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What is BeReal? The app that offers ‘uncontrollable’ social media explained
BeReal is gaining popularity, although it has been around since 2020
BeReal provides a more authentic version of social media than what you're used to on your favorite social apps. It helps you share moments in your life instantly from your iOS and Android phones. Every day, you get a notification to take a photo of what you're doing and share it with friends while trying to beat a countdown. There's no pressure to build follower counts or increase the likes on your posts. But there's a catch.
Motorola Razr 2023: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
Everything we know about Moto's big plans for its next-gen Razr series
The foldable game is really heating up this year, but for some companies, it's business as usual. Motorola was one of the first brands to follow Samsung into the world of folding phones, releasing a revived Moto Razr in 2019 before following it up with a 5G iteration in 2020. But after sitting out of the game for 2021 and keeping the third-gen Razr limited to select regions last year, it was unclear whether we'd ever get our hands on another flip phone from the company again.
15 ChromeOS tips and tricks for your new Chromebook
Use these tips to become a Chromebook power user
Computers should be simple and easy to use for everyone. Windows and macOS devices are okay in this regard but have some complexities that sometimes make them difficult to use. Chromebooks have a streamlined user experience that is almost as easy as using the Google Chrome browser. This is because the operating system used on Chromebooks, called ChromeOS, is based on Google Chrome.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
You'll flip for joy when Samsung's next clamshell phone arrives
It shouldn't be too surprising that the Galaxy Z Fold series gets the most attention of any foldable. It's available globally, made by one of the most successful brands in smartphones, and was the first device to the scene — to say nothing about that expansive, eye-catching display. But it's not the only folding phone Samsung offers today, and to some, the Galaxy Z Flip series is just as impressive.
New Android games released April 2023 — from Honkai Star Rail to Pocket City 2
The Play Store's April releases include some of the best games of the year
Every month, we see fantastic Android games released on the Play Store, but April has blessed us with an exceptionally high amount of brilliant titles across all genres. From the old but challenging Sid Meier's Railroads to the spectacular turn-based combat of Honkai: Star Rail, there's a fantastic game for everyone this month. We've seen a particularly large amount of releases that offer impressive visuals, perfect for pushing the greatest gaming phones to their limit.
11 best Apple Arcade games and their equally awesome Android alternatives
Try these brilliant games available on Apple Arcade
While Apple Arcade's selection of games is less than Google Play Pass', you don't have to worry about digging through junk to find the perfect game. However, this can make finding the game you want harder when everything looks great.
You're not holding the OnePlus Pad right and the Android Police podcast never will
Care to share your ThoughtPhones with us, Will?
Will goes back-to-back this week on the Android Police podcast with a debrief of his reviews of the OnePlus Pad and the Motorola ThinkPhone. Both devices provide one hell of a time each and we explore the depths of such depravity. We also roam around rumorland with the Pixel 7a and the Galaxy Watch 6, then torch Google Authenticator's makeover and Amazon's weak attempt at some sort of fitness tracker. Oh, you want merch? We got merch. That's going into the trash. That's this week.
As the number of products and services available online grows, it can be tricky to assess if something is worth purchasing or if better alternatives are available. People rely on user reviews to make these decisions, whether it's for the latest Netflix TV series, a new release from Disney, a new pair of over-ear headphones, or a hotel in London.
Google risks trashing Android customization by ignoring the custom icon problem
It's a crisis of policy and incentives
The open nature of Android offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to how and where we get the software we run on our phones, but there's also little denying that the Play Store is going to be where the vast majority of us turn, the vast majority of the time — and for developers, getting their apps on the Play Store means playing by Google's rules. Unfortunately, those rules are often inconsistently applied, or in such an opaque manner that devs are left feeling frustrated and hopeless.
Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
After the Pixel 7 impressed us, what's next for our favorite Android phones?
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are likely to be two of the best Android phones of 2023, but we've yet to hear any official news directly from the company on their existence. Leaks and rumors suggest we'll be seeing a Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in the second half of 2023, and we may even hear of their existence during Google I/O 2023 in May. The Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro were first teased at I/O 2022, so we may see similar during that event alongside reveals for the Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and full details on the Pixel Tablet
How to remap the Bixby Key on your Samsung Galaxy phone
Put this often unused key to use with your own custom actions
With the rise in the popularity of smartphones, the demand for digital assistants to help us throughout the day has also risen. Many device manufacturers now offer their assistants for you to try, each with different and unique features. This can include launching apps or actions using your voice, asking questions, or identifying objects with your camera. On the best Samsung Galaxy phones, you get Bixby, and Google Pixel phones have Google Assistant, for example. However, even though Samsung continues to enhance Bixby each year, it has yet to persuade many to use it as their default assistant.
While Google is busy preparing a big Chrome desktop redesign using its latest Material You design elements, the company is also working on adding a lot more quality of life features. Chrome 113 is the best proof of this yet, as the new release, now out in early stable, is filled to the brim with new features for you to try on both your desktop and your favorite Android phone. Let’s dive right into it.
Honkai Star Rail hands-on: A spectacular digital casino with stunning graphics
Our gameplay video highlights Honkai Star Rail's improvements over Genshin Impact
Honkai: Star Rail, the sci-fi follow-up from the creators of Genshin Impact, is out now. While it's not technically a sequel, it borrows so many features from the popular 2020 gacha game it feels like one. However, there's a new cast of characters (with some returning from previous Honkai games), new gameplay mechanics, and of course, a space train. Choo choo, let's get this hands-on rolling!
The OnePlus 11 has been built to go toe-to-toe with the best Android phones available today. It has a solid Hasselblad-powered triple-camera system, good battery life, and a stunning AMOLED display. That’s before we even talk about it being a pure workhorse with the inclusion of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
What's new in Samsung One UI 5
Samsung's Android 13-based skin packs several features and improvements
The best Samsung phones and tablets on the market run One UI 5 or a new build of its skin. Samsung has come a long way from its TouchWiz days, and with its Android 13-based One UI 5 update, the company raised the bar once again. Below is a look at the new features and changes One UI 5 added to all compatible Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets.
Pixel Watch 2: The 8 things we want to see in Google's smartwatch sequel
Let's start with a larger size option, for one
Google's first self-branded wearable, the Google Pixel Watch, was released in 2022 to mixed reception. While we appreciate its unique look and quick performance, middling battery life and a high MSRP hold it back from being an unqualified success. With that in mind, we're looking to the future. Google hasn't confirmed it's working on a sequel to the Pixel Watch, but we can assume it is. Here's what we hope it'll be like and what we can infer from the company's silence so far.
OnePlus 11: Price, specs, news, and features
The newest flagship OnePlus phone left us pretty impressed
These days, if you aren't looking to buy a great new smartphone from Google or Samsung — and you aren't interested in Apple's walled garden — OnePlus is likely your best bet. The one-time startup has continued growing over the last decade, becoming a popular choice for Android enthusiasts and eventually finding its way into carrier stores like T-Mobile.
Marvel World of Heroes beta hands-on: A flop in the making
Snappy gameplay might not be enough to hold up Niantic's latest game
Marvel World of Heroes is an upcoming game from Niantic, marrying the developer's location-based gameplay formula with the world of Marvel. While it offers some satisfying gameplay, Marvel World of Heroes looks to be yet another example of how tedious this formula is becoming, especially when so many of Niantic's games are quickly closed.
14 best roguelike games on Android in 2023
Android games that will scratch your itch for roguelike gameplay
When you think of roguelike games, you probably think of the gruesome challenge these titles often bring. The terrifying roadblocks you face can mean losing an entire playthrough after tumbling to your death. The high stakes may seem daunting, but these games often feel fulfilling and rewarding once you figure out their systems, making for some of the best Android games around. But not all roguelike games are created equally; some are just not worth the sweat, blood, and tears after overcoming their brutal difficulty spike. To avoid a travesty and a frustrating experience, we've rounded up the top-tier roguelikes for your favorite Android gaming phone; all these titles genuinely emulate the genre's high-risk, high-reward gameplay loop fitting for any background, knowledge, and experience.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy S21 Ultra: Should you upgrade?
Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra a notable improvement over the S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra was a fantastic flagship when it launched in 2021, with top-shelf performance, capable cameras, and a slick design. In addition, the phone had an MSRP that started at $200 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. That means 2022's S Pen-equipped Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a tall order to fill.