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Andrew Romero

chaosromero

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

Connect with Andrew Romero

Google Home Essentials: Renter-friendly SwitchBot Lock and Keypad Touch make smart security easy

SwitchBot Lock and Keypad Touch

There are tons of smart locks on the market right now, but none seem to cater to apartment-dwellers or those who don’t want to rip out their existing deadbolt just to add a smart lock to their smart home. SwitchBot is one of the few companies that fill both these needs with the SwithBot Lock and Keypad Touch.

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outlook google calendar

Microsoft releases Outlook Lite for Android, a faster iteration of the classic email app

Among the top email apps used, Microsoft Outlook is a pretty big player. To help make the experience a little bit easier for anyone with any device to use the emailing service, Microsoft is releasing Outlook Lite, a stripped-down version of the app that runs on just about any Android phone, especially lower-powered devices.

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Gmail’s new Material You redesign: How to revert to the original view

Last week, Gmail’s web version started rolling out a brand-new Material You redesign that takes a lot of cues from Android 12 as we know it. Depending on your theme, Gmail will take on a unique look in your browser. But what if you’re not in love with the new look? That’s no problem; there’s an easy way to revert back to the original view in Gmail.

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Do the Pixel Buds Pro have an app? How to control multipoint, ANC, and more

Google’s newest earbuds, the Pixel buds Pro, are undoubtedly a good pair of buds. As the name implies, using the Pixel Buds Pro with a Pixel just makes sense, though the latest earbuds from Google are still a fantastic option for other Android devices. Interestingly enough, depending on what you use, there may be no need for an app.

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Bandwidth: Multiversus on Boosteroid, Amazon Luna goes without Luna+ addition this month

Multiversus on Boosteroid

July is finally coming to a close, which means cloud gaming services are starting to announce their lineups for August. Amazon Luna has a few games in the pipeline, though mysteriously, is lacking in the Luna+ Channel. Boosteroid also has a couple of titles ready to play, including Multiversus.

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chromecast with google tv

Updating your Chromecast with Google TV: How to do it and why updates are so rare

Google’s latest Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t get full system updates all that often. Even with this being the case, it’s still important to check for system updates every once in a while. This guide will help you understand a little more about Chromecast’s update system and give you a full step-by-step look at checking for updates manually.

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You should recycle your old Android phone: How and where to do it

It seems like it doesn’t need to be said, but you should never just toss your old Android phone in the trash. Whether or not you can get money out of it, it’s always a good thing for an old phone to be recycled and repurposed into a new one down the road. This guide will give you some options to recycle your old Android phone – and who knows? You may even make some cash from it.

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Years in the making: How Google worked its way up to the Pixel Buds Pro

pixel buds pro colors

These days, we’re just floating in a sea of truly wireless earbuds that all sort of do the same thing for too much money. While Google has been working with truly wireless earbuds for years now, the first-party buds to come from the company haven’t always been heavy hitters. Now, Google is launching and shipping out the newest in its Pixel Buds lineup – the Pixel Buds Pro. So how did we get here?

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Magic Eraser on Pixel 6 series: What you can do with it and how

Magic Eraser and Camouflage in Google Photos are fantastic features on the Google Pixel 6a, 6, and 6 Pro. While it isn’t perfect, it can make your photos that much better by removing unwanted background objects or muting them. This guide will take you through how to use it, and what might be going on if you don’t see it in Google Photos.

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google wallet android

COVID-19 vaccine cards on Google Wallet: How to find and add them

Google Wallet is Google’s latest update to the company’s touchless payments management system. In addition to bank cards, Google Wallet is also capable of holding your other passes, including digital COVID-19 vaccine records. This guide will dig into finding out if you can access an officially supported one and how to add it to your Google Wallet app.

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