Thanks to Samsung, Wear OS is now the second-largest wearables platform

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

• Wear OS market share has surged thanks to Samsung adopting the platform for its Galaxy Watch 4.
• The Apple Watch is still the most popular wearable on the planet, but market share is down 10% from last year.
• The sub-$100 wearable market continues to grow, with Amazfit ranking third globally.

---

Apple, Samsung, Amazfit, and Huawei are typically found at or near the top of new wearables market share reports. Google’s Wear OS platform is usually entirely absent from these reports or roped into the nebulous “other” category that makes up the least-popular platforms each quarter. This past quarter, things were different for Wear OS.

According to Counterpoint’s latest wearables market share estimates, Wear OS market share has surged in Q3 2021 to 17% from just 4% QoQ. This is a 325% increase in market share, and the most popular Wear OS has ever been on a global scale. This is, of course, almost entirely thanks to Samsung adopting Wear OS on the Galaxy Watch 4 series and dropping its homegrown Tizen platform.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3xdlKxz
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Qualcomm confirms Snapdragon chipsets getting rebranded: Here’s what we know

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Qualcomm has confirmed it will issue a rebrand to its Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in 2021.
• The naming of chipsets will be changed, but the company hasn’t disclosed the names yet.
• The company will also drop its own name from the branding, leaving just Snapdragon.

---

Today, chipset manufacturer Qualcomm issued a big announcement. Starting this year, it will be rebranding its most prominent products, namely its lines of mobile processors. That means the current Snapdragon 8xx, 7xx, 6xx, etc., names will be no more.

See also: All of Qualcomm’s smartphone processors explained

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3nE3ES7
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G review: A is for awesome

Samsung’s Galaxy A lineup often includes some of the most popular budget and mid-range phones of the year. While most of the praise lands on the Galaxy A50 series and A70 series, there are many more devices to consider. One such option is the Galaxy A32 5G with its large display, smooth refresh rate, and flexible camera setup. Let’s see if the phone is worth your money in our Samsung Galaxy A32 5G review.

$279 .99

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Buy it Now

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Buy it Now

$279 .99

What you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3r0uc2i
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Need a new case or screen protector? Check out these Black Friday case deals

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

Phone cases and protectors are essential to the longevity of your mobile device. If you don’t already have them, now is a great time to buy with huge discounts across the board. Here are the best Black Friday 2021 deals on smartphone cases and screen protectors for all the top brands.

Read more: Black Friday 2021 deals | Best phone case guide

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3nizKTj
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Check out these early Black Friday mobile accessory deals

Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Black Friday 2021 is nearly upon us, but you don’t have to wait to get some great deals on accessories for your phone or electronic device. We’ve done some digging and found the best Black Friday deals to take advantage of right away!

Read more: Black Friday 2021 deals | Best smartphone accessories

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3o8dY42
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

OnePlus patent suggests a dual-hinge foldable phone may be in its future

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A OnePlus patent has emerged detailing the company’s possible foldable phone ambitions.
• The device in question packs two hinges and can fold into a triangle if need be.

---

OnePlus could be the latest big hitter to join the foldable phone race. Per a patent spotted by LetsGoDigital, the company is envisioning a unique device that’s a stark departure from the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Huawei Mate X2.

The patent describes a OnePlus folding phone that uses two hinges instead of one, dividing it into three folding sections. The thickest section, which likely houses the battery and essential internals, rotates around the larger hinge. When this main section is tucked away, the phone can be used as a traditional glass sandwich. The second hinge supports two thinner sections. When these are unfolded, it allows the phone to effectively triple its display area.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3l0ANpE
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

What is Allblk? Here’s everything you need to know about the streaming service

It appears that streaming services are replacing niche cable TV channels as alternative programming for not just televisions, but mobile devices as well. Once such niche service is the recently renamed Allblk (formerly Urban Movie Channel). The service has been around for a few years but has slowly gained a loyal following. Allblk has also expanded its original content library to include many exclusive series and movies.

Read more: Best streaming services

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3ljIhUX
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Daily Authority: 🛰️ More satellites than ever

Good morning! Escaped from probably the best Escape Room I've done last night: multiple secret rooms, different devices, a spot where only the penitent man can pass, and more! Still, at one point, when trying to match up a set of rocks to a combination lock, I was wondering if I'd make it back to the PC to start writing this on time....

Satellites add an edge

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3FSZz35
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

5 best webcam apps to turn your phone into a webcam

It’s actually not too difficult to turn your phone into a webcam. There are plenty of good apps that do it, and it’s easier and cheaper than buying a physical webcam. Most apps on this list work the same way. There’s a client you install on your computer and then you install the app on your phone. The two connect together and your camera becomes your webcam. It’s usable for a wide range of applications from business to video games streaming, but overall it’s a niche thing.

Here are the best webcam apps to turn your phone into a webcam.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3CGVr47
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Poll: What do you most look forward to buying this Black Friday?

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Black Friday is around the corner, and loads of retailers are offering discounts on various items. From PCs and convertibles to smartphones and audio, there are loads of deals out there already and we’ll only see more.

That got us wondering whether readers were looking forward to buying anything specific on Black Friday or in the run-up to it. You can let us know what you’re most looking forward to purchasing via our poll below.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3kZZB0N
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

The best Black Friday UK deals you can check out right now

Black Friday used to be just a US shopping event. However, it has now spread all over the world. That means there are lots of early Black Friday UK deals to check out right now.

Be sure to check up on this post regularly as we’ll update it with lots of new deals as they drop. Now that it’s Black Friday week, let’s get shopping.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2PKNV4B
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

We asked, you told us: Here’s how long your phone should ideally take to charge

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Plenty of smartphone brands offer fast-charging capabilities in 2021, with the likes of OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Asus all offering 50W or higher charge speeds on some phones.

Wattage is only part of the equation as Google’s Pixel 6 series and Samsung’s flagships show, as it all ultimately boils down to charging times. So how long should your phone ideally take to charge? We posed this question to Android Authority readers last week, and here’s how they voted.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3CJOajL
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

The OnePlus 10 Pro might not have a periscope zoom camera

Credit: OnLeaks/Zouton

• A new leak suggests the OnePlus 10 Pro won’t have a periscope camera.
• This means you shouldn’t expect great long-range zoom quality in theory.

---

The OnePlus 10 Pro apparently leaked earlier this month courtesy of frequent leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, showing a phone with a rather interesting camera bump (seen above). The housing shows three cameras, and it looks like we’ve got more leaked info regarding one of these shooters.

Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station has claimed that the OnePlus 10 Pro is equipped with an “ordinary” telephoto lens. They add that this could have a 3.3X optical zoom factor and 30X digital zoom.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3CEb38y
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

These Fitbit Black Friday deals can save you as much as 40%

Credit:

Amazon

The holidays are to be enjoyed, but you might find yourself making resolutions to get fit again come January. One of the best motivators is a fitness tracker to keep an eye on your progress, and Fitbit devices are right up there among the best on the market. Amazon already has some excellent Black Friday Fitbit deals running, so it’s a great time to get a headstart on the post-holiday regime.

See also: Black Friday smartwatch deals | Black Friday fitness tracker deals

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3DEYmvb
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

The best smartwatches for men you can buy

Unlike smartphones, modern smartwatches aren’t essential pieces of tech, but they sure make getting through the day a lot easier. These wrist-worn companions not only display the time but double as personal fitness trainers and, in some cases, completely independent smart devices. If you’re a man, choosing a suitable smartwatch for your wrist is a tough decision. But we’re here to make your life a little easier. Below, you’ll find a list of the best smartwatches for men you can buy in 2021.

See also: The best smartwatches you can buy

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/30QXOo3
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

15 years on, Casino Royale remains the best Bond film of the Daniel Craig years

Credit: Sony

From the Vault: As the streaming space keeps growing, massive studio catalogs are becoming increasingly available. These include lost and forgotten gems, so-bad-it’s-good duds, and just plain weird pieces of film history. And you probably won’t find them by waiting for streamers to put them in front of you. In From the Vault, Android Authority aims to rescue these titles from the algorithm graveyard and help you get more out of your streaming subscriptions.

---

With No Time to Die hitting theatres earlier this year, Daniel Craig is hanging up his Double O license for good to let someone new take up the James Bond mantle. As well as capping off Craig’s Bond years, 2021 marks the 15-year anniversary of his first outing as the British spy in 2006’s Casino Royale. You can currently watch Casino Royale on Amazon Prime Video, and it’s certainly worth your time. Check it out right here.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3qX3hEh
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Razer Black Friday deals: Our top picks for saving a bundle on gaming gear

Credit: Luke Little / Android Authority

We are getting ever closer to Black Friday 2021! Razer is ready to get the party started early, though, as it’s already got a full roster of Razer Black Friday deals for you to check out.

As one would expect, Razer is deeply discounting a lot of its gaming peripherals, including gaming mice, keyboards, headsets, and more. It’s also offering huge discounts on its various laptops and monitors.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3czKaIb
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

If you’re buying a cheap streaming device, just make sure it has this one thing

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Jimmy Westenberg

I should preface this article by admitting that I’m not really the type that cares about getting the best possible quality in my home theater system (if you can even call it that). I own a 4K television, but only because it was really cheap at Walmart. I have stereo speakers hooked up to a small amp to improve the sound quality a bit, too. I also use a Chromecast with Google TV exclusively to access my streaming platforms.

What I’m trying to say is that I’m not too picky when it comes to streaming media.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3FAN6Rj
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Apple’s self-service repair program sets the bar for Android OEMs

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Dhruv Bhutani

The modern-day smartphone is, by and large, a highly integrated piece of circuitry and precise engineering to maximize components in the least amount of space. Part of this comes from dropping unnecessary ports and access panels. Back in 2007, the Apple iPhone was one of the first smartphones to ship with a non-removable battery. In the fourteen years since then, a removable battery has become a rare unicorn reserved for bespoke-use smartphones like rugged handsets. The fact of the matter is, repairs and replacements are inconvenient enough that most manufacturers would rather have you purchase a new phone than get it repaired. In fact, these repairs can often be so expensive that it might just make more sense to upgrade to a newer model. The right to repair movement challenges that.

The right to repair movement isn't new, but it has never been this relevant.

The right to repair movement isn’t new. Across industries, enthusiasts have been long been championing affordable repairs, sustainability, and the right to combat planned obsolescence. A classic example is of John Deere tractors where even the most basic repairs were locked behind software blocks. Farmers have since resorted to ridiculous means like hacking the tractor’s software to perform these repairs. In 2018, the tractor manufacturer promised to make it easier to repair the heavy machinery, in a bid to bypass an overarching right-to-repair law. It still hasn’t held up its promise.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2Z6JJ4S
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Wear OS 3 deserves a solid update commitment from Google

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Jimmy Westenberg

This past summer, Google’s Sameer Samat stood on stage at Google I/O and revealed the next major version of Wear OS. “It’s the biggest update to Wear OS, ever,” he said.

Indeed, combining operating systems with a company like Samsung means big things for the platform. Samsung’s Tizen-based smartwatches have consistently outperformed Wear OS watches in market share, so it’s no small thing that Samsung dropped its homegrown OS in favor of Google’s.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3CCMQPK
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

What is Google’s Tensor chip? Everything you need to know

With the Pixel 6, we finally got hands-on with Google’s first bespoke mobile system on a chip (SoC), dubbed Google Tensor. While the company has dabbled with add-on hardware in the past, like the Pixel Visual Core and Titan M security chip, the Google Tensor chip represents the company’s first attempt at designing a custom mobile SoC. Or at least part-designing.

Even though Google hasn’t developed every component from scratch, the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) is all in-house, and it’s at the heart of what the company wants to accomplish with the SoC. As expected, Google has stated that the processor is laser-focused on enhanced imaging and machine learning (ML) capabilities. To that end, Tensor doesn’t deliver ground-breaking raw power in most applications, but that’s because the company is targeting other use-cases instead.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3cA6mBS
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Everything you need to know about Nintendo and its consoles

You’ve probably played Nintendo games or owned their consoles before, but how much do you actually know about the gaming colossus? Or maybe you’re new to gaming and just want to find out more about the key players. Either way, we’ve got you covered with everything from Nintendo console history to digital services and more.

Nintendo at a glance

Nintendo isn’t the only console manufacturer on the market, but it’s definitely been around the longest. First formed in 1889, the company created its first games in the 1970s before launching its first dedicated home console in 1983. Fast-forward to 2021 and the Nintendo Switch is a major sales sensation, reinforcing the company’s position in the market.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3nBz3Vg
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

10 shows like Succession: What to watch if you’re hooked on the HBO drama

Credit: HBO

Succession has been building massive buzz since it premiered on HBO in 2018. The show is appointment viewing, and for good reason. It’s one of the best series on TV. But if you’re looking for shows like Succession to check out while waiting for new episodes, it can be hard to match.

Succession follows the Roy clan, a family of spoiled rich kids vying to take over the family media conglomerate from their stern father. The show feels like it captures everything that’s wrong with the world, all condensed into one over-privileged family. And somehow it’s still tremendous (pitch black) fun to watch.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3FxtgX5
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Some Amazon devices are at record-low prices ahead of Black Friday

Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Black Friday used to begin on, well, Friday. Back then, retailers started opening up shop on Thursday night, and that was considered to be early. But times keep changing and Amazon wants you to start your holiday shopping right away. There are many Black Friday prices across the site, but some of the best Black Friday deals are on Amazon’s own devices.

See also: The best Black Friday deals

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2qOrxbr
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

The best phones with 16GB of RAM

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Some want the best screen, others want the best camera system. Many will value battery life, or something like performance. But those who want the ultimate multi-tasking performance will want to get a phone with the most RAM possible. Right now, the race is being led by phones with 16GB of RAM, and we’ve put together a list of the best ones available. Let’s take a look to find your next multi-tasking beast.

How much RAM do you really need?

First things first, you have to wonder if you even need a phone with 16GB of RAM. In all honesty, we feel like it might be a bit overkill to get that much RAM on a smartphone. In 2019, we went deep into the topic and concluded that 6GB to 8GB was the sweet spot. Anything above that made no difference back then. Have things changed in a couple of years?

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3DFidul
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Motorola Black Friday sale: Save up to $600 on the your next smartphone

Black Friday is quickly approaching, with more and more brands are releasing their Black Friday deals. Now, Motorola has joined that mix and has released some great offers on its best devices.

Related: The best Motorola phones you can get right now

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3DxjOSZ
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome to the 407th edition of Android Apps Weekly. Here are the big headlines from the last week:

• There is a promising PS2 emulator for Android in alpha testing right now. It’s exciting because most of the existing ones are either controversial or not ready for public consumption. AetherSX2, by comparison, is taking its time, following the rules, and has a lot going for it. Hit the link to learn more.
• Google Messages is getting an update that may fix a long-standing problem. Currently, when an iMessage person reacts to a message, it shows up in a text. After the update, it’ll show up as a real reaction. It’s a minor thing, but an irritating one for people in group chats with iPhone users.
• We asked our readers if they preferred streaming devices or the apps on their smart TV. As it turns out, the answer isn’t as definitive as we expected. Roughly 40% of our readers prefer streaming devices like the Chromecast while nearly 35% of our readers prefer their smart TV apps. The rest said they liked both.
• Google Cloud had an outage this week and it affected several apps. The list includes Snapchat, Spotify, Discord, Nest, Fitbit, and many other websites. The outage lasted a couple of hours before it was fully fixed. The outage was only partial, though, because a lot of people didn’t experience any noticeable problems.
• Google launched a Fortnite Task Force after Epic Games decided to self-publish instead of using the Play Store. The task force was responsible for pointing out security flaws and disclosing it to the media without giving Epic Games a ton of time to fix the issue. It’s yet another wrinkle in the long fight the two companies are having.

---

Tales of Luminaria

Price: Free to play

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/30OPCEP
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Google Pixel 6a leak reveals design very similar to vanilla Pixel 6

Credit: 91Mobiles

• The first Google Pixel 6a renders show off the anticipated design.
• If the renders prove accurate, the budget-oriented model would be very similar to the vanilla Pixel 6.
• Unfortunately, there does not appear to be a headphone jack onboard.

---

It was only a month ago that Google launched its latest flagship series with the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. However, in early 2022, we expect the company to launch its usual budget-oriented variant of that series.

Our reviews: Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6 Pro

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3nBAV0m
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Google Pixel 6 second opinion review: Imperfectly wonderful

Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro turn a new page for the company’s smartphone hardware ambitions. The Big G isn’t completely leaving behind its affordable flagship experiment — the Pixel 6 is one of the best value for money options available — but with the slightly more expensive Pixel 6 Pro, Google is returning to the premium tier and catering to the enthusiast market as well.

I’ve had the pleasure of taking both phones for a spin over the past few weeks. They’re certainly more alike than not, but they do exist with slightly different buyers in mind. The Google Pixel 6 Pro is, obviously, the definitive edition of Google’s latest vision, but the Pixel 6 isn’t as far behind as the price tag might imply.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3cwXJIh
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

The state of Stadia in 2021: Left behind

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Google Stadia came out. Compared to the excessive fanfare at the time of release, Stadia has been suspiciously quiet for a while now, with things seemingly humming along in the background.

Of course, a lot has happened in the world since then — new consoles, an ongoing global pandemic, etc. — but we thought we’d take this opportunity to take a look at the state of Stadia in 2021. Has it lived up to the hype or is it destined for the infamous Google graveyard? We’ll cover all that and more.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3HEObJH
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

The Weekly Authority Edition #169

Welcome again to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 169th edition has Mediatek's new chip, the Xbox 20th anniversary celebration news, new Motorola launches, and more.

This week I've mostly been ooh-ing and aah-ing at just how gorgeous Kena: Bridge of Spirits is on PS5. It's difficult, too, or maybe my reactions aren't fast enough!

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3oKlhPC
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

Xperia UI guide: Everything you need to know about Sony’s Android skin

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

As far as global sales are concerned, Sony smartphones are but a tiny blip in the market. The company’s high prices and habit of making it difficult for pretty much everyone to actually get one of its phones tends to push away consumers. However, those folks who own Sony phones seem to really love them, so we thought we’d take a look at their software: Xperia UI.

See also: The best Sony Xperia phones you can buy

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3CBDio0
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

How to archive email in Gmail

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Gmail’s storage quota is so generous that you may never have to delete another email again. But at the same time, you don’t want hundreds or thousands of emails clogging up your inbox. So how do you archive email in Gmail to make them disappear from the inbox? That’s the topic of this article.

Read more: How to find archived emails in Gmail

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3x4q1U7
via IFTTT

Continue Reading

OnePlus 10 and 10 Pro: All the rumors and what we hope to see

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

OnePlus may have skipped the OnePlus 9T in 2021, but it certainly won’t skip its 2022 flagship series. Unless the company changes its formula, we fully expect these phones to land as the OnePlus 10 and OnePlus 10 Pro sometime in the first or second quarter.

See also: A history of every OnePlus phone so far

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/31Zh56Y
via IFTTT

Continue Reading