WhatsApp's new Quick Share alternative inches closer to release
'People nearby' gets some much-needed polish
Back in January, we learned that WhatsApp was working on a Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) alternative to offer an easy file-sharing solution for its users. However, the feature, known as People nearby, was far from official, and the early implementation we encountered didn't reveal much about its functionality. We're now coming across a revised version of People nearby, containing a handful of UI refinements.
I made my own performance Chromebook by installing ChromeOS Flex on a cheap laptop
For those who aren't technically minded, zapping the operating system on a laptop with a ChromeOS fork is actually easier than it seems
To run ChromeOS, you must have a Chromebook, surely? Oddly, the answer is 'no' because ChromeOS is a derivative of Linux and will run on any platform that can handle that operating system. That includes, but is not exclusively limited to, ARM processors, like those used in phones and tablets. It will also run on Intel-based computers, including Windows-based PCs and older Apple hardware.
Whether you're a professional with an expensive MacBook or a student with a Chromebook, your laptop is a crucial tech companion that holds your documents, photos, and more. Ensuring its safety on the go is paramount, and a reliable laptop bag is your best defense. It not only provides essential protection but also offers a convenient space for your daily tech or non-tech essentials.
Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7: Future-proof or bargain hunt?
Does the Pixel 8 do enough to justify an upgrade?
The Google Pixel series has offered some of the best Android smartphones on the market. Each year, Google releases a new Pixel device and since the launch of the Pixel 6, has continued to refine the Pixel’s design and provide a modest bump to the specs sheet. This continued refinement means each year you are going to get a better phone than the previous year, but it may not be enough to sway you to an annual upgrade.
These Sony headphones sit at the top of our list and are now on sale for a record-low price
You won't find a better deal on one of the best ANC headphones out right now
If you're looking to splurge on some of the best headphones out right now, then these Sony WH-1000XM5 are going to be it. Not only do you get great sound, but you also get impressive ANC. Furthermore, the headphones are comfortable and offer long battery life. The only problem is that they are usually really expensive, coming in with a retail price of $398.
A new charging algorithm could solve battery health issues
Could it be? An effective, real-world battery technology advancement?
According to a study published in the Advanced Energy Materials journal on April 9, a team of researchers at four institutes in Aalborg, Denmark, and Berlin discovered a novel way of charging that can greatly increase a battery's overall lifespan. Known as pulsed-current charging, it could as much as double the length of time it takes a battery to reach the 80% capacity figure that typically signifies its end-of-life.
Chromebooks allow people to accomplish most tasks they want on a computer. There are a variety of Chromebooks to fit everyone's needs, from students to professionals. While they're great for work, they're also great for fun, including gaming. Many popular game streaming services are available on Chromebooks. The Google Play Store gives you access to most Android games and emulators. Here are the best emulators for Chromebooks.
Google Drive's new search filters come to Android a month after they hit iOS
It's now even easier to find what you're looking for thanks to enhanced search filters
There's a reason Google Drive is one of the best cloud storage options in 2024. The service is simple and easy to use, and if you're someone that's a frequent user of Google products and services, then the integration is going to be top tier. Of course, the brand isn't one to rest on its laurels, and has frequently brought new features to the platform that make it easier to use.
Apple TV is one of the best streaming devices due to its ease of installation, access to a range of streaming services, and high performance. It lets you access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also comes with apps like Apple Music, Photos, Podcasts, and iTunes out of the box. You can easily download your favorite apps and games from the App Store. However, your home screen can get filled with junk if you aren't careful. We show you how to keep it tidy by deleting unnecessary apps.
5 open-source alternatives to Google apps
Escape the Google comfort zone with these open-source gems
When you purchase a new phone, there are certain quality-of-life applications that you expect to see, features that cater to the daily tasks that we've come to consider the bare necessities. Gallery, web browser, navigation, and calendar apps could all be expected software features on our respectable Android phones; their absence would be confusing. Google's ecosystem provides useful renditions of the above examples, all preinstalled and ready for use upon startup. But users don’t have to settle for all of Google’s baseline services, thanks to the Play Store’s healthy open-source app library.
Pokémon Go added more customization for avatars and players hate it
New character customization options aren't the welcome change that people had hoped for
It's kind of hard to believe, but we're coming up on the 10-year anniversary of Pokémon Go, and it probably comes as no surprise that the game is still going strong, being one of the best Android games that you can download, with a growing community and a number of changes over the years that have made the game better than it has ever been. There are a lot of elements about the game to love, but one of the most vital is the ability to create and customize a trainer.
eSIMs are a digital replacement for the SIM card, but despite their advantages over physical SIMs, the technology can be difficult to use. While transferring a physical SIM card between phones is a simple matter of installing it, transferring an eSIM isn't straightforward. This guide shows how to transfer an eSIM between Android devices without contacting your carrier and alternative ways to move an eSIM to a new phone if a direct transfer doesn't work. This guide works for eSIM-compatible Android phones, but you can't use it to transfer an eSIM from an Android to an iOS device.
5 Google web apps still mistreating our eyes without dark mode
Google Drive is crossed off the list but these 5 apps lack dark mode on the web
Recently, it was reported that Google Drive for web is finally receiving its long-awaited dark mode support. Web users on desktops are undoubtedly elated that Google’s file storage app will no longer blast your eyes with harsh white light. While Google has thankfully crossed another app off its list, there are still plenty of web apps in desperate need.
Synology BC500 and TC500 review: Smart IP cameras with local AI
They're hard to install, but come with plenty of features
In the competitive world of smart security cameras, Synology developed an innovative offering to differentiate itself from the competition. Its BC500 and TC500 smart cameras work with Synology NAS and NVRs and are poised to maximize safety and offer advanced image recognition. They focus on local data storage for maximum privacy while giving you full control over the footage they record.
Google Pixel 9: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
The Pixel 9 series is Google's biggest mobile shakeup since Tensor — here's what we're expecting
With the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro having established themselves as some of the best Android phones you can buy today, it's time to look forward to what's on the horizon. You could pick up last year's Google flagships, but imagining what's around the corner is more fun. The Pixel 9 series will be here before you know it — Google's already made reference to it in its app — and unsurprisingly, we already know a lot about this year's lineup. This year, that's extra exciting, as we're looking at three different phones coming to a carrier near you this fall. Here's everything we know about the Pixel 9 series.
Best Galaxy S24 deals: Save up to $1,000 with trade-in
Or get up to $175 off instantly with same-day activation
Samsung's Galaxy smartphone line has long produced some of our favorite handsets, and the recently-launched Galaxy S24 series is no different. Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors and stunning displays, the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are among the best Android phones you can buy in 2024. However, the cheapest model in the S24 series is priced at $800, so you're probably going to want to find discounts and deals to help take some of that burden off of your wallet. Fortunately, we've done all the legwork for you, and have put together a list of all the best S24 deals available right now, below.
Google Chat finally makes Slack and Teams message integration official
Interoperability for efficient work
Interoperability is a cornerstone for the future of messaging apps, and regulators like those in the EU seem eager to nudge big tech companies towards making efforts like making iMessage support RCS. We’re also seeing interoperability with other related services, with Google Chat making Slack and Microsoft Teams integration official.
WhatsApp working on on a tool to help you manage favorite contacts
You'll be able to add, reorder, and remove favorites all in one place
WhatsApp celebrated ten years of being under Meta's umbrella earlier this year. As a result of the change in management, the app has undergone many updates, such as displaying a greener neon appearance and adding the Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls tab at the bottom. WhatsApp aims to improve the user experience with every feature it adds. It has also proposed making it easier to call your favorite contacts, which sounds fantastic. Adding a favorites filter was first mentioned on WhatsApp Web, and now we're hearing about a similar feature heading to Android users.
How to find your Android phone if you lost it
Don't sweat when you lose access to your Android phone
A smartphone stores our personal data, banking apps, media files, documents, browsing history, and more under biometric protection. Losing access to your Android phone can put you in a compromising situation. Before heading to the nearest carrier to purchase a new Android phone, use Google's Find My network to detect its whereabouts. If the trick doesn't work, you can factory reset the device, change login credentials for essential services, deactivate your SIM card, and take other steps to safeguard your digital data.
Apple's loosened App Store restrictions attract another big-name emulator
Provenance is bringing PlayStation and Sega emulation to iPhones
Civilizations used to build walls around their cities to prohibit outsiders from accessing the inside and protect their people from invaders. The App Store's strict rules and policies acted just like that wall for Apple. With limited sideloading, hefty commissions, and virtually no chance of downloading apps from third-party stores, Apple built a formidable fortress to maintain its reign. However, history teaches us that even the greatest walls can't last long.