Google officially launches redesigned Play Console app for Android
A helpful new tool is now available for Android app developers, with a new mobile app for the Google Play Console officially available.
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Author
Ben Schoon is a Senior Editor at 9to5Google, working for the publication as one of its primary news writers since 2016.
In 2013, Ben helped start an independent tech publication where he learned the skills used at 9to5Google including writing, product photography, and videography. He is located in the city of Winston-Salem in North Carolina where he lives with his wife Melissa. Ben is an avid disc golf player.
He primarily covers Android products, including Google Pixel devices, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, as well as devices from OnePlus, Oppo, Motorola, and more. Beyond just covering news about these products, Ben also spends time using these products himself, speaking from experience with the articles he writes. Some of Ben’s most recent hands-on reviews include; Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Motorola Razr+, HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, and more.
Ben is also a leading source for information about Google’s Android TV, diving deeply into important parts of the platform including its powerful Operator Tier, explaining future changes to the platform, and reviewing its products such as Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield TV, and more.
In 2019, Ben leaked one of the first in-person photos of the Pixel 4 before later revealing the Recorder and Pixel Themes apps months ahead of launch. In 2020, Ben also reported on multiple upcoming Pixel devices including Pixel 5a and the first report of Google working on a foldable Pixel smartphone. That same month, he was also the first to correctly report the $49 price point of what became the Chromecast with Google TV.
Ben Schoon is active on Twitter, @nexusben, but can also be found on Instagram and LinkedIn. For questions or tips, you can email him directly, and his portfolio is also available online.
Email: schoon@9to5mac.com | Encrypted Email: benschoon@protonmail.com
Sam Altman is back as OpenAI CEO; here’s the timeline of events [U]
On Friday, OpenAI’s board abruptly announced that CEO Sam Altman, arguably the biggest name in AI, then on Monday morning, Altman has landed a new gig at Microsoft despite OpenAI’s attempts to bring him back at CEO.
Now, as of Tuesday, Sam Altman is back as OpenAI CEO. Here’s everything you should know about the drama-filled few days.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube is loading slower for users with ad blockers on all browsers [U]
YouTube has started cracking down on ad blockers, and now, that includes slowing down the loading time for anyone who has an ad blocker installed on any browser.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are now getting their Android 14 updates
Samsung has started rolling out its Android 14 update with One UI 6 to its latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
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You can switch from iPad to Pixel Tablet practically for free at Best Buy
Apple’s iPad is a compelling tablet, but if you’re trying to move over to an Android ecosystem, Google’s Pixel Tablet is one of the best options. The package is already discounted to $399 for the holidays, but Best Buy is making the deal even better with some excellent trade-in values toward a Pixel Tablet.
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Google toyed with the idea of buying out Epic Games back before Stadia launched
The ongoing Epic Games vs. Google trial has revealed a lot of interesting tidbits about the two companies, and now some emails have surfaced in which Google discussed the idea of buying out Epic Games back before Stadia, its now-dead cloud gaming platform, even launched.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus 12 reportedly gets its global launch in January
As has been the case with the past couple of launches, the OnePlus 12 will make its debut in China before launching globally. Now, though, we’re getting some clarification on when that will be.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s how Google sped up Android’s seamless updates on Pixel phones
With the latest beta updates to Android 14, Google seems to have drastically sped up how fast Pixel devices can install an OTA update. Now, we’re getting a closer look at how that’s been accomplished.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung expands Android 14 update to Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S22 in the US
Samsung’s Android 14 is finally picking up some steam, as the company is now pushing the update to the Galaxy A54 as well as Galaxy S22 users in the US market.
Expand Expanding CloseNFL Sunday Ticket is nearly half off on YouTube & YouTube TV in Thanksgiving sale
NFL Sunday Ticket is one of the best ways to catch NFL games, and on YouTube and YouTube TV it’s easier than ever to access. Now, for a limited time, you can get NFL Sunday Ticket in a Thanksgiving sale that’s almost half off the current price.
Expand Expanding CloseSunbird shuts down its iMessage app for Android ‘for now’ amid ‘security concerns’
Sunbird, the pretty sketchy iMessage app for Android, has been exposed as having major privacy concerns, and has now opted to shut down the app for the time being.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus 12 set for December 4 launch amid the brand’s 10-year anniversary
The OnePlus 12 is right around the corner, with the flagship set for launch on December 4 as a part of the brand’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 8’s display gets even brighter than Google said it would
Google’s work on “Actua” displays for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is one of the biggest upgrades we’ve seen on the company’s smartphone hardware in quite a while, but on the smaller Pixel 8, that upgrade is even bigger than it was thought to be.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome Web Store’s major redesign is now live [U]
The Chrome Web Store is a great place to find extensions, but it’s also an element of the world’s most popular browser that’s easy to forget about. Now, though, Google has launched a completely redesigned Chrome Web Store.
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LineageOS is currently installed on 1.5 million Android devices
The custom ROM scene for Android devices isn’t nearly what it once was, but down to today, 1.5 million devices are currently running on LineageOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 6 gets November 2023 update with these changes
Samsung is rolling out the second update to its Galaxy Watch 6 series, which brings a new November 2023 security patch and one notable tweak.
Expand Expanding CloseWill RCS be enough to end the Android vs iPhone peer pressure and bullying?
It’s still almost impossible to believe, but Apple is adopting RCS on the iPhone next year. While there’s a ton we don’t know, it’s a big deal that very much opens the door to big changes in the Android vs iPhone debate. However, my big question is if it will be enough to change the ongoing Android vs iPhone peer pressure that often turns into actual bullying.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Chats, the Sunbird-based iMessage app, is a privacy nightmare with unencrypted messages and images
Sunbird has been promising iMessage support on Android for about a year now, but the company has always seemed rather sketchy. Now, as Nothing Chats, built on Sunbird, has launched, the privacy nightmare is coming true – not only is the app not end-to-end encrypted as promised, but image files from other users are pretty easy to access in plain text.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing’s iMessage app is now available, and there’s already a big security concern
After announcing it earlier this week, Nothing has launched its “Nothing Chats” app that brings Apple iMessage to the Android-based Nothing Phone (2).
Expand Expanding CloseJackbox Games returns to Google TV & Android TV with Party Pack 10
One of the best party games is back on Google TV and Android TV, as Jackbox Party Pack 10 has quietly debuted on the platform.
Expand Expanding CloseInstagram is preparing a lock screen camera shortcut for the Galaxy S24 series
Samsung is apparently working with Instagram to add lock screen access to the social media app on the Galaxy S24 series.
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The Pixel Watch 2 doesn’t have a Black Friday discount
Pixel Watch 2 is a stellar smartwatch, but Google isn’t giving it a discount for Black Friday. Here are the few deals you can get, and also how to get a steal on the original model.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail for Android prepares a big ‘Unsubscribe’ button for emails [Gallery]
If you’re anything like me, your inbox is probably overflowing with random marketing emails. Gmail, soon, will be adding an option to help you quickly end promo emails with a prominent “Unsubscribe” button.
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Risk of Rain is coming to Android and iOS with ‘Hostile Worlds’
The hit roguelike series Risk of Rain is making its way to mobile, with “Hostile Worlds” coming soon to Android and iOS.
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