Google credits beta testers and Tensor chips for its seven-year Pixel support window
The newest Made by Google Podcast episode provides insight into why seven years will work
Nowadays, making sure that you can use your device for as long as possible has become an important factor when people purchase their next smartphone. It’s right in line with the idea of “right-to-repair,” which, for the uninitiated, is a movement that aims to make it easier for tech owners to service their devices with easy-to-get replacement parts. Back in October 2023, Google announced that it would offer seven years of software support and spare parts availability for the Pixel 8. In the latest Made by Google Podcast episode, Google VP of Devices and Services Software Seang Chau offered insight on why and how Google’s seven-year promise will work.
Score this cute and compact robot charger for its lowest price ever
This fantastic compact charger with a bit of personality can now be yours for just $18
There are a lot of charger options out on the market right now, which means you're going to be able to find a great option for pretty much every budget. But if you're looking for something that's a bit more unique, then this Ugreen charger is going to be right up your alley. Not only does it look cute, but it's also extremely compact and powerful, with charging speeds up to 30W.
Google’s AI image generator wants to be your personal stylist
Search Generative Experience can find the jacket you didn’t know you needed
If you were never much of a shopper, you may have changed your tune since the internet simplified the process. With shopping apps accessible around the clock, it has become easier to buy everything from shoes to groceries. Google was already an e-commerce driver, and now that it’s shifting its focus to its efforts around Gemini and AI, it’s starting to push online shopping in a new direction.
Best sleep trackers in 2024
Who says you have to be awake to track what you're doing? These devices give you the lowdown while you sleep
Sleep tracking is one of the most essential fitness metrics to monitor. It can help maximize your workouts, improve recovery, and enhance your quality of life. Simply put, it's the best way to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Gemini now automatically starts Google Maps navigation when asking for directions
This is what we're looking for with hands-free experiences
Gemini has been a revelation of minute proportions in the AI landscape. On one hand, it shows that Google is going all-in on artificial intelligence, with the next-gen multimodal AI becoming a major part of Google’s identity. On the other hand, it’s just a rebranding of Google Bard, and it still has many, many kinks that we’re still working through. Gemini will almost certainly replace the tried and true Google Assistant one day, but it’s not necessarily ready to completely replace it and take that next step yet. However, Google’s made micro strides to get there and has updated the way Maps navigation starts when asking Gemini for directions.
WhatsApp is working on a fresh redesign for its call screen UI
Brace for floating bars and new button layouts
WhatsApp gives users every modern communication tool imaginable, including group chats, broadcast messaging through channels, topical group interactions with communities, and voice and video calling, all for free. These features make it one of our favorite instant messaging apps on Android, just like Telegram, Signal, and Discord. We have a few complaints about Meta’s management of the app, and UI design updates are high up on that list. It appears WhatsApp is taking note and finally refreshing the design, this time for the call screen.
Google Chrome releases: What's new in every version
A central hub for all the things that have changed in Chrome
Google Chrome is probably the browser everyone is using. When it launched back in 2008, it was lauded as a super-small, resource-saving program that wasn't even feature-complete, but that has long changed. After its long and winding march to market domination, the browser received more features, grew in size, and is now known as an absolute resource hog and data collection engine.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Zenfone 10: Is bigger always better?
Which Asus flagship is suitable for you?
For years, Asus' Zenfone series has been the best compact phone champion. Offering sub-6-inch displays without sacrificing power, these phones have been a favorite among users who prioritize comfort and one-handed use. The Zenfone 10 was the pinnacle of this philosophy, cramming top-of-the-line specs into a size that felt comfortable in any hand.
Hulu on Disney+ is finally out of beta and fully integrated
All your favorite shows from Hulu and Disney+ are now hanging out together in one place
Disney taking over Hulu seemed like a sure thing. In early November, it became official: The Walt Disney Company was shelling out $8.6 billion to buy out Comcast’s stake in Hulu. A month later, they kicked off a beta test, giving subscribers a taste of what was to come. Now, after all the anticipation, the day has finally arrived: Hulu is fully integrated into Disney+, giving everyone in the US access to the much-anticipated combined experience.
Samsung Galaxy S Pen vs S Pen Creator Edition: Battle of the styli
One of these is a great S Pen, the other is an overpriced piece of plastic
The S Pen is one of the most legendary mobile accessories. Many Samsung fans have loved it since it was introduced in 2011, and it’s gotten better in the thirteen years since, gaining Air Command, Bluetooth, and lower latency. It's one of the things that makes the S24 Ultra one of our favorite Android phones.
Amazon’s best (and perfectly-sized) smart display is $50 off right now
One of Amazon’s best smart displays is available with a massive 33% discount
There are hardly any smart displays better than Amazon's Echo Show 8 (2023) on the market right now with Alexa support. The company's latest smart display builds on its predecessor, packing all the right upgrades, like support for spatial audio and all the smart home standards you can think of. At $150, the Echo Show is more expensive than its predecessor. But if you take advantage of Amazon's latest deal, you can get the smart display for just $99, saving 33% on its MSRP.
Google Contacts tests a new search bar that looks familiar
The app may get a search bar that looks just like the Play Store’s
Google has been working on some redesigned elements in its Contacts app for a while now. The next element in line for a revamp seems to be the search bar at the top. Google is currently testing a redesign that brings it more in line with the Play Store. The new look hasn’t rolled out just yet, though, so it may take some time to arrive on your phone.
NAS enclosures come in different shapes and sizes, and your needs determine which kind of NAS model fits your bill. Synology’s own NAS portfolio consists of a wide range of products designed for both consumers and businesses. While home users can easily find an inexpensive model to start with their first NAS, professionals will be equally impressed by Synology’s best NAS models that come equipped with high-end processors to handle anything you throw at them.
Google Play Pass subscriptions keep growing, yet the app selection still stinks
If you really want Stardew Valley, just buy it for yourself.
Subscription services have become one of the go-to solutions for businesses in recent years. Everything from video games to mobile apps are now available en masse for a small monthly charge, encouraging users to sign up for a plan and pay endlessly rather than purchase the games and apps outright.
YouTube wants to supercharge double tap to seek
Jump between content blocks instead of time intervals
YouTube is among the leading entertainment apps on Android, and you should have minimal trouble navigating the platform to find suitable content. Even the video player controls are intuitive and comprehensive, featuring everything from translated captions to playback speed and quality controls. Gestures are a big part of the navigation convenience in YouTube’s Android app, and Google is currently testing an enhanced version of the tap to seek gesture.
Best phone chargers in 2024: USB-C PD, PPS, and fast chargers
Charge your phone faster and more safely with these affordable, reliable, and compact wall adapters
If there is a silver lining to the removal of chargers from smartphone retail boxes, it’s the freedom to choose a power brick that best suits your gadget collection. As we carry and use more battery-powered devices than ever, your phone charger doesn’t just have to top up your phone. It can also charge your laptop, power bank, smartwatch, tablet, wireless earbuds, and other mobile accessories.
Samsung Galaxy S23 and Fold 5's One UI 6.1 AI update goes live
One UI 6.1 is rolling out for Samsung’s 2023 flagship phones
Samsung has been teasing the release of One UI 6.1 for its 2023 flagships for a while now. The skin launched with the Galaxy S24 series in late January, marking the debut of Galaxy AI, packing useful features like real-time phone call translation, generative photo editing, and more. Earlier this week, Samsung confirmed the Galaxy S23, Fold 5, Flip 5, and the Tab S9 series will get One UI 6.1 starting March 28th. Right on schedule, the firmware has gone live for the Galaxy S23 and Fold 5 in Europe, the US, and other parts of the world.
Samsung Galaxy S25: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
The Galaxy S25 trio is coming early next year — here's what we know
Gadgets don't stay new forever. Sure, that shiny Galaxy S24 Ultra you're reading this on right now feels like the hottest smartphone around, but in less than a year, it'll be replaced by something newer, faster, and — presumably — better. If you're holding off for Samsung's next round of non-foldable flagships, the Galaxy S25 already has plenty of rumors floating around. Whether you're after the smallest of the bunch or an experience worthy of the "Ultra" branding, here's everything we know about the Galaxy S25 series.
Best Pixel 7a deals: Top discounts from retailers and wireless carriers
Don't miss out on these fantastic deals to save big
Google's Pixel 7a is one of the best budget Android phones you can buy in 2024. It offers the perfect combination with plenty of style, features, and most importantly, comes in at just the right price at $499. Of course, even at retail, it's affordable, but it never hurts to check around to see whether there are any good deals available that can lower the price further.
No self-respecting tech company would be caught dead without a dark mode in its app in 2024 — after all, Google added system-wide support for dark mode in Android 10, and Apple did the same with iOS 13, both of which were released back in 2019. The Wyze app, meant for controlling smart doorbells, security cameras, and other goodies, was a little late to the party, but did add burgeoning dark mode support back in January. Now, it's going one step further.