Google Maps navigation just got a big 3D upgrade
Beta users now have the option to see 3D buildings during navigation
There are a lot of different apps for navigation, but for most, Google Maps has become a staple thanks to its impressive data set, beautiful maps with immersive views, excellent navigational tools, and so much more. What makes Google Maps an easy and go-to choice for most is its ease of use, and for others, it's the constant evolution of the app that keeps it way ahead of others.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Camera comparison
Can the US's best camera phones keep up with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra flagship has a credible case for being the best camera phone around this year — but US buyers can’t pick it up.
As someone who spends a lot of time wearing earbuds, I find the Shokz OpenFit Earbuds an attractive alternative to the intrusive in-ear headphones I use daily. Although the idea of an open-ear earbud is unusual, it offers distinct potential benefits in terms of comfort, health, and situational awareness.
Please Google, don't name your next foldable the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
This has bad branding written all over it
Google I/O is less than a month away, and while we're likely to hear all about the Pixel 8a, this fall's Pixel 9 trio is unlikely to make an appearance. Or, based on this week's reports about the next-gen Pixel Fold successor, maybe I should say quartet? The latest leaks on the Pixel Fold 2 have it pegged to be officially joining Google's mainline series as the "Pixel 9 Pro Fold," and frankly, I can't think of a worse way to brand your smartphones.
I reviewed phones for 5 years — here’s my pick right now
For all its flaws, the Google Pixel 8 is the phone I’d buy today
When I started at Android Police as a part-time news writer in 2019 while I was still studying, I would have never dreamed of becoming the publication’s Google Editor. Yet here we are, and I’m at the forefront of what Android Police is all about: Google products, Pixel phones, Android releases, and Chrome versions. I’ve also had the chance to look at the phone industry from many different angles and could test some unique phones from brands like Fairphone, Honor, Xiaomi, and Unihertz.
Best Galaxy S23 FE deals: Free from select carriers
Or save $100 instantly, with no strings attached
After a 1-year hiatus, Samsung's Galaxy FE line made its triumphant return late last year in hopes of reclaiming its spot as one of the top mid-range Android handsets on the market. The S23 FE makes a pretty good case, too, as it features a bright 6.4-inch display, solid processing power, a triple lens rear camera system, and all-day battery life.
Catching up on a sea of unreads in WhatsApp can feel like a chore, but the distinction between pinned chats and other conversations helps a little. However, things can be much better because billions of people use WhatsApp every day and it is one of the largest encrypted messaging apps on Android. Meta started working on an email-style filter to separate the unreads and the group messages in the chats tab recently, and that feature is finally rolling out to all users.
Your Samsung phone just gained some useful home screen customization options
Provided you use Good Lock and the Home Up module
Besides their powerful internals and long software support, another advantage of owning a flagship or premium Samsung phone is Good Lock access. Coupled with its modules, you can use Good Lock to unlock additional features and customize key aspects of your Galaxy phone and One UI. Home Up, a module that enables extra One UI launcher-related personalization options, is now getting a major update with significant new features.
Google just equipped YouTube and Gmail advertisers with generative AI
Get ready to see a lot more ads featuring things that don't actually exist
Despite Google's attempts to diversify its business portfolio, especially by entering the hardware market with Pixel devices, advertising has remained the tech giant's main source of revenue. It's estimated that over 77 percent of Google's revenue in 2023 is generated from ads. With that in mind, the firm needs to please advertisers to keep them spending more dollars on ads. As annoying as it might sound, advertisers on YouTube and Gmail can now rely on generative AI to create more compelling visual storytelling.
Google's Titan security key has a glaring usability flaw
You only get 250 memory spaces for passkeys — use them wisely
If you consider yourself to be more serious about security than the average person, you may already own a product like the Titan Security Key from Google. This device is a physical key that acts as a security token, comprised of Google’s Titan M cryptoprocessor. With enough storage to house up to 250 passkeys, the Titan Security Key has become a popular option in the security key segment. However, one flaw has been discovered that could bring the product’s long-term success to a halt.
HMD's first phone with its own branding sure looks like a Nokia
Our first unofficial look at the phone and we can't say that we're excited
The partnership has been sweet so far, but it was only a matter of time before HMD started heading in its own direction to build its identity and deliver to market devices of its own. Although we've seen leaks of these handsets as early as January, we are now getting an even better look, with a new set of renders that shows off the upcoming HMD device dubbed as the Pulse Pro.
Google Pixel Fold 2: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
This year's Pixel Fold successor might be all new, right down to its very name
It's no secret that the first-gen Pixel Fold has some problems. Perhaps owing to just how long Google's foldable phone existed as a rumor — not to mention the company's decision to hold back an even earlier iteration — the Fold struggled to keep up with its competition right out of the gate. And as phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and OnePlus Open have launched with far more refined experiences, the difference between Google and the rest of the field has grown that much more obvious.
Blink Mini 2 gets a sweet 25% discount in its first-ever price drop
Don't miss out on this fantastic deal, as it falls to its lowest price ever
Blink makes some of the best smart home security cameras in 2024. And if you're thinking about securing your home or office, it's a good brand to go with, mainly because they offer reliable devices at nearly every price point. But if you're looking for something compact and capable, then the recently released Blink Mini 2 is going to be right up your alley.
Google wants to reduce accidental Circle to Search triggers
Other exciting capabilities are in the works too
Convenience and ease of access make accessing Google search tools quite a frictionless experience. This is why we welcome the Google Search bar on the Pixel home screen, appreciate button shortcuts to launch Assistant, and more recently, Circle to Search. However, accidental triggers can be infuriating, and seem to be a rampant problem with Circle to Search. Google acknowledges the concerns and says improvements are in the pipeline.
Best Xfinity Mobile plans in 2024
If you're already an Xfinity customer, you may be able to save on wireless service with an unlimited Xfinity Mobile plan
If you get your TV or internet through Xfinity, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen an ad for Xfinity Mobile. Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon coverage in tandem with Xfinity WiFi hotspots to provide mobile phone service for its customers. With Xfinity, you can get up to 50GB of high-speed data on its top Unlimited Plus plan, but for many people, the cheaper Unlimited plan will make more sense. Xfinity Mobile, while it requires Xfinity home internet service to sign up, is a good value with multiline savings and deals on new phones, tablets, and smartwatches.
A 2024 version of cable's Disney Channel may come to Disney+
Everything old is new again, taking a page out of Paramount's book
In a recent report (from The Information) it has been revealed the video streaming service Disney+ is possibly exploring always-on channels, linear content that airs just like over-air and cable TV. While some services are already doing this, like Paramount's Pluto, one has to wonder why consumers moved away from regular linear TV to begin with, almost like we were sick of the commercialization of the cable services we were paying a pretty penny to use. Clearly, Disney has not received the memo after all these years, and so the latest trick up its sleeve is to repackage some of its Disney+ streaming content so that it airs a selection of shows continuously on a set schedule, which sure sounds like the torture of yesteryear wrapped up in a recurring monthly fee, just like the cable services we all left for greener streaming pastures.
Pixel 7a plummets to its lowest price yet with an aggressive $150 discount
One of our favorite budget phones has never been cheaper
If you're looking for a great phone on a budget, then you won't find any better than the Pixel 7a. This is one of our favorite budget devices in 2024 thanks to its great design, excellent cameras, and fantastic software. Perhaps one of the few complaints we had about this handset is that it was priced higher than its predecessor, putting it within spitting distance of the Pixel 7.
Verizon vs. Google Fi: Are Fi's features worth it?
While Verizon's data-heavy unlimited plans make sense for some heavy users, lighter users could save with one of Google Fi's plans
Whether you’re looking for international data or just want tight Pixel phone integration, Google Fi is an appealing carrier. If you need a lot of data, however, Verizon starts to make a lot more sense. With no cap on its plans, you don’t need to worry about your data being slowed due to heavy usage. Both plans feature multiline discounts, so if you’re bringing the family along, you can get some extra savings. Keep in mind, though, that all members need to be on the same plan with Google Fi, while Verizon customers can mix and match plans to fit individual needs.
Pokémon Go wants to get you outside this spring with some quality updates
The new updates are pretty, but there's not much else to dig into
Pokémon GO is starting to get old in game years, but despite this fact, there is still a thriving community surrounding it. There are numerous Facebook and Discord groups around the world that exist solely to organize in-person gatherings and facilitate trades. Similar online communities have set themselves to the task of peeking behind the curtain of the game to suss out all of its secrets. Even so, the one-time jewel in the Pokémon game line-up is starting to lose players and cultural relevance. In order to stem these losses, Niantic is pushing out a series of quality-of-life updates over the next month that it’s calling “Rediscover Pokémon GO.”
Garmin offers a range of smartwatches and fitness trackers with health features, class-leading battery life, and durability. Garmin also offers contactless payments from your wrist. When checking out at the store, you don't need to pull out your bank card or your phone to complete payments. Garmin Pay is available on most of its wearables and supports major financial institutions worldwide. If you use a compatible Garmin wearable and bank, set up Garmin Pay after pairing it to your phone. Read along to learn to use Garmin Pay.