Does your carrier support RCS? More than likely yes, actually

For years Google has been pushing RCS as a new replacement for SMS, the current messaging standard. There are many reasons why RCS is superior including support for higher resolution images and video, bigger file sizes, send/receive notifications, and much more. Of course, the standard doesn’t matter much if no one adopts it. Thankfully, the … Read more

Chrome archived tab data tools sound perfect for Tab Declutter

TL;DR Chrome will let users delete browsing data specifically for archived tabs. The option should be a perfect match for Tab Declutter, which will automatically add inactive tabs to the archived list. How much do you care about keeping your browsing tidy? Some of us are fastidious when it comes navigating websites, closing our tabs … Read more

These carriers will offer you a free phone when you switch

Robert Triggs / Android Authority Today’s best smartphones are not exactly cheap. Most flagships start at around the $600-$800 mark for the base model, and many options exceed $1000. But what if you don’t have much cash to spend on a phone? While opting for a budget phone, like the Pixel 8a, is one solution, … Read more

Official Pixel 9 Pro cases leak showing off a surprise new color option

TL;DR Leaked images reveal what appear to be the official silicone cases for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The cases can be seen in Charcoal, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose colors, with both Pro models sharing these choices. Notably, an Aloe color option similar to the Pixel 8a appears to be exclusive … Read more

Google Chrome could soon be less annoying when downloading APKs

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Chrome for Android may soon reduce how often it shows the “file may be harmful” warning. The warning won’t be shown anymore if the user has Google Play Protect enabled. However, the warning will still appear if Play Protect is disabled, plus Chrome will show a new warning … Read more

Galaxy Watch Ultra may have a paint peeling problem

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR There’s a report of paint chipping off the Galaxy Watch Ultra after only days of use. The problem may be related to the type of coating being used. It appears this problem does not affect the other colors. Samsung’s product launch earlier this month has been slightly marred … Read more

The Google Play Store is becoming more personalized with local recommendations

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR The Google Play Store is starting to roll out a local recommendations feature. This feature uses your device’s approximate location to provide locally-relevant contextual information like promotions or app recommendations. The opt-in feature is starting to slowly roll out to some devices. The Google Play Store is where … Read more

One UI 7 may bring more camera updates to the Galaxy S24 Ultra

Robert Triggs / Android Authority TL;DR The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is set to receive even more camera optimizations with One UI 7. According to Ice Universe, the S24 Ultra will add optimizations for the 1x and 5x 50MP modes that help match the same visual quality you’d get from pixel-pinned 12MP images. The One … Read more

Early work on Chrome compact mode may free toolbar space

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR An in-development Chrome “compact mode” could tighten up toolbar rendering. Saving a few pixels here and there may allow for more toolbar elements, or just extra room for web pages. Update, July 26, 2024 (12:27 PM ET): Well that didn’t take long. Just a couple days after we were … Read more

The best Samsung Galaxy Ring alternatives

The Samsung Galaxy Ring has introduced the notion of finger-based trackers to the mainstream. No longer are smart rings novelties for fashionable folk too trendy to wear bulky smartwatches or heart-tracking rubber bands. Although it’s a breakthrough device in many ways, the Galaxy Ring has its work cut out to establish itself as the one … Read more