F-Droid blasts Google, the Play Store opens up, and repurposing a Fire Tablet: Android This Week


F-Droid blasts Google, the Play Store opens up, and repurposing a Fire Tablet: Android This Week

This week, Nova Launcher received what is likely its final update, the Fairphone 6 launched in the US, and the OnePlus 15 got official. Meanwhile, apps are evolving: Gboard now features "flick keys" for faster number and symbol entry, Google Messages is testing a 30-day trash folder to recover deleted texts, and the Samsung Galaxy camera app may soon get user-friendly Pro Mode presets. And more!

Android News Nova Launcher May Have Just Received Its Final Update

Last month, one of Android's most iconic home screen launchers announced its unfortunate demise. Nova Launcher's death was a long time coming, but it turns out the team had one more update up its sleeves. However, this unexpected update has some pretty big asterisks. Continue reading...

Google Maps Is Testing an Ultra Power Saving Mode

Google Maps is an extremely useful tool that millions rely on for driving and navigation instructions, but if your phone runs out of battery, you're in trouble. Smartphones have several battery-saving modes users can take advantage of, but now it sounds like Google's busy building its own ultra-low-power mode specifically for Maps. Continue reading...

Buying Things in Android Apps Is About to Look Different

The way payments work through Android apps from the Play Store is changing, and it's all thanks to a court ruling. If you're an Android user in the US, you now have access to more flexibility and potentially cheaper apps, but it won't be immediately obvious where to look. Continue reading...

The Fairphone 6 Finally Arrives In the United States

We recently reported on the release of the Fairphone 6. I really like Fairphones, but like every other phone that's not from Samsung, OnePlus, or Apple, they're not really sold in the United States. Now, that's changing. Kind of. Continue reading...

Android Auto Is Getting Home Screen Widgets

Widgets are an essential part of the Android phone experience, but you've probably never thought about using them on your Android Auto display. Google appears to be working on exactly that, and it could be more useful than you might think. Continue reading...

Gboard's Newest Feature Helps You Type Faster

On-screen keyboards are pretty great these days thanks to gesture typing and all sorts of autocorrect and next-word suggestion features. Things can always improve, which is why Google Keyboard, also known as Gboard, just got a nifty feature that'll help you type faster. Continue reading...

F-Droid Says Google Is Lying About the Future of Sideloading on Android

One of the biggest benefits Android has always offered is the freedom to own your device truly. Now, with a new developer decree, that freedom is in jeopardy -- but Google claims that isn't the case. Not everyone agrees. Continue reading...

Samsung Might Backtrack On The Z Fold 7's Only Bad Change

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched two months ago, and yet, for all the improvements it's packing, it's also lacking a key thing: S Pen support. Now, though, its successor might pack a notable improvement in this aspect. Continue reading...

New Google Messages Feature Might Save Deleted Texts and Chats

Have you ever accidentally deleted a text message, or even worse, an entire conversation, and wished you could retrieve it from the trash? Apparently, Google Messages could be getting exactly that, as we see signs of a trash folder that'll store messages or chats for a set amount of time. Continue reading...

Samsung Showed Off Its Elusive Tri-Fold Hardware

Samsung's foldable lineup is getting a new member. Eventually. At some point. Samsung's tri-fold hardware has been so elusive you'd be forgiven for thinking of it as vaporwave despite the rumor mill and Samsung itself confirming it's coming. Now, it has been officially teased, though we still don't know much about it. Continue reading...

You Might Actually Use Pro Mode With This Galaxy Camera Update

Samsung Galaxy phones have some of the best cameras on the market, and if you know what you're doing, Pro Mode can take your photos to the next level. However, that's the problem -- not everyone knows what they're doing. The controls are not exactly user-friendly, and Samsung is working on something that could make it better. Continue reading...

Your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Just Got Its Last Security Update

The Galaxy S20 FE was a very popular phone. It was a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy S20 series that still had some flagship qualities, but at a considerably lower price. Now, though, it has officially reached the end of its lifespan. Continue reading...

Google's Gemini-Powered Health Coach is Rolling Out

Google first teased its new AI-powered Health Coach feature during the launch of the Pixel 10 and Pixel Watch 4 in August, and now it's ready to roll out as a limited beta. Starting tomorrow, October 28th, Google will open the first public preview of its Gemini-powered Personal Health Coach for select users in the United States. Continue reading...

Your Next Hotel Stay Might Have Google TV

Have you ever wished the TV in your hotel room was better, had a more user-friendly interface, or was similar to what you have at home? If so, you might be in luck. Your next hotel stay might have a TV worth using thanks to DirecTV, which has partnered with Google TV to overhaul its platform in hotels starting in 2026. Continue reading...

The OnePlus 15 Has Next-Level Water Protection

The year 2025 hasn't even ended, and OnePlus has already been hard at work teasing what's going to be its next phone, the OnePlus 15. Now, it's launching in China, with lots of surprises. Continue reading...

Android Editorials, Lists & More Let's Remember Some Weird Phones: The Facebook Phone

Social media feels like a core part of life these days, but there was a time when it was still a fresh idea that people were excited about. Smartphone companies were searching for the "next big thing," and for a brief period, one of the biggest social networks on the planet decided it needed its own phone. Continue reading...

The Google Pixel Feature That the iPhone Still Can't Match

Everyone knows the moment. You hear a song playing out in the world, and you either just can't quite remember the name, or it's your first time hearing it, and you want to know more. What if your phone automatically identified it all on its own? That's the magic of Pixel's "Now Playing," and Apple is still scrambling to catch up. Continue reading...

How Google Tracks and Scans Everything on Your Android Device

Every Android user has used the Google Play Store at some point, but what you might not know is that the Play Store app has a background service that is constantly running in the background. This background process is called "Google Play Services," and it has access to everything on your phone. Continue reading...

Why Aren't These Trendy Foldable Phones Sold in the United States?

OPPO Find N5, Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, vivo X Fold5, Honor Magic V5 -- these are some of the best foldable phones on the market, but you can't get them in the United States, at least not officially. How come? Continue reading...

How to Turn Off Annoying AI Features on Your Samsung Galaxy Phone

Samsung beat most other phone makers to the punch when it comes to marketing its Galaxy phones and tablets as AI devices. I don't consider this a good thing. Fortunately, Samsung also does a good job of letting you turn all that stuff off. Continue reading...

13 Years Ago, My Favorite Android Phone Was Unveiled

Exactly 13 years ago this week, on October 29, 2012, Google released a flagship Android phone in its Nexus line that stood out from all the rest. I'm proud to say I owned one, and to this day, it's still my favorite phone ever released -- the Nexus 4. Let's see what made it so special. Continue reading...

7 Ways to Repurpose an Old Amazon Fire Tablet

Amazon Fire Tablets are popular for their extremely affordable price tags. You wouldn't be alone if you've accumulated a few for that very reason. So, what can you do with that dusty Amazon Fire tablet sitting in your junk drawer? You can give it a new, useful life, and in most cases, it's very easy. Continue reading...

Google Maps Has a "Lists" Feature -- And It's Way More Useful Than You'd Think

Google Maps is one of those apps that probably has more features than anyone could know about. One feature you might be missing out on is Lists. This is more than just a bookmarking system -- it can make trip planning and exploration much easier. Continue reading...

Remembering Samsung's Crazy Galaxy Zoom Phone

Back in 2013 my wife, who is a keen photographer, called me over to look at something on her laptop. This was the new phone she wanted, but what I saw on that screen didn't look anything like a smartphone. Continue reading...

When Did Cellular Phones Lose Their Big Antennas?

If you remember the early days of mobile phones, you'll clearly recall the big, bulky antennas that formed part of their signature look. It'd be unthinkable for a new iPhone or Pixel to have an external antenna these days, and unnecessary too. So when exactly were they phased out? Continue reading...

This Custom Launcher Is the Fix For Your Bloated Samsung Device

I've become a fan of Galaxy devices, but I know many are put off by what can feel like bloated software. Fortunately, if you find Samsung's apps and interface to be a bit much, there's a custom launcher that not only solves this problem, but it's arguably at its best when installed on a Samsung phone! Continue reading...

5 Neglected Google Apps That Desperately Need an Update

Google is a company that's not exactly known for sticking with products for the long haul. However, it doesn't always put the final nail in the coffin. There are a few Google apps still kicking around that could really use some love and attention. Continue reading...

4 Reasons I Choose Waze Over Google Maps

I first discovered Waze back in 2014 when traveling to a tech event in Colorado. I flew into Denver and had a 120-mile journey to my destination. It seemed like a simple trip, most of my time would be spent on a single interstate, and the resort was only a few short miles from the exit. About an hour into the trip, Waze suddenly told me to get off the highway at the upcoming exit. I knew I had just over an hour left on this highway, but needing a pit stop, I followed the directions. Continue reading...

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