I was excited for Gemini on Android Auto, until I tried it — it could be much better
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Smartphone cases can now be Qi-certified because Qi2 isn’t at all confusing
Thanks to changes to the Qi2 specification, smartphone cases can now be “certified” as Qi-compatible “devices.”
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music goes platinum with 5 billion Play Store downloads
Almost seven years after its first release, the YouTube Music app has hit the 5 billion download milestone on the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Flip 7 reportedly uses same cameras as Samsung’s foldables stagnate
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 sounds like it won’t make major changes, at least to the camera, according to the latest leaks.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out first Pixel Buds Pro 2 update
The first post-launch update for the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is beginning to roll out for some users.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s an extended look at Gemini’s Project Astra in Android XR
When I got a chance to use Android XR in December, my favorite aspect was getting to use the Gemini experience powered by Project Astra and Gemini 2.0. There’s now an extended look at that from MKBHD.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s January 2025 Google System Updates [U: 1/27]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app rolling out ‘Talk Live about this’ on Pixel 9
Following last week’s announcement, we are now seeing Gemini’s new “Talk Live about this” capability on the Pixel 9 series.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on how Pixel 9’s Add Me camera uses AR, TPU
Add Me is one of the Pixel 9’s tentpole camera features, and Google has a blog post today explaining how it was developed. Personally, I’ve noticed that people didn’t really use Add Me until the holiday season.
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Android 16 Beta 1 feedback survey now live
Following last week’s release, Google has released the feedback survey for Android 16 Beta 1. So far, it’s a quiet update.
Expand Expanding CloseNew Pebble smartwatch is coming as Google opens source code
Remember Pebble? The smartwatch that started it all has been discontinued for the better part of a decade, but Google has just opened up the source code for Pebble OS to help keep those devices alive, and build new ones too.
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Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Conquistadorio, LEGO Bricktales, Muse Dash, more
There’s still time to score a huge deal on your Galaxy S25, S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra preorder, but we have also collected all of today’s best deals on Android games and apps for them. Just be sure to also scope out Nothing’s Ear (a) ANC buds down at $79 as well as this deal on Hisense’s 55-inch 144Hz frame-style Google CanvasTV and Samsung’s official Galaxy S25/+/Ultra cases at 50% off starting from just $12.50. As for the apps, highlights include titles like Conquistadorio, LEGO Bricktales, Muse Dash, Cultist Simulator, and more. Head below for a closer look down below.
Read MoreGoogle Maps update looks just a little bit worse on most Android Auto screens
An update to Android Auto is now rolling out that centers the map in Google Maps.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S25 Ultra can’t use old S Pen for remote features, new one not coming
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra brings quite a few upgrades, but also removes the Bluetooth-enabled remote features of the S Pen. And, no, you can’t bring them back by just using an older S Pen.
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Pixel 9a reportedly gets a price hike after all, but only for the 256GB variant
According to a new report, Google’s Pixel 9a will see a price hike after all, but only if you opt for more storage.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung is giving away official Galaxy S25 cases, but not everywhere
Samsung is offering a “starter kit” that includes a free case with the purchase of a Galaxy S25 device, but only in the UK. To get one, users need to wait until after the return period and submit a review to Samsung.
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Deals: Official Galaxy S25 cases 50% off, ASUS ultra-thin OLED Lunar Lake PC $400 off, Nothing Ear (a), more
The pre-order deals on the new Galaxy S25, S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra are still flying – you can even score a FREE set of $250 Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with select configurations, but there’s a fresh batch of offers to scope out today as well. First up, and to go right alongside the new smartphones, Samsung is now offering 50% off its official new lineup of Galaxy S25 cases with deals starting from $12.50, but we are also tracking a massive price drop on ASUS’ ultra-thin Vivobook S 14 OLED Copilot+ PC at $400 off its going rate to deliver the lowest price we have tracked on the new Lunar Lake machine. Those deals join a solid offer on Nothing’s Ear (a) buds as well as Hisense’s 55-inch 144Hz frame-style Google CanvasTV, among others down below.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 prepares to let you swap power button camera shortcut for Google Wallet
Google is toying with a new setting that would allow users to swap Android’s double-tap power button shortcut that currently opens the camera to instead open Google Wallet and other wallet apps, and it could debut in Android 16.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing teases new hardware debuting in March, probably Nothing Phone (3) or (3a)
As it seeks further growth, Nothing is teasing its first product launch of 2025 which is probably the Nothing Phone (3) or Phone (3a), now expected to see a launch date in March.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chromecast bug shrinks the time and weather on Ambient Mode
A bug with Ambient Mode on Cast-powered Chromecasts drastically shrinks the time and weather that’s displayed in the bottom-right corner.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle removes old Pixel 4a updates after battery patch
At the start of 2025, Google announced a Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program with a new Android 13 OTA update, free battery replacement, and/or appeasement option. As part of this, Google has removed all previous Pixel 4a updates.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy S25 series officially supports Qi 2.1 and 15W charging speeds
Despite offering some magnetic accessories, Samsung hasn’t spent any time talking about the Galaxy S25 series being ready for Qi2. Yet, the Galaxy S25 series is the first set of smartphones with Qi 2.1 support, but without any upgrades to charging speed.
Expand Expanding CloseAre you happy with the current state of Samsung Galaxy phones?
This week, Samsung launched its new Galaxy S25 series and, in so many ways, it’s just a slightly newer version of the same thing. From the perspective of someone who’s job is to talk about these devices, it’s getting really boring, yet these devices still continue to sell. So, are you actually happy with these devices?
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Lenovo’s small but powerful Android tablet, the Legion Tab, is back in stock
After selling out in barely 48 hours when it launched earlier this month, Lenovo has re-stocked the Legion Tab, its small yet powerful Android tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S25 trade-in deals are better than ever, up to $900 off – how to get $50 more
Samsung has been leaning heavily into trade-in deals for years now, and the offers for its latest Galaxy S25 series are significantly better than the last generation. Here are the highlights, and how to get an additional $50 off.
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