OnePlus keeps sending the wrong signals with repeated spec sheet slip-ups
A few (minor) marketing mistakes rightfully left OnePlus fans off-put for being misled
When you buy a phone, you expect it to have all the advertised features. Some selling points, like constantly evolving AI toolkits, might take time to implement. Others, like dual SIM card support or a particular microchip version, are largely baked into the hardware. If they're advertised, it's frustrating if you don't get them.
Despite the release of the OnePlus 12, the OnePlus 11 is still a fantastic phone that can often be found at a discount. It may not have the latest and greatest, but it still sports a gorgeous 6.7-inch OLED panel, 80W fast charging, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, making it a great choice still in 2024.
WhatsApp’s swipeable navigation bar is finally official
Meanwhile, an upcoming feature may suggest contacts you can chat with
WhatsApp has been on a roll this month, testing out a bunch of functional and visual updates for the app design. With March coming to a close, there’s no better time to make our favorite instant messaging app even better with a feature we’ve all been craving for years. Meta finally announced that WhatsApp’s new navigation bar design is here to stay, even on the stable channel. However, that doesn’t mean beta testers can catch a break — they just spotted a new feature suggesting contacts you could talk to.
Pixel Fold owners deserve better from Google
Without Gemini Nano, it should get a discount or be discontinued
It’s been an interesting few weeks for Pixel phone owners, as Google has made several announcements regarding AI features coming (or not coming) to existing devices. While the company did an excellent job of exciting everyone about the future of smartphone AI, the reality is more limited than expected, with features like Video Boost continuing to be exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
With Samsung still the king of the clamshell world, what's next for this series?
Just five years into the foldable revolution, it's clear that two camps have evolved. While plenty of power users found their dream devices in the OnePlus Open or Google Pixel Fold, others want to minimize their smartphones, not maximize them. That's where clamshells come in. Throughout the past year, we watched as phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr+ brought full app experiences to outer displays while housing large folding panels within. We expect things to get even more impressive in 2024.
There’s nothing more entertaining than some good old pettiness between two tech conglomerates that have a higher combined market capitalization than just two countries’ GDPs, but that’s what we have here. Apple and Alphabet (Google) have very little love for each other, and nowhere is that more felt than when both companies take shots at each other in their marketing efforts. Recently, Google has turned up the wick when it comes to fighting Apple’s market share, leading to the “Best Phones Forever” campaign that has poked fun at the iPhone 15’s USB-C implementation and the lack of Apple RCS support. That brings us to the latest Google-Apple spiciness, as Android’s new Google Messages landing page brags that RCS is coming to iPhones this fall.
YouTube starts testing a new Shorts carousel
Infiltrating the video recommendations sidebar on the web
Google has a strong foothold in the advertising business, but its online presence is also helped by consumer-facing applications such as the Workspace suite of apps, Google Drive cloud storage, the Pixel range of phones, and YouTube. The latter is important because it is one of the most popular entertainment apps on Android, and certainly the largest one featuring user-generated video content. However, the platform’s recent focus has shifted to Instagram-like short format videos called Shorts, and we just spotted a new carousel promoting these clips.
Chrome will now remind you about the many, many tabs you've left open on Android
A new simple feature will help you stay on top of tabs left open
If you are conscious of battery or memory consumption on your mobile device, you may try to stay on top of open apps. Depending on how often you use Chrome, you already know how quickly tabs can add up. Even if you aren’t overly concerned about memory consumption, for instance, you might just want to keep everything organized. To cut back on tabs, in particular, Google is planning to roll out a new feature for its browser.
Google credits beta testers and Tensor chips for its seven-year Pixel support window
The newest Made by Google Podcast episode provides insight into why seven years will work
Nowadays, making sure that you can use your device for as long as possible has become an important factor when people purchase their next smartphone. It’s right in line with the idea of “right-to-repair,” which, for the uninitiated, is a movement that aims to make it easier for tech owners to service their devices with easy-to-get replacement parts. Back in October 2023, Google announced that it would offer seven years of software support and spare parts availability for the Pixel 8. In the latest Made by Google Podcast episode, Google VP of Devices and Services Software Seang Chau offered insight on why and how Google’s seven-year promise will work.
Score this cute and compact robot charger for its lowest price ever
This fantastic compact charger with a bit of personality can now be yours for just $18
There are a lot of charger options out on the market right now, which means you're going to be able to find a great option for pretty much every budget. But if you're looking for something that's a bit more unique, then this Ugreen charger is going to be right up your alley. Not only does it look cute, but it's also extremely compact and powerful, with charging speeds up to 30W.
Google’s AI image generator wants to be your personal stylist
Search Generative Experience can find the jacket you didn’t know you needed
If you were never much of a shopper, you may have changed your tune since the internet simplified the process. With shopping apps accessible around the clock, it has become easier to buy everything from shoes to groceries. Google was already an e-commerce driver, and now that it’s shifting its focus to its efforts around Gemini and AI, it’s starting to push online shopping in a new direction.
Best sleep trackers in 2024
Who says you have to be awake to track what you're doing? These devices give you the lowdown while you sleep
Sleep tracking is one of the most essential fitness metrics to monitor. It can help maximize your workouts, improve recovery, and enhance your quality of life. Simply put, it's the best way to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Gemini now automatically starts Google Maps navigation when asking for directions
This is what we're looking for with hands-free experiences
Gemini has been a revelation of minute proportions in the AI landscape. On one hand, it shows that Google is going all-in on artificial intelligence, with the next-gen multimodal AI becoming a major part of Google’s identity. On the other hand, it’s just a rebranding of Google Bard, and it still has many, many kinks that we’re still working through. Gemini will almost certainly replace the tried and true Google Assistant one day, but it’s not necessarily ready to completely replace it and take that next step yet. However, Google’s made micro strides to get there and has updated the way Maps navigation starts when asking Gemini for directions.
WhatsApp is working on a fresh redesign for its call screen UI
Brace for floating bars and new button layouts
WhatsApp gives users every modern communication tool imaginable, including group chats, broadcast messaging through channels, topical group interactions with communities, and voice and video calling, all for free. These features make it one of our favorite instant messaging apps on Android, just like Telegram, Signal, and Discord. We have a few complaints about Meta’s management of the app, and UI design updates are high up on that list. It appears WhatsApp is taking note and finally refreshing the design, this time for the call screen.
Google Chrome releases: What's new in every version
A central hub for all the things that have changed in Chrome
Google Chrome is probably the browser everyone is using. When it launched back in 2008, it was lauded as a super-small, resource-saving program that wasn't even feature-complete, but that has long changed. After its long and winding march to market domination, the browser received more features, grew in size, and is now known as an absolute resource hog and data collection engine.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Zenfone 10: Is bigger always better?
Which Asus flagship is suitable for you?
For years, Asus' Zenfone series has been the best compact phone champion. Offering sub-6-inch displays without sacrificing power, these phones have been a favorite among users who prioritize comfort and one-handed use. The Zenfone 10 was the pinnacle of this philosophy, cramming top-of-the-line specs into a size that felt comfortable in any hand.
Hulu on Disney+ is finally out of beta and fully integrated
All your favorite shows from Hulu and Disney+ are now hanging out together in one place
Disney taking over Hulu seemed like a sure thing. In early November, it became official: The Walt Disney Company was shelling out $8.6 billion to buy out Comcast’s stake in Hulu. A month later, they kicked off a beta test, giving subscribers a taste of what was to come. Now, after all the anticipation, the day has finally arrived: Hulu is fully integrated into Disney+, giving everyone in the US access to the much-anticipated combined experience.
Samsung Galaxy S Pen vs S Pen Creator Edition: Battle of the styli
One of these is a great S Pen, the other is an overpriced piece of plastic
The S Pen is one of the most legendary mobile accessories. Many Samsung fans have loved it since it was introduced in 2011, and it’s gotten better in the thirteen years since, gaining Air Command, Bluetooth, and lower latency. It's one of the things that makes the S24 Ultra one of our favorite Android phones.
Amazon’s best (and perfectly-sized) smart display is $50 off right now
One of Amazon’s best smart displays is available with a massive 33% discount
There are hardly any smart displays better than Amazon's Echo Show 8 (2023) on the market right now with Alexa support. The company's latest smart display builds on its predecessor, packing all the right upgrades, like support for spatial audio and all the smart home standards you can think of. At $150, the Echo Show is more expensive than its predecessor. But if you take advantage of Amazon's latest deal, you can get the smart display for just $99, saving 33% on its MSRP.
Google Contacts tests a new search bar that looks familiar
The app may get a search bar that looks just like the Play Store’s
Google has been working on some redesigned elements in its Contacts app for a while now. The next element in line for a revamp seems to be the search bar at the top. Google is currently testing a redesign that brings it more in line with the Play Store. The new look hasn’t rolled out just yet, though, so it may take some time to arrive on your phone.