Sunday, 31 December 2023

Our picks for the best streaming movies of 2023 https://ift.tt/euJDVYS

Following a few years of getting spoiled with theater-quality exclusives on streaming platforms, 2023 was somewhat of a return to business as usual, with only a few big-budget movies launching on streaming services instead of having a traditional theater run (or even simultaneously). Regardless, it was a good year for streaming, and there were plenty of unique movies produced this year.

Below, we’ve picked our 10 favorite titles of the year, as determined with input from the entire Android Authority team. We’ve also included a few honorable mentions. We are ordering this in order of our preference, though every movie in the top 10 is so close (and so different) that it’s really hard to go wrong with any of these. While most of these films are true platform exclusives, be aware some of these films had limited releases at film festivals or internationally but are only available in the US through streaming. 



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The best headphones and true wireless earbuds I’m looking forward to in 2024: Sony, Samsung, more! https://ift.tt/1bcPJ7S

2023 delivered some of the best wireless earbuds and headphones that money can buy. From the sporty Jabra Elite 8 Active to the future-proof Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, there were plenty of feature-rich headphones to choose from. But with such fast-paced change and increasing competition from more affordable brands, can high-end manufacturers deliver the goods over the coming year? While there are no confirmed dates yet, we have gathered information on which headphones to look forward to over the next 12 months. Here is my list of the best headphones to expect in 2024.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Top-down view of the Sony-WH1000XM5 with the ear cups folded flat and upwards



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Our picks for the 10 best new Android games in 2023 https://ift.tt/Z8x26nT

After years of free games dominating the scenes, we finally saw a big shift in 2023. Although there were plenty of great Android games released this year that were still free, only two out of ten of our top favorite mobile games of 2023 are completely free with ads, although a few have demo versions.

Why the sudden reversal? Part of it is due to Netflix. The streaming giant dipped its toes into mobile games in 2021, but 2023 saw it ramp up these efforts, offering high-quality ports of console games and other original titles to its subscribers at no extra cost. Apple also played a role with the announcement of the iPhone 15 Pro and the company’s plans to bring console-quality games to its phone, offering them at premium prices ranging from $30 to $60.



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Saturday, 30 December 2023

Here are some of the AI features coming with the Galaxy S24 series! https://ift.tt/xbLa8i7

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Leaked image 4
  • A new leak has highlighted two AI features and the three other highlight features of the Galaxy S24 series.
  • According to this leak, the Galaxy S24 is expected to come with a Live Translate feature within the Samsung Phone app.
  • The Generative Edit feature will let users move or remove objects using AI, though it requires an internet connection.

Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S24 series in early January 2024, and the flagships will set the benchmark for other Android flagships to beat. We already have a fair idea of the spec sheet of the three phones in the series, though reports have long suggested that AI will also play a significant role in these new phones. Now, thanks to a leak, we know in better detail the new AI features coming to the Galaxy S24 series!

Leaker Arsène Lupin has posted details about the AI features coming to the Galaxy S24 series, likely gleaned from a premature retailer listing of the phones.



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Friday, 29 December 2023

The cheapest countries to buy an iMac https://ift.tt/n6ASpxb

Apple fans interested in a desktop computer over a laptop are only going to look at one product: the Apple iMac. Also a favorite of graphic designers and anyone without the space for a PC tower, the iMac is a high-end machine with a high price tag to match. The cheapest of the latest M3 processor models starts at $1,299 in the USA before sales tax, which can lead to thoughts about whether you could get a cut-price version while you’re abroad. But is this possible? We’ve looked at the cheapest places to buy an iMac in an attempt to answer that question.

We’re looking at this from the point of view of a US tourist, which is a key distinction here. Residents of some countries, including America, have to pay a sales tax on high-end goods like the iMac in their home countries, whereas visitors to those shores can often avoid the sales tax or claim it back. We’re discussing whether a US resident can travel internationally to both get a better price on the machine and swerve the sales tax that they’d pay in the States.



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Catch a record-low price on the new Anker Nano10,000mAh power bank https://ift.tt/4DMemTG

Anker is your go-to brand if you want effective and affordable charging. The new Anker Nano 10,000mAh power bank is ideal for anyone with a USB-C device, and it’s at an all-time low price right now on Amazon. It’s on sale for $39.99 from the manufacturer via the retail giant.

Anker Nano Power Bank for $39.99 ($10 off)



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Thursday, 28 December 2023

The best new streaming movies this week: Thank You I’m Sorry, Hell Camp, and more https://ift.tt/aexqZVA

There is a lot to watch on the various streaming services available in 2023 — sometimes, it almost feels like too much. To simplify things for you, we’ve compiled some of the best new streaming movies to watch that are new this week.

Check out our top picks from major streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and will sometimes even bring you an exciting new VOD movie or two. In addition to the latest movies from this week, we also give you other recommendations for shows that have arrived on a new streaming platform in the last 30 days. 



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Google will settle Chrome incognito mode class-action suit so nothing will change https://ift.tt/eyZvOTk

Google Chrome Incognito Mode with background
  • Google has agreed to settle a Chrome incognito mode class-action lawsuit.
  • Under the settlement, Google won’t need to admit wrongdoing or change how incognito mode works.
  • The 2020 lawsuit alleged that Google is not transparent about what incognito mode does or doesn’t do.

Back in 2020, a small group of consumers filed a lawsuit against Google. The class-action suit alleged that Chrome’s incognito mode does not fully protect users from internet tracking. The group called this a violation of wiretap laws and sued the company for unspecified damages.

Predictably, Google’s legal team tried to get the lawsuit dismissed. However, in August 2023, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected this bid. Now, just a few months later, Google has agreed to settle the lawsuit (via Ars Technica). As usual, this means the case will not move forward; Google will not need to admit to any wrongdoing and the way incognito mode works will not need to change.



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Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Google Maps’ Driving Mode could be killed off, because Google https://ift.tt/xgTwOq5

Google Maps Driving Mode on Android.
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
  • Google could be planning to kill Driving Mode in Google Maps in early 2024, according to an APK teardown.
  • The teardown suggests that you might need to use Google Assistant for your driving needs instead.

Google currently offers a Driving Mode in Google Maps for Android, delivering a safer, more convenient experience when navigating. Unfortunately, it looks like this feature might be removed early next year.

9to5Google spotted two curious strings in version 14.52 of the Google app, and we were subsequently able to spot them as well. The outlet believes that these strings relate to the Driving Mode in Google Maps for Android. The first string notes that an unspecified “view” is going away in February 2024.



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The cheapest countries to buy a Google Pixel 7 https://ift.tt/akw0Dix

google pixel 7a hero empty background
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Despite not being the latest flagship anymore, the Google Pixel 7 remains a great Android phone in terms of value for money, with the smartphone hitting the market last year for just $599 plus sales tax in the US. This is considerably cheaper than some of the alternative flagships from the other big players, whose base models often start at around $800. But if you’re planning a trip abroad soon and considering whether you can buy it for less on your travels, we’ve rounded up a list of the cheapest places to buy the Pixel 7 in the world.

The basis for this comparison is from the perspective of a US tourist looking to buy the phone while visiting the countries in question. This is important to state because sales tax isn’t just a thing in the United States, but if you’re not a resident of the country where you buy the Pixel 7 and you’re charged sales tax on your purchase, you can usually claim it back before you return home.



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What is Conversational AI and how does it work? https://ift.tt/J3ya7bN

A Google Pixel Watch displays the Google Assistant.
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

When digital assistants like Siri and the Google Assistant first debuted in the 2010s, their ability to understand natural language was heralded as nothing short of revolutionary. Nearly a decade later, however, their sheen has worn off and conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT have taken stage instead. They can understand general language, including slang, without requiring you to parrot rigid commands each time. But what exactly does conversational AI mean and how does the underlying technology work? Let’s break it down.

What is conversational AI?

Google IO 2023 search generative ai 7



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New York Times sues Microsoft and OpenAI for training AI on its articles https://ift.tt/Isu1hAw

  • The New York Times is suing Microsoft and OpenAI for copyright infringement.
  • The New York Times alleges that ChatGPT and Copilot recite the outlet’s content verbatim, closely summarize it, and mimic its style.
  • The New York Times is asking for billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages.

Microsoft’s and OpenAI’s large language models (LLMs) have landed the two companies in some hot water. A new lawsuit — filed by The New York Times — alleges that the AI models that power Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT are guilty of copyright infringement.

Filed today, a lawsuit from The New York Times claims that Microsoft and OpenAI used “millions” of its articles without permission to train their LLMs. The publication also asserts that Microsoft’s and OpenAI’s chatbots “directly compete with Times content.”



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Tuesday, 26 December 2023

Google Pixel Tablet problems and how to fix them https://ift.tt/8fcAMLx

Google’s return to the tablet space with the Pixel Tablet received a lot of attention. Combined with the included charging dock, the tablet could also take up hub duties when not in use, which is one of its biggest highlights. Solid performance, a good display, and Google’s software prowess make for a well-rounded tablet. However, like any tech, the Pixel Tablet has its share of bugs and glitches. Here’s a look at some common Pixel Tablet problems and how to fix them.

Editor’s note: Not every Pixel Tablet will have these problems. In fact, it’s more than likely that your Pixel Tablet will not have any issues at all.



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How to install Android 14 on your phone right now https://ift.tt/AJG4fch

Google has finally released Android 14, despite continuing to offer betas that showcase new features. Here’s the Pixel Feature Drop, in case you want to know about everything that’s been added to Pixel devices. If you want to give it a shot, you might be wondering how to install Android 14 on your smartphone. This guide can give you all the info you need!

Should I install Android 14?

Since the stable version of Android 14 is now out, you most likely won’t have to deal with any of the issues that come with a beta. So, if you’re a general user, you don’t have to be afraid to download and install the update. But if you’d like to stay on Android 13 for whatever reason, more power to you, but you’ll be missing out on all the new goodies packed into the latest OS.



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A dead mouse is my biggest work nightmare https://ift.tt/Db8LxSq

Opinion post by
Aamir Siddiqui

I’ve been writing words on the Internet for a living for more than nine years now, and I’ve been typing things outside the Internet for much longer than that. It’s safe to say that you’d likely find my hands on a keyboard on any random Monday morning. While I do love my mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX red switches, my Logitech MX Master 3 is my work bestie, and I dread the days I have to work without it.

I have been a long-time mouse user, even during the phases when I used a laptop full-time for work. Yes, as a power user, I should know and learn my keyboard shortcuts. But using a mouse and keyboard combo is the best desktop navigation and productivity system for me. I get a ton of messages throughout the day, and there are always at least four app windows active on my multi-monitor setup. It’s just super convenient to get everything done with a good mouse. So when I don’t have a mouse for navigation, I feel rather lost.



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First things to do with your new Android phone https://ift.tt/iKq0C82

 You’ve just lifted your new Android device from its packaging, and you’re beaming. Maybe your hands are shivering with anticipation. Your mouth is dry, and your pupils are dilated. Okay, perhaps you’re not that excited, but a new phone is certainly a cause for celebration. What comes next, though? Here are some of the first things every Android owner should do with their phone when taking it out of the box. These little exercises will ensure you get the most out of your device from day one.

Check out your device

Pixel 7 pro with back panel



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Switching from Android to iPhone? Here are 10 things you should expect https://ift.tt/XeWyJD2

Android phones and iPhones have become much more similar in recent years than in the early days of the smartphone era. Both platforms have borrowed from one another, and it’s never been easier to jump between them.

That said, if you are considering switching from Android to iPhone, there are several advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of beforehand. Keep reading to learn what to expect during and after the transition.


iOS adjustments

Apple iPhone 14 homescreen in hand 2



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Monday, 25 December 2023

Got a new PS5? Here are 8 things you should do first https://ift.tt/Av8WVES

If you’ve been lucky enough to land yourself a PS5 in the holiday sales or as a gift, congratulations! Before you launch straight into the latest open-world epic to test out the specs of your new PS5, there are a number of things you should do to ensure you make the most of the experience. We’ve got eight suggested actions to take right out of the box.

Note: The second and third items on this list have an “If” attached to them. If you don’t own an external storage drive or a PS4/PS4 Pro and the PS5 is entirely new to you, you can skip to number three on this list.



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Got a new phone? Here’s how to switch like a pro https://ift.tt/6GwV3Wy

Did you unwrap a new phone? It can certainly be exciting, but switching phones can be stressful, too. You have to back everything up and remember all of your account logins. If you’re having a hard time, we’re here to help. Our Android Authority reviewers have become pros at switching between devices every few weeks without much of a headache. Here’s how we do it.

By the way. Are you looking to get even more out of your phone? Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best phone accessories you can get!



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Garmin Fenix 8 wishlist: All the features I want to see https://ift.tt/LBUdMNA

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar on wrist
Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

The Garmin Fenix 7 series is one of the best Garmin smartwatches on the market, but it isn’t without its weak points. Even though a true successor is likely quite a ways off, there are a few things I’m hoping to see next year. With that in mind, here is my Garmin Fenix 8 wishlist.

Currently has a low-contrast display, it could use an AMOLED

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar display watch face



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The biggest smartwatch fails and flops of 2023 https://ift.tt/mGd9I5a

As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to take stock of the pivotal events and devices that shaped the last 12 months. 2023 has largely seen some sizeable positives for the smartwatch industry, with the Apple Watch moving forward, the Pixel Watch 2 surprising us with its refinement, and Fitbit proving that it’s not dead under Google’s leadership. But not everything was worth remembering; there have been some notable failures, too. To this end, here is a list of the biggest smartwatch fails and flops of 2023.

Apple forced to halt Watch sales

An Apple Watch Series 9 rests face down displaying the device's sensors.



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Sunday, 24 December 2023

How to create your own chatbot with OpenAI custom GPTs https://ift.tt/O0ANiTF

For nearly a year after its release, ChatGPT behaved the same way for everyone. With the exception of the paid ChatGPT Plus tier and the optional GPT-4 language model, there weren’t many ways in which you could customize the chatbot. However, that finally changed when ChatGPT introduced custom instructions, which let you specify the chatbot’s response styles. Now, OpenAI is going one step further with custom GPTs that anyone can build and share with the world.

Imagine a customized ChatGPT that can simulate an interview, teach you a new language, critique your creative work, or just recommend movies to watch on a weekend night. Custom GPTs can do all that, without the monotony of explaining the task to ChatGPT every single time. Sounds useful? We agree! Here’s how you can get started.



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The biggest smartphone flops and fails of 2023 https://ift.tt/Yeg8IfG

Pixel 8 Pro vs Stanley IR Thermometer measuring a cat's temperature
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

There were plenty of bright spots for the smartphone industry in 2023. We finally got more foldable phone competition for Samsung, mid-range phones continued to bring the heat, and software update policies saw a major upgrade.

It wasn’t all good, though. For every major win in the mobile space this year, there was a fail or major misstep. These were the biggest smartphone fails and flops in 2023.



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The most intriguing phone I tested in 2023 was the Fairphone 5 https://ift.tt/TkXPZ58

fairphone 5 deconstructed full
Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Opinion post by
Rita El Khoury

I still remember the days when taking apart a phone was a matter of removing the battery cover, turning a few very obvious screws, and pulling plastics and metal bits apart to reveal the board, charging connector, screen, and speaker.

With the advent of modern, touch-only, and water-resistant smartphones, all of that became a nostalgic memory and I’d wager that there are teenagers nowadays who have never seen the switches behind a T9 keyboard, or even a T9 keyboard to begin with!



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Saturday, 23 December 2023

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 wishlist: All the features I want to see https://ift.tt/7cXhRi1

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series ranks as the best trio of Android tablets, but nothing is perfect. The extremely wide aspect ratio is one of the most obvious weaknesses for anyone hoping to use the tablets in portrait orientation, but there are other improvements we’d love to see, too. While we likely won’t see a new model until late 2024, it’s fun to speculate what the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10, Tab S10 Plus, and Tab S10 Ultra might have in store for us. Let’s jump right in and take a look at my wishlist for Samsung’s 2024 flagship tablet.

Optional 5G for the entire Tab S10 lineup

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is the only model that offers a 5G option. That’s right; if you want the Tab S9 or Tab S9 Ultra, your only choice is a Wi-Fi-only model. This seems like a silly oversight, especially for the Ultra, which has a large display that could make it a great travel companion for those who need something that can double as a monster productivity machine. I really think all the Galaxy Tab S10 models should have 5G as an option. I can’t see it adding much to the production costs, so it feels like a low-risk change for Samsung.



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Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300 benchmarked: There can only be one winner https://ift.tt/BwXhrRH

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 logo Redmagic 9 Pro
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in October, 2023 while MediaTek announced its Dimensity 9300 in November. These chipsets are expected to power a host of flagship phones in 2024, but device makers are wasting little time in adopting these processors.

We’ve already seen handsets with both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 launching. We got our hands on the Snapdragon-toting REDMAGIC 9 Pro and the Dimensity-equipped vivo X100 Pro. This gives us the first opportunity to see how these new chipsets fare against each other in real-world devices.



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Friday, 22 December 2023

Humane announces AI Pin will start shipping in March https://ift.tt/w1SQpG5

Humane Ai Pin Business
Credit: Humane
  • Humane announced it will start shipping its AI Pin to those who placed priority orders starting in March 2024.
  • The pins will ship out in the order the preorders were received.
  • Humane launched the AI Pin last month.

Humane is not exactly a household name, but you may remember the announcement of its GPT-4-powered AI Pin. The company made its first product available for pre-order back in November, and now the firm has revealed when its pins will start shipping.

Back when AI Pin was officially announced, Humane said the device wouldn’t ship until early 2024. The company has now narrowed down a date, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that its AI Pin will start shipping in March 2024.



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10 best battery widgets for Android phones and tablets https://ift.tt/qL7ctWz

Battery widgets were a pretty big deal back in the day because Android phones rarely showed your battery percentage in the status bar so a widget helped you keep track of stuff. These days, most Android phones show the battery percentage in the status bar, so, widgets aren’t the most necessary thing. But, some people still enjoy having one, though, and there are still some really good ones out there. A good battery widget should have options, at least some customization, and be accurate. Some even provide historical data, revealing the causes of battery drain on your smartphone. So, here are the best battery widgets for Android.

The best battery widgets for Android


Ampere

Price: Free / $1.09
Ampere screenshot 2021



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Plex is now appearing on Google TV’s ‘Top picks for you’ section https://ift.tt/Tj5VKLC

Plex Google TV
Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority
  • Plex is now appearing in the “Top picks for you” section of Google TV.
  • Google TV is now treating Plex as a source of content similar to Disney Plus and Netflix.
  • Recommendations are appearing even if you don’t have Plex installed.

Google TV makes it easier to find the shows and movies you want to watch from your favorite streaming platforms through its “Top picks for you” recommendations. This section most commonly suggests content from integrated apps like Disney Plus, but it looks like it may have added another app to that list — Plex.

While Plex has been available on Google TV for a while, it has not appeared in the “Top picks for you” section. Until recently, the app was mostly treated as just a container of content. But it appears Google TV now sees it as a source of content instead, similar to how it treats Amazon Prime and Netflix.



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Thursday, 21 December 2023

How does Alexa work? The tech behind Amazon’s virtual assistant, explained https://ift.tt/AGBiTFg

Amazon Echo Dot Alexa speaker with light ring turned on stock photo 1
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

We’ve got quite a few guides for using Amazon Alexa on Android Authority, but you may be curious about the voice assistant’s underlying technology. Here’s a brief explanation of how Alexa works, from its overall structure to how it hears and responds to voice commands.

How Alexa works: An overview

The Amazon Echo Show 15 on a wall.



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Google Chrome is getting safer and smarter with new update https://ift.tt/71DhWQm

Google Chrome running on a Windows laptop stock photo (5)
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Safety Check will now run automatically in the background and warn you if you have compromised passwords, harmful extensions, and more.
  • Memory Saver will tell you if a tab should remain active and how much memory can be saved if a tab goes inactive.
  • Tab groups can now be saved and accessed on other desktop devices.

Next month, Google plans on testing a “Tracking Protection” feature that will restrict websites from accessing third-party cookies that track your actions across the internet. Before that happens, however, Google is enabling new capabilities that it says will make Chrome on desktop safer and smarter.

Google revealed it is rolling out a few new abilities for Safety Check, Memory Saver, and tab groups this week. Three of the abilities launched today and the fourth will be released in the next few weeks.



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Best deal of 2023 on the Google Pixel Buds Pro https://ift.tt/irM6b4j

Google’s holiday season deals have been mightily impressive, but Amazon has outdone even the Black Friday offers on the brand’s top wireless earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro just dropped to a record-low price of $113.94, saving you $86 on the audio hardware.

Google Pixel Buds Pro for $113.94 ($86 off)



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Wednesday, 20 December 2023

I asked Bard and ChatGPT to plan me a trip and one result really impressed me https://ift.tt/1U3bAQB

Stock photo of Google Bard website on phone 3
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Google recently gave its Bard chatbot a major makeover in the form of an upgrade to the new Gemini Pro large language model. According to Google, Gemini represents a significant step forward, and the current Gemini Pro variant is considerably more advanced than GPT-3.5. After spending the last few weeks regularly using ChatGPT and Bard side-by-side for the same requests, I’ve come away with a pretty clear picture of how the two LLMs differ.

While I’m still working on my full Bard vs ChatGPT comparison, there are a few areas where Bard shines brighter. It turns out, trip planning is one of these things.



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The TicWatch Pro 5 plunges to its record-low price ($105 off) https://ift.tt/o5KIBQL

You’d be forgiven for having missed the TicWatch Pro 5 deal in the Black Friday sales. While much top-branded hardware was on sale for most of November, the impressive smartwatch was only on offer for a single day. But you now have a chance to pick up the wearable at that excellent price once more, thanks to an on-page Amazon coupon slashing $105 off the retail price.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 for $244.99 ($105 off)



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Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Using TikTok on foldable phones and tablets just got way better https://ift.tt/k5PxdtT

TikTok on foldable
Credit: TikTok
  • TikTok has released an update for its app.
  • The update optimizes TikTok for large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets.
  • Key features include a refined video feed, streamlined navigation bar, and landscape and portrait support.

TikTok has long been optimized for the typical slab phone, neglecting larger screen form factors — like the foldable phone. But it looks like that is changing now after the app’s latest update.

In a blog post, TikTok announced it is releasing an update that will better optimize the app for foldable devices and tablets. The company says this upgrade will create a more “seamless and visually appealing TikTok experience.”



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The best Google Nest products of 2023 https://ift.tt/PBaFGSm

Google bought Nest Labs in 2014 to make a major smart home push, and now, everything from thermostats to speakers and displays bears the Nest branding. Some of the company’s offerings are better than others ― and we’re here to play favorites. These are the best Google Nest products you can buy right now.

The best Google Nest products

To complete a Google ecosystem, we’ve also got a list of the best Google Home devices from third-party manufacturers, such as lights, locks, plugs, and vacuums.



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Nothing Phone 1 owners get Android 14 beta as early Christmas gift https://ift.tt/KZSALQz

nothing phone 1 glyph on rear wood
Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
  • Nothing began rolling out the stable version of Nothing OS 2.5 to the Phone 2 last week.
  • Nothing OS 2.5 is now rolling out in beta for the Phone 1.
  • The update brings more customization, additional gesture controls, new widgets, and a few improvements.

Last Friday, Nothing announced it was bringing the stable version of Nothing OS 2.5 to the Phone 2. The company also said there would be an open beta released for the Phone 1 before the end of the year, but didn’t specify the release date. But it appears that the time is now, as the company has officially announced the open beta.

Only days after releasing the stable version of Nothing OS 2.5 — based on Android 14 — for the Phone 2, Nothing announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it is releasing OS 2.5 in open beta for the Phone 1 today. The social post in question is a clever holiday-themed message with wrapping paper-like images that reveal the announcement when clicked on.



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