Peacock no longer offers free tier to new users: A sign of things to come? https://ift.tt/FsaHoxj

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Peacock has reportedly stopped offering the free tier to new subscribers.
• The free tier is still available to existing subscribers, though.

---

Peacock is one of a few big-name video streaming services with a free tier, offering ads and a smaller library of content. Unfortunately, it sounds like the company could be winding down this option.

The Streamable reports that Peacock is no longer offering the free tier to new users. Instead, new users can only sign up for Premium and Premium Plus options.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2AmkZnR

Apex Legends Mobile is shutting down after less than a year https://ift.tt/lSUVEDv

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

• EA has announced that it’s shutting down Apex Legends Mobile.
• The title launched roughly nine months ago and even earned awards from Apple and Google.

---

Apex Legends Mobile launched back in May 2022, doing a solid job of distilling the Apex Legends experience onto the small screen. In fact, the action title even won game of the year awards from both Apple and Google.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/TmQjgdq

What is HelloFresh and how does it work? https://ift.tt/ZCyxeGH

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Despite being one of the greatest pleasures in life, food can also be a stressful subject. Planning, buying groceries, prepping, and cooking is no easy feat when you have chores, school, work, and other responsibilities ahead. We often end up eating fast food or slapping a simple sandwich together. This is why services like HelloFresh are becoming so popular.

What is HelloFresh, anyways? Today we’re here to tell you all about the food service, how it can help your day-to-day nutrition, and how it all works.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/X3WM74z

Watch Galaxy Unpacked live here: Catch the Galaxy S23 reveal and more! https://ift.tt/6WrFx5v

• Samsung is holding its Galaxy Unpacked event today.
• The event will be both in-person and live-streamed, which you can watch right here.
• Samsung will show off the Galaxy S23 series and more.

---

The wait is over; the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event happens today. And you can watch all the reveals from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you are right here.

The tech giant is returning to in-person events this year, holding Unpacked in San Francisco. However, Samsung will livestream the event as well.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/zBuUpwL

How to redeem any Steam code you might get https://ift.tt/6WrFx5v

Steam is the biggest gaming platform on PC, and people buy games for each other all the time. It’s common to be the recipient of a Steam code, either for a video game or for some other gift. Luckily, Steam is pretty simple to use, so using your code is pretty easy. Here’s how to redeem any Steam code you might have right now.

Read next: How to move Steam games to a different hard drive

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/hyl2eGP

The best Roku deals: Save over 50% on this Roku TV ahead of the big game https://ift.tt/DWAkzuR

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

If you’re in the market for a new streaming device, then you probably already know most of the big names in the game. There’s Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, and more, but there are also plenty of options from Roku. Roku fans will be happy to hear there are plenty of Roku offers around. We’ve summed up the best cheap Roku deals in this post.

See also: Roku buyer’s guide: Which Roku streaming device is right for you?

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/8OJFdfo

Apple M1 vs M2 chips: How do they compare? https://ift.tt/ZLulQBY

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

Over two years have passed since the first Apple silicon-powered Macs hit the market. You’ll find the latest chip, dubbed M2, in the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air as well as the Mac Mini. As we’ve come to expect by now, it delivers great performance and battery life without the thermal issues we’ve seen from Intel-based Macs in the past. But how does the latest M2 stack up vs the M1, Apple’s previous-gen Mac chip? Let’s break it down.

Apple M1 vs M2: Specs

	Apple M1	Apple M2
CPU Cores	8 cores	8 cores
GPU Cores	8	Default 8, configurable with 10
Transistor count	16 billion	20 billion
RAM capacity	Up to 16GB	Up to 24GB
Memory bandwidth	68.25GB/s	100GB/s

Apple M1 vs M2: CPU performance

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/wIi6m0n

Poll: Do you use your phone in the shower or bath? https://ift.tt/ltjX6Qv

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

We take our smartphones everywhere with us, whether we’re going to the store, getting into bed, or going out for a night on the town. Plenty of people even take their phones to the toilet.

But do you go so far as to use your smartphone while you’re in the bath or shower? That’s the topic of our poll today. So go ahead and vote below and leave a comment if you’d like to expand on your choice.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/8CXQGyD

Facebook can secretly kill your phone batteries, former employee claims https://ift.tt/YEqtbXM

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

There’s no shortage of controversies when it comes to Facebook, from harvesting your personal data on smartphones to sharing data with unsavory third parties, and more. Now, the platform has been accused of being able to secretly kill your smartphone battery.

Former employee and data scientist George Hayward told the New York Post that Facebook can secretly drain your phone battery as part of so-called “negative testing” practices. Negative testing is a form of software testing that applies unexpected behaviors and circumstances to an app or software to see how it copes.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/PdcCUGv

The latest T-Mobile breach affected Google Fi customers too https://ift.tt/tAa6O7e

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• Google has announced that some Fi user data was affected by a breach.
• The firm said the breach affected its primary network provider.
• T-Mobile is Google’s primary network in the US.

---

T-Mobile announced a new data breach earlier this month, affecting 37 million user accounts. Now, it looks like the breach has affected Google Fi user data as well.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/C8EWcZ9

Just ahead of Galaxy S23 launch, Samsung expects dip in smartphone demand https://ift.tt/mIcWgfG

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Samsung has posted weak profit numbers for the fourth quarter of 2022 due to low chip demand, economic uncertainties, and customers buying fewer new gadgets.
• The company expected demand for smartphones to decrease across all segments even though it’s on the brink of launching the new Galaxy S23 series.

---

Back in January, Samsung had projected a profit decline for the fourth quarter of 2022, and now, the company has posted actual numbers that show just how bad business has been for the world’s largest smartphone maker. The biggest loser was Samsung’s chip division, which saw profits plunge more than 90% in the three months ended December.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/18vtn2f

Is HBO Max with ads a good deal? https://ift.tt/8biNfvy

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

What is HBO Max with ads? The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service is available in two versions, and one has ads? So, is it worth it to put up with ads? How do the two subscriptions compare? Which one is right for you?

Related: Are ad-supported streaming services worth it?

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/e10Buky

The best Cricket Wireless deals: Free phones, and more https://ift.tt/vcmnRq4

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Cricket Wireless is the no-contract subsidiary of AT&T, offering customers a way to get affordable smartphones with cheap prepaid plans. While many of Cricket’s smartphones are already priced pretty reasonably, some special Cricket deals stand out right now. We’ve compiled the best Cricket deals in this post, but please note that various terms and conditions apply.

Cricket mainly offers savings on phones when you join the carrier, although they have occasional price drops on plans. To learn more about what Cricket offers in terms of plans, check out our Cricket Wireless buyer’s guide.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/O75d8y9

OnePlus Pad will launch on February 7, design details announced. https://ift.tt/0p7mFUq

Credit: OnePlus

• OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus Pad will launch on February 7.
• The company has also shared some design details of the tablet.

---

OnePlus has confirmed that it will launch its first tablet — the OnePlus Pad — alongside the OnePlus 11 on February 7. While the phone was previously revealed in China, the tablet is a brand-new launch for OnePlus.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nPeF6Ka

Apple’s first AR headset could have pretty awful battery life for $3,000 https://ift.tt/leIhMQd

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

• A veteran journalist has shared more details about Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset.
• The device will apparently offer just two hours of battery life and a limited amount of content at launch.

---

We’ve heard about Apple‘s upcoming AR/VR headset for a while now, with leaks pointing to a $3,000+ price tag, dual 4K OLED screens, and even a waist-mounted battery pack. Now, a trusted source has shed more light on the device.

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has posted more apparent details about Apple’s mixed-reality headset, apparently called Reality Pro, in his Power On newsletter.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/TXW4Goc

The Pixel Tablet could come with two dock options https://ift.tt/Y38X0SR

Credit: Google

• The Pixel Tablet could come with two different docking options.
• One dock could be a combination of a speaker and a charger, while the other might be a charging-only station.

---

The Pixel Tablet is due to launch later this year and has been doing the rounds in leak land for a while now. Before the weekend, we saw some photos of the device and also heard some details about the unannounced Pixel Tablet Pro thanks to code hunter and tipster Kuba Wojciechowski.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/S6sHY5C

One UI 5.1 changes leaked, including exclusive Galaxy S23 features. https://ift.tt/bWK5Cn1

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• A new leak has detailed many of the ew features coming to Galaxy phones with Oen UI 5.1.
• The list includes some exclusive Galaxy S23 series software tricks.

---

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 flagships are set to launch on February 1 with One UI 5.1 on board. The new software is also expected to trickle down to older Galaxy flagships, but it looks like it will have some exclusive features for the Galaxy S23 series at the beginning.

Thanks to a detailed leak from WinFuture, we now have a good sense of the new One UI 5.1 features and changes. The software will bring a number of functional improvements instead of significant design changes. We’ve pasted the complete leaked One UI 5.1 changelog at the end of this article. For now, let’s talk about some of the most prominent changes the new software is set to bring.

One UI 5.1: What’s new?

One UI 4

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XmbyrFh

Here’s what it’s like using the Nothing Phone 1 in the United States https://ift.tt/RuqoB8z

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

When the Nothing Phone 1 landed in the middle of 2022, US buyers were disappointed to hear that it would not come to the United States. A lack of carrier partnerships and a lack of proven marketability were likely the primary reasons behind this move. However, just because the phone isn’t sold here doesn’t mean you can’t use the Nothing Phone 1 in the US. You just can’t buy one and have it shipped to a US address.

This slightly changed at the beginning of 2023. Nothing opened up a new paid beta program for US buyers. For $299, you get a Nothing Phone 1 and early access to a beta version of Nothing OS 1.5, based on Android 13. This program ends on June 30, 2023, but beta testers can keep the phone permanently. Nothing makes it clear that certain things won’t work properly, but the core experience should be OK.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/T47dixs

Asus Zenfone 9 revisited: The good and the bad, six months later https://ift.tt/P3fXqW9

Options are somewhat limited if you’re after flagship hardware in a compact form factor. Although Apple and Samsung offer smaller entry-level models for those who want a phone that will more comfortably fit in their pocket, they’re perhaps not the most unique compact phones. Enter 2022’s Asus Zenfone 9, a little phone with a 5.9-inch display that tries its best not to scrimp on flagship specifications.

Despite a few hardware omissions, we quite liked most of what we found during our Zenfone 9 review testing. Its design, performance, and additional software gestures earned the handset a solid four out of five. But what’s the phone like to use six months after it was first revealed and over four months after it hit the market? Is it still worth buying? Let’s find out.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/g1RCKBq

Forget more megapixels, your next phone’s camera could offer whiter teeth https://ift.tt/bY5AxDS

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

Qualcomm and MediaTek have both announced their new generation flagship processors in the last couple of months, set to power 2023’s high-end smartphones. In fact, we’ve already seen phones launching with these chipsets, such as the OnePlus 11, Xiaomi 13 series, and Vivo X90 range.

The processors bring increased horsepower, hardware-based ray tracing, and satellite connectivity, but it definitely seems like more of an evolutionary year in terms of classical camera capabilities. Both Mediatek and Qualcomm’s high-end chips don’t see major changes in terms of photo and video resolutions or frame rates.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/fH6x1AY

YouTube Music has a pesky censorship bug on Nest Hubs; here’s how to bypass it https://ift.tt/P3fXqW9

My wife got me a Google Nest Hub for Christmas this year, and I am a big fan. I keep it in the kitchen and jam out to some music while we cook food. It’s loud enough to use when we’re in the adjacent living room and dining room as well. So, it came as a surprise to me when one day, it randomly stopped playing music through YouTube Music. I checked to see what was happening and saw a sensitive content warning on the display.

I couldn’t get it to go away and play the song. I couldn’t even skip that problematic song. All I could do is go back, which just goes back to the home screen and awaits further instructions. After testing, and asking the internet, I found a way to bypass it. However, it’s not a very good system. Let’s discuss the issue and how to bypass it.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nPX8U4c

The Pixel 5 is the most underrated Pixel to date and I wish it had a successor https://ift.tt/TDRSZ3C

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

A few weeks ago, I completely reset my Pixel 5, packed it up, and sent it to my mom to replace her old, dying smartphone. Even though I hadn’t used that Pixel 5 for over a year as my daily driver, I still felt a pang of nostalgia as I let it go. Sure, knowing it’ll be used every day and that my mom will get the Pixel’s exclusive features and excellent camera is better than leaving it in a drawer for months on end, but still, this particular Pixel was pretty dang special.

Google released the Pixel 5 at the most uncertain of times. 2020 was a weird year for most humans and smartphones weren’t the top priority for those of us stuck in the middle of a pandemic. The phone was a child of its time — small, unassuming, and practical. To date, I think the Pixel 5 is the most underrated phone in Google’s line-up and it got so harshly treated by everyone who didn’t use it. Or those who barely used it for a week and then moved on to the next hot thing.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/sjN9pPE

Are ad-supported streaming services worth it? https://ift.tt/3ujPWUa

Credit: Adam Birney / Android Authority

The streaming market has been on a wild ride for the last few years. During the early days of lockdowns, Netflix and other streaming services saw massive subscriber gains as more of us stayed indoors. All good things must come to an end, though, and 2022 was a much rougher year for streaming services as inflation ran amok. It also didn’t help that many of us started returning to our everyday lives. As subscriber growth slowed down, many of us also trimmed down how many streaming services we subscribe to. To counter this change in the market, many streaming services are now pushing ad-supported tiers. We’re also seeing established paid services spinning off their own FAST (free ad-supported streaming) alternatives, such as Amazon’s Freevee.

Personally, I don’t mind ads. Sure, I’d rather do without them, but I can’t deny that it’s an easy way to save some cash. Unfortunately, the current state of ads isn’t without a few quirks or sacrifices.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/VNAopec

The 20 best movies to watch on Amazon Freevee https://ift.tt/MxOBiEw

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Freevee is the video streaming service that’s not quite Amazon Prime Video. Unlike that service, where you have to pay a subscription fee to access its lineup of movies and TV shows, Freevee offers thousands of TV series and movies completely for free, with some ads that are dropped in before and during the films. The free streaming service has a pretty solid library of titles, but what are the best movies on Freevee, at least currently?

We have 20 movies that we think are worth your time, and they are all currently available on Freevee. You can access the service now at the link below:

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nyvdsZC

Why 2023 is the perfect time for the Google Pixel Fold https://ift.tt/DUYx0OB

Credit: Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Ryan Whitwam

No one can predict the future, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that Google will release a foldable Pixel. The company’s plans have been leaked multiple times, and we’ve even seen some convincing renders of the supposed Pixel Fold, codenamed Felix. Still, nothing is set in stone — despite the rumor mill’s near certainty that the Pixel Fold exists, it might be canceled or heavily delayed before the supposed launch this year. For the sake of Android foldables, we ought to hope not.

If Google is going to release a foldable Pixel, now is the time. Not only is the market ready for it, but the stars are also aligned to give the Pixel Fold the best possible chance of success — as long as Google doesn’t squander the opportunity.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/mzaF2LT

Google and Amazon smart speakers promised easier shopping, its still not here https://ift.tt/GtC0RKX

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Dhruv Bhutani

As a smart-everything aficionado, if there’s one tech product category that has landed squarely on the boulevard of broken dreams for me, it would have to be smart speakers. Available in a range of shapes, sizes, and form factors, smart speakers and displays were supposed to change how we interact with the internet. However, in my opinion, the professed future of connected speakers becoming indispensable parts of our daily lives has simply not materialized.

I fully invested in Google’s Nest ecosystem and bought some of the best Alexa-powered Echo speakers on the market, and I have more than a few gripes with the products from both companies. But of all the things that bother me, the one that truly drives me bonkers is the astonishingly imperfect online shopping integration.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/tYCWU1P

Weekly Authority: 👀 Pixel Tablet Pro deets leak https://ift.tt/mPnIgJ5

Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the  Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 229th edition is here with Pixel Tablet Pro leaks, Samsung’s big news ahead of Galaxy Unpacked, a OnePlus tablet, Dead Space reviews, and real-life tractor beams.

This week, I attempted to eat a pizza that was almost as large as me while watching the second episode of The Last of Us. For anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, eating during the show isn’t something I’d recommend!

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/l80E437

New Galaxy S23 leak appears to further confirm custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip https://ift.tt/5zL0kf4

• A new leak regarding the Galaxy S23 has emerged.
• The leak seems to confirm a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip may be used for the Galaxy S23 series.
• The leak also seems to confirm a downgraded selfie camera for the Ultra.

---

Even though we’re less than a week away from launch day, Galaxy S23 leaks keep on coming in. This time, a leak is seemingly confirming the chip that may be used in the flagship and a camera downgrade for the Ultra.

Reliable leaker Roland Quandt took to Twitter today to show off two new images. These images seem to further support what we’ve heard about the Galaxy S23 lineup.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/X5M0IQK

The 20 best TV shows on Freevee to binge watch https://ift.tt/d4VON8X

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Freevee is not just the place to watch movies for free you can’t find on its sister paid service Amazon Prime Video. It’s also the place to binge-watch some great television series as well. But what are the best TV shows on Freevee? The free streaming service has a pretty solid library of titles, ranging from classics of the 1960s to more modern shows.

We have picked 20 TV shows currently available on Freevee, and we think you will enjoy all of them. Most are older shows, but there are a few exclusive and original series to check out as well. You can access the service now and start watching.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/dLOmXgz

New leak once again points to higher Galaxy S23 pricing for Europe https://ift.tt/r0tocSI

Credit: Digit.in

• A new report has dished out apparent Galaxy S23 prices for Germany.
• The report echoes previous claims of higher prices for Europe.

---

We’ve seen several Samsung Galaxy S23 series price leaks in recent weeks, and the most concerning claim is that Europeans will see a price hike. Now, a trusted news outlet has revealed apparent price tags for Germany.

WinFuture has disclosed purported Galaxy S23 series pricing for the country, with the cheapest model starting at €949 (~$1,033). Check out the full rundown of disclosed pricing below.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/exHZzwo