Latest news with #GooglePixel
Phone Arena
20 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
You might not have much time left to grab this Pixel 9 Pro XL deal at Amazon
Save $200 on the 256GB Pixel 9 Pro XL $200 off (18%) The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL remains $200 off at Amazon, making it a superb choice for flagship phone buyers. The device stands out with multiple Gemini features, a top-shelf camera, and ultra-bright display. Get yours in Hazel and save $200. Buy at Amazon Receive the latest mobile news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Pixel 9 Pro XL If you're after a premium Google Pixel experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of your best options. And guess what? This handset has been on sale for some time, and Amazon's amazing $200 discount still rocks to this day!While the $200 price cut isn't a first-time occurrence, it's still a very tempting bargain you shouldn't overlook. After all, it brings the pricey ~$1,100 Android flagship down to about $900 — a way more manageable asking price. We wouldn't count on this deal sticking around much longer, though, so if you still haven't jumped on it, now's your chance to Pixel phone stands out with its premium 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel gets incredibly bright, and you'll have absolutely no issues with visibility in direct sunlight. In our display tests, we measured over 2,000 nits of brightness, making this fella the brightest of all current flagships. Check out our full Pixel 9 Pro XL review to learn more about how we test displays and what else this powerhouse has to gorgeous display aside, this bad boy packs Google's latest Tensor G4 chip, which pairs with 16GB onboard RAM to ensure you get the most impressive AI features without a stutter. You've got all sorts of useful Gemini features, including Gemini Live, Keep Magic List and Screenshots course, AI is deeply integrated into the camera app. Extras like Reimagine, Add Me, and more help make your photos truly one-of-a-kind. Speaking of cameras, the device features a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP 5X periscope sensor on the rear, delivering the familiar Pixel look to your images — incredible detail, lifelike colors, and excellent just no way around it — theis one of the best Android phones . It might not have the most powerful processor on the market, but it makes up for it with countless AI features, a fantastic camera, and long software support (seven years). Get yours at Amazon and save $200.
Android Authority
a day ago
- General
- Android Authority
This is how I make any Android phone feel more like a Google Pixel
Andy Walker / Android Authority Many people will argue that the Google Pixel series is the pinnacle of Android smartphones. These devices offer the slickest implementation of the OS I've ever used, while including heaps of exclusive features. Google's constantly adding to this list, further distancing the Pixel line from its contemporaries. But, to be completely frank, Pixels aren't entirely unique. Even their 'exclusive' features can be ported to other Android phones without much fuss and some know-how. You've come to the right place if you've ever wanted your OnePlus, Samsung, or Xiaomi to feel a bit more like a Pixel phone. After experimenting with my Galaxy S24 FE, I've slowly made my Samsung-designed phone feel like a Mountain View invention. You can too by following my guide below. Do you want your phone to feel more like a Google Pixel? 0 votes Yes, I do. NaN % I only want certain Pixel features on my phone. NaN % No, I'm happy with my phone as it is. NaN % Why would I want Pixel features on my phone? Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Pixel Screenshots Well, why wouldn't you? First of all, it's fun to experiment! Even if you don't want a Pixel per se, turning your phone into one is a great learning exercise. Secondly, there are some incredibly useful Pixel-only features that I'd love to have on my Samsung. Take Now Playing, for instance, a feature that uncovers and records the details of music in the background. It's satisfying to get home from a trip to the mall and see a list of new songs registered. Then there's the look and feel of Pixel Launcher. While I have quarrels with the native launcher, it's so slick that I can forgive its quirks. I crave its quickness when I'm using anything else. Pixel-exclusive features are part of their charm. Why wouldn't you want them on your Android phone? There's some merit to adopting some traits that make Pixels Pixels. But, of course, there are some features you won't be able to access unless you have a Google phone yourself. This includes the myriad calling features like Hold for Me and Call Screen, both of which aim to reduce the annoyance of using one's smartphone, you know, as a phone. Best Take and Add Me are two additional smarts I wish I could access on all devices, but remain locked to Pixel hardware. So, which Pixel features can you port to your Android phone? Despite the restrictions Google imposes on most Pixel-exclusive features, several can still be enjoyed on your Android phone. This is largely achieved using specific apps inspired by Pixel features or ports of those features. Below is a list of those apps, including a general overview of their functionality and any dependencies they may have. At a Glance Required app(s): Smartspacer and Shizuku Andy Walker / Android Authority At a Glance can be annoying at times. The irremovable info bar sits at the top of the home screen, ticking through information as it becomes relevant, such as an upcoming event or a traffic update. As it's a fixture on the Pixel Launcher, I've grown to love and hate it. Naturally, I wanted to feel the same emotions when using any Android device. The easiest way to bring At a Glance to any Android phone is through Smartspacer. I've covered this rather brilliant app before, and, in many ways, it's an upgrade of At a Glance. It can be used in a widget slot and but offers more customization options and information sources from many apps. Everything from stock fields, like Digital Wellbeing data and weather forecasts, to third-party plugins that include package tracking and a particularly adorable lively greeting option, are available to me. There's one small caveat: Smartspacer requires Shizuku to run. Shizuku effectively allows Smartspacer to run at an elevated privilege, and the app needs this to replace At a Glance. One must follow its own installation and activation steps, which is essential as several apps on this list require Shizuku's help. Now Playing Required app(s): AmbientMusicMod and Shizuku Andy Walker / Android Authority Remember me mentioning how much I love it when my Pixel 8 greets me with a list of songs it heard along my daily journey? You can have this feature on any Android phone with AmbientMusicMod. Incidentally, it comes from the same developer as Smartspacer and requires Shizuku to run. Like Now Playing, AmbientMusicMod offers automatic music recognition, the frequency of which can be adjusted to increase the number of results or conserve battery. It also includes history, favorites, a summary, and a manual trigger if you're impatient. Finally, it can show the song currently playing on the lock screen, which I find endlessly entertaining. Pixel Launcher experience Andy Walker / Android Authority Required app: Lawnchair 14 beta Lawnchair is both a hilarious name and one of the oldest third-party launchers available for Android devices. The open-source app has largely followed the stock Android and Pixel experience throughout its development history, with version 14 based on the current look and feel of Pixel Launcher. This includes full support for Google's Material aesthetic, a slot for At a Glance, and the Google search bar at the foot of the home screen. While it looks like Pixel Launcher, Lawnchair is fundamentally better. Its global search smarts allow you to find items across your device, while its support for wider grid layouts makes it easier to place icons and widgets. There are more toggles to tinker with, making it perfect for those who want the look and feel of Pixel Launcher without the fuss. There's one small problem with Lawnchair: version 14 has been in beta for several months. While version 15 is available, finding and downloading it is comically difficult. The launcher also has its fair share of bugs, but I saw no game-breakers while using it on my Pixel 8. Regardless, Lawnchair remains the best reinterpretation of the Pixel Launcher you can get on Android, and it makes a fine base for anyone wanting to make their phone feel more like a Pixel. System hint color customization Andy Walker / Android Authority Required app(s): ColorBlendr and Shizuku Depending on your Android phone's skin, you may be unable to change the hint color of your various UI elements freely. ColorBlendr puts those buttons and toggles back in your hands. It's a brilliant app that I use on my Pixel 8 and other devices. It allows finer control of system colors to match your wallpaper or mood. Maybe you want to customize the saturation or companion colors — ColorBlendr offers these features. Like Smartspacer and AmbientMusicMod, ColorBlendr will not work without Shizuku. Using the app without rooting your phone will open up the majority of the available features, however, you will need to root your device to access everything. Back Tap Andy Walker / Android Authority Required app: Tap Tap One of the more unique Pixel features of recent years is Back Tap. This feature turns a simple finger tap on the rear of the phone into a powerful shortcut launcher. With Tap Tap, almost any Android phone can utilize this feature. The app uses the gyroscope and accelerometer of a phone to monitor for taps, and, once detected, can launch over 50 actions in response. The options are truly limitless, especially when you factor in Tasker support. But essentially, you can flick on the flashlight, trigger an app or shortcut launch, or even use this action to replace the home button's duties. It sounds great on paper, but I couldn't for the life of me get it to work on my Galaxy S24 FE. Regardless of the size or sensitivity I chose, the app couldn't register my taps. Granted, your mileage will vary. There's a good chance that Tap Tap still works on other devices. Magic Compose Andy Walker / Android Authority Required app: Ainput If you use Google Messages on a Pixel phone, Magic Compose allows you to rewrite your text in various styles and tones. With a simple tap, I can make an invitation more formal or send a cheery happy birthday message. In short, it makes typing up message content far easier than on any other Android phone. Notably, several OEMs now have similar AI generation features for text, but if yours doesn't, you may want to consider Ainput to plug the gap. Larger volume panel Andy Walker / Android Authority Required app: Precise Volume (in-app purchase required) Google rolled out a new volume panel with Android 15 that's as useful as it is fetching. While the volume rocker still triggers the smaller volume popup, tapping a three-dot menu on that popup now expands the panel to a larger bottom display, which includes volume adjustments for media, calls, the ringer, notification pings, and alarms. It's super helpful, so porting this to your Android phone will give you more control. One such app that does this is Precise Volume. Unfortunately, this is the only app on this list that requires a premium unlock to gain this feature. Is it worth it? For my uses, no. I own a Samsung phone, and Good Lock's SoundAssistant module exists. However, if you own another model, it's perhaps worth considering. To give Precise Volume its dues, the app offers plenty of additional functionality, including further panel customizations, various equalization options, and automation smarts. Pixel Screenshots Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Required app: PixelShot Pixel Screenshots is a must-have app if you religiously record content on your screen for later. Available on the Pixel 9 series, the app collates and organizes screenshots and information for easier recall later. It leans heavily on onboard Gemini smarts, so it's not a feature that can be easily replicated on other devices. Nevertheless, third-party app PixelShot aims to do something similar for phones running Android 11 and newer. Like Google's tool, PixelShot organizes and extracts information from screenshots for use later. The app also offers a note facility for screenshots and a collections tool that lumps similar shots into bundles. I don't appreciate that the app demands access to all my storage, not just the Screenshots folder. If you value your privacy, you may want to think twice about this. As PixelShot isn't a Google product, it doesn't use onboard Gemini processing (and how can it, if it's compatible with much older Android phones?) Instead, online services require a connection to do the heavy lifting. Still, if you must have Pixel Screenshots on your Android phone, here's one good way. The finishing touches Robert Triggs / Android Authority Now, I've covered all the apps and services that imitate exclusive Pixel features on any phone, but what about the smaller bits and bobs that matter? What about wallpaper, widgets, icons, and the like? We've collated the best Pixel wallpapers from the Pixel 9 series to the legacy models. Be sure to grab these and apply your favorite. Google makes the vast majority of its vast widget library available to Android phones. Lawnchair makes it easy to select and move these widgets around the home screen, too. You will want to grab a few third-party widgets, though. Personally, I prefer using Breezy Weather's Material widget for my ambient condition needs. It makes full use of Google's Material stylings, making it a great fit. As for icons, you can opt to use the default list of icons your device offers, utilize Lawnchair's own icon pack called Lawnicons, or opt for a third-party Pixel-inspired pack from the Play Store. If I can get all these features on my Android phone, why buy a Pixel? Robert Triggs / Android Authority You're likely asking yourself, 'Is it even worth buying a Pixel phone anymore if I can get exclusive features on my average phone?' My answer to that question is still 'yes!' Beyond the firm Pixel-exclusive features, you're still likely to be among the first smartphone users in the world to receive the latest versions of Android. In addition, Google has robust update support for modern Pixel models, with support spanning over seven years since a device's launch. Only Samsung can match that promise, and few other Android manufacturers come close. There's also the distinct design. You can't use an app to redesign your phone's exterior, so if you're craving those quirky stylings, that polished pebble exterior, and the cyclops camera module, you'll have to purchase the actual hardware. There's no getting around that. Nevertheless, the list of apps and my suggestions will help your smartphone feel a little bit more like a Pixel phone than before. Have I missed any apps or services that port a Pixel-exclusive feature to Android phones? Let the community know in the comments!
GSM Arena
a day ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Pixel Superfans invite hints Pixel 10 phones could launch earlier than their predecessors
Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series smartphones (except the Pixel 9a) last year in August, and if you expected the Pixel 10 lineup to follow the same launch timeframe, that might not be the case since the Pixel Superfans invite hints at an early launch of the Pixel 10 series. Google Pixel 9a The folks at Android Authority shared an invite sent by Google to the Pixel Superfans for a 1.5-hour Pixel Penthouse event in London on June 27, where "they will get hands on with pre-release Pixel devices and features." Google's Pixel Penthouse event invite for Pixel Superfans The invite doesn't divulge anything about these pre-release Pixel devices, but if we had to guess, these would be the Pixel 10 smartphones. Google says the Pixel Penthouse is "this year's exclusive pre-launch event," hinting at an earlier-than-expected launch of the Pixel 10 series, possibly by the end of July. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold's leaked renders (Source: Android Headlines) Remember that Android 16 is also slated to get a stable release earlier than Android 15. Google confirmed that it would be released in Q2 2025, meaning before the end of June, so the launch of the Pixel 10 series sometime in July is very much possible. Source
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Android 16: Google Pixel phones may soon get theme packs for customising UI
Google is reportedly planning to bring native theme packs to its Pixel smartphones with the upcoming Android 16 update. According to a report from Android Authority, the latest Android 16 beta includes evidence of a new 'Pixel themes' feature under development. While many Android smartphone brands already let users apply pre-made themes—often through their own app stores—Pixel phones currently offer only limited personalisation, requiring users to tweak individual settings. That might soon change, as Google appears to be working on full-fledged themes that bundle multiple user interface elements in one go. Google Pixel theme packs: What we know The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update includes an updated version of the 'Wallpaper and Style' app, and strings found in the code point to a new 'Themes' option coming in a future release. The new section is expected to appear at the top of both the Lock Screen and Home Screen tabs, labelled 'Discover Pixel themes.' According to the report, each theme pack will likely include a combination of icon styles, animation effects, wallpapers, and other visual tweaks. It's not yet clear how many themes will be available at launch, or exactly which parts of the UI they'll customise. However, it's possible users will also be able to tweak or build their own themes for a more personalised experience. The updated app also brings a cleaner layout, a new slider to adjust the lock screen clock size, and support for Magic Portrait wallpapers. Android 16: Material 3 Expressive design At its recent Android Show: I/O Edition event, Google introduced Material 3 Expressive—its next big visual update for Android 16. Building on the Material You design philosophy, Material 3 Expressive brings more colour, personality, and motion to the user interface. It introduces spring-like animations, more dynamic and responsive components, revamped typography, and updated colour theming—all aimed at delivering a smoother and more immersive experience. These new visual styles won't be limited to Android 16 either. Google said that Material 3 Expressive will also roll out across many of its core apps, including Gmail and Google Photos.
GSM Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Google Pixel 10 series will keep this important connectivity feature despite modem swap Comments
CAD renders for the Google Pixel 10 show a third camera, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL also with three
