https://www.androidpolice.com All the latest mobile tech news, deals, reviews, guides, editorials, and more. True Android fans come to Android Police! Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:50:19 GMT en-US hourly 60 Discord works on Xbox consoles, so you can join voice channels while playing on your console. It's an easy way to connect with your friends on Discord, even if you don't play games on a desktop computer. If you enjoy playing the best cross-platform games, we recommend using Discord to avoid the frustration of multiple communication apps.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:00:26 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/how-to-connect-discord-to-xbox/ You might notice that your phone's battery isn't as robust as it was when you purchased it. Frequently seeing the low battery indicator can get annoying, especially if you feel like you fully charged your phone a few hours ago. Whether you use a high-end or budget phone, the battery degrades over time.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:50:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/android-check-battery-health/ Over the last few years, Samsung has been bringing forward the launch date of its Galaxy flagships and foldables by a few weeks. For 2024, too, rumors suggest the company will bring forward the announcement date by a few weeks, with January 17 being the possible unveiling date. Samsung has now seemingly confirmed this date and provided more details about the phone's pre-order and availability dates.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:26:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s24-announcement-launch-date-details-confirmed/ The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE aims to capture the broad strokes that make the Galaxy S23 a brilliant phone while subtly cutting corners to reach budget pricing. While you might be wary about a phone designed to be a lower-quality version of another, the Galaxy S23 includes brilliant features that make it a worthwhile purchase in 2023.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 07:58:16 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-fe-top-features/ Every morsel of gravity in the world hits the downhill this episode on the Android Police podcast with OpenAI sacking CEO Sam Altman while Apple outsteps Nothing in bridging the gap between iMessage and the rest of the modern texting world - and there's a very good reason why now was the time for the company to get on board with Google and RCS. But we start things off with Daniel out in Los Angeles not talking about how Tony Hawk was at MediaTek's own summit this week. It's all chaos, all the time.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 22:36:14 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/iphone-15-pro-max-with-titanium-android-police-podcast/ Google now has two smartwatches ,with the newer Pixel Watch 2 and previous Pixel Watch, all with a variety of stylish and functional bands to make either watch feel even more personalized. A lot has changed since the original Pixel Watch launched, where you can find Google's replacement straps costing anywhere from $50 to a whopping $200 for the Metal Links band.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 21:00:22 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/normal-watch-straps-with-the-google-pixel-watch/ Whether you’re casually browsing the Internet or lounging in the pool reading a book on your Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, a low battery alert is disruptive. It’s even more annoying if you’re without the proper charger to boost your battery back to 100%, especially since Samsung doesn't include one in the box.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:00:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-fe-plus-chargers/ If there was one connective thread weaving together this week's biggest stories in mobile, it was messaging. After Nothing announced a new service designed to bring iMessage support to its latest smartphone — a platform that crashed and burned within 24 hours — Apple made even bigger waves by confirming its plans to add RCS support to the iPhone in 2024. While plenty of questions remain about how Apple's support will shake up the smartphone landscape, the explanation as to why it's tackling RCS, at least, remains pretty clear.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 17:08:51 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/weekend-poll-will-rcs-on-the-iphone-benefit-your-life-as-an-android-user/ The Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins face off against each other this Sunday, and both teams have something to prove. Although the Miami Dolphins to sit at their division (6-3) they are coming off a disappointing loss last week. The Raiders (5-5) on the other hand, are chasing the dominant Chiefs for the top spot in their division, and every win counts. The Raiders have won their last two games and will need to beat a good Miami team to keep their good fortunes rolling.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 16:59:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/las-vegas-raiders-vs-miami-dolphins-livestream/ While Oura has been around the block and is already on its third generation of smart ring, its rivals have been making some questionable moves. Last year, Oura dragged fledgling rival Circular into a patent war over ring design and biometric data collection. And now, the Finnish ring maker is throwing another legal punch at another startup, Ultrahuman, for allegedly copying its products and stealing its secrets.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 15:13:22 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/oura-sues-ultrahuman-for-efforts-to-replicate-its-smart-ring/ The Google Pixel series has long been a fan favorite, and rightfully so, as each major Pixel device is regarded as one of the best Android phones on the market. Google redesigned the Pixel lineup with the Pixel 6, a design that incorporates a camera bar on the back. This design has now been carried through multiple generations and gives the Pixel series a unique look all to itself.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 15:00:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-google-pixel-phones/ When it comes to smart home security, keeping an eye on your property and valuable possessions has never been easier. But when it’s time to upload your camera’s footage to the cloud, exactly how much peace of mind are you giving up? Many of the top brands in smart security promise tough end-to-end encryption, but all it takes is one skilled hacker to topple the building blocks of your privacy. Fortunately, there are several home security cameras with local storage, allowing you to keep your recordings and personal data private.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:01:22 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-home-security-cameras-local-storage/ Samsung has officially dropped the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+, and they're both exactly what you'd expect from Fan Edition versions of two of the best Android tablets. Samsung's liberal interpretation of the phrase "fan edition" apparently boils down to pared-down, less expensive versions of some of its flagship devices, and that's exactly what you're getting with the S9 FE, a more wallet-friendly but less capable version of the vanilla Tab S9.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:00:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-fe-chargers/ At first glance, the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Motorola Razr+ might not have much in common, but if you strip away the folding display — easier said than done — the devices become much more comparable. Both have great performance, solid battery life, and user-friendly software experiences, but buying a foldable is a different kind of commitment.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 12:31:18 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-8-pro-vs-motorola-razr-plus/ Cloud gaming technology made its first appearance in 2000 at E3 with Game Cluster; it was then packaged and ready for public release in 2003. But despite the promising early model for cloud gaming, it never latched on in the 2000s, thanks to a lack of reliable infrastructure. It wasn't until Microsoft, Sony, and even Google came into the picture that cloud streaming finally took off; as more businesses took the leap, more parties built platforms for cloud streaming.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 12:00:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/what-is-cloud-gaming/ When doing research, having multiple tabs open at once can be confusing. Google Docs' Explore feature compiles your resources into one place. It finds relevant information online or in your Google Drive and brings it into Docs. You control the content, such as the topics, research, and images. It's the power of research at your fingertips, neatly organized in Google Docs' Explore feature.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:38:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-docs-explore-tool-how-to/ Google's 2023 flagship smartphones have burst onto the scene. The more expensive of the two — the Google Pixel 8 Pro — brings in several improvements over last year's Pixel 7 lineup, including better cameras, a brighter display, and a bucket load of AI-powered features, including Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:31:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-8-pro-wireless-charging/ PayPal changed the online finance landscape when it launched, allowing users to execute online payments with security and ease. PayPal is widely accepted and allows you to use your credit or debit cards for payment all over the world.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:35:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/paypal-account-add-gift-card/ When considering the top Android smartwatches in 2023, we at AP consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic the best of the best. There's a lot to love about their look. When you delve into the software, you'll find a bounty of useful features.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:54:18 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-6-tips-tricks/ Who remembers when mobile gaming was an isolated practice, enjoying great mobile apps with nothing but a leaderboard to indicate anyone else was playing? This seems almost ancient these days, with mobile games linking thousands of players online for awesome MOBA experiences and apps that show the PC platform how it's done.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:46:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-mobile-co-op-games/ Emails are a big part of our lives, whether it's staying connected with loved ones, handling work stuff, or keeping track of orders. But not all emails deserve your time and attention. Maybe you receive emails from senders you'd rather ignore before they reach your inbox. Gmail makes it easy to do that by blocking unwanted email addresses.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:35:18 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/gmail-block-email-address-explainer/ You would be amazed at the crossover between the Play Stores best apps and PC, given how antithetical the two platforms can seem. PC's processing and graphical capabilities coupled with complex physical controls seems to come from a different planet to your new and improved gaming phone. Mobile development has gained such power and popularity that their inclusion on other platforms was inevitable, from refined experiences like Downwell to the many many quality Vampire Survivors clones that take over your life for brief periods of time. We'd like to share our favorite Android games that have made the leap to PC, for their peerless dedication, graphical quality, and immense popularity among Android and PC gamers alike.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:00:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/android-games-on-pc/ As the internet becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, moving our data and computing power to the cloud is common. Few products take advantage of this like a top-of-the-line Chromebook. Few services showcase the potential of cloud computing like cloud gaming platforms such as Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Game Pass, which let you stream games that are otherwise unplayable on your device.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:48:24 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/chromeos-cloud-gaming-launcher-how-to/ Like Mad Men, BlackBerrys, and Nickleback, Skype was a huge deal in 2009. So much so that Microsoft paid $8.5 billion for the company. This may seem like an interesting, though ultimately irrelevant, lead-in to our main topic, but Microsoft owns Skype.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:38:25 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/skype-delete-account/ Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and other spreadsheet software offer powerful sorting tools to help you rearrange your data. Knowing how to sort your spreadsheets makes the data easier to see and use. You'll see the latest or oldest items at the top of your dataset when you sort by date.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:28:18 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-sheets-sort-by-date-function/ The Google Pixel 7a may not be the cheapest smartphone on the market, but with nearly flagship-level performance, it's one of the best budget Android phones out there. You'd be hard-pressed to find another smartphone as impressive at its price point. The 7a is the poster child for choosing a new budget phone over an older flagship model.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 21:01:16 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-pixel-7a-screen-protectors/ In-box chargers are no longer a thing, but there's a bright side to that. Some of the best phone chargers on the market include multiple ports, fast charging capabilities for the best Android phones, and the ability to simultaneously charge up all your other gadgets as well, making them a more versatile bet.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 19:00:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-pps-chargers/ Search is Google’s primary business, and the company recently admitted Chrome exists with the sole purpose of making Search accessible. Tools like Google Lens and Assistant are in the same boat, serving as vehicles to enhance Search. However, one distinctly focuses on visual cues while the other listens for queries and commands. Now, it appears Google is testing audio prompts for Lens, especially to refine queries like you would with Multisearch.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 18:53:30 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-lens-audio-detection-feature-in-development/ Even when it was initially announced, Nothing Chats seemed like a sketchy idea at best. You'll find plenty of methods for bringing iMessage to Android — either by routing messages through your own Mac or through a remote server farm — but a phone manufacturer throwing its weight behind one of these solutions certainly raises the stakes. It only took a few hours following the launch of Nothing Chats for the earliest security concerns to pop up online. Now, just a day after the app hit the Play Store, it seems like the dream of Nothing Chats might be turning into a nightmare.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:04:07 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/nothing-chats-privacy-disaster-pulled-play-store/ It's no secret that inflation is real, and it's reflected in the steep prices of modern smartphones. With some of the best Android phones costing upwards of $1,500, it's more important than ever to protect your investment. Investing in a good phone case is a start, but it's also wise to choose a phone that's capable of withstanding falls and other accidents, especially when you're spending a significant amount of money.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:00:25 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-rugged-android-phones/ The Pixel 8 Pro's most notable hardware improvement is the powerful Tensor G3 chip, but the temperature sensor might be the most controversial. It's not as accurate as dedicated temperature sensor devices and is likely a contributing factor to the Pixel 8 Pro's price. However, it's helpful in a pinch if you need to check the temperature of a pan with a couple of taps. But regardless of your opinion on its useability, you won't need to worry about the case on your phone blocking the sensor.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:00:24 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-8-pro-temperature-sensor-work-with-case/ Whether you're completely new to AT&T or looking to upgrade your current device, there are plenty of quality options to fit almost any budget. Even though buying an unlocked device is always the best option, smartphone price tags can be staggering. Because of this, AT&T offers carrier financing options that allow you to spread the cost out over time — instead of paying all at once, you pay monthly over 36 months.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 13:00:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-att-phones/ The Samsung SmartTag 2 offers a new generation of GPS tracking for the valuables we tend to lose the most. On top of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra wide-band (UWB) support for real-time location tracking with pinpoint accuracy, the SmartTag 2 is powered by a CR2032 battery. Those are the small circular cells we always mistake as loose change when we come across them in our junk drawers.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:30:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-smarttag-2-battery-replaceable/ Golf games translate curiously well to the mobile platform, considering their many surface-level differences from real-world sports. The experience of lining up a golf shot and making calls about swing force, wind drop-off, slanted terrain, and shot timing can be authentically emulated through these apps. In fact, the Play Store's best have been teaching these skills for years, with peerless tests of strategy on even the humblest Android phones. Golf games enjoy a great smattering of creative gameplay loops, including faithful 3D adaptations of the sport, 2D satires of game design, virtual mini-golf courses, and more. We'd like to share our favorites in this roundup of the best Golf apps we'd like you to take a swing at.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:00:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-golf-games-android/ Have you been wondering what the best Google hardware colors of all time are? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Sure, color preference is almost entirely subjective - but to hell with that, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you the definitive list. Don’t like our picks? Let us know - but we’ll still be right. In the world of tech there are dominant colors - black, white, silver, and grey. These neutral shades sell well, but they’re hardly inspiring. Add to that the fact our phones, tablets, and headphones are some of the most personal devices we own, and these bland color options don’t help you express your individuality. We even said so much a couple of years ago - Rita El Khoury declared ‘I’m tired of bland, boring flagship phone colors’. Amen, Rita. So forgive us for wanting bolder, brighter color options for our tech. It’s taken a while, but in recent years manufacturers have started showering us with the full rainbow of colors. Google is no different, and even though it started its Nexus, Pixel, and Home lines off with the go-to black and white hues (and a splash of blue), we’ve been treated to a veritable buffet of color in the years since. Here are the best Google has had to offer.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:00:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-google-hardware-colors/ The Google Play Store is an essential resource for every Android smartphone user. Considering Google's embrace of AI across a wide range of its products, it was only a matter of time before it was brought to the Play Store. We're now getting an early glimpse at what the company has planned for the Play Store, thanks to newly unearthed code from the latest version of the Android app marketplace.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:42:08 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/ai-generated-faqs-google-play-store-leak/ When Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 FE in 2020, it blended the best parts of its flagship devices in a more affordable package. While the device made some compromises to get to that $600 price point, it quickly became one of the best affordable Android phones on the market and a fan favorite. When Samsung launched its follow-up, the Galaxy S21 FE, it stumbled out of the gate with its $100 price increase and a delayed launch. This made it shockingly close in price to the superior Galaxy S22 and didn’t offer the same value proposition as its predecessor.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:30:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-fe-vs-galaxy-s21-fe/ Taking, organizing, and sharing meeting notes with other participants is a big job. Google Docs' meeting notes make storing and organizing details unique to a new or existing calendar event easier. Take jottings, create action lists, and sync them with your Google Calendar with a few clicks. You'll open Google Docs in a desktop browser, as Google hasn't extended the feature to the best Android tablets and phones. Besides that, the process is simple.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:51:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-docs-meeting-note-how-to/ Smartwatches are our trusty sidekicks in the digital age. They keep us in the loop and on track. They seamlessly blend fashion with function, offering many features at our fingertips. From keeping up with our messages to boosting productivity, these gadgets are no longer basic step counters, mainly because the best fitness trackers come with powerful heart rate monitors and track your fitness and health in one handy device.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:45:17 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/wear-os-smartwatch-change-time/ If you're switching from AT&T to another carrier, you need a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to port your number. If you don't get this number transfer PIN at the right time, it could mess up your plans to switch carriers when purchasing a new phone or signing up for a different plan. We have everything you need to know right here.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:37:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/att-transfer-pin-request/ You can use Webex on most devices, whether a low budget Chromebook, a Windows PC, or an Android phone, thanks to its multi-platform support. While some features are absent on specific platforms, adding cohosts to meetings is not one of them.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:05:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/webex-add-cohost-how-to/ People share many things on Facebook, from life updates to random thoughts. Whether you have an Android phone or an amazing Chromebook, Facebook makes it easy to share whatever you like. Even though Facebook is made to help you share, you may not want to share everything with all of your friends.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:05:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/facebook-restricted-list-how-to/ The Apple Watch can do a lot. It's one of the most comprehensive smartwatches available. It measures your vitals, tracks sunlight exposure, and sends messages with a flick of your hand. If you want a watch that matches with Android devices, the Watch is a powerful accessory for your life. We have ways to make it even better for beginners!

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 09:30:18 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/apple-watch-tips-tricks/ The Google Nest Hub is in its second iteration, taking a great smart display and making it better. It's one of the best Google Assistant smart displays you can get, helping with everything from showing cookie recipes to controlling your smart home. It can also play YouTube videos, a useful feature when you need help fixing a leaky faucet or baking a cake. Here's how to watch YouTube videos on a Google Nest Hub display.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 09:10:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-nest-hub-watch-youtube/ Are you looking to shake up your gaming activities on your favorite Android gaming phone? But don't want to go through the hassle of downloading apps and finding storage space to host your library. If so, you may want to soak your feet into web-based gaming. All that's required is a handy mobile web browser and links to some classic browser games. And with how far mobile-compatible web browsers have come, now, you can bookmark these impressive titles without worrying about excess data usage and storage consumption.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 09:00:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-web-based-games-android-browser/ Black Friday is quickly approaching, and many retailers have jumped ahead of the official date by discounting a wide range of items. Amazon has been relatively quiet compared to some of the other major online retailers in the lead-up to Black Friday — Best Buy's Black Friday deals have been advertised for awhile — but that changes now.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 05:15:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-black-friday-amazon-deals/ It's official, Best Buy's Black Friday sale is in full swing. The retailer is now offering significant discounts on thousands of products including 4K smart TVs, top Android smartphones, tablets, wireless headphones, and so much more. Quantities are limited and there are no rainchecks, so if you see something you like, you better grab it while you can. The sale is open to everyone, so you don't need to be a My Best Buy member to participate. It is worth noting, though, that signing up for the free plan will get you free shipping, and even the paid plans can pay for themselves with their additional savings.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:34:24 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-buy-black-friday-deals/ 2023 has been a pretty fantastic year for Android phones, but if you wanted to focus on the most exciting devices around, you had to keep your eye on foldables. Sure, the Pixel 8 Pro delivered some excellent improvements over its predecessor, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra is as reliable as ever, but this year's slate of folding phones have proven the tech is here to stay. And while it's easy to focus on Samsung and Google, my favorite devices — foldable or otherwise — actually originated from smaller, lesser-known companies.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:32:26 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/motorola-razr-plus-black-friday-2023/ It's easy to look at a sleek Android smartwatch and think it's a luxury, a frivolous add-on to a device you already spent hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. Sure, fitness tracking is nice — especially as a small motivator for those of us who don't normally get much physical activity in — and being able to use some apps from your wrist makes it easy to accomplish small tasks without getting sucked into some random app on your phone for hours on end, but do you really need one? Well, I did.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:00:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/you-owe-it-to-yourself-to-strap-on-this-galaxy-watch-6-deal/ Streaming services have taken over as one of the best ways to catch the latest movies. Whether they're making a stop in theaters before rolling out digital rentals or they launch as first-run originals from the likes of Netflix, Apple TV, or HBO; we're rounding up the best titles so you're not left in the dark — until it's time to start the film, that is. Check back each week (usually on Friday) to see the latest additions for movies that are now available to stream, the latest theatrical releases, and movies coming next week.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:27:11 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/new-movies-home-premieres-early-rental-streaming/ If you spend an ample amount of time browsing the web, you know how quickly tabs can pile up. Even if you don’t intend to leave them open, these Chrome tabs can end up consuming a large amount of memory. Now, Google has developed a feature aimed at cutting back on your memory usage, and it could also curb your tab habit.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:41:54 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/chrome-memory-saver-canary-probabilistic-model/ When Hitman: Blood Money debuted in 2006, devoted Hitman fans received another chance to continue Agent 47’s murderous duties on PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox consoles. Fast forward to the present, and most have already completed the fourth installment of the series. However, this doesn’t mean fans aren’t willing to reboot it, if only for nostalgia purposes. Feral Interactive, the video game publisher behind Hitman: Blood Money, is now planning to capitalize on the opportunity.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:20:35 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/hitman-blood-money-reprisal-coming-to-mobile/ Apple's iMessage has such a deathgrip on the messaging situation in the United States that companies like Nothing feel like they need to take drastic measures in order to assuage green bubble concerns from potential customers. Earlier this week, the tech world collectively gasped when the design-focused smartphone brand announced it would be bringing iMessage to its Android devices using a service called Sunbird that forwards messages from Apple's servers to a client app called Nothing Chat. We had seen similar third-party hacks before, but an OEM offering this functionality for free almost sounded too good to be true. Now it seems like there may be a serious security problem with Nothing's iMessage implementation.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:11:51 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/nothing-chats-imessage-not-encrypted/ The newest Samsung devices have officially dropped (Galaxy Buds FE and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, of course), leading to a renewal of thoughts about the best Android tablets available. The new Galaxy Tab S9 FE looks and feels a lot like the original Tab S9 build. Many of the same great features have been held onto, all while delivering a reliable tablet at a fraction of the full build's price tag.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:01:22 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-fe-accessories/ It's easy to kick back and ignore the early Black Friday deals with the intention of seeking out the "real" discounts on the actual shopping day, but the time for that has essentially passed. With Thanksgiving now less than a week away, many official Black Friday sales have begun, and that means the prices are low, and the quantities are limited. Best Buy, for example, launched a fresh round of deals today, with significant discounts on just about everything in the store. Smart speakers start at just $18, there are smart displays for $50, and Chromebooks as low as $129. We've rounded up our favorite deals for you below.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:10:17 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-buy-launches-fresh-black-friday-deals/ Just in time for the weekend, the Amazon Black Friday sale is live and pounding on all cylinders with thousands of deals to choose from. While there's already been a decent number of Black Friday sales running over the past few weeks, and even some early Black Friday deals at Amazon, the company's official savings event is one of the biggest and most anticipated of the season.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:52:43 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/amazon-kicks-off-its-official-black-friday-sale/ If you're looking to upgrade from your aging smartphone, there's no better time than Black Friday. As manufacturers and retailers alike aim to sell as many devices as possible amid the busiest economic quarter of the year, you — as the smart shopper that you are — can take advantage of their desperation and save hundreds on the device that we keep our most important data and connections on. Whether you're after an affordable budget device at an even lower price or you're looking to pick up one of the best Android phones without breaking the bank, Black Friday provides the perfect window.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:31:52 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/black-friday-phone-deals/ AI has been making waves in almost every perceivable application on Android, and other operating systems too. Microsoft offers Copilot on Windows, while Google's Bard chatbot and Search Labs experiments are gaining traction with testers. Meanwhile, Meta is also bringing an AI assistant to its properties, including Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The new AI chatbot is now rolling out on a large scale on WhatsApp.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:31:35 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-adding-ai-chat-shortcut-beta/ It’s amazing, even ironic, how corporate types can compartmentalize their thought processes. One moment, they’re vehemently objecting to piracy, pointing fingers at unauthorized content acquisitions, be they software or movies. The very next, those same supposedly hyper-ethical corporations are wholeheartedly condoning AI like it’s the second coming. Is this some weird paradox? Or are big businesses only concerned with their own interests?

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:04:28 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/sick-of-pretending-ai-isnt-blatant-plagiarism/ Thanks to the pandemic's video call boom, your favorite video chat apps now have fancy features like background blurring or swapping, turning our homes into anything from serene beaches to bustling cityscapes. Microsoft, in particular, went all out for Teams, offering a smorgasbord of imaginative backgrounds for every imaginable situation. But let's face it, those virtual backgrounds often look as fake as they are. Enter Microsoft's new AI-powered background makeover tool, which ditches the tacky virtual backgrounds and uses AI to spruce up your actual surroundings, however messy they look.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:56:22 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/microsoft-teams-ai-background-cleanup/ As Google announced earlier this year, inactive Google accounts will be deleted starting December 2023. Google will send plenty of reminders before that happens and will start with those accounts that were never used, but it’s clear that it will no longer keep inactive accounts around indefinitely. To prevent your account from being deleted, you can sign in and use the account for some simple actions.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:55:26 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/sign-in-old-google-account-save-from-deletion/ Google has announced the successor to its young wearable line, the Pixel Watch 2, and it combines the best of Google and Fitbit to offer experiences you won't find in any other smartwatch. The external changes are minimal, with a lighter aluminum body and thinner glass, but internal upgrades are major. The Watch 2 features a much better processor, a new multi-path HR module for more accurate heart rate readings, temperature and body-response sensors for advanced stress management, and improved battery life.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:50:58 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-pixel-watch-2-deals/ Whether you're building a new PC or looking to upgrade an old machine, more often than not you're going to need a new copy of Windows. Normally priced at around $200, Windows 11 Pro is a pricey purchase for some, and getting a copy of Microsoft's industry-leading operating system at a good price isn't easy.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:46:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/windows-11-pro-lowest-price-deal-black-friday/ Being a content creator on YouTube requires time and dedication, as anyone who makes long-form videos will tell you. That being said, the platform’s Shorts — short-form video content designed to be easily digestible — has made it simpler for creators. Shorts makers are relieved of the pressure that comes with developing long-form videos. On the flip side, viewers benefit from a steadier stream of easy-to-watch clips. Now, YouTube is shifting its focus to the music behind Shorts and leveraging AI to develop a new feature.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:46:05 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-dream-tracks-ai-music-shorts-voices/ The Nothing Phone 2 is a big step up from the Phone 1. It packs significantly powerful internals with a more premium build and a larger 120Hz 6.7-inch OLED display. Unsurprisingly, these improvements come at a cost, with the Phone 2 starting at $699, making it notably more expensive than its predecessor. At that price, there are better Android phones that offer more value for money. With Black Friday just days away, though, Amazon is taking a whopping 20% off Nothing's second phone, making it a way better option and giving some of the best Android phones a run for their money.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:18:30 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/nothing-phone-2-whopping-black-friday-deal/ We've known and loved OnePlus over the years, with the company entering uncharted territory this year with its first-ever tablet and foldable release. But the company also makes a wide range of audio accessories, including ANC earbuds, and one of our favorites is the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. These earbuds retail for $180 on a regular day, but with Black Friday approaching, the manufacturer has decided to slash $80 off the asking price on Amazon and its own online store.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:03:47 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/oneplus-buds-pro-2-deal-black-friday-2023/ JLab is fairly well-known as a maker of affordable headphones. Value doesn’t just mean affordable, though — it carries some implication that whatever you’re buying is a good value for the money, whatever its price may be. In this case, that would be the $100 price tag of the JLab Studio Pro ANC compared to the $40 of its non-ANC predecessor. That still falls comfortably within the budget price range, though, so it’s not impossible for them to still be a decent value-buy.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:01:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/jlab-studio-pro-anc-headphones-review/ The Galaxy S23+ fits in the same sensible box as its predecessor, with some minor upgrades over the base S23 that could be very much worth it to the right customer. You not only get a larger screen, but a larger battery and faster charging too. it's a well-rounded smartphone and one of the best Android phones for folks who want a larger screen but don't need everything the more expensive S23 Ultra offers. However, does it pack in enough of a punch to make it worth the upgrade for folks toting the 2021 Galaxy S21+?

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:01:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s23plus-vs-galaxy-s21-plus/ Motorola has made a major comeback with its latest flagship phones that can easily compete with the best Android phones on the market. In the past, Motorola was known for producing low-end and midrange phones, but they have now stepped up their game with some really impressive devices.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:00:56 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-motorola-phones/ In 2022, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra launched as one of the absolute best Android phones. Fast-forward over a year later, and that's still the case. While the smartphone may have been overshadowed by newer phones from Samsung and other manufacturers, it still provides one of the most impressive smartphone experiences. In fact, it excels so much in nearly every use case that it can still go toe-to-toe with the latest phones on the market.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:00:47 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-screen-protectors/ The Wear OS market has undergone significant changes in recent years. Following the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 in 2021, Samsung has emerged as a major player in the Wear OS space, while established brands like Fossil have struggled to keep up. Google has also released two generations of its Pixel Watch, both of which may be viable options depending on your requirements. Although companies like Motorola, LG, and Asus no longer manufacture smartwatches, there is still a broad selection of Wear OS watches to choose from.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:01:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-smartwatches/ With the holiday shopping season underway, we'll start seeing the best Galaxy Watch 6 deals arrive to help shoppers snag Samsung's latest wearable at a good price. Offering some of the best smartwatches available, both the Galaxy Watch 6 and its premium counterpart, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, are top choices for Samsung fans and Android users alike, and Black Friday Samsung deals make the purchase all the more worthwhile.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:55:14 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-watch-6-deals/ Dating apps can be extremely frustrating, especially for those who are familiar with their common tricks and gimmicks. What's especially galling is that the concept is so simple: connecting people within a specified vicinity and giving them the tools to quickly and efficiently appraise one another and allow matches deemed fitting by the selected filters. But there's a rather glaring issue with dating apps as a concept: maximizing user retention without betraying core principles.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:41:49 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/match-group-destroyed-online-dating/ The latest foldable to hit the market, the OnePlus Open, has officially landed and is up for grabs for those seeking a premium yet affordable new smartphone. While the phone was teased in July of this year, and officially confirmed in early October, you were only able to preorder OnePlus' new handheld up until this point. Now, OnePlus Black Friday deals are here, making this new device a bargain.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:31:43 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-oneplus-open-deals/ We're just one week away from the holiday weekend, and that means Black Friday Samsung deals have finally arrived to give shoppers like you a shot at snagging the brand's best tech on sale. Many Black Friday sales officially kicked off this week, and some have a pretty decent selection of Samsung Black Friday deals to check out. The Best Buy Black Friday sale, for example, brought with it some excellent offers on Samsung's latest tablets, phones, 4K TVs, and more.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:21:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-black-friday-samsung-deals/ The original Pixel Watch was a good first attempt from Google, but it was let down by poor battery life and missing features. The Pixel Watch 2 aims to improve things, providing 24 hours of battery life with AOD on rather than off and finally providing automatic workout tracking.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:00:17 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-watch-2-vs-samsung-galaxy-watch-6-classic/ It's no surprise that the Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15, which are the flagship releases from each company, present refined user experiences, premium performance, and a slew of advanced, novel features. As you might imagine, they're also about as different as two phones can be. And while this is, in fact, Android Police, we're not in the business of bias — the iPhone's a fantastic device worthy of as much praise as any.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:00:22 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-8-vs-apple-iphone-15/ The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is one of the best lines of phones Samsung has released in a long time. The base S23 is a capable small phone, the S23+ is a superb sweet spot in the lineup that most people will love, and the S23 Ultra is a supreme powerhouse that delivers more than you could ever need. All three phones have solid battery life for their class, but eventually, you'll need to top them up again.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:30:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-s23-wireless-chargers/ Google Chrome’s up-and-coming new extension manifest, Manifest V3, is slated to replace its predecessor for good next year. The company has announced that it will discontinue Manifest V2 in June 2024, remotely deactivating extensions that still rely on it and preventing installations via the Chrome Web Store. Manifest V3 has faced criticism from adblock developers in particular, complaining that the new specification is too limiting, but the company has made some amends.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:07:48 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-chrome-big-change-to-extensions-mid-2024-manifest-v3/ You can't say Apple doesn't know how to surprise its audience. Seemingly out of nowhere, the company confirmed it plans to add RCS support to iOS next year, a complete reversal on its previous policies (which, no joke, included buying your mom an iPhone for a better messaging experience). In the wake of this surprise announcement, which will see better interoperability between Android and iPhone users than ever before, we saw a rush to try and explain exactly why Apple is making this move at this time. There's an easy explanation, but that doesn't mean some of the company's rivals can't claim victory anyway.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:01:17 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/why-apple-decided-to-adopt-rcs-iphone/ Black Friday is coming up, which means great savings on just about anything you can think of, and Reolink has plenty to show off. If you’re a home security nut who has been thinking of upgrading or are just thinking of picking up your first video doorbell or home security camera, Reolink has you covered.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:01:17 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/reolink-black-friday-deals/ While phones and tablets might get the bulk of the attention when it comes to Black Friday deals, Chromebooks deals can get downright chaotic. Starting at prices like $80 — we've even seen $50 in the past — Chromebook sales can be so sweet, but you have to pay extra attention to avoid "deals" that are really just what a 2019 Chromebook should cost when it's four years old.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:45:21 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/black-friday-chromebook-deals/ With November now upon us, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the next big shopping events that are fast approaching. The good news is you don't have to wait until next week to get a great deal on your next tablet because Amazon and Best Buy have already started slashing their prices! That's right, with massive savings to be found on tablets from Samsung, Google, Amazon, Apple, and more, there's never been a better time to snap up a new tablet for you or as a gift for someone else!

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:36:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/black-friday-tablet-deals/ The Galaxy S23 FE, or Fan Edition, hones in on some of the classic S23's very best features and improves upon some of its faults. The result is a smartphone that you’ll want to take very good care of. (It is, after all, designed specifically for you—a fan of Samsung’s Galaxy lineup.) There are only two suitable ways to keep a smartphone safe. You either keep it in the packaging or encase it in a blend of hard plastic, silicone, and tempered glass. Since you'll want to benefit from the S23 FE’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 50MP wide-angle camera, and wireless charging, you should consider one of these Samsung Galaxy S23 FE heavy-duty cases.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:30:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-samsung-galaxy-s23-fe-heavy-duty-cases/ The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro support eSIM. However, activating your eSIM isn't as simple as the tried-and-tested method of slotting a physical SIM card into your phone. While eSIM support for Pixel phones goes back years, improving the user experience hasn't changed much. This guide will walk you through the process of activating an eSIM on your Pixel 8 phone and migrating an eSIM from an earlier Pixel phone.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:21:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/activate-pixel-8-esim/ Ever since the first camera was put in a mobile phone, manufacturers have been in a perpetual arms race to include the best camera system on their devices. This has been great for consumers when almost every phone available today can take decent photos (especially compared to the 1MP cameras we had in the early days). The cutting edge of mobile photography mostly lies on the computational side of things, but one hardware advance, in particular, is changing what we can do with our smartphone camera and how we use it: the periscope camera. Let's explore what this camera is all about.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:01:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/how-periscope-cameras-work/ Netflix is a recognized and popular name in the media streaming business. Pair that with one of the most affordable Android phones, and you can watch your favorite content without breaking the bank. Netflix recently cracked down on password sharing. You'll now pay an additional monthly fee to share your account. You can only set up this feature on the web. We show you how in the guide below.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:53:18 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/netflix-profile-sharing-how-to/ While Amazon Prime Day spiced up the summer doldrums — and popped up again during Techtober because Amazon just can't resist piling on — when it comes to deals, nothing will ever beat Black Friday. No longer is Black Friday a single day or even a single weekend. Oh, no, Black Friday is an entire freaking season that starts in October and runs clear into December, with Cyber Monday now stretching into a week. We're now a week out from the day itself, but you wouldn't know it from how retailers have already pulled out all the stops with the deals we're seeing today.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:52:45 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/black-friday/ Although the foldable smartphone market doesn't nearly have enough options today, it's still a lot more than we had a couple of years ago. Despite the new arrivals, Samsung continues to dominate the segment thanks to its Z Fold and Z Flip line of foldables. It's not uncommon to find exciting deals on the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the company's most recent launch in the lineup, especially as we countdown to the official start of Black Friday.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:44:47 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-deal-black-friday-2023/ Amazon Pay is Amazon's online payment processing service, offering shoppers a simpler and more secure way to check out. You've likely experienced Amazon Pay when using the Amazon website and app. You can also use it to make payments on third-party retail sites worldwide.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:12:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/amazon-pay-explainer/ Get ready for the biggest shopping event of the year! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, bringing with them some of the most amazing deals on tech products, including smartwatches and fitness trackers. If you're looking to build healthier habits or stay organized and productive with a fitness tracker or smartwatch, there's no better time to take action.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:00:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/best-black-friday-smartwatch-fitness-tracker-deals/ Alarms are important for staying on top of things, whether jumpstarting your morning routine or monitoring your latest culinary creation. Setting up an alarm is a breeze, and several apps can help you with this task. Android's default app, Clock, is an excellent place to start.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:48:19 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/android-set-alarm-how-to/ OnePlus has had a rocky few years. The company's software quality took a big nose dive as it further deepened its partnership with Oppo. Thankfully, 2023 has all been about course correction for the BBK-owned firm. OnePlus promised longer software updates for its flagship devices and then launched the impressive OnePlus 11. In September, OnePlus unveiled OxygenOS 14, an upgrade brimming with buzzwords, with an open beta build landing for its flagship phone around the same time. After over 2 months of testing, OnePlus is now rolling out the stable Android 14 update for the OnePlus 11.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:21:46 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/oneplus-11-gets-android-14-microsoft-phone-link-integration/ Having reliable cellular service is almost as important as having electricity and heat in your home. Many people use one of the big three carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile). They offer solid coverage and network priority, but that coverage often comes with a high price tag. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MNVOs) are an alternative to the big three, providing similar coverage for a reduced price. You may have heard of some like Mint Mobile or Ting, but Google also has its own MNVO, Google Fi.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:19:40 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-fi-carrier-explainer/ Manually sifting through a giant Google Sheets file isn't efficient. A built-in search function can look through all your open documents in seconds. In addition to Google's Find function, there are other ways to search for things. We cover each of these methods below so that you can pick the right search technique for your needs. They work on all platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks. No Google Sheets add-ons are required.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:04:53 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-sheets-how-to-search/ We may still be a week out from Black Friday, but savvy shoppers like you know now is the time to start shopping for Black Friday smart home deals. Plenty of offers are available already, and Black Friday savings events are already in full swing with impressive deals on everything from smart home hubs to smart speakers up for grabs.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:00:10 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/black-friday-smart-home-deals/ Pokémon GO has been an unstoppable force in gaming for the past seven years, generating millions of dollars for its developer Niantic by using the surgical application of FOMO to drive Pokémon fans to spend their real-world cash on in-world PokéCoins. As with any free-to-play game, you don't need PokéCoins to play the game, but having them will ensure you have a more enjoyable experience, allowing you to purchase items that are difficult (if not impossible) to obtain through regular gameplay.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:00:10 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/how-to-get-coins-pokemon-go/ Are you tired of passwords? We're tired of passwords, even when they're made easier with a password manager app. Companies like Google are tired of passwords because they create too many potential vulnerabilities for user security. Everyone knows it's a problem. And now, a solution is on the rise. Welcome to the world of passkeys.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:59:20 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-passkeys-replace-passwords-guide-setup/ Google Fit is one of the easiest ways to track your physical activity, whether you exercise regularly or want to check how active you are. The service helps you track workouts and physical activities, including walks, bike rides, strolls, and step counts.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:45:56 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-fit-track-health-goals/ Tech companies can try as they might to hide what they’re working on, but code breadcrumbs left across lines of software version histories tell a story. Google has a history of leaving these trails across Android updates, and anything relating to the Google Play Store is no different. For example, flags were discovered this week that tipped us off to Google potentially alerting users about how to use its new security features. Earlier in 2023, those same breadcrumbs alerted tech personalities and groups, to find out about Cubes. Cubes is in its infancy and is nowhere near release-ready, but it does show that Google is cooking up something interesting.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:38:46 GMT https://www.androidpolice.com/google-cubes-play-store/