Ready to update your Galaxy S25? Its first firmware update is now available

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• The first firmware update for the Galaxy S25 series is now available.
• The update is available for US and European variants.
• It includes December’s security patch.

---

Now that the Galaxy S25 series has launched and orders are in, all that’s left to do is wait for shipments to arrive. However, some lucky people have already gotten their hands on Samsung’s latest line of Galaxy S devices. If this includes you, then you can already start downloading the family’s first firmware update.

According to SamMobile, the first update for the Galaxy S25 family is currently available for download. This is only for the US and European variants, however. Devices in the US come with firmware S93xUSQU1AYA1, while Europe should get S93xBXXU1AYA1.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• The first firmware update for the Galaxy S25 series is now available.
• The update is available for US and European variants.
• It includes December’s security patch.

---

Now that the Galaxy S25 series has launched and orders are in, all that’s left to do is wait for shipments to arrive. However, some lucky people have already gotten their hands on Samsung’s latest line of Galaxy S devices. If this includes you, then you can already start downloading the family’s first firmware update.

According to SamMobile, the first update for the Galaxy S25 family is currently available for download. This is only for the US and European variants, however. Devices in the US come with firmware S93xUSQU1AYA1, while Europe should get S93xBXXU1AYA1.

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Retroid Pocket Flip 2 rumor claims the clamshell handheld is coming

Credit: Amazon

• Retroid is rumored to be developing a sequel to the Pocket Flip.
• The original handheld gaming system was quietly discontinued.
• There are currently no details on the specs or design.

---

In a sea of handheld gaming systems, you may or may not remember the Retroid Pocket Flip. It was a solid retro portable clamshell console that launched on March 22, 2023, and later was quietly discontinued in 2024. If you’re a fan who has been wondering if a Flip 2 will ever be made, you may be excited about this latest rumor.

The host of the YouTube channel Joey’s Retro Handhelds has published a new video about the Miyoo Flip. This particular video is mostly a rant against the Miyoo Flip, but in the last minute and a half of the video, the YouTuber plainly states that a Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is coming. No details about the device were given, so it’s unknown what the specs could be or what it could look like.

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Credit: Amazon

• Retroid is rumored to be developing a sequel to the Pocket Flip.
• The original handheld gaming system was quietly discontinued.
• There are currently no details on the specs or design.

---

In a sea of handheld gaming systems, you may or may not remember the Retroid Pocket Flip. It was a solid retro portable clamshell console that launched on March 22, 2023, and later was quietly discontinued in 2024. If you’re a fan who has been wondering if a Flip 2 will ever be made, you may be excited about this latest rumor.

The host of the YouTube channel Joey’s Retro Handhelds has published a new video about the Miyoo Flip. This particular video is mostly a rant against the Miyoo Flip, but in the last minute and a half of the video, the YouTuber plainly states that a Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is coming. No details about the device were given, so it’s unknown what the specs could be or what it could look like.

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Watch the Galaxy S25 Ultra get put through the wringer in this durability test

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• A new video puts the Galaxy S25 Ultra through a durability test.
• The S25 Ultra’s display seems to have the same level of scratch resistance as its predecessor.
• The phone survived the bend test with little to no bending at all.

---

It’s only been a little over a week since the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Although the official release date is February 7, you can already pick one up at some local AT&T stores. If you’re thinking of getting Samsung’s new flagship, waiting for your order to ship, or you already have one, you’re probably wondering about its durability. Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore, it has now been put through the wringer in a durability test.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest smartphone to cross the desk of YouTuber JerryRigEverything. Well-known for his infamous durability tests, the YouTuber put the screws to the new premium handset.

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• A new video puts the Galaxy S25 Ultra through a durability test.
• The S25 Ultra’s display seems to have the same level of scratch resistance as its predecessor.
• The phone survived the bend test with little to no bending at all.

---

It’s only been a little over a week since the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Although the official release date is February 7, you can already pick one up at some local AT&T stores. If you’re thinking of getting Samsung’s new flagship, waiting for your order to ship, or you already have one, you’re probably wondering about its durability. Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore, it has now been put through the wringer in a durability test.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest smartphone to cross the desk of YouTuber JerryRigEverything. Well-known for his infamous durability tests, the YouTuber put the screws to the new premium handset.

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Want to turn off AI Overviews? Just start swearing at Google

• Google introduced AI Overviews last year to summarize Search results.
• Their reception has proved controversial at best, with users often looking for ways to disable them.
• Including profanity in your Search query appears to work quite well at immediately turning AI Overviews off.

---

“Enough with this @!#?@! AI nonsense, already!” With as ubiquitous as artificial intelligence-powered systems have become over the past couple years, and considering how their performance sometimes leaves us a little wanting, it should be no surprise that plenty of people are interested in disabling AI where possible. After Google brought AI Overviews to Search last year, we learned about some tricks for turning AI Overviews off, such as by appending some special characters to the URL in your browser. Now we’re hearing about one that’s damn easy to use, and a lot more damn convenient than fiddling around with your damn address bar: cursing.

The approach could not be simpler: Just drop an f-bomb (or your expletive of choice) or two into your Google Search query, and AI Overviews seem to just vanish. It’s unclear who first spotted this behavior, but Ars Technica reports that it’s been making the rounds on social media this past week.

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• Google introduced AI Overviews last year to summarize Search results.
• Their reception has proved controversial at best, with users often looking for ways to disable them.
• Including profanity in your Search query appears to work quite well at immediately turning AI Overviews off.

---

“Enough with this @!#?@! AI nonsense, already!” With as ubiquitous as artificial intelligence-powered systems have become over the past couple years, and considering how their performance sometimes leaves us a little wanting, it should be no surprise that plenty of people are interested in disabling AI where possible. After Google brought AI Overviews to Search last year, we learned about some tricks for turning AI Overviews off, such as by appending some special characters to the URL in your browser. Now we’re hearing about one that’s damn easy to use, and a lot more damn convenient than fiddling around with your damn address bar: cursing.

The approach could not be simpler: Just drop an f-bomb (or your expletive of choice) or two into your Google Search query, and AI Overviews seem to just vanish. It’s unclear who first spotted this behavior, but Ars Technica reports that it’s been making the rounds on social media this past week.

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WhatsApp is giving your chats a built-in planner to keep you from forgetting plans

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The latest WhatsApp beta update is adding a new feature to create and share events in private chats.
• Previously, the feature was only available in group and community chats for coordinating larger gatherings.
• The feature allows users to schedule meetups and plan calls directly within one-on-one conversations.

---

WhatsApp is rolling out a handy new feature that makes scheduling plans with friends, colleagues, and even your dentist a whole lot easier. The latest beta update (version 2.25.3.6) introduces the ability to create and share events in individual chats — a feature that was previously limited to group conversations.

First spotted by WaBetaInfo, this update is now available to select beta testers and is expected to roll out to more users in the coming weeks.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The latest WhatsApp beta update is adding a new feature to create and share events in private chats.
• Previously, the feature was only available in group and community chats for coordinating larger gatherings.
• The feature allows users to schedule meetups and plan calls directly within one-on-one conversations.

---

WhatsApp is rolling out a handy new feature that makes scheduling plans with friends, colleagues, and even your dentist a whole lot easier. The latest beta update (version 2.25.3.6) introduces the ability to create and share events in individual chats — a feature that was previously limited to group conversations.

First spotted by WaBetaInfo, this update is now available to select beta testers and is expected to roll out to more users in the coming weeks.

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Google taps into retro arcade nostalgia with this in-browser Breakout clone

• Search Google for “block breaker” to get started playing the latest in-browser game
• Beyond just breaking blocks, you can grab functional upgrades and extra balls.
• Block Breaker joins past in-browser Google games like Pac-Man, Minesweeper, and more.

---

Google has come a long way from its days as just a search engine, and while the company has since brought us dozens upon dozens of additional products and services, Google Search has picked up some new tricks of its own, too. Over the years we’ve seen Google add functionality like a calculator, currency and unit conversion tools, and even a few games. Today we’re checking out the latest addition to that library, as Google introduces a blast from our gaming past.

If you search for Google for “block breaker,” you’ll now be presented with the latest interactive game to find a home in Search. Tap that Play button to get started, and you’ll be presented with a surprisingly fleshed-out Breakout clone (via Android Police).

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• Search Google for “block breaker” to get started playing the latest in-browser game
• Beyond just breaking blocks, you can grab functional upgrades and extra balls.
• Block Breaker joins past in-browser Google games like Pac-Man, Minesweeper, and more.

---

Google has come a long way from its days as just a search engine, and while the company has since brought us dozens upon dozens of additional products and services, Google Search has picked up some new tricks of its own, too. Over the years we’ve seen Google add functionality like a calculator, currency and unit conversion tools, and even a few games. Today we’re checking out the latest addition to that library, as Google introduces a blast from our gaming past.

If you search for Google for “block breaker,” you’ll now be presented with the latest interactive game to find a home in Search. Tap that Play button to get started, and you’ll be presented with a surprisingly fleshed-out Breakout clone (via Android Police).

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Google’s latest experiment calls local businesses to check prices and availability for you

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google has announced Ask for Me, a new experiment in Search Labs that lets its AI handle phone calls to local businesses.
• The feature allows users to request service pricing and availability for things like oil changes or nail appointments without making the calls themselves.
• Currently available in the US for select services, the experiment has limited capacity, and businesses can opt out of receiving AI calls.

---

Google is rolling out a new AI-powered experimental feature called “Ask for Me” through its Search Labs platform. The feature aims to automate phone inquiries to local businesses for price and availability checks, saving users the hassle of dialing themselves.

The tool allows Google’s AI to call businesses on behalf of users, gathering information on service pricing and availability. It will be available in the US for English-language queries like “oil change near me” or “nail salons nearby” on Google Search for desktop or mobile. After entering service details, the AI makes calls and then provides a summary of its findings.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google has announced Ask for Me, a new experiment in Search Labs that lets its AI handle phone calls to local businesses.
• The feature allows users to request service pricing and availability for things like oil changes or nail appointments without making the calls themselves.
• Currently available in the US for select services, the experiment has limited capacity, and businesses can opt out of receiving AI calls.

---

Google is rolling out a new AI-powered experimental feature called “Ask for Me” through its Search Labs platform. The feature aims to automate phone inquiries to local businesses for price and availability checks, saving users the hassle of dialing themselves.

The tool allows Google’s AI to call businesses on behalf of users, gathering information on service pricing and availability. It will be available in the US for English-language queries like “oil change near me” or “nail salons nearby” on Google Search for desktop or mobile. After entering service details, the AI makes calls and then provides a summary of its findings.

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Google Contacts ‘Besties’ label hints at new relationship options (Update: New name)

• “Besties” in Contacts may soon give you a new way to identify your closest friends.
• While we find multiple references throughout the app, right now nothing’s functional.
• Subsequent strings point to this feature actually being called Pixel Besties.

---

Update, January 29, 2024 (2:17 PM ET): We previously reported on the so-called Besties or Pixel Besties feature in the Contacts app. We have now found evidence that Google may have changed the name Pixel Besties to simply VIPs. You can see the new name in the screenshots below.

---

Original article, August 1, 2024 (12:15 PM ET): Relationships are much more than about who you know. The surface-level details — things like name, phone number, and where they live — don’t matter nearly as much as how this person has come to be in your life. Is this a work colleague? A relative? As we expect our smartphones and the apps that run on them to automate more and more tasks, the details of these relationships can really start to matter — an email being drafted to an academic advisor should probably care more about grammar and formality than one going out to your bestie. How’s a phone supposed to tell all these people apart?

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• “Besties” in Contacts may soon give you a new way to identify your closest friends.
• While we find multiple references throughout the app, right now nothing’s functional.
• Subsequent strings point to this feature actually being called Pixel Besties.

---

Update, January 29, 2024 (2:17 PM ET): We previously reported on the so-called Besties or Pixel Besties feature in the Contacts app. We have now found evidence that Google may have changed the name Pixel Besties to simply VIPs. You can see the new name in the screenshots below.

---

Original article, August 1, 2024 (12:15 PM ET): Relationships are much more than about who you know. The surface-level details — things like name, phone number, and where they live — don’t matter nearly as much as how this person has come to be in your life. Is this a work colleague? A relative? As we expect our smartphones and the apps that run on them to automate more and more tasks, the details of these relationships can really start to matter — an email being drafted to an academic advisor should probably care more about grammar and formality than one going out to your bestie. How’s a phone supposed to tell all these people apart?

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Google’s ‘ultimate goal’ is for Android games to work seamlessly across mobile, XR, and TV

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Sam Bright, the lead at Google Play, said that the team’s “ultimate goal” is to have Android apps and games work seamlessly across Android platforms.
• This would solve the issue of an app or game working well on mobile, for example, but not so great on Android XR or Android TV.
• Google has already taken many steps to help with this issue.

---

Late last year, Google unveiled its first brand-new operating system in 10 years: Android XR. Designed for mixed-reality headsets and glasses, Android XR will be available in new products sometime this year, headlined by the secretive “Project Moohan” headset, created in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.

We know for sure that Android XR will support the Google Play Store and thus the millions of apps and games you find there. The problem Google faces, though, is how to scale Android apps and games from two-dimensional mobile screens to the immersive three-dimensional world of Android XR.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Sam Bright, the lead at Google Play, said that the team’s “ultimate goal” is to have Android apps and games work seamlessly across Android platforms.
• This would solve the issue of an app or game working well on mobile, for example, but not so great on Android XR or Android TV.
• Google has already taken many steps to help with this issue.

---

Late last year, Google unveiled its first brand-new operating system in 10 years: Android XR. Designed for mixed-reality headsets and glasses, Android XR will be available in new products sometime this year, headlined by the secretive “Project Moohan” headset, created in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.

We know for sure that Android XR will support the Google Play Store and thus the millions of apps and games you find there. The problem Google faces, though, is how to scale Android apps and games from two-dimensional mobile screens to the immersive three-dimensional world of Android XR.

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Google celebrates the Year of the Snake with Lunar New Year Doodle

• Lunar New Year is nearly here, with January 29 ushering in the Year of the Snake.
• Google is ready to celebrate with an appropriately snake-ified Doodle.
• In addition to the main Lunar New Year Doodle, Google’s also got a special edition for South Korea.

---

With February creeping up on us quickly, the fireworks, toasts, and celebration of New Year’s already feel like a distant memory to many of us. But for a whole lot of other people, the party’s only just getting started, with Lunar New Year kicking off this week. Now Google’s ready to get these annual festivities going in style with its latest Doodle.

2025 is the Year of the Snake on the Chinese zodiac, and begins tomorrow, January 29. While Chinese New Year is probably the most familiar celebration, the practice has spread all across Asia, with other nations and ethnicities offering their own spin on Lunar New Year merrymaking — a practice that’s been going on for over 3,000 years. No matter where you’re celebrating, though, you can expect some excellent food, lots of people wishing you good luck, and fireworks galore.

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• Lunar New Year is nearly here, with January 29 ushering in the Year of the Snake.
• Google is ready to celebrate with an appropriately snake-ified Doodle.
• In addition to the main Lunar New Year Doodle, Google’s also got a special edition for South Korea.

---

With February creeping up on us quickly, the fireworks, toasts, and celebration of New Year’s already feel like a distant memory to many of us. But for a whole lot of other people, the party’s only just getting started, with Lunar New Year kicking off this week. Now Google’s ready to get these annual festivities going in style with its latest Doodle.

2025 is the Year of the Snake on the Chinese zodiac, and begins tomorrow, January 29. While Chinese New Year is probably the most familiar celebration, the practice has spread all across Asia, with other nations and ethnicities offering their own spin on Lunar New Year merrymaking — a practice that’s been going on for over 3,000 years. No matter where you’re celebrating, though, you can expect some excellent food, lots of people wishing you good luck, and fireworks galore.

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Deal: Apple AirTag 4-Pack falls back to $69.99

Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

If you missed the last all-time low price on the Apple AirTag 4-Pack, the deal is live again, so it is your time to get your trackers at a great price. The Apple AirTag 4-Pack is currently 29% off, slashing the price to just $69.99.

Get the Apple AirTag 4-Pack for just $69.99

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Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

If you missed the last all-time low price on the Apple AirTag 4-Pack, the deal is live again, so it is your time to get your trackers at a great price. The Apple AirTag 4-Pack is currently 29% off, slashing the price to just $69.99.

Get the Apple AirTag 4-Pack for just $69.99

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These carriers will offer you a free phone when you switch

Today’s best smartphones are not exactly cheap. Most flagships start at around the $800 mark for the base model, and many options exceed $1000 by a large margin, nearly reaching as high as $2k in some cases. But what if you don’t have much cash to spend on a phone? While opting for a budget phone, like the Pixel 8a, is one solution, those in the US have another option. It’s possible to get some of the hottest flagships either for free or at a significantly reduced rate through your carrier.

Let’s take a quick look at all the carriers that offer a free phone when you switch to their network, as well as a few deals that apply to existing customers as well.

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Today’s best smartphones are not exactly cheap. Most flagships start at around the $800 mark for the base model, and many options exceed $1000 by a large margin, nearly reaching as high as $2k in some cases. But what if you don’t have much cash to spend on a phone? While opting for a budget phone, like the Pixel 8a, is one solution, those in the US have another option. It’s possible to get some of the hottest flagships either for free or at a significantly reduced rate through your carrier.

Let’s take a quick look at all the carriers that offer a free phone when you switch to their network, as well as a few deals that apply to existing customers as well.

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Can you play Genshin Impact on the Steam Deck?

Genshin Impact remains one of the most popular mobile games in the world, but many gamers prefer playing on the PC client for better controls and visuals. The Steam Deck is the perfect device for this, since it’s also portable and has a built-in controller. However, Genshin Impact is not officially available on Steam, nor is it Deck-verified. So, can you play Genshin Impact on the Steam Deck? Here’s what you need to know.

QUICK ANSWER

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Genshin Impact remains one of the most popular mobile games in the world, but many gamers prefer playing on the PC client for better controls and visuals. The Steam Deck is the perfect device for this, since it’s also portable and has a built-in controller. However, Genshin Impact is not officially available on Steam, nor is it Deck-verified. So, can you play Genshin Impact on the Steam Deck? Here’s what you need to know.

QUICK ANSWER

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The first Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 camera specs have leaked

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• The Galaxy Z Flip 7 camera specs have leaked online, revealing the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 6.
• That means a 50MP primary camera and 12MP ultrawide lens, with no telephoto camera.
• The phone is also said to get a 10MP selfie camera instead of the 12MP shooter seen on the Galaxy S series.

---

Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S25 series, but the company is also expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 later this year. Now, a trusted outlet has revealed camera specs for the Flip phone.

GalaxyClub reports that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will offer a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide shooter. Unfurl the phone, and you’ll apparently find a 10MP selfie camera instead of the 12MP shooter seen on recent Galaxy S devices.

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• The Galaxy Z Flip 7 camera specs have leaked online, revealing the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 6.
• That means a 50MP primary camera and 12MP ultrawide lens, with no telephoto camera.
• The phone is also said to get a 10MP selfie camera instead of the 12MP shooter seen on the Galaxy S series.

---

Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S25 series, but the company is also expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 later this year. Now, a trusted outlet has revealed camera specs for the Flip phone.

GalaxyClub reports that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will offer a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide shooter. Unfurl the phone, and you’ll apparently find a 10MP selfie camera instead of the 12MP shooter seen on recent Galaxy S devices.

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YouTube’s explicit ads problem just ruined a Fortnite stream for a child

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Reports of sexually explicit ads appearing on YouTube have gone up significantly, with users getting increasingly concerned about the platform’s content moderation efforts.
• A new incident shared on Reddit involves a child mistaking an adult film actor in a pornographic ad for a popular game streamer while watching Fortnite videos on the YouTube.
• Although the platform has previously claimed that it diligently monitors and blocks inappropriate ads, growing evidence suggests more robust safeguards are needed urgently.

---

YouTube’s bad ads problem seems to be getting even more pervasive, with a clear failure in content moderation highlighted by a growing number of reports on platforms like Reddit. In the latest incident, a Redditor describes how their young nephew was exposed to an explicit ad while watching a Fortnite stream by the well-known YouTuber Loserfruit.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Reports of sexually explicit ads appearing on YouTube have gone up significantly, with users getting increasingly concerned about the platform’s content moderation efforts.
• A new incident shared on Reddit involves a child mistaking an adult film actor in a pornographic ad for a popular game streamer while watching Fortnite videos on the YouTube.
• Although the platform has previously claimed that it diligently monitors and blocks inappropriate ads, growing evidence suggests more robust safeguards are needed urgently.

---

YouTube’s bad ads problem seems to be getting even more pervasive, with a clear failure in content moderation highlighted by a growing number of reports on platforms like Reddit. In the latest incident, a Redditor describes how their young nephew was exposed to an explicit ad while watching a Fortnite stream by the well-known YouTuber Loserfruit.

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Now Samsung says there is a separate Bluetooth S Pen for S25 Ultra (wait, what?)

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• A Samsung blog has claimed that Galaxy S25 Ultra owners can get a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as a standalone purchase.
• This comes after Samsung ditched Bluetooth from the S25 Ultra’s included S Pen.
• However, Samsung’s websites don’t seem to list a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the new Ultra handset.

---

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t a complete upgrade across the board, as the Korean brand has downgraded the S Pen. The company has removed Bluetooth functionality from the included S Pen, claiming that the associated features like air gestures weren’t that popular with users.

Now, Samsung has claimed on its Business Insights blog (h/t: NotebookCheck) that Galaxy S25 Ultra owners can buy a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as a separate purchase. Check out the screenshot below.

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• A Samsung blog has claimed that Galaxy S25 Ultra owners can get a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as a standalone purchase.
• This comes after Samsung ditched Bluetooth from the S25 Ultra’s included S Pen.
• However, Samsung’s websites don’t seem to list a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the new Ultra handset.

---

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t a complete upgrade across the board, as the Korean brand has downgraded the S Pen. The company has removed Bluetooth functionality from the included S Pen, claiming that the associated features like air gestures weren’t that popular with users.

Now, Samsung has claimed on its Business Insights blog (h/t: NotebookCheck) that Galaxy S25 Ultra owners can buy a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen as a separate purchase. Check out the screenshot below.

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I’m sorry, I was wrong about Google Photos Memories

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

When Google Photos introduced Memories in 2019, my eyes rolled so far to the back of my head that I risked going permanently blind. At the time, every app was chasing TikTok and Instagram Stories, implementing those bite-sized swipeable short videos for dwindling attention spans, and I thought Google running after that trend was misguided and pointless. I have my photos and videos right there, in front of me, so why would I need reminders about them?

For several years, each time I set up my phone, I would go into Google Photos and disable all notifications coming from the app, including Memories. I didn’t want random reminders of things I’ve done and places I’ve been; I could consult them on my own terms. Or so I thought. During those years, whenever I opened the Photos app, I rarely, if ever, clicked on any Memory on top of my homescreen. To me, this was a waste of screen estate that could be used to display my most recent photos instead.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

When Google Photos introduced Memories in 2019, my eyes rolled so far to the back of my head that I risked going permanently blind. At the time, every app was chasing TikTok and Instagram Stories, implementing those bite-sized swipeable short videos for dwindling attention spans, and I thought Google running after that trend was misguided and pointless. I have my photos and videos right there, in front of me, so why would I need reminders about them?

For several years, each time I set up my phone, I would go into Google Photos and disable all notifications coming from the app, including Memories. I didn’t want random reminders of things I’ve done and places I’ve been; I could consult them on my own terms. Or so I thought. During those years, whenever I opened the Photos app, I rarely, if ever, clicked on any Memory on top of my homescreen. To me, this was a waste of screen estate that could be used to display my most recent photos instead.

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OnePlus Open 2 rumors: Release date, leaked features, and everything else we know so far

Update: January 26, 2025 (1:25 AM ET): We have updated our OnePlus Open 2 rumor hub with confirmed information regarding the phone’s chipset, wireless charging support, and IP rating.

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While Europe and parts of Asia have experienced a variety of excellent foldable phones, the US had limited options beyond Samsung for years. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, as we now have several compelling alternatives from Google, Motorola, and, more recently, OnePlus. As we note in our OnePlus Open review, it is an outstanding product and feels much more polished than one might typically expect from a first-generation device. It’s not a perfect device, though, and there’s plenty of room for improvements, which we could get with the upcoming OnePlus Open 2. But are we even getting a successor? Here are all the leaks, rumors and other details that we know about the OnePlus Open 2.

OnePlus Open 2: At a glance

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Update: January 26, 2025 (1:25 AM ET): We have updated our OnePlus Open 2 rumor hub with confirmed information regarding the phone’s chipset, wireless charging support, and IP rating.

---

While Europe and parts of Asia have experienced a variety of excellent foldable phones, the US had limited options beyond Samsung for years. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, as we now have several compelling alternatives from Google, Motorola, and, more recently, OnePlus. As we note in our OnePlus Open review, it is an outstanding product and feels much more polished than one might typically expect from a first-generation device. It’s not a perfect device, though, and there’s plenty of room for improvements, which we could get with the upcoming OnePlus Open 2. But are we even getting a successor? Here are all the leaks, rumors and other details that we know about the OnePlus Open 2.

OnePlus Open 2: At a glance

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Poll: Does Samsung’s design excite you?

Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S25 series, and you’d be forgiven for looking at these phones and thinking they were the Galaxy S24 series. Or even the S23 range. The company hasn’t made significant design changes to its flagship phones in a while.

You could argue that this applies to the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Z foldable range as well. Either way, we’re curious to find out whether Samsung’s designs still excite you. Let us know by voting in our poll below.

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Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S25 series, and you’d be forgiven for looking at these phones and thinking they were the Galaxy S24 series. Or even the S23 range. The company hasn’t made significant design changes to its flagship phones in a while.

You could argue that this applies to the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Z foldable range as well. Either way, we’re curious to find out whether Samsung’s designs still excite you. Let us know by voting in our poll below.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/6TS5spV
via IFTTT

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I finally found the perfect phone tripod, and it’s under $30

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

I’ve had the Ulanzi MA26 on my Amazon wishlist for over a year and almost forgot about it until Black Friday 2024 rolled around. As I was scrolling through my wishlist for significant price drops, I saw that the tripod’s price had fallen from a silly overpriced €45.99 in France to an all-time low of €25.99 (it had also dropped from $35.95 to $28.76 on Amazon US). It didn’t take a lot of thinking before I made my purchase, and I have zero regrets.

This is the best phone tripod I’ve ever seen or owned. It’s the most versatile, the most portable, and the most solidly built.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/7UyrOuX
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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

I’ve had the Ulanzi MA26 on my Amazon wishlist for over a year and almost forgot about it until Black Friday 2024 rolled around. As I was scrolling through my wishlist for significant price drops, I saw that the tripod’s price had fallen from a silly overpriced €45.99 in France to an all-time low of €25.99 (it had also dropped from $35.95 to $28.76 on Amazon US). It didn’t take a lot of thinking before I made my purchase, and I have zero regrets.

This is the best phone tripod I’ve ever seen or owned. It’s the most versatile, the most portable, and the most solidly built.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/7UyrOuX
via IFTTT

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