Google confirms fix for annoying Android volume control problem https://ift.tt/VEiSdyJ

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

• Google will add separate volume sliders for ringtones and notifications in a future Android build.
• Currently, only one slider controls the volume for both functions.
• The update would allow users to silence incoming calls while keeping the notification volume up and vice-versa.

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For the past couple of versions, Android has had one volume slider for notifications and ringtone volume. That means if you want to silence incoming calls, you have no choice but to silence notifications too, and vice-versa. Now, Google is fixing this limitation and adding separate volume controls for ringtones and notifications.

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The best Apple Watch Series 8 cases you can buy https://ift.tt/MgrVNfR

With impressive durability specs, the Apple Watch Series 8 is built tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Bumps and scrapes can quickly add up to unsightly scratches and dings, not to mention internal damage. Find out the best Apple Watch Series 8 cases to keep your device in working order.

The best Apple Watch Series 8 cases

The Apple Watch is designed to stay on your wrist, which means accidental damage is only a matter of time. Whether your device is brand new or starting to show signs of wear, a protective case may be one of the best Apple Watch accessories to add to your cart. From colorful to relatively clear, these Apple Watch Series 8 cases add an extra layer of protection to your wearable. 

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Here are the first reliable, high-quality renders https://ift.tt/MgrVNfR

• The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 design is shown in some new high-quality CAD-based renders.
• The phone appears to have an enormous cover display and squared-off sides.
• Other upgrades this year will likely be internal.

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Earlier this weekend, we saw leaked renders for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 courtesy of reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer. Now, that same source is leaking the sibling phone.

Today, we have our first good look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 design (via Media Peanut). Although we’ve seen hints of a redesign through the rumor mill, these are the first high-quality and reliable renders we’ve found.

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I still don’t want a foldable phone https://ift.tt/cCR6Wj7

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Opinion post by

C. Scott Brown

Earlier this year, I revisited the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, catching up with the phone six months after its release to see how things have held up. In that re-review, I gave the Z Fold 4 lots of praise. I even argued that, objectively, it is the best foldable phone you can buy today.

However, I must be honest: Once I was done with the Galaxy Z Fold 4, I put it back into storage. Despite being the best example of a foldable phone available, I still don’t want to use it daily. I’ve come to the conclusion that, for now, I have no interest in using foldable phones. Even when I have one for free, I’d rather not use it, to say nothing about actually spending my own money on one.

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I tested dozens of smart home devices; this is the feature I loathe the most https://ift.tt/XRFYgxw

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

You may have run into this when setting up a new smart home product: You’ve installed its companion app, created an account, plugged in the gadget, and you’re all ready to go until you realize it won’t connect to your Wi-Fi. What’s happening? You restart the app, the phone, your router, and try all kinds of other tricks to no avail. The app refuses to see or connect to your network. In some cases, you’re not given the courtesy of an error message; in others, developers are kind enough to point out the issue: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

The first time this happened to me, I was setting up the $1400 Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra. An eye-watering price didn’t save this robot vacuum from having a cheap Wi-Fi chip, and I was left wondering if it would ever work on my dual-band router or I’d have to return it. (Spoiler: it works, but that requires workarounds that I’ll get to later.)

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My earbuds kept falling out, until they grew wings https://ift.tt/2ZlUSEO

Opinion post by

Lily Katz

Today, earbuds seem more about gadgetry and software than nailing the basics. Newfangled features place you in the center of your favorite movies, and adjust sound settings based on your location. It’s impressive, sure. But the software magic means nothing if I can’t get my earbuds to fit or stay in place. After over a decade of reviewing earphones, it’s clear that earbuds with wings offer more stability and a better fit than non-winged buds.

Wing tips create a more stable fit than other earbud designs

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The Weekly Authority: 🖐️ Pixel Fold hands-on video https://ift.tt/wctWVTY

Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 242nd edition here with a hands-on Pixel Fold video, a peek at Pixel 7a colorways, a first look at the Galaxy Z Fold 5, The Witcher Season 3 trailer, PS Plus Essential games for May (hope you like racing), and much more…

I saw Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the theater last weekend and was blown away. If you get a chance to see it on tour, I highly recommend it. This weekend’s bringing less high-brow activities for me as it’s time to see Scream VI and 65.

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Here’s your first look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 https://ift.tt/IHFLY7d

Credit: OnLeaks/Smartprix

• Renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 have leaked.
• The new hinge of the phone is on full display in the leaked images.
• The device is expected to be thinner this time around. Display bezels may also shrink.

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The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is still months away, but leaks have been relentlessly spoiling Samsung’s Unpacked party. The phone has now appeared in renders shared by prolific and highly accurate leaker OnLeaks in partnership with Smartprix. So this, folks, is as close as we’ll probably get to seeing the Galaxy Z Fold 5 before Samsung officially announces it. But enough chatter, let’s get into the phone’s design.

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Can you schedule an email in Gmail? Yes, here’s how https://ift.tt/F3TKZNB

Perhaps you want to ensure that your mom gets a Mother’s Day greeting while you’re on vacation. Or that your boss receives that important report on Friday afternoon when you’ve got a round of golf planned. Either way, it might help to know how to schedule an email in Gmail. We’ll run you through how it works.

QUICK ANSWER

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Honkai: Star Rail – How do Support and Starfaring Companions work? https://ift.tt/F3TKZNB

Honkai: Star Rail is like many other gacha JRPGs. It lets you make friends and then share your best characters with those friends. We have a tutorial on making friends in Honkai: Star Rail already. In this article, we’ll talk about Support Characters and Starfaring Companions, what they do, and how they work.

QUICK ANSWER

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Check out the best gangster movies on Netflix https://ift.tt/xlhqC5u

Credit: Netflix

Are you looking to watch a movie with big crimes, lots of guns, and an unhealthy dose of profanity? Fuhgeddaboutit! We’re here to tell you about the best gangster movies on Netflix right now. If you haven’t ditched the streamer for one of its alternatives, you’ll know there are tons of new shows and movies to check out every week, including plenty of crime titles.

Netflix’s selection of gangster movies is robust, but many of the heavy hitters are missing. For example, the series of Godfather films and Goodfellas are nowhere to be found on the service. However, there are some bonafide classics available, as well as a few off-the-beaten-path gems you should check out. Don’t have Netflix? You can sign up at the link below.

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Android 14 could liven up Material You with significantly bolder colors https://ift.tt/h8Ybw0Z

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

• Android 14 could bring a new theme style to Material You called “Fidelity.”
• Fidelity offers significantly bolder Material You colors than what was available before.
• The bolder colors aren’t directly available in Android 14 yet.

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Material You has been the face of Android UI design language since Android 12. While it looks great and all, the fact that it can’t always exactly match your background is a noticeable limitation. But Android 14 could have a fix for that problem.

According to 9to5Google, the Material Design team is working on a new theme style called “Fidelity.” This new theme style would introduce new significantly bolder colors to Material You.

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Who created ChatGPT and who owns it today? https://ift.tt/qBplMkb

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Out of seemingly nowhere in late 2022, ChatGPT surprised the world with its human-like language capabilities. Right out of the gate, the chatbot could do everything from generating movie scripts to writing computer code. ChatGPT was made possible thanks largely due to decades worth of research and development. However, most people hadn’t heard of its creator OpenAI until the chatbot’s release. So in this article, let’s explore ChatGPT’s origins, who controls it, and what challenges it might face going forward.

Who created ChatGPT?

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Which Oura Ring should you buy? A comparison of all styles and models https://ift.tt/Yzi0DVm

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The latest Oura Ring 3 proves powerful tools can come in tiny packages. We cover all the Oura Ring models available to help you slip the perfect fitness tracker onto your finger.

Oura Ring Gen 3 vs older models

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The best Verizon deals: Get the Galaxy S23 Plus for free https://ift.tt/u1PMfhZ

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Verizon is the biggest US carrier, with great coverage and a good selection of phones. But finding the best Verizon savings shouldn’t have to be a trawl for those seeking a new device but looking for the best deal possible. We’ve put together the best Verizon deals that are currently available. 

There’s a lot to get through, which is a good thing. Let’s dive in.

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New Pixel 7a leak shows the phone in Coral for the first time https://ift.tt/n2c57Ho

Credit: Evan Blass

• A new leak shows the upcoming Pixel 7a in a fourth colorway.
• The new color is believed to be called Coral.
• This is the first time a Pixel phone has been offered in four colors.

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Earlier today, a leak filled in some holes and gave us a full picture the Google Pixel 7a’s specs. Now a new leak does the same with the Google Pixel 7a’s colors.

Well known and reputable leaker Evan Blass took to Twitter today to give us a new image of the Pixel 7a. While we’ve seen renders of the Pixel 7a before, we’ve never seen it like this. The latest render leak shows off the handset draped in an orangish/pink color much like the Coral Google Nest Mini. It’s believed that this colorway is also called Coral.

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Samsung’s Q1 2023 earnings report wasn’t just bad, it was really bad https://ift.tt/NPu3xZE

Credit: Ryan McLeod / Android Authority

• Samsung has reported its earnings in the first quarter of 2023.
• The report reveals that Samsung saw a 95% profit decline.
• Samsung’s chip division is responsible for a majority of the loss.

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Times are tough for the smartphone market. Due to factors like inflation, demand is weak at the moment. According to the latest earnings report from Samsung, this slow market has really inflicted some pain on the company’s financials.

According to a report from CNBC, Samsung experienced a massive drop in profit during the first quarter of 2023. The manufacturer, in fact, saw a jaw-dropping 95% decline in year-over-year earnings.

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Last chance to get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for just $39.99 https://ift.tt/bYx7uBt

Credit:

Tech Deals

We’re reliably informed that this insanely popular deal on the ultimate productivity tool is about to end. But if you move fast, you can still pick up lifetime access to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for a one-time payment of just $39.99 ($309 off).

The deal is as good as it sounds — no subscription fees or limitations on features. Once you sign up, you’ve got all of the most popular Office software and tools to maximize your productivity. Office Professional 2021 is available for Windows users, but the same savings and price can land you Office Home and Business 2021 if you’re a Mac user.

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Pick up the Nest Mini for just $35.98, and more Google Home and Nest deals https://ift.tt/paLvj3P

When it comes to creating your smart home, Google and Amazon are two of the most popular options. How you decide which ecosystem to pick is up to you, but you might as well save money while you do so. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and gathered some of the best Google Home and Google Nest deals available right now.

Some of the Google Nest products include smart thermostats, smart speakers, and home automation hubs. They can be controlled using your phone or Google Assistant. Nest products, in particular, are known for their sleek design and easy-to-use features, which make them popular among users looking to make their homes more smart, secure, and energy-efficient.

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All Amazon Halo devices will stop working later this year, refunds to come https://ift.tt/msrk7iX

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Amazon is calling it quits on its Halo division.
• Halo devices are no longer available on Amazon’s website.
• The company announced that all Halo devices and the app will cease to function on August 1, 2023.

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On August 27, 2020, Amazon introduced the world to its health and wellness brand, Halo. Now Amazon is shutting down the division completely almost three years later.

Amazon announced in a blog post that it is putting an end to its Halo division. The company will no longer support Halo devices effective July 31, 2023. Amazon has also revealed that it is laying off some of the Halo staff.

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Xiaomi Mi Band 8 buyer’s guide: Specs, features, and competition https://ift.tt/RWxbBwt

After months of rumors, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 officially joins the company’s popular line of budget fitness trackers. From a new strap design to improved internal specs, the device features a few minor upgrades. Here’s everything you need to know about the Xiaomi Mi Band 8.

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Xiaomi Mi Band 8: At a glance

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 launched in China on April 18, though details are still hard to come by elsewhere. The device largely resembles its predecessor in form factor and feature set.

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Qualcomm’s new upscaling tech will boost Android games to 4K 60FPS https://ift.tt/AZ9ycnJ

Credit: Qualcomm

• Qualcomm is rolling out new upscaling technology called Snapdragon Game Super Resolution.
• Qualcomm claims its upscaling tech can boost games from 1080p to 4K and 30FPS to 60 and over FPS.
• Mobile games and XR products that use this tech will launch later this year.

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The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has done a lot to take Android games to the next level. Even the ROG Phone 7, a mobile gaming powerhouse, relies on the SoC. And it looks like the maker of the chip, Qualcomm, isn’t quite done with enhancing mobile gaming. The company is launching new tech that should give games a boost in resolution and performance while minimizing battery drain.

Today, Qualcomm announced via blog post that it is rolling out new upscaling tech for mobile gaming and XR products. The new tech is called Snapdragon Game Super Resolution (GSR), and it’s aimed at maximizing mobile game performance and battery life. GSR won’t just be for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones either, it will also bring improvements to phones with older chips as well.

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Android 14 beta 1.1 is here to fix some bugs seen with the original beta https://ift.tt/FHODzkI

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is launching Android 14 beta 1.1.
• This minor update fixes a bunch of bugs seen in the original beta.
• There are no new features, at least none we’ve noticed yet.

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Google launched the very first Android 14 beta earlier this month. However, things didn’t go smoothly with that launch, as users complained of multiple bugs. Today, Google is issuing a small fix for those issues.

Landing as Android beta 1.1, this minor update address five major bugs. The changelog is copied below:

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Using iMessage with Windows 11 is coming in mid-May thanks to Phone Link https://ift.tt/I5tKikR

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Phone Link iPhone support is coming in mid-May to Windows 11.
• This will allow iPhones to use Phone Link features, including texting with iMessage on Windows.
• Unfortunately, Phone Link will have some significant limitations.

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First launched as the confusingly named Your Phone app, Microsoft’s Phone Link allows Android phones to integrate with Windows. You can access files, send/receive texts or calls, and control your phone’s music without so much as laying a finger on your phone. However, this has only worked on Android phones, not iPhones.

That changes in May 2023. At that time, Microsoft will roll out Phone Link iPhone support, allowing iPhone users to take advantage of many of the same features Android users have been enjoying. You’ll need the Link to Windows app for iOS to see this functionality.

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It looks like Apple copied a feature from Nothing for upcoming earbuds https://ift.tt/G7BZKfq

Credit: Amazon/The Verge

• The beats Studio Buds Plus were spotted prematurely on Amazon.
• The earbuds come in a transparent variant reminiscent of the Nothing Ear series.
• The ANC buds are expected to release on May 18 at $169.95.

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The Beats Studio Buds Plus have been awaited for a while now, and it seems Amazon has spilled the beans a little ahead of time. The earbuds from the Apple-owned subsidiary were prematurely listed on the e-commerce portal (h/t The Verge). The page has since been removed, but folks managed to grab images, specs, and pricing for the buds.

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This Microsoft Edge feature is leaking the sites you visit to Bing https://ift.tt/sZziMVG

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Microsoft added a feature to its Edge browser that allows users to follow content creators.
• The feature appears to be malfunctioning, and the latest Edge update has the feature on by default.
• Now Edge is sending the URLs from every website you visit to Bing API servers.

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Just as Microsoft Edge was starting to attract new users with its Bing AI integration, it may lose some of its momentum. The reason why is that the browser is experiencing an issue that’s affecting the privacy of its users.

The Microsoft Edge browser appears to be sending the full URLs of every website you visit to Bing API servers, according to The Verge. Redditors first discovered the problem last week. It seems the issue stems from a feature that allows users to follow content creators.

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Save over $200 on the Galaxy Chromebook 2, and more great Chromebook deals https://ift.tt/8e1fdlZ

It’s relatively easy to find a good Chromebook on a budget. After all, the whole idea behind Chrome OS devices is that they serve as a cheaper alternative to Windows laptops or macBooks. We’ve rounded up some of the best Chromebook deals on the internet, so you won’t have to search too hard for a good price.

If you’re in the market for a new affordable laptop, scroll on to find a host of the best Chromebook deals available this month.

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The ASUS ROG Ally is sounding like a Steam Deck on steroids https://ift.tt/7aeAYmV

Credit: ASUS

• Hands-on time with the ASUS ROG Ally has revealed more about the experience.
• The Ally appears to be less of a Steam Deck competitor and more of a premium alternative.
• It’s still unknown what the price of this handheld PC will be.

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ASUS has started to let people get some hands-on time with the highly anticipated ROG Ally. Based on reports, the handheld gaming PC is sounding like a pretty impressive device. It also seems like ASUS is aiming to make its console a premium alternative to the Steam Deck rather than a direct competitor.

The Verge‘s Monica Chin got some time to demo ASUS’s upcoming gaming product. Although ASUS didn’t allow for specifics like battery life, GPU power, and more to be mentioned, Chin paints a picture of an incredibly capable device.

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We have conflicting reports on the size and weight of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 https://ift.tt/5W4amiE

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Samsung is making some design changes to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
• A leak claims that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is shorter and lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
• The leak runs contrary to previous reports about the handset’s size and weight.

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Over the months, there have been numerous leaks involving the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Each leak has given us a clearer picture of the upcoming foldable. However, the latest leak may put into question what we actually know about the Fold 5.

Today, a well-known tipster who goes by Ice Universe tweeted out the measurements and weight of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. According to the leaker, the Fold 5 will measure 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm when folded. When open, the leak claims the Fold 5 will be 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.3mm. They also claim the foldable will weigh 254g.

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Chrome OS to improve privacy with dedicated toggle for the mic and camera https://ift.tt/EBcabUR

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• A dedicated toggle for camera and microphone controls is coming to Chromebooks.
• The toggle will make it so that users can manage these controls all from one place.
• The toggle should roll out later this year.

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One of the biggest problems with webcams and microphones is it can be difficult to tell when they’re on or off. On the lighter side, this has resulted in plenty of embarrassing but funny video-meeting moments over the years. But on a more serious note, it could easily turn into a privacy issue if you’re not careful. Thankfully, Chromebook owners are getting a new Chrome OS feature that should make it easier to turn off the camera and microphone completely.

Today, Google announced a slew of new data protection and privacy features coming to Chromebooks. While most of the features are more related to business, there’s one change that everyone should find useful. That update will introduce enhanced camera and microphone privacy controls in the form of a toggle.

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