Droid Life: Opinionated Android news.

Download: Instagram Version 5.0 With IG Direct, Private Video and Photo Messenger

Tim December 12, 2013 17

We know how difficult it can be waiting for a staged rollout to hit your phone, so if you are trying to download version 5.0 of Instagram from Google Play, you no longer need to wait. Version 5.0 features Instagram Direct, which allows users to send private...

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...

Google Just Gave Gemini “Personal Intelligence”

Kellen January 14, 2026 17

Google's Gemini now has Personal Intelligence and can reason across your data, assuming you give it access. For AI as an...

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2026 January Pixel Update Available for Your Pixel Phone

Kellen January 12, 2026 17

We've entered 2026 and the first Google Pixel update of the year is here. For those with a still-supported Pixel phone or...

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Apple to Use Gemini to Power New Features on iPhone

Tim January 12, 2026 17

Google and Apple released a joint statement today, announcing a multi-year collab which will bring Gemini to Apple's...

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Galaxy S25 Sales Going Up When It Should Be Going Down

Tim January 12, 2026 17

There's something funky going on with Samsung's Galaxy S25 series sales numbers. As one might imagine, after the first few...

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Google Gave Your Gmail 3 Actually Useful Gemini Features for Free

Kellen January 8, 2026 17

Not that any of us expected Google to dial back on the Gemini push as we enter 2026, but I'm also not sure I anticipated them...

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T-Mobile’s New “Better Value” Has Lots of Data and a 3-Line Requirement

Kellen January 7, 2026 17

T-Mobile announced its new Better Value plan with all of the data, included streaming perks, and a 3-line requirement. T-...

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Verizon’s Best Prepaid Plan

Kellen January 6, 2026 17

Prepaid is something all of us should consider in this day. As traditional postpaid wireless unlimited plans only increase in...

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Verizon’s Best Unlimited Plan

Kellen January 2, 2026 17

2026 is going to be a big year for Verizon. After appointing a new CEO and then laying off a huge chunk of staff, they will...

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

Kellen May 6, 2025 17

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 17

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 17

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 17

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 17

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 17

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 17

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 17

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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