5 open-source alternatives to Google apps
Escape the Google comfort zone with these open-source gems
When you purchase a new phone, there are certain quality-of-life applications that you expect to see, features that cater to the daily tasks that we've come to consider the bare necessities. Gallery, web browser, navigation, and calendar apps could all be expected software features on our respectable Android phones; their absence would be confusing. Google's ecosystem provides useful renditions of the above examples, all preinstalled and ready for use upon startup. But users don’t have to settle for all of Google’s baseline services, thanks to the Play Store’s healthy open-source app library.
Pokémon Go added more customization for avatars and players hate it
New character customization options aren't the welcome change that people had hoped for
It's kind of hard to believe, but we're coming up on the 10-year anniversary of Pokémon Go, and it probably comes as no surprise that the game is still going strong, being one of the best Android games that you can download, with a growing community and a number of changes over the years that have made the game better than it has ever been. There are a lot of elements about the game to love, but one of the most vital is the ability to create and customize a trainer.
eSIMs are a digital replacement for the SIM card, but despite their advantages over physical SIMs, the technology can be difficult to use. While transferring a physical SIM card between phones is a simple matter of installing it, transferring an eSIM isn't straightforward. This guide shows how to transfer an eSIM between Android devices without contacting your carrier and alternative ways to move an eSIM to a new phone if a direct transfer doesn't work. This guide works for eSIM-compatible Android phones, but you can't use it to transfer an eSIM from an Android to an iOS device.
5 Google web apps still mistreating our eyes without dark mode
Google Drive is crossed off the list but these 5 apps lack dark mode on the web
Recently, it was reported that Google Drive for web is finally receiving its long-awaited dark mode support. Web users on desktops are undoubtedly elated that Google’s file storage app will no longer blast your eyes with harsh white light. While Google has thankfully crossed another app off its list, there are still plenty of web apps in desperate need.
Synology BC500 and TC500 review: Smart IP cameras with local AI
They're hard to install, but come with plenty of features
In the competitive world of smart security cameras, Synology developed an innovative offering to differentiate itself from the competition. Its BC500 and TC500 smart cameras work with Synology NAS and NVRs and are poised to maximize safety and offer advanced image recognition. They focus on local data storage for maximum privacy while giving you full control over the footage they record.
Google Pixel 9: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
The Pixel 9 series is Google's biggest mobile shakeup since Tensor — here's what we're expecting
With the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro having established themselves as some of the best Android phones you can buy today, it's time to look forward to what's on the horizon. You could pick up last year's Google flagships, but imagining what's around the corner is more fun. The Pixel 9 series will be here before you know it — Google's already made reference to it in its app — and unsurprisingly, we already know a lot about this year's lineup. This year, that's extra exciting, as we're looking at three different phones coming to a carrier near you this fall. Here's everything we know about the Pixel 9 series.
Best Galaxy S24 deals: Save up to $1,000 with trade-in
Or get up to $175 off instantly with same-day activation
Samsung's Galaxy smartphone line has long produced some of our favorite handsets, and the recently-launched Galaxy S24 series is no different. Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors and stunning displays, the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are among the best Android phones you can buy in 2024. However, the cheapest model in the S24 series is priced at $800, so you're probably going to want to find discounts and deals to help take some of that burden off of your wallet. Fortunately, we've done all the legwork for you, and have put together a list of all the best S24 deals available right now, below.
Google Chat finally makes Slack and Teams message integration official
Interoperability for efficient work
Interoperability is a cornerstone for the future of messaging apps, and regulators like those in the EU seem eager to nudge big tech companies towards making efforts like making iMessage support RCS. We’re also seeing interoperability with other related services, with Google Chat making Slack and Microsoft Teams integration official.
WhatsApp working on on a tool to help you manage favorite contacts
You'll be able to add, reorder, and remove favorites all in one place
WhatsApp celebrated ten years of being under Meta's umbrella earlier this year. As a result of the change in management, the app has undergone many updates, such as displaying a greener neon appearance and adding the Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls tab at the bottom. WhatsApp aims to improve the user experience with every feature it adds. It has also proposed making it easier to call your favorite contacts, which sounds fantastic. Adding a favorites filter was first mentioned on WhatsApp Web, and now we're hearing about a similar feature heading to Android users.
How to find your Android phone if you lost it
Don't sweat when you lose access to your Android phone
A smartphone stores our personal data, banking apps, media files, documents, browsing history, and more under biometric protection. Losing access to your Android phone can put you in a compromising situation. Before heading to the nearest carrier to purchase a new Android phone, use Google's Find My network to detect its whereabouts. If the trick doesn't work, you can factory reset the device, change login credentials for essential services, deactivate your SIM card, and take other steps to safeguard your digital data.
Apple's loosened App Store restrictions attract another big-name emulator
Provenance is bringing PlayStation and Sega emulation to iPhones
Civilizations used to build walls around their cities to prohibit outsiders from accessing the inside and protect their people from invaders. The App Store's strict rules and policies acted just like that wall for Apple. With limited sideloading, hefty commissions, and virtually no chance of downloading apps from third-party stores, Apple built a formidable fortress to maintain its reign. However, history teaches us that even the greatest walls can't last long.
This OnePlus phone we recommend and called ‘impressively powerful’ is down to just $265 right now
Get it while you can because supplies are limited
If you're looking to buy a powerful phone on the cheap, then it doesn't get much better than the OnePlus 10T. Although it's a little bit older, originally released in 2022, it's still got plenty of power under the hood, along with a sleek design, good software, and excellent charging speeds.
How to set up your iCloud email and contacts on an Android phone
Checking your iCloud emails on Android is a breeze with these tips
Many of Apple's services, including iCloud, aren't available on the Google Play Store. This makes transitioning from Apple to Android challenging because you might lose app data and emails. Still, you can access your iCloud emails and files from your new Android phone or tablet. However, the experience isn't as smooth as using the iCloud app from your iPhone or iPad. Nevertheless, you can access them in a pinch on your Android device. We show you how.
Netflix sparks concern after confirming it will no longer share subscriber stats
Co-CEO Greg Peters cites changes to the company business model
Long before the height of streaming, Netflix established itself as one of the pioneers of the industry. While there is now an abundance of service providers to choose from, the company has remained one of the go-to streaming options, but not just for its content. Password-sharing between friends and family had become a common practice among Netflix subscribers, if only to save a few extra bucks. Ultimately, the streaming giant dropped the hammer on sharing, and some believe Netflix may now be paying the price.
The best new movies you can watch at home right now
There's plenty to watch at home these days, and we're rounding up the best (and worst) movies you can stream
Streaming services have taken over as one of the best ways to catch the latest movies. Whether they're making a stop in theaters before rolling out digital rentals or they launch as first-run originals from the likes of Netflix, Apple TV, or HBO; we're rounding up the best titles so you're not left in the dark — until it's time to start the film, that is. Check back each week (usually on Friday) to see the latest additions for movies that are now available to stream, the latest theatrical releases, and movies coming next week.
Google Pay can now create a virtual version of your Citibank card
More payment options are always welcome
You can't help but feel a little scared when you have to enter your credit card information when buying something online. You hear about big companies such as AT&T suffering a data breach and wonder if your information will ever be a part of one. Even Roku is reeling from a data breach that exposed user credentials. It's good to hear that Google has added support for another virtual card to give users more options.
WhatsApp Communities could soon make managing events easier
Event scheduling in WhatsApp Community has been spotted in the newest beta
WhatsApp was spotted working on an event scheduling feature since October 2023. A follow-up report from March this year detailed how the feature will work and the improvements Meta has made to event scheduling since 2023. It appears WhatsApp is ready to start trialing the feature, as it has popped up for some beta testers on the latest WhatsApp beta for Android.
Samsung's budget A-series has always offered great value for money while packing in some premium features we don't see on phones for twice the price. The Samsung Galaxy A35 improves on many of our gripes about last year's Galaxy A25, but the price increase puts it among dangerous competition.
Tile Sticker vs. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2: Which is more suitable for you?
Never lose track of what matters
Tile has an excellent smart tag selection to choose from. While some feature a key ring cutout, others cater to niche use cases. The Tile Sticker is one such specialized smart tracker that lacks a cutout for attachments but boasts an adhesive back. Its unique form factor has some advantages, but you must also deal with some drawbacks, like a non-replaceable battery. You can avoid these drawbacks by going with Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag 2, which has a user-replaceable battery and a big cutout to attach it to your belongings. But, like any other smart tracker, the Samsung offering isn't ideal for everyone.
Your credit card may soon light up with an OLED screen
NFC terminals will power the screen remotely when it's time to pay
As the technology behind flexible screens advances, more and more uses are trickling out.Konica Minolta's flexible OLED lighting panel is finally coming into its own with the help of the financial tech industry, specifically Sentry Enterprises who runs the Radiance card illumination platform, adding OLED screens to credit cardsthat arepowered by NFC terminals when transacting.That's right, your credit cards may soon contain flexible OLED screens that offer a light show when it comes time to pay for things. Neato.