Latest Articles
Wireless Android Auto will work on every phone with Android 11 and 5GHz Wi-Fi
Devices in the EU will have to get approval for 5GHz
Android Auto has traditionally required connecting your phone to a car with a USB cable, but a wireless mode was introduced in 2018 for some Pixel phones. Samsung devices were later added to the compatibility list, and starting with Android 11, every Android phone that supports 5GHz Wi-Fi should be capable of running wireless Android Auto.
Most of Sony's smartphones start out far too expensive, but slowly drop in price until they become reasonable purchases. Last year's Xperia 1 is an excellent device if you don't mind having the tallest phone around, especially now that it's only $598 from Amazon.The Xperia 1 has a Snapdragon 855 processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage (with microSD support), a 6.4-inch 4K OLED screen, a 3,330mAh battery, and triple rear cameras. We reviewed the phone when it was first released, and while it does offer a clean Android experience and speedy performance, image processing isn't the best and the phone is a bit slippery. You'll probably want to pick up a case.
Get a Samsung Chromebook 4+ for as low as $250 right now
A super-cheap Chromebook that still has a 1080p screen
Chromebooks are in hot demand as kids get back to school, and the Samsung Chromebook 4+ is one of the best budget options around. Sure, it doesn't have a high-end CPU, but it's one of the few laptops available for under $300 with a 1080p screen and at least 4GB RAM. Now you can get one for as little as $250.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is just $120 ($30 off) right now
Like a Fire tablet, but it actually has Google services
Samsung's line of Galaxy A tablets aren't anything special, but they are cheap Android devices with full access to the Google Play Store. That makes them a tantalizing alternative to Amazon Fire tablets, which require workarounds to install the Play Store, and still have weird software quirks to deal with. Now you can get last year's Galaxy Tab A 8.0 for just $119.99, a savings of $30 over the original MSRP.
Dropbox for Android reaches 1 billion installs on the Play Store
Partially boosted by deals with OEMs
Dropbox has been available on Android for just over ten years, and in that decade, it has evolved into one of the best cloud storage options available for the platform. Now the app has passed one billion installations, reaching the same milestone that applications like Twitter and Netflix recently passed.
The most (and least) popular devices used to browse Android Police in 2020
Spoiler: Y'all like Pixel phones
Back in 2017, we published a list of the most and least popular smartphones and tablets used to browse Android Police (the site you're reading right now). Many of you loved seeing where your favorite devices ended up in the rankings, but we never published followup posts for subsequent years — until now! We're back with a new installment for 2020, with more fun facts about the kinds of phones and tablets our readers use.
The Lenovo Smart Display 7 was released last year as a follow-up to Lenovo's original Google Assistant-powered smart screens. It's a decent alternative to the Google Nest Hub, with larger speakers and a front-facing camera, and now you can get it for $74.99 from Best Buy.
YouTube ends email notifications for new uploads and livestreams
You'll only receive notifications through the desktop site and mobile apps
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YouTube has a few different methods of notifying you about new videos from specific channels, including push notifications on the mobile apps, alerts on the desktop site, and email. However, the last option is going away, as Google alleges email alerts aren't used very often.
Google Duo may eventually be phased out in favor of Google Meet
I want to get off Mr. Google's Wild Ride
Google currently has two video chat services, Duo and Meet. Duo is specifically a calling application, originally intended to be used alongside the now-defunct Allo messaging service, and Meet is a video conferencing utility. However, the two services have started to become more alike over the past few months, and a new report says the services may eventually merge.
Huawei's temporary license to trade with US companies has expired
Huawe phones with Play Services won't get any more support
Huawei receiving a trade ban from the United States over concerns about spying was one of the most important technology events last year, but its full ramifications have yet to take effect. The U.S. Commerce Department has repeatedly granted companies temporary 90-day licenses to continue selling components to Huawei, which have been renewed time and time again. However, the most recent license has now lapsed, potentially placing the company in further trouble.
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug WSP080 review: Works well, but wait for a sale
Wemo has finally producd a functional smart home product
Belkin has produced smart home products for years under its Wemo brand, but Wemo devices have never had the best reputation. Most of its previous products suffered from connectivity and software issues, and when so many alternative options exist for smart plugs or internet-connected lights, there wasn't much of a point in purchasing Wemo products.Thankfully, Wemo is starting to address its long-running software problems. The company switched to an online account system earlier this year, paving the way for a more streamlined experience. Wemo has also released a new smart plug, which is incredibly compact and actually works properly. Color me surprised.
Google reportedly blocked OnePlus from pre-installing the Epic Games app on its phones
The claim comes from Epic's lawsuit against Google
Epic Games launched a lawsuit against Google earlier today, alleging that the company is engaging in anti-competitive behavior. The filing primarily focuses on how Google makes it more difficult to sideload applications than installing apps from the Play Store, but there are a few suprising claims, including how Google supposedly blocked OnePlus from distributing the Epic Games app on its phones.
Fortnite has been removed from the Play Store, Epic files lawsuit against Google
Google has followed Apple in pulling the game over purchase disputes
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Epic Games has fought Google's 30% cut of in-app purchases on Android for a while now, to the point where Fortnite was only available on Samsung's Galaxy Store and as an APK download. The company finally relented earlier this year, when the game finally appeared on the Play Store, but now it has been quietly pulled following an update that circumvented Google's payment system.
The Linux-based PinePhone is the most interesting smartphone I've tried in years
A fully open smartphone
Android's potential for customization was seemingly endless when it was first introduced, thanks to its Linux kernel and open-source nature. However, Google has introduced more restrictions over the past few years in the name of privacy and security, making root and other deep modifications difficult or impossible. While I agree that most of the security changes in Android are needed (I really don't need the Facebook app digging through my local files), they do mean you are not in full control of your own device.There's still the option of using custom ROMs like LineageOS and Paranoid Android, but they're still limited by the restrictions of Android. Porting ROMs to new phones is a time-consuming and difficult process, they sometimes lack features compared to the stock software (like full camera quality), and some devices don't allow unlocking the bootloader at all.Thankfully, there's now an alternative to Android for enthusiasts who want full control over their phone: the PinePhone, a budget device developed by Pine64 and supported by the Linux community. Despite its many (many, many) limitations, the PinePhone is still the most interesting phone I've used in years.
Civilization VI turn-based strategy game arrives on Android, two years after iOS release
In full 30FPS glory
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Sid Meier's Civilization series has been a mainstay on PCs since the first game's release in 1991, though developer Firaxis has occasionally dabbled in console and mobile titles. The last game to make an appearance on Android was Civilization Revolution 2 in 2014, a simplified version of the usual Civ formula, but now a full-blown port of the latest main game has arrived on Android.
OnePlus 7 and 7T series receive update with Buds support and July security patch — now with download links
OnePlus is still lagging with security updates
The OnePlus 7 and 7T series had fallen behind in updates over the past few months, as the OP7, 7 Pro, 7T, and 7T Pro remained stuck on the May security patch. Thankfully, all phones are receiving an OxygenOS update with newer security fixes and a few small features.
Google announces Wear OS update with performance and UI improvements
An update to Android 11 is also in the works
Google's Wear OS platform has been in a holding pattern for much of the past year, while the company waits for its acquisition of Fitbit to go through (or be shut down over antitrust lawsuits). Thankfully, Google hasn't completely forgotten about its existing wearable platform, as a new update is coming in the fall with some much-needed improvements.
Google resumes its attack on the URL bar, hides full addresses on Chrome 86
But you'll be able to opt-out in the right-click menu, so there's that
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Google has tried on and off for years to hide full URLs in Chrome's address bar, because apparently long web addresses are scary and evil. Despite the public backlash that came after every previous attempt, Google is pressing on with new plans to hide all parts of web addresses except the domain name in Chrome 86, this time accompanied by a hover animation.
OnePlus is hard at work on its OxygenOS 11 update, but the updates aren't stopping for its existing Android 10-based software. The company just released two Open Beta updates across four of its phones, with security patches and bug fixes in tow.
Microsoft's 'Your Phone' app allows you to connect any Android phone to a Windows 10 PC, but some features require deeper system integration. If you have a Galaxy Note20, you can use your mobile apps from your Windows PC, and the same functionality will be available on the Surface Duo at launch.