Phone & OS

  In a significant development, Google may be working on introducing extension support to the Chrome browser app for Android. This move could potentially bridge the gap between the mobile and desktop versions of the browser, offering users a more comprehensive browsing experience. Historically, Google has been hesitant to offer extension support on mobile versions of Chrome, with some reports suggesting that the company may be concerned about the impact of ad blockers, which are available as extensions. However, with the increasing demand for a more feature-rich mobile browsing experience, Google may be reevaluating its stance. According to recent reports, Google is developing a new version of Chrome for Android, aimed at "desktop" devices like Chromebooks. This new version, dubbed "Desktop Android," is expected to support browser extensions, a feature that has been absent from the mobile version of Chrome. The introduction of Desktop Android is part of Goog...

  Google has commenced the rollout of its Android Theft Protection features, designed to provide users with an additional layer of security in the event of device theft. This new functionality is aimed at safeguarding personal data and preventing unauthorized access to stolen devices. Theft Detection Lock The Theft Detection Lock feature utilizes a combination of device sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to detect when a device is being taken without the owner's consent. If the system determines that the device is being stolen, the screen will automatically lock, thereby preventing access to personal data. This feature is triggered when the device is in use and unlocked, and the screen can be locked up to twice a day. Offline Device Lock In the event that a thief attempts to disable internet connectivity to prevent location tracking, the Offline Device Lock feature will be triggered. This feature requires two conditions to be met: the device must be active...

 Samsung has announced plans to expand its "One UI" software branding, currently exclusive to Galaxy devices, to its other major tech products, including TVs and home appliances, starting in 2025. This move aims to create a cohesive software experience across the company's portfolio. One UI, first introduced in 2018, replaced the widely criticized TouchWiz Android skin on Galaxy devices, providing a welcome and well-received update. Since then, Samsung has continued to build upon and refine the software, even expanding it to smartwatches following the company's adoption of Wear OS. During its annual developer conference, Samsung revealed that One UI will become the new name for the company's software experiences across major product lines, encompassing TVs and home appliances. While details on how this will affect software design and features are scarce, the announcement suggests a unified design language and integrated software experience across devices. ...

  Image: Samsung Samsung has announced the extension of passkey support to its smart TV lineup and other smart home devices, further enhancing the security and convenience of its ecosystem. This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to streamline user authentication across its range of devices, which includes smartphones, tablets, and smart home products running on the Tizen operating system. Passkeys, a more secure alternative to traditional passwords, offer a passwordless authentication process that relies on biometric data or device-based verification. This technology is designed to mitigate the risks associated with password-based security, such as phishing attacks or credential theft, by eliminating the need for users to input passwords. By integrating passkey support into its smart TVs and smart home devices, Samsung aims to provide users with a seamless and secure experience across its connected ecosystem. The passkey feature will work in conjunction with Sam...

In a significant departure from its traditional release schedule, Google's mid-range Pixel 9a is rumored to launch as early as March 2025, the earliest release date in the lineup's history. This development comes on the heels of the Pixel 9 series' early launch in August, which was released over two months before the usual October expectation and ahead of Android 15's debut. According to a report by Android Headlines, citing multiple sources, the Pixel 9a will be available for pre-order in mid-March 2025. This revised schedule aligns with the rest of the Pixel 9 series and may explain the recent surge in leaks and prototype sightings. The report also references earlier CAD-based renders of the Pixel 9a as evidence of the altered schedule. Google's mid-range Pixel series has historically had a volatile release schedule. The initial Pixel 3a was released at Google I/O in May 2019, while the Pixel 4a was delayed until August due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pi...

Microsoft has officially launched Office 2024 for both Mac and Windows users, offering an updated suite of productivity applications available through a one-time purchase. The new version, introduced on October 2, 2024, is priced at $149.99 for the Home and Student edition, which includes core applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This release marks a continuation of Microsoft's strategy to provide a perpetual license option for users who prefer a standalone product rather than subscribing to Microsoft 365, the company's cloud-based subscription service. The one-time purchase versions of Office 2024 will not include access to cloud services such as OneDrive or Outlook and will not receive the continuous updates that Microsoft 365 subscribers benefit from. However, Office 2024 will receive security updates and necessary patches for several years post-release. The Home and Business edition, priced at $249.99, includes additional access to Outlook alongside the standar...

In 2023, Google introduced Gemini Nano, a lightweight version of its Gemini AI technology, designed to enable Android devices to run AI-powered features locally without relying on an internet connection. Initially, the technology was exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, but it has since been expanded to other devices, including the Galaxy S24 series. However, until now, there has been a lack of clarity regarding which smartphones support Gemini Nano and which ones feature the enhanced multimodality version. Thankfully, this ambiguity has been resolved, courtesy of a report by Android Police, which has obtained confirmation from Google on the devices that support Gemini Nano and those that feature the multimodality variant. Devices that Support Gemini Nano The following devices have been confirmed to support Gemini Nano: Google Pixel 8 Google Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 8a Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24...