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How to install mods for Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2 on Android
Breathe new life into the galaxy far, far away
There are plenty of fantastic games on Android, but Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) and its sequel are two of the best. Port of the original games, the Android releases have everything the desktop versions offered, including their modding capabilities. They also come with controller support, so grab an Android-compatible controller to fully enjoy these great RPGs.
Samsung just fixed the Galaxy S23 Ultra's most annoying S Pen bug
The S Pen should connect seamlessly once again
When a new phone comes out, it's almost expected that initially you'll encounter a few software bugs that snuck past quality testing. Thankfully, the recently announced Galaxy S23 Ultra has, in my case, been the smoothest new-phone experience I've ever had. Still, it hasn't been a 100% perfect time for everyone, though, with some users facing connectivity issues with the built-in S Pen that leaves many of its features unusable. Thankfully, a fix is now available, and it only requires an app update.
Here's the real reason why Samsung's Galaxy S23 has a 'huge' system partition
Maybe your S23 doesn't need to go on a diet, after all
The Galaxy S23 series has been the talk of the town since it was announced, and the sentiment around it has been mostly positive. Those feelings wavered a bit recently when it was reported that the 512GB S23 Ultra was using a whopping 60GB of storage space for its system partition — far larger than the 14GB you'd find on something like a Pixel 6a. Naturally, this story went viral, with people accusing Samsung of filling the S23 Ultra with unnecessary bloat. As it turns out, though, there's slightly more nuance to the story, and the truth is that the system partition on the S23 isn't quite so large.
Updates on Google's Pixel phones are too slow. Before you get your pitchforks, let us explain what we mean. One of the benefits of buying a phone like the the Google Pixel 7 is that you'll get updates quicker than other flagships. Still, installing them takes too long. Seamless updates are heralded as the best thing to happen to software upgrades, and phones that lack the feature are often mocked for the omission. But we're glad Samsung has refused to implement the feature on the newly released Samsung Galaxy S23 trio.
Samsung's Good Lock suite can finally update multiple modules at once
Quality-of-life improvements are always welcome
Samsung's Good Lock software has become a staple of the Galaxy user experience for so many of us thanks to the wide range of customization it offers, and we love using it. For all its benefits, Good Lock is in need of some quality-of-life updates, and thankfully that's becoming more of a focus, with the app recently gaining Smart Switch support. Keeping all the modules updated has always been a hassle, especially with the app failing to notify you when updates become available. As of the latest version, you can now install all available updates with the touch of a single button, removing much of the friction from the process.
Two flaws and two fixes you'll definitely notice on the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung giveth and Samsung taketh away
As we anticipate Samsung's official announcement of the Galaxy S23 series on February 1st, there's loads of speculation regarding how these phones will differ to the Galaxy S22 series we have now. While some details will remain secret until Unpacked, there are many things we can be sure of already: leaked renders, photos of prototypes, and third-party cases already available on Amazon tell us a lot about the device's physical characteristics. So while we'll reserve full judgment for when the phone arrives, let's talk about some of the annoyances I've got (you might have them, too) from Galaxies S past we're sure the S23 series will fix and a couple we know it won't.
The top 3 devices that changed how I use tech in 2022
From getting things done to gaming on the go, these pieces of tech made a lasting impression
I got to play with a lot of cool tech last year. From the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra to the Google Pixel 6a, from the Fold 4 to the Flip 4, and from a Steam Deck to an RTX-3080-powered gaming PC, trying to choose my favorite items was no mean feat, but in the end it came down to the devices that have meaningfully changed my routine. The three I've chosen cross three product categories — smartphones, wearables, and gaming. Of those, the easiest determination to make was in the smartphone arena. Although I used more smartphones last year than any year before, there was only one that could take my top spot.
All the ways One UI 5 shows Samsung getting ready to kill off Bixby
A few recent updates don't feel like enough to save this ailing assistant
When Samsung released the Galaxy S8 back in 2017, the phone made waves with its revolutionary design. The S8 started the war against bezels, and will be remembered as one of Samsung's best smartphones. What many of us try to forget about the S8 launch, though, is the arrival of Bixby — the latest in a long line of Samsung voice assistants that started with S Voice on the Galaxy S3. Nearly six years later, Bixby is still here — but I don't think it will be for much longer.
Our six favorite Samsung Good Lock features for you to get started with
Good Lock expanding to more countries opens the service to a lot of new users
Samsung phones have improved a lot over the years, and it's no surprise that you'll often see them topping the list of our favorite Android phones. One of the many things we love about them is the extent of software customization available, and a collection of apps called Good Lock makes these phones even more tweakable than they are out of the box. Recently, Good Lock started expanding to more countries, giving a lot of users their first opportunity to use it. The sheer number of options in Good Lock could appear intimidating, so if you're just getting up to speed and need some advice on what to check out, here are our favorite features to get you started.
The Google Pixel 4 may have marked the end for Motion Sense, but Soli's future is bright
RIP Motion Sense
When the Google Pixel 4 was unveiled in 2019, people were excited to try its face unlock feature. Motion Sense, a new technology that used Google's custom Soli radar sensor, tracked motion and depth in real time. The feature showed promise; Motion Sense could detect your hand moving toward the Pixel 4 and would automatically unlock your phone when you picked it up. But that promise was short-lived, and the feature has been absent on every Pixel sense. Does this mean we've seen the end of Motion Sense, or could it make future appearances? Why was it removed from the Pixel lineup in the first place? As is often the case, multiple factors led to the removal of Motion Sense from the Pixel lineup.
Here are 8 of the best deals on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases on Cyber Monday
If you're looking for a convenient way to carry an S Pen, we have a case for you
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 has seen incredible discounts in the last week, making it one of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. If you picked up a Fold 4 during the sales or if you've had one since launch, keeping it protected should be a priority, considering how expensive it is to repair a device like this. Thankfully, the Cyber Monday deals apply to cases and accessories. These are the best-discounted cases you can get for the Fold 4 today.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is an unmissable Cyber Monday deal at just $400
The S21 FE is finally a good buy
The Galaxy S21 FE had a lot to live up to after the success of its predecessor. While it delivers in performance and other important metrics, it didn't provide the same value, thanks to the regular Galaxy S21 being cheaper than expected. The basic formula is still valid, taking the Galaxy S21 and swapping the cameras and vibration motor for cheaper units to lower the price, all while leaving the rest of the device the same.
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is by no means a powerful tablet, but when you can purchase one for $100, it's hard to say no. We love talking about fancy tablets here at AP, like the wonderful Galaxy Tab S8+, but the truth is most people only want something to browse the internet, watch YouTube, and read the occasional e-book. That's where the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tablet comes into its own, making this Black Friday weekend deal a banger.
Dig out your old earbuds for this awesome $40 Galaxy Buds Live trade-in deal
If you have small ears, no earbud will come close to being this comfortable
The Black Friday deals keep coming, this time including a truly unique pair of earbuds. Some people have small ears, making most earbuds like the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro impractical. Thankfully, Samsung solved this issue back in 2020 with the close to perfect Galaxy Buds Live. Because these little beans nestle into the outer ear as opposed to the ear canal, almost anyone can wear them comfortably, and they lack that plugged-up feeling that many users despise.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 are out of this world, and they’re just $90 on Black Friday
$60 off of some of the best wireless earbuds is hard to say no to
Active noise cancellation (ANC) has long been a feature reserved for more premium earbuds, but Samsung brought them down to the entry point of its lineup with the Galaxy Buds 2. While the sound and ANC quality might not match the Buds 2 Pro, it's still excellent, especially for the price. If you have other Samsung devices, these are the best earbuds to pair with them. And the Black Friday deals keep getting better, including this one.
I love the Galaxy Z Fold 4 — and it’s only $100 for Black Friday
If you have an S22 Ultra or Fold 3 to trade in, now is the time to buy a Fold 4
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 isn't just a contender for best smartphone of the year — I'd argue it's one of the best phones ever made. I know that's a bold claim, but it's one that I stand by. It can do things in a way other phones can't and it fixes so many of the issues users had with previous incarnations. The only hurdle that remains is the price, but with the Black Friday deal Samsung is running from now to the 28th, you can get the Fold 4 for as little as $450 if you have devices to trade in, making this one of the best Black Friday deals so far.
The Samsung Galaxy A53 is finally down to the right price with this Black Friday deal
That Exynos chip is easier to stomach with $100 off
Mid-range phones already offer plenty of value, so when the Black Friday deals come along and make them even more affordable, they can be hard to say no to. Currently, Samsung's Galaxy A53 and its beautiful 6.5-inch display with 120Hz is just $350. If Samsung isn't your cup of tea and you're looking for AI smarts and a great camera, the Pixel 6a could be just right, coming in at just $300. If you're a OnePlus fan, the Nord N20 5G can be had for $230.
Save big on Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro & Buds Live in this unmissable Black Friday deal
Starting as low as $60, this is a fantastic offer
Samsung's Galaxy Buds have been popular since the first generation, and that's with good reason. Reasonable pricing, good sound, and a range of buds that suit different people have made them a much-loved line of accessories for Samsung devices. The Galaxy Buds Pro and Buds Live aren't the newest sets of Galaxy Buds, but they're still worth considering. Galaxy Buds Pro features superb sound quality and active noise cancellation(ANC), while the bean-shaped Buds Live cater to people with smaller ears. Both sets of buds are discounted in an excellent Black Friday deal.
Samsung brings its November 2022 patch to Galaxy S22 and Z Flip 4 phones in the US
Samsung's second-last set of patches for 2022 are hitting Galaxy phones across America
Samsung has built a solid reputation for regular and reliable software updates over the last few years, and that's continuing now as the November 2022 security patch reaches devices in the US. Samsung's latest flagship phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, were the first to kick off this round of updates at the beginning of the month, quickly followed by last year's foldables and the Verizon Note 10.
A $100 Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be the top Black Friday deal this year
You'll need some valuable devices to trade in, though
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is one of the best Android phones around, but its exorbitant price can put a lot of people off. After some compelling deals last week, Samsung is at it again with the early Black Friday discounts, offering the Z Fold 4 for as little as $100 if you signed up for Samsung's early access program and have some devices to trade in, making this one of the best Black Friday deals.