Nova Launcher founder addresses app’s status and future after layoffs

Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• The lead developer of Nova Launcher, Kevin Barry, has issued a statement on the launcher’s state.
• Barry clarifies the roles Rob Wainwright and Cliff Wade played on the Nova team
• He goes on to explain that he has been and still is the primary contributor to Nova Launcher.

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Late last week, news hit that parent company Branch Metrics laid off more than 100 employees, including all of the Nova Launcher team, save for its founder and original developer Kevin Barry. Barry has now released an official statement that touches on the layoff and the state of Nova Launcher.

If you’re unfamiliar with the software, Nova Launcher is a third-party home screen launcher that opens up customization options users may not have had with the default stock home screen. This includes things like modifying grid sizes, choosing widget placement, and having app drawers. Nova was acquired by analytics firm Branch Metrics in 2022, which allowed Nova to gain deep insights into how users use the app.

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Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• The lead developer of Nova Launcher, Kevin Barry, has issued a statement on the launcher’s state.
• Barry clarifies the roles Rob Wainwright and Cliff Wade played on the Nova team
• He goes on to explain that he has been and still is the primary contributor to Nova Launcher.

---

Late last week, news hit that parent company Branch Metrics laid off more than 100 employees, including all of the Nova Launcher team, save for its founder and original developer Kevin Barry. Barry has now released an official statement that touches on the layoff and the state of Nova Launcher.

If you’re unfamiliar with the software, Nova Launcher is a third-party home screen launcher that opens up customization options users may not have had with the default stock home screen. This includes things like modifying grid sizes, choosing widget placement, and having app drawers. Nova was acquired by analytics firm Branch Metrics in 2022, which allowed Nova to gain deep insights into how users use the app.

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A year later, I finally love my Google Pixel Watch 2

It’s been 17 months since Google released the first Pixel Watch and 10 months since the Watch 2 succeeded it, and I can finally say that I love this product. It has been a bumpy road for sure, but Google has slowly, very slowly, won me over.

See, since the original Pixel Watch’s announcement, I’ve kept a list of features and functionality I would love to see on my wrist, and sure enough, Google has ticked off nearly every single one of these. For real? Yes, for real. Almost every feature I’ve mentioned in my Wear OS complaints list in 2022 has been implemented — proof that Google listens and improves, but at its own rhythm.

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It’s been 17 months since Google released the first Pixel Watch and 10 months since the Watch 2 succeeded it, and I can finally say that I love this product. It has been a bumpy road for sure, but Google has slowly, very slowly, won me over.

See, since the original Pixel Watch’s announcement, I’ve kept a list of features and functionality I would love to see on my wrist, and sure enough, Google has ticked off nearly every single one of these. For real? Yes, for real. Almost every feature I’ve mentioned in my Wear OS complaints list in 2022 has been implemented — proof that Google listens and improves, but at its own rhythm.

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8 years of Pixel: How the Google phone changed the industry

The original Google Pixel launched in 2016 — that’s eight years ago, for those of you who aren’t already suffering an existential crisis. The smartphone industry looked a lot different back then, and it’s safe to say that the Pixel lineup, although still not quite a global force, has been instrumental in shaping the smartphone space as it is today, from flagship powerhouses to bargain budget models.

With the Pixel 9 series fast approaching, it’s time to appreciate just how far the series has come and the effect it’s had on the broader smartphone landscape.

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The original Google Pixel launched in 2016 — that’s eight years ago, for those of you who aren’t already suffering an existential crisis. The smartphone industry looked a lot different back then, and it’s safe to say that the Pixel lineup, although still not quite a global force, has been instrumental in shaping the smartphone space as it is today, from flagship powerhouses to bargain budget models.

With the Pixel 9 series fast approaching, it’s time to appreciate just how far the series has come and the effect it’s had on the broader smartphone landscape.

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OnePlus Buds Pro 3 leak claims launch is right around the corner

Credit: Smartprix

• A new leak claims that the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 will launch next week.
• The leak doesn’t say what day the release will happen.

---

Since the start of August, details about the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 have not stopped leaking. Last week, there was a substantial leak revealing a few of the key specs, which was followed by information on the price later in the same week. All of this has been leading up the the eventual launch of the wireless earbuds, which we now know could be happening soon thanks to the latest leak.

Tipster Yogesh Brar took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal some information about the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. While we were already aware of the specs shared in the post due to the big leak last week, there was one piece of information we had not heard until now.

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Credit: Smartprix

• A new leak claims that the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 will launch next week.
• The leak doesn’t say what day the release will happen.

---

Since the start of August, details about the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 have not stopped leaking. Last week, there was a substantial leak revealing a few of the key specs, which was followed by information on the price later in the same week. All of this has been leading up the the eventual launch of the wireless earbuds, which we now know could be happening soon thanks to the latest leak.

Tipster Yogesh Brar took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal some information about the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. While we were already aware of the specs shared in the post due to the big leak last week, there was one piece of information we had not heard until now.

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The successor to one of the best fitness trackers could launch globally soon

Credit: Arsene Lupin

• A new leak claims that the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 could soon be ready for a global launch.
• It appears the global version won’t be any different than the model that launched in China.
• The fitness tracker will come in a variety of finishes and with different band types.

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Xiaomi launched the Smart Band 9 last month in China, but we may not have to wait all that long for the global edition. A new leak suggests we could see an international launch for the fitness tracker in the near future.

This latest leak comes courtesy of Arsene Lupin on X (formerly Twitter) who states that the smart tracker is “going global soon.” Unfortunately, the tipster does not offer a date or even a window for when we could expect to see it.

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Credit: Arsene Lupin

• A new leak claims that the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 could soon be ready for a global launch.
• It appears the global version won’t be any different than the model that launched in China.
• The fitness tracker will come in a variety of finishes and with different band types.

---

Xiaomi launched the Smart Band 9 last month in China, but we may not have to wait all that long for the global edition. A new leak suggests we could see an international launch for the fitness tracker in the near future.

This latest leak comes courtesy of Arsene Lupin on X (formerly Twitter) who states that the smart tracker is “going global soon.” Unfortunately, the tipster does not offer a date or even a window for when we could expect to see it.

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Custom ROMs have had just about enough of being Android’s second-class citizens

• Efforts like Graphene OS face increasing pressure from apps that refuse to run on non-standard Android.
• The custom ROM project characterizes Google’s approach to device attestation as incomplete and flawed.
• Graphene OS is prepared to take legal action if Google won’t let it pass Play Integrity checks.

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Android users have plenty of good reasons for why they might want to replace their phone’s official software with a custom ROM. Perhaps they’re looking for some specific feature, or they have privacy or security concerns they fear aren’t being addressed by mainstream releases. Maybe they’re just looking for up-to-date patches after their phone’s own manufacturer stopped supporting the hardware.

But going this route also has its drawbacks, and software compatibility can sometimes fall by the wayside — a situation we looked at just last month, as Graphene OS hit a roadblock when users noticed that the multi-factor authentication app Authy was refusing to operate due to its reliance on the Play Integrity API. Back then, we looked at why it made practical sense for Google to be OK with this arrangement and not extend Play Integrity validation to custom ROMs like Graphene OS. But there’s another side to this story, and it sounds like frustrations in the community are starting to reach a breaking point.

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• Efforts like Graphene OS face increasing pressure from apps that refuse to run on non-standard Android.
• The custom ROM project characterizes Google’s approach to device attestation as incomplete and flawed.
• Graphene OS is prepared to take legal action if Google won’t let it pass Play Integrity checks.

---

Android users have plenty of good reasons for why they might want to replace their phone’s official software with a custom ROM. Perhaps they’re looking for some specific feature, or they have privacy or security concerns they fear aren’t being addressed by mainstream releases. Maybe they’re just looking for up-to-date patches after their phone’s own manufacturer stopped supporting the hardware.

But going this route also has its drawbacks, and software compatibility can sometimes fall by the wayside — a situation we looked at just last month, as Graphene OS hit a roadblock when users noticed that the multi-factor authentication app Authy was refusing to operate due to its reliance on the Play Integrity API. Back then, we looked at why it made practical sense for Google to be OK with this arrangement and not extend Play Integrity validation to custom ROMs like Graphene OS. But there’s another side to this story, and it sounds like frustrations in the community are starting to reach a breaking point.

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Here’s one way Google Messages might fix its image compression problem (APK teardown)

• We’ve been able to use Google Messages to send images via RCS without recompression.
• The latest Messages betas have been removing the Send photos faster toggle.
• It’s still too early to say if this option will ever formally arrive, or if we’ll just get better compression settings.

---

Google Messages represents the future of person-to-person communication on Android, with Samsung beginning to direct new users over to Google’s app. In a lot of ways, that’s a very, very good move, as Google’s implementation of RCS looks like the best, most robust around. But for as much as we like there, it also has its flaws, and one we’ve been talking about quite a bit lately has been the way it handles image attachments, subjecting them to unnecessary over-compression — and really just making Android look bad compared to Apple. We’ve already seen some signs that Google’s been working to remedy this, and while we still can’t say if and when those efforts might go live, in some recent tests we were able to use Google Messages to send an image over RCS without recompression.

Your phone’s got a high-res camera, a big, detailed screen, and odds are you’re on an unlimited data plan. Add those up, and using RCS to send big, beautiful pictures makes perfect sense. But so far, Messages has been severely reducing the resolution of pictures sent through it, and dialing up compression by 90% or more. Flipping the Send photos faster toggle barely changes anything, and we’ve been craving proper control over image transmission options.

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• We’ve been able to use Google Messages to send images via RCS without recompression.
• The latest Messages betas have been removing the Send photos faster toggle.
• It’s still too early to say if this option will ever formally arrive, or if we’ll just get better compression settings.

---

Google Messages represents the future of person-to-person communication on Android, with Samsung beginning to direct new users over to Google’s app. In a lot of ways, that’s a very, very good move, as Google’s implementation of RCS looks like the best, most robust around. But for as much as we like there, it also has its flaws, and one we’ve been talking about quite a bit lately has been the way it handles image attachments, subjecting them to unnecessary over-compression — and really just making Android look bad compared to Apple. We’ve already seen some signs that Google’s been working to remedy this, and while we still can’t say if and when those efforts might go live, in some recent tests we were able to use Google Messages to send an image over RCS without recompression.

Your phone’s got a high-res camera, a big, detailed screen, and odds are you’re on an unlimited data plan. Add those up, and using RCS to send big, beautiful pictures makes perfect sense. But so far, Messages has been severely reducing the resolution of pictures sent through it, and dialing up compression by 90% or more. Flipping the Send photos faster toggle barely changes anything, and we’ve been craving proper control over image transmission options.

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Meat lovers can save 37% on the ThermoPro TempSpike wireless thermometer!

Credit: ThermoPro via Amazon

My wireless meat thermometer is hands-down one of my top three smart devices. I like getting my steaks just right, and hitting the exact term becomes a breeze with one of these, leaving all the guesswork out of the equation. If you want to upgrade your own BBQ and meat-cooking skills, today’s deal will save the day. The ThermoPro TempSpike is currently discounted by 37%, bringing the price down to a nice $63.

Get the ThermoPro TempSpike wireless meat thermometer for just $63

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My wireless meat thermometer is hands-down one of my top three smart devices. I like getting my steaks just right, and hitting the exact term becomes a breeze with one of these, leaving all the guesswork out of the equation. If you want to upgrade your own BBQ and meat-cooking skills, today’s deal will save the day. The ThermoPro TempSpike is currently discounted by 37%, bringing the price down to a nice $63.

Get the ThermoPro TempSpike wireless meat thermometer for just $63

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Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 support Gemini Nano: Here’s what they use it for

• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 both support Gemini Nano, the lightweight version of Google’s Gemini LLM that runs on-device.
• That makes them the first foldable phones to support Gemini Nano.
• Gemini Nano is currently used for Magic Compose in Google Messages, but it isn’t used for any of the Galaxy AI features.

---

Throughout 2023 and 2024, the generative AI hype train has fully taken hold of the tech world, for better or worse. Practically every publicly traded company is trying to incorporate some form of generative AI into its products, and there’s no shortage of models and services to choose from. Gemini, Google’s family of large language models (LLMs) and AI chatbots, is one of the top contenders in this space, and Google is leveraging its control over Android to bring its technology to as many people as possible.

Gemini Nano, the most lightweight version of the Gemini LLM that’s optimized to run on mobile devices, made its debut on the Google Pixel 8 Pro in late 2023. In 2024, it made its way over to the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and later the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8a, although on the latter two devices, it’s only available as a developer preview. With the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 last month, Google expanded Gemini Nano to foldables for the first time. Here’s a look at what AI features are powered by Gemini Nano on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

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• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 both support Gemini Nano, the lightweight version of Google’s Gemini LLM that runs on-device.
• That makes them the first foldable phones to support Gemini Nano.
• Gemini Nano is currently used for Magic Compose in Google Messages, but it isn’t used for any of the Galaxy AI features.

---

Throughout 2023 and 2024, the generative AI hype train has fully taken hold of the tech world, for better or worse. Practically every publicly traded company is trying to incorporate some form of generative AI into its products, and there’s no shortage of models and services to choose from. Gemini, Google’s family of large language models (LLMs) and AI chatbots, is one of the top contenders in this space, and Google is leveraging its control over Android to bring its technology to as many people as possible.

Gemini Nano, the most lightweight version of the Gemini LLM that’s optimized to run on mobile devices, made its debut on the Google Pixel 8 Pro in late 2023. In 2024, it made its way over to the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and later the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8a, although on the latter two devices, it’s only available as a developer preview. With the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 last month, Google expanded Gemini Nano to foldables for the first time. Here’s a look at what AI features are powered by Gemini Nano on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

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Deal: The Apple MacBook Pro with M3 is $300 of right now!

Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority

There are plenty of great Apple deals going on right now, and the nicest ones are on the MacBook Air with M2 and with M3. By the way, those deals are still live! That said, we know some of you want a little more oomph and might want to upgrade to the next best thing. The 14.2-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 is currently getting more discounted than usual. Aside from a $200 discount, there’s also a $99 coupon you can clip on. This brings the price down to just $1,300.

Get the Apple MacBook Pro with M3 for just $1,300

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Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority

There are plenty of great Apple deals going on right now, and the nicest ones are on the MacBook Air with M2 and with M3. By the way, those deals are still live! That said, we know some of you want a little more oomph and might want to upgrade to the next best thing. The 14.2-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 is currently getting more discounted than usual. Aside from a $200 discount, there’s also a $99 coupon you can clip on. This brings the price down to just $1,300.

Get the Apple MacBook Pro with M3 for just $1,300

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Save 26% one the Anker SOLIX 522 Portable Power Station

Credit: Anker

Weekend adventurers and travelers often find themselves looking for outlets. If you find yourself in this situation often, and a normal power bank just isn’t enough, you might want to invest in a portable power station. These can be expensive, though. It’s good to keep an eye open for good deals, and here’s a great one. The Anker SOLIX 522 Portable Power Station is currently $70 off, bringing the price down to $199.

Get the Anker SOLIX 522 Portable Power Station for $199

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Weekend adventurers and travelers often find themselves looking for outlets. If you find yourself in this situation often, and a normal power bank just isn’t enough, you might want to invest in a portable power station. These can be expensive, though. It’s good to keep an eye open for good deals, and here’s a great one. The Anker SOLIX 522 Portable Power Station is currently $70 off, bringing the price down to $199.

Get the Anker SOLIX 522 Portable Power Station for $199

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Poll results: Most Galaxy users aren’t that sad to see Samsung Messages go

• Two-thirds of Galaxy users are eager to switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages.
• Samsung Messages fans point to unique, or just better-implemented features.

---

Is there no loyalty with Android? Apple’s iPhone users can seem all too eager to close ranks and view the world as green vs blue bubbles, but do we have anywhere near the same kind of brand allegiance on this side of the fence? And even if you do have a favorite manufacturer of phone hardware, do you feel as positive about the company’s software? We’ve been thinking about this in the context of messaging apps recently, as Google Messages starts replacing Samsung Messages on new Galaxy devices. But to hear the way you’ve been talking about it, this isn’t that big a deal, with many Samsung users eager to make the switch.

Samsung’s not outright killing off Messages at this time, but it has stopped pre-loading the app on new Galaxy phones in at least some markets. And while you can still manually install the app through the Galaxy Store, the company warns of a diminished user experience, with “some features” excluded.

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• Two-thirds of Galaxy users are eager to switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages.
• Samsung Messages fans point to unique, or just better-implemented features.

---

Is there no loyalty with Android? Apple’s iPhone users can seem all too eager to close ranks and view the world as green vs blue bubbles, but do we have anywhere near the same kind of brand allegiance on this side of the fence? And even if you do have a favorite manufacturer of phone hardware, do you feel as positive about the company’s software? We’ve been thinking about this in the context of messaging apps recently, as Google Messages starts replacing Samsung Messages on new Galaxy devices. But to hear the way you’ve been talking about it, this isn’t that big a deal, with many Samsung users eager to make the switch.

Samsung’s not outright killing off Messages at this time, but it has stopped pre-loading the app on new Galaxy phones in at least some markets. And while you can still manually install the app through the Galaxy Store, the company warns of a diminished user experience, with “some features” excluded.

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It’s the best time to get a discount on the Google Pixel 8 phones

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 9 series is expected to launch on the 13th of August, which is in less than a week. While the rumors seem exciting, last year’s phones are still pretty amazing, and I happen to prefer saving money when possible. Deals are getting hotter on the Pixel 8 series, and the duo is hitting all-time lows today. You can pick up a Google Pixel 8 for just $499, which is $200 off the MSRP. You can also upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro for $699, which is an even larger $300 discount.

Get the Google Pixel 8 for $499

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 9 series is expected to launch on the 13th of August, which is in less than a week. While the rumors seem exciting, last year’s phones are still pretty amazing, and I happen to prefer saving money when possible. Deals are getting hotter on the Pixel 8 series, and the duo is hitting all-time lows today. You can pick up a Google Pixel 8 for just $499, which is $200 off the MSRP. You can also upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro for $699, which is an even larger $300 discount.

Get the Google Pixel 8 for $499

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How to transform your Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra into a Casio G-Shock look-alike

• A custom watch face, bumper case, and new band are all that you need to transform your Watch Ultra into a retro masterpiece.

---

Smartwatches have not made things easy for fans of traditional wristwatches. While the allure of connected apps can be very tempting, there are so many trade-offs that come with smartwatches — and we’re not just talking about how they guzzle through battery capacity. Design also sees a big departure from “dumb” watches, and while there are plenty of different ways to build a smartwatch, they’re all pretty much instantly recognizable for what they are. What if you want the modern conveniences of a smartwatch, while retaining a classic, robust design? We’ve got just the DIY project for you to check out.

Over on Reddit’s Galaxy Watch sub, user fangpogi31 shares their creation: a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra all tricked out to do its very best impression of a Casio G-Shock model. You know the look — big rubber bumper, very ’90s design. And we have to admit, it really does come together pretty nicely here:

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• A custom watch face, bumper case, and new band are all that you need to transform your Watch Ultra into a retro masterpiece.

---

Smartwatches have not made things easy for fans of traditional wristwatches. While the allure of connected apps can be very tempting, there are so many trade-offs that come with smartwatches — and we’re not just talking about how they guzzle through battery capacity. Design also sees a big departure from “dumb” watches, and while there are plenty of different ways to build a smartwatch, they’re all pretty much instantly recognizable for what they are. What if you want the modern conveniences of a smartwatch, while retaining a classic, robust design? We’ve got just the DIY project for you to check out.

Over on Reddit’s Galaxy Watch sub, user fangpogi31 shares their creation: a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra all tricked out to do its very best impression of a Casio G-Shock model. You know the look — big rubber bumper, very ’90s design. And we have to admit, it really does come together pretty nicely here:

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Can’t find nearby devices? Quick Share might soon offer troubleshooting tips (APK teardown)

Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• Quick Share could soon offer troubleshooting tips if you face issues with finding nearby devices.
• Google is working on another change that might remove Quick Share’s visibility toggle from the settings.

---

Quick Share is one of the easiest and fastest ways to transfer large files between Android devices. However, it can be a bit annoying when it is unable to find nearby devices and doesn’t highlight the underlying problem. Thankfully, Google has an improvement in the works that could help you troubleshoot this issue easily.

A teardown of the latest Google Play Services release (version 24.31.33) has revealed an upcoming feature that will help you troubleshoot issues with finding nearby devices. As you can see in the attached screenshots, the feature will appear as a new “Don’t see the right device?” button in the Quick Share settings. Tapping on it will list a few things the recipient can try to make their device visible.

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Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• Quick Share could soon offer troubleshooting tips if you face issues with finding nearby devices.
• Google is working on another change that might remove Quick Share’s visibility toggle from the settings.

---

Quick Share is one of the easiest and fastest ways to transfer large files between Android devices. However, it can be a bit annoying when it is unable to find nearby devices and doesn’t highlight the underlying problem. Thankfully, Google has an improvement in the works that could help you troubleshoot this issue easily.

A teardown of the latest Google Play Services release (version 24.31.33) has revealed an upcoming feature that will help you troubleshoot issues with finding nearby devices. As you can see in the attached screenshots, the feature will appear as a new “Don’t see the right device?” button in the Quick Share settings. Tapping on it will list a few things the recipient can try to make their device visible.

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Deal: Samsung Odyssey Ark 55-inch monitor $1,200 off, plus a free G3 monitor and $100 credit

Credit: Samsung

You’ve probably seen that massive, curved monitor at your local Best Buy. It is a fantastic display, and many would consider it the best gaming monitor you can have right now. It is mighty expensive at $3,000, so it’s best to wait for good deals if you’re thinking of investing in such a high-end monitor. Today is your lucky day! The Samsung Odyssey Ark is going for $1,800, saving you $1,200. Not only that, but Sammy is throwing in a Samsung Odyssey G3 27-inch monitor for free, as well as a $100 Samsung credit for future purchases.

Get the Samsung Odyssey Ark, Odyssey G3, and a $100 Samsung credit for just $1,800

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Credit: Samsung

You’ve probably seen that massive, curved monitor at your local Best Buy. It is a fantastic display, and many would consider it the best gaming monitor you can have right now. It is mighty expensive at $3,000, so it’s best to wait for good deals if you’re thinking of investing in such a high-end monitor. Today is your lucky day! The Samsung Odyssey Ark is going for $1,800, saving you $1,200. Not only that, but Sammy is throwing in a Samsung Odyssey G3 27-inch monitor for free, as well as a $100 Samsung credit for future purchases.

Get the Samsung Odyssey Ark, Odyssey G3, and a $100 Samsung credit for just $1,800

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which should you buy?

Samsung took the wraps off its latest flagships earlier this year, the Galaxy S24 series, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra setting the early benchmark for other Android smartphones this year. It’s another year of refinement as far as the design goes but with a significant focus on AI-driven software and features. If that sounds familiar, it’s the exact intro we could have used for Google’s 2023 flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro. Interesting design refinements, upgraded hardware, and a plethora of new software features make for an interesting comparison between the two flagships. Here’s a look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro!

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: At a glance

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Samsung took the wraps off its latest flagships earlier this year, the Galaxy S24 series, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra setting the early benchmark for other Android smartphones this year. It’s another year of refinement as far as the design goes but with a significant focus on AI-driven software and features. If that sounds familiar, it’s the exact intro we could have used for Google’s 2023 flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro. Interesting design refinements, upgraded hardware, and a plethora of new software features make for an interesting comparison between the two flagships. Here’s a look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro!

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: At a glance

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A bunch of Apple devices are on sale! Here are our favorite deals

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

Here at Android Authority, we’re all about Google and Android, but we know Apple products are great, too. We also know Apple devices don’t tend to come cheap, so if you’ve been looking to make some additions to your repertoire, today might be the best day to do so. There are currently a bunch of Apple deals, many of which bring the prices close to Amazon Prime Day levels. Let’s go over some of our favorite offerings!

• Get the Apple MacBook Air M3 for $850 ($249 off)
• Get the Apple MacBook Pro M3 for $1,399 ($200 off)
• Get the Apple iPad mini 6th generation for $380 ($120 off)
• Get the Apple iPad 9th generation for $250 ($79 off)
• Get the Apple iPad 10th Generation for $300 ($49 off)
• Get the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation for $189 ($60 off)
• Get the Apple Watch Series 9 for $299 ($100 off)
• Get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $700 ($99 off)
• Get the Apple AirPods 3rd generation for $140 ($29 off)
• Get the Apple AirPods Max for $400 ($149 off)
• Get the Apple AirTag 4-pack for $80 ($19 off)

The MacBook Air M3 is obviously the best deal, discounting you a whole $249. It’s also a great device, and we usually mention it’s one of the best laptops for most people. It’s super thin, gorgeously designed, and plenty powerful. Some people even use it for light 4K video editing. All mentioned iPads are great, too, so look into those if you’re looking for a tablet. Also, you get plenty of choices in terms of Apple smartwatches and headphones, ranging from the most affordable to the most expensive, all with pretty lovely discounts. Even AirTags are on sale!

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Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

Here at Android Authority, we’re all about Google and Android, but we know Apple products are great, too. We also know Apple devices don’t tend to come cheap, so if you’ve been looking to make some additions to your repertoire, today might be the best day to do so. There are currently a bunch of Apple deals, many of which bring the prices close to Amazon Prime Day levels. Let’s go over some of our favorite offerings!

• Get the Apple MacBook Air M3 for $850 ($249 off)
• Get the Apple MacBook Pro M3 for $1,399 ($200 off)
• Get the Apple iPad mini 6th generation for $380 ($120 off)
• Get the Apple iPad 9th generation for $250 ($79 off)
• Get the Apple iPad 10th Generation for $300 ($49 off)
• Get the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation for $189 ($60 off)
• Get the Apple Watch Series 9 for $299 ($100 off)
• Get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $700 ($99 off)
• Get the Apple AirPods 3rd generation for $140 ($29 off)
• Get the Apple AirPods Max for $400 ($149 off)
• Get the Apple AirTag 4-pack for $80 ($19 off)

The MacBook Air M3 is obviously the best deal, discounting you a whole $249. It’s also a great device, and we usually mention it’s one of the best laptops for most people. It’s super thin, gorgeously designed, and plenty powerful. Some people even use it for light 4K video editing. All mentioned iPads are great, too, so look into those if you’re looking for a tablet. Also, you get plenty of choices in terms of Apple smartwatches and headphones, ranging from the most affordable to the most expensive, all with pretty lovely discounts. Even AirTags are on sale!

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Save $351 on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S24 Ultra

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is still one of the best phones you can get, and it is usually mighty expensive at $1,300. Deals come and go from time to time, though, and right now, you can grab yourself one for just $949, a $351 discount.

Get the Titanium Gray Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $949

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Galaxy S24 Ultra

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is still one of the best phones you can get, and it is usually mighty expensive at $1,300. Deals come and go from time to time, though, and right now, you can grab yourself one for just $949, a $351 discount.

Get the Titanium Gray Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $949

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Here’s when the iPhone 16 could launch, following Apple Intelligence’s delay

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Apple Intelligence features won’t be included in iOS 18.0, and interested users will have to wait for iOS 18.1’s debut.
• While support for Apple Intelligence could be one of the iPhone 16’s main selling points, its release likely won’t be delayed.
• If Apple follows its usual schedule, it could launch the iPhone 16 series on September 10, then roll out the AI features in October.

---

In recent years, smartphone hardware upgrades have been incremental — for the most part, at least. This has pushed some manufacturers to develop exclusive software features for their latest products, enticing customers to upgrade more frequently. The iPhone’s case is no different. Apple Intelligence is only supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, which will likely make it an iPhone 16 key selling point. Though, given that the highly anticipated AI features have been delayed till October, will Apple still launch the iPhone 16 in September? Here’s what the rumors indicate.

According to Bloomberg, Apple will stick to its tradition and launch the iPhone 16 in September. Since the company typically introduces its flagship smartphones on a Tuesday towards the middle of the month, the publication suggests that the announcement could take place on September 10. The report states:

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Apple Intelligence features won’t be included in iOS 18.0, and interested users will have to wait for iOS 18.1’s debut.
• While support for Apple Intelligence could be one of the iPhone 16’s main selling points, its release likely won’t be delayed.
• If Apple follows its usual schedule, it could launch the iPhone 16 series on September 10, then roll out the AI features in October.

---

In recent years, smartphone hardware upgrades have been incremental — for the most part, at least. This has pushed some manufacturers to develop exclusive software features for their latest products, enticing customers to upgrade more frequently. The iPhone’s case is no different. Apple Intelligence is only supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, which will likely make it an iPhone 16 key selling point. Though, given that the highly anticipated AI features have been delayed till October, will Apple still launch the iPhone 16 in September? Here’s what the rumors indicate.

According to Bloomberg, Apple will stick to its tradition and launch the iPhone 16 in September. Since the company typically introduces its flagship smartphones on a Tuesday towards the middle of the month, the publication suggests that the announcement could take place on September 10. The report states:

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Fast Pair will make it easier to connect Bluetooth keyboards to your Chromebook or Android tablet

• Google is experimenting with enabling support for Fast Pair for keyboards.
• Fast Pair is a feature that significantly simplifies pairing Bluetooth accessories to devices running Android or Chrome OS.
• It currently supports accessories like headphones, smartwatches, tracker tags, and mice.

---

Whether it’s your headphones, your smartwatch, your mouse, or your keyboard, you probably use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect your devices each and every day. So many devices use the wireless communications standard that you might end up pairing or repairing them once every couple of days. Pairing Bluetooth devices can be a hassle, which is why Google created Fast Pair, a feature that greatly simplifies the Bluetooth pairing process. Fast Pair currently works with accessories like headphones, smartwatches, tracker tags, and mice, but Google is preparing to expand support to keyboards.

Google Fast Pair Service, or just Fast Pair for short, was introduced back in 2017 and was originally designed to simplify connecting audio accessories like speakers, headphones, and car kits with devices running Android. It’s implemented in the Google Play Services app on Android phones, tablets, smartwatches, and TVs, which means it’s available on any Android device that ships with Google apps preinstalled. Since March of 2023, it’s also been available in the Chrome OS operating system running on Chromebooks.

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• Google is experimenting with enabling support for Fast Pair for keyboards.
• Fast Pair is a feature that significantly simplifies pairing Bluetooth accessories to devices running Android or Chrome OS.
• It currently supports accessories like headphones, smartwatches, tracker tags, and mice.

---

Whether it’s your headphones, your smartwatch, your mouse, or your keyboard, you probably use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect your devices each and every day. So many devices use the wireless communications standard that you might end up pairing or repairing them once every couple of days. Pairing Bluetooth devices can be a hassle, which is why Google created Fast Pair, a feature that greatly simplifies the Bluetooth pairing process. Fast Pair currently works with accessories like headphones, smartwatches, tracker tags, and mice, but Google is preparing to expand support to keyboards.

Google Fast Pair Service, or just Fast Pair for short, was introduced back in 2017 and was originally designed to simplify connecting audio accessories like speakers, headphones, and car kits with devices running Android. It’s implemented in the Google Play Services app on Android phones, tablets, smartwatches, and TVs, which means it’s available on any Android device that ships with Google apps preinstalled. Since March of 2023, it’s also been available in the Chrome OS operating system running on Chromebooks.

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Google Lens could soon make it easier to add context to searches (Update: Rolling out)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google Lens lets you start an object search and, once the image search is complete, add more context through text or voice.
• In the future, Google could simplify this process by letting you long press the shutter button to add voice context to your photo or video. There is also a new animation similar to Circle to Search.
• This feature is not currently live and may or may not roll out in the future.

---

Update, August 4, 2024 (11:55 PM ET): This feature from Google Lens that lets you add context to searches with your voice is now rolling out to the stable branch. Have you received the feature on your phone? Let us know in the comments below!

---

Original article, June 4, 2024 (10:02 AM ET): Google Lens is a nifty tool that makes it trivial to image search objects around you. It’s great for reading barcodes and QR codes and for looking up web results by just pointing your camera at something. While Google Lens is pretty good and gets the job done, sometimes an image search query could use some added context. Google is working on improving Google Lens’ ability to accept additional context with some key changes.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google Lens lets you start an object search and, once the image search is complete, add more context through text or voice.
• In the future, Google could simplify this process by letting you long press the shutter button to add voice context to your photo or video. There is also a new animation similar to Circle to Search.
• This feature is not currently live and may or may not roll out in the future.

---

Update, August 4, 2024 (11:55 PM ET): This feature from Google Lens that lets you add context to searches with your voice is now rolling out to the stable branch. Have you received the feature on your phone? Let us know in the comments below!

---

Original article, June 4, 2024 (10:02 AM ET): Google Lens is a nifty tool that makes it trivial to image search objects around you. It’s great for reading barcodes and QR codes and for looking up web results by just pointing your camera at something. While Google Lens is pretty good and gets the job done, sometimes an image search query could use some added context. Google is working on improving Google Lens’ ability to accept additional context with some key changes.

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How much energy does ChatGPT consume? More than you think, but it’s not all bad news

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Everything comes at a cost, and AI is no different. While ChatGPT and Gemini may be free to use, they require a staggering amount of computational power to operate. And if that wasn’t enough, Big Tech is currently engaged in an arms race to build bigger and better models like GPT-5. Critics argue that this growing demand for powerful — and energy-intensive — hardware will have a devastating impact on climate change. So just how much energy does AI like ChatGPT use and what does this electricity use mean from an environmental perspective? Let’s break it down.

ChatGPT energy consumption: How much electricity does AI need?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Everything comes at a cost, and AI is no different. While ChatGPT and Gemini may be free to use, they require a staggering amount of computational power to operate. And if that wasn’t enough, Big Tech is currently engaged in an arms race to build bigger and better models like GPT-5. Critics argue that this growing demand for powerful — and energy-intensive — hardware will have a devastating impact on climate change. So just how much energy does AI like ChatGPT use and what does this electricity use mean from an environmental perspective? Let’s break it down.

ChatGPT energy consumption: How much electricity does AI need?

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AI summaries in Apple Mail put Gmail to absolute shame

Apple Mail has long been the ugly duckling of email clients. While the app technically works, it’s pretty barebones in terms of functionality. Despite the latest iOS 18 beta not addressing all of its shortcomings, it does make using the client more desirable on iPhone 15 Pro models. With iOS 18.1, the iPhone maker has baked Apple Intelligence into the Mail app, enabling AI summaries, priority detection, and more. Some of these features have also made it to the Messages app, such as the newly-added smart replies. Sure, Apple Mail still has a long way to go, but boy, do these AI enhancements make my everyday life easier and give Google’s Gmail a run for its money.

It all starts before you even launch the app

What I love about Apple Intelligence on iOS 18.1 beta 1 is that it works from the moment you receive an email or text. The technology analyzes the notifications’ content to display summaries on the lock screen. So, instead of previewing the first two lines of an email, the notification now shows a handier, AI-generated summary of the entire message. We’ve gone from “Hi, I hope this email finds you well” to “The sender is inquiring about your availability tomorrow” in the notification center. It’s pretty neat if you ask me.

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Apple Mail has long been the ugly duckling of email clients. While the app technically works, it’s pretty barebones in terms of functionality. Despite the latest iOS 18 beta not addressing all of its shortcomings, it does make using the client more desirable on iPhone 15 Pro models. With iOS 18.1, the iPhone maker has baked Apple Intelligence into the Mail app, enabling AI summaries, priority detection, and more. Some of these features have also made it to the Messages app, such as the newly-added smart replies. Sure, Apple Mail still has a long way to go, but boy, do these AI enhancements make my everyday life easier and give Google’s Gmail a run for its money.

It all starts before you even launch the app

What I love about Apple Intelligence on iOS 18.1 beta 1 is that it works from the moment you receive an email or text. The technology analyzes the notifications’ content to display summaries on the lock screen. So, instead of previewing the first two lines of an email, the notification now shows a handier, AI-generated summary of the entire message. We’ve gone from “Hi, I hope this email finds you well” to “The sender is inquiring about your availability tomorrow” in the notification center. It’s pretty neat if you ask me.

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Two years on, the Pixel Buds Pro have aged like fine wine

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Calvin Wankhede

Two years have passed since the Pixel Buds Pro first hit store shelves. Launched at Google I/O 2022, they were the first in Google’s buds lineup to offer high-end features like active noise canceling. But with a launch price of $199, the Pixel Buds Pro didn’t outshine the competition and lacked some features that were almost considered industry standard by 2022.

Fast forward to today, however, and the Pixel Buds Pro have become some of the most well-rounded true wireless earbuds on the market. And I’m not referring to the fact that you can often find them on sale for less than $140. No, I’m referring to the many, many firmware updates that have completely transformed them since their release.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Calvin Wankhede

Two years have passed since the Pixel Buds Pro first hit store shelves. Launched at Google I/O 2022, they were the first in Google’s buds lineup to offer high-end features like active noise canceling. But with a launch price of $199, the Pixel Buds Pro didn’t outshine the competition and lacked some features that were almost considered industry standard by 2022.

Fast forward to today, however, and the Pixel Buds Pro have become some of the most well-rounded true wireless earbuds on the market. And I’m not referring to the fact that you can often find them on sale for less than $140. No, I’m referring to the many, many firmware updates that have completely transformed them since their release.

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New leak suggests Apple could launch two (!) foldables in 2026

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A trusted analyst has reported that Apple will launch two foldable devices in 2026.
• It’s believed the company will launch a foldable iPad/iMac first and then a clamshell-style foldable iPhone.

---

We’ve heard rumors for a while now that Apple could be working on a foldable iPhone and a foldable iMac/iPad hybrid. Now, it sounds like both devices might launch in 2026.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A trusted analyst has reported that Apple will launch two foldable devices in 2026.
• It’s believed the company will launch a foldable iPad/iMac first and then a clamshell-style foldable iPhone.

---

We’ve heard rumors for a while now that Apple could be working on a foldable iPhone and a foldable iMac/iPad hybrid. Now, it sounds like both devices might launch in 2026.

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The best new streaming movies this week: Tarot, Challengers, and more

We’re back with a new list of movies to catch up on this weekend. We have a long-awaited Zendaya starrer and a very interesting horror movie. 

The best new streaming movies this week

• Tarot
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
• Knox Goes Away
• Borderless Fog
• Challengers

Tarot – August 1, Netflix

• Release date: May 3, 2024
• Genre: Horror
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Spenser Cohen
• Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Jacob Batalon, Humberly González, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson

A group of friends carelessly breaks a sacred rule during a tarot card reading, unknowingly unleashing an evil entity trapped within the cursed cards. As they start dying one by one in mysterious and frightening ways, they realize they’re in a desperate race against time. Each friend faces their nightmare based on the tarot card they drew.

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We’re back with a new list of movies to catch up on this weekend. We have a long-awaited Zendaya starrer and a very interesting horror movie. 

The best new streaming movies this week

• Tarot
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
• Knox Goes Away
• Borderless Fog
• Challengers

Tarot – August 1, Netflix

• Release date: May 3, 2024
• Genre: Horror
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Spenser Cohen
• Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Jacob Batalon, Humberly González, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson

A group of friends carelessly breaks a sacred rule during a tarot card reading, unknowingly unleashing an evil entity trapped within the cursed cards. As they start dying one by one in mysterious and frightening ways, they realize they’re in a desperate race against time. Each friend faces their nightmare based on the tarot card they drew.

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Google might bring drag-and-drop support to Chrome on Android

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google could introduce drag-and-drop support in Chrome for Android.
• This feature will debut in the upcoming Dev channel release (version 129) and will allow users to move files within the browser and between apps.
• The “Recent Searches” feature is also likely to get an update in this release.

---

Google might soon introduce drag-and-drop functionality in the Chrome for Android browser. This feature is already present on the desktop version and certainly saves time for the average user. Given this, launching it for Android is a logical next step that could help improve one’s browsing experience and productivity on the platform.

According to MSPoweruser, this functionality will debut in Chrome for Android’s Dev channel (version 129). Once it’s launched, you’ll be able to move files from one location to another within your browser, as well as from your browser to other apps. The outlet spotted the commit “Enable DragDropFiles for M129” on Chromium, which is why it’s reasonable to expect that this feature will be available for testing shortly.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google could introduce drag-and-drop support in Chrome for Android.
• This feature will debut in the upcoming Dev channel release (version 129) and will allow users to move files within the browser and between apps.
• The “Recent Searches” feature is also likely to get an update in this release.

---

Google might soon introduce drag-and-drop functionality in the Chrome for Android browser. This feature is already present on the desktop version and certainly saves time for the average user. Given this, launching it for Android is a logical next step that could help improve one’s browsing experience and productivity on the platform.

According to MSPoweruser, this functionality will debut in Chrome for Android’s Dev channel (version 129). Once it’s launched, you’ll be able to move files from one location to another within your browser, as well as from your browser to other apps. The outlet spotted the commit “Enable DragDropFiles for M129” on Chromium, which is why it’s reasonable to expect that this feature will be available for testing shortly.

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This ASUS laptop is way too good for only $220!

Credit: ASUS

Never in my life did I think I would see affordable laptops get so good. And they get even cheaper when discounts hit! Take this ASUS VivoBook 14 as an example. This laptop is already cheap at $430, but you can get it for only $220 right now. That’s about a 48% discount!

Get the ASUS VivoBook 14 for a mere $220

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Credit: ASUS

Never in my life did I think I would see affordable laptops get so good. And they get even cheaper when discounts hit! Take this ASUS VivoBook 14 as an example. This laptop is already cheap at $430, but you can get it for only $220 right now. That’s about a 48% discount!

Get the ASUS VivoBook 14 for a mere $220

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Deal: The Google Pixel 8a has never been this affordable

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 8a is already one of the best affordable smartphones around, offering great value at a great $499 price point. Deals come often in the tech world, though, and Google’s budget offering is getting a really nice $100 discount right now, bringing the cost down to just $399.

Get the Google Pixel 8a for just $399

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 8a is already one of the best affordable smartphones around, offering great value at a great $499 price point. Deals come often in the tech world, though, and Google’s budget offering is getting a really nice $100 discount right now, bringing the cost down to just $399.

Get the Google Pixel 8a for just $399

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YouTube is glitching out — what to do if you’re stuck with NaN:NaN on your timeline

• Affected accounts can’t manually advance video playback.
• Logging out or using incognito mode offers a temporary fix.
• The root cause may be tied to experimental YouTube flags.

---

YouTube long ago evolved to become so much more than a place for entertainment, and whether you use it to get your news, discover fresh recipes, or learn how to complete projects around the house, it’s an invaluable repository for millions of users. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you rely on something until you lose it, though, and that’s exactly what we’re thinking about today as some YouTube viewers find themselves confronted with a confusing bug that prevents them from skipping ahead in videos.

Affected users have been sharing their woes over on Reddit, with an experience just like the one StormerJack describes: you go to advance your video by clicking on the timeline, and instead of jumping ahead, the player rewinds all the way back to the start. When mousing over the timeline, instead of seeing the actual position in the video, you’ll get a bizarre “-NaN:NaN” label.

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• Affected accounts can’t manually advance video playback.
• Logging out or using incognito mode offers a temporary fix.
• The root cause may be tied to experimental YouTube flags.

---

YouTube long ago evolved to become so much more than a place for entertainment, and whether you use it to get your news, discover fresh recipes, or learn how to complete projects around the house, it’s an invaluable repository for millions of users. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you rely on something until you lose it, though, and that’s exactly what we’re thinking about today as some YouTube viewers find themselves confronted with a confusing bug that prevents them from skipping ahead in videos.

Affected users have been sharing their woes over on Reddit, with an experience just like the one StormerJack describes: you go to advance your video by clicking on the timeline, and instead of jumping ahead, the player rewinds all the way back to the start. When mousing over the timeline, instead of seeing the actual position in the video, you’ll get a bizarre “-NaN:NaN” label.

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You can now ask Chrome to help find that website you forgot about

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Google is introducing some new AI features to the Chrome browser.
• Users will be able to ask Chrome in natural language about their browsing history to rediscover previously visited pages.
• The Circle to Search and product comparison features found in the beta and Canary channels are now rolling out.

---

We’ve all experienced that moment where we exit out of a tab(s) we didn’t mean to close. If you weren’t paying attention, finding that lost page can be a hassle. A new feature Google is introducing to the Chrome browser could make it a little easier to rediscover the sites you visited.

In a new blog, Google announces a few new features headed to Chrome, including a new browsing history feature. This feature leverages the tech giant’s conversational AI to help users find previously visited web pages by asking Chrome questions in natural language. For example, you can ask, “What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?” Chrome will then respond by presenting you with relevant pages from your browsing history.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Google is introducing some new AI features to the Chrome browser.
• Users will be able to ask Chrome in natural language about their browsing history to rediscover previously visited pages.
• The Circle to Search and product comparison features found in the beta and Canary channels are now rolling out.

---

We’ve all experienced that moment where we exit out of a tab(s) we didn’t mean to close. If you weren’t paying attention, finding that lost page can be a hassle. A new feature Google is introducing to the Chrome browser could make it a little easier to rediscover the sites you visited.

In a new blog, Google announces a few new features headed to Chrome, including a new browsing history feature. This feature leverages the tech giant’s conversational AI to help users find previously visited web pages by asking Chrome questions in natural language. For example, you can ask, “What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?” Chrome will then respond by presenting you with relevant pages from your browsing history.

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Google Pixel 9 rumors: Everything we know so far about the upcoming Pixels

Update: July 31, 2024 (3:53 PM ET): We have updated our Google Pixel 9 rumor hub with newly leaked information about Tensor G4, the charging speed, and what OS the Pixel 9 will launch with.

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The Google Pixel 8 series is Google’s best flagship series to date, topping the charts for some of the best Android phones you can buy. But we’re mere weeks away from the launch of the Pixel 9 series, and four of them are expected this time around. What is new with the upcoming generation, and are they exciting upgrades? Let’s jump right in and discuss everything we know about the Google Pixel 9 series!

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Update: July 31, 2024 (3:53 PM ET): We have updated our Google Pixel 9 rumor hub with newly leaked information about Tensor G4, the charging speed, and what OS the Pixel 9 will launch with.

---

The Google Pixel 8 series is Google’s best flagship series to date, topping the charts for some of the best Android phones you can buy. But we’re mere weeks away from the launch of the Pixel 9 series, and four of them are expected this time around. What is new with the upcoming generation, and are they exciting upgrades? Let’s jump right in and discuss everything we know about the Google Pixel 9 series!

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Apple iPhone 16 rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Update: July 31, 2024 (2:30 PM ET): We have updated our iPhone 16 series rumor hub with a new leak about possible iPhone 16 color options and information regarding Apple’s preventative overheating measures for the iPhone 16.

---

Apple’s iPhone 15 series came out in September 2023. Now that the hype for those has died down, we’re moving on to the 2024 models — and there are already plenty of iPhone 16 rumors and leaks going around.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Update: July 31, 2024 (2:30 PM ET): We have updated our iPhone 16 series rumor hub with a new leak about possible iPhone 16 color options and information regarding Apple’s preventative overheating measures for the iPhone 16.

---

Apple’s iPhone 15 series came out in September 2023. Now that the hype for those has died down, we’re moving on to the 2024 models — and there are already plenty of iPhone 16 rumors and leaks going around.

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A massive Pixel Watch 3 leak reveals better displays, fitness features, and more

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Official promo images of the Pixel Watch 3 have leaked online.
• The Pixel Watch 3 has two size options, slimmer bezels for larger displays and faster charging.
• New software features include better Nest integration and running-focused tools.

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As anticipation builds for Google’s August launch event, leaks continue to surface, painting an increasingly detailed picture of what Google has in store for us. We expect the Pixel Watch 3 to make its debut at the event, and the latest leak, courtesy of Android Headlines, gives us a good look at what appears to be the official promo material for Google’s upcoming smartwatch(es).

The images basically confirm that Google will introduce two sizes for the Pixel Watch 3: a 41mm model (matching the existing Pixel Watch 2) and a larger 45mm variant. The smaller model is getting a glow-up with “10% more screen,” indicating thinner bezels, while the 45mm version sports “40% more screen” compared to the Pixel Watch 2.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Official promo images of the Pixel Watch 3 have leaked online.
• The Pixel Watch 3 has two size options, slimmer bezels for larger displays and faster charging.
• New software features include better Nest integration and running-focused tools.

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As anticipation builds for Google’s August launch event, leaks continue to surface, painting an increasingly detailed picture of what Google has in store for us. We expect the Pixel Watch 3 to make its debut at the event, and the latest leak, courtesy of Android Headlines, gives us a good look at what appears to be the official promo material for Google’s upcoming smartwatch(es).

The images basically confirm that Google will introduce two sizes for the Pixel Watch 3: a 41mm model (matching the existing Pixel Watch 2) and a larger 45mm variant. The smaller model is getting a glow-up with “10% more screen,” indicating thinner bezels, while the 45mm version sports “40% more screen” compared to the Pixel Watch 2.

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Google app can now show contacts, apps, and device settings in search (APK Teardown)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The Google app could be getting a new universal search feature that will allow contacts, apps, and device settings to appear within search results.
• This new feature should be independent of the Pixel Launcher and available on all Android devices.
• Users will get the choice to include or exclude these new options from their search results.

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The Google app is about to become even more of a digital Swiss Army knife. Already a go-to for everything from Google Searches to Google Lens and Google’s smart assistants, the app is set to add some nifty new features that will make finding what you need on your device a breeze.

In the Google app version 15.30.27.29 beta, we found evidence suggesting that the Google app will soon be able to display contacts, apps, and device settings directly within search results. This means that users can simply start typing their query into the app’s search bar and see matching results not only from the web but also from their personal contacts list, installed apps, and even the device’s system settings.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The Google app could be getting a new universal search feature that will allow contacts, apps, and device settings to appear within search results.
• This new feature should be independent of the Pixel Launcher and available on all Android devices.
• Users will get the choice to include or exclude these new options from their search results.

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The Google app is about to become even more of a digital Swiss Army knife. Already a go-to for everything from Google Searches to Google Lens and Google’s smart assistants, the app is set to add some nifty new features that will make finding what you need on your device a breeze.

In the Google app version 15.30.27.29 beta, we found evidence suggesting that the Google app will soon be able to display contacts, apps, and device settings directly within search results. This means that users can simply start typing their query into the app’s search bar and see matching results not only from the web but also from their personal contacts list, installed apps, and even the device’s system settings.

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Report: The rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6 ‘Slim’ might still not be slim enough to compete

Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

• A new report suggests Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 ‘Slim’ might not be as slim as expected, with a thickness in the 10-11mm range.
• The phone will reportedly omit the digitizer to achieve this thinner profile, sacrificing S Pen compatibility in the process.
• Despite these efforts, the Z Fold 6 Slim will still be thicker than Chinese foldables, which boast a thickness of sub-10 mm.

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The recent launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 brought yet another iterative upgrade to the foldable market, leaving tech enthusiasts craving more. Rumors of an “Ultra” Galaxy Z Fold 6 ‘Slim,’ positioned as Samsung’s answer to advanced Chinese foldables, have been circulating for some time now. However, a new report from The Elec suggests this upcoming model might not be the game-changer many hoped for. (h/t: 9to5Google)

The report indicates that the Z Fold 6 Slim might end up being only marginally thinner than the standard Z Fold 6, which is 12.1mm thick when folded. The new Slim version could fall in the “low to mid-11mm range.” This reduction will primarily be due to the removal of the digitizer, which is the layer that enables S Pen functionality on Samsung’s book-style foldables.

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Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

• A new report suggests Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 ‘Slim’ might not be as slim as expected, with a thickness in the 10-11mm range.
• The phone will reportedly omit the digitizer to achieve this thinner profile, sacrificing S Pen compatibility in the process.
• Despite these efforts, the Z Fold 6 Slim will still be thicker than Chinese foldables, which boast a thickness of sub-10 mm.

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The recent launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 brought yet another iterative upgrade to the foldable market, leaving tech enthusiasts craving more. Rumors of an “Ultra” Galaxy Z Fold 6 ‘Slim,’ positioned as Samsung’s answer to advanced Chinese foldables, have been circulating for some time now. However, a new report from The Elec suggests this upcoming model might not be the game-changer many hoped for. (h/t: 9to5Google)

The report indicates that the Z Fold 6 Slim might end up being only marginally thinner than the standard Z Fold 6, which is 12.1mm thick when folded. The new Slim version could fall in the “low to mid-11mm range.” This reduction will primarily be due to the removal of the digitizer, which is the layer that enables S Pen functionality on Samsung’s book-style foldables.

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Google Drive takes on Microsoft Lens better for document scanning (Update: Rolling out)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google Drive could soon be able to save scanned documents as JPEG files in addition to its current ability to save them as PDFs.
• This would give Google Drive better feature parity against dedicated document scanner apps like Microsoft Lens.
• The feature has been spotted rolling out to devices.

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Update 2, July 28, 2024 (11:07 PM ET): We have spotted the feature on our device with Google Drive v2.24.297.0, which indicates that it is rolling out publicly. Have you received this functionality on your device? Let us know in the comments below!

Update, July 15, 2024 (01:25 PM ET): We have managed to activate the feature, and here are two screenshots showing the ability to save in JPEG and PDF.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google Drive could soon be able to save scanned documents as JPEG files in addition to its current ability to save them as PDFs.
• This would give Google Drive better feature parity against dedicated document scanner apps like Microsoft Lens.
• The feature has been spotted rolling out to devices.

---

Update 2, July 28, 2024 (11:07 PM ET): We have spotted the feature on our device with Google Drive v2.24.297.0, which indicates that it is rolling out publicly. Have you received this functionality on your device? Let us know in the comments below!

Update, July 15, 2024 (01:25 PM ET): We have managed to activate the feature, and here are two screenshots showing the ability to save in JPEG and PDF.

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ASUS ROG Ally 2 wishlist: All the features I want to see

Although the ROG Ally X was released in 2024, but the company has already confirmed that it sees this as more of a mid-range refresh than a true successor to its original Ally hardware. While it might still be a long way off, here’s our wishlist for the ASUS ROG Ally 2.

Battery life needs improvement

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Although the ROG Ally X was released in 2024, but the company has already confirmed that it sees this as more of a mid-range refresh than a true successor to its original Ally hardware. While it might still be a long way off, here’s our wishlist for the ASUS ROG Ally 2.

Battery life needs improvement

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Gemini will soon allow you to fine-tune your generated images (APK teardown)

Motorola Razr (2024)

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Gemini will soon allow you to fine-tune a previously generated image.
• You’ll be able to do this through text prompts as well as manually circling what specific thing you want to change.
• Although we can see these features in the latest Google beta app for Android, we can’t get them to work yet.

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Image generation is one of the core features of any AI chatbot, and there’s no exception for Google Gemini on that front. As with other chatbots, Gemini allows you to create images from text prompts and then use those images for whatever you like. However, one thing Gemini lacks is the ability to tweak an image after it has been generated — but that could change very soon.

In the latest Google beta app for Android (v15.29.34.29 beta), we see new tools related to fine-tuning AI-generated imagery. This could be incredibly useful for situations in which you like the image that’s been created but don’t like a particular detail about it. Today, Gemini has no way to fix an image — you just need to create a new one through a new prompt, which means you could spend a ton of time going back and forth with Gemini trying to get the right outcome.

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Motorola Razr (2024)

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Gemini will soon allow you to fine-tune a previously generated image.
• You’ll be able to do this through text prompts as well as manually circling what specific thing you want to change.
• Although we can see these features in the latest Google beta app for Android, we can’t get them to work yet.

---

Image generation is one of the core features of any AI chatbot, and there’s no exception for Google Gemini on that front. As with other chatbots, Gemini allows you to create images from text prompts and then use those images for whatever you like. However, one thing Gemini lacks is the ability to tweak an image after it has been generated — but that could change very soon.

In the latest Google beta app for Android (v15.29.34.29 beta), we see new tools related to fine-tuning AI-generated imagery. This could be incredibly useful for situations in which you like the image that’s been created but don’t like a particular detail about it. Today, Gemini has no way to fix an image — you just need to create a new one through a new prompt, which means you could spend a ton of time going back and forth with Gemini trying to get the right outcome.

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Apple iPhone 17 wishlist: All the features I want to see

The iPhone 16 is still a few months away, so the idea of discussing the iPhone 17 might sound a bit premature. Yet, here we are. The rumor mill seems to be moving faster than ever with major releases. For example, we’ve already seen several rumors about the Pixel 10, well before the Pixel 9 release in 2024. The iPhone 17 might not be coming until 2025, but that hasn’t stopped recent rumors from suggesting that it could significantly shake up its lineup. Although these rumors provide only a small glimpse of what to expect, here’s my wishlist for what I’d like to see in the iPhone 17.

I want a major design shakeup

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The iPhone 16 is still a few months away, so the idea of discussing the iPhone 17 might sound a bit premature. Yet, here we are. The rumor mill seems to be moving faster than ever with major releases. For example, we’ve already seen several rumors about the Pixel 10, well before the Pixel 9 release in 2024. The iPhone 17 might not be coming until 2025, but that hasn’t stopped recent rumors from suggesting that it could significantly shake up its lineup. Although these rumors provide only a small glimpse of what to expect, here’s my wishlist for what I’d like to see in the iPhone 17.

I want a major design shakeup

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The CMF Phone 1’s modular approach made tech fun again for me

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Dhruv Bhutani

The pursuit of modularity in smartphones isn’t new. As far back as 2010, I remember being wowed by the Modu T and its jackets that added features like a 5MP camera or a power bank to the not-quite-smartphone. A few years later, Moto Mods were just as impressive with their ability to add a power Hasselblad camera, a mini projector, or a full-fledged JBL speaker to the back of the phone. However, while concepts like the Moto Mods, LG G5 Friends, Project Ara, or Phonebloks appealed to tinkerers and enthusiasts like me, the modular phone has been, by all measures, a failure.

CMF's approach to modular smartphones might just succeed where larger players failed.

But like fashion, most tech trends are cyclical in nature, and Nothing’s affordable sub-brand CMF has brought back modularity with its own spin on it. Can CMF win the tinkerer in me when even the best smartphone brands stumbled or failed? I think so.

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Dhruv Bhutani

The pursuit of modularity in smartphones isn’t new. As far back as 2010, I remember being wowed by the Modu T and its jackets that added features like a 5MP camera or a power bank to the not-quite-smartphone. A few years later, Moto Mods were just as impressive with their ability to add a power Hasselblad camera, a mini projector, or a full-fledged JBL speaker to the back of the phone. However, while concepts like the Moto Mods, LG G5 Friends, Project Ara, or Phonebloks appealed to tinkerers and enthusiasts like me, the modular phone has been, by all measures, a failure.

CMF's approach to modular smartphones might just succeed where larger players failed.

But like fashion, most tech trends are cyclical in nature, and Nothing’s affordable sub-brand CMF has brought back modularity with its own spin on it. Can CMF win the tinkerer in me when even the best smartphone brands stumbled or failed? I think so.

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