Droid Life: Opinionated Android news.

Android 14 Beta 3 Brings Custom Lock Screens and Shortcuts to Pixel!

Kellen June 7, 2023 16

It really feels like we've been talking about custom lock screen clocks on Android since back in the Android 12 days. I've completely lost track at this point, but I am happy to report today that in Android 14 Beta 3, we have custom lock screens on Pixel!...

Hump Day Question: How’s Your Pixel Watch Holding Up?

Tim June 7, 2023 38

I've been wearing my Pixel Watch for about 8 months. That's the longest time I've ever worn the same smartwatch. Ahead of the device's launch, there was concern regarding the watch's design and its domed glass, with many Android fans assuming the watch would...

The Best Thin Cases I Actually Use With My Galaxy S23

Kellen June 7, 2023 7

Something weird has happened in recent years - I've become a case fan. I know, it's probably weird to hear me admit that. But after spending the better part of a decade keeping my smartphones naked, the designs of smartphones have turned me toward finding the...

Android 14 Beta 3 is Here and We’ve Reached Platform Stability

Kellen June 7, 2023 9

A new Android 14 Beta is upon this week as Android 14 Beta 3. This is a big moment as it takes us into "platform stability," which means that all of the developer APIs and all app-facing behaviors are now final. Woohoo! This update could be minor, but we'll be...

Verizon Unlimited Prepaid Plans Now Save $20 With Each New Line

Kellen June 7, 2023 5

Shortly after the launch of Verizon's new and questionable myPlan unlimited plans, we reminded you about Verizon's prepaid unlimited data plans as the correct alternative. In fact, we called Verizon Unlimited Plus on prepaid their "best" unlimited plan because...

Galaxy Watch Owners, It’s Time to Join the One UI 5 Beta

Tim June 7, 2023 3

Samsung officially opened up the One UI 5 beta for the Galaxy Watch lineups this week. Available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 family of watches, users can get first access to features like new controller tiles, quick timer access, and improvements...

Minecraft Leaves Early Access, Fully Launches on Chromebooks

Kellen June 7, 2023 3

After first arriving in "early access" form a couple of months ago, Minecraft is now fully available on Chromebooks today. More specifically, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition can now be purchased on Chromebooks, giving you yet another platform to hang out with your...

Samsung Confirms Galaxy Unpacked for Galaxy Fold 5 Happening in July

Kellen June 6, 2023 7

Samsung announced this evening that its next Unpacked event will take place in late July 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. If you can believe it, this is the first time they've held Unpacked in Seoul, and this will be the 27th Unpacked. In a brief press note,...

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

Kellen December 19, 2025 7

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 7

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 7

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 7

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 7

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 7

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 7

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 7

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 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

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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