Month: May 2024

Back in November 2023, Google quietly rolled out a feature to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. The feature would tell an owner that their smartwatch was done charging via phone notification. It was a highly requested feature, which is why its seemingly sudden disappearance is so unfortunate.

Some Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 owners have started to notice they are no longer receiving the battery full notification. One of our own writers also reports that they have not seen the notification in the last few weeks. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even an entire thread on Google’s community page full of owners who claim the same or report never seeing the notification in the first place.

Folks using a Samsung Galaxy S24 series phone — there’s a new update heading your way. The company has started pushing out the May update for the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra in the US and Europe.

Google Messages is preparing a small but useful new feature that will prevent you from seeing messages from blocked contacts anywhere on the app.

Motorola’s next foldable phone — the Razr Plus (2024), also expected to be called the Razr 50 Ultra in some markets — might come in at the same price as last year. A new leak with screenshots of the phone’s price from a European retailer shows that it could cost €1,200 (~$1,289) in the region. That’s the same price as the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, aka the Razr Plus (2023).

Chromebooks offer impressive versatility, with the ability to run PWAs (Progressive Web Apps), Android apps, and even Linux apps. Until now, there was no single source to browse through and install all these various kinds of apps for Chromebooks, but that’s about to change. Currently in the preview stage, the new App Mall promises a centralized location featuring the best apps and games for Chromebooks.

The folks at Chrome Unboxed discovered that the App Mall is currently available for preview, even if you’re not on a Chromebook. Chromebook users wishing to access the App Mall will need to enable the chrome://flags/#cros-mall flag within the Canary channel of ChromeOS 126. This should add the App Mall icon to their shelf and app launcher.

With the Google Pixel 9 launch still several months away, eager accessory makers are already spilling the beans on the upcoming Pixel flagships. Multiple case manufacturers, including Thinborne, have begun listing alleged Pixel 9 series cases, potentially validating some earlier rumors while challenging others. (h/t: Android Central)

Samsung initially began production of its 3nm process chips back in 2022, beating out rival TSMC to the milestone. Now almost two years later, the Android smartphone manufacturer is almost ready to go into mass production.

Announced through a joint press release with partner Synopsys, the two companies revealed they are preparing to enter the mass production phase for Samsung’s 3nm chip. Currently, the two companies are in the final design stage, which is known as “taping out.” In this process, the design is sent to the foundry so that they can create masks used for mass production. It is expected that mass production could start in the next few months.

Google has started pushing out the May 2024 security update for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. All supported Pixel Watches running Wear OS 4 will start receiving the update now, and the rollout will continue over the next week, depending on your carrier and device.

Google has streamlined its two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as the two-step verification (2SV) process, making it easier and more secure for users to protect their accounts.

The new, improved process gives users the option to start their 2FA setup by directly choosing more secure methods like authenticator apps or physical security keys. In the past, setting up 2FA required first providing a phone number before being able to add an authenticator app.

Apple’s highly anticipated “Let Loose” event on Tuesday promises to usher in a transformative era for the iPad. While we expect updates to the iPad Pros and iPad Airs, industry insider Mark Gurman has provided key insights into the post-event iPad lineup configuration and its ambitious convergence with the MacBook experience.

Gurman proposes that the 35-minute presentation will streamline the current iPad lineup and solidify the iPad Pro’s position as a powerful alternative to traditional laptops. Initially, the new iPad Pros were expected to get upgraded to the M3 chip. However, Gurman seems convinced that they would instead launch with the yet-announced M4 chip.

While rivals like Samsung, Motorola, and others have embraced foldable phones, Apple remains a notable holdout. Despite waves of rumors and leaks suggesting a foldable iPhone is in development, nothing concrete has materialized. However, a recently published patent application discovered by Patently Apple gives us fresh insights into Apple’s explorations of folding devices. (h/t: PhoneArena)

Apple’s patent, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last October, describes a novel hinge design for folding display devices. The images used align with a flip-style clamshell foldable. However, Apple’s patent implies a greater range of motion. The hinge could potentially allow the device to fold both inwards and outwards, which could be a first for a mass-market product.

Microsoft has brought to light a critical security loophole, potentially affecting countless Android applications. Dubbed “Dirty Stream,” this vulnerability presents a serious threat that could grant someone the ability to take control of apps and steal valuable user information. (h/t: Bleeping Computer)

The heart of the “Dirty Stream” vulnerability lies in the potential for malicious Android apps to manipulate and abuse Android’s content provider system. This system is typically designed to facilitate secure data exchange between different applications on a device. It includes safeguards such as strict isolation of data, the use of permissions attached to specific URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers), and thorough validation of file paths to ward off unauthorized access.

As Google I/O 2024 approaches on May 14, the excitement surrounding the potential unveiling of the Google Pixel 8a is reaching a fever pitch. A significant new leak has emerged, offering what could be our most detailed look yet at the specifications of Google’s eagerly awaited mid-range phone.

This leak originates from X/Twitter user @MysteryLupin, who has shared what appears to be a translated document outlining a comprehensive list of the Pixel 8a’s technical specifications. Additionally, the leaker has released a promotional image that suggests European pricing for the device, as well as a potential discount for those who pre-order the phone.