Just got a new Android smartphone for the holidays? If it’s your first one, it could be a little intimidating, so to get you started, here are a few apps you should immediately install or set up on a new Android device. Alternatively, if you’re not already using these apps, it might be time to give them a shot!

After demoing Android XR glasses for the first time in December 2024, my takeaway was that rumors about how Google was behind in augmented reality were greatly exaggerated, if not outright wrong. A year later, Google is on the verge of releasing “AI glasses” with a display in 2026 and they fully realize the vision of Google Glass.

With the addition of Qi2 on the Pixel 10 series, the most important upgrade is a unified standard for case and accessory manufacturers to follow. That means we’re now seeing a large number of chargers, batteries, and other magnetic tools that agree on placement. Below is a breakdown of some of our favorite devices for the Pixel 10 series.

Google today is rolling out a major Android 16 QPR1 update to Pixel devices that brings the Material 3 Expressive redesign. It coincides with the September 2025 Feature Drop and security patch.

Google Pixel hit the scene in 2016 and, ever since, Google has been trying to figure out how it wants to build a flagship Android smartphone. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride in one way or another, but after a week using the Pixel 10 Pro XL, I think, for better or worse, this is the culmination of Google’s efforts thus far.

From jibes to full-blown homage, the Pixel 10 Pro XL owes a lot to the iPhone and, by extension, the 16 Pro Max. Just how does Apple’s best device of last year stack up against Google’s best of this year? Here’s all you need to know.

Silicon-carbon batteries have made it possible for recent smartphones to launch with huge batteries, but many have been wondering why the tech hasn’t made its way to more smartphones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, Google Pixel devices, the iPhone, and others, and there are two key reasons for this.

After six major previews and betas, Google is ready to launch Android 16 for Pixel devices today. There are a handful of additions and changes, but it’s not a particularly big release once again. (However, you can expect the next quarterly update to bring the Material 3 Expressive redesign.) Today’s release also coincides with the June 2025 Pixel (Feature) Drop.

One of the biggest problems around flip phones has long been the compromise that comes in its form factor. Lesser cameras, smaller batteries, worse performance, and so many more are par for the course for these devices. But with the new Motorola Razr Ultra, we’re getting a device that tries to solve all of those problems and mostly succeeds, but it comes at a cost.

The Nothing Phone (2a) was one of my favorite phones of 2024, so I’ve been rather excited to take a look at its sequel. Now, the Nothing Phone (3a) series is here, and after using the Phone (3a) Pro, I’m pretty happy, but I also have a concern.

Every year at Mobile World Congress (MWC), Google hosts “Android Avenue” as a way to showcase new features in Android and its services, as well as to highlight partner devices. And in this showcase, I just love looking at the adorable Android figures scattered throughout.

Last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold proved to be the most impressive generational upgrade we’ve seen in foldables to date, but it certainly wasn’t the “end” of pushing the envelope. Just a few months later, Oppo is now gearing up to launch the Find N5 as the “world’s thinnest” foldable and, after getting my hands on it, I can’t help but drawn comparisons to the Pixel.

“Never Settle.” That’s been the tagline of OnePlus since its inception back in 2013. The brand has put out some remarkable devices, but virtually all of them have had some aspect that “settles.” Finally, though, the OnePlus 13 feels like the device that doesn’t settle in any meaningful way, and it starts off 2025 with an absolute bang.

Android tablets have always been better when they’re smaller. That’s why the Nexus 7 was such a hit. But, if you look back over the past decade, Android tablets with any real power basically don’t exist under 10-inches or so. That’s why the new Lenovo Legion Tab, announced at CES 2025, is so exciting – it’s basically Android’s iPad Mini.

After plenty of leaks and rumors, we’re officially entering Samsung’s lead-up to the Galaxy S25 launch date, as the company has confirmed an event on January 22 and is opening reservations where customers can get a $50 credit and more.

The biggest moment for Google Messages in 2024 was when the iPhone gained RCS support with iOS 18 in September. In terms of new features, there were some highlights but the biggest one — a redesign of the text field — was stuck in limbo. There are quite a few big additions in the pipeline. 

Now in its third year, the Pixel Watch experience remains quite consistent in 2024. Compared to Pixel phones, it’s harder to distinguish each generation’s hardware, while the software has changed even less.  

In 2024, Made by Google rolled out big updates with new features to Pixel phones on six occasions. The year saw everything from routine operating system updates to entirely new apps and even a rebrand. 

Getting a new phone — be it your first or the routine upgrade — can be overwhelming given the variety of features there are to explore. We have a few tips on how to set up and get the most out of your new Google Pixel.

Customization is one of the best aspects of a smartwatch compared to its mechanical counterparts. Google’s wearable is no exception, and here are some tips on getting started with the Pixel Watch 3.

Mixed reality headsets are not new. My personal novelty with them ended upon buying Apple’s Vision Pro earlier this year. In using Samsung’s Android XR-powered Project Moohan for about 30 minutes last week, Google has got all the basics down. However, Android XR has a true differentiator with Gemini, while bringing together almost a decade’s worth of Google efforts in a seamless, integrated manner. 

As a child, my first vision for the future of technology was shaped by an aspect of Star Trek that’s different from most people’s: the absolute ubiquity of touchscreens and tablets (PADDs). I was enamored with the idea of interacting with information via touch and being able to do so anywhere instead of in a fixed place. All that became reality with the iPhone and Android, and I live it every day. 

My next vision of the future came with a 2:30 minute concept video. It ingrained in me that what comes after the smartphone is information overlaid with your line of sight as it’s contextually needed.

After six major previews and betas, Google is ready to launch Android 15 for Pixel devices today. There are some notable additions and changes, but it’s not a particularly notable release in a continuation of the recent trend. Today’s release also coincides with the October 2024 Pixel (Feature) Drop.

I’ve spent the past few days with Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is a stunning year-over-year upgrade from the company’s first foldable. Ahead of our full review, here’s what has made an impact for me after a bit of time using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – the hardware, the battery, and the software.