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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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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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• 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.

---

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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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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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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.

---

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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• 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.

---

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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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.

---

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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WhatsApp will boost locked chats privacy and status updates with new features

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• WhatsApp is working on extending its locked chats feature to linked devices.
• WhatsApp is also testing the ability to privately mention specific contacts in your status updates.

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WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging platform, is preparing to roll out some significant updates designed to optimize user privacy and engagement. WaBetaInfo discovered these features in recent beta builds of the app.

First off, WhatsApp is working on enhancing chat privacy by bringing its locked chats feature to linked devices. This feature was spotted in the WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.8.4 update, which is available on the Google Play Store.

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• WhatsApp is working on extending its locked chats feature to linked devices.
• WhatsApp is also testing the ability to privately mention specific contacts in your status updates.

---

WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging platform, is preparing to roll out some significant updates designed to optimize user privacy and engagement. WaBetaInfo discovered these features in recent beta builds of the app.

First off, WhatsApp is working on enhancing chat privacy by bringing its locked chats feature to linked devices. This feature was spotted in the WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.8.4 update, which is available on the Google Play Store.

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Google Messages hints at satellite texting for more than just emergencies

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Lines of code in the Google Messages app explain how satellite messaging will work.
• One line mentions “You can message with anyone, including emergency services.”
• The line suggests users will be able to use satellite messaging for more than just emergencies.

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Last month, we reported on seeing lines of code in the Google Messages app directly referencing satellite messaging. Those strings were followed by simpler strings that included the words “emergency” and “emergency demo,” which suggested that satellite messaging could be used for emergencies. Now new lines of code suggest satellite connectivity could be used for messaging anyone.

In an APK teardown, conducted by 9to5Google, lines of code that explain how satellite messaging will work in the Google Messages app were discovered in beta version 20240329_01_RC00. According to the outlet, these strings say:

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Lines of code in the Google Messages app explain how satellite messaging will work.
• One line mentions “You can message with anyone, including emergency services.”
• The line suggests users will be able to use satellite messaging for more than just emergencies.

---

Last month, we reported on seeing lines of code in the Google Messages app directly referencing satellite messaging. Those strings were followed by simpler strings that included the words “emergency” and “emergency demo,” which suggested that satellite messaging could be used for emergencies. Now new lines of code suggest satellite connectivity could be used for messaging anyone.

In an APK teardown, conducted by 9to5Google, lines of code that explain how satellite messaging will work in the Google Messages app were discovered in beta version 20240329_01_RC00. According to the outlet, these strings say:

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Android 15 prepares revamped status bar with new icons and haptics

• Google might be changing up the designs of status bar icons in Android 15.
• The design of these status bar icons hasn’t changed for a long time.
• The new OS may also add haptic feedback to the Quick Settings and volume panels.

---

Thanks to the first two developer previews, we already have a good idea about what new features the upcoming Android 15 update may bring to the table. While it’s likely that Android 15 will bring a lot of new, useful features, it’s unlikely that it’ll also bring major UI changes. That’s not to say there won’t be any UI changes, though, as we previously reported that Android 15 may revamp the volume panel. In addition, we can now report that Google is working on revamping the status bar icons as well as adding haptic feedback to more parts of the system.

The status bar is one of the most recognizable parts of the Android OS, and its design hasn’t significantly changed over the years. It’s the UI element at the top of the screen that displays icons for various information. While the position of some status bar elements has shifted over the years to accommodate changes in phone design, the basic design of most status bar icons hasn’t changed in years. The icons for Wi-Fi signal strength, mobile data signal strength, and battery in Android 14 look very, very similar to the icons from Android 5.0 Lollipop released in 2014, if you can believe it.

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• Google might be changing up the designs of status bar icons in Android 15.
• The design of these status bar icons hasn’t changed for a long time.
• The new OS may also add haptic feedback to the Quick Settings and volume panels.

---

Thanks to the first two developer previews, we already have a good idea about what new features the upcoming Android 15 update may bring to the table. While it’s likely that Android 15 will bring a lot of new, useful features, it’s unlikely that it’ll also bring major UI changes. That’s not to say there won’t be any UI changes, though, as we previously reported that Android 15 may revamp the volume panel. In addition, we can now report that Google is working on revamping the status bar icons as well as adding haptic feedback to more parts of the system.

The status bar is one of the most recognizable parts of the Android OS, and its design hasn’t significantly changed over the years. It’s the UI element at the top of the screen that displays icons for various information. While the position of some status bar elements has shifted over the years to accommodate changes in phone design, the basic design of most status bar icons hasn’t changed in years. The icons for Wi-Fi signal strength, mobile data signal strength, and battery in Android 14 look very, very similar to the icons from Android 5.0 Lollipop released in 2014, if you can believe it.

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Apple may be forced to make a massive change to how iPhones handle photos

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A comment made by European Commission head Margrethe Vestager could require Apple to do a massive rewriting of iOS.
• Vestager’s remark suggests that iPhone owners should be able to uninstall any app and change the default, including the Photos app.
• The Photos app is system-level software that’s integrated throughout the entire OS.

---

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has had major implications on how Apple’s products operate in the EU. For example, Apple was forced to give iPhone owners in the EU the ability to install and use third-party marketplaces on the platform. A recent remark from European Commission head Margrethe Vestager could now fundamentally change how iOS handles photos.

The European Commission recently published remarks from two of its leaders Margrethe Vestager and Thierry Breton in regards to noncompliance with the DMA. Spotted by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, Vestager brings up how Apple has failed to fully comply with the regulation.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A comment made by European Commission head Margrethe Vestager could require Apple to do a massive rewriting of iOS.
• Vestager’s remark suggests that iPhone owners should be able to uninstall any app and change the default, including the Photos app.
• The Photos app is system-level software that’s integrated throughout the entire OS.

---

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has had major implications on how Apple’s products operate in the EU. For example, Apple was forced to give iPhone owners in the EU the ability to install and use third-party marketplaces on the platform. A recent remark from European Commission head Margrethe Vestager could now fundamentally change how iOS handles photos.

The European Commission recently published remarks from two of its leaders Margrethe Vestager and Thierry Breton in regards to noncompliance with the DMA. Spotted by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, Vestager brings up how Apple has failed to fully comply with the regulation.

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Samsung Galaxy S20 series no longer eligible for monthly updates

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

• Samsung has moved the Galaxy S20 series to its quarterly update schedule.
• The S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, and S20 FE will no longer receive monthly security patches.
• The Galaxy Note 20 lineup will also now receive updates quarterly.

---

Samsung has finally demoted the Galaxy S20 series to quarterly updates instead of monthly ones. This means that if you have a Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, or Galaxy S20 FE, you’ll no longer receive monthly security patches from Samsung. Instead, you’ll now get them once every three months.

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Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

• Samsung has moved the Galaxy S20 series to its quarterly update schedule.
• The S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, and S20 FE will no longer receive monthly security patches.
• The Galaxy Note 20 lineup will also now receive updates quarterly.

---

Samsung has finally demoted the Galaxy S20 series to quarterly updates instead of monthly ones. This means that if you have a Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, or Galaxy S20 FE, you’ll no longer receive monthly security patches from Samsung. Instead, you’ll now get them once every three months.

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Google releases Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 with extensive bug fixes

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Google releases Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1, delivering fixes for a wide range of bugs and glitches.
• The update addresses issues like launcher crashes, charging problems, app freezes, and more.

---

Google continues its efforts to squash bugs in the latest Android 14 QPR3 (Quarterly Platform Release 3) with today’s rollout of Beta 2.1. This update focuses heavily on fixing a range of issues that have been plaguing the beta version of the operating system.

While a new major Beta 3 update is expected in a few weeks, Google is pushing an interim update to address numerous issues. These include frequent app crashes, charging problems on Pixel Tablets, glitches with screen navigation, and display errors, among others. Here’s a detailed list of all the bug fixes mentioned in the release notes:

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Google releases Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1, delivering fixes for a wide range of bugs and glitches.
• The update addresses issues like launcher crashes, charging problems, app freezes, and more.

---

Google continues its efforts to squash bugs in the latest Android 14 QPR3 (Quarterly Platform Release 3) with today’s rollout of Beta 2.1. This update focuses heavily on fixing a range of issues that have been plaguing the beta version of the operating system.

While a new major Beta 3 update is expected in a few weeks, Google is pushing an interim update to address numerous issues. These include frequent app crashes, charging problems on Pixel Tablets, glitches with screen navigation, and display errors, among others. Here’s a detailed list of all the bug fixes mentioned in the release notes:

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Samsung addresses screen burn-in issue with One UI 6.1 update

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

• One UI 6.1 has restored a burn-in prevention feature that was absent from One UI 6.
• The feature works by subtly shifting pixels to prevent permanent image retention.

---

Samsung’s best smartphones are known for their beautiful OLED displays, and the new One UI 6.1 update introduces a key feature that should help extend their lifespan.

OLED displays, renowned for their vibrant visuals, are not without vulnerabilities. One such issue is screen burn-in, a phenomenon in which static images left on the screen for extended periods can cause permanent discoloration.

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

• One UI 6.1 has restored a burn-in prevention feature that was absent from One UI 6.
• The feature works by subtly shifting pixels to prevent permanent image retention.

---

Samsung’s best smartphones are known for their beautiful OLED displays, and the new One UI 6.1 update introduces a key feature that should help extend their lifespan.

OLED displays, renowned for their vibrant visuals, are not without vulnerabilities. One such issue is screen burn-in, a phenomenon in which static images left on the screen for extended periods can cause permanent discoloration.

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Google agrees to ‘destroy’ data it collected to settle Incognito mode lawsuit

• Details are now emerging from Google’s settlement of a class-action lawsuit over Chrome’s tracking of Incognito mode users.
• The company has agreed to destroy “billions of data points” it improperly collected.
• Google will also update its data collection disclosures and maintain a setting in Chrome that blocks third-party cookies by default.

---

Filed back in 2020, a class action lawsuit alleged that Chrome’s Incognito mode does not fully protect users from internet tracking. In December 2023, it was reported that the tech giant had agreed to settle the dispute rather than let the lawsuit go to court. Now new details about that settlement are starting to emerge.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Google has agreed to destroy “billions of data points” it inappropriately collected from people using Incognito mode. In addition, it will update data collection disclosures for the browser. The firm also agreed that it will maintain a setting in Chrome that blocks third-party cookies by default for the next five years.

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• Details are now emerging from Google’s settlement of a class-action lawsuit over Chrome’s tracking of Incognito mode users.
• The company has agreed to destroy “billions of data points” it improperly collected.
• Google will also update its data collection disclosures and maintain a setting in Chrome that blocks third-party cookies by default.

---

Filed back in 2020, a class action lawsuit alleged that Chrome’s Incognito mode does not fully protect users from internet tracking. In December 2023, it was reported that the tech giant had agreed to settle the dispute rather than let the lawsuit go to court. Now new details about that settlement are starting to emerge.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Google has agreed to destroy “billions of data points” it inappropriately collected from people using Incognito mode. In addition, it will update data collection disclosures for the browser. The firm also agreed that it will maintain a setting in Chrome that blocks third-party cookies by default for the next five years.

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Motorola’s upcoming flagship flaunts its curves in latest leak

Credit: Evan Blass

• The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has shown up in what appear to be leaked marketing videos.
• The phone features a curved display panel, bucking the flat panel trend of current flagship phones.
• The device could launch on April 3 alongside the Motorola Edge 30 Pro.

---

Motorola is possibly readying three new phones for an April 3 launch. The global launch event is being held for the first time in India and will introduce the company’s new Edge 50 lineup to the world. Motorola is heavily marketing the Edge 50 Pro right now, but the star of the show could be the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, a flagship phone sporting the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 platform. This device could later launch in the US as the Edge Plus (2024).

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Credit: Evan Blass

• The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has shown up in what appear to be leaked marketing videos.
• The phone features a curved display panel, bucking the flat panel trend of current flagship phones.
• The device could launch on April 3 alongside the Motorola Edge 30 Pro.

---

Motorola is possibly readying three new phones for an April 3 launch. The global launch event is being held for the first time in India and will introduce the company’s new Edge 50 lineup to the world. Motorola is heavily marketing the Edge 50 Pro right now, but the star of the show could be the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, a flagship phone sporting the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 platform. This device could later launch in the US as the Edge Plus (2024).

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Samsung says ChatGPT-like AI smarts could come to Bixby

• Samsung may equip Bixby with Generative AI features.
• The company is “working hard” to deliver these new capabilities to its core digital assistant.
• Samsung says the update could “redefine the role of Bixby” on its devices.

---

Samsung could smarten up Bixby with Generative AI abilities. The information comes from a high-ranking Samsung executive who confirmed the company’s plans to CNBC in an interview conducted last month.

“With the emergence of generative AI and LLM (large language model) technology, I believe that we have to redefine the role of the Bixby so that Bixby could be equipped with Generative AI and become more smarter in the future,” Won-joon Choi, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business told the media outlet.

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• Samsung may equip Bixby with Generative AI features.
• The company is “working hard” to deliver these new capabilities to its core digital assistant.
• Samsung says the update could “redefine the role of Bixby” on its devices.

---

Samsung could smarten up Bixby with Generative AI abilities. The information comes from a high-ranking Samsung executive who confirmed the company’s plans to CNBC in an interview conducted last month.

“With the emergence of generative AI and LLM (large language model) technology, I believe that we have to redefine the role of the Bixby so that Bixby could be equipped with Generative AI and become more smarter in the future,” Won-joon Choi, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business told the media outlet.

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AT&T confirms data of 73 million customers leaked on dark web, investigation ongoing

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• AT&T has confirmed that data of 73 million existing and former customers has leaked on the dark web.
• The company has denied any breach of its systems.
• The carrier has also initiated a mass reset of customer account passcodes.

---

On Saturday, AT&T confirmed that customer data of 73 million users has been leaked online. The compromised personal information includes social security numbers, AT&T account numbers and passcodes, and contact details of existing and previous customers.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• AT&T has confirmed that data of 73 million existing and former customers has leaked on the dark web.
• The company has denied any breach of its systems.
• The carrier has also initiated a mass reset of customer account passcodes.

---

On Saturday, AT&T confirmed that customer data of 73 million users has been leaked online. The compromised personal information includes social security numbers, AT&T account numbers and passcodes, and contact details of existing and previous customers.

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What is 5G Advanced and when will it release?

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Even though we’ve only just started taking 5G plans for granted, another cellular upgrade is already on its way. Dubbed 5G Advanced, the new technology promises not just faster data speeds, but also better reliability and power savings. And unlike 6G networks, the first smartphones with 5G Advanced support have already hit store shelves. So what exactly does the 5.5G or mid-generation 5G Advanced update mean for you and me? Let’s break it down.

What is 5G Advanced or 5.5G and why do we need it?

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Even though we’ve only just started taking 5G plans for granted, another cellular upgrade is already on its way. Dubbed 5G Advanced, the new technology promises not just faster data speeds, but also better reliability and power savings. And unlike 6G networks, the first smartphones with 5G Advanced support have already hit store shelves. So what exactly does the 5.5G or mid-generation 5G Advanced update mean for you and me? Let’s break it down.

What is 5G Advanced or 5.5G and why do we need it?

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Best deal yet on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus at $131 off

A holiday weekend has delivered a delicious new deal on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, with the mid-range tablet dropping to $469 for the first time ever. We spotted that the $130 markdown is only available on the silver model of the device, which often indicates that you won’t have long to catch this record-low price.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus for $469 ($131 off)

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A holiday weekend has delivered a delicious new deal on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, with the mid-range tablet dropping to $469 for the first time ever. We spotted that the $130 markdown is only available on the silver model of the device, which often indicates that you won’t have long to catch this record-low price.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus for $469 ($131 off)

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I wish Google would open up Fitbit to other smartwatches

Google Pixel Watch 2

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

Every time a new Wear OS watch is announced, I am intrigued. I have been using the platform for almost a decade now, and I like to try new watches to see what they offer in terms of features, comfort, battery life, and more. The OnePlus Watch 2, for example, really caught my eye with its excellent dual OS and dual-processor-enabled battery life.

But there’s one thing that holds me back from switching to OnePlus’s latest or Samsung’s excellent Galaxy Watch 6 series, and that’s Fitbit. See, I’ve been using Fitbit trackers for more than a decade now. All my stats are in there, all my patterns, my ups and downs, and my best and worst days. I’m used to the platform, I know how to interpret any day’s data because I know what my historical data is like. So I stick with my Pixel Watch 2, because it offers me the best of Fitbit inside a Wear OS watch. But what if — hear me out — Fitbit wasn’t a Pixel Watch exclusive anymore?

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Google Pixel Watch 2

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

Every time a new Wear OS watch is announced, I am intrigued. I have been using the platform for almost a decade now, and I like to try new watches to see what they offer in terms of features, comfort, battery life, and more. The OnePlus Watch 2, for example, really caught my eye with its excellent dual OS and dual-processor-enabled battery life.

But there’s one thing that holds me back from switching to OnePlus’s latest or Samsung’s excellent Galaxy Watch 6 series, and that’s Fitbit. See, I’ve been using Fitbit trackers for more than a decade now. All my stats are in there, all my patterns, my ups and downs, and my best and worst days. I’m used to the platform, I know how to interpret any day’s data because I know what my historical data is like. So I stick with my Pixel Watch 2, because it offers me the best of Fitbit inside a Wear OS watch. But what if — hear me out — Fitbit wasn’t a Pixel Watch exclusive anymore?

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I tested the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s terrible camera shutter lag and found a simple fix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQNpVYoj0JA

About a month ago, I was attending MWC 2024 and I’d just gotten out of an FC Barcelona game. I was loitering around the Montjuic area when I decided to snap photos of the museum behind the Font Majica with my Galaxy S24 Ultra while the football crowds were dispersing. And I noticed something odd. For every good photo I would get, there were two or three bad shots with random people in them.

I was sure I was timing my shots perfectly, just like I always do with my Pixel phones. But almost every time I thought I had a clean photo without any crowds passing in front of the cam, well, I did… not. There was a face, a head, a bit of hair in the final image — just something to ruin the snap. This was not supposed to happen with one of the best camera phones out there, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra was clearly slow.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQNpVYoj0JA

About a month ago, I was attending MWC 2024 and I’d just gotten out of an FC Barcelona game. I was loitering around the Montjuic area when I decided to snap photos of the museum behind the Font Majica with my Galaxy S24 Ultra while the football crowds were dispersing. And I noticed something odd. For every good photo I would get, there were two or three bad shots with random people in them.

I was sure I was timing my shots perfectly, just like I always do with my Pixel phones. But almost every time I thought I had a clean photo without any crowds passing in front of the cam, well, I did… not. There was a face, a head, a bit of hair in the final image — just something to ruin the snap. This was not supposed to happen with one of the best camera phones out there, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra was clearly slow.

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Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Which one should you buy?

To oversimplify, Garmin’s Forerunner 265 adds a fresh face to the already powerful Forerunner 255 feature set. Beyond their contrasting screens, the devices share many core features. In fact, many of the new generation’s software updates even roll back to the previous one, keeping the Garmin devices neck and neck. On the other hand, the 265 does pack a few important upgrades that differentiate the watch from its older sibling. Find out which fitness tracker is right for your wrist in this Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison.

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: At a glance

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Specs

	Garmin Forerunner 255/255S	Garmin Forerunner 265
Display	41mm: 1.1-inch MIP 218 x 218 resolution 46mm: 1.3-inch MIP 260 x 260 resolution	42mm: 1.1-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 360 x 360 resolution 46mm: 1.3-inch MIP 416 x 416 resolution
Dimensions and weight	41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.4mm 39g w/o strap Fits wrists 110-175mm 46mm: 45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9mm 49g w/o strap Fits wrists 130-205mm	42mm: 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm 40 w/o strap Fits wrists 115-178mm 46mm: 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9mm 46g w/o strap Fits wrists 135-205mm
Colors and materials	41mm: Color: Powder Gray or Light Pink Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: Color: Tidal Blue or Slate Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap	42mm: Color: Black/Amp Yello, Whitestone/Neo Tropic, or Light Pink/Powder Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: Color: Whitestone/Tidal Blue, Black/Powder Gray, or Aqua/Black Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap
Battery	41mm Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode Up to 26 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 20 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode Up to 30 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 25 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode	42mm: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode Up to 24 hours GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 15 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode Up to 20 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 14 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode
Sensors	GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor	GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
Durability	5ATM	5ATM
Connectivity	NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi	NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi
Compatibility	Android and iOS	Android and iOS

The most important thing to know when comparing the Forerunner 255 vs 265 is that both are great fitness trackers. During our Forerunner 255 review, we felt the device significantly improved the Forerunner line with NFC support and upgraded sensors. Before it was outdone by the 265, we considered it the best midrange running watch you could buy.

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To oversimplify, Garmin’s Forerunner 265 adds a fresh face to the already powerful Forerunner 255 feature set. Beyond their contrasting screens, the devices share many core features. In fact, many of the new generation’s software updates even roll back to the previous one, keeping the Garmin devices neck and neck. On the other hand, the 265 does pack a few important upgrades that differentiate the watch from its older sibling. Find out which fitness tracker is right for your wrist in this Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison.

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: At a glance

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Specs

	Garmin Forerunner 255/255S	Garmin Forerunner 265
Display	41mm: 1.1-inch MIP 218 x 218 resolution 46mm: 1.3-inch MIP 260 x 260 resolution	42mm: 1.1-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 360 x 360 resolution 46mm: 1.3-inch MIP 416 x 416 resolution
Dimensions and weight	41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.4mm 39g w/o strap Fits wrists 110-175mm 46mm: 45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9mm 49g w/o strap Fits wrists 130-205mm	42mm: 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm 40 w/o strap Fits wrists 115-178mm 46mm: 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9mm 46g w/o strap Fits wrists 135-205mm
Colors and materials	41mm: Color: Powder Gray or Light Pink Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: Color: Tidal Blue or Slate Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap	42mm: Color: Black/Amp Yello, Whitestone/Neo Tropic, or Light Pink/Powder Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: Color: Whitestone/Tidal Blue, Black/Powder Gray, or Aqua/Black Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap
Battery	41mm Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode Up to 26 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 20 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode Up to 30 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 25 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode	42mm: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode Up to 24 hours GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 15 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode Up to 20 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 14 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode
Sensors	GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor	GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
Durability	5ATM	5ATM
Connectivity	NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi	NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi
Compatibility	Android and iOS	Android and iOS

The most important thing to know when comparing the Forerunner 255 vs 265 is that both are great fitness trackers. During our Forerunner 255 review, we felt the device significantly improved the Forerunner line with NFC support and upgraded sensors. Before it was outdone by the 265, we considered it the best midrange running watch you could buy.

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Android 15 could revamp the volume panel and make it collapsible

• Android 15 is preparing a big redesign of the volume panel that also makes it collapsible.
• Android’s volume panel lets you change the media, call, ringer, notification, and alarm volume.
• The volume panel’s UI is a few years old and doesn’t follow the latest Material Design guidelines.

---

Back in 2021, Google released Material You, a major revamp to the company’s design language. Material You design elements were first incorporated into that year’s Android 12 release. Although Android’s current design hasn’t changed drastically since then, it has received minor tweaks in the few releases since. In the upcoming Android 15 release, Google is finally planning to revamp the system volume panel UI.

The volume panel appears when the user presses a volume key and then taps the three-dot menu at the bottom. The current design features five different sliders for each volume stream. From top to bottom, these include media, call, ring, notification, and alarm volume controls. A thin slider controls the level of each. Apart from the panel’s header, stream icons, and sliders, there are also buttons to open Android’s sound and vibration settings and dismiss the panel. Finally, if there’s any active media playback, a shortcut to open Android’s media output switcher will appear underneath the media volume slider.

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• Android 15 is preparing a big redesign of the volume panel that also makes it collapsible.
• Android’s volume panel lets you change the media, call, ringer, notification, and alarm volume.
• The volume panel’s UI is a few years old and doesn’t follow the latest Material Design guidelines.

---

Back in 2021, Google released Material You, a major revamp to the company’s design language. Material You design elements were first incorporated into that year’s Android 12 release. Although Android’s current design hasn’t changed drastically since then, it has received minor tweaks in the few releases since. In the upcoming Android 15 release, Google is finally planning to revamp the system volume panel UI.

The volume panel appears when the user presses a volume key and then taps the three-dot menu at the bottom. The current design features five different sliders for each volume stream. From top to bottom, these include media, call, ring, notification, and alarm volume controls. A thin slider controls the level of each. Apart from the panel’s header, stream icons, and sliders, there are also buttons to open Android’s sound and vibration settings and dismiss the panel. Finally, if there’s any active media playback, a shortcut to open Android’s media output switcher will appear underneath the media volume slider.

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Google divulges that RCS on iPhones is coming towards the back half of this year

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• A new official Google Messages webpage affirms that iPhone RCS support is coming in the fall.
• Originally, Apple only committed to 2024, so this is a more specific timeframe.
• Given the timing, it’s likely we’d see this land in tandem with the iPhone 16 series.

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Late last year, Apple stunned the entire tech world by announcing it would support rich communication services (RCS) within iMessage at some point in 2024. The company has been mum on any further details since that announcement, but we finally have a small but useful update from a different source: Google.

On a new webpage dedicated to Google Messages (first spotted by 9to5Google), the company divulges that RCS messaging support for iPhones is coming “in the fall of 2024.” This is a bit more specific than just “next year,” which is all Apple said at the time of its initial announcement.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• A new official Google Messages webpage affirms that iPhone RCS support is coming in the fall.
• Originally, Apple only committed to 2024, so this is a more specific timeframe.
• Given the timing, it’s likely we’d see this land in tandem with the iPhone 16 series.

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Late last year, Apple stunned the entire tech world by announcing it would support rich communication services (RCS) within iMessage at some point in 2024. The company has been mum on any further details since that announcement, but we finally have a small but useful update from a different source: Google.

On a new webpage dedicated to Google Messages (first spotted by 9to5Google), the company divulges that RCS messaging support for iPhones is coming “in the fall of 2024.” This is a bit more specific than just “next year,” which is all Apple said at the time of its initial announcement.

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Why do Pixels now get 7 years of updates? Google explains in new podcast episode.

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• In a new episode of the Made by Google podcast, a Google VP explains why the Pixel 8 series now gets seven years of software support.
• Interestingly, the company looked at how long the original Pixel stayed in active use, and seven years was the number it came away with.
• Google also explains how Tensor made the new update commitment possible.

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Earlier today, Google surprised us all by confirming that Gemini Nano support (i.e., on-device generative AI features) will come to the Pixel 8 after previously saying it would only come to the Pixel 8 Pro. That announcement came during a Made by Google podcast episode. But that’s not the only thing Google divulged during the episode (h/t 9to5Google).

Seang Chau, a VP at Google, talked at length about various aspects of the Pixel ecosystem. One tidbit divulged related to one of the biggest bits of news with the launch of the Pixel 8 series, which was that Google would support them for seven whole years. As it turns out, choosing seven years of time wasn’t arbitrary. It actually was a deliberate choice based on, of all things, the very first Google Pixel. Here’s Chau on it:

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• In a new episode of the Made by Google podcast, a Google VP explains why the Pixel 8 series now gets seven years of software support.
• Interestingly, the company looked at how long the original Pixel stayed in active use, and seven years was the number it came away with.
• Google also explains how Tensor made the new update commitment possible.

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Earlier today, Google surprised us all by confirming that Gemini Nano support (i.e., on-device generative AI features) will come to the Pixel 8 after previously saying it would only come to the Pixel 8 Pro. That announcement came during a Made by Google podcast episode. But that’s not the only thing Google divulged during the episode (h/t 9to5Google).

Seang Chau, a VP at Google, talked at length about various aspects of the Pixel ecosystem. One tidbit divulged related to one of the biggest bits of news with the launch of the Pixel 8 series, which was that Google would support them for seven whole years. As it turns out, choosing seven years of time wasn’t arbitrary. It actually was a deliberate choice based on, of all things, the very first Google Pixel. Here’s Chau on it:

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Samsung is adding unlimited battery repairs to its Care Plus protection plans

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Samsung Care Plus subscribers will be eligible for unlimited battery repairs for devices that exhibit a charging capacity below 79%.
• These battery repairs will be bundled into the existing benefits of Samsung Care Plus and Care Plus with Theft and Loss subscription tiers.
• The monthly subscription cost of both tiers is also increasing by $2, starting in May.

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Good news is coming for Galaxy device owners enrolled in the Samsung Care Plus program. Samsung is revamping its device protection program to offer subscribers unlimited battery repairs starting in May 2024.

Samsung Care Plus is a device protection program offering various plans to safeguard your Galaxy phone or tablet. New Galaxy buyers can sign up for the Care Plus program within 60 days of purchasing an eligible device. It goes beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty, providing unlimited repairs for drops, spills, and mechanical breakdowns, including $29 screen repairs and even theft coverage (depending on the plan). Plans for Samsung Care Plus range from around $10/month to up to $18/month for 36 months.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Samsung Care Plus subscribers will be eligible for unlimited battery repairs for devices that exhibit a charging capacity below 79%.
• These battery repairs will be bundled into the existing benefits of Samsung Care Plus and Care Plus with Theft and Loss subscription tiers.
• The monthly subscription cost of both tiers is also increasing by $2, starting in May.

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Good news is coming for Galaxy device owners enrolled in the Samsung Care Plus program. Samsung is revamping its device protection program to offer subscribers unlimited battery repairs starting in May 2024.

Samsung Care Plus is a device protection program offering various plans to safeguard your Galaxy phone or tablet. New Galaxy buyers can sign up for the Care Plus program within 60 days of purchasing an eligible device. It goes beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty, providing unlimited repairs for drops, spills, and mechanical breakdowns, including $29 screen repairs and even theft coverage (depending on the plan). Plans for Samsung Care Plus range from around $10/month to up to $18/month for 36 months.

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Leaked iPhone 16 dummy units hint at big hardware changes coming this year

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• Multiple pictures of alleged dummy units of the iPhone 16 series have surfaced online, hinting at some key updates.
• The Pro iPhones could be getting bigger screen sizes, while the non-Pro iPhones seem to be getting a new camera layout.
• All models of the iPhone 16 series could feature a new camera-focused button, along with the Action button.

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Amidst clashing rumors over whether the upcoming iPhone 16 series will be an incremental upgrade or a significant refresh, images of alleged dummy units for the iPhone 16 series have emerged, potentially confirming some major hardware changes.

These leaked images, shared on Weibo and by Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly confirm some of the rumors swirling around the iPhone 16 series. While it’s advisable to take these with a pinch of salt, some exciting changes are highlighted in these images.

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• Multiple pictures of alleged dummy units of the iPhone 16 series have surfaced online, hinting at some key updates.
• The Pro iPhones could be getting bigger screen sizes, while the non-Pro iPhones seem to be getting a new camera layout.
• All models of the iPhone 16 series could feature a new camera-focused button, along with the Action button.

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Amidst clashing rumors over whether the upcoming iPhone 16 series will be an incremental upgrade or a significant refresh, images of alleged dummy units for the iPhone 16 series have emerged, potentially confirming some major hardware changes.

These leaked images, shared on Weibo and by Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly confirm some of the rumors swirling around the iPhone 16 series. While it’s advisable to take these with a pinch of salt, some exciting changes are highlighted in these images.

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Nothing’s mysterious new teaser hints at Ear 3 earbuds announcement

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

• Nothing has released a new teaser video on social media.
• The video shows a frog leaping over a beetle.
• A beetle was used as the mascot for the Ear 2, suggesting a frog could be the mascot for the Ear 3.

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It has been about a year since Nothing launched the Ear 2. Now it appears the London-based tech company is getting ready to announce the successor to last year’s TWS earbuds.

On X (formerly Twitter), Nothing shared a post that contained a video of a frog jumping over a beetle. You can watch the short clip in the post below.

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

• Nothing has released a new teaser video on social media.
• The video shows a frog leaping over a beetle.
• A beetle was used as the mascot for the Ear 2, suggesting a frog could be the mascot for the Ear 3.

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It has been about a year since Nothing launched the Ear 2. Now it appears the London-based tech company is getting ready to announce the successor to last year’s TWS earbuds.

On X (formerly Twitter), Nothing shared a post that contained a video of a frog jumping over a beetle. You can watch the short clip in the post below.

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Hideous Cybertruck-inspired Galaxy S24 Ultra launches, costs nearly $10k

Credit: Caviar

• Caviar has launched a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cybertruck model.
• The phone is limited to 99 units and costs $8,800 at the low end.
• You can save 15% (or $1,320, nearly the price of a normal S24 Ultra) by paying in cryptocurrency.

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Every year, we see a handful of modded smartphones from luxury brand Caviar. The company takes existing phones and makes them “better” by slapping a bunch of extra stuff onto the chassis, usually sourced from expensive materials, such as gold. As such, it was only a matter of time before we saw a modded Galaxy S24 Ultra — but we certainly didn’t expect anything like this.

Caviar’s Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cybertruck model is, in brief, jaw-dropping (h/t Droid-Life). While it clearly delivers what you’d expect, it looks so awful that you wonder why anyone would spend even the list price on it, let alone the nearly 7x markup Caviar is asking for.

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Credit: Caviar

• Caviar has launched a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cybertruck model.
• The phone is limited to 99 units and costs $8,800 at the low end.
• You can save 15% (or $1,320, nearly the price of a normal S24 Ultra) by paying in cryptocurrency.

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Every year, we see a handful of modded smartphones from luxury brand Caviar. The company takes existing phones and makes them “better” by slapping a bunch of extra stuff onto the chassis, usually sourced from expensive materials, such as gold. As such, it was only a matter of time before we saw a modded Galaxy S24 Ultra — but we certainly didn’t expect anything like this.

Caviar’s Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cybertruck model is, in brief, jaw-dropping (h/t Droid-Life). While it clearly delivers what you’d expect, it looks so awful that you wonder why anyone would spend even the list price on it, let alone the nearly 7x markup Caviar is asking for.

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