Google Pixel 8a looks close to launch as four variants spotted
The Pixel 8a could be revealed during I/O 2024 in May
The Google Pixel 8a is expected to be unveiled this spring, potentially during I/O 2024, which we know will take place on May 14. Phone manufacturers typically send their devices to the FCC for certification months ahead of launch. However, these FCC listings also give us a good idea of what to expect from a yet-to-be-launched device, and that's exactly what's happening with Google's upcoming mid-tier phone.
5 features Samsung should bring back from its own past
To make the future exciting, Samsung should look backward
Samsung has produced fifteen generations of the Galaxy S smartphone at this point. The series has changed a lot since its debut in 2010, especially with the introduction of the Ultra model in 2020. While technology and the Galaxy lineup have mostly improved, some hardware and software features have been dropped along the way. The Galaxy S24 series might offer an excellent set of phones, but it hasn't escaped the criticism that it feels boring due to the lack of change. As we look ahead to the Galaxy S25 and what we hope will be a brand overhaul, I think Samsung should look to its heritage for inspiration.
With its titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass protection, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly more durable than its predecessor and other best Android phones. But it’s also a significant investment, with its top variant costing north of $1,500. So, as much as you might not like to cover its beautiful design, getting a case to keep it safe and sound is a good idea.
Best smart doorbells that don't need wired power in 2024
No wiring needed: our pick of the very best battery-powered, security-boosting smart doorbells to buy
Smart doorbell cameras are a great way to boost your home security, track package deliveries, and greet visitors when you’re out of town. Wired video doorbells have a set-and-forget appeal, but battery-powered models are the easiest to install since they don’t need hardwiring. They can be positioned just about anywhere, and they are often renter-friendly or an alternative for homes without doorbell hookups.
Best OnePlus Watch 2 bands in 2024
Now that the OnePlus Watch 2 is out, it's time to upgrade your band
The OnePlus Watch 2 is finally out, and overall, we're impressed. We weren't the biggest fans of OnePlus's first smartwatch, but this new iteration has made several improvements. From its stellar battery life to its beautiful design, the OnePlus Watch 2 has a lot to offer.
Best Google Pixel 8 cases in 2024
Keep that Pixel 8 pixel-perfect with one of these top cases to save your phone from knocks and bumps
The Pixel 8 is proof of Google's growth in the smartphone world. It sports a refined version of a design that first debuted with the Pixel 6 and is packed with features that have rightfully earned it a spot on the list of the best Android smartphones. The Pixel 8 is available in four colors, but all of those colors have a glass back.
9 oddball Waze celebrity voices that deserve a listen
Outlandish, fun, off-beat alternatives to boring text-to-speech driving prompts
Proof that not all ads are annoying, Waze celebrity voice prompts originated as a way to interest drivers in seeing movies. They actually played a big role in propping the company up before Google acquired it, and continue to give the service some personality and help it stand out from Android Auto. Over the years, we've seen everything from popular sci-fi franchises to a Malaysian rapper-turned-politician lend their dulcet tones to the comprehensive driving directions app. Only available for a limited time, some of the retired ones really stand out.
OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Google Pixel Watch 2: Which wearable works for you?
OnePlus is back in the smartwatch arena, but how does its Watch 2 stack up against Google's Pixel Watch 2?
OnePlus previously tried its hand at making a good smartwatch, but it didn't really resonate, which puts the Watch 2 in an interesting spot as a sequel. Sporting a new look with a broader feature set that includes adopting Wear OS, it's a wearable that can compete with the best of all models running that platform. But how does it line up against an established player like the Pixel Watch 2, a device that delivers on aesthetics and comes straight from Google? Both of them are among the best smartwatches for Android, so let's dig deeper to see which one is worth putting on your wrist.
Anker's impressive ANC wireless earbuds are a no-brainer at 50% off
The Soundcore Space A40 buds have a long-lasting battery and great sound for the price
Anker built its reputation by delivering reliable, budget-friendly products in the mobile charging space, and its audio products are equally impressive. Take the Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds, for example. They feature highly detailed sound, customizable ANC that can reduce external noise by up to 98%, and up to 10 hours of battery life. They are also comfortable to wear, thanks to their smaller size and weight, and loaded with features. They're great for traveling and commuting, relaxing, or working out, and we like them a lot on sale for just $50.
Chrome can now use Android's default password provider instead of Google's
The new setting is hidden behind a flag, but it's functional on Chrome stable
There are so many excellent browsers for Android that sticking with the default might be doing yourself a disservice. Google Chrome comes pre-installed on all phones that ship with the Play Store, but with major competitors like Firefox opening up extension support and others with anti-tracking features, people who roll with the default are seeing new incentives to switch. Chrome's lack of support for non-Google password managers is another reason you may have been looking to make the jump, but a new hidden setting could level the playing field on this front.
Google Drive for the web finally goes dark
Manage your files in low-light conditions without straining your eyes
Dark mode took off with the advent of AMOLED displays a few years ago, with many web developers and app management teams scrambling to implement the new feature. It makes reading much easier on the eyes, and some would argue it also reduces power consumption on AMOLEDs, but in any case, Google wasn’t a forerunner in adoption. To this day, a vast majority of Workspace apps don’t offer the convenience on the web version, but things are now starting to change, starting with Drive.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Do you really need unlimited data?
Looking to save on wireless? Mint Mobile's 12-month plans can save a lot of money over AT&T
Prepaid wireless service is getting a lot of attention with increased advertising budgets and increased popularity among those looking to reduce their monthly expenses. Mint Mobile has been impossible to ignore with its Ryan Reynolds-driven marketing and promise of cheap data, but it still can’t match all the features that a premium AT&T plan offers. AT&T provides stronger international features, truly unlimited data, and discounts for veterans, military members, nurses, teachers, and more.
YouTube forces creators to disclose AI usage, but not always
The prominence of informative AI labels will differ based on the content
As AI continues to weave its way into Google’s apps and services, the company is taking measures to ensure users understand its impact. YouTube, the Google-owned video streaming platform, has a plethora of creators who are beginning to leverage AI for content. Now, the tech giant is enacting policies to make sure that viewers can differentiate fact from fiction while using YouTube.
Fitbit is undergoing a name change as Google reorganizes
Fitbit by Google is no more after an external makeover for the division
When a company becomes as large as Google, a little housekeeping is necessary every now and then to keep operations running smoothly. In some instances, it looks like restructuring and a change in staff. Google recently began reorganizing its teams to align with its evolving products and services. As a result, a new name is being introduced to reflect some of the changes happening to its Fitbit division, in particular.
Samsung's March 2024 update is available now for the Galaxy S23, S24, and more
One UI 6.1 not included
Samsung's March 2024 security patch is rolling out now to devices worldwide. Still, many will be disappointed when it arrives, as it's nothing more than the usual security-focused update for most devices, with the S24 series also benefiting from some big fixes.
Best Motorola phone deals: Big savings on the Razr, Moto Edge, and G series
Take up to $300 off some of Motorola's most popular devices
There are a lot of different options when it comes to smartphones. And while Motorola might not be in the spotlight all that much lately, it still offers a wide range of devices, delivering something for every budget. The brand has its Razr line of foldables for those who are looking for something more ambitious, along with its Moto G and Edge series devices that deliver unique experiences in their own right.
How to use Google Translate to translate images in real time
Transcend communication barriers with a few taps
Google Translate is a nifty tool for understanding foreign languages on the go. It can take input in the form of text, images, or voice and translate it into the language of your choice. Although it is available on the web and mobile, the former is a limited version. The app works on both Android and iOS, but Google Pixel owners get access to the latest features. We show you how to use Google Translate on most devices, whether you use it on your phone or desktop PC.
Waze is a navigation app that makes moving from location to destination easy. Unlike Google and Apple Maps, which rely heavily on satellite data, the app is community-driven. Users like you report speed traps and other live incidents, as well as become map editors to add new roads, points of interest, and missing information. Accessing these real-time contributions requires an internet connection, whether you're using the app on your mobile phone or car display. You can't download maps and use them offline. However, there's a workaround, and we show you how it works.
The FCC is raising the bar for internet providers promising ‘broadband’ service
Broadband speed qualifications are being raised for the first time since 2015
In 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans to open an additional 850MHz of spectrum within its 6GHz band. Specifically targeting low-power devices, the goal was to allow for fast transfer speeds between nearby devices. This spurred several companies into a frenzy under the assumption that it could greatly expand Wi-Fi capabilities. However, these types of changes often shed light on an existing problem — the lack of high-speed internet in certain areas of the country. Now, the FCC is updating its policies once again, and it’s doing so with these regions in mind.
Tablets come in various sizes and prices, and while some of the best tablets feature high-resolution, large, responsive displays, they’re very fragile. That’s where rugged tablets come into play, offering a fair compromise on the latest features, providing only the essentials in more compact and durable designs and form factors.