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Weekend poll: Do you prefer curved or flat displays on phones?
A little slimmer in your hand, or screen protector-friendly?
Believe it or not, it's been over eight years since Samsung unveiled its first smartphone with a curved display: the Galaxy Note Edge. A weird phone with a weirder gimmick, the original Edge only curved on one side, leaving the phone lopsided. Most buyers probably opted to buy the Galaxy Note 4 that year, but Samsung wasn't done with its curved experiment. These days, it's not hard to find curved displays, especially on flagships. That's not to say everyone's a fan, of course — in fact, it's safe to say some users can't stand a sloped screen.
Weekend poll: Would you buy a small Android flagship phone?
Put your money where your mouth is — or don't
Although we have a pretty good idea of what to expect at Google's upcoming Pixel 7 launch event, the future isn't quite as clear. Sure, the Pixel Fold will likely arrive sometime next year, alongside the usual round of iterative updates, but what about something a little more exciting? Earlier this week, we learned Google might be working on a smaller flagship Pixel, something with all the power you'd expect from a premium device but in a form factor that fits in your hand.
This week, the tech world turned its attention to Apple as it announced the latest entries for its smartwatch lineup and — of course — the iPhone. While the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro are largely iterative updates, one big change is coming for US buyers: the physical SIM tray is gone. It's a change that'll only affect Apple customers for now — a small portion of the audience currently reading this site — but it's likely just a matter of time before more manufacturers start to follow suit.
Weekend poll: How important is camera performance when buying a phone?
An essential part of any purchase or an afterthought?
We're just wrapping up Mobile Photography Week at Android Police, where we've covered everything from tips and tricks for improving your shots to our favorite accessories and more. Mobile photography has proven itself to be the dominant way most of us capture the world around us, making it easier to leave the DSLR in the hotel room and step out into a foreign city with only the gadget in your pocket. There's only one question remaining: how important is camera performance to you, dear reader?
Weekend poll: What do you think of Android 13?
Whether you've received Google's latest upgrade or not, we want all of your opinions
Android 13 finally arrived this week, somehow both earlier and later than expected. For such a small upgrade compared to last year's massive Material You overhaul, it's easy to feel disappointed. As the update makes its way out to more users — both on Pixel phones and once companies like Samsung launch their own updates in the coming weeks — we're bound to see plenty of first impressions shared online. If you just can't wait, I think this weekend is the perfect time to throw out some Android 13 hot takes.
Weekend poll: What materials do you want your next Android phone to be made from?
Ceramic? Leather? Or something even crazier?
These days, nearly every smartphone on the market is made from some combination of glass, plastic, and aluminum. There's no doubt that these materials have served us well — hell, the recently-released Pixel 6a features a plastic back so nice, it was easy to believe it was glass — but if you buy enough devices, it starts to get pretty boring. A whole world of exotic, luxury materials exist that are ripe for smartphone makers to use on their next-gen products, but so far, stainless steel seems to be the most adventurous any company is willing to get.
Weekend poll: Do you leave autoplay enabled in apps?
Do you prefer an endless stream of content, or something more limited and controlled?
It shouldn't come as any surprise that autoplay has grown so popular over the last decade. As your phone fills up with apps begging for your attention — and, indirectly, ad dollars — the easiest way to keep people from closing is to shove new content in their faces constantly. It's why every social network insists on copying TikTok, and, more broadly, it's why videos won't stop blasting every time you finish watching something on YouTube.
Weekend poll: How do you read e-books?
Dedicated reader? Tablet? Phone? Or maybe a mix of everything
The e-book market has come a long way since the original Kindle launched in 2007. While Amazon is still the giant in this space, other e-readers continue to battle for second place, offering advanced features like color displays, stylus support, and more. Of course, not everyone is reliant on digital books these days — Barnes and Noble has seen something of a comeback in recent years, thanks to the rebounding popularity of hardcover and paperback books — but for many, the flexibility of e-books is the way to go.
Weekend poll: Which upcoming Android phone are you most excited for?
Galaxy Z Fold4? Pixel 7 Pro? The choice is yours
It's July, which means we're officially halfway through the year. Although there are plenty of great phones for sale right now, we haven't seen quite as many launches as in years past — it's an area where LG's absence is really felt. Thankfully, the back half of 2022 looks absolutely stacked with new devices, with phones coming from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and more. We're also looking forward to the launch of Nothing's first phone — even if its lack of North American availability is a bummer.
Weekend poll: How do you keep track of reminders on Android?
Tasks, Keep, Assistant Reminders — or something else entirely?
Reminders are vital to the smartphone experience. Gone are the days of tying a string around your finger to remember to pick up milk on the way home. These days, your phone can ping you with any reminder, recurring or one-time-only, even months or years after you’ve set it. Canceling subscriptions, completing chores — it’s all too easy on Android. In fact, the hardest part can be picking a single reminder service worth using.
Weekend poll: Would you switch to Dish's new 5G network?
Whenever it eventually arrives in your area
Back in 2019, the T-Mobile and Sprint merger all came down to one surprise stipulation from the government. To prevent competition from drying up with the disappearance of a fourth carrier, Dish Network — the satellite TV brand — would spin up a new brand, first as an MVNO on T-Mobile, then finally on its own network. This week, as Dish came right up to another FCC deadline, the company launched 5G service for 20% of the nation, with more than 120 cities selected following a pilot program in Las Vegas.
Weekend poll: How do you check the weather on your phone?
Launcher widget, standalone app, or something else entirely?
For the last year or two, I've been stuck in a rut with weather apps on Android. Ever since the death of Dark Sky — not to mention Weather Timeline — I've been unable to find a service I enjoy using, one that's as up-to-date on current conditions in my area while matching it with an excellent design. I'm not alone — there are plenty of great weather apps on Android these days, but they all seem to come with some kind of catch, be it a subscription model or a barrage of ads.
Weekend poll: Are you still subscribed to Netflix?
It's been a rough few months for the streaming pioneer
When you think of streaming services, you probably think of Netflix. It's only natural — the company was the first platform to hit it big around the globe, popularizing binge-watching and setting the stage for the entertainment landscape we find ourselves in today. That said, the competition is stronger than ever, and Netflix is feeling it. The company is completely revitalizing itself, from its content strategies to how it makes its money, and it might cost the company some of its most dedicated fans.
Weekend poll: Would Apple switching to USB-C get you to try an iPhone?
How deep does your Android loyalty run?
Almost all Android devices have used USB-C for more than half a decade. Even Amazon's $60 Fire 7 tablet made the switch this week, effectively removing Micro USB from one of its last mainstream gadgets for good. Apple has made the switch to USB-C on many of its devices, too. From the iPad Air to the MacBook Pro, nearly every product in its lineup uses everyone's favorite modern connector — except, that is, for the iPhone.
Weekend poll: What were your favorite announcements at Google I/O?
Is it new hardware, Android 13, or updates to all of your favorite apps?
Google I/O has come and gone, leaving us waiting impatiently for next May. This year's event was chock full of announcements, from new hardware through 2023 and beyond to updates to some of your most-used apps and services. Plus, we finally got a more in-depth look at Android 13, currently shaping up as a worthy upgrade from last year's big redesign. Only one question remains: what announcements got you the most excited?
Weekend poll: Are you tuning into Google I/O this year?
Google's next big event is just a few days away
Google I/O is just a few days away from kicking off, and we're pretty damn excited. There's no shortage of rumors about what to expect this year, from shiny new hardware to a look at the clearest vision yet for Android 13. Just like last year, Google I/O is a virtual event this year, so everyone can attend any talk, discussion, or keynote they're interested in. And don't be mistaken: there's plenty to catch this year outside of the main event.
Just in time to meet Google's schedule, Android 13 Beta 1 finally landed on Pixel phones this week. It's chock full of enhancements and upgrades to the excellent foundation laid by Google with Android 12 last year, and while that might not make it as exciting as a full-blown redesign, it's still a great chance to preview the future of your smartphone.
Weekend poll: What kind of smartwatch, fitness tracker, or other wearable are you using?
With the Pixel Watch on the horizon, your answer might be about to change
We've heard word of a Pixel Watch coming down the line for years now, but it only started to turn into reality a few months ago. An initial leak gave us some details about what to expect from Google's first Pixel-branded wearable, and this week, that slow trickle of information turned into a flood. It might be enough to get some users to upgrade from their current devices and to get others to buy their first smartwatch.
Weekend poll: Which rumored gadget are you most excited to see at Google I/O?
Pixel 6a? A detachable Nest Hub? Or something else?
Believe it or not, Google I/O is officially less than a month away, which means it's time to start daydreaming about what gadgets might get a full reveal. The company has often used its developer-focused conference to announce an all-new slate of products worth checking out, and this year seems to be shaping up to be one of its biggest yet. We've heard all sorts of rumors about what might be in the works, with a little something to interest everyone.
Weekend poll: Would you repair or fix your own broken smartphone?
DIY kits are about to become the norm
This week, Google announced its new DIY repair program for Pixel phones. With the exception of first-gen models, every single one of its smartphones will have in-stock replacement parts ready for purchase from iFixit when the partnership goes into effect later this year. It'd be a landmark announcement, if not for the fact that Google is behind on this matter. DIY self-repair kits are becoming the norm.