Don’t expect Tile to launch Find My Device network supported trackers

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• When Google announced the Find My Device network in 2023, it mentioned compatible trackers from Tile.
• It now appears Tile is not currently working on an item locator that’s compatible with Google’s network.
• A spokesperson for the company says it is focused on “integrating Tile’s technology into the Life360 map.”

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Yesterday, Google’s Find My Device network finally went live in the US and Canada, with a global rollout to be completed in the next few months. With the launch of the network, a variety of brands also announced their compatible trackers. However, a notable name was missing from the list — Tile. Although it was expected Tile would release an item locator that supports the network, it looks like that may not be the case.

Back when Google announced the Find My Device network in 2023, it mentioned Tile as one of the brands that would supply supported trackers. We contacted Tile after the Find My Device network launch to see if it was planning to announce a new compatible tracker.

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Google’s Magic Editor might soon be free for all, with a major catch (APK teardown)

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• Code hidden within the Google Photos app suggests the Magic Editor tools could soon become available to users without a Google One subscription.
• The change may include a “metered saves” system, which would allow a limited number of free edits per month.
• Magic Editor offers impressive capabilities like changing skies, seamlessly removing objects, and creative image manipulation.

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Google’s Magic Editor, the AI-powered suite of photo editing tools, could be taking a significant step towards broader availability. Launched initially as a Pixel phone exclusive, the Magic Editor feature found its way into the Google Photos app for Google One subscribers. Soon, though, it could be available to use without a Google One subscription.

In the latest Google Photos APK (v6.78.0.622306643), we’ve spotted code strings hinting at this potential change. Here are the specific strings that mention the feature:

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Fresh Pixel 8a leaks show off a matte-finish back and chunky bezels

• New images of the Pixel 8a have leaked, showcasing a rounded design and a matte finish on the back.
• The images also point to noticeable bottom bezels on the device.

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The Pixel 8a, a strong contender for a spot among 2024’s best mid-range smartphones, has leaked again ahead of its anticipated May launch.

TechDroider has shared seemingly real-life images of the Pixel 8a on X (formerly Twitter) — the source is unknown. The images reinforce previous leaks showcasing the Pixel 8a’s adoption of the rounded design language introduced with the Pixel 8 series. One standout change apparent in these new images is a matte finish on the back panel of the Pixel 8a, which could be a welcome departure from the glossy back panel of the Pixel 7a.

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Samsung turns it around, forecasts massive jump in profit for Q1 2024

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Samsung estimates it experienced a profit of $4.9 billion between January and March 2024.
• This comes after the company reported declining profits for four straight quarters.
• Sales have reportedly risen by more than 71%.

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Last year wasn’t exactly the strongest year for Samsung and its various products. In fact, around this time last year, the company saw about a 95% decline in year-over-year earnings. But it looks like the Android phone maker may have turned things around, according to profit estimates.

CNN reports that Samsung expects to see a big increase in its profits this quarter. The Korean firm reportedly estimates that its operating profit has increased to 6.6 trillion Korean won ($4.9 billion). For comparison, the phone maker reported a profit of 640 billion Korean won ($478.55 million) in Q1 2023.

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Samsung’s 2024 foldable could be sticking to 2022 cameras

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

• The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is reportedly using the same camera setup as the Z Fold 5.
• The Galaxy Z Fold 5 also featured a camera setup that was unchanged from the Z Fold 4.
• There have been rumors of two separate Z Fold devices coming this year.

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Samsung almost single-handedly pioneered the foldable smartphone market, but in recent years, the company has seemingly lost its innovative edge. First-generation foldables like the Google Pixel Fold and OnePlus Open have surpassed Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 in critical areas, including camera hardware.

Samsung’s dominance in the foldable smartphone market might be further tested this year, with fresh rumors suggesting that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 could retain the same camera configuration as its predecessor.

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OnePlus Watch 2 could soon get a new Nord-inspired color

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• References to a new OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue Edition have been found.
• This Nordic Blue Edition will likely exist alongside the current Black Steel and Radiant Steel colorways of the OnePlus Watch 2.

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The OnePlus Watch 2 is one of the better Wear OS smartwatches you can buy right now, with the potential to disrupt Samsung’s tight hold over the market with its Galaxy Watch 6 series. As we note in our OnePlus Watch 2 review, this watch offers a unique dual-architecture setup and excellent battery life as long as you can look past its large size. OnePlus continues to focus on the Watch 2, as it appears that the company is planning a new color for the watch.

OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue Edition

Trusted OnePlus enthusiast 1NormalUsername spotted references to a new OnePlus Watch 2 SKU with the alias “blue.”

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Google is pushing Gemini into another app on your Android phone

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The Google app for Android is all set to gain a Gemini toggle.
• The new feature will allow Android users to use Gemini without downloading its dedicated Android app that forcefully replaces the Google Assistant.

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Google launched a dedicated Assistant-replacing Gemini app on Android in February. However, it seems the search giant is not yet done “Gemini-fying” your Android phone. If you haven’t downloaded the Gemini app before, Google is planning to give the AI chatbot prime real estate inside the Google app.

According to tipster Assemble Debug‘s findings (via Piunikaweb), Android users will soon see a Gemini switch inside the Google app on their devices. This is similar to how Google offers Gemini on its iOS app. Toggling to Gemini within the Google app lets you start an interaction with the AI by typing, talking, or sharing an image. So essentially, you move away from the traditional Google Search and Discover interface to the Gemini interface.

The new option in the Google app for Android actually makes sense for users who want to try out Gemini but don’t want to lose Google Assistant functionality. Currently, if you download the Gemini app on your Android device, you have to opt-in to remove Google Assistant and use only Gemini as the primary AI guide on your phone. A toggle to use Gemini within the Google app will overcome this restriction.

There’s no word on when the feature will roll out to the Google app for Android, but thanks to the above video shared by the tipster, you can see how it would function.

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Want to photograph the eclipse with your phone? NASA has some tips for you

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• A total solar eclipse will pass over Canada, the US, and Mexico on April 8.
• NASA has released some tips on how to best take pictures of the event.

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If you haven’t heard by now, a total eclipse will be passing through North America on April 8. For those wanting to catch the event as it happens, NASA has provided a few tips on how to best capture the moment with your phone or camera.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or amateur, anyone is capable of taking great photos of an eclipse. As NASA points out in its blog post, you don’t even need a fancy DLSR camera to get the results you’re looking for.

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How to download and install Google Chrome on any device

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

According to Stat Counter, Google Chrome is the most popular internet browser, with a 63% global share. If you’re a part of the remaining 37% and want to give the Chrome browser a try, it’s easy to download and install Chrome on any device.

Read more: 20 Google Chrome tips and tricks for Android

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Google could bring radar-based fall detection to the Nest Hub

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

• Google has filed a patent for fall detection via smart home devices using a radar system.
• The feature would notify an emergency contact or emergency services in the event of a fall.
• This suggests that the radar-equipped second-generation Nest Hub could gain fall detection support.

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Fall detection is one of the most important features on smartwatches and trackers today, allowing elderly people and other users to get help in the event that they’ve fallen and can’t get back up. Now, it looks like Google could be thinking about bringing this feature to its Nest Hub line.

The company filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) titled ‘Privacy-preserving radar-based fall monitoring.” This patent describes the use of a stationary “smart home device” or “home assistant device” that uses radar waves to detect whether a nearby person has fallen.

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Don’t want to miss the eclipse? Google TV is giving users a way to watch for free!

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

• Google TV is giving users a way to experience the eclipse happening on April 8.
• On April 7-8, Google TV will show local and national coverage of the eclipse in the For You tab.
• Each channel will appear with a custom eclipse-themed title card.

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Certain parts of North America are going to be treated to a rare occurrence soon. An eclipse will be visible in Mexico, the US, and Canada on April 8, with the path of totality hitting a number of cities along the way. If you don’t want to miss out on the event, Google TV is giving users a way to experience the total eclipse from the comfort of their homes.

Starting on April 7 and lasting through April 8, Google says it will highlight a collection of content on Google TV to celebrate the eclipse. During this time, Google TV will show a selection of free, ad-supported (FAST) local and national channels covering the moment.

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OnePlus 13 could debut a dramatic new design with a quad-curved display

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• OnePlus and OPPO are reportedly using micro quad-curved panels for their upcoming flagships.
• The OnePlus 13 could be the first OnePlus phone to debut with this new design element.

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The OnePlus 12 marked a welcome return to form for the brand, but the upcoming OnePlus 13 could be poised to deliver an even bigger shake-up.

In a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter), reliable tipster Yogesh Brar suggested that OnePlus, alongside sister company OPPO, might be using a “micro quad-curved panel” for its upcoming flagships. This tweet was a response to a claim that OPPO’s next flagship, the Find X8 Ultra, will be using a Micro Quad-Curved display. Let’s break down what this information means.

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Disgraced iMessage-on-Android app can’t take the hint, is back for more

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Sunbird, the iMessage for Android app, is making a comeback.
• Invitations are rolling out in “small phases” starting today.
• The company claims it has replaced its old architecture with new architecture focused on privacy.

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Remember the whole Nothing Chats debacle from last year? It was an app built on top of Sunbird’s architecture, which had so many security flaws Nothing Chats and Sunbird’s own messaging app were taken down from the Google Play Store. Well, Sunbird is back, hoping users will forget the past and will give it a second chance.

Through a press release, Sunbird announced it plans to relaunch its beta iMessage for Android app. The company says it is sending out invitations to those on its waitlist in small phases starting today.

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Samsung enhances its built-in photo editing with a more precise object eraser

• Samsung’s Object Eraser tool gets an upgrade with the new Magnetic Lasso feature.
• This feature allows for a more precise selection of unwanted objects you want to remove from your photos.

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Samsung’s One UI 6.1 update introduced a suite of AI-powered photo editing tools under the Generative Edit banner. However, powerful editing capabilities existed even before this update, including the Object Eraser feature in Samsung’s native Photo Editor app.
Designed to remove unwanted elements from your photos seamlessly, Object Eraser is now even better with the addition of the Magnetic Lasso option (via SamMobile).

This new feature is included in the latest Samsung Photo Editor app update (v3.4.21.43) and offers improved precision for object removal. Previously, Object Eraser offered two somewhat limited methods for object selection and removal, namely tapping for automatic object detection or manual outlining.

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The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus just got its first $350 discount

Another day, another incredible Android tablet deal. We’re not obsessed with tablets, but these offers are impossible to ignore. Now is the turn of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, which is $350 off for the first time ever. While stocks last, you can pick up the 128GB model of the slate for just $549.99.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus for $549.99 ($350 off)

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Your Roku TV could soon show you ads every time you hit pause — even on other devices

Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority

• Roku has filed a patent that could allow it to inject ads into your viewing experience, even if you’re using a non-Roku streaming device.
• The patent describes sophisticated ways to detect when you’ve paused your content and analyze what you’re watching to show relevant ads.

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Roku could be looking to expand its advertising reach beyond its own platform. A recent patent filing discovered by Lowpass reveals the company’s exploration of ways to inject ads into video feeds from third-party devices connected to Roku TVs.

This means even if you’re playing a game on your Xbox or streaming from an Amazon Fire Stick, your Roku TV could automatically detect when you pause the movie or game and then display targeted advertisements on the screen.

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Google says two scammers duped it into hosting 87 fake crypto apps on the Play Store

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Google is suing two scammers it says have threatened the integrity of the Play Store.
• The two fraudsters are accused of uploading a total of 87 fake crypto apps to the marketplace.
• Over 100,000 people worldwide were affected by the scams.

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The Google Play Store implements a variety of measures to protect users from harmful apps. Despite this, it appears two app developers were still able to get a large number of their fake apps on the marketplace. Now Google is suing the developers for ruining the integrity of the Play Store.

Business Insider reports that Google has filed a civil lawsuit in New York federal court against two app developers. The firm accuses the two of being crypto scammers who tricked it into hosting fraudulent apps in its app store.

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Google Search may no longer be entirely free

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is reportedly exploring ways to offer AI-powered Search features for a fee, potentially within existing subscriptions.
• The traditional ad-supported Google Search would remain available for free.

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Google, the tech giant synonymous with online search, could be considering a radical change to its business model. According to a Financial Times report, the company is exploring ways to offer premium, AI-powered features within its core search product for a fee.

According to the report, sources familiar with Google’s plans suggest these advanced AI-powered search features could become part of Google’s existing subscription services like Gemini Advanced or Google One. Notably, the report indicates that even the premium tier of Google Search will continue to include ads, while the traditional version will remain free to use.

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Android 15’s Private Space is getting more features to hide your apps and notifications

• Google is preparing a Private Space feature for Android 15 that creates a separate profile for you to save apps to.
• This Private Space feature was first spotted in an Android beta a few months ago.
• Google has continued to work on this feature, recently adding new settings to automatically lock your private space as well as hide sensitive notifications on the lock screen.

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Google will be releasing Android 15 later this year, and it’ll be chock full of useful new features. One of the most anticipated new features in the upcoming update is Private Space, a feature that lets you install apps in a separate, locked profile that can be hidden at any time. When I first documented the feature last year, it wasn’t fully implemented at the time. While the Private Space feature still hasn’t gone live yet, I can now share more details about its setup process and functionality.

With the release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 earlier this week, more details have emerged about the upcoming Private Space feature within the OS. For starters, the setup flow has been revamped to include more information about the feature as well as a recommendation to create a new Google account dedicated to Private Space.

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Galaxy Note 20 series will continue to receive monthly updates for now

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• Samsung has reinstated the Galaxy Note 20 series to monthly security updates.
• Earlier this week, the Galaxy S20 series and Note 20 series were demoted to quarterly security updates.
• The Galaxy S20 FE will also continue receiving monthly security updates.

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Samsung has built a reputation for providing some of the best software support among Android phone makers, but things weren’t always this good.

Samsung’s 2020 flagships, including the Galaxy S20 series, have already received their final major Android OS updates. However, they were still included in the monthly security update cycle until recently. A few days ago, Samsung finally demoted them to quarterly security updates — a typical step as devices reach the end of their software support lifecycle.

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