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 Galaxy S23 set to be announced in just two days, we’ve had our fair share of case leaks. Now, it looks as though another official contender has surfaced. This “Gadget Case” for the Galaxy S23 is equipped with a rugged build and a unique MagSafe-esque connector for accessories.
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YouTube Premium is built on useful features such as video downloads. Unfortunately, one feature called “Smart Downloads” can do a little more harm than good if you don’t know it’s turned on. This guide will take you through disabling and turning off smart downloads in the YouTube app.
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Setting up and pairing smart home tech has always been a little limiting. If you find yourself using devices from different ecosystems, there is a good chance that the thing you thought would make things easier actually makes it more difficult. Matter is set to change that. This guide will explain what the Matter standard is and why it’s so important to the smart home user.
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ChromeOS is a fully capable operating system and makes Chromebooks a great option for users. While there are tons of keyboard shortcuts in ChromeOS, you only really need to know one. This guide will take you through using the keyboard shortcut hub on your Chromebook.
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Gorilla Glass has been the go-to for most device manufacturers – and for good reason. Corning’s latest release – Gorilla Glass Victus 2 – is set to be used on the Galaxy S23 series, giving the device significant added protection.
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Just like for an Android device, Android Auto allows you to enable developer mode to get access to setting you wouldn’t otherwise see. This guide will take you through enabling it and what you can actually do with developer mode turned on.
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Boosteroid is one of the newer faces of cloud gaming in the US, with a growing reach across the globe. Now, Boosteroid is launching optimization for Chromebooks, upgrading the experience for one of the best devices to play cloud games on.
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With the latest set of upgrades GeForce Now has undergone, users are now able to play all of their favorite games on ultrawide monitors. This feature is available now for users with 21:9 screens to try. This guide will take you through how you can set GeForce Now to display on ultrawide displays if it hasn’t switched automatically.
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In direct emails sent to Ubisoft members, the company is handing out free trials for GeForce Now. GeForce takes advantage of Ubisoft Connect, which brings some heavy-hitting titles to the cloud gaming platform under a second subscription.
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Smart home devices that tie into heavier equipment like HVAC systems can relay serious problems when broken down. This guide will take you through some tips to fix your Nest Thermostat if it shows you certain error codes.
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Most Android devices these days have tons of safety features. These allow you to stay safe in dangerous situations, contact the authorities when needed, and even send automatic alerts when you’ve been involved in a car accident. Since those settings can be a literal life-changer, they should be set up just in case something were to happen. Here’s how you can do that.
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Google Stadia was a large name in the cloud gaming community. With a couple of different subscription models, it hit a sweet spot for a lot of users. With it gone, there are a few potential homes gamers might flock to. With that, we turn it over to our readers to tell us what your favorite cloud gaming alternative is now that Stadia is out of the picture.
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The Pixel 7 series is no stranger to network issues here and there. While it’s a small issue that can be addressed, how does it get fixed? This guide will take you through a couple of steps you can take to fix your Pixel 7 connection issues when they arise.
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The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are anything but secret, with the company already detailing their newest wireless earbuds in full. Now, OnePlus is announcing that the Buds Pro 2 will launch fully capable of spatial audio and Google’s Fast Pair features.
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With the fall of Stadia, Google made the right call and released a tool to unlock Stadia Controllers from their Wi-Fi binds, allowing them to connect with Bluetooth to various devices. If you’re a big Steam player, you may have noticed some issues with your Stadia Controller. This guide will take you through a couple of steps you can take to fix that issue.
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The Razer Kishi V2 is a competent direct controller for Android devices and with that, mobile games become something a little more special. Now, the Kishi V2 is getting Virtual Controller Mode, which allows users to play touchscreen-only games with the physical controller.
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At CES 2023, Nvidia announced it was bringing a new tier to GeForce Now: the Ultimate tier. With it, users are set to experience RTX 4080-level graphics, frame rates up to 240Hz, and even ultrawide (21:9) monitor capability. Prior to launch, we got some hands-on time with the absolute best in cloud gaming.
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The Galaxy S23 from Samsung has yet to be announced, though leaked carrier info indicates the series will start at a price of $799, following last year’s model.
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Recently, Google pushed a new tool that allows users to unlock their Stadia Controllers with Bluetooth. This guide will take you through getting your Stadia Controller set up in pairing mode, so you can start playing your favorite titles again.
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YouTube TV has a lot of great content ready for viewing, though it can be difficult to sort through a cluttered Library tab or find what movies are live. To combat this, YouTube has redesigned both the Library and Live tabs to be a little more user-friendly, with suggestions based on what users actually like.
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There’s absolutely no reason anyone needs just to accept random spam texts or otherwise uninvited messages. This guide will take you through how to block a number in Google Messages on your Android device.
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Backdrops is the go-to app for many looking to change up their Android wallpaper beyond stock images. The Backdrops app has recently taken on a new look in its latest Android update, complete with a new design style and a new collections page that makes finding wallpapers a little easier.
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Haptic feedback on smartphones has become a great tool when used in moderation. On the Pixel, having haptics turned on for your keyboard can give typing a different feel, though some might prefer to leave it off. Here’s how to turn keyboard haptic feedback on or off for your Google Pixel.
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The Galaxy S23 series is mere days away from being officially announced by Samsung. With that, we’ve seen leaked photos already, tempering expectations for this year’s top-of-the-line flagships. Now, a photo set of official Samsung Galaxy S23 cases has surfaced, displaying leather, clear, and silicone options.
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