Andrew Romero is a North Carolina-based journalist specializing in Android and Google news, reviews, and in-depth analysis. With a keen eye for detail honed from his previous career as a CNC machinist, Andrew possesses a unique appreciation for hardware and the intricate engineering behind the technology we use daily.
He brings this passion to his coverage, offering insightful perspectives on the latest devices, software updates, and the evolving Google ecosystem. When he’s not diving into the world of tech, Andrew can be found tackling the trails on his mountain bike, enjoying the natural beauty of his home state of North Carolina alongside his wife.
Andrew is active on Twitter – @chaosromero – but can also be found on Threads – @organizedchaos50.
Emails are open at andrew@9to5mac.com
Yale’s latest Smart Lock no longer bears the “Nest” tag, but Google Home still prefers it over other options. For the first time, it’s supported by just about any smart home ecosystem with Matter, an absolute win for the veteran lock-maker.
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The Galaxy S26 might mean a meaningful upgrade for the majority of users, as reports seem to indicate that Samsung plans on using its own M14 display panels, bringing it up to par with the iPhone 17 Pro. Samsung is also using a tech that’s already used in its foldables.
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MediaTek’s new Dimensity 9500 marks the company’s third-generation “all big-core” SoC. This build takes big leap with gaming performance and AI processing.
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Google promised that Nest x Yale Lock controls would eventually be included in the Home app, even though no more units are being produced. It appears that’s finally happening, as the lock begins to appear in users’ Google Home controls.
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SimpliSafe is taking a much more affordable approach to smart smoke and carbon monoxide detection with one listener device that detects alarms. Incidentally, this is a familiar Google Nest feature that needs to be in more ecosystems.
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New reports indicate that Samsung’s Android XR headset could launch late next month, well before the company launches its upcoming Galaxy Z TriFold.
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Not every use case for a projector consists of an unchanging environment and constant access to power. Xgimi’s battery-powered Mogo 4 thrives on change, and it packs almost enough power to keep up.
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With the addition of Qi2 on the Pixel 10 series, the most important upgrade is a unified standard for case and accessory manufacturers to follow. That means we’re now seeing a large number of chargers, batteries, and other magnetic tools that agree on placement. Below is a breakdown of some of our favorite devices for the Pixel 10 series.
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Google is getting a little more adventurous in the accessory game with a new rope wrist strap offering for Pixel phones, or any device, for that matter – just not the Pixel Fold series.
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Following in the footsteps of other fitness apps like Oura, Samsung Health is adding an AI assistant for users who want to dig a little deeper into their personal stats. It’s certainly not the worst way to incorporate a chatbot.
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With the release of One UI 8 stable for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung is launching a new photo manager called “Gallery Assistant.” The app will feature batch editing tools, but for basics like watermarks and compression.
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After previously having connection woes with the Pixel 9 series, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks to be near-incompatible with the new Pixel 10 lineup. Google says it’s “looking into the pairing failures,” but a recent system update seems to have solved the issue.
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Ecovacs has made a name for itself by producing some excellent robot cleaners that cover vacuuming and mopping around the house. It isn’t uncommon for a new flagship offering to bring welcome yet iterative changes to the user, but this time is a little different. The Deebot X11 Omnicyclone from Ecovacs ditches one of the most annoying and repetitive parts about robot vacuums, and it makes massive changes in charging that mean it rarely stops running.
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Some users are reporting that one of Google’s first magnetic accessories is starting to weaken at the seams. Screws on the Pixelsnap Ring Stand designed for the Pixel 10 appear to be loose for some.
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The Pixel 10 hit store shelves with Android 16 QPR1, which alters how lock screen notifications are presented. If you’re not used to it, the sudden change can be a little disorienting. The new “compact” and “full” views are now available, and this guide will help you choose the right one.
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Rabbit R1 might be a name gone unheard for a while, but the company behind the AI device is trying to get a do-over. An update to RabbitOS 2 is rolling out today for the Rabbit R1, complete with a new look and updates to existing features for a more competent experience.
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The Pebble reboot project is beginning to feel real! The company just announced that the Pebble 2 Duo has entered production and listed some important reminders about the watch’s waterproof rating and build characteristics before shipping this month.
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For many, Google is synonymous with seemingly healthy features suddenly deleted from existence. There’s some truth to it, but one of the crucial changes I’ve taken issue with isn’t in the absence of features; it’s in the convolution. Specifically, in the privacy changes made to Google Maps Timelines.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold will be the first additional type of foldable that the company has debuted since the Galaxy Z Flip over 5 years ago. This is the second time that an official animation has shown exactly how Samsung’s three-sided device will fold and unfold, and it’s still wild to look at.
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There hasn’t been a flood of foldables in 2025, but several large competitors have released entries. Namely, the Motorola Razr (2025) lineup comes to mind. According to recent market data, Motorola wiped the floor with Samsung.
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In the wake of what seems like regular subscription cost increases, YouTube TV appears to be offering some users the chance to get $66 off two months of service, but the discount is hidden. Here’s where to find it.
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Xgimi is building on its popular projector lineup with the Horizon 20 series. The three new Xgimi Horizon 20 models, including the Max, offer high-end visuals with an aim at consumers, starting at $1,699.
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Ecovacs didn’t think robot vacuums and mops were efficient enough, even though they do all the work for you. The Matter-compatible X11 Omnicylcone robot cleaner fast-charges during routine tasks so it never has to stop, and it eliminates one of the most annoying things about robot vacuums — dust bags.
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Work between Google and Bluetooth’s LE Audio has been ongoing, with support for Auracast promised but seemingly stuck in the pipeline. That changes today as Google announces Pixel phones on Android 16 with LE Audio support get access to Auracast through LE Audio.
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