People like using their Google Assistant Smart Displays and speakers to play white noise before sleeping. Google earlier this week changed the white noise ambient sound and there has been an onslaught of complaints from Home/Nest users.
Yesterday
What is Google Photos’ Locked Folder feature and how does it work?
With every photo you take backing up to the cloud, it’s a little hard to feel like much is private. Fortunately, Google Photos has a feature called Locked Folder that allows you to keep personal hidden away. Here’s how it works.
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to review the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, and technology companies have been pushing back. Like Apple earlier today, Google this afternoon published a blog post detailing specific “harmful consequences” on products as a result of these antitrust bills.
Android app deals of the day: Data Defense, ELOH, Binary Number System Pro, more
Welcome to our Tuesday edition of the best Android app deals of the day. On the hardware side of things we have some great deals on HP Chromebooks, including the latest model 14-inch variant, as well as Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 3, but for now it’s all about the apps and games. This afternoon’s collection is highlighted by titles like Data Defense, ELOH, Video Speed Controller Pro, Slaughter 3: The Rebels, Binary Fun: Number System Pro, and more. Head below for a closer look at today’s Android game and app deals.
Google opens feedback survey for Pixel users running Android 12L Beta 2
The Android 12L Beta 2 software survey is now open for Pixel owners to report their experiences from the past week.
In recent weeks, YouTube very quietly introduced an annual plan for YouTube Premium and Music Premium. It currently features a rather notable discount compared to paying every month, but that ends very soon.
In a partnership with Allen Media Group, Google’s YouTube TV streaming service is adding The Weather Channel later this year.
One of the core components of the massive Material You overhaul added with Android 12 is that of Dynamic Color and while it has proved popular, third-party app Repainter takes this customization a step further.
Deals: HP Chromebook 11 x2 $200 off, Anker Android accessories from $9, more
All of today’s best deals include a $200 discount on the HP Chromebook 11 x2. That’s alongside Anker Android accessories from $9 and these Sony Google TVs from $798. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
The new “Logitech Pen” is a stylus built not for just one Chromebook, but for the masses thanks to its use of the USI standard. Unfortunately, though, this is a product meant for the education market, not for the average consumer.
Google starting today is inviting K-12 students in the US to create a Doodle for the Search homepage. Doodle for Google 2022 is looking for artwork that reflects “I care for myself by…”
Here are Samsung’s Galaxy S22 wallpapers with updated aurora theme [U]
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series is expected to arrive sometime in the next two or three months, and we’ve so far seen everything from spec leaks to 3D renders. Today, a handful of alleged wallpapers from the Galaxy S22 series have made their way online.
The smart TV market continues to grow in size, and on a global scale, it’s a market that’s saturated with different operating systems for these various TVs and brands. In a new report, one market analyst says 2022 will be a “decisive” year for smart TVs, as Android TV OS and Roku compete.
HP today announced their latest line of Chromebooks for education customers under a new Fortis brand. The line will include the HP Fortis 14 G10 and 11 G9 Q Chromebook, as well as a webcam accessory.
Gmail refreshes the rarely seen ‘inbox zero’ graphic
Have you ever reached the mythical “inbox zero” state on your Gmail account? If you have, then prepare to see a brand-new graphic to indicate such an impressive achievement.
OnePlus has rolled out the December security patch to these phones
OnePlus promises to deliver regular system updates for its wide array of smartphones for at least two years and in some cases longer for flagships, so let’s see how they’re handling the December 2021 security update.
January 17
Following an unexplained delay last week, Samsung Electronics on Wednesday announced the Exynos 2200. The most significant aspect of this high-end mobile processor is the AMD RDNA 2-based Xclipse GPU.
Following new widgets for YouTube Music and Google Photos in December, Digital Wellbeing will soon get a screen time widget that shows how much you’ve been on your phone and the top Android apps being used.
How to contact Google support and give product feedback
No Google app on Android or iOS is without bugs and issues. Fortunately, there’s a way you can contact support and leave feedback for Google app developers. Follow this guide to learn how.
Android app deals of the day: MechaNika, Teslagrad, Meteogram Pro Weather, more
Monday afternoon’s best Android app deals are now up for the taking. We spotted some brand new Chromebook offers today as well as deals on Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 5G, but it’s all about the apps for now. Highlights of our collection include titles like MechaNika, Teslagrad, Hack, Slash, Loot, Meteogram Pro Weather Widget, Braveland Pirate, and more. Hit the fold for a closer look at today’s best Android app deals.
Samsung has updated these devices to Android 12
Android 12 is still a very new version of the platform, but Samsung is launching the update for its Galaxy devices less than a month after Google’s own Pixel phones. More devices will be updated over the coming months, and Samsung has confirmed a preliminary list of devices that will be updated.
Android TV 11 for Shield TV seems to cause issues with some apps and break Plex servers
The Nvidia Shield TV is perhaps the single best-supported Android device of all time, with models from 2015 and on getting updated to Android 11 earlier this month. However, it seems that Android 11 update is breaking Plex servers and causing other issues for some Shield TV owners.
With the Pixel 6 now just over a week old for most owners, the under-display fingerprint sensor has emerged as one of the bigger points of contention. Some are having issues with screen protectors, and Google now offers a list of brands that make accessories certified for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Deals: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G $200 off, HP 14-inch Chromebook, Sony XM4 earbuds, more
All of today’s best deals are headlined by $200 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G. That’s alongside HP’s latest 14-inch 11th Gen Chromebook at $465 and Sony’s popular XM4 ANC true wireless earbuds. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 is likely only a month away from launch, and leaks are coming out en masse to show off the design and spec sheet. This week, a new batch of official-looking Galaxy S22 and S22+ images show off the colors and design, while another leak provides more context to the spec sheet.
Some Google Keep users notice issues with numbered lists; Google is working on it
Google Keep is a simple but delightful note-taking app that Google offers across Android, iOS, and the web. However, it seems some recent updates have spurred up an issue with some Google Keep owners who are seeing numbered lists repeat numbers unexpectedly.
Samsung January 2022 security update is now rolling out for these Galaxy devices
A new year brings with it a new batch of security updates, and Samsung is getting a headstart with its January 2022 security update by starting it on December 30. Here’s what devices have been updated.
After the disaster that was the December 2021 update for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google pushed back the patch to January in a bid to resolve lingering issues and a few major problems.
A small series of supposed Oppo Find X5 Pro hands-on images suggest that the upcoming flagship may come with a Hasselblad branding, with some specifications also similarly confirmed.
Three years after officially launching with Android Oreo pre-installed, software support for the OnePlus 6 and 6T series has officially ended.
January 16
Google Doodle celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2022
In the US, the third Monday of January is set aside as a day of service and community, in honor and memory of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., Google is taking part in the celebration with a homepage Doodle inspired by some of Dr. King’s wise words.
In honor of Betty White, the beloved star of The Golden Girls, who passed away just before her 100th birthday, Google Search has launched a new Easter egg.
January 15
In this week’s top stories: Google launches the January security patch to Pixel 6 series, other Pixels gain Android 12L Beta 2, a “Pixel Notepad” foldable is rumored, and more.
January 14
Whether you’re fed up with Netflix’s raised prices or lack of actual good content, you might be considering leaving and choosing something a little more up your alley. No matter which service you’re switching to, you can follow this guide to learn how to cancel your Netflix membership on Android.
The Galaxy S20 FE debuted as the answer to overpriced flagship smartphones in a time when many really needed the option. It led to the device being immensely popular, but a little over a year later the equation has changed, and the Galaxy S21 FE is a bit less enticing. That said, it remains a solid smartphone, and it’s one that’s ready and waiting for its inevitable discounts.
Chrome is a great browser with tons of tools and functionality. One feature that many users aren’t familiar with is the desktop version of Google Lens that’s fully integrated into Google Chrome. Follow along to learn how you can use Google Lens on Chrome desktop to search for any image on the web.
Bandwidth: Sony marks the beginning of the end for PlayStation Now as a standalone service
Sony isn’t known for its cloud gaming efforts, but PlayStation Now has provided players with access to cloud-streamed games. Ahead of bigger plans for subscriptions, though, Sony has marked the beginning of the end for PlayStation Now as a brand.
On Wednesday, we found new Android 12L assets that suggest Google’s upcoming foldable could take after the Oppo Find N form factor rather than Samsung’s Galaxy Fold. 9to5Google has heard that this device could be named the “Pixel Notepad” with a lower price point than expected.
Google Stadia started off 2022 relatively slowly, but things are starting to pick up with PUBG now going to free-to-play – however, perhaps a more interesting story was Google asking directly for feedback from Stadia’s players.
Android app deals of the day: Pascal’s Wager, Hexologic, Travel Tracker Pro, more
Friday’s best Android app deals are now ready to go down below the fold alongside today’s new all-time low on the official Google Pixel 6 case and everything else in our Android hardware deal hub. The app discounts are headlined by Soulsbourne-like Pascal’s Wager, puzzler Hexologic, a series of RPG experiences, Travel Tracker Pro, and more. Head below the fold for a complete look at today’s best Android app deals.
Arriving much sooner than the original “late January” target from Google or this morning’s carrier date, the next patch for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is now beginning to roll out following a long delay.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is now available in the US for $229 [U]
Mid-range Android tablets aren’t particularly hard to find, but Samsung has some of the best when it comes to longer-term support. Today, Samsung is unveiling its Galaxy Tab A8, which features a 10.5-inch display.
We’ve known since the end of last month that the next Pixel 6 update would arrive later than usual. According to one carrier today, the January security patch (and December Feature Drop) could start rolling out this coming Monday.
Deals: Google’s official Pixel 6 case falls to low of $25, JBL Clip 3 speaker, more
All of today’s best deals are headlined by the official Google Pixel 6 case at $25. That’s alongside JBL’s Clip 3 portable Bluetooth speaker at $40 and some Android accessories at 25% off courtesy of AUKEY. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Jabra’s new Elite 4 sport earbuds with ANC and Google Fast Pair now shipping
Jabra’s new Elite 4 are finally available for purchase, delivering the brand’s latest pair of fitness earbuds. With new inclusions of active noise cancellation and improved water resistance, there’s also a steeper price tag to match.
Samsung’s next generation of tablets has been a long time coming, and it seems next month will finally see its debut. The Galaxy Tab S8 series includes three different models, and a huge leak today reveals the full specs sheet.
Here’s every smartphone confirmed to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip
After Qualcomm announced and detailed the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, it didn’t take long for Android OEMs to confirm that they will slap the latest and greatest CPU in their smartphones. Here’s what you need to know.
After a limited beta for iOS users, Twitter is now rolling out recording and replay support to all Spaces users on Android.
