Droid Life: Opinionated Android news.

Verizon’s Moto X (2nd Gen) Gets Approval on Android 5.1 Update, Ready for All

Kellen June 29, 2015 58

The soak test of Android 5.1 for the Moto X (2nd gen) on Verizon must have gone well, because Verizon approved the update (version 23.16.3) for all this afternoon. They posted release notes for the update to their support site, which is almost always a sign...

LG Chem Intros Hexagonal Batteries for Smartwatches

Tim June 29, 2015 10

To better fit round smartwatches, LG Chem has introduced hexagonal batteries, granting a larger capacity given their shape. Instead of a little square or rectangular battery inside of your round watch, a battery featuring a roundish shape can fit better inside...

Hangouts on iOS Just Got Updated to V4.0 – Bring on the Android Version (Updated)

Kellen June 29, 2015 144

A couple of weeks ago, we saw Hangouts version 4.0 leak for Android as a completely revamped application in terms of user experience. We still haven't seen the update arrive on our favorite mobile platform, but it did hit iOS this afternoon. Actually, v4.0...

Sprint HTC One M9 Approved for Android 5.1 Update, Rollout Begins July 1

Tim June 29, 2015 8

According to a tweet sent out from HTC's Mo Versi, the One M9 on Sprint has received technical approval for an update to Android 5.1. The update is scheduled to begin rolling out to owners on July 1, and folks should be happy to know that it includes "camera...

Pebble Time Review

Ron June 29, 2015 61

The Pebble Time is an important product for a few reasons, but the most important is that it is the only serious contender for the space on your wrist besides Android Wear and Apple Watch. For most users, Android Wear and Apple Watch make more sense on their...

Android 5.1.1_r6 Heads to AOSP as Build LMY48G, Factory Image of It Posted for Nexus 7 (2013)

Kellen June 29, 2015 27

Google just posted Android 5.1.1_r6 to AOSP this morning as build LMY48G. Shortly after that happened, they posted a factory image of LMY48G for the Nexus 7 (2013). This new version is likely just a bug fixer, but it could also mean another round of updates...

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active Review

Kellen June 29, 2015 64

What happens when you take the best Android phone you can buy today and toss a protective shell on it, enlarge its battery, and make it waterproof? You get the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active, an AT&T exclusive that is aimed at the "active" crowd who enjoys...

OnePlus 2 to Feature “Refined and Lightning Quick” Fingerprint Scanner

Tim June 29, 2015 58

Leading up to July 27, the date set for the unveiling of the OnePlus 2, OnePlus has shared yet another juicy specification detail with fans. As announced, the device will feature a "refined and lightning quick" fingerprint scanner, bringing added security to...

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

Kellen December 19, 2025 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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

Kellen May 6, 2025 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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 58

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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