Today
Roku vs. Google: Who’s to blame in a battle that only stands to hurt YouTube users? [U]
This week, a feud between Google and Roku boiled over to the point where the YouTube TV app was removed from the Roku platform. Months later, the situation continues to escalate to where Google and Roku still haven’t solved their differences and the standard YouTube app may leave the platform by the end of this year.
Yesterday
Google Drive for desktop updated with full Apple M1 Mac support
“Drive for desktop” is Google’s unified cloud backup application for consumer and business users after years of maintaining two separate clients. Google Drive for desktop has now been updated with full support for Mac laptops and desktops with Apple’s M1 chip.
Bandwidth: Amazon’s New World makes its cloud debut, just not on the company’s own Luna
Amazon’s first successful game, New World, is taking the community by storm lately and, just a few weeks after its debut, New World is coming to cloud gaming. However, it won’t be doing so on Amazon’s product…
Ahead of its launch, Ubisoft’s Riders Republic is now running a free trial on Google Stadia amid the huge story that AT&T is using Stadia tech to power its own cloud-gaming experience.
What do you want to know most about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro?
Months of leaks gave us plenty of time to learn about Google’s new flagship phones, and now that they’re official, many are eager to get their hands on these devices. If you’re still on the fence, what questions do you want answered about the Pixel 6?
Best Android app deals of the day: Samorost 2 and 3, Everybody’s RPG, more
All of Friday’s best Android game and app deals are now up for the taking. Our Samsung deal hub is bursting at the seams today with fresh new price drops at Amazon including soundbars, handsets, laptops, storage media, and more, but for now it’s all about the apps. Today’s collection is highlighted by titles like Samorost 2 and 3, Everybody’s RPG, Alien Shooter 2, The Choice of Life: Middle Ages, and more. Head below the fold for a closer look at today’s best Android game and app deals.
Deals: Galaxy Watch 4/Buds 2 bundles $90 off, Galaxy S21+/Ultra $250 off, more
All of today’s best deals are headlined by Samsung Galaxy Watch and Buds 2 bundles at $90 off. That’s alongside being able to save $250 on Galaxy S21+/Ultra Smartphones and this 20% off storage Gold Box. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
The Roku and Google feud erupted this week as the YouTube app is now set to leave the platform in December, but new information sheds more light on the situation. According to a leaked email, Google did in fact ask Roku for special search results around the YouTube app, an allegation that Google had previously called “baseless.”
After waiting what felt like ages, Android 12 has arrived with a literal mountain of changes, tweaks, and tuning to sink your teeth into. We’ve whittled or distilled our deep dive down to a selection of 20 of the best features added in Android 12 — features we think you’ll really love right away.
October 21
Google Store: Pixel 6 buyers that forgot to order Pixel Buds A-Series will still get the freebie
Pixel 6 pre-orderers in the US and Canada are entitled to a free pair of Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds. In the rush to order, some Google Store buyers forgot to trigger the offer. Google today told those customers that they will be getting the free headphones and don’t have to do anything but wait.
After floundering for a few years with a seemingly directionless Android TV, the launch of Google TV has apparently lit a fire under the company to take over more of the streaming industry. A new report today claims that Google TV is a “top priority” for the company, according to even Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and that Google TV pays more to its partners than Roku does.
Google Search adds daily word notifications on Android and iOS
After previewing bigger changes in September, Google Search is now getting a nifty little notification feature that will help you “learn a new word every day.”
Google Pixel ‘Mandalorian’ wallpapers removed as 5G AR app set to disappear this month
As the second season of The Mandalorian was all the rage last year, Google did a number of tie-ins with the Star Wars show. Those cross-promotions are now coming to an end, with The Mandalorian wallpapers disappearing on Google Pixel today and the app set to follow.
We’re quickly approaching the second anniversary of Google Stadia’s launch, and the service has grown a fair bit in the time since. Over 200 games are now supported, a lot of promised features have made a debut in one way or another, and against all odds, the service still exists. However, as time goes on, Stadia’s few advantages are quickly drying up, especially as competitors beat Google to the punch with hardware upgrades under the hood.
Google’s 2021 Smart Home Developer Summit today sees a number of developments around Matter, including Android support via Play services. The announcements start with “Google Home” now serving as the name for the company’s entire smart home platform, developer program, and tools.
Deals: Google Nest Mini bundle hits $19, Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G $280 off, more
All of today’s best deals are now up for the taking and headlined by the Google Nest Mini at just $19. That’s alongside a new all-time low on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G at $280 off and Samsung’s SmartTag+ for $30. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
After detailing what’s new for enterprise in Android 12 at the start of this month, the Android Enterprise team is now teasing upcoming capabilities, like expanding Work Profile availability to Google Workspace.
Back in March, Google Play announced that it was cutting commission fees to 15% on the first $1 million in revenue from paid apps and in-app purchases (IAPs) for all Android developers. Google announced today that next year, the Play Store will only take a 15% cut on all subscriptions from day one.
AT&T confirms Stadia tech used in Arkham Knight stream, teases cloud gaming ambitions
AT&T has confirmed that their Arkham Knight streaming demo is powered by Stadia technology, while also teasing the company’s cloud gaming ambitions.
In October 2020, a big Smart Display redesign that brought more interactivity, as well as a dark theme, widely rolled out. Google is now introducing an “app” – though it’s more akin to shortcuts – launcher on the Nest Hub Max.
Samsung October 2021 security update is rolling out now to these Galaxy devices
As we prepare to see the release of Android 12 this month, Samsung is rolling on with its consistent monthly security patches. For October 2021, several Galaxy smartphones are already seeing Samsung push out updates. Here’s the full, continuously updated list.
Shield TV gets 4K HDR 7.1 surround sound cloud gaming w/ GeForce Now’s new 3080 tier
Nvidia just announced a new high-end tier for its GeForce Now streaming service, and it brings a special perk to the company’s Shield TV device – 4K cloud gaming.
Nvidia is announcing the first major technical upgrade to GeForce Now since its launch. Starting in the next few weeks, GeForce Now is getting a new backend that offers RTX 3080 power for better framerates and resolution on PC and Android.
The feud between Google and Roku rages on and it’s now escalating quite a bit. Following the removal of the YouTube TV app earlier this year, Roku and Google are once again failing to reach a deal, and the YouTube app will be removed as a result.
How to downgrade from Android 12 to Android 11 on Google Pixel [Video]
If you are not content with Android 12 on your Google Pixel, it’s probably music to your ears knowing that you can downgrade your OS to a stable version of Android 11 if you encounter any major problems or just don’t like the substantial overhaul.
[U: OxygenOS 11.0.11.1] OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 rolls out for OnePlus 8/8 Pro w/ October 2021 security patch, adds Files by Google
OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 based upon Android 11 is now rolling out for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro with the October 2021 security patch and also adds the Files by Google app.
October 20
Following the Nest Hub, the “Memories” carousel will soon be available in Google Photos on the web to let you feel nostalgic “no matter what device you’re on.”
The best smartwatches to buy for the Pixel 6 since Google still hasn’t made its own
Google’s new Pixel 6 smartphones check just about every box for a flagship smartphone, but unlike the Samsung and Apple competitors, Google’s device has no obvious choice for a smartwatch. As unfortunate as it is that there’s still no “Pixel Watch,” there are some good options for your new Android device.
AT&T is working with Warner Bros to offer a streaming version of Batman: Arkham Knight, powered by Stadia’s streaming technology.
Google Docs getting universal @ menu for inserting content, ‘Add page break before’
The latest update to Google Docs makes official the “universal @ menu” that’s part of Workspace’s “Smart canvas” initiative. Meanwhile, there will be a new “Add page break before” option.
Best Android app deals of the day: Hydro Coach PRO, Cessabit, Hook, and more
We are now ready to gather up all of today’s best Android game and app deals. You’ll find all of the live price drops on Android-friendly hardware in our Chromebook, Google, and Android deal hubs, but for now it’s all about the software offers courtesy of Google Play. Highlights include titles like Hydro Coach PRO, Cessabit: a memory game, Hook, YoWindow Weather – Unlimited, and more. Head below the fold for a complete look at today’s best Android game and app deals.
Following a Material You redesign and new homescreen widgets on Android, Google Calendar is getting a new “Focus time” event type.
Google Store opens waitlist if your desired Pixel 6 model is out of stock
Following yesterday’s ordering difficulties, the Google Store has remained in operation for prospective Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro buyers. However, if your desired Pixel 6 model is not available, a waitlist is now available.
The latest generation of Pixel is finally here, and it’s set to arrive in the hands of buyers as soon as next week. But like past generations, it comes with the same hurdle to overcome. Most people are set in their preferences when it comes to a smartphone, and Google needs to give them good reason to switch. The good news? Google has plenty of exclusive features that would easily sell the Pixel 6. The bad news? They’ve been around for years, and Google has shown they are incredibly bad at properly advertising them.
The integrated Gmail web experience that combines Chat, Spaces, and Meet is due for a navigation redesign. Until then, Google is rolling out a slew of updates to the compose UI on the web client.
Google’s remarkably handy and powerful Recorder app for Pixel phones is getting a Material You redesign. The new look was first shown off yesterday and rolling out now, while the tool now supports French, German, and Japanese on the Pixel 6.
Google says Pixel 6 series isn’t heading to India over ‘global supply issues,’ more
The Pixel 6 is only available in a limited number of regions, and apparently, that won’t be changing anytime soon. Google has confirmed that, at least for now, it has no plans to bring Pixel 6 to India.
Where to pre-order the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro other than the Google Store
Google has formally unveiled the Pixel 6 series, its latest flagship phones with the latest in machine learning advancements. Here’s where you can pre-order the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro in the US, besides the recently-broken Google Store, and where to get the best deals.
Deals: Motorola 2021 Android smartphone early Black Friday sale, Fitbit Luxe $80, more
All of today’s best deals are now up for the taking with Motorola’s 2021 Android smartphone lineup dropping to new lows. Not to mention, a new all-time low on the Fitbit Luxe at $80 alongside a Nanoleaf smart lighting sale from $60. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Starting next month, YouTube Music is getting free background listening in a major revamp of the streaming service’s ad-supported tier. As part of that, the YouTube Music app is going audio-only and will no longer play videos if you don’t pay for Premium.
Microsoft releasing Android app support on Windows 11 to Insiders, US only for now
Windows 11 saw its formal release earlier this month, but without support for Android apps as was announced early on. Today, Microsoft is changing that with the first Insiders build of Windows 11 that supports Android apps through the Microsoft Store.
Yesterday saw the debut of the first mainstream Android smartphone in the US in years that runs on a chip that’s not from Qualcomm or MediaTek. The Pixel 6 runs on top of Google Tensor, a specialized chip developed by Google, and it seems that move won’t be alone as another major name in the smartphone industry, Oppo, is now also working on its own chip design.
There have been a few minor updates to the Galaxy Watch 4 since the wearable’s debut in August, but today Samsung is releasing its first major update for the product. Rolling out starting today, the first feature update for the Galaxy Watch 4 adds Fall Detection and more.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first foldable that’s within the realm of possibility for a huge number of customers, and this week Samsung is revealing a new reason to get excited for the device. Much to the tune of the beloved Moto X of old, Samsung is releasing the Galaxy Z Flip 3 “Bespoke” Edition with customizable colors.
We’ve had some time to dive deep into the Android 12 Previews and Android 12 Betas over the past few months. Now that the stable release has dropped and is available on Pixel hardware, we’re going to dig even deeper and share every new feature and change we’ve found in Android 12 — the biggest overhaul to the world’s most popular mobile OS.
Yesterday the Google Store went down amid the launch of the Pixel 6, finally allowing orders to be placed hours later only for excited fans and eager new customers to see shipping dates slip back for months. Now, the Google Store has updated Pixel 6 shipping times for many.
In teasing the Pixel 6 at the start of August, Google very much framed the preview around its first custom-built System on a Chip (SoC). At the Pixel Fall Event today, Google fully detailed Tensor and called it the “biggest mobile hardware innovation in the history of the company.”
