Setting the stage at I/O 2024 for Gemini being Google’s last reset
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Google effectively blocks Total Commander file manager from sideloading APK files on Android
The Google Play Store has apparently blocked the relatively popular file manager, Total Commander, from sideloading APK files by threat of removal from the app from the store.
Expand Expanding CloseEcobee’s latest Nest Thermostat competitor has a built-in air quality monitor and radar
Ecobee this week revealed a new batch of smart thermostats which, as usual, include support for Google Assistant among other things. Also new in this year’s Ecobee thermostat lineup is the addition of a built-in air quality monitor and a new radar sensor, just like Google’s thermostat.
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Deals: Google Pixel 5 sees 1-day discount at $249 off, Samsung 512GB microSD card $60, more
All of today’s best deals are now headlined by a 1-day Google Pixel 5 discount at $249 off. That’s alongside Samsung’s EVO Select 512GB microSD card at $60 and JBL’s Xtreme 3 Waterproof Speaker at $260. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Cities: Skylines] Google adds five Stadia Pro games for May 2022
In a slightly protracted rollout, Google today revealed the first three games that will be available to Stadia Pro subscribers for May 2022. More titles will be announced in the coming days.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6 series helps Google to reach UK sales top 5 for first time in Q1 2022 w/ 3.3% market share
The recent Pixel 6 and 6 Pro sales success has helped Google break into the UK smartphones sales top five for the first time in Q1 2022.
Expand Expanding CloseStadia 4.16 for Android preps 1440p streaming, in-app help, and more
Stadia 4.16 is rolling out now via the Google Play Store and includes preparations for likely 1440p streaming, in-app help improvements, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseAmazon finally brings USB-C to its most affordable Android tablet, the $60 Fire 7
Amazon just revealed a new refresh of its super-affordable Android tablet, the Fire 7 (2022). And after years of using an outdated standard, Amazon is finally bringing USB-C to the Fire 7.
Expand Expanding CloseAcer launching premium Chromebook Spin 714 w/ stowable stylus, affordable Tab 510
The next two devices from Acer show the diversity of Chrome OS, with the ultra premium Chromebook Spin 714 and the affordable Chromebook Tab 510.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat do you think was the best product announced at I/O 2022? [Poll]
A week ago at Google I/O 2022, we saw some interesting new launch announcements including a brand new wave of products — some of which we won’t see fully until later this fall.
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LineageOS 19 builds arrive for Samsung Galaxy S10 series, Essential Phone, plus more
LineageOS 19 based upon Android 12 may have only officially launched just a few weeks ago, but it is already expanding to more devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S10, Essential Phone, Poco F2 Pro, Poco F3, plus many more.
Expand Expanding CloseMaterial You on Android 12 awarded prestigious iF Gold Design Award
Google has received a prestigious iF Gold Design Award for the implementation of Material You and Dynamic Color within Android 12.
Expand Expanding CloseVivo X80 Pro goes official w/ Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 50MP camera, more
The Vivo X80 and X80 Pro have now officially launched in global markets after initially being made available in China earlier this year.
Expand Expanding CloseWear OS companion app gets Google Play Store beta, no new version yet
Last week, a handful of Google apps opened preview programs, but new versions have yet to emerge. The Play Store now says that the Wear OS companion app is getting a beta.
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Report: Apple ML exec that left over in-person work policy joining Alphabet’s DeepMind
According to Bloomberg today, Ian Goodfellow, who oversaw machine learning at Apple before quitting due to the in-person work policy, is joining Alphabet’s DeepMind.
Expand Expanding Close‘Protected by Android’ is Google’s new security branding for the OS
Google is ever on the quest to improve the general perception of security and privacy on its mobile operating system. The latest effort is called “Protected by Android” and that branding looks set for a broader rollout.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s Wear OS running on 2016’s Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch [Gallery]
After running on its own Tizen operating system for the better part of a decade for smartwatches, Samsung finally embraced Google’s Wear OS last year. However, a clever developer has been able to install Wear OS on the Gear S3, Samsung’s 2016 smartwatch.
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Pixel Launcher app search is broken on Android 12 for some
Ahead of going stable next month, Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 has a curious Pixel Launcher bug that breaks the ability to search for apps installed on your device.
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Android app deals of the day: Data Defense, Legend of the Moon, Hexologic, and more
All of Tuesday’s Android app deals have now been gathered up for you down below. Alongside of the Google Play deals, we are also tracking solid price drops on Samsung’s new Galaxy A53 5G smartphone and the OnePlus 9 5G at a new all-time low. As for the apps, headliner offers include titles like Legend of the Moon, Data Defense, Hexologic, Quell+, Car Costs Complete, and more. Head below the fold for a closer look at all of today’s best Android app deals.
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Google removes bandwidth-saving measures on Chromecast, Smart Display Ambient mode
In April of 2020, Google lowered the quality of Ambient mode on Chromecast and Assistant Smart Displays to save bandwidth in response to COVID-19’s work from home (WFH) surge, and these changes are now being reverted.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Android TV partners can apparently make Fire TVs now, as Hisense plays both sides
Google’s Android TV has long been competing for its place in the market, and in the United States it primarily goes against Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV. Most Android TV and Google TV partners also sell Roku models, but they’ve never mixed in with Fire TV. That changes now, as Hisense has launched its first Amazon Fire TV model.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s AI-powered ‘Interview Warmup’ lets you practice answering job questions
As part of its Grow with Google and Career Certificates initiatives, Google has launched a new Interview Warmup website.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds Pro get Qi certification, revealing wireless charging speed
Ahead of their July release, the Google Pixel Buds Pro have now been certified for Qi charging, and the listing reveals the case’s wireless charging rate.
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Deals: OnePlus 9 sees 1-day $230 discount, Anker accessories from $8, more
All of today’s best deals kick off with a new all-time low on the OnePlus 9 5G at $230. That’s alongside Anker Android essentials from $8 and Samsung’s new Galaxy A53 5G smartphone at $350. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Expand Expanding CloseCities: Skylines launches on Stadia today, free for Pro members
Google Stadia is adding Cities: Skylines today, and in a surprise, the game is a free addition to Stadia Pro!
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