Droid Life: Opinionated Android news.

Google Clock App Just Went Dark

Kellen July 31, 2017 25

The Google Clock app just received a sweet little update. The new version (5.1) includes a new dark theme that appears to be always on and Android O support, along with screen saver controls from within the app. The dark theme is just that - very dark. The...

Galaxy Note 8 Hits the FCC!

Kellen July 31, 2017 20

The Galaxy Note 8 stopped off at the FCC over the weekend with model number SM-N950U attached and revealing the Galaxy Note 8 LTE bands we hoped to see. How do we know that's the Galaxy Note 8? Because the previous note devices all were numbered similarly. For...

This Screenshot Shows Just How Thick the Status Bar on the Essential Phone Is

Kellen July 31, 2017 53

The Essential Phone is still apparently a real thing, and we know that thanks to Jason Mackenzie (former HTC, current head of sales at Essential), who shared a screenshot we can only assume is from an actual, live device. That screenshot, shared to Twitter,...

DEAL: Woot has 128GB Google Pixel (Refurbished) for Just $429.99 Today ($300+ Off)

Kellen July 30, 2017 28

You better hurry on this one, folks! Woot is currently hosting a deal on the Google Pixel (the smaller one) in Quite Black with 128GB storage for just $429.99. The device is in refurbished condition, but that's still a $320 or so discount off the regular...

Weekly Recap: People Want Bigger Batteries in Their Phone

Tim July 28, 2017 13

It was a fun week at DL, one that had us traveling to New York City for Motorola's Moto Z2 Force event! While we cook up our coverage and review for that device, while not ignoring your cries about its tiny battery, there was plenty of other news taking place...

Huge Action Launcher Update Includes Google Now Integration, Notification Dot Support, More

Tim July 28, 2017 20

Following last month's relaunch, another big time update for Action Launcher has just been published. Inside, users will find full Google Now integration (swipe to the right), full notification dot support, Android O-like long-pressing for individual app...

Report: Samsung in Talks to Bring Samsung Pay to the Competition

Tim July 28, 2017 44

According to a recent report, Samsung has been hosting internal talks with other OEMs to bring its Samsung Pay service to devices other than its own. Currently, the only way to access Samsung Pay is by owning a Samsung phone, but if a deal is ever struck, that...

DEAL: US Unlocked Galaxy S8, S8+ Listed at $150 Off on Amazon

Tim July 28, 2017 10

For a limited time, anyone looking to grab a US unlocked Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+, which just so happened to get updated this week, can do so for $150 over on Amazon. At $150 off, the Galaxy S8 price drops to $575 and the S8+ price drops to $675. While it's...

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 Released for Pixel Phones!

Tim December 23, 2025 10

A small fixer update is rolling out to Google Pixel devices, labeled as Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1. It doesn't appear to be...

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Pixel 10 Pro XL at $400 Off is Crazy Stuff

Kellen December 22, 2025 10

Last minute shoppers, the greatest Pixel 10 Pro deal in history is here at the perfect time. You can take up to $400 off the...

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

Kellen December 19, 2025 10

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 10

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 10

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 10

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 10

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 10

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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Google’s Latest Ad Pokes at iPhone for Copying Its Features, iPhone 17 Rumors

Kellen May 6, 2025 25

The iPhone 17 won't arrive for months, likely after Google releases its Pixel 10 series. For the most part, all talk around...

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Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen October 11, 2023 25

Some of you have been lucky enough to receive your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro pre-orders a day early, thanks to Google's wildly...

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Pixel Watch 2 Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen October 11, 2023 25

The Pixel Watch 2 has been on my wrist for a full week and my list of notes has only grown. I've tested sleep tracking, put...

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Video: Galaxy Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5 Unboxing!

Tim July 27, 2023 25

Samsung was gracious enough to send us its latest foldables devices, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5. Naturally,...

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Google Pixel 7a Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen May 10, 2023 25

Because the Google Pixel 7a is available today for you to run out and buy at $499, you may not want to wait around for our...

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VIDEO: Galaxy S23 Ultra Unboxing!

Tim February 3, 2023 25

Unboxing time, baby! We have the Galaxy S23 Ultra in-house, a bit before they're set to make their way to buyers later this...

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Pixel 7 Pro: First 10 Things to Do!

Tim October 13, 2022 25

Fancy new Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro just show up at your doorstep? Perfect, then this video is for you. As is tradition, we've...

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Pixel Watch: First 10 Things To Do!

Kellen October 13, 2022 25

The day that most of you will receive your Google Pixel Watch from pre-orders is here. It's time for you to slap Google's...

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