Pixel Launcher search is getting a big upgrade with Android 13, including the ability to query the Play Store. Meanwhile, ahead of the public launch, Google continues to survey users about the capability.
August 8
August 7
Gboard adds ‘Flick input sensitivity’ setting, but it’s not for swipe typing
Gboard for Android recently introduced a setting called “Flick input sensitivity” for Japanese users, and not swipe/glide typing.
August 6
After the initial rollout began on Friday, Samsung today officially detailed the launch of its One UI 5 Open Beta Program and Android 13 for the Galaxy S22 series.
With today’s Pixel 6a launch, the US Google Store’s pre-order bonus of Pixel Buds A-Series and boosted trade-in period has ended, but you can now essentially get the mid-ranger discounted to $399 after a $50 credit.
One way you synced the very first Fitbit devices was by connecting a dock to your desktop computer and plugging in the tracker. The widespread availability of smartphones has replaced the need for that, and the old “Fitbit Connect” app is going away this year, along with local music sync.
In this week’s top stories: an unknown ‘Wireless Device’ from Google appears at FCC, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 details leak via Amazon, Pixel series August update gets delayed, and more.
We’re just a few days out from the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 – Samsung’s new foldables have leaked in real-life images showing off new color options, the display crease, and more.
In recent days, YouTube Music has more widely rolled out support for Android 12’s media recommendations feature that prominently surfaces recent albums and playlists to start immediate playback.
August 5
How to install the One UI 5 Android 13 Beta on Samsung Galaxy smartphones
Since the release of developer previews and beta versions of Android 13, we’ve been excited to get our hands on Samsung’s One UI version of Android 13. Now, One UI 5.0 beta is available to the public. This guide will show you how to sign up for it and install it on your device.
For Android 13, Google has redesigned how the Bedtime mode offered by Digital Wellbeing looks, while adding a rather useful “Dim the wallpaper” option.
Earlier today, Samsung published the first One UI 5.0 beta in Germany and South Korea, and it’s now available for the US Galaxy S22 series.
This week marks a pretty hefty one where more games get sent up to the cloud and large companies like Microsoft start testing new features. Starting today, players in Ireland and Colombia will be able to test out a new feature that allows friends and family to share their Xbox Game Pass benefits.
Google Stadia saw a bit of drama last week, but this week it keeps on trucking with a free weekend for Far Cry 6, several new game announcements, and one title on the calendar for 2026.
Android app deals of the day: Dead Cells, Trials of Mana, Cultist Simulator, Space Invaders, more
It is now time to roundup all of Friday’s best Android app deals into one convenient list. This weekend is also seeing some deep price drops on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra as well as even more handsets in the Best Buy anniversary weekend sale and in today’s Amazon Chromebook event, but for now it’s all about the apps. Our collection is headlined by titles like FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered, Trials of Mana, Cultist Simulator, Space Invaders, Dead Cells, and more. Head below for a complete look at all of the best Friday Android app deals.
Google Cloud’s Immersive Stream for XR makes possible interactive 3D and augmented reality experiences on mobile, and will soon support augmented and virtual headsets.
Ubisoft is bringing ‘Rainbow Six Mobile’ to Android and iOS, pre-registration open now [U]
Rainbow Six Siege has been one of the most popular shooter games on PC and consoles for years, and just a few months after its sequel’s launch, a new title in the series is on its way. Today, Ubisoft has revealed that “Rainbow Six Mobile” is coming to Android and iOS.
After first being reported nearly a year ago, Google TV is now making tangible progress toward launching 50 channels worth of free, ad-supported streaming content, and we have your first look at the channel list.
We’re a little over a week away from the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, and the leaks continue to flow. This week, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 popped up on Amazon to show off its new design, case, and a software enhancement too.
Around May, YouTube Music for Android and iOS redesigned “Listen again” as a fantastic compact grid and is now letting you find even more past songs, albums, artists, and playlists.
Waze appears to be struggling with performance issues on Android Auto and CarPlay
Google’s other navigation app, Waze, is an incredibly helpful way to stay informed on your route, but lately, the app has been suffering from lag issues on Android Auto and CarPlay for some.
YouTube TV has announced plans to drop NBC’s Universo from the paid Base Plan starting now. Though the channel isn’t going away, it’s still going to be locked behind a paywall as part of an additional paid package.
Deals: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra hits second-best price, ASUS Chromebooks from $230, more
All of this weekend’s best deals are now headlined by the second-best price to date on Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 256GB. Plus, ASUS Chromebooks now start from $230, and you’ll also find all-time lows on TCL’s latest 5-Series 4K QLED Google TVs. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
Samsung’s One UI 5.0 beta will be available in these countries with Android 13
Samsung launched an early start to its One UI 5.0 beta program earlier today in Germany, but that won’t be the only country where the beta is available. Here’s the full list.
Despite a lot of delays and wild rumors, Google is still working on a foldable smartphone, and this week we’re getting a few more details about the Pixel foldable in terms of its cameras and design language.
Google has been trying to nail down wireless audio for the better part of five years now, and it really only stuck the landing once, with the Pixel Buds A-Series. Now, Google is finally fulfilling an all-out audio product, with the Pixel Buds Pro delivering in all regards, but there is one small catch.
With little to no fanfare, Samsung appears to be sending out invitations for Galaxy S22 owners in Germany to register and download the One UI 5.0 Beta.
A new leak mixing high-quality renders and even hands-on images is giving us a glimpse of the Oppo Watch 3 series for the first time.
In recent days, the Meet merger widely rolled out to Google Duo for Android and iOS. Google is now readying to start the next phase where the Meet icon and name replaces Duo’s following a mobile app update.
August 4
Emergency SOS 911 calling on Pixel: How to disable it and why you may want to
The Pixel’s Emergency SOS feature that contacts 911 can be an absolute lifesaver. It can also be incredibly easy to accidentally trigger, calling up Emergency services for no actual emergency. This guide will take you through how to disable it if you think that triggering it is way too easy.
Back in 2019, Google added a favicon to every mobile Search result and unsuccessfully tried to do the same a year later on desktop. Google is now testing a mobile Search tweak that uses large favicons and gives more prominence to site names.
ChromeOS 104 is rolling out starting today with several big interface updates that improve how you use the operating system.
Pixel 6 is already sold out at the Google Fi store
Rather surprisingly, the Pixel 6 is no longer available for purchase from the Google Fi store, while the MVNO variant is not consistently in stock at the US Google Store.
Google’s Pixel phones have long been highly regarded for their camera performance, and the Pixel 6 series is no different – in fact, they’re the best performing to date. And yet, I’m excited for the Pixel 7 because it looks to fix one of my biggest complaints with the Pixel 6’s camera, the blurry photos that have plagued my library over the past several months.
The latest update to Google Meet paves the way to do more than just get work done in video meetings, with support for YouTube, Spotify, UNO, and more.
Android app deals of the day: Adventures of Mana, Final Fantasy titles, Chrono Trigger, more
It is now time to gather up all of today’s best Android app deals courtesy of Google Play. Just make sure to also dive into the very first cash discount on Google’s just-released Pixel 6a and this all-time low on the OnePlus 10 Pro as well. Our app collection is headlined by discounts on a range of Square Enix classics including a series of Final Fantasy titles, the Mana series, and more alongside Chrono Trigger, Speed View GPS Pro, and more. Head below for a complete look at today’s best Android app deals.
Google’s latest earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro, are well positioned to be a strong competitor to Apple’s AirPods Pro, especially for Android owners. But which set will take the crown as the better noise canceling earbuds? Let’s break it down.
YouTube rolls out experimental ‘pinch to zoom’ feature for Premium users
YouTube has a program that allows Premium subscribers to access brand new features that aren’t quite fully baked. Today, YouTube dropped a new one called “pinch to zoom” for viewers that allows you to zoom into a video on-screen, even in landscape mode.
We’ve heard quite a bit about the Galaxy Watch 5 series to date, including that there’s a “Pro” model coming with a bigger battery and design. Now, we’re getting a bunch of Galaxy Watch 5 specs that all but confirm the huge battery in the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Google Search results now better emphasize words you put in quotes
In a new update to the Google Search results page, the search engine is now consistently making it clear exactly how words you put in quotes appear on the page.
In response to user criticism, Google Play is bringing back the list of app permissions, but another curious Store change sees version numbers removed from the App info section.
The Pixel 6a is a smartphone equivalent of Diet Coke in that it has much of the same taste but with some of the sweet elements removed to help ensure it reaches the right price.
Deals: Pixel 6a sees first cash discount to $399, OnePlus 10 Pro $100 off, more
All of today’s best deals are now headlined by the first cash discount on Google Pixel 6a for $399 to go alongside OnePlus 10 Pro at $100 off. Then go check out the price cut on the official Samsung 15W Wireless Charger Duo. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
The Google homepage has historically been known for providing a clean interface that primarily offers a Search field. Google Search is now testing a row of cards on desktop web for an experience that’s similar to Discover.
Security doesn’t always have to come in the form of cameras and door sensors. In fact, your Nest Hub or speakers can play a big role in keeping you safe with Nest Aware’s smart sound detection benefit. Here’s how it works and why you may want to invest in it.
Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro represented the company’s focus on the premium smartphone space, and it seems that legacy is going to just keep building up. We already know what the Pixel 7 will look like, but according to one reputable source, Google is working on a Pixel phone made from a ceramic material.
August 3
You can get three free months of Stadia Pro if you have a newer LG Smart TV
A new offer from LG will get you a free three-month subscription to Stadia Pro, for new and existing customers alike.
There are tons of smart locks on the market right now, but none seem to cater to apartment-dwellers or those who don’t want to rip out their existing deadbolt just to add a smart lock to their smart home. SwitchBot is one of the few companies that fill both these needs with the SwithBot Lock and Keypad Touch.
Google’s first retail store opened up in New York City last year with in-person purchases, repairs, advice, and product demos. The Google Store also had a Stadia room, but that has been removed from the Chelsea location.
