Google Maps' sheet-based makeover is here
Google Maps now contains cards that slide up the screen, containing information without taking you completely away from the map you're likely browsing. Basically, you can pull up info from the map without covering the map entirely, making for a much more intuitive experience. So, now that this Maps makeover is here, did you notice the difference, and do you find it better than the old design?
MattSholtz
One UI 7 has begun rolling out on all eligible flagships
Samsung is finally getting the One UI 7 monkey off its back after months of delays. Now that the company's version of Android 15 has become available in Korea for the Galaxy S21 series as well as the Z Fold 3 and Flip 3, the rollout is officially underway for all of Samsung's eligible flagship phones. We're still waiting on the global rollout for some models, but Samsung appears to be running ahead of the schedule it posted earlier this month.Next stop, tablets and midrange phones. Read the latest about the rollout at the link on the right.
https://www.androidpolice.com/one-ui-7-lands-on-galaxy-z-fold-3-flip-3/
DallasThomas
ICYMI: YouTube's got its own AI Overviews now
Google Search's AI Overviews try to generate summaries of search results, letting users skip the hassle of actually interacting with search results. Reception to the feature has been mixed, but Google's pressing ahead with a test of AI Overviews on YouTube. Some users are now seeing a carousel of AI-curated video clips in certain YouTube search results; YouTube says these clips are meant to address specific questions users are searching for answers to. Hit the link to the right to read more about AI Overviews on YouTube.
https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-ai-overviews-test/
TaylorKerns
Have you bought anything during Amazon's Book Sale?
Amazon is currently running a book sale that includes physical books, digital books, and audiobooks, and this being Amazon, you can also expect to catch a few Kindle or Fire Tablet sales to boot. Heck, even some of Amazon's subscriptions will be discounted during the sale, an easy way to snag a Prime subscription that comes with access to a free e-book or two every month. So, are you taking advantage of Amazon's Book Sale, and if so, what's in your cart?
MattSholtz
Verizon's Q1 2025 earnings report revealed a 289,000 subscriber drop
Verizon's Q1 earnings report is out, and things aren't looking so hot. The company lost almost 300,000 subscribers during the quarter, one of its biggest drops in many years. This explains the company's current push promising a price-lock guarantee, but just like T-Mobile is recently learning after hiking prices on its "locked" plans, earning those customers back may not be so easy. I can't say I believe any carrier that promises zero price increases, because it never holds true, and yet these promises keep getting made after breaking the last. The consumer's vitriol has been earned, and now Verizon is learning the cost. Too bad, so sad.
What's Android's most underrated feature?
There are a lot of little hidden tricks that can be used to improve your Android experience. For me, I love pushing animations up to .5, which makes things feel speedier. I'm also a big fan of the FPS counter hidden in the dev settings, which makes it easy to ensure I'm getting the frame rates advertised. But what about you? Which are your favorite underrated features on Android?
MattSholtz
ICYMI: Gemini is going to be everywhere this year
AI has been Google's A1 priority for years now, but it's taken a while for Gemini to fully replace the legacy Google Assistant. Gemini is now the default on Android phones, but it's still MIA on Wear OS, Android Auto, and Google's various smart speakers and displays. According to CEO Sundar Pichai, though, that's set to change soon. During Alphabet's Q1 earnings call, Pichai said that "tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches" will be upgraded to Gemini this year. Check out the link to the right to learn more.
https://www.androidpolice.com/googles-gemini-ai-will-expand-to-your-car-headphones-watches-soon/
TaylorKerns
Do you plan to buy an e-reader this year?
Last year, we saw a bevy of e-readers launch, from note-taking devices to pocketable ones; there's no shortage of choices. Boox, Supernote, Remarkable, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo are only some of the brands cranking out new E Ink devices. I'm particularly partial to the Supernote Nomad, as I find it great for notes and reading, without all the fluff in other readers, like a frontlight. I enjoy it when devices get the basics right. But with all these devices out there, I was wondering how many of AP's readers are planning on picking up a new e-reader for 2025. So, sound off in the comments if you plan to buy a new e-reader this year.
MattSholtz
Would you recommend the Pixel 9a?
As a mid-range device, the Pixel 9a is a fine device, though there may be a few too many compromises for some, like the thick bezels or the power-hungry modem. I'd have no problem recommending the phone to friends and family, though it's understandable some of you may not feel similar. Now is your time to shine. Would you recommend the Pixel 9a, or would you steer friends and family clear to an alternative?
MattSholtz
What do you think of the new Moto Razrs?
We've already gone hands-on with the devices, so you know what we think about the phones, or at least know our first impression. But I'm sitting here wondering what the phone-buying public thinks, or at least what our cross-section of Android-enthusiast phone-buying public thinks. So, now that everyone's had a good look at Motorola's new Razrs, what do you think, and will you be getting one?
MattSholtz
This tiny dongle may solve your Android Auto woes
Not all cars support wireless connectivity with your phone for Android Auto, which means many Android Auto users have to use a wire to connect their device. This is why there is a large market for dongles, and the new Ottocast Mini looks to be one of the most discreet of all. Not only is this a good way to cover up a port with a short dongle that stays out of the way, but this dongle also makes it easy to connect your phone wirelessly for Android Auto, allowing you to leave the USB cable at home.
MattSholtz
Do you believe T-Mobile when it says it won't raise prices?
After recently raising the prices on plans that were supposed to be price-locked, T-Mobile is in the news again, promising it won't raise the prices on its latest plans for five years. Why would anyone believe them? How many times have carriers promised something that doesn't hold true? Remember unlimited data plans? Those are still a thing, and it's still not true; the plans are all limited. So T-Mobile can continue to make its promises, but I can tell you I won't be believing anything the company has to say. What about you? Do you believe T-Mobile will somehow resist the urge to raise prices on its plans for five whole years?
MattSholtz
Will you use the Pixel Watch's new media controls?
In case you missed the news, apparently, Google has finally decided to enhance the Pixel Watch's media player controls, adding a shuffle, speed adjustment, and more. So, now that you know new controls are rolling out, do you plan to use them? I can't say I use my smartwatch to control my media, but I can see why many would.
MattSholtz
Does your Pixel suffer from delayed notifications?
After installing the April 2025 update on their Pixel, some users are reporting delayed notifications. So far, it only appears to be a handful of users; the issue does not appear to be widespread. Still, buggy Pixel updates from Google are nothing new, but they usually get sorted quickly. Still, this is a bug that's been seen before, so its return isn't all that welcome. So, does your Pixel suffer from delayed notifications after installing the April 2025 update, or is everything smooth sailing?
MattSholtz
Comcast's Q1 earnings report looks as bad as Verizon's
Story time. Back when the PS3 was hacked wide open by geohot my internet data use shot up to 10 TBs in a month. This was 14 years ago, and at the time, that was a lot of data. Well, I was a Comcast customer back then. Was, for a reason. Comcast decided to turn off my internet without notifying me. No emails, no calls, nothing, and my email and phone number both originated from Comcast at the time, so they knew what they were. Nothing but silence, regardless.So, of course, I had to call and ask what the hell was up since I was very nonplussed as I use the internet to work from home. Apparently, Comcast thought it a good idea to shut off my line because of the high data use, never once thinking to call and ask if the data was a legitimate use of my "unlimited" plan. My internet was turned back on, but I quickly switched to a new provider.So, I totally understand why Comcast's recent Q1 earnings call revealed it's losing customers, something Verizon also knows a thing or two about. Ma
MattSholtz
Do you prefer flagships or mid-range phones?
In 2025, I personally feel like all of the exciting designs are in the mid-range. Affordable flips, gaming phones that punch above their weight, or just straight-up bonkers designs like the Minimal Phone. The mid-range is simply pushing out much more interesting designs, and I can't ignore it. I want my phones to be fun, like the good old days. But what about you? Do you prefer the mid-range right now, or are you still impressed with what flagships are bringing to the table?
MattSholtz
What are your favorite open-source apps?
Just about every platform offers free and open-source apps, but Android certainly caters to this audience with an app store dedicated to open-source apps, known as F-Droid. Of course, F-Droid isn't the only place to get your open-source apps; many are available directly on the Play Store, like Krita, Thunderbird, and VLC. But out of all of the open-source apps we have to choose from, which would you say are your favorites? For me, I'm enjoying Fennec, which removes the proprietary and telemetry bits from Firefox, while still supporting Firefox Sync (I like to keep Fennec and Floorp synced across desktop and mobile).
MattSholtz
Have you seen this color e-reader that folds like a book?
Readmoo's Mooink V was revealed at Touch Taiwan, an e-reader packing an 8-inch Gallery 3 color e-paper screen that can fold in half. Utilizing magnesium and aluminum for the body to keep weight down, this e-reader was designed to offer an experience close to a real book, from its weight to folding like a real book. So, did you see the announcement, or is this your first time learning of the world's first folding color e-reader?
MattSholtz
Do you want Gemini on Android Auto?
Google is set to remove Assistant from all surfaces by the end of 2025, including Android Auto, which means Gemini is coming to Android Auto whether anyone wants it or not. So, do you want Gemini on Android Auto, or would you prefer that Google stops shoving AI into everything?
MattSholtz
A new version of Material Design will be revealed at I/O 2025
Apparently, Google is prepping a new version of Material Design that will be revealed at Google I/O 2025. So far, all we know is that some minor theme changes will be included, or are at least hinted at, though there could be bigger changes revealed at I/O. Personally, I'd rather see Google offer consistency across its Android applications when it comes to Material Design and following its guidelines, though I suppose a fresh look could be nice.Are you excited to see what Google has in store for Material Design at I/O this year?
MattSholtz
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