Android 15 could make notification management even better
Notification channels might get a useful upgrade in Android 15
Android's excellent notification system makes it easy to curb promotional and spammy app notifications. With notification channels, you can enjoy granular control over an app's notifications and block unwanted notifications from specific categories. This way, you can continue to receive important notifications while blocking all the unimportant ones. Notification categories are a great idea, but many apps flood them with unnecessary channels, making it hard to figure out which ones to disable to silence spam and promotional messages. Google could finally solve this issue with Android 15 later this year.
Google’s refreshed 4K Chromecast might be around the corner
It will seemingly launch with a new remote and retain its $50 price tag
Google's 4K Chromecast desperately needs an update as the existing model nears its fourth anniversary. While the company regularly rolls out updates for the current model, its internals are showing age, especially the limited 8GB of storage space. Signs of Google working on a new 4K Chromecast have popped up occasionally, but none of them revealed anything about the device. A report now claims that Google is gearing up to announce a refresh of the 4K Chromecast soon.
Google Gemini could soon suggest secure passwords to Chrome users
AI may now be in the business of helping you pick a password
Google is pushing out its AI service Gemini to nearly all of its popular products. From Gmail and Docs to Maps and Messages, Google's answer to ChatGPT is everywhere lately. Unsurprisingly, it's coming to your Chrome browser soon, but maybe in more ways than you would expect. There are hints that Google could be primed to use Gemini to give password suggestions to Chrome users.
While useful at times, Facebook notifications can become overwhelming. These alerts keep you up-to-date but can distract you from useful updates when there are too many. Facebook allows you to manage notifications and delete select updates from the notifications tab so that you can view your important updates in a clutter-free manner. Here's how to delete notifications from the mobile app on your smartphone and the browser on your Chromebook or laptop.
Galaxy Buds are great, particularly when paired with one of the best Samsung phones, but their small size and portability can be a double-edged sword. They're easy to toss in a backpack or your pocket, charging case or not, and are also easy to misplace. If one falls off your ear in an unfortunate spot, they're easy to lose. In some cases, losing one of a pair of tech devices means you'll pay to replace the set, but that's not the case with Galaxy Buds. You can replace a single bud for less than buying a new pair.
Microsoft OneNote is one of the oldest note-taking apps. It's packed with features, has apps for all the major platforms, offers handy drawing tools with stylus support, and the recent Copilot integration takes the note-taking experience to the next level. Whether you are a new or an existing OneNote user, check out our top tips for using Microsoft's note-taking app effectively.
A factory reset fixes problems with the Steam Deck, including crashes, bugs, and restarts. A factory reset should be your last resort because it wipes all your data and settings. Still, it's an effective way to resolve software issues. This guide explains how to perform a factory reset on your Steam Deck and how to prepare so that you don't lose data. Then, elevate your fun by adding accessories to upgrade your Steam Deck or streaming games to your Android phone with Steam Link.
How to manage your Google TV Watchlist
Keep track of your favorite shows, and never miss another episode again
Google TV lets you stream movies and shows on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. The versatile streaming platform helps you control your smart home devices and cast content from mobile devices to your TV. The Google TV operating system comes pre-installed on most new smart TVs from brands including TCL and Sony.
Pixel 8a shows up in new video, giving us an early glimpse at what's to come
The handset makes a brief and unofficial appearance, along with its retail packaging
If you've been following our coverage of the Pixel 8a, there's not a lot to be surprised about, as we pretty much know all there is to know about the phone ahead of its launch. But that doesn't mean a new leak of images of a surprise video isn't welcome, as we love getting as many advanced looks as we can of Google's next mid-range handset.
Working up a sweat after a long day of work or school can be satisfying. Runners open endorphins after a good cardio session, while athletes build muscle to improve strength and stamina. Everyone has a goal and a confidence level they want to attain. But reaching our fitness goals can be daunting, which is why we turn to our trusty smartwatches and mobile apps for assistance.
10 simple Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 tips to maximize battery life between charges
Don't waste your smartwatch's battery
Samsung improves its Galaxy smartwatches' battery life with every iteration, and the Galaxy Watch 6 is the best yet. In our Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review, we found we regularly got two days of use with regular use.
Logitech mice add a ChatGPT button nobody asked for
Please, I'm begging you, make the buzzwords stop
In an unexpected, yet entirely unsurprising move, Logitech has announced a new mouse with an important feature that everyone surely can't wait to get their hands on: a button dedicated solely to pulling up a large language model, AKA an AI interface.
A mysterious Google product running Wear OS shows up at the FCC
It's too early to tell, but we certainly wouldn't mind a cheaper Pixel Watch option
Google's Pixel Watch 3 is one of the most anticipated Android smartwatches of the year. With the device potentially poised to be teased at the upcoming Google I/O event in May, more rumors and speculation have already begun to circulate about Google's latest wearable. Meanwhile, as users eagerly await more details about the Pixel Watch 3, a mysterious device from Google has appeared in an FCC listing and stolen all the attention.
Samsung promises free screen replacement to fix green line issue after recent update
For limited models, in only one country so far
Samsung's latest update has become a headache for both the company and its customers. There's a display issue affecting different Galaxy models, and the problem may go beyond software. This isn't even the first time Samsung has dealt with such an issue, with similar complaints dating back more than a year. Thankfully, the company seems eager to make things right — at least, in one country.
Meta's Horizon OS is trying to usher in a new era of VR by luring third-party hardware makers
This could be the big push VR needs to finally see mass adoption
Virtual reality has been around for quite some time, but didn't realistically get into the hands of consumers until about ten years ago through the efforts made by Oculus. While the brand has made strides since being purchased by Meta, the popularity of computing devices that sit on the face hasn't really gained in popularity, and we've seen that it can be a tough business, despite big players like Google, HTC and Lenovo throwing their hats into the ring.
Google's Wired Nest Security Camera back down to all-time low $70
This a great price for 1080p HDR video and intelligent alerts
Few products can increase your home's security as swiftly or as significantly as a smart security camera. Whether you want to check in on your kids, pets, or the home itself while away, a smart security camera can give you instant peace of mind at an affordable price. This holds even more true today, as one of our favorite models is being discounted by 30%. The Nest Cam (Wired) has everything an Android user would want in such a device, including Google Assistant support, sharp 1080P HDR video with night vision, two-way audio, and intelligent alerts, and right now you can get it for just $70.
This Instagram post hammers home how much phone screens have improved over the years
Screen? What screen? All I see is beans
Not everything has to be super serious at Android Police. Sure, I love to rip into all kinds of issues, using AP as a platform to speak up for consumers (it's in the name; I've always been here to police), but sometimes it's just nice to have a bit of fun, which is exactly what a recent Instagram post was doing while showcasing just how far Samsung's screens have improved over the years. So, if you're even a little bit curious how Samsung's screen tech has improved over a decade, from 2013's Galaxy S4 to 2023's Galaxy S23 Ultra, you're in luck as the entire AP team found this video pretty fascinating.
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra review: Better than a Roomba in every way
It cleans floors and itself brilliantly and autonomously
While iRobot's Roomba is the market leader in the US regarding the best robot vacuums, the brand faces fierce competition from Asian manufacturers. Roborock is one of these, as it became the world's leader in the robovac market in 2023. With its new Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Max Ultra, it's poised to conquer the US market.
This upcoming Android phone is bringing back the headphone jack in style
The Moondrop MIAD 01 is launching soon
Apple kicked off a trend of sorts, removing the headphone jack from iPhones nearly a decade ago in 2016, when the iPhone 7 launched. Android brands swiftly followed suit, creating a market for some of our favorite true-wireless earbuds. However, connoisseurs of high-res lossless music remained faithful to their wired gear and the lack of a headphone jack vastly expanded the market for digital audio players (DAPs) running Android. However, DAP and audiophile-focused headphone maker Moondrop has other ideas — a full-fledged android phone with high-end DAP features.
Google Gemini could soon get a lot faster on Android
Updates are putting the Android app on par with the web version
Gemini was rolled out as Google's response to OpenAI's ChatGPT. While Gemini still falls short in many aspects compared to OpenAI's product, Google has been constantly improving it during the past several months. Along the way, the service is in the queue to be added to Gmail and coming to Google Chrome for the desktop as well. However, the latest spotted feature for Gemini can enhance the AI chatbot's ability to reply to queries in real-time.