The Google Pixel 8a is $100 off for Google’s birthday!

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Have you been looking to get a nice phone on a budget? The market has definitely been generous to the budget smartphone niche in the past few years, and the Pixel 8a is a testament to that. It is an amazing phone considering the $499 retail price, but right now, you can catch a $100 discount, bringing the cost down to $399.

Buy the Google Pixel 8a for just $399

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Have you been looking to get a nice phone on a budget? The market has definitely been generous to the budget smartphone niche in the past few years, and the Pixel 8a is a testament to that. It is an amazing phone considering the $499 retail price, but right now, you can catch a $100 discount, bringing the cost down to $399.

Buy the Google Pixel 8a for just $399

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Android treats third-party launchers poorly, but this survey could help

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority

• Developers behind some big-name launchers have come together to create a survey for users.
• This comes after years of third-party launchers being treated like second-class citizens on Android.
• The survey’s findings will be presented at a Google event in October.

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One of the best things about Android is the ability to use third-party launcher apps, giving you a new way to view and launch apps, use widgets, and more. Unfortunately, alternative launchers often run into bugs and other issues compared to using the stock launcher app.

Now, the developers behind Lawnchair, Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher, Nigeria Launcher, and more have all come together to create a survey (h/t: Android Police). The survey asks users about their phone’s Android version, manufacturer, navigation method, launcher choice, and specific issues. The findings will be presented at a Google event in October.

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Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority

• Developers behind some big-name launchers have come together to create a survey for users.
• This comes after years of third-party launchers being treated like second-class citizens on Android.
• The survey’s findings will be presented at a Google event in October.

---

One of the best things about Android is the ability to use third-party launcher apps, giving you a new way to view and launch apps, use widgets, and more. Unfortunately, alternative launchers often run into bugs and other issues compared to using the stock launcher app.

Now, the developers behind Lawnchair, Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher, Nigeria Launcher, and more have all come together to create a survey (h/t: Android Police). The survey asks users about their phone’s Android version, manufacturer, navigation method, launcher choice, and specific issues. The findings will be presented at a Google event in October.

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After iPhone 16, two Android brands are working on camera keys (Update: Three)

Credit: Apple

• Nubia has confirmed that its next smartphone will offer a camera shutter button.
• OPPO is also said to offer a camera shutter button on the Find X8 series.
• Realme has also demonstrated this feature on a smartphone.

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Update: September 16, 2024 (1:20 AM ET): It looks like Nubia and OPPO might not be the only Android OEMs following in Apple’s footsteps by offering a camera button. A Realme executive has posted a video of a camera button on one of the brand’s phones. Check it out below.

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Credit: Apple

• Nubia has confirmed that its next smartphone will offer a camera shutter button.
• OPPO is also said to offer a camera shutter button on the Find X8 series.
• Realme has also demonstrated this feature on a smartphone.

---

Update: September 16, 2024 (1:20 AM ET): It looks like Nubia and OPPO might not be the only Android OEMs following in Apple’s footsteps by offering a camera button. A Realme executive has posted a video of a camera button on one of the brand’s phones. Check it out below.

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Original Flappy Bird creator wants you to know he does not support the new game

Credit: Flappy Bird

• The creator of Flappy Bird, Dong Nguyen, has now commented about the game’s return.
• Nguyen says he has nothing to do with the revival.
• Nguyen also states that he “did not sell anything” and that “I also don’t support crypto.”

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The announcement that Flappy Bird would be returning after being gone for a decade caught many by surprise last week. As it turns out, the mobile game is not being revived by the original creator, but by an organization called The Flappy Bird Foundation. However, the original creator has now commented on the game’s revival and it sounds like he’s not too happy about it.

Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen has now spoken out about his creation being brought back to life. Not mixing any words, Nguyen stated in a social post on X (formerly Twitter) that he has nothing to do with the revival. He then went on to make it clear that he “did not sell anything” and that “I also don’t support crypto.”

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Credit: Flappy Bird

• The creator of Flappy Bird, Dong Nguyen, has now commented about the game’s return.
• Nguyen says he has nothing to do with the revival.
• Nguyen also states that he “did not sell anything” and that “I also don’t support crypto.”

---

The announcement that Flappy Bird would be returning after being gone for a decade caught many by surprise last week. As it turns out, the mobile game is not being revived by the original creator, but by an organization called The Flappy Bird Foundation. However, the original creator has now commented on the game’s revival and it sounds like he’s not too happy about it.

Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen has now spoken out about his creation being brought back to life. Not mixing any words, Nguyen stated in a social post on X (formerly Twitter) that he has nothing to do with the revival. He then went on to make it clear that he “did not sell anything” and that “I also don’t support crypto.”

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No Samsung, no subscription fees: Is the Ultrahuman Ring Air a good Galaxy Ring alternative?

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

There are more players in the smart ring game than ever, including big names that tend to overshadow the rest. Yet, in the face of Samsung’s recent entrant, the Galaxy Ring, and the ever-popular Oura Ring 3, the Ultrahuman Ring Air offers an alternative: no subscription and no need for ecosystem loyalty. Find out how the ring performs and whether it’s worth considering at checkout.

The smart ring form factor

Like most smart rings, the biggest selling point of the Ultrahuman Ring Air is its slight form factor and stealthy tracking capabilities. Dubbing anything as light as air is a bold statement, but the smart ring really is quite lightweight. Weighing in at 2.4 to 3.6 grams (depending on your size), it aligns with the Galaxy Ring despite being slightly wider. It also has a smoother interior than both Oura and Samsung’s offerings, making it easier to slip on and more comfortable. Ultrahuman also utilizes a sizing kit to help users achieve an appropriate fit.

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

There are more players in the smart ring game than ever, including big names that tend to overshadow the rest. Yet, in the face of Samsung’s recent entrant, the Galaxy Ring, and the ever-popular Oura Ring 3, the Ultrahuman Ring Air offers an alternative: no subscription and no need for ecosystem loyalty. Find out how the ring performs and whether it’s worth considering at checkout.

The smart ring form factor

Like most smart rings, the biggest selling point of the Ultrahuman Ring Air is its slight form factor and stealthy tracking capabilities. Dubbing anything as light as air is a bold statement, but the smart ring really is quite lightweight. Weighing in at 2.4 to 3.6 grams (depending on your size), it aligns with the Galaxy Ring despite being slightly wider. It also has a smoother interior than both Oura and Samsung’s offerings, making it easier to slip on and more comfortable. Ultrahuman also utilizes a sizing kit to help users achieve an appropriate fit.

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The SwitchBot S10 is a great robovac, and now you don’t even need to do any plumbing to enjoy it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSAG0jAvAp4

Should you buy the SwitchBot S10?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSAG0jAvAp4

Should you buy the SwitchBot S10?

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Pixel 9 series: Official parts pricing is both good and bad news

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Pixel 9 series replacement parts have been listed on iFixit.
• The listings show that there have been some interesting price changes between current and last generation.
• Some parts are drastically cheaper while other parts are much more expensive.

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If you’re someone who dabbles in phone repair, then you’ve probably been waiting for repair parts to show up for the Pixel 9 series. Those parts have now appeared on iFixit and the listings show something interesting about the pricing.

First spotted by 9to5Google, you can now find repair parts for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL on iFixit. Looking at the listings, it appears there’s been a few changes to the pricing, which is both good news and bad news.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Pixel 9 series replacement parts have been listed on iFixit.
• The listings show that there have been some interesting price changes between current and last generation.
• Some parts are drastically cheaper while other parts are much more expensive.

---

If you’re someone who dabbles in phone repair, then you’ve probably been waiting for repair parts to show up for the Pixel 9 series. Those parts have now appeared on iFixit and the listings show something interesting about the pricing.

First spotted by 9to5Google, you can now find repair parts for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL on iFixit. Looking at the listings, it appears there’s been a few changes to the pricing, which is both good news and bad news.

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Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an unexpected advantage over its rivals

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

• The iFixit team has conducted a teardown of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
• Google’s latest foldable is praised for its high level of repairability.
• The only criticism the team had was that the battery removal tabs didn’t work.

---

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s second entry into the increasingly crowded foldable space. While every foldable has its selling points, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold reportedly has a unique advantage over its competitors — repairability.

The iFixit team has conducted a teardown on Google’s newest foldable to assess the device’s repairability. According to the video and the accompanying blog, the team walked away very impressed with the company’s latest offering. In fact, they go as far as to describe it as the “most exciting foldable we’ve seen on the iFixit teardown table.”

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Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

• The iFixit team has conducted a teardown of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
• Google’s latest foldable is praised for its high level of repairability.
• The only criticism the team had was that the battery removal tabs didn’t work.

---

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s second entry into the increasingly crowded foldable space. While every foldable has its selling points, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold reportedly has a unique advantage over its competitors — repairability.

The iFixit team has conducted a teardown on Google’s newest foldable to assess the device’s repairability. According to the video and the accompanying blog, the team walked away very impressed with the company’s latest offering. In fact, they go as far as to describe it as the “most exciting foldable we’ve seen on the iFixit teardown table.”

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Google TV’s free channels get a new name: Welcome to FreePlay

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is rebranding its free TV channel offerings on Google TV as “FreePlay.”
• The rebranding was initially spotted on the Google TV streamer but is now being expanded to a broader range of Google TV devices.
• Google TV currently offers 150 free channels as part of this FreePlay service.

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Google TV has been quietly enhancing its selection of free TV channels, and it seems the company has bigger plans in store for this service. Recently, Google TV has begun rebranding its free channels as “FreePlay.” This new branding was initially spotted on the Google TV streamer last month and is now appearing on more Android TVs.

First reported by 9to5Google, it looks like the “FreePlay” branding is now available on Chromecasts and Android TVs from brands such as TCL and Hisense. Users in the United States, where these free channels are currently offered, should be able to find this new branding under the “Live” tab on their Google TV home screen.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is rebranding its free TV channel offerings on Google TV as “FreePlay.”
• The rebranding was initially spotted on the Google TV streamer but is now being expanded to a broader range of Google TV devices.
• Google TV currently offers 150 free channels as part of this FreePlay service.

---

Google TV has been quietly enhancing its selection of free TV channels, and it seems the company has bigger plans in store for this service. Recently, Google TV has begun rebranding its free channels as “FreePlay.” This new branding was initially spotted on the Google TV streamer last month and is now appearing on more Android TVs.

First reported by 9to5Google, it looks like the “FreePlay” branding is now available on Chromecasts and Android TVs from brands such as TCL and Hisense. Users in the United States, where these free channels are currently offered, should be able to find this new branding under the “Live” tab on their Google TV home screen.

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Deal: The UGREEN Uno Charger 100W Charger is new, fun, powerful, and 31% off!

Credit: UGREEN

The UGREEN Uno robot chargers are the coolest little chargers, and they are actually quite powerful. If you need even more power to meet your charging needs, there’s a new version: the UGREEN Uno Charger 100W Charger. And despite it being brand-new, you can already get it at a 31% discount, bringing the price down to just $48.

Buy the UGREEN Uno Charger 100W Charger for just $48

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Credit: UGREEN

The UGREEN Uno robot chargers are the coolest little chargers, and they are actually quite powerful. If you need even more power to meet your charging needs, there’s a new version: the UGREEN Uno Charger 100W Charger. And despite it being brand-new, you can already get it at a 31% discount, bringing the price down to just $48.

Buy the UGREEN Uno Charger 100W Charger for just $48

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PS5 Pro rumors and leaks: What we know so far about Sony’s next gaming console

Credit: PlayStation

Update: September 13, 2024 (2:23 PM ET): We’ve updated this PlayStation 5 Pro rumor hub with official details from the PS5 Pro announcement, as well as a leak that .

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Original article: The PS4 Pro was only a slight iteration of the PS4. It used the same controller, played the same games, and had all the same features. Its main reason for existing was to allow for smoother gameplay, 4K support across various games, and a few other quality-of-life upgrades. Will the PS5 Pro be similar, only offering slight improvements?

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Credit: PlayStation

Update: September 13, 2024 (2:23 PM ET): We’ve updated this PlayStation 5 Pro rumor hub with official details from the PS5 Pro announcement, as well as a leak that .

---

Original article: The PS4 Pro was only a slight iteration of the PS4. It used the same controller, played the same games, and had all the same features. Its main reason for existing was to allow for smoother gameplay, 4K support across various games, and a few other quality-of-life upgrades. Will the PS5 Pro be similar, only offering slight improvements?

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Nintendo Switch 2 rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

Update, May 9, 2024 (06:50 AM ET): We’ve updated this Nintendo Switch 2 rumor hub with official confirmation that the console is coming. We’ve also added leaks around the device’s early specifications, size mockup, and corroboration for the launch timeline.

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Original article: Even if you love it and still use it daily, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch is getting old. Launched in 2017, the hybrid console celebrated its seventh birthday in March, which means it’s getting close to retirement. With this in mind, one can’t help but wonder: where is the sequel, presumably called the Nintendo Switch 2?

Thankfully, Nintendo has confirmed that a successor is coming soon. There have also been some rumors and leaks surrounding the sequel to Nintendo’s best-selling home console. We’ve rounded up the most trustworthy of them here. Towards the end of the article, we also have a few wishlist items — things we hope to see but don’t have any evidence for quite yet.

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Update, May 9, 2024 (06:50 AM ET): We’ve updated this Nintendo Switch 2 rumor hub with official confirmation that the console is coming. We’ve also added leaks around the device’s early specifications, size mockup, and corroboration for the launch timeline.

---

Original article: Even if you love it and still use it daily, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch is getting old. Launched in 2017, the hybrid console celebrated its seventh birthday in March, which means it’s getting close to retirement. With this in mind, one can’t help but wonder: where is the sequel, presumably called the Nintendo Switch 2?

Thankfully, Nintendo has confirmed that a successor is coming soon. There have also been some rumors and leaks surrounding the sequel to Nintendo’s best-selling home console. We’ve rounded up the most trustworthy of them here. Towards the end of the article, we also have a few wishlist items — things we hope to see but don’t have any evidence for quite yet.

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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold problems and how to fix them

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings many improvements to the Pixel Fold’s formula, making it one of the best foldable phones on the market. Of course, nothing is perfect. There haven’t been many major issues reported with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold just yet, but there are some general Android/Pixel issues that can still affect the device. After all, no new smartphone release is ever flawless, but it’s good to know what to do if you run into a problem. In this guide, we take a look at some common Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold problems and how to fix them!

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings many improvements to the Pixel Fold’s formula, making it one of the best foldable phones on the market. Of course, nothing is perfect. There haven’t been many major issues reported with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold just yet, but there are some general Android/Pixel issues that can still affect the device. After all, no new smartphone release is ever flawless, but it’s good to know what to do if you run into a problem. In this guide, we take a look at some common Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold problems and how to fix them!

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HONOR’s Galaxy Z Fold killer is selling like hotcakes

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• The HONOR Magic V3 has been flying off shelves since its launch in Europe.
• The foldable has been selling so well that the company doesn’t have enough stock to meet demand.

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HONOR’s book-style foldable from 2023 — the Magic V2 — made waves due to its impossibly thin design. The handset was particularly popular in Europe, giving Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 a run for its money. Now that the Magic V3 has launched, HONOR appears to be struggling to keep up with demand in Europe.

The HONOR Magic V3 first launched in China on July 12, 2024, but has now rolled out globally as of September 5. While the Magic V2 enjoyed high sales in Europe last year, it seems sales are even higher this year.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• The HONOR Magic V3 has been flying off shelves since its launch in Europe.
• The foldable has been selling so well that the company doesn’t have enough stock to meet demand.

---

HONOR’s book-style foldable from 2023 — the Magic V2 — made waves due to its impossibly thin design. The handset was particularly popular in Europe, giving Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 a run for its money. Now that the Magic V3 has launched, HONOR appears to be struggling to keep up with demand in Europe.

The HONOR Magic V3 first launched in China on July 12, 2024, but has now rolled out globally as of September 5. While the Magic V2 enjoyed high sales in Europe last year, it seems sales are even higher this year.

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Google Search starts offering easy access to old versions of web pages

• Google Search is starting to integrate links to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
• The Wayback Machine stores cached copies of websites for historical reference, some going back decades.
• The tool’s also useful for when a site’s down, letting you still access its content.

---

So much of our digital lives is dominated by novelty — what’s new, what’s trending, what’s viral — that it can be easy to lose sight of how important it often is to also have a clear, easily accessible record of the past. And while Google Search can help us find older information, even it only goes so far. For anyone doing serious research online, the Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine have been an invaluable resource of past web content, caching pages over the years. Now that powerful tool is coming to Google itself, as Search starts integrating links to the Wayback Machine.

If you’ve never used Wayback before, you’re in for a treat: Just head over to the Wayback Machine, enter the URL you’d like to visit, and you’ll get a list of each time the service crawled the site, scraping and saving its content. Not everything works perfectly — you’ll run into plenty of broken media — but it’s great fun checking out what your favorite sites were up to ten, or even twenty years ago.

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• Google Search is starting to integrate links to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
• The Wayback Machine stores cached copies of websites for historical reference, some going back decades.
• The tool’s also useful for when a site’s down, letting you still access its content.

---

So much of our digital lives is dominated by novelty — what’s new, what’s trending, what’s viral — that it can be easy to lose sight of how important it often is to also have a clear, easily accessible record of the past. And while Google Search can help us find older information, even it only goes so far. For anyone doing serious research online, the Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine have been an invaluable resource of past web content, caching pages over the years. Now that powerful tool is coming to Google itself, as Search starts integrating links to the Wayback Machine.

If you’ve never used Wayback before, you’re in for a treat: Just head over to the Wayback Machine, enter the URL you’d like to visit, and you’ll get a list of each time the service crawled the site, scraping and saving its content. Not everything works perfectly — you’ll run into plenty of broken media — but it’s great fun checking out what your favorite sites were up to ten, or even twenty years ago.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra may be a surprise lightweight (in a good way)

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• The Galaxy S25 Ultra is reportedly lighter than the S24 Ultra.
• The handset is said to be smaller in almost every dimension.
• Despite the smaller measurements, it may retain the same display and battery size.

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Although we’re still nowhere close to the release of Samsung’s next flagship Galaxy S, rumors about the Galaxy S25 Ultra have continued to surface. Previous rumors have suggested that the device will be the lightest of all Galaxy S Ultra phones. Now a new rumor has specified exactly how light this smartphone will be.

Tipster Ice Universe, the same leaker who claimed the S25 Ultra would be the thinnest and lightest Ultra to date, may have revealed the weight of the S25 Ultra. According to the leaker, we can expect that the handset will weigh 219g.

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• The Galaxy S25 Ultra is reportedly lighter than the S24 Ultra.
• The handset is said to be smaller in almost every dimension.
• Despite the smaller measurements, it may retain the same display and battery size.

---

Although we’re still nowhere close to the release of Samsung’s next flagship Galaxy S, rumors about the Galaxy S25 Ultra have continued to surface. Previous rumors have suggested that the device will be the lightest of all Galaxy S Ultra phones. Now a new rumor has specified exactly how light this smartphone will be.

Tipster Ice Universe, the same leaker who claimed the S25 Ultra would be the thinnest and lightest Ultra to date, may have revealed the weight of the S25 Ultra. According to the leaker, we can expect that the handset will weigh 219g.

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Massive Galaxy Tab S10 series leak leaves no secrets behind

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (top) with Tab S9 Ultra (bottom) and Z Flip 5 (left).

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

• A new leak has spilled the beans on the detailed specs sheet of the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and the Tab S10 Ultra.
• While the rest of the specs remain unchanged, the new tablets feature thinner and lighter bodies and a Dimensity 9300 Plus chip.
• A notable change on this year’s tablets could be the potential inclusion of an “Anti-Reflection” display.

---

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 series, set to launch in October, has been the subject of much speculation, with many expecting significant changes. However, recent leaks suggest that the new lineup may bring only incremental updates compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

A new report by Android Headlines has revealed some official-looking renders and the complete spec sheet for the Galaxy Tab S10 series. Firstly, the company appears to be discontinuing the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S10, leaving only the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra in the series.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (top) with Tab S9 Ultra (bottom) and Z Flip 5 (left).

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

• A new leak has spilled the beans on the detailed specs sheet of the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and the Tab S10 Ultra.
• While the rest of the specs remain unchanged, the new tablets feature thinner and lighter bodies and a Dimensity 9300 Plus chip.
• A notable change on this year’s tablets could be the potential inclusion of an “Anti-Reflection” display.

---

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 series, set to launch in October, has been the subject of much speculation, with many expecting significant changes. However, recent leaks suggest that the new lineup may bring only incremental updates compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

A new report by Android Headlines has revealed some official-looking renders and the complete spec sheet for the Galaxy Tab S10 series. Firstly, the company appears to be discontinuing the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S10, leaving only the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra in the series.

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You might not have to buy hearing aids thanks to the AirPods Pro 2

Credit: Lil Katz / Android Authority

• Apple has announced three new health features for the AirPods Pro 2.
• The new features aim to help users prevent hearing loss, test their hearing, and enhance their listening experience.
• The features will arrive with a software update this fall.

---

Although Apple did not unveil new AirPods Pro models in today’s event, the company has announced a couple of new health features that will soon be available on the AirPods Pro 2. With these features, Apple aims to protect users’ hearing, help them identify an undiagnosed hearing disorder, and enhance the listening experience for those with hearing loss.

The Hearing Protection feature on the AirPods Pro 2 will be enabled by default. It will use machine learning to automatically adjust loud sounds to prevent damage, adding to the passive noise isolation already offered by the silicone ear tips.

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Credit: Lil Katz / Android Authority

• Apple has announced three new health features for the AirPods Pro 2.
• The new features aim to help users prevent hearing loss, test their hearing, and enhance their listening experience.
• The features will arrive with a software update this fall.

---

Although Apple did not unveil new AirPods Pro models in today’s event, the company has announced a couple of new health features that will soon be available on the AirPods Pro 2. With these features, Apple aims to protect users’ hearing, help them identify an undiagnosed hearing disorder, and enhance the listening experience for those with hearing loss.

The Hearing Protection feature on the AirPods Pro 2 will be enabled by default. It will use machine learning to automatically adjust loud sounds to prevent damage, adding to the passive noise isolation already offered by the silicone ear tips.

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Apple AirPods 4 launched: You’re gonna see these two models a lot

Credit: Apple

• Apple has announced the latest additions to its collection of audio products.
• The AirPods (4th gen) will come in two different versions.
• The AirPods (4th gen) will cost $129, while the AirPods (4th gen) with ANC will cost $179.

---

Although this is the big day for Apple’s new generation of iPhones, that’s not the only product the firm showed off at the event. Also receiving some of the spotlight were the latest additions to the company’s audio product portfolio — the AirPods (4th generation).

There have been leaks and rumors about the AirPods 4 getting split into two different versions. As expected, Apple did exactly that by launching a normal version and a version with active noise cancelation (ANC).

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Credit: Apple

• Apple has announced the latest additions to its collection of audio products.
• The AirPods (4th gen) will come in two different versions.
• The AirPods (4th gen) will cost $129, while the AirPods (4th gen) with ANC will cost $179.

---

Although this is the big day for Apple’s new generation of iPhones, that’s not the only product the firm showed off at the event. Also receiving some of the spotlight were the latest additions to the company’s audio product portfolio — the AirPods (4th generation).

There have been leaks and rumors about the AirPods 4 getting split into two different versions. As expected, Apple did exactly that by launching a normal version and a version with active noise cancelation (ANC).

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Glowtime: One of Apple’s flagship devices may be a no-show at the event

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Apple might not unveil the Watch Ultra 3 at today’s “Glowtime” iPhone 16 series launch event.
• The Apple Watch SE 3 could also be delayed.
• We might see the company re-launch the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a new shade.

---

Apple’s iPhone 16 “Glowtime” launch event is the biggest event in the tech world today. Like every year, Apple is not only expected to refresh its flagship phones, but also its smartwatches. Up until now, we were expecting the company to announce its newest premium smartwatch — the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — at the event. However, last-minute information shared by reliable Apple insider and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman suggests otherwise.

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Apple might not unveil the Watch Ultra 3 at today’s “Glowtime” iPhone 16 series launch event.
• The Apple Watch SE 3 could also be delayed.
• We might see the company re-launch the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a new shade.

---

Apple’s iPhone 16 “Glowtime” launch event is the biggest event in the tech world today. Like every year, Apple is not only expected to refresh its flagship phones, but also its smartwatches. Up until now, we were expecting the company to announce its newest premium smartwatch — the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — at the event. However, last-minute information shared by reliable Apple insider and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman suggests otherwise.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 problems and how to fix them

Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn’t a major upgrade compared to its predecessor, but Samsung’s refinements continue to make it one of the best clamshell foldable experiences you can get today. It’s faster, has more RAM, packs a larger battery, and comes with a significantly better camera setup and is a great option, whether you’re upgrading from an older Flip or buying your first foldable. Unfortunately, like any new tech, the Z Flip 6 isn’t free from bugs and glitches. We take a look at some common Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 problems and offer potential solutions on how to fix them.

Problem #1: Hardware issues (unresponsive inner screen, phone not charging, popping sounds when opening the phone)

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Credit: Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn’t a major upgrade compared to its predecessor, but Samsung’s refinements continue to make it one of the best clamshell foldable experiences you can get today. It’s faster, has more RAM, packs a larger battery, and comes with a significantly better camera setup and is a great option, whether you’re upgrading from an older Flip or buying your first foldable. Unfortunately, like any new tech, the Z Flip 6 isn’t free from bugs and glitches. We take a look at some common Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 problems and offer potential solutions on how to fix them.

Problem #1: Hardware issues (unresponsive inner screen, phone not charging, popping sounds when opening the phone)

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Best of IFA 2024 Awards: All the very best products

Credit: Bogdan Petrovan / Android Authority

This year is a big one for the Internationale Funkausstellung in Berlin, better known as IFA. In 2024, IFA is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The first IFA event happened in 1924 and mainly focused on the most significant technical advancements in the radio industry. In fact, Internationale Funkausstellung loosely translates to “international radio exhibition,” although it has expanded way beyond radios at this point. In 2024, IFA covers all manners of tech, including Android smartphones, smart home devices, televisions, security cameras, household appliances, and more.

Android Authority was on the ground at IFA 2024 and saw everything the show had to offer. Here, we’ve rounded up the very best products we experienced. Without further ado, here are our Best of IFA 2024 Awards winners!

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Credit: Bogdan Petrovan / Android Authority

This year is a big one for the Internationale Funkausstellung in Berlin, better known as IFA. In 2024, IFA is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The first IFA event happened in 1924 and mainly focused on the most significant technical advancements in the radio industry. In fact, Internationale Funkausstellung loosely translates to “international radio exhibition,” although it has expanded way beyond radios at this point. In 2024, IFA covers all manners of tech, including Android smartphones, smart home devices, televisions, security cameras, household appliances, and more.

Android Authority was on the ground at IFA 2024 and saw everything the show had to offer. Here, we’ve rounded up the very best products we experienced. Without further ado, here are our Best of IFA 2024 Awards winners!

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Apple is thinking about a rival to Meta Ray-Ban glasses

Credit: Meta

• Apple is apparently thinking about developing smart glasses without augmented reality capabilities.
• This product would likely be a rival to the $299 Meta Ray-Ban glasses.

---

We heard earlier this year that Apple is renewing efforts to build augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, although it sounds like these could only be ready by 2027 at the earliest. Now, a trusted source has reported that the company is considering less ambitious smart glasses.

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Credit: Meta

• Apple is apparently thinking about developing smart glasses without augmented reality capabilities.
• This product would likely be a rival to the $299 Meta Ray-Ban glasses.

---

We heard earlier this year that Apple is renewing efforts to build augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, although it sounds like these could only be ready by 2027 at the earliest. Now, a trusted source has reported that the company is considering less ambitious smart glasses.

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I recently caved and subscribed to YouTube Premium, and I don’t hate it

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

I’ve long resisted paying for YouTube Premium, opting for ad blockers on PC and third-party apps on other platforms instead. If I had to point to one specific reason, it’s probably due to the simple fact that I hate subscriptions in general, especially if you’re only really paying to remove ads.

I also remember the early days of YouTube before it implemented ads and when its initial ads were just pop-ups at the bottom of a video. I was fine with these pop-ups in comparison to the copious pre-roll and mid-roll video ads seen nowadays. A few months ago, however, I caved and decided to buy YouTube Premium. So what changed?

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

I’ve long resisted paying for YouTube Premium, opting for ad blockers on PC and third-party apps on other platforms instead. If I had to point to one specific reason, it’s probably due to the simple fact that I hate subscriptions in general, especially if you’re only really paying to remove ads.

I also remember the early days of YouTube before it implemented ads and when its initial ads were just pop-ups at the bottom of a video. I was fine with these pop-ups in comparison to the copious pre-roll and mid-roll video ads seen nowadays. A few months ago, however, I caved and decided to buy YouTube Premium. So what changed?

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The Galaxy S25 Ultra could be even thinner than first claimed

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s dimensions have been posted online.
• The phone apparently measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm, making it the thinnest Galaxy Ultra since the Note 20 Ultra.
• It also seems like the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a little thinner than first claimed.

---

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is only expected to launch in January, but there’s been no shortage of leaks in the last few months. One design-related leak pointed to a thinner Galaxy S25 Ultra, and we now have apparent dimensions.

Tipster Ice Universe posted the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s dimensions on Twitter, claiming that the phone measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm. Check out the screenshot below.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s dimensions have been posted online.
• The phone apparently measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm, making it the thinnest Galaxy Ultra since the Note 20 Ultra.
• It also seems like the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a little thinner than first claimed.

---

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is only expected to launch in January, but there’s been no shortage of leaks in the last few months. One design-related leak pointed to a thinner Galaxy S25 Ultra, and we now have apparent dimensions.

Tipster Ice Universe posted the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s dimensions on Twitter, claiming that the phone measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm. Check out the screenshot below.

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The handy Google Play Collections widget is now widely available in the US

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• The Play Store’s Collections feature is now widely available in the US.
• This feature automatically groups installed apps by topic and then delivers personalized info about them via a widget.

---

Google revealed the Google Play Collections feature for the Play Store in July. This feature lets you group your installed apps by topic and receive information about them via a home screen widget.

We previously confirmed that this Google Play Collections widget had started rolling out in the US, and 9to5Google reports that it’s now widely available in the region. Google says the feature requires a phone running Android 12, and the outlet reported that they’re seeing it in version 42.5.15 of the Play Store.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• The Play Store’s Collections feature is now widely available in the US.
• This feature automatically groups installed apps by topic and then delivers personalized info about them via a widget.

---

Google revealed the Google Play Collections feature for the Play Store in July. This feature lets you group your installed apps by topic and receive information about them via a home screen widget.

We previously confirmed that this Google Play Collections widget had started rolling out in the US, and 9to5Google reports that it’s now widely available in the region. Google says the feature requires a phone running Android 12, and the outlet reported that they’re seeing it in version 42.5.15 of the Play Store.

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Need a portable power station? Anker and EcoFlow have great deals for you today!

Portable battery packs are great for your day-to-day mobile charging needs, but some of us have more demanding needs. For example, a regular power bank won’t make it through a weekend camping trip. Especially if you need to power things like laptops, lights, electric stoves, kettles, etc. You’ll need a portable power station for that, but the thing is these can get real pricey. If you’ve been looking to upgrade your weekend adventures, we found some deals that will lessen the blow on your wallet.

The Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station usually costs a whopping $1,999, but right now, Amazon Prime members can get it for just $1,299. If you don’t need that much power, the EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station is 50% off right now, bringing the total cost to $499.

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Portable battery packs are great for your day-to-day mobile charging needs, but some of us have more demanding needs. For example, a regular power bank won’t make it through a weekend camping trip. Especially if you need to power things like laptops, lights, electric stoves, kettles, etc. You’ll need a portable power station for that, but the thing is these can get real pricey. If you’ve been looking to upgrade your weekend adventures, we found some deals that will lessen the blow on your wallet.

The Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station usually costs a whopping $1,999, but right now, Amazon Prime members can get it for just $1,299. If you don’t need that much power, the EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station is 50% off right now, bringing the total cost to $499.

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Samsung seems to think you want a dedicated AI key on the Galaxy Tab S10’s keyboard

• Samsung may add an AI key to the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra keyboards.
• Introducing the physical key would follow Microsoft’s example of putting a Copilot key on its laptop keyboards.
• It isn’t yet clear where the key would appear on the keyboard or what functionality it would have.

---

With the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series looking likely to launch in the next couple months, there’s much speculation about what new innovations the Android tablets will offer. One source suggests there will be a notable addition to the Bluetooth keyboards and folio cases for the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra, with an “AI key” set to be added.

A new Galaxy AI key has been confirmed by sources close to Samsung, according to WinFuture. The German tech publication didn’t elaborate further on who the source was, but it would certainly be in keeping with Samsung’s push towards wider AI integration in its flagship devices, and it would be following in the footsteps of a rival.

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• Samsung may add an AI key to the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra keyboards.
• Introducing the physical key would follow Microsoft’s example of putting a Copilot key on its laptop keyboards.
• It isn’t yet clear where the key would appear on the keyboard or what functionality it would have.

---

With the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series looking likely to launch in the next couple months, there’s much speculation about what new innovations the Android tablets will offer. One source suggests there will be a notable addition to the Bluetooth keyboards and folio cases for the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra, with an “AI key” set to be added.

A new Galaxy AI key has been confirmed by sources close to Samsung, according to WinFuture. The German tech publication didn’t elaborate further on who the source was, but it would certainly be in keeping with Samsung’s push towards wider AI integration in its flagship devices, and it would be following in the footsteps of a rival.

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It might be your last chance to get the Apple iPad 9th Generation for $199

Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Get this, guys: The Apple iPad 9th Generation is still $199! But things are looking a little different, so we wanted to touch on the fact that there seems to be a sense of urgency now, and there is a chance you won’t be able to get one of these relatively soon.

Get the Apple iPad 9th Generation for just $199

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Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Get this, guys: The Apple iPad 9th Generation is still $199! But things are looking a little different, so we wanted to touch on the fact that there seems to be a sense of urgency now, and there is a chance you won’t be able to get one of these relatively soon.

Get the Apple iPad 9th Generation for just $199

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Samsung XR rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority

The XR market has experienced its share of ups and downs over the last decade, and while it has found its place among businesses and enthusiasts, the mainstream public has been a bit slower to adopt MR, VR, and AR. This has started to change in the last few years with mixed reality devices like the Meta Quest series, and more recently, Apple jumped in with its own Vision Pro headset. Not wanting to be left out of this newfound attention, Samsung will soon have its own take on mixed reality technology in the form of what’s currently being dubbed the “Samsung XR.”

Keyword: At a glance

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Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority

The XR market has experienced its share of ups and downs over the last decade, and while it has found its place among businesses and enthusiasts, the mainstream public has been a bit slower to adopt MR, VR, and AR. This has started to change in the last few years with mixed reality devices like the Meta Quest series, and more recently, Apple jumped in with its own Vision Pro headset. Not wanting to be left out of this newfound attention, Samsung will soon have its own take on mixed reality technology in the form of what’s currently being dubbed the “Samsung XR.”

Keyword: At a glance

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Google Photos can now help you find and recall your precious moments

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google Photos is getting an enhanced search feature that allows users to search their photo library using natural language descriptions.
• The Ask Photos feature will enable users to ask questions and get detailed information about their images.
• The enhanced search is rolling out to English users today, while Ask Photos is currently available to limited users via a waitlist.

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Google Photos is about to get a significant boost in usability thanks to a major update powered by Google’s Gemini AI. First previewed at Google I/O in May, these enhancements are set to improve the way users search for and interact with their photo libraries.

One of the most notable updates is the new natural language search, which enables users to search for photos using casual descriptions. Instead of relying on exact keywords or dates, you can now search for images by describing actions and people. The official Google blog post provided examples of searches like “Alice and me laughing,” “Kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains,” and “Emma painting in the backyard.”

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google Photos is getting an enhanced search feature that allows users to search their photo library using natural language descriptions.
• The Ask Photos feature will enable users to ask questions and get detailed information about their images.
• The enhanced search is rolling out to English users today, while Ask Photos is currently available to limited users via a waitlist.

---

Google Photos is about to get a significant boost in usability thanks to a major update powered by Google’s Gemini AI. First previewed at Google I/O in May, these enhancements are set to improve the way users search for and interact with their photo libraries.

One of the most notable updates is the new natural language search, which enables users to search for photos using casual descriptions. Instead of relying on exact keywords or dates, you can now search for images by describing actions and people. The official Google blog post provided examples of searches like “Alice and me laughing,” “Kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains,” and “Emma painting in the backyard.”

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Missing Circle to Search on your work phone? Here’s why

• Google has given IT admins the ability to block Circle to Search on work phones.
• This is thanks to an update to the Android Management API that’s used by many enterprise mobility management solutions.
• The new API is available in Android 15, and it blocks Circle to Search from receiving screenshots.

---

Circle to Search is one of the best Android features that Google has made in years because it makes searching so much easier. All you have to do is press and hold the home button or navigation handle, then tap, scribble, or circle the part of the screen you want to Google search. It’s a simple yet incredibly nifty tool that’s only getting more and more useful with each update, but it’s sadly not available yet on all devices. Although it’s expanding to more and more, Circle to Search will soon be blocked on some Android phones, as Google has given IT admins the option to disable the feature.

Google debuted Circle to Search at the Samsung Galaxy S24 launch event earlier this year. Although it’s currently exclusive to select devices from Google and Samsung, it uses standard APIs that are available to all digital assistant apps on Android. The way it works is simple: When you invoke Circle to Search, the Google App uses Android’s Assist API to take a screenshot. It then scans the screenshot for text and images and makes those items selectable so you can copy, share, or search them up on Google.

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• Google has given IT admins the ability to block Circle to Search on work phones.
• This is thanks to an update to the Android Management API that’s used by many enterprise mobility management solutions.
• The new API is available in Android 15, and it blocks Circle to Search from receiving screenshots.

---

Circle to Search is one of the best Android features that Google has made in years because it makes searching so much easier. All you have to do is press and hold the home button or navigation handle, then tap, scribble, or circle the part of the screen you want to Google search. It’s a simple yet incredibly nifty tool that’s only getting more and more useful with each update, but it’s sadly not available yet on all devices. Although it’s expanding to more and more, Circle to Search will soon be blocked on some Android phones, as Google has given IT admins the option to disable the feature.

Google debuted Circle to Search at the Samsung Galaxy S24 launch event earlier this year. Although it’s currently exclusive to select devices from Google and Samsung, it uses standard APIs that are available to all digital assistant apps on Android. The way it works is simple: When you invoke Circle to Search, the Google App uses Android’s Assist API to take a screenshot. It then scans the screenshot for text and images and makes those items selectable so you can copy, share, or search them up on Google.

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Samsung could learn a thing or two from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s ‘phone-first’ philosophy

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Google published a blog post detailing the design philosophy behind the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, aimed to make it feel more like a regular smartphone when folded.
• The “phone first” approach led to design choices such as a 20:9 aspect ratio display, a new hinge, and a much slimmer design.
• The blog post also discusses other design tweaks, such as a custom haptics driver, a smaller USB-C port, and re-engineered thermal architecture.

---

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold might be the least “Pro” Pixel this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a significant upgrade over its predecessor. To emphasize this point, Google recently published a blog post detailing the company’s design philosophy behind the new foldable. The post highlights a complete redesign focused on creating a thinner device that prioritizes a traditional smartphone experience when closed, a concept Google refers to as the “phone first” philosophy.

The post discusses how the design philosophy behind the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was driven by how users interacted with the original model. Claude Zellweger, Google’s director of industrial design, noted that many users frequently used the device in its folded state, leading the team to prioritize the “phone first” approach. This meant designing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to function primarily as a smartphone, with the added benefit of foldable functionality.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Google published a blog post detailing the design philosophy behind the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, aimed to make it feel more like a regular smartphone when folded.
• The “phone first” approach led to design choices such as a 20:9 aspect ratio display, a new hinge, and a much slimmer design.
• The blog post also discusses other design tweaks, such as a custom haptics driver, a smaller USB-C port, and re-engineered thermal architecture.

---

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold might be the least “Pro” Pixel this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a significant upgrade over its predecessor. To emphasize this point, Google recently published a blog post detailing the company’s design philosophy behind the new foldable. The post highlights a complete redesign focused on creating a thinner device that prioritizes a traditional smartphone experience when closed, a concept Google refers to as the “phone first” philosophy.

The post discusses how the design philosophy behind the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was driven by how users interacted with the original model. Claude Zellweger, Google’s director of industrial design, noted that many users frequently used the device in its folded state, leading the team to prioritize the “phone first” approach. This meant designing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to function primarily as a smartphone, with the added benefit of foldable functionality.

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Your Wear OS watch can now guide you home even without internet

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Offline maps support in Google Maps for Wear OS is finally getting a wider rollout.
• The feature lets you access downloaded maps on your smartwatch, even if you don’t have an active internet connection.
• Google has also added two new shortcuts to Google Maps for Wear OS.

---

Google announced a couple of new Wear OS features alongside the launch of the Pixel Watch 3 last month. Among these was offline map support in Google Maps. The feature rolled out to a few flagship smartwatches shortly after the event, and Google has now officially announced wider availability.

In addition to uploading Android 15 source code to AOSP, Google today revealed five new features rolling out to users. These include improvements for Android’s TalkBack screen reader, music search support in Circle to Search, Chrome read-aloud, Earthquake Alerts System expansion, and offline maps support in Google Maps for Wear OS.

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Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Offline maps support in Google Maps for Wear OS is finally getting a wider rollout.
• The feature lets you access downloaded maps on your smartwatch, even if you don’t have an active internet connection.
• Google has also added two new shortcuts to Google Maps for Wear OS.

---

Google announced a couple of new Wear OS features alongside the launch of the Pixel Watch 3 last month. Among these was offline map support in Google Maps. The feature rolled out to a few flagship smartwatches shortly after the event, and Google has now officially announced wider availability.

In addition to uploading Android 15 source code to AOSP, Google today revealed five new features rolling out to users. These include improvements for Android’s TalkBack screen reader, music search support in Circle to Search, Chrome read-aloud, Earthquake Alerts System expansion, and offline maps support in Google Maps for Wear OS.

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Things are finally heating up for Google’s Pixel Thermometer app

• Pixel Thermometer body temperature measurements are coming to Pixel Pro owners in Europe.
• Google initially brought support to the Pixel 8 Pro for users in the US back in January.
• Only the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL have the required infrared sensor hardware.

---

There’s lots of stuff you rely on your Pixel phone for every day, from keeping track of your schedule, to navigating you to appointments, to even keeping you safe with a little help from satellites. But how often are you using your phone to measure temperatures? Last year’s Pixel 8 Pro introduced a weird new feature, as it picked up infrared thermometer hardware able to measure temperatures at a distance. Now some important new functionality for it is on its way to a lot more people, as Google gets ready to bring body temperature measurement to users in Europe.

When it first debuted on the Pixel 8 Pro, Google’s temperature sensor was a little underwhelming. Besides not delivering particularly accurate measurements, Google was still waiting for regulatory sign-off for it to be used to measure human body temperature — arguably one of its more important uses (especially with its development spinning up during the pandemic, when quickly assessing people for fever was a big deal). With the release of the January 2024 Pixel Feature Drop, that support finally arrived… for people in the US.

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• Pixel Thermometer body temperature measurements are coming to Pixel Pro owners in Europe.
• Google initially brought support to the Pixel 8 Pro for users in the US back in January.
• Only the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL have the required infrared sensor hardware.

---

There’s lots of stuff you rely on your Pixel phone for every day, from keeping track of your schedule, to navigating you to appointments, to even keeping you safe with a little help from satellites. But how often are you using your phone to measure temperatures? Last year’s Pixel 8 Pro introduced a weird new feature, as it picked up infrared thermometer hardware able to measure temperatures at a distance. Now some important new functionality for it is on its way to a lot more people, as Google gets ready to bring body temperature measurement to users in Europe.

When it first debuted on the Pixel 8 Pro, Google’s temperature sensor was a little underwhelming. Besides not delivering particularly accurate measurements, Google was still waiting for regulatory sign-off for it to be used to measure human body temperature — arguably one of its more important uses (especially with its development spinning up during the pandemic, when quickly assessing people for fever was a big deal). With the release of the January 2024 Pixel Feature Drop, that support finally arrived… for people in the US.

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There’s a reason why Google Gemini’s feeling a lot more responsive

• Google says that Gemini 1.5 Flash has gotten 50% faster in the past few weeks.
• Gemini’s Google Tasks Extension is being spotted on Pixel 8 phones, after debuting with the Pixel 9.
• Expect the Tasks Extension to keep spreading to more Android devices.

---

Earlier this year, Google announced the next step for its Gemini generative AI system, with plans for Gemini 1.5 Flash, promising to not just be faster, but able to support more complex queries. And then a little over a month ago, Google started deploying Gemini 1.5 Flash to users around the globe, all for free. Even with that landmark release out, Google’s continued to enhance performance behind the scenes, and just shared an update on how blazingly fast Gemini is getting.

Google claims that over the last several weeks, it’s been able to improve the performance of Gemini 1.5 Flash responses to the point where they’re now up to 50% faster than before. The company doesn’t go into a ton of detail about specific changes that have led to that achievement, but does mention its efforts to reduce latency. While that sort of enhancement isn’t really necessary for Gemini to be successful, it can help with the illusion behind it a bit, making interactions feel more natural.

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• Google says that Gemini 1.5 Flash has gotten 50% faster in the past few weeks.
• Gemini’s Google Tasks Extension is being spotted on Pixel 8 phones, after debuting with the Pixel 9.
• Expect the Tasks Extension to keep spreading to more Android devices.

---

Earlier this year, Google announced the next step for its Gemini generative AI system, with plans for Gemini 1.5 Flash, promising to not just be faster, but able to support more complex queries. And then a little over a month ago, Google started deploying Gemini 1.5 Flash to users around the globe, all for free. Even with that landmark release out, Google’s continued to enhance performance behind the scenes, and just shared an update on how blazingly fast Gemini is getting.

Google claims that over the last several weeks, it’s been able to improve the performance of Gemini 1.5 Flash responses to the point where they’re now up to 50% faster than before. The company doesn’t go into a ton of detail about specific changes that have led to that achievement, but does mention its efforts to reduce latency. While that sort of enhancement isn’t really necessary for Gemini to be successful, it can help with the illusion behind it a bit, making interactions feel more natural.

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You can still get a $350 gift card with your Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold pre-order

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

As Pixel 9 series devices hit the store shelves, those free gift cards are starting to disappear. As of now, only one of the Pixel 9 devices gets you a free gift card when you pre-order it, though. You can still get a free $350 gift card if you pre-order a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Get a $350 gift card when you pre-order a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

As Pixel 9 series devices hit the store shelves, those free gift cards are starting to disappear. As of now, only one of the Pixel 9 devices gets you a free gift card when you pre-order it, though. You can still get a free $350 gift card if you pre-order a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Get a $350 gift card when you pre-order a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 problems and how to fix them

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a pretty massive upgrade for the company. Not only does it introduce a new cover screen that looks more like a traditional phone display, but there’s also an improved hinge, upgraded silicon, and plenty of new AI features.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and bugs and glitches are bound to happen. Thankfully, there haven’t been many issues reported so far. Still, problems arise, so let’s take a look at some common Galaxy Z Fold 6 problems and how to fix them!

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a pretty massive upgrade for the company. Not only does it introduce a new cover screen that looks more like a traditional phone display, but there’s also an improved hinge, upgraded silicon, and plenty of new AI features.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and bugs and glitches are bound to happen. Thankfully, there haven’t been many issues reported so far. Still, problems arise, so let’s take a look at some common Galaxy Z Fold 6 problems and how to fix them!

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Samsung Galaxy S25 series rumors and leaks: Everything we know so far

Update: September 2, 2024 (3:17 AM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S25 series rumor hub with leaks about the phones’ performance.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launched in the middle of January 2024, arriving a little earlier in the year than the last couple of generations. Along with it, the company introduced Galaxy AI, a titanium frame, new camera tricks, and a number of other features. But now that the Galaxy S24 launch has come and gone, it is time to start thinking about the next iteration in the series. How will the Galaxy S25 series set itself apart from its predecessor? What new features will Samsung come up with for the next generation? Will 2025 finally be the year we see a major shift in the Galaxy S design philosophy? Here, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the Galaxy S25.

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Update: September 2, 2024 (3:17 AM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S25 series rumor hub with leaks about the phones’ performance.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launched in the middle of January 2024, arriving a little earlier in the year than the last couple of generations. Along with it, the company introduced Galaxy AI, a titanium frame, new camera tricks, and a number of other features. But now that the Galaxy S24 launch has come and gone, it is time to start thinking about the next iteration in the series. How will the Galaxy S25 series set itself apart from its predecessor? What new features will Samsung come up with for the next generation? Will 2025 finally be the year we see a major shift in the Galaxy S design philosophy? Here, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the Galaxy S25.

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Bye-bye Exynos? All Galaxy S25 phones might have Snapdragon power

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A Korean website has reported that the Galaxy S25 series will exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor.
• Samsung is apparently thinking about using the Exynos 2500 chip in its foldable phones, though.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is only expected to launch in January 2025, but the leaks are continuing to stream in. Now, a Korean outlet has made some interesting claims regarding the processor in these new phones.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A Korean website has reported that the Galaxy S25 series will exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor.
• Samsung is apparently thinking about using the Exynos 2500 chip in its foldable phones, though.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is only expected to launch in January 2025, but the leaks are continuing to stream in. Now, a Korean outlet has made some interesting claims regarding the processor in these new phones.

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What are Gemini Extensions? Make Google’s chatbot smarter than ChatGPT

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

If you rely on your phone’s digital assistant for automation or even just hands-free control, you may have hesitated transitioning from the Google Assistant to Gemini. The latter developed a reputation for lacking many of the Assistant’s features early on. However, Google will only support Gemini going forward and has even made it as the default assistant on the Pixel 9 series. Luckily, Google is bridging the gap between the Assistant and Gemini with “extensions” for Gemini that allow the chatbot to perform useful real-world tasks.

With Gemini Extensions enabled, the chatbot can do everything from managing your to-do list to creating a music playlist based on your current mood. And in the near future, credible leaks indicate that new extensions will allow you to send WhatsApp messages and control your smart home. So with that in mind, here’s what Gemini Extensions can do and which ones you should consider using to make your life easier.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

If you rely on your phone’s digital assistant for automation or even just hands-free control, you may have hesitated transitioning from the Google Assistant to Gemini. The latter developed a reputation for lacking many of the Assistant’s features early on. However, Google will only support Gemini going forward and has even made it as the default assistant on the Pixel 9 series. Luckily, Google is bridging the gap between the Assistant and Gemini with “extensions” for Gemini that allow the chatbot to perform useful real-world tasks.

With Gemini Extensions enabled, the chatbot can do everything from managing your to-do list to creating a music playlist based on your current mood. And in the near future, credible leaks indicate that new extensions will allow you to send WhatsApp messages and control your smart home. So with that in mind, here’s what Gemini Extensions can do and which ones you should consider using to make your life easier.

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Could Apple also launch the iPhone SE 4 alongside the iPhone 16? Here’s why that’s a possibility

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

• Inventory of the iPhone SE 3 is running low in the run-up to the iPhone 16 launch, indicating that a refresh could be possible.
• Other products expected to be refreshed at the event are also running low in stock.
• The iPhone 16 is expected to launch at the announced Apple event on September 9, while the iPhone SE 4 has previously been rumored to launch in 2025.

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The iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone the company sells, undercutting the more advanced mainline iPhones. Apple doesn’t upgrade the iPhone SE line annually like the mainline iPhones, so we’ve been stuck with the iPhone SE 3 from 2022. The company was widely expected to launch the iPhone SE 4 in the middle of 2025, but it seems there may have been a change of plans in the run-up to the iPhone 16 launch.

According to a Bloomberg report, inventory of several key Apple products and accessories is at an all-time low. This includes the FineWoven faux leather cases and Apple Watch bands, many Apple Watch models and other material bands, AirPods, iPad mini, and several iPhones. Curiously, low stock is also reported for the iPhone SE, a refresh of which isn’t expected until next year, according to the same report.

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Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

• Inventory of the iPhone SE 3 is running low in the run-up to the iPhone 16 launch, indicating that a refresh could be possible.
• Other products expected to be refreshed at the event are also running low in stock.
• The iPhone 16 is expected to launch at the announced Apple event on September 9, while the iPhone SE 4 has previously been rumored to launch in 2025.

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The iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone the company sells, undercutting the more advanced mainline iPhones. Apple doesn’t upgrade the iPhone SE line annually like the mainline iPhones, so we’ve been stuck with the iPhone SE 3 from 2022. The company was widely expected to launch the iPhone SE 4 in the middle of 2025, but it seems there may have been a change of plans in the run-up to the iPhone 16 launch.

According to a Bloomberg report, inventory of several key Apple products and accessories is at an all-time low. This includes the FineWoven faux leather cases and Apple Watch bands, many Apple Watch models and other material bands, AirPods, iPad mini, and several iPhones. Curiously, low stock is also reported for the iPhone SE, a refresh of which isn’t expected until next year, according to the same report.

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