The Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL will get one final software update next year https://ift.tt/2zumlgX

• Google has confirmed that the final Pixel 3 update will be released sometime in the first quarter of 2022.
• This last software update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will likely bring minor bug fixes.
• The Pixel 3a series still has monthly software updates planned for at least several more months.

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Earlier this week, Google released the November 2021 security updates for its currently supported Pixel smartphones. It was also the first such release that didn’t have updates for the four-year-old Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. However, it’s now confirmed that the Pixel 3 series will receive one final software update.

Google has confirmed, via a statement sent to 9to5Google, that the final Pixel 3 update will drop sometime in the first quarter of 2022. It will likely include some bug fixes for Android 12, along with the most current security update, rolled up into one last release. It’s possible the update could also include the final non-beta release of Android 12L, which is currently scheduled to be made available late in the first quarter of 2021.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3Bze8Gp

Android 12 devices can’t use Chromecast volume controls due to a ‘legal issue’ https://ift.tt/3nUJHW6

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

• Android 12 devices are unable to control Chromecast session volume using their volume keys.
• Once believed to be a bug, the Chromecast volume control issue was a deliberate change on Google’s part.
• A Googler claims the feature was disabled due to a ‘legal issue.’

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For years, Android devices have been able to control the volume of nearby Chromecast sessions by simply using the volume keys. For example, if you cast YouTube from your phone to your Nest Hub or television, you can control the Nest Hub or TV’s volume by using your phone’s volume keys. It’s a handy feature that many Android users have grown to love.

However, the feature was removed from Android after the third Android 12 beta. It was at one point believed to be a bug that Google would fix in an upcoming beta update. A Googler then jumped into the IssueTracker thread and not only confirmed the feature was no longer there, but that it was the intended behavior and would be readded to the software in Android 12 beta 5. In other words, Google removed it on purpose. But why?

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3wbJCRV

The best early Black Friday Samsung Galaxy Tab deals https://ift.tt/3thPQxU

Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The iPad may be the most popular tablet, but it’s far from the only option. Samsung has been fine-tuning the Galaxy Tab line for a few years now, and it’s led to some great Android Tablets, such as the recently released Galaxy Tab S7 FE.  However, the top tablets can get pretty pricey. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Samsung Galaxy Tab deals to help you out.

See also: The best iPad deals

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3sAEpkH

Netflix games finally launch for Android app users https://ift.tt/3bwyLbH

Credit: Netflix

• A small selection of Netflix games are now available to play for Android app users.
• The games are downloaded via the Google Play Store and can be played in the Netflix Android app.
• Five Netflix games will be available to play at first, and all are free with an active Netflix subscription.

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Update, November 2, 2021, at 1:57 PM ET: Netflix has launched five mobile games on its Android app worldwide. The games include two titles based on its hit TV show Stranger Things (Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3), along with the arcade games Shooting Hoops, Card Blast, and Teeter Up. 

Android Netflix app users will now see a new dedicated row with those titles. The games are downloaded via the Google Play Store but are launched and played in the Netflix app. Some require an internet connection, but others can be downloaded and played on the device for offline gaming.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3klcIsc

Here’s a look at all the fancy new Google Photos Material You widgets https://ift.tt/3k1Qf4l

Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

• There are six new Material You-inspired Google Photos widgets to add to your home screen.
• Android 12 is not required, but Google Photos version 5.65 is.
• The blob widget is the best.

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Android 12 has been available on recent Google Pixel phones for a few weeks. However, if you don’t own a recent Pixel device, there’s a good chance you haven’t experienced the wonders of Android 12, or the all-new look and feel Google is calling Material You. However, with a recent Google Photos update, you can inject a little Material You goodness to your homescreen.

Once your phone receives the update to Google Photos version 5.65 (check here), you’ll have six new widget shapes to add to your homescreen.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3nPUjpd

With Android 12L, Google must lead by example https://ift.tt/3nUwqgr

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

The announcement of Android 12L came as a bit of a surprise for many of us. While we were expecting a minor upgrade to Android 12, we were instead presented with a bigger feature drop that’s targeted at devices with larger screens. In fact, this update is important enough that it got its own name, 12L, and will be the subject of a developer preview program, similar to major Android releases.

It was about time Google dedicated some resources to larger devices. The company already sells millions of Chromebooks per year, and while Android tablets aren’t the hottest ones around, they still take up nearly half of the global market (via Statcounter). That’s not to mention the rise of foldables and all the excitement around that form factor.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/3w7SIPx

The best Verizon deals: Save big for Black Friday 2021 https://ift.tt/3x9jIwJ

Verizon is the biggest US carrier, with great coverage and a decent 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. In this post, we’ve put together the best Verizon deals that we’re currently aware of. So let’s dive in, shall we?

Verizon Black Friday deals

Black Friday is just around the corner, and Big Red is rolling out the savings. It has plenty of discounts on both devices and accessories so you can build the perfect setup for your new phone. Check out a few of the deals below and we’ll be sure to add more as Black Friday comes closer.

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