Android Police

OnePlus Open with Google Gemini logo and Pixel 8 Pro with Google Assistant logo on a table with RGB lights
Gemini set to address Google Assistant automation shortcomings with 'Live Prompts'

Gemini is all in to replace Google Assistant

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In the days when OpenAI was ushering in a new era of technology with ChatGPT, Google saw its core business at risk, prompting the tech firm to release a rival app. Initially known as Google Bard, the chatbot had a rough start. However, the app was later back on track after getting multiple updates — particularly when it was rebranded to Gemini and given an upgraded language model. Even more, Gemini is now making its way to various Google platforms.

The Galaxy Store logo with the logos of a number of games and game related apps such as Xbox Game Pass and Fortnite
How to turn off Samsung Galaxy Store ads and notifications

Deactivate or manage Galaxy Store notifications for a smoother Samsung experience. Your phone, your rules!

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While having the Galaxy Store and the Play Store on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone offers versatility, it's not always ideal. The Galaxy Store provides access to hundreds of apps designed for your Galaxy device, but its notifications and promotional pushes can be annoying.

The Samsung Galaxy AI logo appears below the words Galaxy S24
What is Galaxy AI, what can it do, and how do I use it?

Learn more about Galaxy AI and how to use it on your Samsung Galaxy S24 phone

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Some of the biggest news at the January 2024 Galaxy Unpacked event was the arrival of Samsung's Galaxy AI. This exciting new technology puts artificial intelligence capabilities in the palm of your hand. The feature initially launched on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, but has made its way to older phones.

SIM cards for US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Visible with a OnePlus Nord N200
How to tell if your phone is carrier locked

Maybe it's time to move on from your carrier

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Phones are a constant part of our lives, and making sure they have a strong internet connection is important. Everyone has a carrier they use, but sometimes, that connection may not be as reliable as we would hope. Even if they are one of the best phone carriers, that doesn't mean they have the best coverage where you live. If you want to change phone plans, find out if your phone is compatible with the network you're considering or if you need to get a new phone.

Photos of Samsung Galaxy Buds, Bose QuietComfort earbuds, and a pair of over-ear headphones, with an AP Best logo below them
Best headphones and earbuds for running in 2024

Fit, durability, sound quality, and price matter when choosing headphones or earbuds for running

When you’re running a mile, dashing a hundred meters, or jogging around town, the last thing you want to contend with is a lackluster pair of headphones or earbuds. And when we say “lackluster,” we mean things like poor sound quality, an uncomfortable fit, weak noise cancellation, and limited battery life. After all, nothing should get in the way of you and your exercise.

The Google store showing a Chromecast with Google TV in a transparent display
2024 Chromecast with Google TV: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window

Google's high-end streaming device is nearing its 4th birthday, so it's due for an update

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You have several options if you're looking for a great streaming device. Each has access to a seemingly endless number of streaming services to watch your favorite shows and discover new ones. Since the first Chromecast with Google TV 4K arrived on the scene in September 2020 and the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) in September 2022, the products have been at the top of our recommendation lists.

Novalauncher generic hero
New Nova Launcher beta offers immersive search results, web suggestions, and more

Search and assistant tweaks are at the forefront

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For all you third-party launcher lovers out there, a new beta for Nova Launcher is here, bringing a host of changes and bug fixes. To be exact, version 8.0.15 is the new beta we are talking about, bringing polish to areas like web suggestions, immersive search results, and improved assistant support now that Google offers multiple options, having muddied the water with Gemini. So it looks like the recent update is mostly about improving and polishing the user experience when it comes to more comprehensive Google support for Search and assistants.

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There are boatloads of free to use VPN services available on the Google Play Store, but not all of them strike the perfect balance between features, ease of use, and user security. We swear by a handful of VPN services, but Google recently shut down its offering bundled with Google One subscriptions. News of another shutdown just broke, and we are sad to see Atlas VPN go.

Android Police best cheap fitness tracker hero image with Fitbit Charge
Best cheap fitness trackers in 2024

Fitness trackers that are affordable and get the job done

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Getting fit doesn’t have to be a difficult decision when you have a little motivation to drive you. That's where fitness trackers can help build confidence and maintain a commitment to reaching whatever health or fitness goal you want to pursue. The average fitness tracker monitors health vitals, like heart rate, blood oxygen saturation level, calorie burn, and sleep tracking to give you a broader picture of where you stand.

Lenovo Flex 3i Chromebook (Gen 8)
Best cheap Chromebook for every budget in 2024

Chromebooks come in all sizes and prices, and we've gathered the best that won't break the bank

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Buying a quality Chromebook can be difficult, especially if you're shopping for a more affordable option that still performs well and offers some enticing features. While Chromebooks have come a long way since their inception — with many now sporting much better specs, high-end displays, added security features, and LTE connectivity — there are still plenty of duds out there to avoid.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 resting facedown on a railing with the cameras pointed up.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 might come in some refreshing colors

The storage options will seemingly remain the same

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With the Galaxy S24 series on the market for a few months now, Samsung is focusing on its next major launch: the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. Rumors indicate the company's 2024 foldables might launch in July this year, packing some major internal upgrades and design changes. As the rumored release timeline inches closer, a new leak has detailed the color and storage options of Samsung's upcoming foldables.

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Qualcomm’s next flagship chip might debut in this Chinese phone first

The Xiaomi 15 series could be the first to come out with Qualcomm's new top-notch chipset

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When we talk about Android chipsets, Qualcomm stands out as the top player. It is the go-to for processors in Android phones across all price ranges, but it's the company's flagship chip that steals the spotlight. Take the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, for example, which launched in 2023; it's been the heart of many top-of-the-line smartphones. Xiaomi snagged the bragging rights for launching the first phone with that chip, and it looks like the company might do it again with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

The bellroy leather wallet on a desk next to a cup of water
Best smart wallets in 2024

Keep your money and cards safe with the latest smart wallets

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If you made the jump to using your Google Wallet as your primary way of paying at tills, consider a smart wallet to carry on taking your cards with you, and some notes for the times when you need a few more options. Smart wallets have several benefits over traditional wallets, including a slimmer and more compact form factor that’s easier to carry, and fits better in more confined spaces, such as your pockets, handbags, and backpacks.

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Android 15 could make notification management even better

Notification channels might get a useful upgrade in Android 15

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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.

2022 Chromecast with Google TV
Google’s refreshed 4K Chromecast might be around the corner

It will seemingly launch with a new remote and retain its $50 price tag

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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.

OnePlus Open with Google Gemini logo on a table with RGB lights
Google Gemini could soon suggest secure passwords to Chrome users

AI may now be in the business of helping you pick a password

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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.

The Facebook app on a phone, which is sitting next to a laptop
How to delete notifications on Facebook

Say no to unwanted notifications

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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.

View of the Galaxy Buds FE case open and empty, with the buds in front of it.
How to replace a lost Samsung Galaxy Bud

Losing a Bud sucks, but all hope isn't lost

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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.

The OneNote icon on top of a blurred image of the OneNote screen
How to use Microsoft OneNote effectively

Get the best out of your OneNote setup

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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 user holding up the Steam Deck and playing Stardew Valley on a couch
How to factory reset a Steam Deck

Fix common bugs and wipe your personal data

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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.

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