About Ryne Hager
Ryne was ostensibly a senior editor at Android Police, working at the site from 2017-2022. But really, he is just some verbose dude who digs on tech, loves Android, and hates anticompetitive practices. His only regret is that he didn't buy a Nokia N9 in 2012.
Latest Articles
[Update: APK download] Waze for Android Auto is out of private beta and available today
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- And now the apk is up for this latest update over at APK Mirror. If you can't pull the update down via Google Play for some reason, there's your recourse.
The private beta for Waze on Android Auto rolled out early last month, and two months of testing seem to have been enough. The feature once promised at I/O 2016 is now here. According to a blog post, today Waze will be available for everyone on Android Auto. Avoiding bad traffic just became that much easier.
Francisco Franco's new app Gratus is a novel tool that reminds you to stop and appreciate life
Today the well-known developer Francisco Franco has released a new app: Gratus. It's a bit hard to describe, but it's meant to provide you with appreciation and motivation when you might be feeling a bit down. The name itself means "grateful" in Latin, and it's an apt summary of the intended effect. Think of it as a repository for all the things you enjoy.
This is becoming a common refrain, but Magisk has been updated to bypass SafetyNet, again. Just a few days ago Magisk developer topjohnwu told us that he was hard at work on a fix. While he wasn't able to provide a firm date at the time, he may have over delivered on his promise of "soon." The latest update, v13.3, escapes SafetyNet detection. Your Magisk Manager app should prompt you for an update sometime soon.
If you are a Magisk user, and you fired up Pokemon Go or Android Pay today just to be met with an error message, you aren't alone. The game of cat and rooted mouse continues, as Google's detection methods have expanded again to catch Magisk 13.2, which is the latest version. But, Magisk developer topjohnwu expects to have things fixed soon.
[Update: Bugfix v13.2] Magisk v13.1 released to stable with SafetyNet fixes and Android O support
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- There's a bug-fix release out now, 13.2, that fixes a few issues you may have run into on 13.1. Some Marshmallow devices were having a bit of trouble getting root, as well as a few other miscellaneous problems with things like MagiskHide. You can download the latest version the same way as before, either as an update via the Magisk Manager app or over at XDA.
Yesterday prolific XDA developer topjohnwu released a new stable version of Magisk (v13.1) which includes all the changes from the beta release v13, like Android O support and a new SafetyNet workaround. With the latest update, you can go back to using the more advanced features of Magisk, while still hiding root. But most users won't notice any significant differences in this recent release, other than things just working. With all the recent SafetyNet changes, that's a fantastic achievement.
[Deal Alert] Amazon's Alexa Deals include a ton of discounts on home automation products
In the wake of Prime Day, Amazon is running a set of "Alexa Deals" that can only be accessed by Prime members via voice commands given to Alexa. Most of the offers are pretty pedestrian, things like gum, snacks, and batteries, but there are a few good ones our readers might enjoy. If you are interested in home automation, you can pick up a ton of stuff, like Philips Hue starter kit, smart plugs, a wireless Lutron starter kit, a touchscreen Schlage deadbolt, and more.
If there is one thing about flagships that is certain: give it enough time, and the prices will fall. The Galaxy S8 series may have started out at $750-$850, but today over at Groupon you can pick one up for just $575-$675. That's $175 off the launch price and $150 off the price at most other retailers.
New Release Radio on Google Play Music gives you a customized daily mix of the latest releases
Following an early access test for the Galaxy S8, Google has now released a new station for users of Google Play Music: New Release Radio. It's a daily mix of recently-released music based on your own tastes. Whatever you are into, each day you'll be able to check out the latest songs by your favorite artists.
Today Sony has announced that the company's latest 4K HDR televisions, powered by Android TV, will soon be updated to work with Amazon's Echo devices. This new feature will arrive via a firmware update sometime this month. So the next time you yell at your TV, there might be some purpose to it.
There haven't been many Google Wifi deals since the routers were released. For a long time, the price wasn't just constant, they were pretty hard to find. And, although the supply these days is better than it was, prices have also stayed pretty high. But that ends today, because right now you can pick up a single Google Wifi router for just $99.99 at Amazon. Three-packs are also at the same discount ($269.99 or $30 off). Whether you'd like to try one out before you wire up the entire house, or if you'd just like another puck to further expand your coverage into that far bedroom on the 2nd floor, this is an all-time low price for the single-unit. The three pack for $30 off isn't such a bad deal, but as a percentage, it doesn't tickle us quite the right way, as the single unit sale does.When we reviewed it, we found the Google Wifi to be one of the best mesh systems you can get, and that's not just because we're really into Google products. When you consider price, performance, and specifications, there aren't many other products that compete. Most mesh systems go for quite a bit more, and a lot of them don't support as many of the features that the Google Wifi does, like MU-MIMO. It's actually quite a decent value.And, today that value gets the tiniest bit better. If you'd like to pick one up for $30 off, you know where to get it. (At Amazon.)Source: Amazon (1), (2)
We knew this was coming from a teardown a while back, but it's finally here. Now you can watch supported content from Google Play Movies & TV in glorious HDR. At least, if you have a Chromecast Ultra and a compatible television.
In a blog post today, Microsoft has announced that it is making some changes to the mobile apps for Outlook. Among the new features are some tweaks for conversation layouts, a new navigation interface, and better search functions. The latter changes will also bring some cool things to Outlook's search function like travel itinerary and package information, via Microsoft Graph. Unfortunately, this update will hit iOS devices long before Android users see it.
Just yesterday, during Amazon's hallowed Prime Day sales, the ad-laden version of this phone was on sale for $179.99. While that's a fantastic deal, some people just aren't OK with having their lock screen telling them to buy things. For those of us that might prefer a less corporate phone experience, or who prefer an unlockable bootloader, right now you can pick up the same 64GB Moto G5 Plus without ads for just 9.99, or $50 off. The G series has always been a great value. While ads bring the price down even lower, if you just can't stomach the minor intrusion, or you are desperate to flash a ROM, the version sold without Amazon's "Offers & Ads" might be more to your preference. And it's a great device. We didn't proclaim it the king of the budget phones for no reason, after all.For $249.99 you get a Snapdragon 625, 64GB of storage, 3GB of RAM, a 5.2" 1080p display, a 12MP camera, fingerprint reader, and Android 7.0 Nougat. For the price, the specs are quite reasonable. The only potential impediments to a good time might be Lenovorola's history with updates, the dated microUSB connector, and a lack of NFC. If you are excited to pick up an ad-free unit but were waiting for a deal to grab one, this is it.Source: Amazon
It would appear that AOSPA isn't just back, it's here to stay. Today the developers for the project have announced a new release with a handful of new features, bug fixes, and support for six new devices, including the OnePlus One, Nexus 6, and one of our favorite new-old phones, the Nextbit Robin. New features include an Accidental Touch mode, Pocket Lock, and a new collaboration with Shuttle+.
[Deal Alert] Here are some of the best phones, Chromebooks, and tablets on sale for Prime Day
The 30-hour event known as Prime Day has officially kicked off, and we have a list of ten Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks that will be included at different times during the sale. For the uninitiated, the sales on Prime Day are staggered, the better to consistently pull your attention throughout the day. So most of the items that will be included haven't yet gone on sale. But, worry not, as with this list you'll be prepared.This isn't going to be an all-inclusive list, as there might be deals that aren't listed yet, and we've intentionally excluded a few devices that are just a bit too potato, but it's a good place to start. Unfortunately, until a deal goes up, we don't know the exact price it will be. So, the best way to approach this list might be to consider the individual items, and if anything strikes your fancy, to check back in when that item goes on sale and see if the price is right.The bigger highlights include the Galaxy Tab S2 (which is up now, gogogo!) a Galaxy S8 kit with a VR headset and wireless charger (also now, hurry!), and both the Xperia XA Ultra and its less superlative cousin the XA. There are also a ton of BLU phones, and a cheap Lenovo Tab 3 7. Most things won't be on sale until tomorrow, though, and even then in limited quantities and just for a narrow window. You'll have to be fast. Keep in mind if you are viewing this post long after the publication date, some of these items may have already sold out, or the deals may have expired.The full list of time-sensitive sales, including times those items will go on sale, is below:
[Deal Alert] Top Greener USB-C and USB-A wall outlet just $23.96 at Amazon ($4.73 off)
Some of you might remember back in March when we took a quick look at the Top Greener USB-C wall outlet. Well, late yesterday the price over at Amazon hit an all-time low. If the idea of being able to plug your devices into a 2.4A USB-A and 3A USB-C compatible wall outlet sounds appealing, for precisely .96, the experience can be yours.Keep in mind this isn't just a charger, you actually have to install it into a receptacle inside your wall, either by running a new line and junction box or by replacing an existing one. Thankfully, the latter is not difficult to do. Our own Artem purchased one of these for his own use, and so far he seems to have had no objections to its performance.
[Re-review] Last year's Nextbit Robin is an entirely different (and better) phone at $130
How little can you spend on a phone in 2017 and still have a good experience? Companies like Lenovo-owned Motorola and BLU are pushing the envelope when it comes to the budget segment in the US. But, even a dated flagship can outcompete almost everything in the current entry-level market, and right now you can pick up one of 2016's most overlooked examples, the Nextbit Robin, for around 0 from Amazon. We think that deserves a second look.We already reviewed the Robin once back when it came out, but with how fast the price has fallen recently, it's not the same phone it was. The perspective on a piece of hardware drastically changes with the cost, and we felt that, at this new low price, it really deserved a re-examination. Since we already reviewed it, don't expect things to be too in-depth, but I will cover details when needed.
[Update: And it's gone] OnePlus Launcher is now on the Play Store in a (currently full) limited beta
It looks like OnePlus might be looking for a faster and easier way to update its launcher instead of waiting on OTAs to deliver updates. As of today, the OnePlus Launcher is appearing on Google Play. Unfortunately for anyone clamoring to check it out, it's currently in limited beta, and all the test slots are full.
The latest beta for Sony's Music app just added support for Android Auto. Now you can control playback and view album art from the app while in Android Auto, as you can with other apps like Spotify or Google Play Music. Unfortunately, the beta requires being part of a closed community. But, fortunately, we have an APK, if you are interested in trying it out.