Circle to Search is starting to roll out on the Pixel Tablet

• Google’s Circle to Search feature is starting to roll out for some Pixel Tablet users.
• Google announced in late March that the feature would be coming “soon” to the Pixel Tablet, though it didn’t give an exact launch date.
• The feature launched on the Galaxy S24, but has since become available on other Samsung and Pixel devices.

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Circle to Search is one of the best features that Google has released in years. The company knows it, too, which is why it’s been advertising the feature everywhere. Circle to Search allows you to quickly highlight some text or images on your screen, and it will then search for that info on Google. The company has been slowly rolling out the feature to more and more devices since the original announcement, and now it’s making its way to the company’s Pixel Tablet.

After debuting on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in mid-January, Circle to Search quickly made its way over to the Google Pixel 8 series via a surprise Pixel Feature Drop that very same month. The feature remained exclusive to Google’s and Samsung’s latest flagship phones until late March, which is when Google rolled it out to its own Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. Meanwhile, Samsung rolled out its big Galaxy AI feature update to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series.

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• Google’s Circle to Search feature is starting to roll out for some Pixel Tablet users.
• Google announced in late March that the feature would be coming “soon” to the Pixel Tablet, though it didn’t give an exact launch date.
• The feature launched on the Galaxy S24, but has since become available on other Samsung and Pixel devices.

---

Circle to Search is one of the best features that Google has released in years. The company knows it, too, which is why it’s been advertising the feature everywhere. Circle to Search allows you to quickly highlight some text or images on your screen, and it will then search for that info on Google. The company has been slowly rolling out the feature to more and more devices since the original announcement, and now it’s making its way to the company’s Pixel Tablet.

After debuting on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in mid-January, Circle to Search quickly made its way over to the Google Pixel 8 series via a surprise Pixel Feature Drop that very same month. The feature remained exclusive to Google’s and Samsung’s latest flagship phones until late March, which is when Google rolled it out to its own Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. Meanwhile, Samsung rolled out its big Galaxy AI feature update to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series.

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Chromecast killer? Walmart’s leaked 4K box could be the ultimate streaming device

Credit: Walmart

• YouTuber SuperDell-TV got his hands on Walmart’s unreleased Onn 4K Pro Google TV box.
• The leaked device features powerful specs, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, and hands-free functionality.
• While Walmart hasn’t officially announced the Onn 4K Pro, its price could be around $50.

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Google’s I/O conference might bring a new Chromecast with Google TV, but Walmart could steal the spotlight this year with a surprise contender, the Onn 4K Pro Google TV box.

YouTuber SuperDell-TV got his hands on Walmart’s upcoming streaming device, and the sneak peek reveals a fresh design, better specs, and a competitive price that could give Google a run for its money. (h/t: Android Police)

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Credit: Walmart

• YouTuber SuperDell-TV got his hands on Walmart’s unreleased Onn 4K Pro Google TV box.
• The leaked device features powerful specs, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, and hands-free functionality.
• While Walmart hasn’t officially announced the Onn 4K Pro, its price could be around $50.

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Google’s I/O conference might bring a new Chromecast with Google TV, but Walmart could steal the spotlight this year with a surprise contender, the Onn 4K Pro Google TV box.

YouTuber SuperDell-TV got his hands on Walmart’s upcoming streaming device, and the sneak peek reveals a fresh design, better specs, and a competitive price that could give Google a run for its money. (h/t: Android Police)

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AT&T will now let you pay to skip the wireless waiting line

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• AT&T has launched a new service called AT&T Turbo that allows customers to pay extra for prioritized data.
• It aims to provide faster speeds and reduced lag, particularly in congested areas or during peak traffic times.
• AT&T Turbo is available as a $7 per month add-on for eligible plans.

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AT&T has announced a new service called AT&T Turbo, allowing customers to pay for prioritized data on their wireless connections. Launching on May 2, the feature is designed to enhance the experience of real-time activities such as gaming, live video streaming, and video calls, especially in congested network situations.

By subscribing to Turbo, AT&T customers gain network priority when network traffic is high. This could translate to significant benefits in crowded areas like sporting events, where many people vying for bandwidth can lead to slower speeds. Turbo users would theoretically experience less lag, buffering, and faster connectivity compared to standard AT&T customers.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• AT&T has launched a new service called AT&T Turbo that allows customers to pay extra for prioritized data.
• It aims to provide faster speeds and reduced lag, particularly in congested areas or during peak traffic times.
• AT&T Turbo is available as a $7 per month add-on for eligible plans.

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AT&T has announced a new service called AT&T Turbo, allowing customers to pay for prioritized data on their wireless connections. Launching on May 2, the feature is designed to enhance the experience of real-time activities such as gaming, live video streaming, and video calls, especially in congested network situations.

By subscribing to Turbo, AT&T customers gain network priority when network traffic is high. This could translate to significant benefits in crowded areas like sporting events, where many people vying for bandwidth can lead to slower speeds. Turbo users would theoretically experience less lag, buffering, and faster connectivity compared to standard AT&T customers.

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T-Mobile brings Mint Mobile into the fold, here’s what it means for you

Credit: T-Mobile

• Mint Mobile is now officially part of T-Mobile.
• The carrier says it will continue offering Mint Mobile’s $15 plan.
• Customers are also getting a couple of new benefits.

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On April 26, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved T-Mobile’s acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation, the parent company of Mint Mobile. The carrier has now completed the deal and it will bring a couple of new benefits to Mint Mobile customers.

Today, T-Mobile published a press release announcing that Ka’ena Corporation is now officially part of its business. Along with the acquisition, the Un-carrier brings Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Plum under its wing.

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Credit: T-Mobile

• Mint Mobile is now officially part of T-Mobile.
• The carrier says it will continue offering Mint Mobile’s $15 plan.
• Customers are also getting a couple of new benefits.

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On April 26, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved T-Mobile’s acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation, the parent company of Mint Mobile. The carrier has now completed the deal and it will bring a couple of new benefits to Mint Mobile customers.

Today, T-Mobile published a press release announcing that Ka’ena Corporation is now officially part of its business. Along with the acquisition, the Un-carrier brings Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Plum under its wing.

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Fossil’s Wear OS watches hit rock bottom prices before going extinct

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Fossil is holding a massive sale on its Wear OS smartwatches.
• Originally priced around $300, these watches are now being sold for a mere $79 each.
• Fossil had previously announced its exit from the smartwatch market.

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Fossil’s smartwatch era is officially extinct. After announcing its departure from the smartwatch scene earlier this year, the company is now practically offering its remaining Wear OS watches at prices that would make even a T-Rex wince. The sale, first spotted by Droid-Life, is currently live on Fossil’s website and includes multiple variants of the Fossil Gen 6, Gen 6 Wellness Edition, Gen 6 Wellness Edition Hybrid, Gen 6 Hybrid, and Gen 5E smartwatches.

Fossil’s smartwatch journey started with hybrid models, but it eventually transitioned to full-fledged Wear OS devices. All of Fossil’s Gen 6 Wear OS models currently on sale were originally priced around $300. While Fossil managed to carve out a niche for itself, its smartwatches often fell short of competitors in terms of features, fitness tracking, and overall value. However, at this firesale price, we have to admit that these watches have become a much more tempting proposition.

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Fossil is holding a massive sale on its Wear OS smartwatches.
• Originally priced around $300, these watches are now being sold for a mere $79 each.
• Fossil had previously announced its exit from the smartwatch market.

---

Fossil’s smartwatch era is officially extinct. After announcing its departure from the smartwatch scene earlier this year, the company is now practically offering its remaining Wear OS watches at prices that would make even a T-Rex wince. The sale, first spotted by Droid-Life, is currently live on Fossil’s website and includes multiple variants of the Fossil Gen 6, Gen 6 Wellness Edition, Gen 6 Wellness Edition Hybrid, Gen 6 Hybrid, and Gen 5E smartwatches.

Fossil’s smartwatch journey started with hybrid models, but it eventually transitioned to full-fledged Wear OS devices. All of Fossil’s Gen 6 Wear OS models currently on sale were originally priced around $300. While Fossil managed to carve out a niche for itself, its smartwatches often fell short of competitors in terms of features, fitness tracking, and overall value. However, at this firesale price, we have to admit that these watches have become a much more tempting proposition.

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Wear OS poised for growth as Apple Watch shipments expected to dip in 2024

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• A study found that Wear OS grabbed 21% of the market share in 2023 outside of China.
• It’s predicted that number will climb to 27% in 2024.
• Meanwhile, Apple’s market share is expected to drop from 53% to 49%.

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Wear OS has long struggled to keep pace with the Apple Watch in terms of shipment market share. But a new study says the Wear OS is poised to take a bite out of Apple’s lead this year.

According to a study from Counterpoint Research, 2023 smartwatch shipments outside of China consisted of 53% Watch OS devices, 21% Wear OS devices, and 26% other. However, forecasts predict this balance will change in 2024 due to there being more options that use Google’s wearable OS, like the OnePlus Watch 2 and Pixel Watch.

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• A study found that Wear OS grabbed 21% of the market share in 2023 outside of China.
• It’s predicted that number will climb to 27% in 2024.
• Meanwhile, Apple’s market share is expected to drop from 53% to 49%.

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Wear OS has long struggled to keep pace with the Apple Watch in terms of shipment market share. But a new study says the Wear OS is poised to take a bite out of Apple’s lead this year.

According to a study from Counterpoint Research, 2023 smartwatch shipments outside of China consisted of 53% Watch OS devices, 21% Wear OS devices, and 26% other. However, forecasts predict this balance will change in 2024 due to there being more options that use Google’s wearable OS, like the OnePlus Watch 2 and Pixel Watch.

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Android 15 could make it easier to use your phone in landscape mode

• Android 15 could revamp the lock screen and notifications panel to look better in landscape mode on phones.
• The lock screen can’t even be rotated into landscape mode on phones right now.
• Meanwhile, the notifications panel can be rotated into landscape mode, but the layout sacrifices a lot of space.

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Although Google designed Android’s UI to scale on both phones and tablets properly, it optimized the UI to look best in portrait mode for phones and landscape mode for tablets. That makes the most sense since phones are naturally meant to be held in portrait mode and tablets in landscape mode, but there are times when you want to use either device in the opposite orientation. If you rotate your Android phone into landscape mode, though, you may notice that certain system UI elements like the lock screen and the notifications panel aren’t optimized, at least on stock Android. Fortunately, the Android 15 update could bring an optimized landscape layout for both the lock screen and the notifications panel on phones.

Before I showcase the new lock screen and notifications panel layouts, I want to mention how they look in the current stock Android 14 release. Since the lock screen can’t rotate at all in stock Android 14 on phones, there’s nothing for me to show there. In contrast, the notifications panel does have a landscape layout already in stock Android 14, albeit with some issues. For starters, there’s a lot of wasted space since two-thirds of the screen is reserved for notifications that only stretch to about half the width of the panel. The top third is taken up by a row of four Quick Settings tiles, which is fine, but other elements like the Quick Settings edit button, brightness slider, foreground services task manager, user switcher, settings shortcut, and power menu shortcut aren’t shown. These remaining elements are only shown when you fully expand the notifications panel, which requires another swipe down. Fortunately, Android at least manages to slot in the media player in the unexpanded state, but the downside is that there’s less room for notifications.

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• Android 15 could revamp the lock screen and notifications panel to look better in landscape mode on phones.
• The lock screen can’t even be rotated into landscape mode on phones right now.
• Meanwhile, the notifications panel can be rotated into landscape mode, but the layout sacrifices a lot of space.

---

Although Google designed Android’s UI to scale on both phones and tablets properly, it optimized the UI to look best in portrait mode for phones and landscape mode for tablets. That makes the most sense since phones are naturally meant to be held in portrait mode and tablets in landscape mode, but there are times when you want to use either device in the opposite orientation. If you rotate your Android phone into landscape mode, though, you may notice that certain system UI elements like the lock screen and the notifications panel aren’t optimized, at least on stock Android. Fortunately, the Android 15 update could bring an optimized landscape layout for both the lock screen and the notifications panel on phones.

Before I showcase the new lock screen and notifications panel layouts, I want to mention how they look in the current stock Android 14 release. Since the lock screen can’t rotate at all in stock Android 14 on phones, there’s nothing for me to show there. In contrast, the notifications panel does have a landscape layout already in stock Android 14, albeit with some issues. For starters, there’s a lot of wasted space since two-thirds of the screen is reserved for notifications that only stretch to about half the width of the panel. The top third is taken up by a row of four Quick Settings tiles, which is fine, but other elements like the Quick Settings edit button, brightness slider, foreground services task manager, user switcher, settings shortcut, and power menu shortcut aren’t shown. These remaining elements are only shown when you fully expand the notifications panel, which requires another swipe down. Fortunately, Android at least manages to slot in the media player in the unexpanded state, but the downside is that there’s less room for notifications.

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Apple is filling out its secretive European lab with poached Google AI experts

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• Apple has created a secretive lab in Zurich dedicated to AI research.
• The company has gone on a hiring spree, particularly targeting AI experts from Google.
• The goal is to develop new AI models and products that can rival its competitors.

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Although Google, Microsoft, and other major tech players have gotten a head start in the AI race with products like Gemini, Copilot, and more, the Apple is looking to turn the tables. The Cupertino firm has reportedly created a new secretive laboratory dedicated to AI research and is rounding up some of the best talent in the industry to lead it.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Apple has been on a hiring spree to fill out its new Zurich-based research laboratory known as “Vision Lab.” The tech giant has reportedly been advertising jobs in generative AI in two locations in the city, one of which a neighbor told the outlet they weren’t even aware of the office’s existence.

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• Apple has created a secretive lab in Zurich dedicated to AI research.
• The company has gone on a hiring spree, particularly targeting AI experts from Google.
• The goal is to develop new AI models and products that can rival its competitors.

---

Although Google, Microsoft, and other major tech players have gotten a head start in the AI race with products like Gemini, Copilot, and more, the Apple is looking to turn the tables. The Cupertino firm has reportedly created a new secretive laboratory dedicated to AI research and is rounding up some of the best talent in the industry to lead it.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Apple has been on a hiring spree to fill out its new Zurich-based research laboratory known as “Vision Lab.” The tech giant has reportedly been advertising jobs in generative AI in two locations in the city, one of which a neighbor told the outlet they weren’t even aware of the office’s existence.

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Peacock joins the price-hike parade, raising subscription costs ahead of the Olympics

Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority

• Peacock is raising the prices of both its Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers.
• The ad-supported Premium tier will now cost $7.99, and the ad-free Premium Plus tier will go up to $13.99 per month.
• The price hike takes effect on July 18 for new subscribers and August 17 for existing subscribers.

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It feels like news of streaming service price hikes is becoming increasingly common, and Peacock is the latest to join the bandwagon. The NBCUniversal-owned streaming platform has announced a price hike for both its Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers.

Starting July 18 for new subscribers and August 17 for existing customers, the ad-supported Premium tier will increase to $7.99 per month, and the ad-free Premium Plus will jump to $13.99 per month. Annual subscriptions will also see a price increase, costing $79.99 and $139.99 respectively.

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Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority

• Peacock is raising the prices of both its Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers.
• The ad-supported Premium tier will now cost $7.99, and the ad-free Premium Plus tier will go up to $13.99 per month.
• The price hike takes effect on July 18 for new subscribers and August 17 for existing subscribers.

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It feels like news of streaming service price hikes is becoming increasingly common, and Peacock is the latest to join the bandwagon. The NBCUniversal-owned streaming platform has announced a price hike for both its Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers.

Starting July 18 for new subscribers and August 17 for existing customers, the ad-supported Premium tier will increase to $7.99 per month, and the ad-free Premium Plus will jump to $13.99 per month. Annual subscriptions will also see a price increase, costing $79.99 and $139.99 respectively.

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T-Mobile employees get AI superpowers to ‘predict’ and solve your problems

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• T-Mobile is launching a set of AI-powered tools called Superpowers to improve customer-employee interactions.
• Tools like GenAI Chat act as an internal expert for employees, while Promo Genius helps find the most suitable promotions for customers.
• T-Mobile will also begin using predictive tools to anticipate customer needs and potential concerns.

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T-Mobile is rolling out some impressive AI-powered tools, hoping to transform customer service within its retail and care channels. Internal documents obtained by The Mobile Report have revealed T-Mobile’s Superpowers project, which uses three core tools to streamline support for both retail stores and customer care channels.

• GenAI Chat: Think of it as T-Mobile’s own ChatGPT, an always-available expert that can sift through T-Mobile’s vast internal knowledge base resources and help employees who need quick, accurate answers to complex questions and support them during difficult customer conversations.
• Promo Genius: This tool tackles the challenges of matching the perfect promotion to a customer’s needs. It uses dynamic filters to pinpoint the most relevant and value-focused promotions quickly.
• Next Best Action (NBA) in Retail: Probably the most impressive feature is the NBA, which is set to debut on May 1. As the name suggests, this system will provide real-time, personalized recommendations for the next best action during a customer interaction, fueled by vast amounts of data points about the customers.

The publication also came across a now-deleted Reddit thread that gave a glimpse into how some employees feel about these new AI tools. While some were excited about the potential to compare device specs easily, others bemoaned outdated information and clunky prompt requirements. Some users also raised concerns about AI being used for employee feedback, suggesting a distrust in whether the technology can replace the nuance of human leadership.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• T-Mobile is launching a set of AI-powered tools called Superpowers to improve customer-employee interactions.
• Tools like GenAI Chat act as an internal expert for employees, while Promo Genius helps find the most suitable promotions for customers.
• T-Mobile will also begin using predictive tools to anticipate customer needs and potential concerns.

---

T-Mobile is rolling out some impressive AI-powered tools, hoping to transform customer service within its retail and care channels. Internal documents obtained by The Mobile Report have revealed T-Mobile’s Superpowers project, which uses three core tools to streamline support for both retail stores and customer care channels.

• GenAI Chat: Think of it as T-Mobile’s own ChatGPT, an always-available expert that can sift through T-Mobile’s vast internal knowledge base resources and help employees who need quick, accurate answers to complex questions and support them during difficult customer conversations.
• Promo Genius: This tool tackles the challenges of matching the perfect promotion to a customer’s needs. It uses dynamic filters to pinpoint the most relevant and value-focused promotions quickly.
• Next Best Action (NBA) in Retail: Probably the most impressive feature is the NBA, which is set to debut on May 1. As the name suggests, this system will provide real-time, personalized recommendations for the next best action during a customer interaction, fueled by vast amounts of data points about the customers.

The publication also came across a now-deleted Reddit thread that gave a glimpse into how some employees feel about these new AI tools. While some were excited about the potential to compare device specs easily, others bemoaned outdated information and clunky prompt requirements. Some users also raised concerns about AI being used for employee feedback, suggesting a distrust in whether the technology can replace the nuance of human leadership.

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Chrome’s address bar adds machine learning to deliver better suggestions

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google has added machine-learning models to the Chrome address bar in the latest browser update.
• The address bar will use ML to provide “more precise and relevant” web page suggestions.
• The company plans to explore training specialized versions of the ML model for different scenarios.

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The address bar in the Chrome browser just got a big update. Google says this update should help the address bar provide web page suggestions that are “more precise and relevant” than before.

In a blog post, the Mountain View-based firm announced that the latest version of Chrome (M124) will bring a big improvement to the address bar, also known as the omnibox. Specifically, Google has integrated machine learning (ML) models into the omnibox, which will provide suggestions that more accurately align with what you’re looking for.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google has added machine-learning models to the Chrome address bar in the latest browser update.
• The address bar will use ML to provide “more precise and relevant” web page suggestions.
• The company plans to explore training specialized versions of the ML model for different scenarios.

---

The address bar in the Chrome browser just got a big update. Google says this update should help the address bar provide web page suggestions that are “more precise and relevant” than before.

In a blog post, the Mountain View-based firm announced that the latest version of Chrome (M124) will bring a big improvement to the address bar, also known as the omnibox. Specifically, Google has integrated machine learning (ML) models into the omnibox, which will provide suggestions that more accurately align with what you’re looking for.

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This chip might bring more CPU power than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4

Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority

• The Cortex-X5 CPU core beats the Oryon CPU cores in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, a leaker has claimed.
• MediaTek is reportedly using the Cortex-X5 in its upcoming Dimensity 9400 processor.

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Qualcomm is expected to announce its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset for flagship phones in late 2024, and this will be the first smartphone chipset powered by the company’s Oryon custom CPU cores. However, it sounds like Arm and MediaTek could take the fight to Qualcomm with the next Dimensity processor.

Leaker Digital Chat Station has asserted on Weibo that the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset uses the Arm Cortex-X5 CPU core, reportedly code-named BlackHawk. The tipster further claims that the Cortex-X5 beats the CPU cores inside the Apple A17 Pro chip and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC when it comes to IPC performance (instructions per cycle).

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Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority

• The Cortex-X5 CPU core beats the Oryon CPU cores in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, a leaker has claimed.
• MediaTek is reportedly using the Cortex-X5 in its upcoming Dimensity 9400 processor.

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Qualcomm is expected to announce its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset for flagship phones in late 2024, and this will be the first smartphone chipset powered by the company’s Oryon custom CPU cores. However, it sounds like Arm and MediaTek could take the fight to Qualcomm with the next Dimensity processor.

Leaker Digital Chat Station has asserted on Weibo that the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset uses the Arm Cortex-X5 CPU core, reportedly code-named BlackHawk. The tipster further claims that the Cortex-X5 beats the CPU cores inside the Apple A17 Pro chip and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC when it comes to IPC performance (instructions per cycle).

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Google Contacts redesign makes adding new contacts more intuitive

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

• Google Contacts is redesigning the Create Contact page.
• It’s now less cluttered, has new buttons, and fresher options.
• The redesign is rolling out on version 4.30 of the Google Contacts app.

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Google Contacts is getting a handy redesign that makes it easier to add a new contact or edit an existing one. The new design is available on the latest version of the app — 4.30.50.628193927. Google hasn’t started rolling out this version through the Play Store yet, but Android Authority contributor and tipster Assemble Debug sideloaded it from APKMirror and alerted us about it.

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Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

• Google Contacts is redesigning the Create Contact page.
• It’s now less cluttered, has new buttons, and fresher options.
• The redesign is rolling out on version 4.30 of the Google Contacts app.

---

Google Contacts is getting a handy redesign that makes it easier to add a new contact or edit an existing one. The new design is available on the latest version of the app — 4.30.50.628193927. Google hasn’t started rolling out this version through the Play Store yet, but Android Authority contributor and tipster Assemble Debug sideloaded it from APKMirror and alerted us about it.

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House of the Dragon season 2: Release date, plot, and other rumors

Credit: HBO

Game of Thrones captivated audiences like almost no other TV series since the turn of the century, but its final season left us with a disappointing ending. Luckily, we only had to wait a couple of years before HBO would announce a prequel series titled House of the Dragon. Billed as the first spinoff of many, House of the Dragon released to near-universal praise in 2022, which resulted in HBO greenlighting it for a second season.

We’re now just weeks away from season 2 of House of the Dragon, so let’s quickly recap the events of the first season and what we can expect from the upcoming episodes.

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Credit: HBO

Game of Thrones captivated audiences like almost no other TV series since the turn of the century, but its final season left us with a disappointing ending. Luckily, we only had to wait a couple of years before HBO would announce a prequel series titled House of the Dragon. Billed as the first spinoff of many, House of the Dragon released to near-universal praise in 2022, which resulted in HBO greenlighting it for a second season.

We’re now just weeks away from season 2 of House of the Dragon, so let’s quickly recap the events of the first season and what we can expect from the upcoming episodes.

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PSA: Yes, your Rabbit R1 still needs a subscription

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

Don’t forget your data plan

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

Don’t forget your data plan

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

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

• A prominent Apple leaker says that the iPad Pros launching on May 7 could have the as-yet-unreleased Apple M4 chipset.
• This would be an unexpected development as the M3 launched just six months ago.
• For this and other reasons, we don’t buy this rumor. We expect the iPad Pros to launch with an M3 variant.

---

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

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

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

• A prominent Apple leaker says that the iPad Pros launching on May 7 could have the as-yet-unreleased Apple M4 chipset.
• This would be an unexpected development as the M3 launched just six months ago.
• For this and other reasons, we don’t buy this rumor. We expect the iPad Pros to launch with an M3 variant.

---

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

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

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

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eg79wd8EtOU

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

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

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

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=eg79wd8EtOU

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint Mobile, the popular budget-friendly wireless carrier, is now official with FCC approval.
• The deal expands T-Mobile’s reach in the prepaid market and could bring more flexibility for Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers.

---

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

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

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint Mobile, the popular budget-friendly wireless carrier, is now official with FCC approval.
• The deal expands T-Mobile’s reach in the prepaid market and could bring more flexibility for Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers.

---

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

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

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How to install Android 15 on your Pixel phone right now

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

Should I install Android 15?

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

Should I install Android 15?

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

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is now rolling out Android 15 beta 1.2 to supported Pixel devices.
• There are five bug fixes listed.
• The next major update to the beta program will likely be Android 15 beta 2, expected to launch during Google I/O.

---

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

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

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is now rolling out Android 15 beta 1.2 to supported Pixel devices.
• There are five bug fixes listed.
• The next major update to the beta program will likely be Android 15 beta 2, expected to launch during Google I/O.

---

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

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

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How to transfer data to a new Android phone

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

QUICK ANSWER

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

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

QUICK ANSWER

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

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

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google working on a toggle that will allow you to turn off expressive animations in Google Messages.
• The setting will presumably turn off/on Reaction and Screen Effects.
• It’s unclear if turning expressive animations off will also affect animated emojis.

---

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

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

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google working on a toggle that will allow you to turn off expressive animations in Google Messages.
• The setting will presumably turn off/on Reaction and Screen Effects.
• It’s unclear if turning expressive animations off will also affect animated emojis.

---

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

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

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

Credit: HMD Global

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

---

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

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

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Credit: HMD Global

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

---

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

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

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

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• The Pixel Watch team announced a new interactive Warranty Helper tool for Google’s smartwatch.
• The tool provides quick access to warranty status and offers links for repairs and troubleshooting.
• Interestingly, the Warranty Helper works beyond the Pixel Watch, supporting a range of Google devices.

---

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

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

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• The Pixel Watch team announced a new interactive Warranty Helper tool for Google’s smartwatch.
• The tool provides quick access to warranty status and offers links for repairs and troubleshooting.
• Interestingly, the Warranty Helper works beyond the Pixel Watch, supporting a range of Google devices.

---

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Soon everyone will be able to use generative AI in Google Maps through Labs.
• The Maps feature was announced in February but was initially only available to select Local Guides.
• Google’s AI provides suggestions based on information from nearby businesses and places, plus photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community.

---

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

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

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Soon everyone will be able to use generative AI in Google Maps through Labs.
• The Maps feature was announced in February but was initially only available to select Local Guides.
• Google’s AI provides suggestions based on information from nearby businesses and places, plus photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community.

---

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

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

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

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

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

---

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

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

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Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

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

---

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

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

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Android 15 beta 1.1 rolling out with NFC fix

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is rolling out Android 15 beta 1.1.
• Most notably, this update fixes NFC, which does not work on beta 1.
• The point update also addresses a few other bugs.

---

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

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

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is rolling out Android 15 beta 1.1.
• Most notably, this update fixes NFC, which does not work on beta 1.
• The point update also addresses a few other bugs.

---

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

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

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

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Meta has opened its Horizon OS to other manufacturers, expanding the potential for mixed reality devices.
• ASUS and Lenovo have already announced plans for new gaming/productivity headsets built on Horizon OS.
• Google’s rumored Android-based XR OS could finally launch at the upcoming I/O, setting up a showdown with Meta’s platform.

---

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

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

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• Meta has opened its Horizon OS to other manufacturers, expanding the potential for mixed reality devices.
• ASUS and Lenovo have already announced plans for new gaming/productivity headsets built on Horizon OS.
• Google’s rumored Android-based XR OS could finally launch at the upcoming I/O, setting up a showdown with Meta’s platform.

---

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

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

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

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority

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

---

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

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Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority

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

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

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

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

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

Why is ChatGPT so slow? A technical overview

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

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

Why is ChatGPT so slow? A technical overview

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How to delete old emails in Gmail

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

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

QUICK ANSWER

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How to set up and activate Siri

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

Read more: The best Siri commands for productivity and more

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

Read more: The best Siri commands for productivity and more

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

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

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

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

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

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Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

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

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

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

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

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

• Google announced plans this week to combine its hardware and software teams, with the aim to speed up the implementation of new technology like AI across the board. The new department will be called Platforms and Devices and will oversee Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Photos, and more. This should result in deeper integration between hardware and software, as well as more rapid development of new features thanks to the unifying efforts. 
• Microsoft OneDrive may soon let you import files from other cloud services including Google Drive and Dropbox, at least according to a new APK teardown. The OneDrive v7.4 Beta 1 app for Android reveals strings suggesting this feature is coming down the pipe, though we have no word on exactly when this might be. 
• If you can’t remove your Secure Folder you might not be alone, as Samsung has confirmed a One UI 6.1 issue that prevents this from happening. If you’ve upgraded to One UI 6.1, this issue could affect you if you have the Galaxy S23, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series. 
• YouTube is testing a new AI-powered Ask button. The feature lets you ask questions about the video you are watching and gives you real-time answers. The feature is currently on available to select YouTube Premium subscribers in the US via the Android app. 
• Google Maps will soon be getting some new features alongside Google Search, including public transit and walking suggestions next to driving routes if the travel times are comparable. Maps will also introduce a few features specifically for EV owners, making it easier to find charging locations and more. On a related note, an APK teardown of the Maps Beta has also revealed strings suggesting that Maps may add satellite connectivity features such as using a satellite to update your location every fifteen minutes, up to five times a day. 

Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games

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

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

• Google announced plans this week to combine its hardware and software teams, with the aim to speed up the implementation of new technology like AI across the board. The new department will be called Platforms and Devices and will oversee Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Photos, and more. This should result in deeper integration between hardware and software, as well as more rapid development of new features thanks to the unifying efforts. 
• Microsoft OneDrive may soon let you import files from other cloud services including Google Drive and Dropbox, at least according to a new APK teardown. The OneDrive v7.4 Beta 1 app for Android reveals strings suggesting this feature is coming down the pipe, though we have no word on exactly when this might be. 
• If you can’t remove your Secure Folder you might not be alone, as Samsung has confirmed a One UI 6.1 issue that prevents this from happening. If you’ve upgraded to One UI 6.1, this issue could affect you if you have the Galaxy S23, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series. 
• YouTube is testing a new AI-powered Ask button. The feature lets you ask questions about the video you are watching and gives you real-time answers. The feature is currently on available to select YouTube Premium subscribers in the US via the Android app. 
• Google Maps will soon be getting some new features alongside Google Search, including public transit and walking suggestions next to driving routes if the travel times are comparable. Maps will also introduce a few features specifically for EV owners, making it easier to find charging locations and more. On a related note, an APK teardown of the Maps Beta has also revealed strings suggesting that Maps may add satellite connectivity features such as using a satellite to update your location every fifteen minutes, up to five times a day. 

Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: Samsung

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

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

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

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Credit: Samsung

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

---

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

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

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