Google is reorganizing its Android and Pixel teams in the name of AI
Rick Osterloh is taking on Google's new 'Platforms and Devices' team, while Hiroshi Lockheimer looks to new projects
It's no secret that AI is Google's main focus these days. Practically every recent announcement the company's made has been focused around how generative AI services like Gemini are looking to change the tech industry forever. Today, just under a month out from I/O, Google is announcing a major shake-up to its internal team structure, combining several of its hardware and software initiatives — including Android and Pixel — into a single squad. And, you guessed it, it's a move that's all about AI.
Best cheap Android tablets in 2024
Versatile, affordable Android tablets great for entertainment, work, and communication
It's safe to say the Android tablet experience has never been better, with manufacturers like Samsung leading the way with high-end slates. Plus, there's an ever-increasing developer focus on optimizing apps for tablets' hardware and form factors. In fact, until recent years, finding a truly satisfying non-smartphone Android device — without breaking the bank — proved downright difficult. Thankfully, we're now seeing an arms race of midrange tablets great at introducing new users to the Android tablet space.
Best Google Pixel 7a cases in 2024
Whether you want a slim, colorful, thick, or MagSafe-compatible case, one of these will protect your new Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a shows Google has come a long way from the first Pixel A-series smartphone, the Pixel 3a, released back in 2019. Sharing the same design as the Pixel 7, albeit a tad smaller, the Pixel 7a is one of the best budget Android phones you can get your hands on, at least before the Pixel 8a arrives later this year. Like its predecessor, the Pixel 7a has a glass front, aluminum frame, and a plastic back. It also comes in four colors, including an attractive coral hue.
Acer updates its reliable Chromebook 514 line with a beefy new processor
Fresh Chromebook Plus dropping in two weeks!
When it comes to Chromebooks, there aren't as many options out there as there are for Windows laptops. Thankfully, for those of us who find value in the Chromebook ecosystem, the OEMs making the machines we love are pretty reliable about putting out suitable hardware at affordable prices, and there are lots of good choices. Even with the plethora of awesome Chromebooks out there, there's always cause for celebration when we hear a new high-end model is coming out, and that's just what Acer is giving us.
The Sony Xperia 1 VI could arrive sooner than you think
An Xperia Special Event is going down next month
Sony may not be at the forefront of Android OEMs, but that doesn't stop it from making exciting phones that hit unque niches other manufacturers ignore. This is why the Xperia line stands out, so we've been hotly anticipating the arrival of the Xperia 1 VI. Well, Sony just announced on its Japanese website that it will hold a Xperia Special Event this May. While the site is scarce on details, it does mention a product experience (as in it will launch some new hardware) so there's a good chance Sony will debut the Xperia 1 VI.
Nothing’s newest earbuds pack some meaningful upgrades
The Nothing Ear is the company’s latest flagship earphones
Nothing made a name for itself with its wireless earbuds, the Nothing ear (1), in 2021 before jumping onto the smartphone bandwagon. In 2023 year, it launched the Nothing Ear 2, packing some much-needed improvements and audio upgrades for $149. For 2024, the company is launching not one but two earbuds: the Nothing Ear, its new flagship earphones, and the Ear (a).
You'd think developers designed mobile games to be played on the go, yet many of the best Android games don't support offline play. Unfortunately, the Play Store doesn't reveal which games require an online connection, so choosing titles to play during your commute or when away from a Wi-Fi source can become fairly challenging. To help alleviate the pressure, AP rounded up some of the most intriguing offline Android games, from classic RPGs like Final Fantasy VI to long-lasting city-building games like Pocket City 2, all to ensure everyone's tastes are covered.
WhatsApp is one of the best encrypted messaging apps available on Android, and is also a hotbed of activity ranging from frequent feature additions to, more recently, UI changes. Meta developers have finally given the WhatsApp UI much-needed attention with new design elements like the swipeable bottom bar and chat filters. However, all the changes aren’t equally well-received and a small change to the Online and Typing indicators in the app has been rolled back for that reason.
Tile Pro vs. Tile Sticker: Choosing the right tracker
Which of Tile's smart trackers is right for you?
Ever frantically searched for your keys before work or misplaced your wallet right when you needed it most? Smart tags can eliminate that stressful scramble. These tiny trackers attach to your belongings, making them easy to locate with your smartphone.
Robotic vacuums are an integral part of today's smart homes. These intelligent devices with path-breaking technologies and innovations have revolutionized cleaning and made our lives efficient and easier.
Best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra screen protectors in 2024
It would be a shame to damage the S24 Ultra's beautiful new display - these quality screen protectors can help
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra arguably has one of the best displays on a smartphone. It's big, bright, and vibrant. Such a gorgeous display deserves to be preserved for as long as possible. While Samsung includes a Corning Gorilla Armor covering for help, you need a screen protector for peace of mind.
iOS inches closer to Android with new third-party app store and Nintendo emulator
But in typical Apple fashion, there are a few catches...
Apple's walled garden looks pretty but has limitations, with the company keeping a close eye on what kind of apps iPhone users can download. For years, the App Store guidelines have prohibited developers from offering retro game emulators. But in a surprising move, Apple updated the guidelines earlier this month to allow retro game emulators on the App Store, thanks to the EU's Digital Markets Act and to avoid further regulatory scrutiny. This has now paved the way for an official Apple-approved game emulator to go live on the App Store.
TikTok's new photo-sharing app is out, but there's a catch
For now, TikTok's Notes app is up for grabs in Australia and Canada
TikTok has been toying with an app that looks a lot like Instagram's main feed. It's all part of the ongoing trend where big social media platforms keep borrowing ideas from each other. After Instagram introduced "Reels" in 2020 to compete with TikTok, the latter then fired back with its own version of stories, just like Instagram, in 2022. Now, TikTok is rolling out a new photo-sharing app called Notes, but with its own twist.
A few weeks back, Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones, unveiled a high-end electric vehicle that it suggests can compete with the likes of Porsche and Tesla. Restoring balance to the universe, luxury EV brand Polestar is set to unveil its new smartphone next week. While we don’t know much about it in terms of the specs and features, the company today shared some pictures of what the phone looks like, and boy, does it look cool!
More Android phones need Ultra Wideband support
OEMs need to step up their location tracking game so the UWB standard can settle in
Ultra-Wideband, or UWB for short, has been around for a few years, and it’s often advertised as a location tracker for smart tags. The technology lets users trace objects with high precision and accuracy, offering benefits that would otherwise not be available and achievable with other technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Anker's 3-in-1 USB-C charger is portable, powerful, and currently 32% off
It has 67W of power, 2 USB-C ports, and 1 USB-A port
Anker's charging accessories are perhaps the easiest products to recommend in the tech space. They are known for being reliable and affordable, they get great reviews from both experts and customers, and they are typically backed by lengthy warranties. The 67W Anker Prime USB-C Charger is a great example of this. It's powerful enough to fast-charge your favorite devices, it has 3 USB ports that can be used simultaneously, and it has foldable prongs for easy storage. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, and right now you can pick one up on sale for just $45.
Android 15 might put suspicious apps in quarantine to protect your phone
You might soon have another way to protect yourself from those annoying misbehaving apps
Android users have protection against malware thanks to Google Play Protect, which even scans for malware in real-time now. However, it's not entirely unheard of for it to miss a malware-infected app on occasion. It's a good thing that Android 15 might give users a new way to protect their devices against misbehaving apps. In the meantime, you can also watch out for the Independent Security Review badge, which lets you know that an app meets industry-wide security and privacy standards.
New WhatsApp feature would let you attach a message to your notes
Helping users get a leg up on keeping important details in check
WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps that you can use if you're looking to message people from all around the world. While it's great for personal use, the app is also quite versatile, making it a great business tool if you're looking to connect with people that are outside your personal circle.
9 simple Google Flights tips and tricks to try on your next trip
Snag sweet travel deals with Google's flight search platform
Google Flights is among the best apps for cheap travel. It's the one-stop search engine for airplane trips and consolidates hundreds of top online travel agencies (OTAs). You can search for the best ones in a central hub from your mobile phone or personal computer. You won't have to visit multiple websites, and you can find anything based on round or multi-city trip entries and other criteria. Flights also has tools for cost comparison, so you can see whether current prices are high compared to historical data. Here's how to save money and reach your desired locations quickly.
Twitter's AI misses the mark in spectacular fashion
What could go wrong with falsely accusing someone of a crime?
The AI revolution is upon us, particularly when it comes to large language models. Services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are shaking up the definition of “content” online (shake up your headphones with these top-tier earbuds). But, for every time these programs amaze us with their seeming intelligence, there’s always a counterexample to show us just how wrong LLMs can be when it comes to summarizing content. Today’s epic fail comes from Grok, X’s AI search assistant, which brutally misconstrued a (very) bad game from Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson.