Welcome to the seventh episode of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. We talk about the Android-Pixel reorg, the new 4K Chromecast with Google TV, and some Pixel Tablet rumors.
Latest
Here’s how Google patched the account security loophole on Google TV and Android TV
A loophole in Android TV OS left a backdoor open for users to access a TV owner’s Gmail inbox among other things, but Google is rolling out a fix, and the company has now confirmed what that fix is.
Expand Expanding Close‘Chromecast with Google TV’ is not a good name
This is the least important part of the next 4K Chromecast — RAM, then storage (fight me in the comments below), but I don’t think “Chromecast with Google TV” is a good name/brand by any stretch.
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS is about to change its default font
After years of defaulting to Google’s well-loved Roboto font, it seems the company is preparing to change ChromeOS to use a new default font in most cases.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta teases that ‘nothing prepares you’ for its upcoming AR glasses
The idea of AR glasses has been tried time and time again with minimal success. In a new interview, though, Meta is teasing that its upcoming “full” AR glasses will be super impressive, invoking a reaction similar to the original Oculus Rift.
Expand Expanding CloseReview: The iPhone 15 Pro is the best pitch to switch from Android – it’s just not for me
The iPhone is the best-selling smartphone on the planet and, in the US especially, it’s clearly a dominant force. I’m an Android person by choice, but once in a while, I spend time with the latest iPhone to take a peek inside of Apple’s garden, trying not to get trapped within its walls. Over the past several months, I’ve been using the iPhone 15 Pro off and on and, well, I’ve got thoughts.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps updates Wear OS Tile with direct map shortcut
Following the big update that added public transit directions last month, Google Maps has tweaked its Wear OS Tile to provide quick access to the map.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 might be better at forcing dark mode on apps
Dark mode finally solidified itself a few years back, but there are a bunch of apps – looking at you Fitbit – that still ignore the feature. With Android 15, though, it seems like there will be a better option for forcing dark mode on apps.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Ear and Ear (a) will get transparency improvements in a future update
The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) are already among the best earbuds you can buy today, and now they’re confirmed to be getting a boost to transparency mode.
Expand Expanding CloseShould you buy a new phone now, or wait for the Pixel 8a?
We’re eagerly awaiting Google’s next mid-ranger and this mid-year mid-range refresh might encroach upon the base Pixel 8. Even if it’s not on your radar we still think you need to wait until the Pixel 8a launches before picking up a new phone – here’s why.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Sense 2 falls to $140 (Reg. $300) in today’s best deals, Versa 4 $105, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, more
A new all-time low that drops Fitbit Sense 2 Smartwatch to just $140 headlines today’s best deals. Friday’s other offers include Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at $170 as well as another fitting spring discount on the Fitbit Versa 4 at $105 – another all-time low. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages Custom Bubble colors and backgrounds widely rolling out [U]
After previewing in late November, Google Messages is slowly rolling out Custom Bubbles that let you theme the color and background of RCS chats.
Expand Expanding CloseIt’s probably going to be a while before you get your Android Find My Device tracker
Google launched the Android Find My Device network earlier this month and finally released the hold Apple had on AirTag-like trackers for Android. But if you’re eagerly awaiting one of those Find My Device trackers for your Android phone, keep in mind you’ll probably be waiting a while.
Expand Expanding CloseVerizon is raising the price of smartwatch plans
Verizon is raising its price of smartwatch plans from $10 to $15, letting customers know in an email sent to those with affected plans.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 8a gets 7 years of updates and AI features, leak reveals [Gallery]
As we quickly approach the launch of Pixel 8a, another set of new leaks have revealed that the mid-range smartphone will be getting the same long update lifespan as its siblings, as well as many of the same AI features.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat do you want from a new Nvidia Shield TV? [Poll]
The Nvidia Shield TV is way overdue for a refresh and while we don’t know anything about one coming, what would you even want from it?
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s what Glance’s Android lockscreen actually does in the US, and how to turn it off [Gallery]
Glance has been working to add additional features to the Android lockscreen for a long time and, now, it’s officially coming to the US. However, while Glance splashes ads, games, and more on phones internationally, its US “pilot” is a much more tame intrusion on the Android lockscreen.
Expand Expanding CloseWill the Pixel 8a have wireless charging?
The Google Pixel “a” series is the affordable option in the lineup, but it doesn’t mean all of the best features are omitted. While the Pixel 8a is still under wraps, whether or not it will have wireless charging might be an easy question to answer.
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