Droid Life: Opinionated Android news.

New Swiftkey Beta Introduces 500 Emoji, Optional Number Row

Kellen December 12, 2013 53

Swiftkey, a 3rd party keyboard that remains one of the favorites around this site, received a beta update to version 4.5 this morning that finally introduces emoji and an optional number row. Seems silly, right? That we're talking about an update that...

Instagram Announces Instagram Direct, Private Video and Photo Messenger Built Into Instagram

Eric December 12, 2013 26

Instagram, the filter-centric social network, took to the stage this morning before a small crowd of press to announce their latest experiment, Instagram Direct. Instagram already lets you share photos with everyone on your list, but no real option for...

Nightmare: Malaria Hits Google Play, a Fun Game That Battles a Real Issue

Tim December 11, 2013 30

A new game hit Google Play this week, one which is not only fun to play, but also helps those who suffer from malaria. The game is called Nightmare: Malaria, and it covers an adventure through the body of a young girl suffering from malaria. The goal is to...

Verizon Galaxy S4 Update Build VRUEMK2 Approved – Allows Non-Samsung Chargers to Work, Fixes Other Issues

Kellen December 11, 2013 127

A new update for the Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon has been approved (and may even be rolling out already) as build VRUEMK2. The update appears to be pretty minor while addressing a few bugs here and there. Things like Email connectivity have been improved,...

Android 4.4.2 Build KOT49H Factory Images Available for Nexus 4, 5, 7, and 10

Kellen December 11, 2013 62

Go get your Android 4.4.2 (build KOT49H) factory images. They have now been posted for the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (all 2013 and 2012 models), and the Nexus 10. Oh, binaries too. Factory Images | Binaries

Gmail for Android Updated to v4.7 – Includes Vacation Responder, Sending Attachments of Any Type, and More

Kellen December 11, 2013 29

Gmail received a really nice update this morning to version 4.7. In the update, the Gmail team has introduced Vacation Responder, as your way to set an "out of office" through the Gmail app, rather than the web. They also are finally allowing you to attach...

Cabela’s Big Game Hunter Now Available Through Google Play

Tim December 11, 2013 17

Mobile hunters can get a real taste of action thanks to Cabela's launching the official Big Game Hunter to Google Play this morning. In Big Game Hunter, you take on North America's biggest prizes, such as mountain lions, massive bears, deadly moose during...

Spotify Streaming Comes to Mobile Phones and Tablets For the Price of Only a Few Ads

Eric December 11, 2013 75

Most people will agree that Spotify's streaming service is a great service, but the only problem is that you can't take it with you. Unless you paid for Spotify Premium, streaming has been a desktop and laptop only service, until today. Starting today, Spotify...

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 Released for Pixel Phones!

Tim December 23, 2025 75

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 75

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 75

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 75

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 75

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 75

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 75

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 75

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 53

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 53

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 53

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 53

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 53

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 53

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 53

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 53

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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