All articles tagged with #android authority
Google is testing a weather notification system for smaller Android Auto head units, featuring Jimothy the raccoon moving across the music widget to show current conditions; the feature appears in Android Auto beta 17.6.66 but there’s no word on a wide rollout, and it’s not easy to trigger.
Pixel 11 Pro introduces a hardware HiLight notification light; a Google Contacts teardown shows it can be color-coded per favorite contact with a palette including Blue, Cyan, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Teal, White, and Yellow. There’s no rainbow option shown yet, and the feature could still change before the August 12 launch as developers explore the implementation in early builds.
Poplar Group, Trump Mobile’s PR firm, has reportedly left with no clear replacement, leaving the T1 phone saga even more unsettled as questions linger about the device’s origins and past statements.
Android Authority tester Stephen Radochia concludes the base Razr (2026) is the best value among Motorola's three foldables, delivering all-day battery life, a 3.6-inch external display, dual 50MP cameras, and MIL-STD durability at a more approachable price; the Razr Ultra and Razr Plus offer premium features but at significantly higher costs, making discounts crucial to the decision and likely keeping the base model appealing for most buyers.
Motorola unveiled the Edge 2026 at $600, packing a compact 6.3-inch, 160-gram body, a 5,000mAh battery with up to 60W charging, a triple-camera system (50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP tele 3x), IP68/IP69 durability, Gorilla Glass 7i, and a Dimensity 7450 chip. Motorola argues this combination could undercut the Google Pixel 11 on price and weight while delivering competitive specs, making the Edge 2026 a strong Pixel 11 rival—though real-world performance and camera results will have to wait for hands-on testing. The Edge 2026 launches June 11.
Google Messages is adding support for custom chat wallpapers, including animated GIFs, and Android Authority previews how wallpapers look in dark mode. The feature isn’t live in beta yet, but appears close to rollout based on early testing and APK teardowns.
Google Messages’ latest beta adds per-chat themes with customizable color palettes and new wallpaper backgrounds, offering galleries or the option to use your own photo, plus a reset to defaults as the feature nears wider rollout.
Android Authority is hosting a live AMA with their team to discuss the Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, offering insights on performance, features, and initial impressions, with ongoing tests and coverage planned.
Android 15 is expected to bring a major redesign to the volume control panel, featuring pill-shaped sliders, visual volume level indicators, and streamlined muting functionality. The revamped design also includes animated adjustments to the sliders' text, a media output switcher, and the ability to shrink or hide the panel. Additional features such as "noise control" and spatial audio are anticipated, with further details likely to emerge as the Android 15 beta rollout begins.
A leak has revealed the likely specs of the upcoming Google Pixel 8a, set for release at the I/O 2024 conference in May. The phone is expected to feature a 120Hz refresh rate display with 1,400 nits of HDR brightness, matching the Pixel 8 in terms of display quality, and will be powered by the Tensor G3 chip, providing a significant upgrade from the previous model. The Pixel 8a may also support DisplayPort output, allowing it to connect to an external display using the USB-C port. However, it is likely to retain the same cameras as the Pixel 7a. With these impressive specs, the Pixel 8a could offer a compelling alternative to the more expensive Pixel 8.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has been named the best phone of 2023 by Android Authority. The Pixel 8 Pro stood out for its on-device AI smarts, excellent photography, industry-leading software policy, and refinements to the Pixel aesthetic. It narrowly beat out the OnePlus Open, which impressed with its foldable design and competitive price. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra took third place, followed by the Google Pixel 7a and the Motorola Razr Plus. The Reader's Choice award went to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Android Authority will continue to release best of the year lists and retrospective features for 2023.
Android Authority presents a holiday gift guide featuring 15 tech products personally used and recommended by their team members. The guide includes a variety of gadgets, such as headphones, docks, chargers, smart speakers, clamping systems, e-readers, smartphones, smart kettles, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, pet trackers, virtual reality headsets, controllers, and headphones. Each recommendation comes with insights and experiences from the team members, offering genuine and practical gift ideas for tech-savvy individuals.
Leaker OnLeaks has published unofficial renders of the Nothing Phone 2, which suggest that the new device will have a curvier design than its predecessor, the Phone 1. The front and back of the Phone 2 also have a subtle curve to them, and the back of the phone will have a flashing glyph interface similar to the Phone 1. The Phone 2 will be officially released in the US and will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, have a bigger 4,700mAh battery, and a 6.7-inch display.