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Google is making huge changes to 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.
Roblox is one of those apps that shines in the background, constantly trucking along with new and improved content. Roblox has reaped success as a gaming platform thanks to its thriving community and the sheer creativity of its registered users. It doesn't matter if you play on a PC, iPhone, or a sleek Android gaming phone; everyone can join and contribute to this wonderful community.
7 things you'll hate about switching from Android to iOS
Don't even get us started on the notifications
These days, Android and iOS aren't as different as you might expect because iOS is picking up multiple features that were once only available on Android. For instance, Apple recently allowed the sideloading of apps on iOS, which Android users have been enjoying for years. As both operating systems have matured, each followed the paths first charted by their smartphone rivals. If you're considering switching from Android to iOS, Apple's mobile experience isn't perfect. Here are the top things we found most annoying about the switch. If you can deal with these, you may survive.
How to sync your Xbox Wireless Controller
Easily connect your Xbox Wireless Controller to any device
Connecting an Xbox Wireless Controller with your Xbox might seem simple, but multiple controllers, new consoles, and connection issues can cause problems. While a foolproof way to connect your Xbox controller to your console is with one of the best USB-C cables, wireless connections avoid the frustrations of tangling with cables. We show you how to connect your Xbox Wireless Controller with your Xbox console.
Instant translation with Circle to Search is now widely available
Translate your entire screen in a couple of taps
Google first introduced Circle to Search in January, with the AI-based feature letting users look up whatever's on their screen. But it was initially limited to the Galaxy S24 lineup and the Pixel 8 series but has since expanded to more devices, including the older Pixel 6 lineup, while devices like the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet are on course to get it. Alongside news of Circle to Search's expanded availability, we also learned that Google would finally make it easier to translate large chunks of onscreen text. This functionality is now widely available across a couple of our devices, indicating that the wider rollout is officially underway.
Leica's Leitz Phone 3 could revive a beloved Samsung camera feature
Variable aperture is coming back to smartphones, but availability might be a problem
Leica is a well-known and respected name in the smartphone world. The German-based camera manufacturer provides sensors to some giant smartphone producers, including Xiaomi and Huawei. Meanwhile, the brand has a dedicated smartphone lineup you might have never heard of. The Leica smartphones are mainly focused on offering top-notch camera specifications, reflecting the company's traditional field of activity. While there is no data about Leica's smartphone sales, the firm has another product in the pipeline, the Leitz Phone 3.
Android manufacturers should make their skins funky again
I miss when smartphones were still fun and exciting
We spend a lot of time highlighting each manufacturer's different spins on Android, but the depressing truth remains that none of these experiences are all that unique. In 2024, it feels like if you've seen one Android skin, you've seen them all. Sure, notification shades may change, and settings might look a little different, but compared to ten years ago, Android across competing OEMs is alarmingly uniform.
The EU's new default browser rules work; here's what it means for the US
Smaller web browsers in the EU are seeing a spike in users as DMA rules take affect
In the past few years, the European Union has tightened its grip on Big Tech companies to break their reign and create a better chance of competing for smaller businesses. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) that took effect on March 7 is the EU's main weapon against anti-competitive practices by trillion-dollar firms. While there was a lot of skepticism about the effectiveness of DMA at first, it turns out that the DMA rules on the web browser market are working, creating hope for smaller browsers to gain more users.
My favorite custom Android ROM is dead
The Pixel Experience ROM gave my aging Nexus 6P a new lease on life
The heydays of custom ROMs are long behind us, but there are still some great ROM options out there if you’re not happy with your phone’s software situation. As a big fan of the Pixel software design and features, there was one that stuck out over the years for me — the Pixel Experience ROM. It’s a custom ROM that aims to bring devices as close to the original Pixel experience as possible, and it’s the ROM that managed to breathe some more life into my aging Nexus 6P back in the day.
Magic Compose tips and tricks to send flawless messages
Learn how to put Magic Compose into effect and how to make the most of this feature
Magic Compose is an experimental feature in Google Messages. It uses the company's generative AI technology to craft context-appropriate, stylized responses. The feature is available in beta, and Google is rolling it out to more users. While this feature is not available to Android Go users, you can access it on other devices, whether it's a budget Android phone or a flagship.
Wondering where your phone's clipboard is? Here's how to find it
A quick guide to access the clipboard on your Android device or iPhone
If you use the copy-and-paste function on your phone, whether it's a budget Android phone, a flagship Samsung phone, or an iPhone, you've likely seen the clipboard option and experienced its functionality. In this article, we explore how to access this tech on any device you own and view your clipboard history.
Apple may have abandoned its electric car project, but the company is still very much a major player in the automotive space. Watch any recent vehicle ad or review, and one of the first and most consistent things you'll see mentioned is whether it supports CarPlay or not. Google's Android Auto platform is in the mix too, but often times it feels like an afterthought, seemingly considered subpar to Apple's offering — and that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, for lots of drivers, Android Auto might just be the better option.
How to change app icons on Android
Customize your Android phone's home screen by changing the app icons
Changing your app icons on Android is easy, but it isn't intuitive. You'll usually delve into third-party apps and launchers to maximize your Android phone's potential for customization. We show you how to change your app icons on every Android device. These steps also work on all the top Android tablets, so if you own a phone and tablet from two manufacturers, you can make them look the same. Tidy up your apps after customizing your icons to make your phone look stylish and organized.
How to find downloads on your Android phone or tablet
Managing your downloaded files has never been easier
Downloading files on your Android device is straightforward, but locating them can be a hassle. Before you know it, photos, videos, screenshots, and other files clutter your phone. You need to know where those downloads went so that you can delete unnecessary documents that are taking up space on your phone.
Quick Share gets a snazzy Material Design 3 animation
The new progress bar design is rolling out now
Google is regular with Material Design guideline updates since the design philosophy was introduced a decade ago in 2014. App developers must now abide by the Material Design 3 (MD3) standard for UI elements in their apps, which we first saw in Android 12. However, as with any change in guidelines, adoption usually takes a while, even for Google’s own apps and Android system components. Today, we spotted another element in Android, Quick Share, adopting MD3 progress bars.
The Google app is getting a handy Gemini toggle
A similar toggle already exists in the Google app for iOS
Google's efforts with generative AI chatbot Gemini are well documented. The service is already integrated across multiple Google services, including Workspace products. Meanwhile, the Google app on iOS recently added a neat little toggle to switch between standard search and Gemini. Strangely enough, this toggle is absent from the Google app on Android. But that could change soon, as per evidence spotted within an under-development version of the app.
Circle to Search highlights an old problem with Android phones
You can't use Circle to Search in the notifications shade and we're crushed
The evolution of AI technology means that smartphones will get a lot of very cool features in the coming years. Onboard AI chips in particular will enable all kinds of functionalities, allowing devices to access generative AI without needing an internet connection. In fact, some of these features are already releasing for some of your favorite devices. But given the fact that we’re in the early days, there are still a lot of bugs to work out.
Android's Find My Device network launches this week with headphone tracking and offline finding
The Bluetooth cards are all falling into place
Finding your lost smartphone, earbuds, or watch can be a pain of ridiculous proportions. That’s where device tracking networks come into play. While Apple’s Find My network has proven to be extremely useful and multi-functional over the years, Android has been stuck playing catch-up, especially when devices are turned off. It has been possible to track your Android device utilizing the Google Find My Device website, but it loses most of its functionality once the device you’re tracking shuts off or dies. Almost exactly one year ago, we reported that Google was working on a new and modern Find My Device network for Android devices, followed soon after by its official announcement in May at Google I/O 2023. This week, the network will go live.
How to find your Wi-Fi password on your Android phone or tablet
Using a password manager makes this easier
Some people write their Wi-Fi password on the bottom of their home router. While that password is safe, it's hard to remember. You don't need to write down your Wi-Fi password. You can find your Wi-Fi password in a jiffy on your Android device, whether a new Google Pixel 8 Pro or a cheap tablet.
Google has flipped the switch on its Find My Device network for some users
Settings for the offline finding feature are live for some, but it's probably not functional yet
Google has been working on developing its Find My Device feature for quite some time. In order for it to fully function, offline Android devices need to have the ability to broadcast a signal while powered off. This means that they need a specific kind of Bluetooth controller and the hardware to support it. Despite these obstacles, it seems that the company has finally made headway in terms of Find My Device for offline use.