Bard AI in Google Messages could be the writing assistant you never knew you needed
Magic Compose may soon help you text with suggestions and style tweaks
Google Messages has tried to help users compose text messages for years with its Smart Reply feature, but in some instances, they're just not that great. In an effort to expand the usability of automatic replies, Google has been looking for ways to implement Bard into its messaging app and it could be nearing completion.
Google's not wasting any time on Pixel Watch 2 plans, according to Pixel 8 launch rumors
An October release could be in the cards
The Pixel Watch was Google's first attempt at making a proper wearable, and while it was neat enough to earn a spot on our list of the best Android smartwatches, it ultimately came up a little short in terms of things like battery life. We've been hugely curious what might change — and hopefully get even better — for a successor, but it's been difficult to nail down Google's plans for a follow-up. Now a new rumor suggests the Pixel Watch 2 could arrive earlier than you might think, possibly alongside the Pixel 8 this fall.
Google Photos shines the spotlight on Memories as it dials up the nostalgia
Memories on the home screen make them hard to ignore
Google Photos is a convenient way of keeping all your photos in one place. While it started as a simple gallery app with smart search features, it's already become much more robust with Google having recently introduced a video editing tool in the app on Chromebooks. To make sure you don't forget about your fondest memories, Google could soon introduce a Memories feed baked right into the homepage.
For as useful as Gmail is, Google is always striving to make it a better experience. The company recently introduced a Twitter-like checkmark in the email app for companies to prove their legitimacy and began testing generative AI tools to help people write. Still, with every good feature comes a not-so-good one as more ads will now start showing up in every corner of Gmail.
The OnePlus Nord 3 could bring back this surprisingly useful retro feature
You won't need to look for that lost remote in the crevices of the couch anymore
Long before smart TVs and streaming sticks had their own dedicated smartphone apps for controlling them, many phones had IR blasters that could emulate a TV's remote. While the vast majority of smartphones did away with that feature many years ago, we just might be seeing it again soon, with the upcoming OnePlus Nord 3 rumored to feature IR support.
Car manufacturers might suck the fun out out of Material You on Android Automotive
The OEMs could choose the colors instead of an algorithm
For many years, Android Auto has provided most drivers with a competent-if-flawed option to map out their trips and listen to their favorite music, but some newer cars are replacing this feature with Android Automotive, a dedicated operating system for automobiles. While this OS has been around since 2017, it's been slow to adapt to Google's aesthetic. That could change soon, as Material You themes could start making their way to Android Automotive — with a catch.
Google wants to bring the AI power of Bard to your Pixel's home screen
Ask Bard anything, right from a widget
Google Bard may not be quite as powerful as OpenAI's ChatGPT, but new additions, like the ability to code, bring it one step closer to being proper competition. As Bard continues to mature, Google wants to expand its reach by attempting to bring it to Pixel devices through a widget.
It seems like nearly every phone manufacturer is trying to release its own foldable device. Between Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google's elusive (but maybe not for much longer) Pixel Fold, everyone wants in on the action. We've already heard to expect OnePlus launching its first foldable phone this year, and now the release date could be closer than ever.
Google Photos is ready to turn your Chromebook into a versatile video editing tool
Make a movie with your vacation videos right on your Chromebook
Chromebooks have long been an accessible entry into the laptop world, but even the best models were limited in the types of video editing apps they could use. Though filmmakers will probably continue to use dedicated hardware, those looking to make a montage of their favorite vacation videos can now do so right from the Google Photos app on their Chromebook.
Google I/O 2023 schedule teases updates for AI, Android, and the cloud
Expect lots of news about Android 14
With Google I/O less than two weeks away, the tech giant is expected to reveal new devices, detail the forthcoming Android 14 update, and dive into AI announcements around products like Google Bard. With so many topics to tackle, it might be overwhelming trying to figure out when to tune in. To make things easier for those who are interested, Google released the schedule for I/O 2023.
Qualcomm's new graphics upscaling engine wants to be DLSS for your phone
Gaming on mobile has never looked this good
Android's gaming experience improves every year, and the lineup of video games set to launch in 2023 could start pushing devices to their limit. While games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence look great from a graphics standpoint, they could run awkwardly on certain devices. To optimize mobile game performance, Qualcomm is readying its new feature called Snapdragon Game Super Resolution (GSR).
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 exterior screen could be shaping up with a new look
Ever wanted a screen that looks like the Windows folder icon?
Samsung's upcoming lineup of foldable devices might still be under wraps, but the Galaxy Z Flip 5 already feels like it's gearing up to be Samsung's most idealized incarnation of the folding phone yet. Earlier this month, leaks claimed the Z Flip 5 could sport a larger cover display, while other rumors hinted that the increased real estate could come with an always-on feature. Now we're once again hearing about how this screen could take shape, with the latest leak showing off an unusual design.
The pandemic Chromebook bubble has burst into an e-waste nightmare
Many Chromebooks came with built-in expiration dates
For people who just want to have a laptop to send emails, browse the internet, or write essays, a Chromebook offers the ideal solution. Some of the best Chromebooks available today are renowned for their inexpensiveness, solid battery life, and simple-to-use software, but others quickly became a nightmare. Many Chromebooks purchased as recently as three years ago are already breaking, leading to consumers throwing them out and subsequently creating electronic waste.
Spruce up your smartwatch with Facer's new 3D watch faces
Check the time and see a 3D-animated elephant dance all at once
The first thing you'll usually want to do when you get a new smartwatch is to figure out what face to use. While it's easy enough to install Google's Pixel Watch faces on any Wear OS device, they might not be for everyone. This week, Facer launched a new set of 3D-animated watch faces to add an extra flair to your wearable.
T-Mobile's acquisition of Ryan Reynolds's Mint Mobile could be in trouble
The Department of Justice could move to block the sale
Back in March, T-Mobile released a humorous video announcing that it was set to acquire Ryan Reynolds's Mint Mobile. Fast-forward a few weeks and the deal is looking shakier than ever following reports that the Department of Justice could move to block the sale.
Vivo's got Samsung in its sights as it launches new X Fold 2 and X Flip foldables
One flips and one folds
Vivo's been having a tough time over in Germany these past few weeks, but the Chinese phone manufacturer won't let international patent drama slow it down. This week, the BBK Electronics-owned brand revealed two new foldable devices, the X Fold 2 and the X Flip.
Samsung's next-gen Galaxy Watch 6 could finally be getting a modern processor
The new chipset might also improve battery life
Though the Samsung Galaxy Watch series ranks among our favorite Android smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 5 didn't offer any processor-related upgrades over its predecessor. Several leaks have already indicated that the forthcoming Galaxy Watch 6 could feature a larger display, but new rumors show it could also include a faster chipset.
Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence enters pre-registration on the Google Play Store
Ubisoft's latest entry in The Division franchise continues testing this summer
Back in July 2022, Ubisoft announced that it had been working on Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence, a mobile offshoot of its hit franchise that debuted in 2016 on consoles and PC. Almost a year later, the Montreal-based video game company is inching closer to launching the title as interested players can now pre-register on the Google Play Store for a chance to test the game this summer.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon is finally ready to live up to its name
The game will be exclusive to Netflix on mobile devices
Over the past few weeks, it's become clear that Netflix wants to be taken seriously as a game publisher. After announcing that Oxenfree 2: The Lost Signals would land on Android this summer, the streaming giant will now be the exclusive home for the mobile version of Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon.
Oxenfree 2: The Lost Signals lands on Android this summer
After several delays, the return to Camena is imminent
Five years ago, the acclaimed indie game Oxenfree made its way to Android devices. Just a few years later, Netflix acquired Night School Studio, the game's developer, and released its own version of Oxenfree on iOS and Android for its subscribers without ads and in-game purchases. In 2021, Night School Studio announced its sequel and after many delays, Oxenfree 2: The Lost Signals, will finally land on Android this summer.