new $100 smartwatch wants to compete with the Apple Watch where it counts
When searching for a smartwatch, you might stumble upon a lot of offerings from Mobvoi. It makes some of the best Wear OS-based smartwatches in both budget and premium categories. Its latest product, however, comes without Google's Wear OS, but offers plenty of health-focused fitness features on the cheap. The Beijing-based company has taken wraps off the TicWatch GTH Pro, an upgrade to last year's TicWatch GTH.
OnePlus co-founder reportedly brought the first Nothing phone to MWC
Tuesday 1 March 2022
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands up to a mountain of punishment in latest JerryRigEverything vid
Now that the Galaxy Note S22 Ultra is out in the world and everybody is getting a chance to poke and prod at it, YouTube’s longest-running gadget abuser JerryRigEverything is posting his own experiences of literally poking, prodding, scratching, burning, and otherwise trying to destroy the $1300 device.
Google tests new feature for Gboard that delivers sticker recommendations based on text
Android 13 introduces a flashlight feature that’s been on Samsung phones for years
The first Android 13 developer preview has been out for a little while now. With it comes a slew of exciting new features like dynamic theming for third-party app icons, an automatically clearing clipboard, improved screen savers, and a Quick Tap flashlight toggle. We're revisiting flashlight features today, with word of new brightness controls arriving for the platform.
The stylish and feature-packed Garmin Venu 2 is on sale at its lowest price ever
Facebook is asking more people to turn on Facebook Protect or risk a locked account
Many people are getting emails today which appear to be from Facebook, asking them to turn on Facebook Protect (with a handy link to the setting) or risk being locked out of their accounts. Security-savvy folk may be whispering "phishing attack" already, but Facebook confirms that the emails are real, and it's asking highly targeted Facebook users like journalists to enable the feature, using email to send notices to those who don't use the platform as often.
Google Play is making it maddeningly difficult to tell what's new with your favorite apps
Google is constantly working to streamline the Play Store, and usually, its changes help make for a better experience. That said, not every move is for the best. Back in November, Google removed the "last updated" section from app listings for some users, preventing users from seeing whether or not specific software is still actively in development. Despite initially backing off from its efforts, the company has brought back these changes — along with some even more drastic moves.