Samsung hosting Unpacked event on February 25th for the Galaxy S9 at MWC
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I’m a writer for 9to5Google with a background in IT and Android development. While I have a soft spot for stock Android, I’m typically juggling two to three devices at once running both Android and iOS. My previous work can be seen on Phandroid, Android Central, and AndroidMeter. Email me at justin@jaduino.com. Tips are always welcome.
Google AdSense is seemingly reporting higher payouts to the IRS than what it actually compensated users [Update]
At the end of each year, Google mails out 1099-misc tax forms for everyone who earns money from AdSense — including to 9to5Google, just like most publications on the web. This year, though, Google is seemingly reporting incorrect amounts to the IRS than they actually paid out…
Google has begun teasing I/O 2018 with multiple encrypted puzzles [Update: May 8-10]
Every year, Google likes to tease information about its yearly developer conference, typically held during the summer months. At midnight, Google’s Developers Twitter account sent out an encrypted message, providing the first hint as to when I/O 2018 will be held…
How long will it take for Fuchsia to replace Android and Chrome OS, if ever? [Poll]
Since 2016, Google has been quietly building and testing a brand new operating system called Fuchsia. As it is open source, we have been able to follow along with its development and make guesses as to what it’ll look and feel like. If two things are apparent, it’s that Fushia will work cross-platform and it’s very Google Assistant-heavy.
With these in mind and seeing how far along it is in its developmental stages, do you think it will ever replace Android and or Chrome OS?
How to turn on or off battery percentage on Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL
With how much we all rely on our smartphones, it’s important to know exactly how much battery life we have left. Thankfully, because it’s almost impossible to correctly know how much juice is left just based on the battery bar, Android has a built-in option to show the battery percentage on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Here’s how to turn it on or off…
Netflix now works with Google Assistant’s Voice Match multi-user profiles
For some time now, Google has allowed users to connect streaming services to the Assistant to cast content using their phone or Google Home. At the same time, Google has been developing Voice Match so that the Home experience is individualized for each person in the household. Now, Google has combined these two features so that each person can cast Netflix content from their own profiles…
How to change the screen timeout period on Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL
Whether you want to save battery life or just want to keep your Google Pixel 2’s screen on longer, Android lets you change the display timeout period. Here’s how to customize your phone’s display settings…
How to disable your activity status in Instagram
Recently, Instagram has silently begun rolling out an update that lets your follows (that you follow back) to see the last time you opened up the social media application. Thankfully, there’s an option in the app’s settings that lets you disable your activity status. Here’s how…
Why aren’t you using two-factor authentication with your Google account? [Poll]
A Google engineer recently spoke at a conference and stated that only roughly 10 percent of all Google account holders have enabled two-factor authentication. That is a surprisingly low percentage of users not taking every step possible to protect their Google and email accounts.
Why haven’t you enabled two-step authentication on your Google account?
February’s security patch will include a fix for Android Auto’s intermittent startup failures
If you’re like me and use Android Auto every time you get into your car, you probably know that there is always a good chance that Android Auto won’t launch on your head unit. Thankfully, Google will be pushing a fix for this in February’s security patch…
Google rolling out speed ratings for public Wi-Fi networks in Android 8.1
When Google announced Android 8.1 back in December, it showed off a feature that placed a speed label next to public Wi-Fi networks. Based on these labels, users would be able to decide if they wanted to connect to the open network. At long last, Google is officially rolling out this feature starting today…
dbrand skins are now available for the Google Pixelbook
When it comes to protecting your $1,000+ Google Pixelbook, there aren’t really any options out there other than basic laptop sleeves. While those work great when transporting your Chromebook, it doesn’t add any protection to the glass lid or style when you’re actually using the computer. Thankfully, dbrand, maker of some of the most popular and premium smartphone skins on the market, is now making skins for the Pixelbook…
OnePlus investigation finds up to 40,000 customers affected by credit card breach
Over the last week, OnePlus has been investigating a potential security breach after multiple customers reported fraudulent charges following purchases made on the company’s online store. After shutting down credit card payments several days ago, OnePlus has confirmed that there was, in fact, a malicious script that has stolen credit card information from up to 40,000 customers…
YouTube removes ‘Tide Pod Challenge’ videos that make you question humanity’s ‘intelligence’
In case you’ve been lucky enough to not see the latest fad hitting the internet, for some reason, people are participating in something called the Tide Pod Challenge. In it, people, usually in their teenage years, are biting into the liquid detergent pods and then spitting out the multi-colored soaps. Thankfully, online platforms like YouTube are removing these challenge videos…
What kind of color customizations do you hope to one day see in the Pixel line? [Poll]
Yesterday, shortly after Google’s hardware design lead shared images of early Pixel 2 and Pixelbook iterations, a tipster wrote in to tell us that the company had also tested different colored fingerprint sensors and even multi-colored edges. Unfortunately, none of this came to market, and all we got was the orange power button on the panda Pixel 2 XL.
Do you think Google should take what it learned and find ways for customers to customize how the next Pixel smartphone will look?
Latest Google Play services beta rolling out w/ fix for Chromecast-caused Wi-Fi issues, download here
As promised yesterday, Google has begun rolling out a Google Play services update to users that should fix the reported Wi-Fi slowdowns and outages cause by Chromecast built-in devices (Google Homes, Android TVs, Chromecasts, etc.). In case it hasn’t reached your device yet, you can download the update below…
Google offering free Pixelbook Pen loops to help keep track of the $100 accessory
One of the only official accessories for the Pixelbook is a Google-made stylus called the Pen. While it’s handy for those who like to draw or hand-write their notes on the Chromebook, there’s no way to attach or store the writing utensil with the Pixelbook. Thankfully, Google is now giving away a loop that sticks onto the Pixelbook that can hold onto the Pen…
Android Auto gets minor user interface update with rounded icons
Back in December, without any public announcement, Google updated and refreshed Android Auto’s design. These changes included tweaked menus, the removal of some transparent overlays, as well as other incremental changes to apps like the dialer. Now, Google is slightly tweaking things again by making icons round instead of squares…
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Update to fix slow Wi-Fi speeds caused by Chromecast built-in devices rolling out tomorrow
When reports came out that Home and Chromecast devices were slowing down or even causing temporarily Wi-Fi outages, Google gave us a statement that basically read that the company was looking into it. Now, the company has published an entire support page detailing the problem and what its plan is to fix it…
Samsung announces limited-edition Galaxy Note 8 for the 2018 Olympic Games
With the 2018 Winter Olympics just around the corner, Samsung has announced a limited-edition Galaxy Note 8 styled after the event. You might remember that Samsung did something very similar at the Rio Olympics back in 2016…
Have you experienced Google Home- or Chromecast-related Wi-Fi outages? [Poll]
If you happen to own a router from ASUS, Linksys, Netgear, TP-Link, or Synology, there’s a chance that you’ve been experiencing Wi-Fi issues after setting up a Google Home and or a Chromecast in your house. While a fix is in works, there’s no quick or temporary solution for users having problems.
Have you experienced any Wi-Fi issues since installing a Google Home or Chromecast?
Hands-on: The Mini Back Pack mounts the Google Home Mini to your outlet for $15
The Google Home Mini is a fantastic piece of hardware. It’s small, has a decent enough speaker for talking to Google Assistant or listening to music, and it’s inexpensive. The Home Mini’s biggest issue is just the fact that you must have it laying on a surface with a long cable trailing behind it.
While Google and Incipio have partnered together to create a wall mount for the Mini, it just isn’t ideal for those who don’t want to or can’t put holes in their walls. Thankfully, a third-party company has created the perfect solution, mounting the Home Mini to your electrical outlet.
Chrome OS users might soon be able to sideload Android apps without being in Developer Mode
Although most new Chromebooks can download and run Android applications from the Play Store, not all apps are compatible. The only way to get around this is by sideloading APKs just like on Android smartphones. Unfortunately, the only way to do this on Chrome OS is by enabling Developer Mode, which requires wiping the device and potentially voiding your warranty. According to a new code commit, this might soon change…
Google’s Arts & Culture app can compare your selfie to famous pieces of art
Over the weekend, social media was flooded by individuals sharing comparisons of themselves with famous pieces of art. This was all thanks to a new experiment within the Google Arts & Culture application…