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
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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Samsung Health is suddenly going to be a lot more useful for a very specific group of people. The app is adding three new features powered by three different partnerships, including telehealth visits, medication management, and new workout videos. Samsung Health’s new features could be heading into “premium” territory with new company partnerships.
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Some US-based Google Pixel 10 buyers who have requested a replacement unit out of the box have been surprised to receive the global version, complete with the deleted physical SIM slot.
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The Galaxy S25 Edge launched at the wrong time for the wrong price, even though it’s objectively a high-end device. The Galaxy S25 Edge appears to be $400 off right now with a surprise Amazon deal, and it could be enough to remedy some of the phone’s obvious flaws.
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It isn’t exactly a surprise that Samsung’s next device is appearing online in leaks just two days before launch, but it’s happening anyway. A new Galaxy S25 FE leak showcases the device in real-world images, and screenshots detail which Galaxy AI features we should expect at launch.
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Honor’s new Magic V5 foldable Android phone splits hairs with an impressive 8.8mm thickness. Literally — it’s just one hair’s width thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but only if you get the white version.
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The Galaxy S24 has suffered the same fate as every other generation-old device, while the Galaxy S25 has had access to Samsung’s Now Brief. Now Brief, the company’s dynamic AI-powered status notification, is now available on the Galaxy S24 series through a One UI 8 beta update.
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We’ve spent some quality time with the Honor Magic V5 over the last few weeks, and among rather massive launches surrounding its release in Europe and the UK, the Magic V5 is a well-built device that stands against giants. So how does it hold up?
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Microsoft Copilot has a new home in Samsung’s TVs and monitors after the company announced a partnership earlier in the year.
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Plaud, the AI company behind the Note and Note Pin, is launching a new version of the card-like recorder. The new Note Pro model brings Plaud’s hardware changes that facilitate some of the big software upgrades made through the app.
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Spotify is getting more attention in the news for its seemingly scheduled price hikes. The company is bringing back a direct messaging feature days after introducing custom transitions in the Spotify app. These feature additions seem to fully justify the price hikes, according to the company.
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