Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Last gen price, current-gen performance
Samsung's new smartwatches haven't made the Galaxy Watch 4 series obsolete, but which should you buy?
Since the release of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, the previous-gen Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic aren't Samsung's top-of-the-line wearables anymore. But Samsung's 2021 smartwatches haven't been made obsolete by the Watch 5 series. The Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are still among the best Android smartwatches you can buy, and increasingly frequent discounts make them all the more appealing.
Google Tasks may be coming to the ChromeOS system tray
It looks like Google is working on giving Tasks a spot next to your calendar
Currently, there isn't a convenient way to access Google Tasks from a desktop computer. While Google services like Calendar and Keep have their own fully featured web apps, Google Tasks is squirreled away behind a side panel menu inside those other services. You've long been able to work around this on ChromeOS by using the Tasks Android app, but now, it seems Google's working on integrating your Tasks right into ChromeOS's system tray.
Best budget Android phones 2023
You don't have to pay through the nose to get a decent phone these days
It wasn't long ago that buying a budget smartphone meant you were probably in for a bad time: crummy performance, paltry update support, and maybe even Micro-USB charging (the horror!). These days, not so much. Some of the best cheap Android phones start under 200 bucks, and they're not that different from the absolute best Android flagship phone we recommend.
Samsung One UI 5 Watch will launch on this year's new Galaxy smartwatches
And a beta for Watch 4 and Watch 5 is coming soon
Samsung, like many tech companies, has a habit of releasing incremental updates to its software with each new hardware iteration. Today, Samsung's announced that it's sticking to that tradition with this year's upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch devices, which will launch with the new One UI 5 Watch. A beta for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series is coming soon, too.
Wyze Cam Pan v3 review: Panoramic value
Wyze's first indoor-outdoor pan-tilt camera is crazy good for 40 bucks
Smart security cameras can get pricey quick — indoor-outdoor cameras from top players in the space like Ring and Arlo can go for $100 or more apiece, and typically require costly paid subscriptions on top of that to get all the features you'll want. Wyze's Cam Pan v3, on the other hand, costs just 40 bucks — though Wyze is as guilty as any manfucaturer of requiring a paid subscription. With great features and a very affordable price point, though, the Cam Pan v3 is the budget security camera to beat right now.
Best Android phones in 2023
In the market for a new phone? Get the best Android experience with these flagship phones.
No two Android phones are alike, just as what you need in your next phone will differ from what someone else needs. Lucky for all of us, Android phones come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, but some are just better than all the rest. Whether you're looking for a foldable phone powered by the latest and greatest in mobile processing, one of the best budget phones that don't hold back on power, or Google's latest Android enhancements, there's something here for you.
Android 14 could jazz up Material You with bold new color palettes
A new theme style will more closely match your wallpaper's colors
Introduced in Android 12, Material You dynamic color theming has become a core part of Android's UI identity. But while automatically generated custom themes do make for a lot of potential variety, the themes Android kicks out are often more drab than the wallpapers they're based on. But 9to5Google reports that could change in Android 14, with a new Fidelity theme style that's currently in development.
The Pixel Tablet looks primed for success, but it's going to come down to Google's messaging
All leaks so far point to a competitive device, and the opportunity here is Google's to lose
We've been waiting a long time for Google's Pixel Tablet. First announced at I/O 2022, the device has leaked a lot in the intervening year. Between what we know officially about the device — it has Google's Tensor G2 chipset and comes with a charging dock — and unofficial info about other components, the tablet had been shaping up to be a pricey offering. But last week, leaked European pricing information painted the Pixel Tablet as a surprisingly good deal relative to competing options. If Google can find a way to sell this thing, it might just have a hit on its hands.
You can finally use Gboard's Emoji Kitchen stickers in real life
Google is selling sheets of emoji mashup stickers for three bucks a pop
The Gboard Emoji Kitchen is arguably one of the best things about Google's software keyboard. It lets you create practically limitless digital stickers by fusing your choice of hundreds of existing emoji, making for some cute and creepy combinations. Now, Google's bringing part of that experience into the real world with Emoji Kitchen sticker sets, which you can buy starting today.
What is Nest Aware, and do you need it to use Nest cameras?
You might not need it, but you'll certainly want it
^Recommended hero for repub
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.
Not too long ago, affordable true wireless earbuds were a rarity, and good ones were rarer still. Today, though, it's not unusual to see earbuds that cost $150, $100, or even less sporting desirable features like active noise cancelation and multipoint connectivity. Jabra's Elite 4 earbuds, which launched in March 2023, cost just $100, and offer audio quality and ANC that are both better than they need to be for the price. They may not have every bell and whistle you're after, but if all you really need is solid audio and ANC, the Jabra Elite 4 might be for you.
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.
Google Pixel Tablet: News, leaks, rumors, and release window
Two devices in one? A Tensor CPU? White bezels in 2023? Get the details so far right here
Google's first self-branded tablet, the popular Nexus 7, launched over a decade ago in 2012. In the intervening years, Google's had a bit of a strained relationship with the tablet form factor, culminating in the ill-fated Google Pixel Slate in 2018. The ChromeOS-powered tablet was so poorly received that Google gave up on tablet hardware for several years.
Android has a reputation for being less than ideal when it comes to tablets. While it's true that Apple's iPadOS enjoys access to more apps that are optimized for big screens, the best Android tablets are often outstanding pieces of hardware. Google looks like it's getting serious about tablets again, too, with Android's recent big-screen improvements and a new Pixel Tablet officially coming this year.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) review: Some restrictions apply
Surprise: Apple's earbuds aren't nearly as good outside Apple's ecosystem
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to great earbuds. Legacy audio outfits like Bose and Sennheiser, not to mention pretty much every company that makes Android phones offer compelling options. But while many individual manufacturers make buds that work best with their own phones, Apple takes it a step further with AirPods, which are made expressly to be used with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Google's inaugural Pixel Tablet could finally hit store shelves this June
The tablet may launch alongside the Pixel Fold
We've heard plenty about the Google Pixel Tablet since its half-tease, half-announcement at Google I/O 2022 — most of it from leaks. Now, 9to5Google reports it's caught wind of a potential release date for the tablet/smart home hub hybrid: the tablet should hit store shelves in June, potentially alongside the Pixel Fold.
If you're reading this, you probably already know there are tons of true wireless earbuds on the market right now. The companies that make the top Android phones all have their own matching earbuds, and there are also options from legacy audio brands like Bose and Sennheiser, not to mention companies you may be less familiar with. But we're here to help.
Whether you are on a $200 budget or looking to make a $1,800 splash for the latest and greatest foldable, Samsung has you covered. This smartphone and electronics titan has lofty expectations of itself and, luckily for Android fans, usually paves the way with some of the best Android phones money can buy. Some may criticize Samsung for its design choices or One UI software implementation, but these quibbles usually range from unwarranted to wildly inaccurate. So check out the best Samsung has to offer. There is surely a device here for you.
Philips Hue Smart Plug review: No Bridge, no buy
A great addition for Hue households, but not a good standalone smart plug
Practically every smart home company you can think of offers at least one smart plug: Amazon, Govee, TP-Link, Wyze, and others all make plugs to add smarts to dumb devices. Philips Hue, the long-reigning top dog in the smart lighting space, also offers a smart plug in the creatively named Philips Hue Smart Plug. At $35, it's a very good smart plug — if you're already set up with Hue, anyway.