The 10th Google Store Is Opening in May
Google is opening its 10th U.S. retail location, the Google Store Fashion Valley in San Diego, on May 8. The two‑story shop will sell Pixel phones, watches, headphones and smart‑home devices, and offers on‑site repairs and device‑setup appointments. It joins three other California stores, making the state the market with the most Google retail footprints. The venue sits in an open‑air mall next to an Apple Store, highlighting a direct retail rivalry.
Pixelated 097: Lights and Laptops
The Pixelated podcast’s 97th episode reveals two emerging Google hardware concepts: a potential Pixel Laptop hinted at in Android 17 Beta 4, and a new notification‑light system dubbed Pixel Glow slated for the upcoming Pixel 11. Hosts discuss the competitive laptop market and...
Today’s Android Game and App Deals: Lia Hacking Destiny, Ash of Gods, Boxville 2, and More
Google’s Play Store rolled out a fresh batch of Android game and app discounts on April 24, 2026, featuring titles such as Lia: Hacking Destiny, Ash of Gods: Redemption, Boxville 2, and several free‑to‑play upgrades. Prices fell dramatically, with Lia dropping from $6...
Galaxy Book 6 Edge with Snapdragon X2 Leaks, Demands You Use a Bigger Laptop
Samsung’s leaked Galaxy Book 6 Edge will be the first laptop to ship with Qualcomm’s high‑end Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E‑88‑100 processor, delivering 18 cores and up to 4.7 GHz. The device is limited to a 16‑inch AMOLED screen, dropping the 14‑inch option that existed...
Fitbit 4.68 Rolling Out Sleep Editing, Motivational Coach Messages, More Personalization
Fitbit has launched version 4.68 of its Android and iOS apps, introducing sleep‑log editing on Android with an iOS rollout slated soon. The update adds personalized Coach messages, conversational check‑ins, and step‑by‑step workout guidance, while weekly targets become more flexible. A...
The Google TV Brand that Tried to Revive Chromecast Is on Ice
Google TV device maker Thomson revived a Chromecast‑style streamer last year, but its European operations have stalled after its sole licensed partner, StreamView GMBH, filed for bankruptcy. The German distributor owes roughly €36.6 million (about $40 million) and is ceasing activity, leaving Thomson...
Google Releases Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel
Google has rolled out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel devices, following the September Feature Drop. The update targets four critical bugs: a print‑service crash in low‑ink scenarios, an ANR in the Terminal app, VoIP audio distortion, and a failure...
Google Will Fix an Android XR Bug Leaving Galaxy Headsets ‘Functionally Useless’
Google has confirmed a critical memory‑leak bug in Android XR that is causing severe frame‑rate drops and UI freezes on Samsung’s Galaxy XR headsets. Users on Reddit report the devices becoming functionally useless, with performance degrading over time. Google’s community...
Galaxy Z Fold 7 Is Now Available ‘Re-Newed,’ but It Currently Costs More than a New One
Samsung has broadened its Re‑Newed refurbished program to include the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 models. The refurbished Fold 7 is priced between $1,699 and $1,879, while the Flip 7 starts at $939, representing discounts of $300‑$620 and $160‑$310 respectively....
The X App – You Know, Twitter – for Android Is on Fire, but a Fix Is Coming
The Twitter/X Android app is currently unable to open links, embedded content, or correctly route notifications, leaving users stuck on their main feed. The problem has been reported widely and is affecting core navigation functions across the platform. Head of...
![OnePlus Watch 4 Officially Brings Wear OS 6 in a Titanium Body, Mysterious Launch Plans [Gallery]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/oneplus-watch-4-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
OnePlus Watch 4 Officially Brings Wear OS 6 in a Titanium Body, Mysterious Launch Plans [Gallery]
OnePlus has quietly added the Watch 4 to its global website, revealing a titanium‑alloy case and Wear OS 6 powered by OxygenOS Watch 8. The device retains the Snapdragon W5 chip, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage and a 632 mAh battery that delivers up to 16 days in...
Samsung Is Increasingly Worried About First-Ever Mobile Division Loss in RAM Crisis, Report
Samsung’s mobile division is confronting its first potential operating loss as a global RAM shortage, driven by soaring AI demand, inflates component costs. The company’s head of MX, TM Roh, warned of a possible annual deficit, marking a stark departure...
Fitbit Redesigns Sleep Score with Detailed Metrics, Actionable Tips
Fitbit has launched a public preview of a redesigned Sleep Score that breaks the rating down into six specific metrics, including total sleep duration, time to sound sleep, and restlessness. The new view offers transparent, data‑driven insights and actionable tips,...
Google Wallet Adds Live Update for Flight Tracking
Google Wallet on Android now provides Live Updates for flight tracking, displaying real‑time status, estimated arrival and a progress bar on the lock screen and always‑on display. The feature activates shortly before take‑off for users who have added a boarding...
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with Cloud Gaming Gets a Price Cut and Just One Trade-Off
Microsoft announced a steep price reduction for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, cutting the monthly fee from $29.99 to $22.99, with PC Game Pass also dropping to $13.99. The Essential and Premium console tiers stay at $9.99 and $14.99. However, future...
Those ‘New’ EU Battery Regulations Probably Won’t Mean Hot-Swap Batteries for Your Android Phone
The European Union’s new battery regulation, set to take effect on February 17, 2027, aims to improve repairability and recyclability of mobile devices. It defines a battery as removable only if it can be taken out without special tools, thermal energy, or...
Gemini for Home Assistant Adding Continued Conversation
Google is rolling out Continued Conversation for its Gemini for Home voice assistant, letting users ask follow‑up questions without repeating the “Hey Google” hotword. The microphone stays active for a few seconds after a response, preserving context so queries like...
Amazon Sued over Killing Chromecast-Era Fire TV Sticks, New Update Policy Confirmed
Amazon faces a class‑action lawsuit alleging it "bricked" first‑ and second‑generation Fire TV sticks by ending software updates in 2022 and 2023. Plaintiffs claim the lack of updates rendered remotes unusable and devices inoperable, forcing purchases of newer hardware. Amazon...
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Series Outsold the S25 by 29% over Its First Three Weeks
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 flagship trio outperformed its predecessor, selling 29% more units in the first three weeks after launch. The premium S26 Ultra captured 71% of consumer purchases, buoyed by carrier discounts from AT&T and T‑Mobile on the $1,300 device....
Gemini Live Redesign Replaces Fullscreen Interface on Android
Google is testing a redesign of Gemini Live on Android that removes the long‑standing fullscreen interface. The feature now lives within the Gemini app homepage, with a top bar labeled “Live with Gemini” and a new transcript button. A pill‑shaped...
What Do You Want Google’s ‘Pixel Glow’ Lights to Do?
Google is prototyping a new Pixel laptop and a back‑panel lighting system dubbed Pixel Glow, revealed in Android 17 Beta 4. Pixel Glow will emit subtle colors when the device is face‑down, currently supporting alerts for favorite‑contact calls and visual cues during Gemini voice interactions....
Gemini App Bug Removes Features, Reverts UI on Android
Google’s Gemini Android app experienced a regression bug in version 17.14, stripping several recently added features. Users can no longer upload Notebook LM notebooks, the Temporary Chat button and Import Memory option have vanished, and the UI color scheme has reverted. The web...
Notebooks Are Now Available for Free Gemini App Users
Google has expanded the Gemini app’s notebook feature to free users, after a limited rollout to Google AI subscribers. Notebooks act as dedicated project spaces that organize chats, files, and AI outputs, and they include the full suite of Gemini...
Latest One UI 9 Leak Shows Off ‘Tap to Share,’ Adds Bixby Widgets to Home Screen
Samsung’s upcoming One UI 9, built on Android 17, is slated for a summer launch, likely debuting on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8. A new leaked build showcases the refined “Tap to Share” gesture, which lets users exchange files or contact profiles by...
Samsung Says Galaxy Z TriFold’s ‘Limited Run’ Is Now ‘Completely Sold Out’
Samsung announced that its limited‑run Galaxy Z TriFold is now completely sold out after a final restock on April 10. The three‑pane foldable, launched only months earlier, featured dual hinges and a 10‑inch inner display that set it apart from other devices....
Deals: Galaxy S26 Ultra + Buds 4 Pro $325 Off, Pixel 10 up to $354 Off, Pixelsnap Ring Stand, Anker...
Samsung is slashing prices on its flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra, offering a $325 bundle discount when paired with the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and a separate $250 off white model on Amazon. Google’s Pixel 10 line sees its most affordable unlocked version cut by up...
YouTube Is Ditching ‘Clips,’ Officially Brings ‘Share at Timestamp’ to Phones
YouTube is retiring the user‑generated Clips feature, keeping existing clips viewable but ending the ability to create new ones. At the same time, the platform is rolling out a universal “share at timestamp” option on its mobile apps, allowing anyone...
Google Brings Individual Hotel Price Tracking to Search for All Your Summer Travel Needs
Google has launched individual hotel price‑tracking within Search, extending its existing flight‑price alerts. Users can now toggle a “Track this hotel” option on desktop or mobile to receive email notifications whenever rates shift for their chosen dates. The feature is...
Google Working on Pixel ‘Laptop’ and ‘Pixel Glow’ Lights that Are Also Coming to Phones
Google is prototyping a new Pixel laptop that will incorporate a hardware feature called Pixel Glow, which uses subtle back‑panel lighting to signal events. The feature appears in Android 17 Beta 4 and the Android Canary 2604 build, where it is labeled as light_animations. Pixel Glow...
Android 17 Brings a Bit of Pixel Watch Whimsy to Your Notification Shade
Google’s Android 17 update, now in Beta 4, brings the Pixel Watch’s “You’re all caught up!” message to Pixel phones, replacing the long‑standing “No notifications” placeholder. The new UI includes a trophy icon that, when tapped, opens the notification‑history shortcut. This subtle...
![Here’s Everything New in Android 17 Beta 4 [Gallery]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/03/Android-17-logo-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1){kind=logo}
Here’s Everything New in Android 17 Beta 4 [Gallery]
Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 4 to every supported Pixel device, marking the final scheduled preview before the OS’s public launch. The update brings a new “You’re all caught up” easter egg, a refreshed system icon, and a host of...
Google One Discount Takes 50% Off YouTube Premium for a Year
Google One is offering a limited‑time 50% discount on YouTube Premium for a year, cutting the $15.99‑per‑month price to $7.99 for eligible subscribers. The promotion applies only to Google One Premium members who pay $9.99 per month for 2 TB of storage or...
Review: Fender’s Elie 12 Is a Do-It-All Party Speaker with Party Tricks
Fender Audio’s Elie 12, unveiled at CES 2026, is a premium Bluetooth speaker that blends a minimalist maple‑capped design with a 120 W output and creator‑focused inputs. The unit offers Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and LC3 codecs, spatial audio, and a 15‑hour battery...
![Android Phones Aren’t at Risk of Long-Standing iPhone Tap-to-Pay Vulnerability [Video]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/iphone-tap-to-pay-vulnerability-veritasium.webp?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Android Phones Aren’t at Risk of Long-Standing iPhone Tap-to-Pay Vulnerability [Video]
A five‑year‑old tap‑to‑pay flaw in iPhone’s Express mode lets large transit purchases bypass the lock screen, a vulnerability highlighted in a recent Veritasium video. Apple and Visa have been aware of the issue since 2021, but claim it falls under...
YouTube Tests Showing Creator Posts in Your Shorts Feed
YouTube is piloting a new format that places creator Posts—image carousels with up to ten pictures, text overlays, and royalty‑free music—directly inside the Shorts feed on its mobile app. The test, rolling out globally to a limited user group, aims...
Samsung Hikes Galaxy Book 6 Prices by up to $600 as Base Model Goes on Sale
Samsung has launched the base Galaxy Book 6 in the United States, but with a $200 price increase to $1,249, higher than the originally announced $1,049. The company also raised prices across the entire Galaxy Book 6 lineup, with Pro models climbing...
Today’s Android App Deals and Freebies: Armed Emeth RPG, Poker Ya Joker, Dragon Spira, More
9to5Toys’ afternoon lineup spotlights a wave of Android app discounts, featuring premium titles such as Armed Emeth, Dragon Spira, and This Aint Even Poker. The roundup also highlights deep hardware cuts, including $250 off Pixel 10 models, 25% off Sony’s Glass...
Motorola Razr Fold Release Date Might by May 6 as Pre-Orders Open in UK, Europe
Motorola has opened pre‑orders for its first book‑style foldable, the Razr Fold, in the United Kingdom and Europe, promising shipment on May 6. The device carries a pre‑order price of £1,579.99 (about $1,950) in the UK and €1,749.99 (roughly $1,900) in Europe,...
Samsung Just Raised Prices on Nearly a Dozen Galaxy Phones and Tablets by up to $280
Samsung announced price increases on more than a dozen Galaxy smartphones and tablets, with hikes ranging from $40 to $280. The adjustments affect flagship models such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, S25 Edge, and the entire Tab S11 lineup, especially storage‑heavy...
ADT’s Iconic Sign Is Now a ‘Live Light’ Outdoor Alert for Your Nest-Integrated Security System
ADT has launched the Live Light, a battery‑powered, illuminated yard sign that pairs with its Nest‑integrated security system for ADT+ customers. Priced at $49.99, the device flashes when the home alarm sounds, helping first responders and neighbors locate a distressed...
Google Brings Back Pixel Referral Program: 10% Off Phones, $50 Store Credit
Google has revived its Pixel Referral Program, letting shoppers apply a 10% discount on Pixel phones purchased through the US Google Store until July 31. Referrers receive $50 in Google Store credit about a month after the referred buyer’s return window...
The Sideload 029: Smartphone Solvers
Episode 29 of 9to5Google’s The Sideload podcast features host Will Sattelberg and writer Andrew Romero dissecting the current state of flagship Android phones sold in the United States. The duo critiques Samsung’s sprawling Galaxy S lineup, offers a concrete suggestion for Google’s...
Google Home Rolls Out More Gemini Voice Updates for Music, Notes, More
Google has rolled out a new batch of Gemini updates for Google Home, sharpening playlist recognition, reducing artist‑misidentification, and making media controls more responsive. The voice assistant now handles notes and lists with single‑step commands, allowing users to edit, convert,...
Microsoft Raises Surface Laptop and Surface Pro Prices, up $500 Since Launch
Microsoft announced price hikes for its Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, raising base models to $1,500—$500 above the 2024 launch price. The increases, driven by a global RAM and component cost surge, affect multiple configurations, with some models now costing...
These Android Phones Support AirDrop Sharing with iPhone and Mac
Google integrated Apple’s AirDrop into Android’s Quick Share, starting with the Pixel 10 series in November 2025. The feature rolled out to the Pixel 9 line in February and to select Samsung Galaxy S26 and Z Fold 7 models in March‑April, requiring both devices to...
Google Messages for Android Rolls Out Trash Folder
Google has begun rolling out a new Trash folder in its Messages app for Android, giving users a safety net for deleted conversations. The feature holds deleted chats for 30 days before permanent removal, though Android Go devices retain them...
Google AI Mode Getting ‘Plus’ Redesign as Agentic Booking Expands Globally
Google AI Mode received a visual overhaul, replacing the mobile pop‑up menu with a bottom‑sheet interface that features oversized Gallery and Camera buttons and a Gemini 3 model selector offering Auto and Pro options. The redesign is rolling out on Android...
Google Pixel Is Growing in 2026 as Almost Everyone Else Struggles in the Chaos
Google Pixel posted a 14% year‑over‑year shipment increase in Q1 2026, while the overall smartphone market fell 6% YoY. Apple maintained a 21% market share and grew 5% thanks to strong iPhone 17 demand. Competitors such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo...
Galaxy Z Flip 8 Is Mostly Unchanged, but at Least It’s Not Getting Thicker Like the Razr
Official‑looking renders of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 reveal a design that is virtually identical to the Z Flip 7, with the only visible change being a 0.5 mm reduction in folded thickness. The outer display, hinge profile, camera layout and overall...
![Android’s Upcoming ‘Tap to Share’ Can Send Contacts, Files, Etc – Here’s What It Looks Like [Gallery]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/android-tap-to-share-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Android’s Upcoming ‘Tap to Share’ Can Send Contacts, Files, Etc – Here’s What It Looks Like [Gallery]
Google is testing a new “Tap to Share” feature that lets Android users exchange contacts, photos, videos, links, and locations by tapping phones together. The preview appears as a pop‑up guide that walks users through aligning screens, waiting for a...