Android News - Latest From Google, Samsung, Pixel, and More

Podcast: “Chat”

Kellen April 20, 2018 2

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're talking heavily about Google's latest messaging adventure, which is their rebranding of RCS Universal Profile to "Chat." We'll talk about what this means for the future of Android messaging, if you should care, and...

Rylo Gets New 180° and Motion Blur Modes, Plus Bluetooth and Timed Captures

Tim April 20, 2018 2

We recently wrote up the launch of the Rylo camera for Android and already there is a major update for the device and the dedicated Rylo app. With the update, users can take advantage of a new shooting mode, editing effect, and a new way to capture shots. The...

LG G7 ThinQ’s Dedicated AI Button May Actually be for Google Assistant

Tim April 20, 2018 2

Earlier this month, we learned that a dedicated hardware button on the upcoming G7 ThinQ from LG would provide quick access to some type of AI, similar to what Samsung does for Bixby on the Galaxy S9. However, we weren't entirely sure what digital assistant LG...

DEAL: And Now the Essential Phone is Just $350 (Another $50 Off)

Kellen April 20, 2018 2

Earlier in the week, the Essential Phone dropped to $399.99 in a temporary sale at both Best Buy and Amazon. Today, the Black Moon version has dropped further to $349.99. That's a really, really good deal. I don't want to keep re-writing the story of the...

Verizon Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Now Getting Android Oreo Update (Updated: No!)

Kellen April 19, 2018 2

So, this is a bit surprising as we head into the weekend, but Verizon is ready to push Android Oreo updates to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. UPDATE: Those who have picked up the update have told us that this is not Oreo and is instead just a...

Ugh, Let’s Talk About Google and RCS and “Chat” and the Death of Allo and…Ugh

Kellen April 19, 2018 2

It's Thursday evening, I've got a cold glass of sake in hand, the Blazers are getting just got torched, and I'm nursing a stuffy nose, all while awaiting J. Cole's new album, and The Verge drops the most frustrating Google-related messaging story on us I've...

LOL at This Awful New Google Feed

Kellen April 19, 2018 2

Ignore that top photo. Google frequently likes to test things that involve the Google app, which means everything from search bar launcher locations and stupid text within them to the Feed and the never-ending-suckification of it. Today, Pixel owners are...

Verizon’s Smart Family App Gives You All the Control Over Your Kids’ Phones

Kellen April 19, 2018 2

Starting today, Verizon says that parents now have "access to the most comprehensive mobile parenting tools in the industry" with their new Verizon Smart Family service. Formerly Verizon FamilyBase, this paid-for service gives you control over almost...

Google Decides That Google Assistant Can Stick Around a Bit Longer, Pushes Gemini Switch to 2026

Kellen December 19, 2025 5

You may have forgotten the timeline, but Google was pushing to force all off of Google Assistant and onto Gemini by the end...

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What’s New in Android 16 QPR3 Beta: At a Glance, Flashlight, Navigation Buttons, More

Kellen December 18, 2025 6

Google may have released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 at the worst possible time of the day, but we're still going to dive into it...

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Android 16 QPR3 Beta Program Goes Live for Pixel Devices

Kellen December 17, 2025 3

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 released. Google shipped Android 16 QPR2 to stable channels this month as the December Pixel update,...

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Verizon Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 Devices Get New December Update (Updated)

Kellen December 17, 2025 12

All of Google's still-supported Pixel devices received a huge QPR2 update in early December with new features and tons of bug...

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Google Makes Controversial Pixel Search Bar Change

Kellen December 17, 2025 4

Within the past several days, a group of Pixel owners noticed a change to the way the Search bar at the bottom of their Pixel...

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Samsung December Updates Continue Roll Out to All These Devices

Kellen December 17, 2025 2

Samsung started sending December updates to a batch of devices earlier in the week, but they weren't quite done with 2025....

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Galaxy Z TriFold Sells Out Quick in South Korea, Even With High Price Tag

Tim December 12, 2025 12

We shouldn't be surprised, folks. Samsung launched the Galaxy Z TriFold this week in its home country of South Korea, with in...

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YouTube TV Will Offer 10 Genre-Specific Plans in 2026

Tim December 10, 2025 18

More choice and more flexibility. That's what everyone has been clamoring for lately. If you'll recall, YouTube TV used to be...

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Deals
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This Galaxy Watch Ultra Kicked to 50% Off

Kellen December 19, 2025 2

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is not an inexpensive watch on most days. $650 for a smartwatch will never be an easy amount to...

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Samsung Goes Instant $400 Off on Galaxy Z Fold 7

Kellen December 18, 2025 2

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is $1,000 off if you have a trade-in or an instant $400 off without one. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 deals...

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YouTube Premium Kicking 40% Off Pixel 10 for Subscribers

Kellen December 17, 2025 2

Google is pulling out all of the promos from several services to try and get you to buy one of their new Pixel 10 series...

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Google Pixelsnap Qi2 Charger Gets First Ever Discount

Kellen December 16, 2025 2

The Pixel 10 series features a handful of upgrades, but one of the most noteworthy is the introduction of Qi2 and magnets...

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DEAL: Pixel Watch 3 LTE With a 40% Drop in Price is Best Ever

Kellen December 16, 2025 2

The Pixel Watch 4 is a winner of a watch because Google brought a couple of fun upgrades for 2025. However, the Pixel Watch 3...

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Best Buy Kicks Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra to $699 ($500 Off)

Kellen December 16, 2025 2

The final days of Xmas shopping are upon us and you may be looking for a last minute deal to finish off a shopping list or to...

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Google Sends Out $200 Credit Towards Pixel 10 Pro, Bringing Price to New Low

Tim December 15, 2025 2

Google is sending out $200 in credit towards the purchase of a Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL to eligible members, which can...

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Verizon Offers $25/Mo for 4 Lines, Free Flagship Phones For Those Who Switch

Tim December 15, 2025 2

Those following carrier news in 2025, you may be aware of Verizon's struggles. Last month, the company's new CEO announced 13...

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