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
Nano Banana might creep into Google Maps, according to a new insight report. The image generation model appears to be in testing in the Google Maps app, offering to reimagine “your favorite” places.
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Check your Samsung account – some users have reported that Samsung sent them store credit to use at its online market. This comes literally hours before the Galaxy S26 series is launched, which means a little extra savings if you’re lucky.
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As Samsung prepares to announce the new Galaxy S26 series, recent sales data shows that the Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperformed the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung will want to ride that trend with the Galaxy S26 series.
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On the back of expansive recent updates, NotebookLM appears to be testing the option to add banner images for further customization.
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WhatsApp has historically relied on OTP codes for user sign-ins, though an upcoming update appears to contain an option to add a traditional password for added security. Better late than never!
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If you’re diving into the accelerating trend of crossbody straps and other mobile accessories, Peak Design might deserve your attention. The company responsible for some of the best photography straps and gear has expanded its mobile line, and these Peak Design phone straps might make me a believer in the form factor.
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The Galaxy S26 is effectively no longer a secret, with one creator’s early retail Galaxy S26 Ultra on full display. The posted leaks showcase some curiosities for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, like an S Pen that might infuriate people for more reasons than a lack of Bluetooth.
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Samsung’s phones are now seeing an update with its latest security fixes and improvements. The February 2026 update is rolling out to most of Samsung’s newest devices, including the Galaxy TriFold, which still isn’t quite back in stock.
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The Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro look different on the surface, but the detail sheet shows at least some carryover. The most recent leaks, appearing days before launch, detail that the Galaxy Buds 4 price structure likely isn’t going to change.
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There exists a group of users who don’t need smart glasses to record video or play media for them – they just want a simple device that blends seamlessly into their everyday with important notifications and assistance at their fingertips, and Even Realities almost got it right with the G2 smart glasses.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold is a very limited release, with new units reportedly on the way as demand increases. Apparently, some of those fortunate enough to get the Galaxy Z TriFold while they were in stock are seeing dead display issues, though it looks like it isn’t widespread.
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Google’s Play system updates haven’t touched Samsung Galaxy devices in some time, dating back to mid-2025. According to more than a few reports, those updates have resumed. At least, for now.
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The Pixel 10a is already positioned as an ultra-affordable phone from Google, and recent leaks paint it as a capable one, at that. The latest reports state that Google is sending out discount codes to users before the full Pixel 10a launch later today, making it even harder to pass up.
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Surfacing reports suggest that Samsung held out as long as it could in previous years, but current RAM and chip increases are creating a situation in which Samsung can’t hold out any longer and must increase the launch price of the Galaxy S26. It’s raise prices or nothing.
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Samsung’s Galaxy series, especially as you reach the high-end in price, seems to want to cater to professional video more every year. After adding pro video codecs, Samsung is now offering the option to connect up to two 24-bit audio inputs via Bluetooth with an “Advanced Audio” app.
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The Galaxy S26 still hasn’t been officially announced, but that hasn’t stopped case manufacturers from launching accessories for it. The good news is that, unlike the Galaxy S26 phones themselves, it doesn’t look like accessories are getting a price increase.
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It’s a tale as old as time. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 have leaked, almost a full week before the company’s launch event.
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Up is down and down is up in Android 17 Beta 1. The first iteration of Google’s Android 17 update brings back a familiar design in place of the Pixel Launcher’s immovable search bar.
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Samsung may have been a little too ahead of its time when it announced plans for a smart home robot powered by, you guessed it, AI. The product appears to have been shelved, as Ballie vanishes from Samsung’s website.
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Sony officially released its flagship WF-1000XM6 earbuds with what appears to be a plethora of thoughtful touches, including 32-bit audio processing reserved for high-end earbuds.
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The new Google Maps custom car icons have been available for a year, and more recently, the existence of custom icons in the Android Auto build. A new APK teardown report alleges that Google is preparing to bring that car color and icon picker to Android Auto displays, too.
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Cloud gaming has been on a tear, with Nvidia at the forefront, with compatibility changes a frequent occurrence. The latest addition is Fire TVs, with an app coming to users on Amazon’s OS.
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New research predicts that the Android and iOS foldable markets will be dominated by book-style devices rather than smaller clamshell designs, and manufacturers are already placing greater emphasis on premium, productivity-focused devices.
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There have been growing reports of Google Pixel users experiencing Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth issues after a January 2026 update. Here’s how many of you should feel validated.
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