• Tools
  • PSA: Yes, your Rabbit R1 still needs a subscription

    0

    Rabbit founder Jesse Lyu made a pretty big deal out of the fact that his company’s first AI companion, the R1, costs just $199. Even better, you don’t have to pay a monthly subscription to use the R1, so the price you see is the price you pay. Only that second part isn’t entirely true. If you want to use the Rabbit R1 outside of the comfort of your home Wi-Fi network, you do indeed have to pay a subscription fee… just not to Rabbit itself. So, let’s talk about the actual cost of the Rabbit R1.

    Don’t forget your data plan

    rabbit r1 sim tray and usb port



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    New rumor that iPad Pros could launch with M4 chip on May 7, but we don’t buy it

    0
    Apple iPad Pro M2 2022 logo and apple pencil
    Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
    • A prominent Apple leaker says that the iPad Pros launching on May 7 could have the as-yet-unreleased Apple M4 chipset.
    • This would be an unexpected development as the M3 launched just six months ago.
    • For this and other reasons, we don’t buy this rumor. We expect the iPad Pros to launch with an M3 variant.

    When it comes to Apple leaks, few leakers are trusted as much as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. However, even the best leakers can be incorrect, and we think Gurman is likely wrong about today’s rumor.

    In Gurman’s weekly Power On newsletter today — which focuses on Apple-related news from the past week as well as new leaks and rumors — he states that “there is a strong possibility that the chip in the new iPad Pro will be the M4, not the M3.” For those unaware, Apple is throwing a “Let Loose” event on May 7, which is widely expected to include the debut of a new iPad Pro refresh, which last saw an update in October 2022. Up until today, pretty much everyone expected these iPads to come with Apple’s M3 processor, which launched six months ago.



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    One UI 6.1 keeps messing with Android’s best feature — I need Samsung to stop it

    0
    https://youtube.com/watch?v=eg79wd8EtOU
    Opinion post by
    Rita El Khoury

    When I first got my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I was left scratching my head, looking at dozens and dozens of incoming notifications from many apps and unable to control the deluge. The problem? No notification channels. And now, Samsung has done the same thing for all phones receiving the One UI 6.1 update: It turned off notification channels by default.

    There’s an easy fix, yes, but the fact that this is opt-in is a baffling anti-consumer move, especially when channels are — in my opinion — one of Android’s best features.



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    Android 15 could stop your phone from vibrating like crazy when you get a lot of notifications

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    • Android 15’s new notification cooldown feature will also stop repetitive vibrations.
    • Previously, we confirmed notification cooldown gradually lowers the volume when you get a lot of successive notifications from the same app.
    • Now we know it’ll also be able to stop these notifications from vibrating your phone — unless it’s unlocked.

    When Google released the first developer preview for its upcoming Android 15 update earlier this year, it included a handy new feature called “notification cooldown.” The feature, as its name implies, puts notifications on cooldown when they get annoying. Thanks to notification cooldown, Android 15, by default, will gradually lower the notification volume when you get many successive notifications from the same app. One issue with the notification cooldown feature, though, is that it does nothing to stop these same notifications from constantly vibrating your phone. That’s set to change in the near future, though.

    While digging through the latest Android 15 Beta 1.2 update, I managed to bring back the settings page for notification cooldown (Settings > Notifications > Notification cooldown) that Google hid from users in Android 15 Beta 1. In the process, I also discovered a new toggle that wasn’t present before: “vibrate when unlocked.” According to the description, this toggle makes it so your phone will “only vibrate when [the] screen is unlocked.” In other words, enabling this toggle should prevent your phone from vibrating in your pocket when you receive a ton of successive notifications from the same app.



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    T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint Mobile is finally a done deal

    0
    Stock photo of Mint Mobile fox on phone with money 1
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint Mobile, the popular budget-friendly wireless carrier, is now official with FCC approval.
    • The deal expands T-Mobile’s reach in the prepaid market and could bring more flexibility for Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers.

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved T-Mobile‘s acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation. Ka’ena Corporation is the parent company of Mint Mobile, a wildly popular direct-to-consumer wireless brand known for its disruptive pricing and savvy marketing, and Ultra Mobile, a provider specializing in international calling plans.

    The acquisition, first announced last year, could be worth up to $1.35 billion. T-Mobile has expressed its intentions to complete the deal by May 1st, pending regulatory approval.



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    How to install Android 15 on your Pixel phone right now

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    We hope you’re ready for the next version of Android because Android 15 is here! Although it will be quite a while before the software becomes stable enough for daily use, that doesn’t mean you can’t give it a shot. Below, we have instructions on how to install Android 15 beta 1.2 on a supported Pixel device.

    Should I install Android 15?

    Android 15 logo on smartphone with light strip in background stock photo (16)



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    Bug-fixing Android 15 beta 1.2 is here, just days after beta 1.1

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    Android 15 logo on smartphone stock photo (3)
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • Google is now rolling out Android 15 beta 1.2 to supported Pixel devices.
    • There are five bug fixes listed.
    • The next major update to the beta program will likely be Android 15 beta 2, expected to launch during Google I/O.

    Just a few days ago, Google issued a significant patch to the Android 15 beta program. Android 15 beta 1.1 fixed a very annoying NFC issue that caused it to, you know, not work at all. Now, today, Google is issuing another point upgrade to the beta program.

    Android 15 beta 1.2, as the official changelog lays out, fixes five prominent bugs seen with beta 1.1:



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    How to transfer data to a new Android phone

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    Switching to a new phone is fun and exciting but can be tedious if you have many apps and a lot of data to transfer over. Luckily, some excellent cloud storage services can make it quick and easy to transfer files, settings, and app data from an older phone with just a tap. Here’s how to transfer data to a new Android phone.

    QUICK ANSWER

    To transfer data to a new Android phone, you will need to first back up the data on your older phone using services like Google One. Go to Settings > Google > All services > Backup and enable Backup by Google One. When setting up the new phone, select Restore from the cloud. Sign in to the same Google account, select the most recent backup, and tap Restore.



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    Hate those big reaction animations in Google Messages? We have good news

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    Google Messages logo on smartphone laying on table (1)
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • Google working on a toggle that will allow you to turn off expressive animations in Google Messages.
    • The setting will presumably turn off/on Reaction and Screen Effects.
    • It’s unclear if turning expressive animations off will also affect animated emojis.

    If you find the animated reactions in Google’s messaging app annoying, you may be able to turn them off soon. An APK teardown has revealed Google is working on an on/off toggle for the feature.

    Google announced Reaction Effects back in November 2023, however, wide availability only rolled out last month. The feature gives Google Messages users the ability to react to text messages with 10 different emoji that also send a corresponding animation. While it can be a fun little addition for some, it can be annoying for others.



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    Nokia maker launches its first HMD-branded line for the US

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    HMD Vibe Emotional 07
    Credit: HMD Global
    • Human Mobile Devices Global is launching the HMD Vibe in the US.
    • The HMD Vibe is said to be capable of lasting two days between charges.
    • The handset will be available for $150.

    After all the leaks and rumors, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) Global is announcing its first HMD-branded smartphones. While the rest of the world is getting the HMD Pulse, the US is getting the HMD Vibe.

    The Nokia maker’s new smartphone is a budget-level device that runs on a Snapdragon 680 processor. Along with that, you get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage with 4GB of virtual RAM and support for a microSD card up to 512GB.



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    Google’s Warranty Helper tool simplifies support for Pixels and Google Nest products

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    google pixel ecosystem 1
    Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
    • The Pixel Watch team announced a new interactive Warranty Helper tool for Google’s smartwatch.
    • The tool provides quick access to warranty status and offers links for repairs and troubleshooting.
    • Interestingly, the Warranty Helper works beyond the Pixel Watch, supporting a range of Google devices.

    Back in February, Google introduced an online, mail-in replacement service for its Pixel Watch 2, eliminating the need to contact customer support for repairs. Now, the company has further streamlined after-sales support with a new interactive tool to simplify the process of checking warranty coverage and initiating claims.

    Despite being announced as the “Pixel Watch Warranty Helper,” the feature is currently supporting a wide range of Google devices, including Pixel smartphones, earbuds, and Google Nest devices.



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    Android 15 may make it even harder for sideloaded apps to get sensitive permissions

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    • Android 15 could introduce a new Enhanced Confirmation Mode that makes it harder for malicious apps to exploit an OS loophole.
    • Android blocks users from easily enabling the Accessibility or Notification Listener services of apps that are sideloaded from outside an app store.
    • However, the method that Android uses for this has a loophole in it that Android 15 will close.

    Although most Android users download apps from preloaded app stores like Google Play, some users get their apps from alternative online sources, a practice called sideloading. This is possible because Android lets users install third-party apps without the Google Play Store so long as they get their hands on the necessary app installation files. The ability to freely sideload apps is a big part of what makes Android a more open platform than iOS. Unfortunately, it’s also the reason why people erroneously believe that Android is less secure than iOS.

    That’s because regardless of where you source apps from, Android’s built-in privacy and security features ensure they can’t access sensitive permissions without your consent. However, it’s true that sideloading apps from alternative online sources carries a bit more risk for the average user when compared to sticking with Google Play. This is because it’s simply easier for malicious developers to distribute apps outside of Google Play since they don’t need to deal with the regulations, bureaucracy, and scrutiny that Google Play app distribution entails.



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    Google Maps generative AI discovery tool coming to Labs (APK teardown)

    0
    Google Maps GPS Nagivation stock photo
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • Soon everyone will be able to use generative AI in Google Maps through Labs.
    • The Maps feature was announced in February but was initially only available to select Local Guides.
    • Google’s AI provides suggestions based on information from nearby businesses and places, plus photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community.

    If you remember, Google announced at the beginning of February that the Maps app would start taking advantage of generative AI. This feature launched in early access for select Local Guides, but it seems like it could soon be available to everyone.

    Looking through strings of code in the latest Google Maps beta, we discovered mentions of the generative AI experiment heading to Labs. If you’re unfamiliar, Labs is the place where anybody can sign up to try out Google’s latest AI tools and experiments. This means the feature will no longer be exclusive to just Local Guides.



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    TikTok’s plan to pay users to watch videos has just hit a snag

    0
    TikTok 1
    Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority
    • TikTok Lite offers a rewards program that compensates users for watching videos, liking content, following creators, and inviting friends.
    • The app was recently launched in France and Spain, but the European Commission is threatening to suspend the app.
    • The Commission claims TikTok did not adequately respond to questions about the app’s impact on users’s mental health before releasing it in Europe.

    To foster growth in Europe, TikTok planned to release a new iOS and Android app called TikTok Lite that would compensate users for engaging with content. The app launched in France and Spain this month, but it could soon be shut down by the European Commission.

    According to a report from Reuters, the European Commission claims TikTok did not provide an adequate response to questions from regulators about TikTok Lite’s impact on user mental health before launching the app. The European Commission is arguing that this violates the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires large platforms, like TikTok, to perform a risk assessment of harmful and illegal content on the platform.



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    Android 15 beta 1.1 rolling out with NFC fix

    0
    Android 15 logo on smartphone laying on counter stock photo (1)
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • Google is rolling out Android 15 beta 1.1.
    • Most notably, this update fixes NFC, which does not work on beta 1.
    • The point update also addresses a few other bugs.

    On April 11, Google pushed out the first public beta for Android 15. Previously, all other Android 15 releases had been developer previews, meaning they weren’t stable enough for the public. The first beta, though, was supposed to be good enough for adventurous folks with a supported Pixel.

    Unfortunately, that first beta had a huge flaw: NFC didn’t work. This meant using your phone for contactless payments wasn’t possible. Thankfully, Google is pushing out Android 15 beta 1.1 today, which fixes this problem.



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    Any XR headset can now run Meta Horizon OS, and that should worry Google

    0
    Mark Zuckerberg Launching the Meta Quest 3 at Meta Connect 2023
    Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
    • Meta has opened its Horizon OS to other manufacturers, expanding the potential for mixed reality devices.
    • ASUS and Lenovo have already announced plans for new gaming/productivity headsets built on Horizon OS.
    • Google’s rumored Android-based XR OS could finally launch at the upcoming I/O, setting up a showdown with Meta’s platform.

    In a move that could reshape the mixed reality landscape, Meta today announced that it is opening up its Meta Horizon OS to third-party manufacturers. Formerly known as Quest OS, this Android-based operating system has powered Meta’s successful Quest line of headsets. Now, other companies will be able to leverage Horizon OS to create their own mixed-reality devices.

    This announcement comes just weeks before Google’s anticipated unveiling of its own Android-based Extended Reality (XR) operating system. The timing suggests that Meta is making a preemptive strike to maintain dominance in the rapidly maturing XR market.



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    Pixel phones getting second April update with fix for widespread network issue

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    google pixel 8 pro bay blue vs pixel 7 pro white rear 2

    • Google is rolling out a second April update for Pixel phones to fix network and connectivity issues.
    • The update is already available on Verizon’s network and will roll out to all Pixel users over the coming weeks.
    • Affected Pixel users can also sideload the OTA package now.

    Pixel phone users can expect a second April update with a fix for network and connectivity issues plaguing their devices. The update started rolling out to Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 devices on Verizon late last week. The carrier has also posted a changelog that confirms that the new April Pixel update “provides performance improvements for LTE call/data and network issues.”

    A few weeks back, we investigated widespread reports of Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series owners complaining about network-related issues following the March 2024 update. Users said that their phones randomly missed calls and that text messages arrived in batches throughout the day. We reached out to Google multiple times to get an official response but didn’t receive an update from the company.

    Now, Google is also reportedly sending emails to affected Pixel users acknowledging the network and connectivity issues and informing them about the upcoming fix.

    “We’re starting to push an update to Pixel 7 and newer phones. This includes network stability and performance improvements. This update will roll out globally to the regions and carriers impacted over the coming weeks,” Google wrote in its email to a Reddit user.

    According to Verizon’s changelog, the new April Pixel update once again includes the month’s security patch, which rolled out to Pixel phones a while back. It comes with software version AP1A.240405.002.B1. Verizon Pixel users who received the update are reporting that the new software has fixed the issue of missed calls and slow text messages.

    “So far it has fixed the connectivity and reception issues that have been having recently,” said one user.

    “I sideloaded it two days ago, for now no issues with recieving calls and messages. Fingers crossed it lasts,” said another.

    If you haven’t received the new April update as an OTA on your Pixel devices yet, you can manually sideload the package from here. Our guide provides instructions on sideloading an OTA.



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    Samsung offers free screen replacement for Galaxy phones with green line issue

    0

    Green line issue on Samsung phone

    Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority
    • Samsung is giving Galaxy users a free, one-time display replacement for phones affected by the infamous green line issue.
    • For now, the replacement benefit is only available in India on select Galaxy phones.
    • The deadline to claim the offer is April 30, 2024.

    Samsung India is reportedly offering a free, one-time screen replacement to users with select Galaxy phones experiencing the green line issue.



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    Why is ChatGPT so slow? Here’s how to speed up the chatbot’s responses

    0
    Siri versus ChatGPT
    Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

    ChatGPT has become an indispensable creative tool for many of us. Cutting-edge as it is, however, ChatGPT still suffers from occasional slowdowns that can leave you waiting for seconds or even upwards of a minute between responses. Switching to the paid ChatGPT-4 model won’t necessarily speed things up either. All of this begs two important questions: why is ChatGPT so slow and what can we do to improve it?

    Why is ChatGPT so slow? A technical overview

    openai tokenizer chatgpt tokens



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    How to delete old emails in Gmail

    0

    It’s easy to delete all of your emails in Gmail, but it’s more likely that you just want to clear out the older ones that are no longer relevant. we’ll guide you through how to delete old emails in Gmail and keep your inbox streamlined. You can even make it automatic.

    QUICK ANSWER



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    How to set up and activate Siri

    0

    If you’ve got an Apple device like an iPhone or Apple Watch, you’ll probably want (or even need) Siri, the company’s voice assistant. Here’s how to set up Siri for the first time and activate Siri on any Apple product.

    Read more: The best Siri commands for productivity and more



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    TikTok ban passes in the House, could become law in a matter of days

    0
    TikTok featured image
    Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority
    • Legislation that would force ByteDance to divest its ownership stake in TikTok to remain in the US has passed in the House of Representatives again.
    • The legislation is now headed to the Senate, included in an aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
    • The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week, with President Joe Biden expected to sign it when it reaches his desk.

    TikTok is now one step closer to facing a ban in the US if parent company ByteDance chooses not to divest its ownership stake. The ban could take effect as soon as in the next few days.

    Despite massive lobbying efforts to keep TikTok in the US, the House of Representatives passed legislation today that would ban the app in the country, according to NBC News. The bill passed after 360 representatives voted in favor of the ban, with 58 saying no.



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    5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week and all the latest app news – Android Apps Weekly

    0

    Welcome to the latest edition of Android Apps Weekly, where we discuss the latest in mobile news and take a closer look at some of the most interesting new apps and games. Let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the biggest highlights from the last week:

    Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games

    Looking for some new Android apps and Android games to keep you occupied? This week we highlight two new apps, as well as three games that are worth a closer look. 



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    I challenged myself to build a full Google ecosystem with less than $1,000. Here’s how it went!

    0
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS-hrVpzCJg

    This is my Google ecosystem: phone, watch, headphones, audio, Chromecast. If I told you that you could get it all for under $1,000, I think a lot of people would be interested.

    Let me clarify right off the bat: Clearly, this isn’t possible if you focus on buying the latest and greatest Google hardware. When I thought about this challenge, I didn’t aim it for the biggest tech enthusiasts who want a Pixel 8 Pro or maybe even a Pixel tablet; they are just too expensive and would take up my entire $1,000 envelop and more! I wanted to maximize my budget and get as much as possible for as little money. However, I also didn’t want to go and get something like a Google Pixel 5 because that phone is too old now and nearing the end of its support.



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    Samsung Galaxy A35 deal offers big price cut and free Best Buy gift card   

    0
    galaxy a35 5g awesomelemon back
    Credit: Samsung
    • Best Buy is currently running a deal for Samsung Galaxy A35 purchases.
    • Buying the handset will get you a free $40 gift card.
    • If you activate the unlocked phone, you can get $100 off of your purchase.

    Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy A35 in the US only a day ago. If you haven’t picked one up yet but are planning to, one place you may want to consider getting it from is Best Buy to take advantage of its current deal.

    At the moment, the electronics retailer is offering quite a deal for the Galaxy A35. If you head over to the Best Buy website, you’ll notice a promotion offering a free $40 gift with the purchase of an unlocked Galaxy A35. In addition to that gift card, you’ll also get a one-month subscription for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.



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    YouTube’s new AI feature is actually really helpful

    0
    youtube watch history mobile
    Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
    • YouTube is testing a new AI-powered “Ask” button that lets you type questions about the video you’re watching and receive real-time answers.
    • This feature is currently available to select YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States using the Android app.

    Google’s AI is everywhere, and its next goal is to transform the YouTube experience. The platform is currently testing a new coversational AI feature to help viewers get the most out of the videos they watch by facilitating real-time question-and-answer interactions directly within videos.

    Currently, this feature is in the experimental phase and is limited to YouTube’s Android app for YouTube Premium subscribers who are 18 years or older and based in the United States.



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    Google merges Android and hardware teams for the sake of speed and AI

    0
    Google logo
    Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority
    • Google is undergoing a major internal reorganization.
    • This shift will combine the efforts of its hardware and software teams.
    • The aim is to speed up the implementation of AI across its products

    Ever since Google went all-in on AI, the company has been working on ways to speed up its LLM implementation across its portfolio. The first signs of this seemed to appear after there were reports of Google implementing a “Green Lane” initiative that allowed teams to conduct their own product approval reviews to approve AI projects more quickly. The most recent example of this, however, has taken the form of a major internal reorganization.

    Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced in a blog post that Google will create a new department called Platforms and Devices. This department will combine the software and hardware teams and oversee Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Photos, and more.



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    Best new streaming shows this week: Black Sails, The Circle, and more

    0

    It’s hard to keep track of which streaming service is premiering which new show or movie from week to week. Netflix used to be king, but the streaming field is full of alternatives, and they’re all regularly pumping out new content. So, what are the best new streaming shows and where can you watch them? Every week, we answer that question for you, offering some exciting new and returning titles, including streaming originals, from services like Max, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and, yes, Netflix

    We’ll be updating this list every week, so stay tuned for more new streaming shows on every major service. Looking for even more? We keep an archive of our recommendations going back at least 30 days. 



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    How to voice type in Google Docs

    0
    Google Docs website stock photo 2
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

    Your microphone, be it one you plug into your computer or the one built into your phone, can be used for more than voice calls and recording. Over the last ten years, many applications have started adopting the microphone as an input device for text-based solutions. Speech-to-text has gained a great deal of relevance in many different programs, and Google Docs is no different. Let’s go over how to type with your voice in Google Docs.

    Read more: How to use subscript and superscript in Google Docs

    How to use voice typing in Google Docs

    You can use your voice to type in Google Docs, but only on the Chrome desktop browser. You can always use the Google keyboard on your smartphone to voice type into any field. However, the actual voice typing tool built into Google Docs only works on the platform’s desktop version.

    Additionally, you will need a working microphone plugged into your computer. If you use a webcam, a microphone may be built into your webcam. Alternatively, many USB microphones and XLR mics work great with Google Docs voice typing.

    • To start using your voice to type, open a Google Doc in Chrome and click Tools >Voice typing. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S.
    • A pop-up window will appear on your Google Doc with a grey microphone button in the middle. Click it.

    If you haven’t done so already, allow Google Docs to access your microphone.

    allowing google docs to access your hardware

    Credit: Curtis Joe / Android Authority

    When you have granted Google Docs access to your microphone, you will enter voice typing mode. If you don’t say anything for a while, the microphone icon on the left will go from red back to grey. If that happens, reactivate the voice typing function by clicking the grey microphone button in the pop-up window.

    voice typing test on google docs

    Credit: Curtis Joe / Android Authority

    How to use Google voice punctuation commands

    You can use different phrases to add punctuation to your text. Punctuation might not be available in every language:
    • Period
    • Comma
    • Exclamation point
    • Question mark
    • New line
    • New paragraph

    Google Docs also allows you to make voice commands using your microphone. When you are in voice typing mode, you can use voice commands to select words, format your document, edit your document, add and edit tables, move around your document, and more.

    For example, you can say select [word], and Google Docs will select the word you just said. It isn’t always the most intuitive function, and Google Docs prioritizes typing out what you say more than anything. Sometimes, you will need to try multiple times to get Docs to correctly identify and carry out the voice command.

    select testing test on google docs

    Credit: Curtis Joe / Android Authority

    All voice commands must be in English, and “the account language and document language must both be English,” according to Google. For a complete list of voice commands, check the Google support doc under Use voice commands.


    Read more: How to search for a word in Google Docs



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    Report: Some older Samsung devices are developing a green line issue after software updates

    0
    Green line issue on Samsung phone
    Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority
    • Some older Samsung phones, especially from the Galaxy S21 series, are developing a thin green line on their displays.
    • The exact cause is unclear, but it might be a hardware defect potentially worsened by heat from software updates.

    Multiple reports are surfacing online about a display issue plaguing some older Samsung Galaxy devices. Dubbed the ‘green line issue,’ it manifests as a slim, vertical green line that disrupts the screen, potentially hampering phone functionality. This problem seems to primarily affect Galaxy S21 series phones, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S21 FE models being the most frequently cited.

    Some users seem to have encountered the green line randomly, while others are attributing it to software updates or intense usage, like gaming sessions. An X/Twitter user reported noticing the line immediately after installing a software update on their Galaxy S21 FE, while another encountered it after installing the April patch to their Galaxy S21 Ultra (model number SMG998B).



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    Google Photos could redesign the Library tab and give it a new name

    0
    Google Photos app with photo stack edited
    Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
    • Google appears to be working on a redesign of the Library tab.
    • An APK teardown has revealed that the Library tab could renamed to “Collections.”
    • The redesign could remove the carousel and add square cards for People, Albums, Documents, and more.

    The Library tab in the Google Photos app is where you can go to look at your albums, check your on-device folders for images, and access shortcuts (Favorites, Utilities, Archive, and Trash). But it looks like the Library tab could undergo a big shift that will change the tab’s name and its UI.

    In an APK teardown of the Photos app, conducted by 9to5Google, it was discovered that Google may be working on a redesign for the Library tab. The outlet was able to enable the redesign, which appears to relabel the Library tab to Collections.



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    The Plus iPhone could be getting smaller

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    Apple iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max 2
    Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
    • The iPhone 17 Plus might feature a smaller display size compared to its predecessors.
    • The iPhone 16 series is also likely to bring display size changes for the Pro models.

    The iPhone 16 series is still a few months away, but we might already be getting our first hints about Apple’s plans for the 2025 iPhones. According to industry insider Ross Young, the iPhone 17 Plus could sport a smaller display size compared to its predecessors.

    Currently, the iPhone 15 series has the iPhone 15 with a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 15 Plus at 6.7 inches, and both Pro models at 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively. Young’s prediction, though vague on exact measurements, implies the screen size on the iPhone 17 Plus might fall somewhere between the standard iPhone 17 / iPhone 17 Pro and the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max.



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    Here’s a very early look at lock screen widgets in Android 15

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    • We have a very early hands-on of lock screen widget support in the first Android 15 beta.
    • Android used to let you add widgets to the lock screen until Android 5.0 Lollipop was released nearly a decade ago.
    • Android 15 is finally bringing back lock screen widget support, but it’ll only be available on tablets.

    Widgets give you quick access to shortcuts or information from your favorite apps right from your Android home screen. Android widgets have been around since Android version 1.5 way back in 2009, but you can only add them to the home screen on most devices. Android used to let you add widgets to the lock screen as well, but this capability was removed with Android 5.0’s release in late 2014. Now, nearly a decade later, Google is working to bring widgets back to the lock screen in the upcoming Android 15 update. Although the feature hasn’t been released yet, I managed to activate it early in the first beta to give you a sneak peek at lock screen widgets in Android 15.

    Before you see what lock screen widgets look like in Android 15, there are a few things I need to mention. First, this hands-on was recorded on a device running Android 15 beta 1. Beta 1 is only one of four planned beta releases, which means a lot can change between now and Android 15’s stable release later this year. Second, the lock screen widget feature is clearly unfinished, with several glaring UI bugs. Most notably, certain UI elements from the lock screen — such as the clock — are overlaid on top of the widgets screen. Lastly, lock screen widgets are currently available only on devices with support for Android’s Hub Mode feature. This includes select tablets like the Pixel Tablet but excludes book-style foldables like the Pixel Fold as well as all Pixel smartphones.



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    Gemini conversations may soon start with a simple Chrome shortcut

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    Google Chrome running on a Windows laptop stock photo (6)
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • Google is working on a new shortcut to start Gemini conversations directly in the Chrome address bar.
    • The feature is part of an experimental Chrome flag currently being tested in Chrome Canary.

    Google could be making it easier than ever to access its AI chatbot, Gemini, directly within the Chrome web browser. First spotted by Windows Report, a new Chat with Gemini shortcut may soon appear in the Chrome address bar, offering a streamlined way to start a conversation with Gemini without visiting the Gemini website.

    Google Chrome Gemini shortcut Windows Report



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    T-Mobile employees report being lured into helping scammers steal user’s phone lines

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    T Mobile logo on smartphone (3)
    Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
    • Current and former T-Mobile employees are receiving text messages offering them $300 for every SIM swap they perform.
    • SIM swapping allows a bad actor to gain access to a phone line, which they can use to obtain two-factor authentication codes sent to the victim.
    • It appears the criminals were able to contact these employees with the help of a leaked employee directory.

    From new fees to a default “on” profiling toggle, the news surrounding T-Mobile lately hasn’t exactly been great. Adding fuel to the fire, there’s now a new report that current and former employees are being offered money to perform SIM swaps on user’s phone lines.

    If you’re not familiar with the act of SIM swapping, it’s a technique bad actors use to gain access to someone’s phone line. This is done by switching the SIM card registered for the line to one owned by the bad actor. With control over the phone line, that bad actor can intercept verification codes sent to the victim to gain access to accounts protected by two-factor authentication (2FA).



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    Android 15 could add a new way to wirelessly charge your devices

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    • Google is working to add support for NFC Wireless Charging into Android 15.
    • Many smaller devices don’t support Qi wireless charging because they don’t have enough space to fit a charging receiver coil.
    • NFC Wireless Charging requires much less integration space, so it’s better suited for smaller devices.

    When it comes to wireless charging, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Qi standard. Qi wireless charging has been around for a while, and it’s found in many of the smart devices we use daily. However, there are many smaller electronic devices where Qi wireless charging is either uncommon or nonexistent. This is because smaller devices might not have enough internal space to fit a coil big enough to adequately receive power. That’s why the industry association behind Near-Field Communication (NFC), the technology that powers contactless payments, created the NFC Wireless Charging (WLC) specification.

    Announced back in May of 2020, NFC Wireless Charging works with significantly smaller antennas than Qi wireless charging. NFC Wireless Charging antennas can be smaller than 1cm in size and packaged in a flexible, bendable PCB so they can be squeezed into incredibly tiny smart devices like earbuds, styluses, smartwatches, and tracker tags. Plus, the same antenna can be used for traditional NFC data transfers, saving even more space. Many smaller, low-power devices (like tracker tags, for example) already include an NFC chip for basic data transfers, so swapping that for a single antenna that manages both communications and charging would make a lot of sense.



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    Sony Xperia 1 VI rumors: Expected release date and what we know so far

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    Sony Xperia 1 vi leak renders 2

    It’s been almost a year since the Sony Xperia 1 V landed on store shelves, and as such, we’re thinking about Sony’s next flagship smartphone. While the current flagship is an excellent Android smartphone, it’s arguably a little stale. So, what could we expect from the Xperia 1 VI? Here’s everything we know so far about Sony’s future flagship.

    Will there be a Sony Xperia 1 VI?

    Sony Xperia 5 V vs Xperia 1 V cameras

    Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

    Sony has been fairly consistent with its Xperia launch window and there’s no reason to think it will stop at the Xperia 1 V. Based on Sony’s launch history, we’re likely waiting until late Spring or Summer 2024 before we see official details on the Xperia 1 VI’s release date.

    Of course, the phone is all very unofficial at this stage, and Sony could change its usual flagship roadmap. Sony has barely tweaked its line-up much in recent years, so things could continue on a very predictable path, or we could see a more significant shakeup to reinvigorate the series. We’ll have to wait and see.

    What is the most likely Sony Xperia 1 VI release date?

    Sony Xperia 1 IV fingerprint scanner

    Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
    • Sony Xperia 1 III — July 1, 2021
    • Sony Xperia 1 IV — June 1, 2022
    • Sony Xperia 1 V — May 11, 2023

    Sony has yet to officially acknowledge the existence of an Xperia 1 VI, so it should come as no surprise that we still don’t have an official launch date. What’s worse is there haven’t even been any leaks or rumors about a potential release window. As such, we’ll just have to guesstimate based on the information we have at our disposal.

    In the last three years, Sony has announced an Xperia 1 in May, June, and July. The trend shows that Sony prefers to launch its flagship sometime during the summer. We expect the tech giant will do the same for the VI this year, but we’ll have to wait until more information is available to be sure.

    Sony Xperia 1 VI rumored specs and features

     

    Although details remain scarce, the rumor mill has picked up a little steam as of late. We’re starting to hear whispers about specs, features, and even the dimensions. We’ll break down everything we know so far right here.

    Design

    Sony’s monolithic black slab makes the range readily identifiable against the competition, but it’s pretty tricky to tell any of its phones from the past five years apart. That’s not good if you want your latest phone to appear fresh and exciting. However, Sony did tweak the formula a bit with a new rugged back for the Xperia 1 V, but that hardly shakes things up meaningfully. So far, there’s nothing to suggest that Sony will get any more adventurous than that with the overall look.

    It’s possible there could be at least one notable change to the design, which may end up being controversial for some. Leaker Zackbucks on Weibo claimed that the Xperia 1 VI’s dimensions will be 162 x 74.4 x 8.45mm. This would make the VI shorter and wider than its predecessor, which measures 165 x 71 x 8.3mm. The tipster went further to add that Sony will drop the 21:9 screen ratio in favor of a 19.5:9 ratio, making the display 149.6mm x 69.4mm (~6.5 inches diagonal).

    Another rumor, courtesy of tipster OnLeaks (via Android Headlines), supports the idea that the phone will be shorter and wider. According to this rumor, the device will have a 6.5-inch display and measure 161.9 x 74.5 x 8.4mm.

    Fortunately, this rumor from OnLeaks also came with a few renders, which you can see above. If these renders are correct, it looks like we’re in store for the same old monolithic black slab from prior generations. It also seems that the handset will sport its usual three-camera setup.

     

    A third-party Chinese phone case maker put up a listing for a Sony Xperia 1 VI case on March 29, 2024. At the time of writing, the listing is still up and viewable. While the images could give us another look at the handset, it’s possible these images aren’t actual renders and are just artist interpretations.

    Specs

    A leaker who goes by @INSIDERSONY on X (formerly Twitter) shared a tip on what could be the smartphone’s camera specs. According to the tipster, all three rear cameras will be Exmor T 48MP lenses.

    Sony Xperia 1 VI leak

    Credit: @INSIDERSONY

    The main shooter is said to be 1/1.4 inches with a 1.12 μm pixel size and an aperture of f/1.4. This sensor reportedly also has full-pixel dual-PD autofocus and can deliver 2x optical zoom. While the ultrawide comes in at 1/2.7 inches with a 0.6μm pixel size. The leak says it features Sony’s 2×2 on-chip lens tech, which allows the camera to focus quickly and accurately. Finally, the third camera is said to be a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 6x sensor crop zoom.

    Another rumor, this time from a Japanese publication called Smartphone Digest, suggests the Xperia 1 VI will have a feature that adds a digital signature to altered images. It’s unknown how this feature will work, but Sony did put out a press release about a similar-sounding in-camera digital signature chip. This signature also allows people to see where the image has been tampered with. It’s likely this could be something used for AI-edited photos.

    What might the Sony Xperia 1 VI price be?

    • Sony Xperia 1 III — $1,299
    • Sony Xperia 1 IV — $1,599
    • Sony Xperia 1 V — $1,399

    Sony is not afraid to charge a pretty penny for any of its Xperia phones, especially for the Xperia 1. Over these last few years, the Xperia 1 has launched at a price higher than even Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra phones. There’s no official price tag for the upcoming flagship, but we can make a reasonable guess.

    We don’t see Sony charging under $1,000, and it’s unlikely it would charge more than $1,600. Rumors claim the 4K display is going away in favor of a 2K display, which suggests that Sony could be aiming to make the price a little more competitive this time around. Given that last year’s entry sold for $1,400, we could see the price falling somewhere under that.

    Should you wait for the Sony Xperia 1 VI?

    Sony Xperia 5 V vs Apple iPhone 14

    Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

    There are plenty of devices worth buying ahead of the Xperia 1 VI’s debut. With the Xperia 1 V ( ) still around and no real concrete information on what to expect from the 1 VI, Sony fans can’t go wrong picking up the current model. If budget is a concern, Sony’s more affordable Xperia 5 V ( ) is available for European customers, but we’re still waiting on a US release.

    Of course, if you need a phone now, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra  and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max ( ) are well worth a look at a slightly lower price point. They’re not embued with all the multimedia features you’ll find in Sony’s powerhouse, but they’re not far off and come with much longer update promises.



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