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Reaching a consensus can be bothersome, especially if you have a large WhatsApp group. Getting all members to agree on a restaurant becomes a challenging task, making you wonder if you should drop the idea. WhatsApp helps alleviate stress by letting you create polls within group chats. Ask your question, add multiple options, and let the group decide.
WhatsApp amplifies community voice with the introduction of announcement group polls
From beta to broad engagement with WhatsApp's new polling feature
In the realm of digital communication, incremental advancements often play pivotal roles in enhancing overall user experience. WhatsApp, in its consistent quest for refinement, has been steadily rolling out features that signify its commitment to this approach. A case in point, as we highlighted yesterday, was the introduction of high-resolution image sharing, subtly addressing the trade-off between image clarity and transmission efficiency. Fast-forward to the present, and we see another step in this continuous journey of improvement.
Weekend poll: What password manager do you use?
There's no shortage of digital lockers to pick from on Android
When it comes to passwords, Google's been on a tear lately. The company has been working behind the scenes over the last couple of months to raise the bar for how its password manager works on Android and Chrome alike. Just because it's a free option doesn't mean it's the perfect tool for everyone, of course. In fact, password managers on Android and beyond seem to be more popular than ever.
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.
Foldables have come a long way in just a few years. While there's still a handful of bugs to iron out, the current slate of folding phones has come a long way from those first-gen products. We've also seen more competitors enter the market — it's not just Samsung anymore. As foldables continue to become a more mainstream product, we're curious if our readers are finally considering one for their daily driver.
Weekend poll: Do you use a custom launcher on your phone?
Or is the stock experience good enough these days?
For some users, Android 12 really brought back that classic customization feel that has always been a defining part of Google's mobile OS. Material You might work as a great starting place, but turning to custom launchers is a solid bet if you want to make your phone your own. But as Android has grown into a more mature operating system, it's easy to see a world where many users might slowly grow out of their old habits.
Somehow, phone manufacturers continue to find ways to increase display size year after year, even when it seemed impossible for the trend to continue. While we might decry the loss of smaller smartphones, market trends don't lie — buyers love what extra screen real estate can provide. Android has plenty of extra features to take advantage of large displays, with picture-in-picture one of its most handy.
Weekend poll: Do you use a tablet?
From budget slates to laptop replacements, there's something for everyone
Tablets have never really caught on in the mainstream the way laptops and smartphones did, but that doesn't mean they're not immensely popular. The modern concept of a tablet — which kicked off with the launch of the iPad — turned ten this year, making it the perfect time to revisit an old question. Are you still using a tablet, and if so, what kind?
2021 is drawing to a close, and it's time for our readers to make their voices heard. Our staff-curated Android Police Most Wanted Editors Choice Awards are coming up, but before we bestow those honors, it's time for you to confer yours. After days of nominations, ten of our readers' top-voted phones will be put to the vote, but only one will receive the 2021 Android Police Readers' Choice Awards.
Weekend poll: Do you use widgets on your home screen?
Has Google's refocused attitude changed your phone's layout?
Widgets have been a part of Android since the very beginning, way back when you could run out to your local T-Mobile store to pick up a G1. They've come a long way since then, but not without some bumps in the road. Android 12 has found Google refocusing on design, with dozens of new widgets for its first-party apps and services. Of course, whether that's swayed anyone back to throwing a bunch of widgets on their home screen is another question entirely.
Google Meet is getting two new Zoom features
Polling and Q&A capabilities will start rolling out next week
Google has been working hard on Meet, its video conferencing tool, in an effort to compete with other platforms like Zoom. The company published a roadmap of upcoming features last month, and today it announced that the rollout for two of these features will be starting next week — but only for certain users.
Spotify testing a new feature that lets listeners tell podcasters how they really feel
Polling + podcasts = more engaged Spotify users?
Spotify might be the frontrunner when it comes to music streaming, but it's still a new player in the world of podcasting. There are plenty of issues that the company needs to work on to improve the experience, but today podcasts on Spotify are starting to get a little more interactive thanks to a new test that lets podcasters connect to their audiences through polling.