Call of Duty Warzone Mobile launched, but will it run on your potato phone?

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• Call of Duty Warzone Mobile is now available on smartphones and tablets.
• The game weighs in at 1.5GB, with an additional 5GB download upon booting up.
• You’ll need an Android phone with at least 4GB of RAM and a relatively old GPU to play it.

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Call of Duty Warzone Mobile has been available as a limited release for a while now, but Activision has finally decided to fully launch the mobile game on smartphones and tablets.

The company launched Call of Duty Warzone Mobile on Android and iOS today, and the game brings an initial download size of ~1.5GB on Android. Nevertheless, you’ll be required to download an additional 5GB worth of assets before you can start playing.

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Google’s AI correctly predicts floods up to seven days early

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Google has been using AI to improve global-scale flood forecasting.
• By training machine learning models, the tech giant was able to accurately predict some floods up to seven days in advance.
• Google has used its technology to provide accurate flood forecasting in 80 countries.

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You may have heard plenty about Google’s various generative AI products like Circle to Search, its AI wallpaper tool, Search Generative Experience (SGE), and more. But you may not have heard nearly as much about the other ways it is using AI, such as predicting floods. Recently, Google was able to accurately predict flooding up to seven days in advance thanks to machine learning (ML).

Today, Google announced it was able to significantly improve global-scale flood forecasting with the help of machine-learning technologies. According to the firm, it was able to improve the reliability of “global nowcasts, on average, from zero to five days.” In some cases, it was even able to predict floods a full week out before they happened.

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Epic Games Store prepares for Android launch with a teaser

Credit: Epic Games Store

• Epic has announced it will launch the Epic Games Store on Android and iOS.
• It’s unknown when the launch will happen.
• Epic’s revenue split could undercut the Google Play Store’s revenue split.

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Thanks to Epic’s various disputes with Apple, we know full and well that the game publisher intends to launch a store on iOS. But iOS won’t be the only place you’ll find the Epic Games Store. Epic’s marketplace will also bring Fortnite and other games to Android in the near future.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Epic Games Store’s account teased a launch on both iOS and Android. Unfortunately, the post doesn’t elaborate on when the store will arrive on these platforms.

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Galaxy S25 series could feature the fastest storage on a smartphone yet

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Samsung’s upcoming UFS 4.0 4-lane technology will be released in 2025, promising data transfer speeds up to 8GB/s.
• The timeline aligns with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series, which could debut with this new storage standard.
• Faster storage translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and enhanced on-device AI capabilities.

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Samsung Semiconductor recently unveiled a roadmap detailing its plans for the next generation of Universal Flash Storage (UFS) solutions, which could also be our first hint at what the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series might bring.

Every year, our smartphones leap forward in power, and processors are usually hailed as the heroes behind this progress. But there’s another crucial component that often goes unnoticed: storage speed. Just like a wider highway with a higher speed limit allows for faster traffic flow, faster storage lets your phone handle data transfers, downloads, and anything else that relies on moving information around much more efficiently.

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Google might let Apple use Gemini, but Apple still has its own LLM coming

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• Apple recently published a research paper on a large language model it has been working on.
• The company calls its AI architecture MM1.
• MM1 could be used to build generative AI tools that would run on-device.

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When it comes to AI, we’ve seen plenty of products — like ChatGPT and Gemini — from major players in the tech space including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. While those companies have been churning out generative AI solutions left and right, Apple has been fairly quiet on this front. But if you thought Apple may be asleep at the wheel, a recently published research paper suggests otherwise.

Apple quietly submitted a research paper last week related to its work on a multimodal large language model (MLLM) called MM1. Apple doesn’t explain what the meaning behind the name is, but it’s possible it could stand for MultiModal 1.

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Google Pixel 8a rumors: Expected release date and what we know so far

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Update, March 19, 2024 (06:15 PM ET): We’ve updated our Google Pixel 8a hub with leaked information regarding multiple specs as well as an FCC listing.

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The first time Google launched an A series phone was in 2019 with the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. At the time, those were some of the best Android phones you could get for the price. Since then, Google’s released a new A series Pixel every year. As such, we expect to see a Google Pixel 8a in 2024.

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Google Play Store widely rolls out new ‘App highlights’ feature

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is now officially rolling out its “App highlights” feature for the Play Store.
• App highlights uses AI to generate brief summaries that highlight the key aspects of an app.

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It was only about a month ago when it was discovered that Google was testing an AI feature in the Play Store called “App highlights.” Now it appears the feature is rolling out officially.

First spotted by Android Police, the latest Google System Release Notes mentions that users can “Watch the highlights of apps/games in places on Google Play Store.” Despite using the word “Watch,” this passage is likely referring to the text-based App highlights feature Google was found testing in a server-side rollout last month.

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YouTube tells creators to label videos that have AI-generated content

Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• YouTube has introduced a new guideline requiring content creators to label realistic content created with AI.
• The label will either appear on the video player or the expanded description, depending on the sensitivity of the topic.
• The requirement does not apply to content that is unrealistic, animated, includes special effects, or has used generative AI for production assistance.

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With the widespread use of AI, it has become increasingly difficult to tell the difference between real and technically manipulated content. To fight potential disinformation, YouTube is implementing a new policy requiring content creators to label altered or synthetic content.  

YouTube announced it is now requiring creators to disclose whether realistic-looking video content was made with AI tools. Under the new guidelines, content that uses the likeness of real people, altered footage of events and places, or generated realistic scenes should be accompanied by an ‘altered or synthetic content’ label to avoid misleading users.

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Garmin Forerunner 165 review: Should you buy it?

Should you buy the Garmin Forerunner 165?

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Google Wallet may soon support Apple Wallet passes

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• An update to the Google Wallet app appears to have added support for .pkpass files.
• Having .pkpass support would allow Google Wallet users to import passes from Apple Wallet.

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Google Wallet is a great app for storing cards and passes. However, Google’s app is not quite as ubiquitous as Apple Wallet and thus does not have the same level of support. But Google could soon close the gap by supporting a new file format.

On X (formerly Twitter), Mishaal Rahman shared that a Telegram user informed him that they were able to import .pkpass files to Google Wallet. If you’re unfamiliar with this file format, it’s the same one that Apple Wallet uses for saved passes. Meaning, this update allows Apple Wallet passes to be used on Google Wallet.

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Surprise: Apple eyeing Google Gemini for iPhone’s new AI features

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Apple is said to be in talks to adopt Google’s Gemini AI into the next version of iOS for iPhones, primarily for cloud-centric generative AI features like creating images and writing essays.
• The company could bank on its own homegrown AI models for OS-level AI tasks within iOS 18 and partner with a company like Google or Open AI for the cloud-centric features.
• The deal with Google is still in the works, so there is room for competitors and even multiple partners.

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We’re pretty deep into AI wars, with every company aiming to somehow use AI features in their products. We’ve seen the likes of the Google Pixel 8 series and the Galaxy S24 series successfully incorporate generative AI features in meaningful ways, giving them the edge in features. The iPhone is surprisingly missing from this race so far, but Apple has been rumored to be working on generative AI features for iOS 18. As it turns out, Apple could end up banking on Google’s Gemini for the AI smarts on the next iPhone.

As per a report from Bloomberg, Apple is in talks to incorporate Google’s Gemini AI engine into the iPhone. The two companies are said to be in active negotiations to let Apple license Gemini to power some of the generative AI features coming to iOS 18.

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Google is already faltering at its seven year update promise

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Seven years of updates, as seen on the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 series, should be a stand-out selling point for the latest and greatest smartphones. In theory, it is; the old days of losing the latest Android features just two years after purchase were shameful, and up-to-date security is more important than ever now that we store virtually everything on our phones. However, Google may have bitten off more than it can chew with such long support pledges, especially when tied with the promise of regular Feature Drops.

I’m sure you’ve read that Google’s Pixel 8 is at the center of recent controversy after confirming that Gemini Nano, Google’s compact model to power on-device AI, won’t be coming to the base model after making its way to the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro. That means no AI summaries or smart keyboard replies without the cloud. The reason: unspecified hardware limitations. That’s a double blow, given that Video Boost and other AI doodads were already reserved for the Pro.

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A square Galaxy Watch 7 sounds like a great idea, hear me out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yBm3FOuZvM

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

A curious report from Sammobile this week claimed that the Galaxy Watch could go back to its square roots. It’s still a rumor for now, and we’re not sure if this will be the case for the Galaxy Watch 7 or if we have to wait more than a year to see it, but it got me hyped up! Samsung “copying” the Apple Watch design is a very good idea, and I put “copying” between quotes because we all know Apple didn’t invent that shape for smartwatches.

Square vs round across time

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What does the star mean on Apple Music?

If you are a subscriber to Apple Music, then you may have noticed something during browsing for music to play. Some tracks have a single star next to them. If you mouse over it, that star changes to a heart icon in case you want to “love” the track. But what does the star mean on Apple Music, and why is it there?

QUICK ANSWER

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Big or little Zenfones, more people should have their hands on them

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Robert Triggs

While last year’s swirling rumors that ASUS’ Zenfone line was at an end turned out to be wrong, those looking critically at the new Zenfone 11 Ultra might still feel that the reports were true in spirit. The gargantuan new model certainly doesn’t look much like the almost uniquely compact Zenfone 10. Instead, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the late 2023 gaming-focused ROG Phone 8 Pro, both inside and out.

At face value, then, we’ve seen a lot of the Zenfone 11 Ultra before, and it’s hard to ignore voices that question: “Is this really a Zenfone?” This isn’t the very affordable, little but mighty flagship that’s earned a small cult following. I certainly miss the pocketability, grippy back, and smart use of the form factor, such as the fingerprint swipe gestures, that made last year’s Zenfone 10 one of the most compelling little phones on the market.

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Best new streaming shows this week: Girls5eva, Mant Hunt, and more

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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These are the best new streaming movies this week: Frida, Drive-Away Dolls, Irish Wish

There is a lot to watch on the various streaming services available in 2024 — sometimes, it almost feels like too much. To simplify things for you, we’ve compiled some of the best new streaming movies to watch that are new this week.

Check out our top picks from major streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and will sometimes even bring you an exciting new VOD movie or two. In addition to the latest movies from this week, we also give you other recommendations for shows that have arrived on a new streaming platform in the last 30 days. 

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Instagram could soon let you backdate posts

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• A tipster on X has indicated that you may soon be able to backdate your Instagram posts.
• The feature appears when you try to share a new post.

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Instagram, one of the best apps on Android, could add a significant new feature in the near future. A recently shared screenshot suggests that you may soon be able to backdate your posts.

Reliable leaker Alessandro Paluzzi shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) of a new feature Instagram appears to be working on. In the screenshot, there seems to be a “Post to the past” option among the list of sharing choices. While the self-described leaker doesn’t indicate how this information has been obtained, he is known for providing reliable tips when it comes to developments on Instagram.

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FCC turbocharges broadband: Speed requirements quadrupled!

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The FCC has changed the definition of broadband and increased speed requirements four-fold.
• For an internet connection to be deemed broadband, it must now offer 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds.
• The previous benchmark for broadband was 25Mbps download and 2Mbps upload.

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has increased broadband speed benchmarks for the first time in almost 10 years. For an internet service to be deemed “broadband,” the commission now requires it to provide at least 100Mbps download speeds and 20Mbps upload speeds.

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Google I/O 2024 confirmed for May 14th: Here’s what to expect

• Google I/O 2024 is happening on Tuesday, May 14th.
• We can expect the Pixel 8a launch, updates on Android 15, and a deep dive into Google’s AI advancements.

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Google has officially announced that its annual developer conference, Google I/O, will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024. Google confirmed the date after enough community members completed its “Break the Loop” puzzle.

The I/O event date traditionally marks the day of the keynote address, which Google uses to unveil new hardware and software features for existing Google products. This year’s I/O should be no different, kicking off with a keynote address by CEO Sundar Pichai at the Shoreline Amphitheater. The event should then transition to developer-focused talks and technical sessions available online.

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